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  • When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    A leak has recently given us hints about when we might see the new iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and iPad Air models.

    A private account on X (formerly Twitter) shared that these upcoming devices will come with iOS 18.3 or iPadOS 18.3 already installed when they hit the market. While we don’t know the exact release date, it looks like they’ll be announced sometime between March and April, before iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 roll out.

    The leak included the build numbers for these new software versions:

    • iOS 18.3 for iPhone SE (4th generation): 22D8062
    • iPadOS 18.3 for iPad 11 and iPad Air (2025): 22D2060, 22D2062

    The final test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released this week, suggesting that the updates might be available for current devices next week.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip might be announced before these iPads and iPhone, potentially making them Apple’s first big reveal of 2025.

    The new iPhone SE is expected to look like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16 with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a single 48-megapixel camera. It might also have a new A-series chip, 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s AI features, and Apple’s own 5G modem.

    The iPad 11 is rumored to have an A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, also supporting Apple’s AI features. For the iPad Air, there’s some confusion; some leaks suggest an M3 chip, while others hint at the M4 chip that’s in the latest iPad Pro.

    New Magic Keyboards are also on the way for these iPads.

    This information gives us a clearer picture of what to expect from Apple in the coming months.

    Source

  • Apple might soon sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia again

    Apple might soon sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia again

    Apple is getting close to making a deal with Indonesia that could let them start selling the iPhone 16 again. According to Bloomberg, this deal involves Apple investing more money in the country.

    Back in October, Indonesia stopped the sale of the iPhone 16 because Apple wasn’t making enough of the phone parts there, needing at least 35% of the materials to be local. Apple has now promised to invest $1 billion, which includes setting up a factory for AirTags. This is much more than their earlier offers of $10 million and $100 million, which Indonesia turned down.

    “I strongly believe it will resolve very, very soon,” said Rosan Roeslani, Indonesia’s investment minister, in a Bloomberg TV interview in Davos. He hopes the issue will be sorted out in “one or two weeks.” He mentioned that there was some confusion about how the local content rules are calculated but thinks they’ve found a way around it.

    Indonesia is a big market for Apple, with over 280 million people using around 354 million phones. Apple has been running developer academies there since 2018, but so far, there’s no Apple factory in the country.

    Source

  • Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    The new iOS 18.3 update is almost here, and it brings some changes to how you use AI on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    Apple Intelligence Now On By Default

    Before, if you wanted to use Apple’s AI features, you had to turn them on yourself when updating to iOS 18.1 or 18.2. But with iOS 18.3, these AI features will turn on automatically when you update your device.

    Here’s what this means:

    • If you’re new to iOS 18.3 or upgrading, Apple Intelligence will automatically start working once you set up your phone. You’ll need to go into your settings to turn these features off if you don’t want them. Just go to the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings and switch off the AI.
    • The same goes for iPads and Macs with the new updates.

    After months of AI Being Available

    Most people who can use Apple’s AI have already turned it on. But for those who haven’t, the update will do it for you.

    There’s one question, though. What if you turned AI off before? Will it turn back on with this update? We’ll need to wait for the official release to know for sure.

    This update doesn’t add many new things, but it does change how notifications work with AI, which has been a hot topic. Apple seems to think that after some time with AI out there, it’s time to make it default.

  • Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Apple Music hasn’t seen direct AI enhancements yet, but a new feature from Apple Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.2, is indirectly enhancing the music app experience. Here’s how:

    Image Playground: The Artwork Solution for Apple Music

    Apple’s Image Playground is an AI tool designed to generate unique images. While not yet integrated into Apple Music, it offers an innovative way to enhance playlist aesthetics. Previously, selecting or creating the perfect artwork for playlists was often a challenge, with the default options feeling repetitive or lacking personal touch.

    Now, with Image Playground, users can craft bespoke artwork. The process is straightforward: describe your vision in the app, and AI generates several images to choose from. Once you’ve selected your favorite, save it to your Photos library and import it into your Apple Music playlist. This is done by accessing the playlist, hitting the edit option from the three dots menu, and selecting the camera icon to add your custom image.

    A New Era for Playlists

    The introduction of Image Playground has transformed playlist creation from a functional task into an artistic one. It allows for a more personalized listening experience, where each playlist not only sounds unique but looks unique too. Initially perceived as just a playful tool, Image Playground has found a practical application in enhancing the visual appeal of Apple Music playlists.

