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  • When will Apple launch iOS 18.4?

    When will Apple launch iOS 18.4?

    After rolling out the iPhone 16e, Apple updated its websites for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. These updates give a clearer idea of when the next big releases are coming.

    What’s New with iOS 18

    The websites now say that fresh Apple Intelligence features and support for more languages will arrive in early April. This is a sharper timeline compared to the vague “April” hint Apple shared earlier. The upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—are the ones to watch for.

    Apple has big plans for these releases. They’ll bring Apple Intelligence to languages like Chinese (Simplified), English (India and Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. More languages, such as Vietnamese, will join the list later in 2025.

    So far, Apple hasn’t shared the first test versions (betas) of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4. But people expect them to drop soon—maybe any day now.

    A Small Hiccup

    Originally, the April updates were set to include new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence. However, Apple might push these back a bit. They’re still smoothing out some issues and want to make sure everything works just right. In short, early April is the time to mark on your calendar for these exciting updates. Apple’s working hard to bring smarter features and more language options to your devices!

  • iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    People buying the new iPhone 16e will need to update its software as soon as they get it. This update will bring the phone to the latest iOS 18 version. The iPhone 16e will come with iOS 18.3 already installed. However, Apple rolled out iOS 18.3.1 on February 10. So, if you’re setting up your new iPhone 16e and transferring data from an older iPhone running iOS 18.3.1, you’ll need to download this update first.

    The iOS 18.3.1 update doesn’t bring exciting new features, but it fixes a security issue. Apple said this problem was being used by some people in a harmful way, so it’s important to install it.
    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e start this Friday, and the phone will officially hit stores on February 28.

    This version uses simple words and keeps the meaning intact. It feels natural, like something a person would write, while staying clear and organized. The word count is around 350, fitting the limit you asked for!

  • iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    The iPhone 16e is unique in Apple’s lineup as the only model with a single rear camera. It uses the same 48-megapixel Wide lens as the iPhone 16, but it doesn’t include all the camera tricks found in its sibling.

    What the iPhone 16e Camera Offers

    The 48-megapixel Fusion lens on the iPhone 16e gives you a regular 1x view and a 2x zoom option. However, it skips the Telephoto lens, so no extra zoom levels are available. It also lacks an Ultra Wide lens, meaning wide-angle photos and close-up macro shots aren’t possible. With just one lens, you can’t capture spatial images or videos either.

    You still get handy features like True Tone Flash, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5. But it misses out on advanced portrait options like Focus Control and the newest Photographic Styles. In Portrait mode, you can tweak the focus after snapping a picture, but unlike the iPhone 16, you can’t tap to switch the focus to a different subject.

    Missing Style and Video Options

    The latest Photographic Styles, which let you set a consistent look for all your photos, are exclusive to the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max. The 16e only offers older filter options instead. For video, it doesn’t have Cinematic mode or Action mode, though it does include the new Audio Mix feature.

    Front Camera Comparison

    The front cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16e are nearly the same, with one catch. The 16e skips Cinematic mode, Photographic Styles, and Depth Control for Portrait shots, which the iPhone 16 includes. In short, the iPhone 16e delivers solid camera basics with its 48-megapixel lens, but it leaves out some of the fancier tools and creative options you’d find on the iPhone 16. It’s a simpler choice for those who don’t need all the extras.

  • iPhone 16e: New features without some expected ones

    iPhone 16e: New features without some expected ones

    The new iPhone 16e comes with some interesting features but also leaves out a few expected ones. One highlight is the Visual Intelligence feature, which you can now use on the iPhone 16e even without a special camera button. Instead, you can activate it through the Action button or in the Control Center. This means you can quickly snap photos or use other visual tools without needing a dedicated button.

    Apple has made it clear on their site that you can use the Action button for lots of things, like calling friends or opening apps. However, if you were hoping for MagSafe, you’ll be disappointed; the iPhone 16e doesn’t support it. This means no MagSafe chargers, cases, or wallets for this model. But don’t worry, you can still charge your phone wirelessly with standard Qi charging, just not as fast as with MagSafe.

