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  • Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Apple Watch is known for saving lives, but now, Apple Vision Pro is making its mark in healthcare, especially in surgery and medical training. Harry McCracken from Fast Company shares how this expensive device is becoming unexpectedly useful in medical settings.

    At UC San Diego Health, doctors use the headset to make operating rooms more efficient, reducing physical stress and enhancing work flow. Sharp HealthCare has also started a new center focused on spatial computing, and they’re hosting a big meeting where 300 experts are discussing how Vision Pro can be used in surgery, teaching, and more.

    Susan Prescott from Apple was surprised at how quickly the medical community has taken to the Vision Pro. One surprising benefit? Its high price. Prescott explains, “It’s an exciting time where we’re bringing healthcare leaders together not just to listen, but to share and inspire each other with how they’re using Vision Pro.”

    Even with its high cost, adoption in the medical field has been swift. UC San Diego Health’s surgeon, Ryan Broderick, describes how the Vision Pro helps in surgery:

    “For the best surgical view, the screen should be right in front of your face. But in many surgeries, you have to twist and turn, which can strain your neck and back over time. The Vision Pro fixes this by letting you place screens exactly where you need them.”

    The headset uses Apple’s M2 chip, like in their computers and tablets, and a special R1 chip to handle all the sensors. This setup helps prevent nausea and provides critical, real-time data during operations.

    With the Vision Pro, surgeons can see their environment while also having virtual screens positioned for comfort. Dr. Broderick’s team tested this by streaming live surgery feeds directly into the headset, improving ergonomics significantly. They’ve already done over 50 cases with promising results.

    Despite the $3,500 price tag, the value in healthcare is clear. Tommy Korn, an ophthalmologist at Sharp HealthCare, notes that typical operating room screens cost around $20,000 each. Here, Vision Pro not only offers ergonomic benefits but also seems like a cost-effective choice.

    So, while the Apple Vision Pro might seem pricey at first glance, in the medical field, it’s proving to be an investment worth considering. Check out the full story by Harry McCracken at Fast Company for more insights.

  • Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    The big deal between Google and Apple, worth $20 billion a year for search rights, was found to break competition laws last summer. Although Apple isn’t on trial, what happens in this case could change things a lot for them. So, Apple has asked to slow down the court process.

    Apple Wants a Say in the Case

    Just a few days ago, Apple tried to get its witnesses into Google’s trial but was turned down. Apple isn’t accused of doing anything wrong, but they argued that Google can’t look out for Apple’s interests anymore because Google is busy protecting itself from claims that could break up its business.

    Since they couldn’t bring their witnesses, Apple has now asked for a pause in the court case. They say they need this to keep their rights safe while they appeal the decision.

    Their latest court document explains:

    “If we don’t pause this case, Apple could be hurt in ways we can’t fix later. We might lose our chance to be part of deciding what happens next, like at the trial itself, while they decide on our rights. This gets even worse because of what the other side said in our last meeting.”

    The document also mentions that courts often allow such delays when someone wants to appeal a decision about joining a case, and Apple hopes this court will agree too.

    If Apple can’t join in the way they want, they have a backup plan:

    “At the very least, the court should let Apple see all the case documents as someone not officially in the case until the higher court decides.”

    No matter what, Apple thinks they need to be involved in the court process to some extent to avoid serious damage to their interests.

  • Six Apple Products getting exciting updates in 2025

    Six Apple Products getting exciting updates in 2025

    This year is shaping up to be a big one for Apple, with several products that haven’t seen updates in years finally getting some love. Here’s what to look forward to:

    iPhone SE 4

    Last update: March 2022

    Apple’s next budget iPhone, the iPhone SE 4, is set to bring significant improvements. Expect to see the powerful A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, an OLED screen, Face ID, 8GB of RAM, a 48MP camera, USB-C port, and Apple’s first custom 5G modem. This model could be a game-changer when it launches in March.

    AirTag 2

    Last update: April 2021

    Four years after the original, AirTag 2 is on its way. It promises better tracking distance, an enhanced wireless chip, and privacy improvements. Look for it to hit the market mid-year.

    HomePod mini 2

    Last update: November 2020

    The HomePod mini, which has been without a hardware refresh for over four years, is gearing up for an update. While specifics are under wraps, there’s hope for Apple Intelligence support and better syncing with the new ‘HomePad’. Expect it toward the year’s end.

