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  • Apple beats lawsuit over iCloud storage pricing

    Apple beats lawsuit over iCloud storage pricing

    For many iPhone users, iCloud storage is a tricky topic. The free 5GB plan often feels too small, but paying monthly for extra space isn’t everyone’s favorite choice. Recently, Apple faced a lawsuit in the US about how it handles iCloud pricing, but a judge threw the case out.

    Judge Tosses Out Claims Against Apple

    According to Mike Scarcella at Reuters, a lawsuit accusing Apple of unfairly controlling the digital storage market and overcharging for iCloud was dismissed. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee in San Jose, California, ruled that the people suing Apple didn’t prove the company broke any federal or state competition laws. She did, however, give them a chance to rewrite and resubmit their case.

    The lawsuit claimed Apple forced iPhone users into using iCloud by making it the only option for backing up important data, like device settings. The people suing said this gave Apple too much control, letting it charge higher prices for storage. Apple strongly disagreed with these accusations.

    Why the Case Didn’t Hold Up

    Judge Lee wasn’t convinced by the arguments. She pointed out that if Apple’s prices were so high, other companies would jump in to offer cheaper options and steal customers. She also said there’s no proof that users have to buy iCloud storage or that Apple unfairly dominates the cloud storage world.

    What This Means

    From my view, this ruling suggests Apple’s iCloud plans—like the free 5GB tier and the paid options—aren’t going anywhere soon. The company came out on top this time, and unless the lawsuit gets a major redo, things will likely stay the same for iPhone users.

  • 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.

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple has just shared the second test versions (betas) of new software updates with developers. These updates include visionOS 2.4 for Vision Pro, tvOS 18.4 for Apple TV, watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Mac, and iOS 18.4 for iPhone. This comes two weeks after the first test versions were released. Developers can grab these updates through the Settings app on each device if they’re signed up with Apple.

    The Vision Pro’s visionOS 2.4 update stands out because it adds Apple Intelligence features for the first time. These include tools for writing, creating custom emojis, making memory videos, editing images, sorting notifications, and connecting with ChatGPT. There’s also a new Spatial Gallery app showing off cool 3D videos, photos, and panoramas from artists and creators.

    Plus, a Vision Pro app for iPhone lets users manage their headset, find apps, and add stuff to a watch list. With iOS 18.4, your iPhone can set up a Guest Mode for Vision Pro, letting others try it easily while you control what they see. These updates will launch fully in early April.

    For Mac users, macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings a smarter Mail app that sorts emails into categories like deals, news, and important messages. Apple News+ fans get a new food section with recipes and restaurant stories, while Photos gains memory video options. Apple Intelligence also adds support for more languages. This update will roll out in early April, too.

    On the iPhone side, iOS 18.4 beta now works on iPhone 12 models and the new iPhone 16e after fixing a glitch that caused some devices to freeze. It also brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models—a feature that uses the camera to explain objects or places around you.

    New emojis like tired eyes, a shovel, and a fingerprint are included too, along with quick Apple Intelligence shortcuts in Control Center. These updates show Apple’s focus on making devices smarter and easier to use. Full releases are planned for early April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the changes soon!

  • Tim Cook hints at exciting Apple reveal this week: ‘Something Fresh Is Coming’

    Tim Cook hints at exciting Apple reveal this week: ‘Something Fresh Is Coming’

    Today, Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, shared a fun update on social media. He posted a quick video on X with the words, “There’s something in the air,” teasing a new product drop this week.

    A New MacBook Air Is on the Way

    This sneaky hint points to a fresh MacBook Air announcement soon. Word is, it’ll run on a shiny new M4 chip and keep the same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes as the current version.

    The M4 chip is set to bring some cool upgrades. Right now, the MacBook Air tops out at 24GB of memory, but the new one might jump to 32 GB. It’s also expected to have faster performance, two extra CPU cores, and a sharper 12MP Center Stage camera.

    Plus, the M4 MacBook Air will handle external screens better. The M3 version can run two extra displays, but only if the laptop’s lid is shut. The new model will let you use two external screens and the built-in display at the same time—similar to the basic M4 MacBook Pro.

    Could an iPad Air Join the Party?

    Apple might also unveil a new iPad Air this spring. Bloomberg says the MacBook Air update is up first, but Mark Gurman hinted today that a double reveal—iPad Air and MacBook Air—could happen. This makes sense since iPad Air stock is running low.

