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Search results for: “April 2023”

  • Apple Card savings drops interest rate

    Apple Card savings drops interest rate

    Apple Card users got some news on March 25, 2025— the savings account tied to the card now offers a lower interest rate. It’s dropped from 4.25% to 4.1%, which might not sound like a huge change, but it affects how much money people can earn on their savings over time. This shift comes after a series of rate cuts since the account first launched with a much higher 4.15% rate back in April 2023.

    The Apple Card Savings account, run with help from Goldman Sachs, lets users stash their Daily Cash rewards and extra money in a high-yield savings option. While 4.1% is still better than many regular savings accounts out there, it’s not as juicy as it once was. People who rely on this account might feel a little let down, especially since the rate has been sliding down bit by bit over the past year.

    This change matches what’s happening in the bigger financial world. Interest rates often shift based on things like the Federal Reserve’s decisions or trends in the economy. For now, Apple Card holders can still enjoy a decent return compared to typical bank accounts, but the drop is a reminder that even good deals can change. If you’re an Apple Card user, it might be worth checking your savings plan to see how this tweak affects you.

  • The Anticipated Return of Apple’s Studio Display: A deep dive into 2025 expectations

    The Anticipated Return of Apple’s Studio Display: A deep dive into 2025 expectations

    Whispers in the tech world suggest Apple has a busy year ahead, with a potential deluge of new products. While much attention is focused on iPhones, Macs, and other gadgets, the possibility of a refreshed Studio Display has quietly gained traction. Several compelling factors point towards a 2025 release, making it a topic worth exploring.

    A Symbiotic Relationship: The Mac Studio Connection

    The original Studio Display made its debut alongside the Mac Studio in March 2022. This simultaneous launch wasn’t coincidental; the names themselves hint at a designed synergy. These two products were envisioned as a cohesive workstation setup, catering to creative professionals and power users.  

    Rumors are swirling about an impending M4 Mac Studio, potentially arriving as early as this summer, possibly at WWDC. While a new Studio Display isn’t automatically guaranteed to accompany it, the timing aligns perfectly. Apple has a history of launching products within the same ecosystem together, and a new Mac Studio would benefit greatly from a corresponding display upgrade. This strategic pairing strengthens the case for a 2025 Studio Display release.

    Industry Insights and Predictions

    Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected analyst known for his accurate Apple predictions, has weighed in on the matter. Back in April 2023, Kuo suggested a 2025 launch for a new Studio Display. More recently, in September 2024, he reiterated that his initial assessment remained unchanged. This consistency from a reliable source adds significant weight to the speculation. Kuo’s insights into Apple’s supply chain and product roadmap make his predictions particularly noteworthy. The confirmation of his earlier report further solidifies the possibility of a 2025 release.

    Feature Convergence: Echoes of Other Apple Innovations

    Beyond the timing and industry predictions, several reported features of the rumored Studio Display resonate with other anticipated Apple products. These overlapping functionalities suggest a broader strategy at play, where advancements in one area inform developments in another.

    Reports from mid-2023, notably from Mark Gurman, indicated Apple was developing a monitor with a unique dual purpose: functioning as a smart home display when not actively in use as a computer monitor. This concept bears a striking resemblance to the rumored “HomePad,” a new smart home device expected this spring.

    The HomePad, envisioned as a smart display running a dedicated operating system, could serve as a testing ground for features that might later appear in a new Studio Display. This cross-pollination of features strengthens the argument for a redesigned display.

    Further fueling the speculation, an anonymous source mentioned to the Upgrade podcast that Apple is working on new 90Hz panels for several devices, including a new iMac, an M3 iPad Air, and a “next-gen Studio Display.” The expected spring launch of a new iPad Air with a 90Hz display lends credence to this claim. Sharing display technology across product lines is a common practice, and if the iPad Air adopts this smoother refresh rate, it’s logical to expect the Studio Display to follow suit later in the year.  

