Search results for: “Mini”

  • Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Five years ago, Apple shared big news at its 2020 WWDC event: it would start using its chips, called Apple silicon, in Macs, moving away from Intel processors. This change began with the M1 chip, which brought better speed and battery life to devices like the MacBook Air and Mac mini.

    Since then, Apple has rolled out newer chips, like the M4 and M5, making its computers faster and more efficient. The switch has been a game-changer, letting Apple control both the hardware and software for smoother performance.

    By June 2025, all new Macs will use Apple silicon, and older Intel-based Macs will stop getting full macOS updates after macOS Tahoe, though security updates will continue for a few years. In another update, Apple announced that Japan’s My Number Card can now be added to the Wallet app on iPhones running iOS 18.5 or later, starting with the iPhone XS.

    This digital ID lets users verify their identity or age at places like airports or stores without a physical card. It’s a step toward making life easier with contactless options, similar to how some U.S. states let residents add driver’s licenses to the Wallet app. This feature is rolling out slowly but shows Apple’s push to make the iPhone a one-stop tool for everyday needs. Both changes highlight Apple’s focus on improving its devices and making them more useful in daily life, whether through powerful chips or handy digital IDs.

  • Apple boosts Macs with AI chips and offers Apple Card perks

    Apple boosts Macs with AI chips and offers Apple Card perks

    Apple is making its Mac computers smarter by adding new chips designed for artificial intelligence (AI). These chips, part of the M4 series, help Macs handle complex tasks like video editing and data analysis faster. The upgraded Neural Engine in these chips powers Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that work directly on the device for better privacy.

    This means users can enjoy smoother performance for creative and professional work. The MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio already use M4 chips, with the Mac Pro expected to get an update by late 2025. These advancements make Macs ideal for both everyday users and professionals needing high performance.

    On another note, Apple Card holders in the U.S. can now enjoy a special offer: a three-month free trial of Uber One, valued at $30. This deal, available until July 31, 2025, gives users benefits like free delivery on Uber Eats orders over $15 and discounts on rides.

    To claim it, cardholders need to activate the offer through the Uber or Uber Eats app by June 30, 2025. This perk adds value for Apple Card users, making dining and travel more convenient. By combining powerful AI-driven Macs with exclusive Apple Card benefits, Apple continues to enhance user experiences in both technology and lifestyle.

  • iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19, its next major iPhone update, with a beta release expected in June 2025, shortly after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off on June 9. The official version will likely drop in September 2025, alongside new iPhones, though some features may trickle out later, possibly into 2026.

    iOS 19 will sport a bold new style inspired by the Vision Pro’s visionOS. Picture a glossy, transparent interface with smoother, curvier app icons and a floating navigation bar in apps. This makeover, the most significant since iOS 7, will also refresh iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, creating a seamless look across Apple’s ecosystem.

    Siri’s getting a major boost in iOS 19, powered by enhanced Apple Intelligence. It’ll dive deeper into your emails, photos, and apps, making tasks feel more intuitive. Some of Siri’s advanced tricks might not show up until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026. There’s also buzz about Google Gemini joining ChatGPT as an optional Siri assistant.

    Expect other perks like upgraded Stage Manager for USB-C iPhones, secure RCS texting, real-time translations via AirPods, and a smarter Health app with AI-powered wellness tips. iOS 19 should support iPhone 11 and later models. Post-WWDC, developers will dive into the beta, with a public beta opening up in the summer for eager testers.

  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone could wow with a smooth screen

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone could wow with a smooth screen

    Apple is gearing up to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, and it might come with a feature people have been dreaming about: a display without an annoying crease. This book-style phone, folding open like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, is expected to have a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen, roughly the size of an iPad mini when unfolded. The big deal? Apple is aiming to make the screen look perfectly smooth, tackling the crease problem that bothers users of other foldable devices.

    This isn’t a sudden idea. Over ten years ago, in 2014, Apple filed a patent for a hinge that creates a “gapless” fold, ensuring the screen stays sleek. That long-term effort shows Apple’s dedication to perfection. A crease-free display would make the iPhone Fold ideal for watching movies, gaming, or splitting the screen for multiple apps.

    Rumors suggest the foldable iPhone will be super slim, possibly using tech from the iPhone 17 Air to stay lightweight yet powerful. But this cutting-edge device might cost around $2,000, a premium price for a phone that doubles as a small tablet. Apple’s focus on quality could make the iPhone Fold a standout in the foldable world. By fixing the crease issue, they might raise the bar for what a foldable phone can be. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts!

  • Could you get cash from Apple’s Siri settlement?

    Could you get cash from Apple’s Siri settlement?

    Apple has settled a $95 million lawsuit over claims that its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private conversations without user consent. If you owned a Siri-enabled device, you might be eligible for a small payout. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that Siri accidentally captured personal talks, which were then used to serve targeted ads for products like shoes or restaurants mentioned in those conversations.

    The settlement applies to U.S. residents who owned or bought a Siri-enabled device, such as an iPhone or iPad, between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. If you believe Siri recorded your private chats without permission, you can file a claim. Eligible users may receive up to $20 per device, for a maximum of five devices, meaning a possible payout of up to $100. However, the final amount depends on how many people apply and after legal fees and other costs are deducted.

    Apple denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the case. If you’re eligible, check your email for a notice titled “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement.” The email will guide you on how to submit a claim. With the settlement fund reduced by administrative and attorney costs, the payout per person may be modest, but it’s worth checking if you qualify.

  • Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple is collaborating with Anthropic to develop a new AI-driven coding tool named “CodeFlow,” as reported by Bloomberg. This innovative software is designed to assist developers by generating, refining, and testing code seamlessly. Integrated into an enhanced version of Apple’s Xcode platform, CodeFlow leverages Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, renowned for its exceptional coding capabilities.

    Currently, Apple intends to use CodeFlow internally to streamline its development process. There’s no confirmation yet on whether it will be released to the public. The tool features a conversational interface, enabling programmers to request code samples or troubleshoot errors effortlessly.

    It also supports testing app interfaces, speeding up the creation process significantly. Apple is actively partnering with multiple AI firms to advance its tech offerings. For instance, OpenAI’s ChatGPT enhances some of Apple’s AI functions, and there’s talk of integrating Google’s Gemini later.

    Anthropic’s Claude is a favorite among coders, widely used on platforms like Cursor and Windsurf for its reliability in programming tasks. This collaboration underscores Apple’s commitment to leading in AI innovation, as competitors increasingly adopt similar tools to boost efficiency.

    Through this partnership with Anthropic, Apple is set to revolutionize its coding workflow and may eventually extend CodeFlow to external developers. This effort reflects the growing role of AI in transforming software development, making it faster and more accessible for creators everywhere.

  • iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    Apple’s next big update, iOS 19, set to arrive in 2025, might shake things up by adding artificial intelligence tools from other companies to iPhones. Sources suggest Apple is exploring ways to include various AI systems, letting users tap into more than just Apple’s tech.

    Currently, iOS 18 lets users interact with OpenAI’s ChatGPT alongside Siri for answering questions or tackling tasks. With iOS 19, Apple could broaden this by adding AI models like Google’s Gemini or offerings from firms like Anthropic.

    This would give iPhone users the freedom to pick AI tools that best suit their needs, whether it’s for writing, problem-solving, or organizing their day. By blending these external AI systems with Apple’s apps and features, iPhones could become more versatile and tailored to individual preferences.

    While Apple continues to develop its own AI, known as Apple Intelligence, including outside tools could make the user experience more dynamic and powerful. These plans are still unconfirmed, and Apple might share more at its WWDC event in June 2025, with a likely release in September. If the rumors hold, iOS 19 could redefine how AI enhances iPhones, offering users smarter, more diverse features.

  • Apple plans to reveal Foldable iPhone details soon, but launch may take time

    Apple plans to reveal Foldable iPhone details soon, but launch may take time

    Apple is getting closer to sharing its plans for a foldable iPhone. According to a report from The Elec, Apple might reveal some early details about its foldable device by the end of 2025. However, it seems the actual launch will take longer, possibly until 2027.

    The foldable iPhone is expected to have a large 7- to 8-inch screen, similar to a small iPad mini when opened. Apple is reportedly working on two versions of the device, both using OLED displays. Right now, Samsung Display and LG Display are helping Apple with these new screen designs.

    The company is still making changes to the product because they want it to be very thin and light, even with the folding mechanism. Apple is also thinking about a foldable iPad separately, but it looks like the iPhone version is getting more attention first.

    Earlier rumors said Apple might launch a foldable device in 2026, but new reports suggest the project is more complicated and will need extra time. Apple is known for taking longer to perfect its designs, so it’s no surprise they aren’t rushing.

    While fans might have to wait a bit longer, the foldable iPhone is definitely in development, and it could be one of Apple’s most exciting products in the coming years.

     

  • Why a made-in-USA iPhone is not a realistic idea

    Why a made-in-USA iPhone is not a realistic idea

    The idea of creating an iPhone entirely in the U.S. seems appealing, but remains impractical, despite continuous discussions around it. Even though Apple has explained multiple times why it’s not feasible, the dream of a made-in-USA iPhone refuses to fade.

    The Financial Times recently addressed why this idea isn’t realistic. They emphasized the 2,700 individual components in each iPhone, with many parts involving separate smaller pieces that aren’t easily seen. Apple’s iPhone parts are produced across 700 different production sites, but only 30 suppliers are based outside China. This is a huge issue. The Chinese suppliers are located close together and collaborate closely, a system that took decades to build. Recreating such a complex network in the U.S. would take just as long, if not longer.

    While some iPhone parts, like display glass and Face ID lasers, are made in the U.S., much of the rest, including touchscreen elements, comes from South Korea and is assembled in China. The process is too intricate and spread out globally to be moved to a single location without serious complications.

    Additionally, moving production to the U.S. makes little political sense, particularly with changing administrations. As Andy Tsay, a professor at Santa Clara University, points out, investing in long-term changes is difficult when policies shift every four years. Even if Apple considered such a move, it wouldn’t happen before the current presidency ends, making it an impractical decision.

  • Apple rolls out second public beta for iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and more

    Apple rolls out second public beta for iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and more

    Apple has released the second public beta of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and tvOS 18.5. This comes a day after the developer beta was made available. If you’re signed up for Apple’s public beta program, you can now try out these updates on your devices.

    iOS 18.5 doesn’t bring major new features, but there are a few small changes. The Apple Books app now lets users follow their favorite authors, helping them discover new books more easily. Apple News+ has added a new “Quartiles” game, continuing the trend of daily puzzles like Crossword and Mini Crossword. These features are only available in selected regions.

    These updates are likely being tested as Apple prepares for its next big software reveal at WWDC 2025 in June. iOS 19 and other next-gen platforms will be introduced then, with final releases expected in the fall. Until then, iOS 18.5 and similar updates focus on small improvements and bug fixes.

    The beta is free to download for anyone enrolled in Apple’s beta program. Just go to the Settings app, choose General, then tap Software Update. Make sure your device is backed up before installing, since beta versions can still have bugs.

    More updates and changes might appear in upcoming betas before the final release.