Search results for: “Apple News”

  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • New iPhone ‘Fold’ idea feels smarter after latest news

    New iPhone ‘Fold’ idea feels smarter after latest news

    We’re still more than a year away from Apple’s first foldable iPhone hitting the shelves. Rumors have been swirling for a while, but a fresh report from an expert suggests we’ve been picturing it wrong. This new twist makes the iPhone ‘Fold’ sound way more exciting and practical than before.

    The Foldable iPhone Is Finally Taking Shape

    Talk about a foldable iPhone used to feel like a far-off dream, kind of like the Apple Car that never happened. For years, people guessed Apple would jump into the foldable game soon, but those claims didn’t hold up. Now, in the last year or so, things have changed. Trusted names like Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Ming-Chi Kuo, and The Information say it’s real—and Apple’s aiming for a fall 2026 release.

    From Flip Phone to Book-Style Design

    Last summer, the buzz was all about a flip-phone-style iPhone—one that folds top to bottom. It’d be tiny when closed and stretch into a taller screen when opened. But the latest news flips that idea completely. Ming-Chi Kuo, who’s great at digging up supply chain secrets, says the foldable iPhone will open like a book. Picture this: a smooth 7.8-inch screen inside and a 5.5-inch display outside. That’s a big shift from what we thought before, and it’s got me feeling relieved and curious. Why? Because this book-style setup just clicks better.

    A Handy Mix of iPhone and iPad Mini

    I’ve always loved the iPad Mini—it’s small but mighty. These days, I stick to my 13-inch iPad Pro for work, and juggling another device alongside my iPhone feels like too much of a hassle. But this foldable iPhone could be the best of both worlds. With a screen that unfolds to nearly 7.9 inches—super close to the iPad Mini’s size—it’d be a phone when I need it and a mini tablet when I want more.

    Why This Feels Like a Win

    A top-down fold seemed odd and not very useful to me. But a book-style iPhone? That’s a fresh take—combining pocket-friendly size with a bigger screen for real tasks. It’s not just Apple chasing a trend; it’s a smart new option. I’m already looking forward to hearing more about this 2026 surprise!

  • How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    Everyone’s buzzing about Apple’s super-speedy M3 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio, but we’re still waiting on those test results. For now, let’s check out the first scores for the new iPad Air with the M3 chip.

    M3 iPad Air Performance

    The early Geekbench 6 scores for the iPad Air with the M3 chip aren’t shocking, but that’s okay—steady news can be great news! Since Macs already use the M3 chip, we know it’s about 20% quicker than the M2 chip when handling lots of tasks at once (that’s multi-core CPU speed, for the tech fans). The new iPad Air shows the same kind of boost, which is just what we hoped for.

    So far, there are three test results for the M3 iPad Air, giving it an average multi-core score of 11,605. Compare that to the last iPad Air with the M2 chip, which scored 9,817 on average. That means the M3 is roughly 18% faster than the M2 in the iPad Air, based on these first numbers. That’s a pretty solid improvement!

    This is nice to see, but it’s not the big headline we’re waiting for. The real excitement will come when we find out how the M3 Ultra stacks up against the M4 Max chip. Those test scores should pop up soon, so keep an eye out for that update. For now, the M3 iPad Air is proving it’s a step up—faster and ready for whatever you throw at it. More speed news is on the way!

  • Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Apple’s first homemade modem, the C1 chip, is missing one big feature: mmWave 5G, the super-speedy version of 5G. While some might not mind—since not many phone companies use it yet—there’s a clear reason behind this choice.

    Building the C1 chip took years. You’d think Apple, with its knack for making amazing Mac chips that outshine Intel’s, could whip up a modem easily. But it’s not that simple. Mobile data tech is a tricky puzzle for three main reasons.

    First, every country has its own rules for mobile data, and a chip meant for the world has to work with all of them. Second, even in one country, phone companies tweak these rules differently, and Apple has to match each one. Third, the chip must handle not just today’s standards, like 5G, but also older ones like 4G, switching smoothly if the signal drops. That means supporting every version of every standard, old and new, everywhere.

