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Search results for: “Apple”

  • India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

    India, a Growing Hub for Apple

    India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

    Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

    New Tax Benefits

    The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

    During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

    This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

    Source

  • Discover your 2025 music journey with Apple Music replay

    Discover your 2025 music journey with Apple Music replay

    The latest Apple Music Replay playlist for 2025 is now ready for you to check out. Many users have noticed that this year’s Replay playlist has appeared in their music collections today.

    Apple Music Replay keeps track of your favorite songs, albums, and artists all year long. This playlist isn’t static; it changes throughout the year, giving you a glimpse of your music tastes up to the current month. By December, you’ll have a complete summary of your year in music.

    This feature is great for Apple Music fans because it lets you keep tabs on your music habits as the year goes by. Currently, the Replay ’25 playlist shows your listening trends from January 2025, and it will keep updating as the year moves forward.

    To find your Replay playlist, just go to the bottom of the Home screen in your Apple Music app. Once you see the playlist card, you can tap it and save it to your Library for quick access later. It will refresh itself with your most recent listening activities.

    For more insights, you can visit the Apple Music Replay website. There, you can see stats like how many minutes you’ve listened, who your top artists and albums are, and if you’ve hit any listening milestones. These details will grow with each passing month, starting from January 2025.

    Source

  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

  • Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Imagine if you could swap your cramped, noisy office for a serene, inspiring place with just a twist of a dial. That’s what Apple Vision Pro offers with its immersive environments. You can escape from your everyday surroundings into places like the majestic Mount Hood or even the Moon.

    However, while Bora Bora’s beaches are great for relaxation, they don’t exactly scream productivity. I’d love to see Apple introduce settings like bustling libraries or lively cafés next.

    Picture this: you’re in a lackluster, noisy room, trying to focus on your work. With a simple turn of the Digital Crown, you’re now in the historic Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library. Need a more intense focus? How about being in the heart of NASA’s Mission Control Room in Houston?

    For those working solo and craving some creative spark, imagine setting up in the famous Café de Flore in Paris. Or, if you focus better with the hum of a crowd, try the vibrant Akihabara District in Tokyo.

    These virtual spaces could turn any dull office into an inspiring workspace. Of course, nothing beats being in these locations, but with spatial computing, you can enjoy the ambiance of a library or café right from where you are.

    Right now, many apps provide similar background scenes, but Apple’s system-level environments mean you can remain in your chosen setting while using multiple apps without interruption. This could be a game-changer for how we work and where we choose to work from.

  • Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    We’ve had a quiet start to 2025 with Apple products, with the only big news being the launch of the Black Unity Sport Loop. But spring is just around the corner, and Apple is gearing up to release five significant new gadgets.

    New iPhone SE

    The iPhone SE is set for its most substantial update since its introduction in 2016. This new model, possibly named the iPhone 16E, will ditch the home button for a modern look like the iPhone 14. It will also be the first iPhone to use Apple’s modem instead of Qualcomm’s, and it will switch to a USB-C port. This could be a game-changer for budget iPhone users.

    New iPad

    The entry-level iPad, which hasn’t been updated in over two years, is expected to get a boost with support for Apple Intelligence. Featuring the A17 Pro chip, this update will keep the same look but enhance performance significantly.

    M4 MacBook Air

    The MacBook Air is getting a minor update with the new M4 chip. While there won’t be many changes beyond this new processor, it might come sooner than expected, possibly before spring. This could mean faster and more efficient computing for users.

    Updated iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an update, adopting the M3 chip. Alongside, there might be a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, enhancing its usability as a laptop alternative.

    Apple’s New Smart Home Display

    Apple is entering the smart home market with a new display product, tentatively called ‘HomePad’. This device will have a 7-inch screen, can be mounted on a wall or attached to speakers, and will integrate with Apple Intelligence for smarter home control.