    As we look forward to potential updates, there’s hope that future iOS versions might integrate this feature directly into Apple Music, making the process even more seamless. For now, Image Playground stands as a testament to how AI can subtly improve everyday app functionalities, turning them into sources of creativity and personal expression.

  • AirTags Prevent Car Theft: Colorado Police offer free trackers

    AirTags Prevent Car Theft: Colorado Police offer free trackers

    In a bid to curb the rising tide of vehicle thefts, the Arvada Police Department in Colorado has taken an innovative approach by distributing Apple AirTags for free to community members. This move comes in light of the proven effectiveness of these small, $30 devices in thwarting car thefts since their launch in 2021.

    The giveaway, which took place on January 19, 2025, not only provided AirTags but also included a mix of other tracking devices like Tile. According to local reports, half of the trackers available were handed out, each accompanied by a car sticker warning potential thieves that the vehicle is equipped with a tracking device.

    One resident, previously a victim of car theft, expressed his support for the initiative, noting the potential deterrent effect of the stickers and the confidence that his car could be recovered if stolen again.

    Since their introduction, AirTags have not only been pivotal in vehicle recovery but have also been involved in various other scenarios, from uncovering local fraud to international espionage. Despite controversies surrounding their potential misuse for stalking, Apple has consistently enhanced the device’s privacy features to prevent such incidents.

    As AirTags continue to prove their utility, there’s anticipation around an update expected in 2025, which might bring improved location accuracy and extended range, maintaining the device’s significance in personal security and asset tracking.

  • M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    In what appears to be a significant leak, renowned tech leaker Evan Blass has shared details suggesting that Apple’s next iPad Air models will feature the new M3 chip. According to a glimpse of what seems to be internal source code, Blass hinted at the arrival of new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air versions, alongside an entry-level iPad 11.

    Blass, who has a history of accurate leaks, including pre-announcement reveals of the iPhone 12 and HomePod mini, posted this information on a private social media account. His latest leak counters previous speculation that the iPad Air might skip the M3 and directly adopt the M4 chip, which is currently exclusive to the iPad Pro line. This move would align with Apple’s strategy to differentiate between its tablet offerings by chip generation, rather than using the more costly and less efficient first-generation 3nm process chips.

    While the specifics of the iPad 11 remain somewhat under wraps, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested it might come equipped with the A17 Pro chip, enhancing its capabilities for Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, the leak hints at the development of a new iPhone SE 4, continuing Apple’s tradition of refreshing its budget smartphone line.

    Apple updated the iPad Air last in May 2024 with the M2 chip, introducing for the first time a 13-inch model. If these leaks hold true, we might see these new devices announced as early as March or April, potentially with new Magic Keyboard accessories to complement them. However, no drastic design changes are expected, keeping the focus on internal upgrades.

     

  • Apple’s Latest Retail Design: A seamless blend of inside and out, plus Apple Card partnership shifts

    Apple’s Latest Retail Design: A seamless blend of inside and out, plus Apple Card partnership shifts

    Apple continues to refine its retail store aesthetic, with the latest opening in Hefei, China, showcasing the company’s commitment to a seamless transition between the exterior and interior. This design, characterized by a curved glass frontage, has now appeared in multiple locations, suggesting a new standard for Apple’s physical retail presence. Meanwhile, significant developments are unfolding in the financial realm, with reports indicating Apple is exploring new partnerships for its Apple Card program.

    The new Apple MixC Hefei store, situated in a prominent business and financial district near Swan Lake, features a wide, curved glass facade. This design element, previously seen in stores in India and Shenzhen, China, creates a fluid connection between the outside world and the store’s interior. The absence of exterior pillars in the Hefei location further enhances this effect, making the transition even more subtle and inviting. Apple emphasizes the use of sustainably and locally sourced materials in the store’s construction, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.

    This curved glass design first emerged in 2023 at the Apple Saket store in India, a feature Apple highlighted as unique at the time. The store, with its white oak tables and a feature wall crafted in India, offered a welcoming environment for customers. The presence of CEO Tim Cook and retail head Deirdre O’Brien at the opening further emphasized the importance of this new design direction. However, the “unique” design quickly reappeared just a week later in Shenzhen, indicating a broader rollout of this architectural style.

    The Hefei store’s opening coincides with the Lunar New Year, and Apple is marking the occasion with several special initiatives. Customers can purchase special-edition AirPods with custom Year of the Snake engravings. The store will also host workshops focused on using iPhone and Apple Vision Pro to capture and relive memories. Festive window decals and interior decorations will contribute to a celebratory atmosphere within the store. The store officially opened its doors on Saturday, January 18th.