    Price-wise, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model, making it the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. This is a bit more than what the old iPhone SE cost, but you get a more modern look, a powerful A18 chip, Face ID, and more storage to start with. Here’s how the pricing lines up:

    • iPhone 16e – $599
    • iPhone 15 – $699
    • iPhone 15 Plus – $799
    • iPhone 16 – $799
    • iPhone 16 Plus – $899
    • iPhone 16 Pro – $999
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max – $1,199

    You can pre-order the iPhone 16e starting Friday, and it will officially be available from February 28. Apple also shared a detailed 12-minute video on YouTube to introduce the iPhone 16e, giving everyone a good look at what to expect.

    The iPhone 16e features include a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch for Face ID, the new A18 chip, a single 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and an Action button. It also comes with Apple’s new C1 modem for better 5G performance. So, while the iPhone 16e might not have everything you’d expect from an iPhone, it offers a balance of cost and modern features for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

  • Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple has just revealed its debut custom 5G modem, named “C1”, which will first appear in the brand-new iPhone 16e. The C1 modem plays a key role in enhancing the iPhone 16e’s battery life, making it last longer than any other iPhone with a similar 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.

    By integrating the advantages of Apple’s own silicon technology, the C1 modem stands out as both the first modem Apple made itself and the most energy-saving modem ever used in an iPhone, providing swift and dependable 5G service. The combination of Apple’s silicon, including the C1, the iPhone’s new internal layout, and the smart energy management of iOS 18, leads to an impressive battery performance.

    It’s worth noting that the C1 modem is exclusive to the iPhone 16e; other iPhones still rely on modems from Qualcomm. This step is similar to when Apple switched from Intel processors to its own chips, showing Apple’s strategy to lessen its dependence on external suppliers like Qualcomm for crucial components.

  • Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple has made some big changes to its iPhone lineup. They’ve decided to stop selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which were introduced back in 2022. These phones were known for their good value, with the iPhone 14 starting at $599 and the Plus at $699 after price drops from their original costs.

    The iPhone 14 models came with a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen respectively, offering a choice for those who wanted a larger screen without going for the Pro versions. They ran on the A15 Bionic chip, had new safety features like Crash Detection, and enhanced cameras with the Photonic Engine for better photos in low light.

    In another move, Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE. This was the last iPhone with a Home button, making it unique. With the SE gone, Apple no longer offers phones with Touch ID, an LCD screen, or smaller than 6 inches. All current models now use Face ID and have bigger displays.

    Here’s what the lineup looks like now:

    iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus.

    Interestingly, the iPhone 16e comes with a bit of an old-school look with its notch but is powered by the latest A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 models have the newer Dynamic Island but are equipped with the older A16 chip without Apple Intelligence support.

    This shift in product strategy suggests that Apple might be focusing on larger screens and newer technologies, as they’re expected to discontinue the iPhone 15 models with the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series in September.

    With these changes, Apple has officially moved away from smaller screen sizes, with the smallest screen now being 6.1 inches on several models. This means if you’re looking for a compact phone, you’ll need to look at older models or other brands, as Apple seems to have left the small-screen market behind.

  • Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple has just launched the iPhone 16e, aimed at being an affordable option for smartphone users. This new model takes over from the discontinued third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e boasts a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, a step up from the 4.7-inch LCD of its predecessor. It now sports a notch for Face ID, signaling the end of the Touch ID era for Apple’s phones.

    Under the hood, the phone runs on the brand-new A18 chip, which not only speeds up the device but also supports Apple’s smart features like summarizing notifications and creating personalized emojis. Another highlight is the custom 5G modem, dubbed C1, that Apple developed in-house. This modem is said to be so energy-efficient that it gives the iPhone 16e the best battery life among all 6.1-inch iPhones.

    For photography, there’s a single 48-megapixel camera on the back, which Apple claims can offer a 2x zoom with optical-quality results. Design-wise, the iPhone 16e introduces an Action button where the traditional Ring/Silent switch used to be, and it has moved to a USB-C port, leaving behind the Lightning connector. However, it does not include the Camera Control button seen in other iPhone 16 models.

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin on February 21. It’s priced at $599 in the U.S., and you can choose between white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. This new iPhone aims to blend advanced technology with affordability, providing an entry point into Apple’s ecosystem for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

    iPhone 16E
    iPhone 16E
  • New tariffs increase US laptop prices, but Apple keeps prices steady

    New tariffs increase US laptop prices, but Apple keeps prices steady

    The recent 10% tariff on goods from China, introduced by President Trump, is beginning to impact prices in the United States. This tax has to be paid by American businesses or passed on to consumers, forcing companies to decide whether to increase product prices or reduce their profits.