    That’s why the C1’s spec list is a long one, covering tons of 5G bands, 4G types, and even older tech like GSM, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a lot to juggle! Apple had to make some tough calls with the C1. Rumors hinted at compromises, and they were right. The chip skips mmWave 5G and sticks to Wi-Fi 6 instead of jumping to Wi-Fi 7.

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the mmWave skip is about saving power. Apple brags that the C1 uses way less energy than the Qualcomm chips it replaces. Adding mmWave isn’t hard, but making it work well without draining the battery is a challenge. That’s why Apple left it out for now. The good news? Kuo says Apple is already working on a better C1 for next year. This updated version will tackle power use, boost speed, and finally add mmWave 5G support. So, faster 5G is coming—just not yet!

  • Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Big things are happening in the Apple world! Recently, Best Buy kicked off the first discount on the new M3 iPad Air. This tablet comes with a powerful chip, a sleek design, and now a lower price, making it a great time to grab one if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple has decided to stop selling the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. They’re clearing the way for newer stuff, so if you loved those laptops, they won’t be around much longer. On the flip side, Apple just launched a fresh MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a cool sky-blue color. It’s fast, stylish, and perfect for anyone wanting a modern laptop.

    That’s not all—Apple also unveiled the M3 Ultra chip, a super-strong processor for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. This new chip is powering the updated Mac Studio, which also offers an M4 Max option. These machines are built for people who need top performance, whether for work or creative projects.

    In other news, Qualcomm, a big tech company, bragged that its X85 modem beats Apple’s tech in speed and power. This could mean tougher competition for Apple’s devices down the road, especially for things like Internet speed on phones and tablets.

    From discounts to brand-new gadgets, Apple is keeping things exciting. Whether you’re after a deal on the M3 iPad Air or eyeing the shiny new MacBook Air in sky blue, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the M3 Ultra and Mac Studio upgrades, power users have plenty to cheer about. Stay tuned—Apple’s not slowing down anytime soon!

  • Why Apple’s fight for data privacy matters more than you think

    Why Apple’s fight for data privacy matters more than you think

    Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) is a tool that keeps your iCloud data super safe. Not many people used it before—most regular folks didn’t know about it, and only a few tech fans turned it on. But now, Apple’s battle with the UK government over this feature is a bigger deal than it looks. Here’s why it’s so important.

    The UK’s Big Move Against Privacy

    ADP locks up your iCloud info with something called end-to-end encryption. Only you can unlock it on your own devices—Apple can’t, and neither can anyone else, like the government. The UK wanted Apple to break this lock so they could peek at people’s data, not just in the UK but everywhere. That’s a huge overstep.

    Apple rolled out ADP in 2022, but it didn’t get much attention. It’s not on by default, so only super careful users switched it on—until this fight started.

    Apple’s Sneaky Way of Fighting Back

    The UK’s rules say Apple can’t tell anyone if they’re ordered to unlock ADP. So, Apple got smart. Instead of spilling the beans (which would be illegal), they just said, “Sorry, UK users, we’re pulling ADP from your country.” No explanation—just a big hint. Their message was loud and clear: “We won’t build a secret way into your data, and we never will.” They even took the issue to a special UK court, quietly challenging the order.

    From Quiet Feature to Front-Page News

    The UK and US are buddies in a group called Five Eyes, where they share secrets. Back in 2018, this group said privacy isn’t everything and pushed against strong encryption. However, the UK went too far, demanding access to everyone’s iCloud worldwide. Apple’s clever response got people talking—even in the US. American leaders like Tulsi Gabbard called out the UK for breaking trust. Suddenly, ADP isn’t just for tech nerds—it’s a hot topic.

    Why This Matters

    First, more people now understand how encryption keeps their stuff private. Second, governments see that secret demands won’t stay secret—Apple will find a way to let us know. Third, the US can’t easily try the same trick without looking silly after criticizing the UK. Apple’s not just taking on one country—it’s warning them all: your data stays safe with us.

  • Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    The latest tvOS 18.4 beta update has dropped some exciting clues about Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. People at MacRumors spotted something called the ChatKit framework in the tvOS code. This is interesting because neither Apple TV nor HomePod has a Messages app right now.

