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  • Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple is rumored to unveil a new budget-friendly iPhone tomorrow, and hints are strong that it could be named iPhone 16E rather than iPhone SE 4. Initially, many speculated this new model would be another iPhone SE, following the previous generations. However, recent leaks suggest otherwise, leaning towards the name iPhone 16E.

    The name iPhone 16E first popped up in December, mentioned by Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, a popular social media site in China. Not long after, a leaker named Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter) echoed these sentiments, suggesting the next iPhone SE might be dubbed iPhone 16E.

    Just today, Majin Bu shared another clue, stating they’ve seen a box labeled “iPhone 16E”. Adding fuel to this rumor, Bloomberg’s tech journalist Mark Gurman commented on a recent post by Apple CEO Tim Cook, hinting at a “new family member” announcement, which might refer to this newly named device. Also, there are several new case listings on Amazon tagged for the iPhone 16E, although this could just be speculation.

    Amazon iPhone 16E

    The expected features for this new phone include a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID for security, a powerful A18 processor, a USB-C port, compatibility with Apple’s AI features, and a custom 5G modem. We’ll find out the official price and when it’s coming out tomorrow.

  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

    Source

  • iPhone 17 Series might charge at 35W, no big jump from last year

    iPhone 17 Series might charge at 35W, no big jump from last year

    If you’re excited about the iPhone 17 series and expecting a big leap in charging speed, you might want to temper your expectations. According to recent whispers from the tech world, the new iPhones might not offer much of a boost in how quickly they charge.

    A well-known analyst, Jeff Pu, shared some insights in a note to GF Securities, which was then reported by MacRumors. He suggests that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all max out at 35W for wired charging.

    Last year’s iPhone 16 models didn’t show much difference. ChargerLAB noted that the iPhone 16 Pro could hit a high of 30W consistently. There was one instance where the iPhone 16 Pro Max touched 37W with Apple’s high-powered charger, but it wasn’t clear how long it stayed at that level.

    Similarly, PhoneArena tested the standard iPhone 16 and found it could peak at 38W under very demanding conditions like running heavy apps or games, though it generally settled at around 20W for regular use. This means, for those keeping track, the iPhone 17 models might not give us the charging speed boost we hoped for, sticking close to the capabilities of the previous generation.

    As for wireless charging, Pu didn’t spill any beans on that front. The iPhone 16 models could charge at up to 25W with MagSafe, and we’re left guessing if the iPhone 17 will match or exceed this.
    In summary, if you were looking forward to a dramatic increase in charging speed with the iPhone 17, it looks like you’ll be waiting a bit longer. The new models might just keep pace with what we’ve seen before, rather than sprinting ahead.

    Source

  • Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Apple has traditionally used a range of materials for the frames of its high-end iPhones, moving from aluminum to stainless steel, and most recently to titanium. Now, whispers in the tech world suggest that for the iPhone 17 series, Apple might revert to aluminum for most models.

    According to Jeff Pu, an Apple supply chain analyst, who shared his insights in a note to GF Securities, three out of the four iPhone 17 models – the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max – will feature aluminum frames. Surprisingly, the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to keep the more durable titanium frame.

    This switch back to aluminum for the Pro models is significant because the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models were launched with titanium frames, making them lighter than their predecessors with stainless steel frames.

    The motivation behind this potential change appears to be environmental. Aluminum has a smaller carbon footprint than titanium, aligning with Apple’s goal to make all its products and supply chain carbon-neutral by 2030. This move echoes Apple’s recent strategy with products like the new Mac mini and certain Apple Watches, potentially positioning some iPhone 17 models as the company’s first carbon-neutral smartphones.

    The choice of titanium for the iPhone 17 Air, however, remains a bit of a mystery since aluminum is lighter, which would typically be preferred for a device aimed at being slim and lightweight. Last year, another analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, hinted that the iPhone 17 Air might use a combination of both materials, with less titanium than used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. While the reasons for these material choices are not entirely clear yet, we can look forward to more details emerging as we approach the expected September reveal of the iPhone 17 series.

