Search results for: “Mini”

  • New iPhone 17 Pro camera design leaked

    New iPhone 17 Pro camera design leaked

    A new leak shows that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro might feature an innovative camera setup. According to the popular YouTube channel “Tech Updates,” the phone will have three back cameras, but this time, they’ll be inside a new, rectangular camera bar with rounded edges.

    In the latest video from “Tech Updates,” host Mike Johnson explains that this camera bar will be much bigger than what we’ve seen in earlier leaks. The cameras will sit on the left side of the bar, and on the right, you’ll find the LED flash, a microphone, and the LiDAR Scanner, all stacked up.

    Johnson also mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a unique two-tone look, where the camera bar seems darker than the phone’s back panel.

    While it’s not clear if this new design offers any advantages or if it’s just for looks, it certainly changes the phone’s appearance. Johnson claims his information comes from several people who know about the iPhone 17 Pro’s design, and he’s seen the phone himself.

    He suggests that this new camera setup might also appear on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though he didn’t confirm it. There’s also talk of an “iPhone 17 Lite” model with a similar bar but only one camera. It’s uncertain if this design will make it to the basic iPhone 17, but it would make sense for Apple to keep things uniform across the lineup.

    Other brands like Google have camera bars on their phones too, like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but their cameras are lined up horizontally.

    Mike Johnson has been sharing tech news for years and has had both successes and failures with his predictions. He famously revealed details about the AirTag and iPad mini 6 well before they were launched. However, not all his predictions have been spot-on, like the flat-edged Apple Watch Series 7 rumor.

    Recently, Johnson hinted that iOS 19 might bring a new look to the Camera app, inspired by visionOS, with clear and semi-transparent menus. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 series in September, and we’re likely to hear more about the design before that.

  • TikTok back on Apple’s App Store

    TikTok back on Apple’s App Store

    TikTok is once again available for download on iPhones from the App Store. This update comes after a brief absence, allowing users to reinstall the app and keep it updated. According to Bloomberg, the return of TikTok was prompted by a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, though the details of this letter remain undisclosed.

    Apple had previously taken TikTok off the U.S. App Store on January 18, right before a new law banning the app took effect on January 19.

    This law, known as the Act to Protect Americans from Apps Controlled by Foreign Adversaries, was passed in April 2024. It gave TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app to a company outside of China. ByteDance argued that the law was against the U.S. Constitution and free speech rights, but the courts, including the Supreme Court, disagreed.

    President Donald Trump briefly paused the enforcement of this law for 90 days, but Apple didn’t bring TikTok back to the App Store during this period. Apple explained in a notice that they must comply with the laws of the countries they operate in.

    Even though the Department of Justice (DoJ) wasn’t actively enforcing the law, it was still in effect, and Apple likely worried about potential legal issues. However, recent assurances from the DoJ that Apple wouldn’t face repercussions for allowing TikTok downloads seem to have changed their stance.

    Despite being off the App Store for a month, TikTok continued to work for users who already had it installed.

    The Trump administration is now looking to arrange a sale of TikTok to an American company, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading the charge. However, the Chinese government has stated they will not permit the sale, adding complexity to the negotiations, especially with new tariffs on Chinese goods recently announced by Trump.

    Note: Given the political context of this topic, the discussion is hosted in our Political News forum. Everyone can read the thread, but only members with over 100 posts can contribute.

    Source

  • Apple Event coming up next week

    Apple Event coming up next week

    Next Wednesday, on February 19, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a hint on social media about an exciting “launch.”

    “Get ready to welcome a new addition to our lineup,” he posted, accompanied by the hashtag #AppleLaunch.

    While Tim didn’t specify when exactly this launch would happen or give any concrete details, the post has sparked curiosity. Tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg thinks this could be the reveal of a new iPhone SE. He had earlier mentioned that we might see this phone by next week, boasting features like an A18 chip, a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a USB-C port, and support for Apple Intelligence.