    Wrapping Up

    Beyond these, an updated AirTag with a new ultra-wideband chip is on the horizon. However, updates for products like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro won’t arrive until mid-2025. Additionally, iOS 18.4 is expected in spring, introducing the last of the new Apple Intelligence features from WWDC24, including an improved Siri. These updates promise to make spring 2025 an exciting time for Apple fans looking for both performance and design enhancements.

  • Changes to AppleCare+: No more long-term plans in stores

    Changes to AppleCare+: No more long-term plans in stores

    Apple is making some changes to how you can buy AppleCare+. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, starting next week, you won’t be able to buy a two or three-year AppleCare+ plan at Apple’s physical stores or directly on your device.

    This means if you’re buying a new device in an Apple store, you’ll only have the choice between a monthly or yearly subscription for AppleCare+, not a one-time payment for several years of coverage.

    Gurman also hints that in the future, even buying these longer plans on your device might not be an option anymore. This would affect everyone who doesn’t get their AppleCare plan right when they buy their device.

    However, there’s a silver lining. If you’re okay with buying online, you can still get those two to three-year plans at the time you purchase your device.

    It looks like Apple is moving towards making all AppleCare+ plans subscription-based. But for now, if you want to pay upfront for longer coverage, you’ll need to do it online at the time of device purchase.

    For example, with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can still opt for a three-year AppleCare+ plan for $279 upfront, which is a bit cheaper than paying $99.99 each year for three years. So, if you prefer the upfront payment for peace of mind, keep an eye out for these changes and consider buying online when you get your next Apple product.

  • Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple is reportedly gearing up to add support for PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, according to tech journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This exciting news follows months of collaboration between Apple and Sony, which was first mentioned back in December.

    The partnership aims to introduce the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to Vision Pro users. Apple has been in talks with Sony for quite some time and has also been engaging with game developers to ensure these controllers can be used in their games. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience on Vision Pro by offering more precise control options.

    Gurman suggests that this feature is still on track for release and is expected to come with an upcoming software update, potentially part of visionOS 3. This update would not only benefit gamers but also allow users to navigate the operating system more accurately.

    While this move could make playing games on Vision Pro more enjoyable, it’s not yet clear if it will lead to a broader selection of games or increase sales. Currently, you can’t buy these PlayStation VR controllers on their own from Sony, which might affect how quickly this feature can take off once it’s available.

    This project marks a significant step for Apple in improving the utility and appeal of the Vision Pro, blending the best of both companies’ technologies to enrich user interaction in virtual spaces.

    Source

  • Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

    This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

    Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

    We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

  • A Simple Guide to Apple One: Why a student plan could work

    A Simple Guide to Apple One: Why a student plan could work

    Apple One, which came out in 2020, makes it easy for Apple lovers to sign up for several services at once with a good discount. Right now, there are three levels: Individual, Family, and Premier.

    Current Apple One Levels

    • Individual: For $19.95 each month, you get Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage.
    • Family: At $26.95 a month, you get 200GB of iCloud+ storage, and you can share everything with your family.
    • Premier: For $37.95 monthly, this gives you Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and a big 2TB of iCloud+ storage.

    These options work well, but I think there’s a chance to do something even better by adding a tier for students.

    Why Students?

    Apple already offers a student discount for Apple Music, which is usually $10.99 but drops to $5.99 for students. Plus, students get Apple TV+ for free as long as they keep the student subscription. This shows Apple knows how to attract students with deals.

    The Idea: Apple One for Students

    We could imagine an Apple One Student plan. It would be like the Individual plan but cheaper. Students could enjoy iCloud+ for their files and photos, and Apple Arcade for some fun gaming, in addition to the music and TV they already get with their student perks.

    If we look at the 45% discount on Apple Music for students, an Apple One Student plan might be around $10.95 a month. This would be a great way for Apple to get more young users interested in their services.

    After students finish school or after five years (whichever comes first), they might keep using Apple One because they’re already used to the benefits. This could be a win-win situation for both Apple and the students.

    In summary, while Apple One is already a solid choice for many, adding a student tier could make it even better, helping Apple grow its user base among younger people while giving students great value for money.

  • 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.

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