    Keep an eye on 9to5Mac for all the juicy details about Apple’s big news this week. Fun fact: the “something in the air” line isn’t new! Apple used it way back in 2008 when they launched the very first MacBook Air. Nostalgia, anyone?

  • iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    Apple is testing iOS 18.4 right now, and it’s full of cool new stuff. But according to Mark Gurman, the next update, iOS 18.5, will tackle two of Apple’s biggest AI challenges: a smarter Siri and AI features for China.

    What’s Coming in iOS 18.5, According to Gurman

    In his Power On newsletter, Gurman talked about iOS 18.4’s features before hinting at what’s next. He says iOS 18.5 will bring the exciting stuff—like a supercharged Siri that Apple showed off last summer and AI tools for users in China. Normally, a late update like this doesn’t get big changes, but iOS 18.5 is different with two major upgrades.

    A Smarter Siri

    Siri’s big makeover is finally happening. It’ll do all the fancy things Apple promised at WWDC last year—stuff people thought would already be here after seeing the ads. For example, Siri will handle tons of new tasks inside apps and even between them. That means you can ask it to do things by voice instead of tapping around.

    Another neat trick? Siri will see what’s on your screen and help based on that. Plus, it’ll know more about you—like your recent meetings, messages, or places you’ve been. Ask it anything about your life, and Siri will answer like a real helper. Apple’s been tweaking Siri bit by bit, but iOS 18.5 should make it feel brand new.

    AI Features in China

    This won’t affect everyone, but it’s huge for Apple. In China, local phone brands already have their own AI tools, putting pressure on Apple. Bringing Apple Intelligence to China with iOS 18.5 is a must to keep up. iPhone sales there have been slow lately, though Tim Cook says not to panic. He’s hopeful because where AI features are live, sales are better. So, this update could give iPhones a big lift in China.

    When Will iOS 18.5 Arrive?

    Gurman thinks iOS 18.5 will roll out around May, though it might slip to June since iOS 18.4 hits in April. Either way, Apple wants it ready before WWDC 2025 starts. These changes could be a game-changer for Siri fans and Apple’s China market!

  • Apple park’s colorful arches are coming back stronger

    Apple park’s colorful arches are coming back stronger

    The bright rainbow arches that once framed the Apple Park Stage are no longer there, as shown in recent Google Maps satellite photos. These arches were a familiar sight in Apple’s keynote videos, so their removal caught many by surprise. However, word is they’re not gone for good—Apple is reportedly planning to rebuild them, this time to last forever.

    Back in May 2019, Jony Ive, a key figure at Apple, shared the vision for these arches in a message to employees. He wrote that the goal was to design a stage that screamed “Apple” the moment you saw it. The rainbow idea clicked right away for a few reasons. It tied back to the classic rainbow logo that’s been part of Apple’s story for years. Plus, it’s a cheerful symbol of the company’s belief in bringing people together. Ive also loved how the arches’ curved shape echoed the circular design of Apple Park itself. He said it’s tough to find anyone who doesn’t smile at a rainbow.

    The stage itself was always meant to be temporary—set up and taken down for big events—while the arches stayed put. Now, Gabriel Iglesias from Ibsix has a hunch they’ll return soon. His take? The original arches weren’t built to last forever and were made with temporary use. But they’ve grown into such a beloved landmark that Apple might want them to stick around for good. The plan seems to be crafting a tougher, sturdier version.

    So, while the rainbow arches are missing for now, it looks like they’re gearing up for a big comeback—ready to shine as a permanent part of Apple Park’s landscape. Fans of the colorful design can likely look forward to seeing them again, bolder and better than before.

  • Could an Apple camera lens boost your iPhone photos?

    Could an Apple camera lens boost your iPhone photos?

    Xiaomi has built its name by mimicking Apple’s ideas, but recently, it’s come up with a few tricks I’d love to see Apple borrow. First, it wowed us with the sleek look of its 15 Ultra phone. Now, it’s teasing a cool concept that could inspire an awesome Apple Camera Lens add-on for iPhones.

    My iPhone is my go-to camera. Why? It’s always in my pocket. A few years back, it even became my main camera for trips. Sure, I still grab a standalone camera for special photo outings or unique destinations worth the extra gear. But Xiaomi’s latest idea might just bridge the gap perfectly.

    Smartphone cameras have tiny sensors and small plastic lenses, which limit their quality. Xiaomi’s fix? A real camera lens with a big sensor that snaps onto your phone magnetically. You’d still use the built-in lenses for quick shots, but for top-notch photos, this add-on turns your phone into something like a lightweight mirrorless camera—smaller and easier to carry than a separate one.