    Source

  • New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    Apple might announce the new iPhone SE 4 very soon, and it could keep its worth better than before, according to SellCell’s research.

    iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb 3

    Even though the iPhone SE is cheaper, it has not kept its resale value as well as Apple’s more expensive phones. SellCell’s study shows that past SE models lost their value quickly. For instance, the third iPhone SE model dropped by 42.6% in value in just one month and by 57.8% after six months. In contrast, the iPhone 15 series only lost 28.8% in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

    The same happened with the second iPhone SE, which saw a 50.8% decrease in value in six months, while the iPhone 14 series only went down by 31.1% in the same time. This might be because the SE starts at a lower price, looks older, and isn’t as popular in the used market.

    However, some smaller, cheaper iPhones have done better. The iPhone 13 mini, for example, only lost 19.2% of its value in the first month, compared to 42.6% for the third iPhone SE. After a year, it had depreciated by 46.1%, while the third iPhone SE lost 64.4%. Even after two years, the iPhone 13 mini was down by just 53%, more like the flagships than the SEs.

    The upcoming iPhone SE 4 might change this pattern. If it gets a modern look similar to the iPhone 14 and gets a better chip, camera, and supports Apple’s smart features, it could hold its value better. This would make it stay competitive for longer.

    Like other phones, the value of the iPhone SE drops more when a new model comes out. The second iPhone SE lost another 4% of its value 12 weeks after the third one was released. So, if you want to sell your SE, doing it soon after a new one comes out is smart.

    The price will also affect how well the iPhone SE 4 keeps its value. It might start at $499 in the US, which is a bit more than the $429 of the current model. This could make it a good choice for people watching their budget, but it also means people will expect better features for the extra cost.

    Apple took longer than usual to update the iPhone SE, which means there aren’t many affordable, new-tech options right now. This might make the new iPhone SE more popular when it comes out, especially if it’s much better than the old versions.

  • EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    Apple has started removing apps from the App Store in the European Union that do not provide trader contact information. Developers were notified that apps missing this crucial data would be taken down by February 17, 2025, and that deadline has now passed.

    Under the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA), apps must list trader details like an address, phone number, and email for customers to see. This is to ensure transparency and accountability from app developers who earn money from sales or in-app purchases.

    Apple has been emphasizing this rule for some time, requiring all new apps and updates to include this trader information. This data needs to be verified by Apple before apps can return to the App Store. The process to add trader information is straightforward, done through App Store Connect.

    However, this requirement has caused some friction, especially among smaller developers or solo app creators who might not have formal business contact details. They argue that this could expose them to unwanted spam or complicate their operations.

    Despite the pushback, the DSA mandates that Apple must display these contact details on the app’s product page within the EU’s 27 member countries. This ensures that users can reach out with any concerns or issues they might have with the app or its developer.

    For more detailed guidance on how to comply with these new regulations, developers can visit Apple’s official website. This move signifies a growing trend towards more transparency in digital markets, although it does present new challenges for some in the development community.

  • Apple’s M5 Chip to fix unpopular M4 choice, report says

    Apple’s M5 Chip to fix unpopular M4 choice, report says

    Apple hasn’t finished rolling out the M4 chip yet, but there’s already buzz about the next big thing: the M5 chip. Expected to launch this autumn, the M5 chip will reportedly address a decision from the M4 rollout that didn’t sit well with many users.

    M5 Chip Coming to Macs First, Not iPads

    Over the weekend, tech journalist Mark Gurman shared insights on which devices will first get the M5 chip. This time, the strategy is different from what we saw with the M4.

    According to Gurman’s report on Bloomberg:

    • The M5 chip will start with new MacBook Pro models this fall.
    • An M5 iPad Pro won’t come until the first half of 2026.

    This switch means that, unlike the M4, which debuted in an iPad Pro, the M5 will first appear in Macs. Last year, Apple surprised everyone by introducing the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before any Mac got it, leading to a six-month wait for Mac users.

    Why the Change?

    The decision to launch the M4 in the iPad Pro first was not popular among Mac users. The long wait for the M4 MacBooks was particularly frustrating. With the M5, Apple seems to be returning to its traditional approach, prioritizing Macs for new chip introductions.