    AirPods Pro 3

    Last update: September 2022

    Although software updates have kept AirPods Pro fresh, a hardware update is due in September. The AirPods Pro 3 will likely feature a new look, the H3 chip, a heart rate sensor, and better noise cancellation.

    Apple Watch SE 3

    Last update: September 2022

    The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE is due for an update, possibly bringing new chips and health sensors. We might see it in spring or with the new iPhones in September.

    New Apple TV 4K

    Last update: November 2022

    Known for its irregular updates, the Apple TV 4K is finally getting a refresh. It’s expected to include a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and a faster processor, with a possible release in late fall.

    Conclusion

    Not all Apple products get yearly updates, but when they do, they’re significant. These updates are eagerly awaited, promising to bring new features and performance improvements to Apple’s lineup. Here’s to hoping Apple delivers on these exciting promises.

  • Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple has decided to stop working on augmented reality (AR) glasses that were meant to work with the Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The idea was to make glasses that look normal but could show AR images.

    Apple wanted these AR glasses to be powered by the Mac because the glasses themselves couldn’t hold the big chip needed for AR without getting too hot or heavy. The goal was to have the glasses perform like an iPhone but use much less power. But, they found out that connecting the glasses to an iPhone wasn’t practical due to battery life issues, so they tried using the Mac instead. However, Apple’s leaders didn’t think this was a good long-term plan, so they ended the project.

    These AR glasses were lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro headset, didn’t need a head strap, and didn’t show the wearer’s eyes on the front. They also had lenses that could change color depending on what the user was doing, like signaling to others whether they were busy.

    Apple has been talking about AR glasses for nearly ten years, but the technology isn’t there yet for the kind of glasses they want. Back in 2023, Gurman mentioned that the AR glasses were somewhat of a running gag among the team, working on it just to keep CEO Tim Cook satisfied. In 2017, Cook admitted that the tech for good-quality AR glasses didn’t exist, and it seems that’s still true.

    Even though they’ve stopped the glasses project, Apple is still working on new versions of the Vision Pro, hoping to return to the AR glasses idea when the tech catches up. The glasses were supposed to use tiny projectors to show images and videos to the wearer, and Apple continues to develop special microLED screens that could be used in future AR glasses.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s competitor, Meta, is making its own AR glasses called “Orion,” which are still in the early stages and very expensive to produce. They’re planning to launch them by 2027, the same year Apple had originally aimed for its now-canceled glasses.

  • Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple is fighting to save its huge money-making deal with Google, which is under threat because Google was found to break competition laws. Apple has asked the court dealing with Google’s legal battle with the U.S. government for some extra time, so they can argue their case before any final decisions are made.

    The U.S. Department of Justice took Google to court over unfair competition in the search market back in 2020. After a long fight, the DOJ won. A big part of this lawsuit was Google’s agreement with Apple, where Google pays billions each year to be the first choice search engine on Apple’s Safari browser. The judge ruled that this deal was against competition laws and helped Google keep its top spot in the search engine world.

    The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and other companies, which would hit Apple’s earnings hard. For instance, in 2022, Google paid Apple around $20 billion. Apple already tried to get more involved in the case as the solutions were being discussed, but the court said no because of timing issues. Apple is now appealing that decision and wants a pause while the appeal is considered.

    Apple argues that since its deal with Google is on the line, it should have the right to join the discussion, warning that without this pause, they could be seriously harmed.

    If Apple can’t join in the legal proceedings, they won’t be able to present their own evidence or arguments. If the appeal drags on until or after the trial for solutions starts, Apple might just have to watch, unable to speak or defend itself, while the government pushes for changes that directly affect Apple, like banning any business deals with Google for ten years.

    Besides stopping deals like this one, the U.S. Department of Justice also wants to go further, suggesting Google should sell its Chrome browser and separate Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Google has a lot to lose and might focus more on saving Chrome than its deal with Apple.

    When Apple first wanted a bigger say in the case, they argued that Google can’t properly look after Apple’s interests anymore because the case covers so much ground. The DOJ, predictably, doesn’t want Apple in the part of the trial where solutions are decided, which is due to start in April.