    Addressing the Uncertainty: A Balanced Perspective

    While the evidence for a 2025 Studio Display is mounting, a note of caution is warranted. Mark Gurman, in a recent overview of Apple’s 2025 product plans, did not specifically mention a new monitor. This absence might raise some concerns.

    However, it’s important to remember that the absence of information doesn’t necessarily equate to the absence of a product. Gurman’s report might not have had sufficient information regarding the Studio Display to make a definitive statement. This uncertainty doesn’t negate the other evidence but rather calls for a balanced perspective. 

    Conclusion: A Promising Outlook

    Taking all factors into account, the prospect of a new Apple Studio Display in 2025 appears increasingly likely. The synergistic timing with a potential new Mac Studio, the consistent predictions from reliable sources, and the convergence of features with other anticipated Apple products all contribute to a compelling narrative. While the lack of explicit confirmation from all sources introduces a degree of uncertainty, the weight of the evidence leans heavily towards a refreshed Studio Display gracing our desks sometime this year.

    If Apple does indeed unveil a new Studio Display, it will likely represent a significant step forward in display technology and further solidify Apple’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for creative professionals and demanding users.

  • Apple will ship iPhones from India to the US starting 2026

    Apple will ship iPhones from India to the US starting 2026

    Apple plans to start shipping iPhones made in India to the U.S. starting in 2026. This move is part of Apple’s bigger plan to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing and to grow its production in India.

    Right now, Apple already makes some iPhones in India through its partners like Foxconn, Wistron (now owned by Tata), and Pegatron. However, these phones are mostly for sale in India and a few other countries. Starting in 2026, Apple will reportedly begin sending some of these India-made iPhones to the U.S. as well.

    The iPhones for the U.S. market will come from a new Foxconn factory being built in Karnataka, India. The facility is expected to be ready in April 2026. Once running, it could produce up to 20 million iPhones each year, and about half of them might be sent to the U.S.

    Apple has been slowly increasing its production in India over the past few years. In 2023, around 14% of all iPhones were made in India, which is a big jump from just 1% in 2020.

    This change shows Apple’s long-term goal to diversify its supply chain. By making more devices in India, Apple can reduce risks from political issues or other problems in China, while also supporting India’s growing manufacturing industry.

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • Apple to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple is making some big changes soon. They’re updating the Home app for HomeKit devices and bringing Apple Pay to more banks in the UAE and Qatar. Here’s what’s happening in simple terms.

    Home App Gets a Must-Do Upgrade

    Back when iOS 16 came out, Apple rolled out a new setup for the Home app to make smart home devices work better. Until now, switching to this new setup was up to users, but that’s about to change. Apple will soon make everyone upgrade to the new HomeKit system.

    Hints found in the iOS 18.4 beta 3 update, shared with developers recently, show that the old HomeKit setup won’t work anymore. A message in the app says the old version will stop soon, urging users to update to keep their smart devices running smoothly. Apple says this new setup is faster and more dependable. It first showed up in iOS 16.2 beta but had issues, so Apple paused it. They brought it back with iOS 16.4 in February 2023.

    The catch? If you upgrade, older iOS or macOS devices can’t use the Home app anymore. Some people avoided updating for this reason, but soon, everyone will need to switch to keep using their HomeKit gadgets. No exact date is set, but it might tie into iOS 19. The iOS 18.4 update, expected in early April, will also add more languages to Apple Intelligence.

    Apple Pay Grows in UAE and Qatar

    Apple Pay is already in the UAE and Qatar, but more people will soon get to use it. Apple is teaming up with local card networks—Jaywan in the UAE and Himyan in Qatar—to let their customers pay with iPhone or Apple Watch.

    Code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 shows this is in the works. Jaywan has shared plans to boost digital payments in the UAE, including support for Apple Pay and Google Pay. They’ve also partnered with big names like Visa and Mastercard and even Samsung for its wallet app. Himyan’s been quiet, but support seems likely. With Apple Pay, users can add cards to the Wallet app for easy, contactless payments in stores or online. This should roll out around April when iOS 18.4 goes live. These updates mean better control of your smart home and easier payments in more places!