    The ChatKit feature in tvOS 18.4 brings things like reactions and alerts for iMessage tapbacks—think “John didn’t like this” or “Sara added a heart.” These don’t make sense for Apple TV or HomePod, which both use tvOS. But the new smart home hub, also running on tvOS, might use them.

    This “command center” Apple is working on could come with built-in apps, and Messages might be one of them. Since tvOS and iOS share some code, this ChatKit addition could just be a carryover from iOS. Still, it’s new to tvOS with this beta, so it’s worth paying attention to.

    Apple’s smart home device will be a control center for your connected gadgets. Beyond that, it’ll handle video calls, photo viewing, web browsing, music, news, and more. Picture a tiny iPad—just six inches wide—with a sleek, all-screen look. You could place it on a table or hang it on a wall, and it might pop up in multiple spots around your home. It’ll also have sensors to check the room’s temperature or notice when someone’s nearby.

    There’s no set launch date yet, but rumors point to sometime between April and September 2025. This little gadget could be a game-changer for Apple fans who want a smarter, more connected home. For now, the tvOS 18.4 beta is keeping us guessing about what’s next!

  • Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple has just rolled out the second test versions of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—for people who want to try them early. These public test versions let users check out new tools and features before they’re officially available. They arrived just a day after Apple shared the updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone and iPad

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates through the Settings app on their devices. You just need to join the testing group on Apple’s website first. The updates bring some cool stuff for iPhone and iPad users. There’s a feature called Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, which puts your most urgent alerts at the top. Plus, there’s a fun new Sketch option in Image Playground for all Apple Intelligence devices.

    For those who love food and news, Apple News+ subscribers get a fresh Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating ideas. You’ll also find a relaxing Ambient Music option in the Control Center. And now, iPad and Mac users can enjoy Mail Categorization, a handy tool that was once only on the iPhone.

    More Goodies in the Second Test Version

    The second test round adds new emoji characters to play with and introduces the Vision Pro app for iPhone users. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners also get Visual Intelligence, making the update even sweeter. Want to know everything these updates offer? Check out our simple iOS 18.4 features guide for the full scoop. With these test versions, Apple is letting everyday users help shape the future of its software—pretty exciting, right?

  • TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s recent $100 billion promise to boost its U.S. operations grabbed attention, but it left out key details—like whether this cash is really new or just old promises repackaged. Even more surprising, some experts think this move could actually slow down efforts to make Apple chips in America. Here’s why.

    Where Things Started

    Back in 2022, Apple shared exciting news: it wanted chips stamped “Made in the USA.” This tied into the U.S. CHIPS Act, a big push to bring tech jobs home. TSMC stepped up, planning factories in Arizona. Some of those chips were meant for older Apple gadgets.

    But the road’s been bumpy. The first factory was supposed to start cranking out chips last year, but that got delayed to 2024. People also wondered if raw chips made in the U.S. would still need to zip back to Taiwan for finishing touches—something called “packaging.” Plus, there were grumbles about jobs. TSMC brought in many workers from Taiwan, sparking claims it wasn’t fully supporting American workers.

    What’s Up with the $100 Billion?

    The Trump team hyped up this $100 billion plan before TSMC even confirmed it, making it sound fresh. But since Arizona factories were always part of the vision, it’s hard to tell if this is extra money or just the same budget with a new label.

    One fresh twist? TSMC now says it’ll build U.S. packaging plants. Before, they planned to hand that job to another company, Amkor. This might just mean shifting work around in the U.S., not adding much new.

    A Setback for Apple Chips?

    Here’s the catch: Apple needs cutting-edge chips, and TSMC’s best tech stays in Taiwan. The U.S. plants were already set to make older-style chips, lagging behind Taiwan’s top factories. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says this new deal scraps one of the more advanced U.S. plants. Instead, TSMC’s adding a packaging site and a research hub.

    That could mean fewer chips for even Apple’s older devices. Kuo also warns the $100 billion isn’t locked in—it’s “flexible,” so TSMC might adjust based on how things go. In short, this big announcement might sound great, but it could leave U.S.-made Apple chips stuck in the past.