    In other news, Apple’s financial partnerships are undergoing significant changes. Following confirmation from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon regarding the potential early termination of their partnership, reports have surfaced indicating Apple is in discussions with Barclays and Synchrony Financial to potentially take over the Apple Card program.

    Goldman Sachs has faced challenges in its consumer credit division, incurring substantial losses. This has led the company to scale back parts of its consumer lending business, including personal loans offered through its Marcus brand. Goldman Sachs also recently ended its partnership with General Motors, transferring the GM credit card portfolio to Synchrony Financial.

    The reports of Apple’s discussions with Barclays and Synchrony Financial come from sources familiar with the matter. Notably, Apple already has an existing relationship with Barclays for financing in the UK. Previous reports also suggested Apple was exploring partnerships with JP Morgan Chase and Capitol One.

    The future of the Apple Card partnership remains uncertain, with no clear frontrunner identified at this time. Goldman Sachs currently serves as Apple’s partner for both the Apple Card and the associated Savings Account. While the existing agreement extends until 2030, Solomon’s comments suggest a potential early exit.

    Regardless of which financial institution ultimately partners with Apple on the Apple Card, changes to the product are anticipated. The current Apple Card offers attractive interest-free financing options for Apple purchases and does not charge any fees. While these terms have been appealing to consumers, they have also contributed to Goldman Sachs’ financial losses. The new partnership will likely involve adjustments to these terms to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. The future of Apple Card appears to be one of evolution and adaptation, reflecting the dynamic nature of the financial landscape.

  • Apple’s Holistic Health Push: An AI-powered wellness service on the horizon?

    Apple’s Holistic Health Push: An AI-powered wellness service on the horizon?

    For years, rumors have swirled about Apple’s ambition to expand its health offerings beyond fitness tracking and basic data collection. Whispers of a comprehensive wellness service, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, have persisted, hinting at a future where Apple devices actively guide users towards healthier lifestyles. Now, these whispers are growing louder, suggesting a potential launch as soon as 2025.

    This isn’t just about counting steps or monitoring heart rate. The rumored service aims to provide personalized coaching, drawing on data gathered from Apple Watches and other devices to offer tailored recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Imagine an AI companion that analyzes your daily habits and proactively suggests adjustments to improve your overall well-being.

    This personalized approach is key. Unlike generic fitness apps or pre-recorded workout videos, this service would adapt to individual needs and preferences. By analyzing data like sleep patterns, activity levels, and even potentially dietary information, the AI could create custom programs to address specific areas for improvement.

    Think of it as a virtual health coach, constantly monitoring your progress and providing guidance along the way. Perhaps it suggests a modified workout routine based on your recovery, or recommends healthier meal options based on your dietary logs. It might even use the device’s camera to analyze your form during exercise, offering real-time corrections similar to some high-end fitness equipment.

    This holistic approach differentiates it from Apple Fitness+, which primarily focuses on providing workout content. This new service would take a broader view, encompassing all aspects of health and wellness. It’s about more than just exercising; it’s about creating sustainable lifestyle changes.

    The potential name of this service remains a mystery. While “Apple Health+” might seem like a natural fit, reports suggest it will be a standalone app, making a different name more likely. “Apple Coach” or “Apple Wellness” are possibilities, but Apple could choose something entirely different.

    The integration of this service into Apple One, Apple’s subscription bundle, seems almost certain. Apple One currently offers various tiers, combining services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade. The highest tier, Apple One Premier, adds Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+. Adding a comprehensive wellness service would significantly enhance the value proposition of Apple One, particularly the Premier tier. It could be the deciding factor for many users considering upgrading to the higher-tier plan.

    The timing of this potential launch aligns with Apple’s growing focus on artificial intelligence. With the introduction of new AI features in recent iOS updates and further advancements expected in the coming years, the groundwork is being laid for a sophisticated, data-driven wellness service.

    Furthermore, Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of its Health app and is expected to introduce new health-related features in upcoming hardware releases, such as advanced health monitoring capabilities in future AirPods and Apple Watch models. This influx of new data points will provide the AI with even more information to personalize recommendations and create effective coaching programs.

    This convergence of AI advancements, hardware improvements, and software updates suggests that 2025 could be the year Apple unveils this ambitious wellness service. It represents a significant step beyond simply tracking health metrics; it’s about actively empowering users to take control of their well-being through personalized guidance and intelligent insights.