    What to Expect with M5

    Since the MacBook Pro will be the first to get the M5, we can anticipate seeing not just the basic M5 chip, but also the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions. This mirrors the strategy used with the M3 series in 2023, ensuring a broad spectrum of performance options right from the start. In summary, Apple’s move to bring the M5 to Macs before iPads could be seen as a response to feedback from the M4 rollout, aiming to keep Mac users happy with timely upgrades.

  • Special Apple TV patches for all 30 MLS teams in 2025

    Special Apple TV patches for all 30 MLS teams in 2025

    The 30th season of Major League Soccer kicks off this weekend, with every team playing matches on both Saturday and Sunday.

    New Apple TV Jersey Patches

    To mark this special milestone, Apple has introduced unique Apple TV patches for each of the 30 MLS clubs. These patches will be displayed on the left sleeve of every team’s jersey throughout the season. Each patch is designed to reflect the unique logo, colors, and identity of each club.

    Here’s an example of what the new patch looks like for Inter Miami CF:

    Tech expert Jacob Krol from TechRadar gave us more insights into these patches. He also interviewed Emeka Ofodile, who leads Apple’s sports marketing globally. Previously, MLS jerseys featured a simple black or white Apple TV logo. But for 2025, each team gets its special design.

    Apple and MLS Partnership

    2025 is the third year of a decade-long collaboration between Apple and MLS. Fans can watch all the games by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. In the U.S., this service costs $14.99 monthly or $99 for the entire season. Apple TV+ subscribers enjoy a discount, paying $12.99 monthly or $79 for the season.

    A new highlight this year is that Apple TV+ subscribers can watch one MLS game every Sunday night without needing an MLS Season Pass subscription. The first game of this series will feature San Diego FC, the newest team, playing against the current champions, LA Galaxy, at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

    Apple TV App Now on Android

    In other news, last week saw the Apple TV app becoming available on Android phones, including access to the MLS Season Pass.

    This blend of tech and sports continues to bring fans closer to the action in exciting new ways.

    Source

  • No camera bar for basic iPhone 17, unlike Pro models

    No camera bar for basic iPhone 17, unlike Pro models

    The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models are set to feature a new look for their back cameras, with a design that includes a rectangular bar with rounded edges. This stylish change is also expected for the iPhone 17 Air, but the basic iPhone 17 won’t get this upgrade.

    According to tech insider Jon Prosser from the Front Page Tech YouTube channel, the basic iPhone 17 will look very much like its predecessor, the iPhone 16.

    The basic model will continue to sport two cameras arranged vertically in a pill-shaped bump on the back. This makes the basic iPhone 17 the least altered in terms of appearance among this year’s new releases. For those who prefer the classic look, this could be good news, as it suggests Apple is keeping the traditional design for at least another year.

    Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 series in September, giving us a clearer picture of what each model will bring to the table.

  • iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air to use top-notch screens

    iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air to use top-notch screens

    The upcoming iPhone 17 series from Apple will all feature Samsung’s high-quality “M14” OLED screen, says a tech insider on Weibo. Samsung’s “M” series screens are known for being in top smartphones, and the “14” means they use a lot of good materials to make them. This “M14” screen was first seen in last year’s iPhone 16 Pro models. It’s brighter by 30% and lasts longer because they made the blue light part work better.

    Interestingly, Samsung’s newest Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a slightly older screen, the M13, which might mean that the regular iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air might have better screens in some ways. Apple choosing the M14 screen for all its new phones makes sense because it wants to add ProMotion to all models. ProMotion means the screen can change how fast it refreshes, up to 120 times per second for smooth scrolling and videos. Before, only the “Pro” iPhones had this.

    With ProMotion, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air screens can also slow down to just 1 refresh per second to save power, showing the time, notifications, and background even when the phone is off. Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro models got bigger screens, increasing from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches for the Pro, and from 6.69 inches to 6.86 inches for the Pro Max.

    In 2025, Apple plans to give the regular iPhone 17 a larger 6.27-inch screen too. The new iPhone 17 Air, which takes over from the Plus model, is expected to have a 6.6-inch screen, making it larger than the iPhone 17 but smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    Source