    Simon Hill from Wired tested a working version and loved it. He tried a Xiaomi 35-mm f/1.4 lens paired with a 100-megapixel sensor—way bigger than anything in phones today. It has a flexible aperture, perfect for dim lighting. Hill said it attached like a MagSafe wallet and felt like using a real camera, with sharp results to match.

    It comes with an autofocus motor—just tap the screen to pick your focus. Plus, there’s a physical ring for hands-on adjustments. In Pro mode, it worked as smoothly as the phone’s regular camera, letting Hill focus on objects near and far for a soft, natural background blur. We don’t know if Xiaomi will sell this lens, but I’m sold on the idea. Imagine Apple teaming up with Nikon, Canon, or Sony to make one for iPhones. It’d be a game-changer for phone photography!

  • Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is gearing up to reveal new products, maybe as soon as next week. Among them are a shiny new M4 MacBook Air, plus updated iPad Air and basic iPad models. The MacBook Air news is super close, while the iPads might take a bit longer.

    What’s Coming This Spring?

    After the iPhone 16e hit the scene, everyone’s buzzing about what Apple’s got next. Rumors point to a spruced-up iPad Air, a new iPad 11, and an M4 MacBook Air—all due for a fresh look soon.
    Gurman notes that stores are running low on the current basic iPad and M2 iPad Air. That’s a big hint that new versions are on the way. We saw the same thing with the iPhone SE 3 stock before the iPhone 16e dropped.

    Here’s a quick recap: The iPad 11 should get a boost with the A17 Pro chip, making it Apple’s budget-friendly option with Apple Intelligence. The iPad Air might see some inside upgrades, like an M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard.

    When Will We See Them?

    All these goodies are set to roll out this spring, though some will pop up sooner. Gurman predicts a Mac announcement could hit as early as next week—probably the M4 MacBook Air. The iPad updates are coming too, but don’t expect them in the next few days, per his latest scoop.

  • Apple pushes back big Siri reveal for iOS 19

    Apple pushes back big Siri reveal for iOS 19

    Last year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared that Apple was working on a friendlier, chattier Siri for iOS 19.4, powered by smarter tech called “large language models.” But in his latest Power On newsletter, he says this upgrade, meant to rival ChatGPT, is falling behind inside Apple.

    What’s Happening with iOS 19?

    Gurman explained that Apple won’t show off this talkative Siri at WWDC 2025 in June as planned. It also won’t be ready for iOS 19.4, expected around March or April next year. Instead, some engineers at Apple now think this big Siri update might not come until iOS 20.

    • This delay hints that Apple is still playing catch-up to companies like OpenAI in the AI race.
    • Even so, Gurman believes iOS 19 will bring small tweaks to Siri’s core setup, helping it tackle trickier questions.

    What’s Coming Soon?

    While waiting, iOS 18.2 has already added a ChatGPT boost to Siri. Later updates should bring Google Gemini into the mix too. Meanwhile, iOS 18.5, due in May, will give Siri new tricks—like noticing what’s on your screen, understanding you better, and controlling apps more deeply. These were supposed to hit with iOS 18.4, but the shift shows Apple’s ongoing struggles to keep up its timeline.

  • Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    For years in the 2000s and 2010s, Apple sold Wi-Fi routers called AirPort base stations. They came in three types: the basic AirPort Express, the fancier AirPort Extreme with extra networking tricks, and the AirPort Time Capsule, which also worked as a backup drive for Macs using Time Machine. Apple stopped making these routers in 2018, but there’s a chance they might come back in a surprising form.

    In December, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared that Apple is working on a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This chip will show up in updated Apple TV and HomePod mini devices later this year. He says it’s so powerful that it could turn these gadgets into Wi-Fi hotspots. But don’t get too excited yet—it’s not certain Apple will go that route.

    Apple seems eager to grow in the smart home world. Rumors suggest they’re building a brand-new smart home hub for release this year. There’s also talk of a HomeKit smart camera that pairs with the hub, creating a simple home security setup. If future Apple TVs or HomePods could act as Wi-Fi routers, too, that’d be another win for Apple in the smart home game.

    Gurman says this new chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, a step up from the Wi-Fi 5 in the last AirPort models. However, analyst Jeff Pu thinks it might even handle Wi-Fi 7, which is even faster. For now, it’s unclear if Apple TV and HomePod will turn into routers. Still, Apple is cooking up tech that could make it happen. Whether they bring back the AirPort idea in this fresh way, only time will tell.

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