    Restoring Control: Reclaiming the “Off” Mode for Your AirPods Pro

    A recent change to AirPods Pro noise control settings has caused some confusion and frustration among users. With the release of iOS 18, Apple initially removed the “Off” mode, leaving users with only Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Adaptive Audio. This meant that users no longer had the option to completely disable noise control.

    This change prompted many users to seek a solution, and thankfully, there’s a simple way to restore the “Off” mode. By navigating to the AirPods Pro settings within the Settings app and toggling on the “Off Listening Mode” option, users can once again access the full range of noise control options.

    However, with the release of iOS 18.1 and the introduction of new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2, another change emerged. Even with the “Off” mode restored, AirPods Pro 2 would automatically switch to Transparency mode whenever they were placed in the ears.

    This behavior is linked to the new hearing protection feature. Apple explains that when the “Off” mode is enabled, the hearing protection feature is disabled. To address this, another setting adjustment is required. By navigating to the Accessibility settings, then to AirPods and Beats, and finally toggling off “Turn Off Loud Sound Reduction,” users can regain full control over the “Off” mode. With this setting disabled, AirPods Pro 2 will remain in the “Off” mode until manually changed.

    It’s important to understand that when the “Off” mode is active, the hearing protection feature is disabled. This means that harmful environmental noise will not be reduced.

    While some users might prefer to always use Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode, the “Off” mode offers certain advantages. Disabling all noise control features can conserve battery life, which can be beneficial in certain situations. Ultimately, the choice of which mode to use depends on individual preferences and needs.

    While Apple has made significant strides in noise cancellation and transparency technology, having the option to completely disable these features provides users with greater flexibility and control over their listening experience.

  • The Whisper-Thin Future: Exploring the rumored iPhone 17 Air

    The Whisper-Thin Future: Exploring the rumored iPhone 17 Air

    The tech world is abuzz with whispers of a new iPhone variant, tentatively dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air.” While official announcements are still months away, anticipated around the usual September timeframe, the rumor mill is churning out intriguing details about this purportedly ultra-slim device. This article dives deep into the current speculation, exploring the potential features and trade-offs that might define this unique addition to the iPhone family.

    The allure of an exceptionally thin smartphone is undeniable. Imagine a device that slips effortlessly into any pocket, feeling almost weightless in hand. This is the promise of the iPhone 17 Air. Reports suggest a groundbreaking thickness of just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, a feat of engineering that would undoubtedly set a new standard in smartphone design. However, achieving such extreme thinness inevitably presents certain challenges, requiring careful compromises in other areas.

    One of the most significant trade-offs expected for the iPhone 17 Air revolves around its camera system. Unlike the anticipated multi-lens setups of the iPhone 17 Pro models, the Air is rumored to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera.

    While a single high-resolution sensor can still capture impressive images, the absence of telephoto or ultrawide lenses would limit versatility in different shooting scenarios. Similarly, the audio experience might be streamlined with a single speaker integrated into the earpiece, omitting the bottom speaker found in other iPhone models. This could potentially affect stereo sound and overall audio quality.

    Powering this slim marvel is rumored to be the A19 chip, a powerful processor in its own right, but distinct from the anticipated A19 Pro chip expected in the higher-end iPhone 17 models. While the A19 should still provide excellent performance for everyday tasks and most applications, the A19 Pro might offer a more significant performance boost for demanding tasks like gaming and professional-grade applications. The device is also rumored to include 8GB of RAM, presumably to support the growing demands of Apple’s AI initiatives. This suggests a focus on intelligent features and seamless performance for AI-driven tasks.

    The display is expected to be a vibrant 6.6-inch OLED panel, incorporating both Face ID for secure authentication and the now-familiar Dynamic Island for interactive notifications and system alerts. ProMotion technology, offering a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, is also rumored, ensuring fluid scrolling and animations.

    Perhaps one of the most significant changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Air is the complete removal of the physical SIM card slot. This move would force users to rely solely on eSIM technology, a digital SIM embedded directly into the device. While eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility, this change could present challenges for users traveling to regions with limited eSIM support. The device is also expected to use an Apple-designed 5G modem, further integrating Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem.