    Acer, a major player in the laptop market, has decided to raise its prices by 10%. Jason Chen, the company’s CEO, explained that the price hike is an unavoidable response to the new import tax. This change will affect laptops made in China, with the new prices set to take effect next month. “We must adjust the price for consumers to reflect this tariff,” Chen stated, indicating that a 10% increase is likely.

    Despite campaign promises from Trump that tariffs wouldn’t affect consumer prices, there’s now an acknowledgment that costs could indeed rise. For those looking to buy items from China, it might be wise to do so soon, as many companies still have stock bought before the tariff was implemented, which they can sell at current prices.

    In the U.S., nearly 80% of laptops come from China, and the Consumer Technology Association warns that these tariffs could add up to $143 billion to the cost for American consumers, potentially leading to lower sales. This association counts Apple as one of its key members.

    Acer is contemplating shifting some of its manufacturing out of China, though significant barriers make this challenging. There’s also talk of possibly manufacturing in the U.S., but this seems more like a political gesture since another Trump tariff could impose up to a 100% tax on imported components.

    Meanwhile, Apple has not yet adjusted its prices, choosing to absorb the tariff costs for the time being. This decision might not last, as they will eventually have to decide between increasing prices or accepting lower profit margins in the U.S. market.

  • New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    Apple has been quietly working on a feature many have been waiting for – reverse wireless charging. This means your iPhone could charge other devices like your AirPods or Apple Watch directly from its battery. Although this feature has been common in Android phones, Apple has yet to fully unlock it in their iPhones.

    Back in 2020, the iPhone 12 hinted at this capability, but it was only partially implemented. We saw the phone could charge the MagSafe Battery Pack, but not other accessories like AirPods. Since then, Apple has been refining this technology.

    Recent leaks suggest that Apple might be ready to introduce this feature with the iPhone 17 Pro. According to sources, they’ve been testing a 7.5W reverse charging capability in this model. This isn’t just about adding a feature; it’s about ensuring it works well. Apple is focusing on managing charging speeds, heat, and efficiency to make this a useful addition.

    Moreover, Apple is reportedly developing a user-friendly interface for this feature, complete with animations and sounds to guide users on how to use it. This would make the experience seamless and intuitive, much like the current MagSafe interactions.

    While the charging speed might not be super fast, think of it as an emergency tool – perfect for when you’re out and about without your charger. Imagine your Apple Watch battery dying on a long trip; your iPhone could come to the rescue.

    The leaker, known for accurate past predictions about Apple products, claims this feature is in the testing phase. However, whether it will make it into the final release of the iPhone 17 Pro remains uncertain. This development could significantly change how we use our devices, offering more flexibility and convenience. But until Apple officially confirms this, we’ll have to wait and see if our iPhones will soon play the role of a mini charging station.

    Source

  • Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple has announced that it will close its store at Northbrook Court, a mall in the Chicago area, for good. Though no specific closure date has been shared, the decision reflects changes happening at the mall. The Apple store at Northbrook first opened its doors back in 2005 and later expanded within the mall in 2017. Despite this closure, Apple assures that all employees from this location will remain with the company.

    “Apple is all about giving customers a great experience,” an Apple spokesperson stated. “With Northbrook Court Mall undergoing major changes and many stores leaving, we’ve decided it’s time to close our shop here. We’ve enjoyed being part of the Northbrook community for nearly two decades. Our team members will keep their jobs, and we invite our customers to visit any of our other eight stores in the Chicago area, or shop online through Apple.com or our app.”

    The announcement was initially covered by Crain’s Chicago Business. Northbrook Court has been struggling, evidenced by the exit of several big-name retailers, with Lululemon being the latest to leave just last month. This isn’t the first time Apple has shut down stores; last year, they closed locations in Infinite Loop and at the Royal Hawaiian.

    However, Apple continues to expand globally, having opened new stores in places like Miami Worldcenter, The Exchange TRX in Malaysia, and they’re preparing to open a new store in Downtown Detroit soon. This closure marks another shift in Apple’s retail strategy, balancing between closing underperforming locations and expanding into new markets or revitalized areas.