    If the court rules against Google paying Apple to be the default search on Safari, Apple would still have to offer Google Search as an option, but they wouldn’t get paid for it anymore.

    Source

  • Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to settle a lawsuit about early Apple Watch models. The lawsuit claimed that certain models had a battery problem that made the screens pop or crack (as reported by CNET).

    The lawsuit was filed in a court in California. It involved the first Apple Watch, and the Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models. The claim was that these watches didn’t have enough room inside for the battery to expand normally. When the batteries swelled, they pushed against the screen, causing it to break or come off. Apple said they did nothing wrong, but they’ve decided to settle the case instead of going through a long court battle.

    Here’s how the settlement works: Apple will put $20 million into a fund to pay back people who had problems with their watch’s battery. Each person who qualifies can get $20 for each watch they had issues with, but this amount could go up or down based on how many people claim money. Some of the funds will also cover legal and admin costs.

    If you already told Apple about your battery problem, you don’t need to do anything extra to get paid. You’ll automatically get your money unless you decide you don’t want it by February 24, 2025. If you think you should get money but haven’t told Apple yet, you need to go to the settlement website and submit your details by April 10, 2025.

  • Apple nears decision on Foldable screen supplier

    Apple nears decision on Foldable screen supplier

    Apple is almost ready to pick a company to make the screens for their new foldable devices, according to a blog post by “yeux1122” on Naver. This person says they got the info from someone inside Apple’s supply chain.

    Apple is being very picky about who can make these screens. They want them to be just as thin and curved as the best ones out there but also much tougher and with no creases. Some local companies are doing well at meeting these tough standards.

    They expect to choose a supplier sometime between the end of February and the start of April, but no final choice has been made yet.

    This screen could be for a foldable iPhone. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple is still planning this foldable iPhone, with guesses that it might come out sometime between late 2025 and 2027. There’s talk that Apple might even launch a flip-style iPhone in 2026.

    Besides iPhones, Apple is also looking into bigger foldable gadgets. The Wall Street Journal mentioned that Apple is working on a 19-inch foldable device meant to be like a laptop. And Mark Gurman from Bloomberg talked about a huge foldable iPad possibly coming out in 2028, which would look like one smooth piece of glass with no crease in sight.

    Source

  • Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple CEO Tim Cook shared some exciting news during the company’s latest earnings report. In April, Apple Intelligence will start supporting eight new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

    This update, expected with iOS 18.4, will also include tailored English support for people in India and Singapore. Until now, Apple Intelligence has only been available in English-speaking countries like the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    Cook highlighted how crucial these features are, saying, “Once you begin using them, it’s hard to go back.” He pointed out the email summary feature as a standout, noting that he uses it every day to sift through his numerous emails.

    Apple Intelligence has been rolling out new tools since iOS 18.1, but its language options have somewhat limited its worldwide use. This expansion aims to make these helpful features accessible to a broader audience, enhancing user experience across different regions.

  • Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps is getting a big update that will make planning trips easier for people driving Ford Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightnings.

    The Apple Maps feature for electric vehicles (EVs) helps you plan your journey by adding stops for charging when you need them. It keeps track of your car’s battery and looks at things like how fast you’re driving, how high the road goes, and how quick the chargers are to figure out when you should charge and for how long.

    Right now, this feature only works with three cars: the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan. Last year, Ford started sending out adapters to let these Ford cars use Tesla’s Superchargers. These cars have a CCS charging port, and the adapter changes it to work with Tesla’s NACS plug.

    However, Apple Maps hasn’t known about this yet. It only shows you where to go for CCS stations. But, that’s going to change. Ford’s lead engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, mentioned in a forum post that the system will soon know about these changes.

    Soon, you’ll be able to see where compatible Tesla Superchargers are right from the navigation in the new 2025 Mustang Mach-E. These locations are already visible on Google Maps for Android Auto users and will soon appear on Apple Maps for those using Apple CarPlay.

    There aren’t a lot of details yet on how this will all work, but it’s expected that Ford drivers with the NACS adapter can tell Apple Maps they can use both CCS and NACS stations. This will help Apple Maps give better, more accurate advice on where to charge.

    As a Mustang Mach-E driver, I’m excited about this update. I hope Ford and Apple will share more soon.

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  • 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.

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