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    Apple finished the iOS 18.3 test phase a few weeks back, and we’re usually quick to see new test versions. But, we’re still waiting for the first test of iOS 18.4. The good news is, we might not have to wait much longer.

    iOS 18.4’s first test should come out next week

    Apple typically sticks to a schedule where new test versions come out soon after a big update goes live. This time, however, we’ve had a longer wait than usual. iOS 18.3 went public at the end of January, and here we are in mid-February, still without the new test. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we could see the iOS 18.4 test sometime between the middle of this week and early next week.

    Siri in the New iOS

    This week has passed without any new test releases, but next week looks promising.

    Keep in mind, that Monday, February 17 is President’s Day in the US, so don’t count on a release then. Also, on Wednesday, February 19, Apple has a big product reveal planned, so they might not want to overshadow it with a software update. That leaves Tuesday, February 18 as a likely day for the iOS 18.4 test version.

    While there’s always a chance it could be delayed, a release next week seems pretty sure, especially since Apple has already announced that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. They need to start testing soon for the new features in Apple Intelligence and Siri.

    A Longer Gap Between Tests is Rare but Not New

    It’s not common for three whole weeks to pass between test releases, but it has happened before. Here’s how the last few years looked:

    • 2024: iOS 17.3 went live on January 22, with the first iOS 17.4 test on January 25.
    • 2023: iOS 16.3 was released on January 23, and the first iOS 16.4 test came on February 16.
    • 2022: iOS 15.3 launched on January 26, followed by the first iOS 15.4 test on January 27.

    So, while this longer wait is unusual, it does have precedent, showing that Apple sometimes changes up its schedule.

  • Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple announced today that it now has more people using its devices worldwide than ever before. However, the speed at which new users are joining has decreased from last year.

    Currently, there are 2.35 billion Apple devices in active use around the globe. This number shows growth from last year when Apple reported 2.2 billion devices in February 2024. This year, the growth was 6.8%, which means Apple added 150 million more devices.

    Back in January 2023, Apple celebrated having over 2 billion active devices for the first time. Between 2023 and 2024, they managed to increase this by 200 million devices, which was a 10% growth.

    Apple is looking forward to more growth, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence in China. This is planned for April, when the new iOS 18.4 update will support Simplified Chinese and other languages.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, mentioned that the sales of the iPhone 16 have been better than those of the iPhone 15 in places where Apple Intelligence is already available. This shows that new features are still attracting customers, even if the overall growth rate has slowed down.

  • When will the next iOS update come out?

    When will the next iOS update come out?

    Apple is almost done with the testing phase for iOS 18.3, which means the first beta version of iOS 18.4 might be coming very soon. Here’s when you can expect it:

    iOS 18.4 Beta 1 Should Come Out Soon After iOS 18.3’s Release

    Apple usually follows a pretty regular schedule for its software rollouts, with only small changes here and there.

    Looking back at how things have gone before:

    • In 2024, iOS 17.3 was released on a Monday, followed by iOS 17.4 beta 1 just three days later on Thursday.
    • Back in 2023, iOS 16.3 came out on a Monday, with iOS 16.4 beta 1 appearing three weeks later on a Thursday.
    • In 2022, iOS 15.3 was launched on a Wednesday, with iOS 15.4 beta 1 the very next day on Thursday.

    So, if iOS 18.3 goes public around Monday, January 27, we could see iOS 18.4 beta 1 as early as Tuesday, January 28, or later that week.

    Could There Be More Waiting for iOS 18.4?

    While it’s likely we’ll see the beta soon, there’s a chance it could be delayed. Apple has mentioned that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. Starting a beta in late January might seem a bit rushed.

    However, for major updates involving AI, like the new features for Siri in iOS 18.4, Apple often likes to have lots of testing time. So, even with the possibility of a delay, I think we’ll still see the beta sooner rather than later. The more feedback Apple gets on the new Siri, the better they can make it before the final release.

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