    Here’s a summary of the rumored key features:

    • Ultra-thin Design: Measuring just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, making it the thinnest iPhone ever.
    • Immersive Display: A 6.6-inch OLED display with Face ID and the Dynamic Island.
    • Smooth Visuals: ProMotion support for a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
    • Efficient Performance: Powered by the A19 chip.
    • Enhanced AI Capabilities: 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support.
    • Streamlined Camera: A single 48-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel front camera.
    • Simplified Audio: A single speaker integrated into the earpiece.
    • eSIM Only: No physical SIM card slot.
    • Apple-Designed 5G: Utilizing Apple’s own 5G modem.

    The iPhone 17 Air presents a fascinating proposition: a device that prioritizes sleekness and portability above all else. While certain compromises in camera, audio, and processing power are anticipated, the ultra-thin design and focus on eSIM technology could appeal to a specific segment of users seeking the ultimate in mobile minimalism. As we move closer to the anticipated launch date, more concrete details will undoubtedly emerge, further clarifying the picture of this intriguing device.

  • The Dawn of Hyperconnectivity: How a new interconnect could reshape AI

    The Dawn of Hyperconnectivity: How a new interconnect could reshape AI

    The world of artificial intelligence is in constant flux, a relentless pursuit of greater speed, efficiency, and capability. Behind the sleek interfaces and seemingly magical algorithms lies a complex infrastructure, a network of powerful servers tirelessly crunching data.

    The performance of these servers, and therefore the advancement of AI itself, hinges on the speed at which data can be moved between processors. Now, a groundbreaking development in interconnect technology is poised to revolutionize this crucial aspect of AI, potentially ushering in a new era of intelligent machines.  

    A newly formed consortium, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of data transfer, has unveiled a technology called “Ultra Accelerator Link,” or UALink. This innovation promises to dramatically increase the speed at which data flows within AI server clusters, paving the way for more complex and sophisticated AI applications.

    The consortium recently announced the addition of three major players to its Board of Directors: Apple, Alibaba, and Synopsys. This influx of expertise and resources signals a significant step forward for the development and adoption of UALink. 

    UALink is designed as a high-speed interconnect, specifically tailored for the demanding requirements of next-generation AI clusters. Imagine a vast network of processors, each working in concert to process massive datasets. The efficiency of this collaboration depends entirely on the speed with which these processors can communicate.

    UALink aims to solve this bottleneck, promising data speeds of up to 200Gbps per lane with its initial 1.0 release, slated for the first quarter of 2025. This represents a significant leap forward in data transfer capabilities, potentially unlocking new levels of AI performance. 

    The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Consider the vast amounts of data required to train large language models or power complex image recognition systems. The faster this data can be processed and shared between processors, the more complex and nuanced these AI systems can become. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields like natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning, enabling AI to tackle increasingly complex tasks.

    Apple’s involvement in the UALink consortium is particularly noteworthy. While the company has been relatively quiet about its specific AI initiatives, its participation suggests a keen interest in the future of AI infrastructure.

    Becky Loop, Director of Platform Architecture at Apple, expressed enthusiasm for UALink, stating that it “shows great promise in addressing connectivity challenges and creating new opportunities for expanding AI capabilities and demands.” She further emphasized Apple’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, highlighting the company’s “long history of pioneering and collaborating on innovations that drive our industry forward.” 

    Apple’s current AI server infrastructure relies on powerful processors, including the M2 Ultra chip, with plans to transition to the M4 series. However, recent reports suggest that Apple is also developing a dedicated AI server chip, designed specifically for the unique demands of AI workloads. This suggests a long-term commitment to advancing AI capabilities and a recognition of the importance of specialized hardware. 

    The question remains: will Apple directly integrate UALink into its future AI infrastructure? While the company’s involvement in the consortium signals a strong interest, it is too early to say definitively. Apple’s participation could be driven by a desire to contribute to the broader AI ecosystem, ensuring the development of robust and efficient interconnect technologies for the entire industry.

    However, the potential benefits of UALink for Apple’s own AI ambitions are undeniable. The increased data transfer speeds could significantly enhance the performance of its AI servers, enabling more complex and demanding AI applications.

    The development of UALink represents a significant step forward in the evolution of AI infrastructure. By addressing the critical bottleneck of data transfer, this technology has the potential to unlock a new era of AI capabilities.

    The involvement of major players like Apple, Alibaba, and Synopsys underscores the importance of this development and signals a growing recognition of the crucial role that interconnect technology plays in the future of artificial intelligence. As we move closer to the anticipated release of UALink 1.0, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the transformative impact this technology will have on the landscape of AI.

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