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Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

Combining Chips for the Future

Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

Apple recently made changes to its support page for a new tool that lets users move purchases between Apple Accounts. The EU and UK are no longer left out, meaning people there can now use it. The only place still missing out is India, where the tool isn’t available yet.

This purchase transfer tool came out earlier this month. It helps shift purchases, like apps or iTunes goodies, from one Apple Account to another. To use it, you need an iPhone or iPad signed into two accounts at once—one for iCloud and another for the App Store.

For some folks, this tool has worked like a charm. They’ve successfully moved their App Store and iTunes buys to the account they like better. Sadly, I’m not one of them. Still, I’ve managed with two accounts for 15 years—what’s a few more, right?

Anyway, if you’re in the EU or UK, you can now give this a shot. The support page lays out all the steps and rules you need to follow to make it work. It’s got a bunch of details, so check it out if you’re thinking of switching things over. The tool’s a handy option for anyone wanting to tidy up their accounts or bring everything under one roof. Just be ready to jump through a few hoops to get it done!

We’ve been using smart home gadgets for a long time—over ten years. I wasn’t around for the super early stuff like X.10, but I got into HomeKit as soon as it arrived in my part of the world. Still, a recent hassle with something as basic as swapping out a dead light bulb showed me how much work is left before regular folks will embrace this tech.

A few days ago, one of my Philips Hue bulbs stopped working. It was pretty old—maybe ten years—and had been moved between lamps a few times, so I wasn’t shocked it gave out. No big deal, I figured. I’d grab a new one, pop it in, and be back in action fast. The bulb showed up. I opened the Home app, picked the room, hit the “+” button, and chose “Add Accessory.” A window popped up asking me to scan a code.

I sort of remembered scanning a barcode last time, but now it wanted a QR code. I aimed my phone at the tiny QR code on the bulb. The app tried hard, flashing little white boxes all over the screen, but nothing worked. I got super close—still no luck. I pulled back—nothing.

The bulb came in a twin-pack with a quick-start guide, but it only had one QR code. I tried scanning that. Same problem. At this point, I sighed, dug out the Hue app, plugged the bulb into the lamp, and let that app find it before adding it to Home. It worked, but it hit me: I’ve never had a smooth, simple setup with smart home stuff. It’s always a struggle—like I need to bribe the tech gods to make it cooperate.

This is the mess Apple’s HomeKit was supposed to fix but hasn’t. If Apple wants everyday people to jump into smart homes, it’s got to sort this out. They know it’s an issue, too. Years ago, a patent showed they’re thinking about devices that set themselves up—you’d just say “yes” to finish it. Imagine cameras using Apple’s smarts to map your house, spot your couch or stove, name the rooms, and hook up your gadgets automatically.

Picture this: You plug a new bulb into your living room lamp. The system goes, “Oh, this is in the living room lamp that used to be ‘Living Room Table Lamp.’ I’ll name it that and add it to your setups.”

Or if it’s a new lamp, it might say, “This looks like a dining room floor lamp—sound good? Want it in your other scenes?” Apple could start with its gear, but they should also share this idea with the Matter standard folks. They’ve done nice things like that before, like with MagSafe and Qi2. If they pull this off, swapping a smart bulb could finally be as easy as screwing in a regular one.

Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.