    Apart from the iPhone, there’s buzz about other gadgets. People are talking about new MacBook Air, iPad Air, and basic iPad models coming out soon. There’s also chatter about new products like an updated AirTag and a fresh smart home hub expected later this year.

    Since Cook’s message feels more like a teaser than an event announcement, any new product news will likely come through press releases on the Apple Newsroom site. But, we might also see announcement videos on YouTube, similar to how Apple introduced new iMacs, Mac minis, and MacBook Pros with M4 chips last October.

    We’ll know more in just six days!

  • Apple now sells used M4 Macs at lower prices

    Apple now sells used M4 Macs at lower prices

    Apple has recently started selling refurbished MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with M4 chips in several countries including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. This is the first time these models have been available in Apple’s refurbished store since they were released in October 2024.

    M4 Mac mini with a Blue Light

    In addition, you can find some refurbished MacBook Pro models with M4 chips in Europe, in countries like Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and a few others. These refurbished Macs are cheaper, about 15% less than buying them new from Apple’s website. However, the stock changes a lot, and sometimes you might see the “buy” button isn’t working for certain models in some places. If you want a specific model, you’ll need to check back regularly.

    Apple hasn’t started selling refurbished iMacs with M4 chips yet in any country. Every refurbished Mac comes with all the usual stuff in the box. For the MacBook Pro, you get a USB-C charger and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. The Mac mini includes its power cord. Apple claims they test each refurbished Mac completely, clean it thoroughly, and check it carefully. They also come with Apple’s one-year warranty, and you can buy extra protection with AppleCare+.

    From what we’ve seen, these refurbished Macs from Apple look and work almost the same as new ones, offering a great chance to save money while still buying from Apple. However, if you’re looking for even bigger savings, checking out sellers like Amazon might give you better deals on Macs.

  • Trump picks Apple exec for road safety chief

    Trump picks Apple exec for road safety chief

    President Trump has chosen an executive from Apple to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Jonathan Morrison, who is not the well-known tech YouTuber, was previously the chief legal advisor for the NHTSA during Trump’s first term. He has been working at Apple since 2021.

    According to the Senate:

    Jonathan Morrison, from California, has been nominated to become the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, replacing Steven Scott Cliff who stepped down. The nomination was announced just yesterday and will be reviewed by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Although Morrison’s LinkedIn doesn’t reveal much about his specific role at Apple, it’s likely he was involved in policy matters linked to Apple’s now-abandoned self-driving car project. Before joining Apple, Morrison worked as a lobbyist for car dealerships, where he was instrumental in advancing automotive policy changes.

    Source

  • Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Some people are noticing that Apple’s recent software updates are turning Apple Intelligence back on, even if they had turned it off before.

    If you’ve missed it, Apple released updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, iOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 18.3.1, which include important security updates everyone should install. However, after these updates, some users, including software developer Jeff Johnson, have reported that their devices, especially those showing a Welcome screen after the update, are automatically enabling Apple Intelligence again.

    In our tests, devices like the M4 Pro Mac mini, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and M4 iPad Pro showed different behaviors. The iPhones and iPad kept Apple Intelligence off, but the Mac mini re-enabled it after the update. It seems the key is whether you see a Welcome screen for Apple Intelligence, which doesn’t give you an option to set it up later, forcing you to enable it.

    This automatic reactivation is a worry for those who want control over their device settings, especially since Apple Intelligence needs up to 7GB of storage to work. This space is used for keeping AI models on your device for privacy-focused processing. In previous updates, Apple made Apple Intelligence an opt-out feature, meaning it’s on by default.

    If you want to keep Apple Intelligence off, you should check your settings after updating. On your iPhone or iPad, look in Settings under “Apple Intelligence & Siri.” On a Mac, go to System Settings and check the same place. Have you updated recently? Share your experience in the comments.

    In other news, Apple reportedly decided not to partner with DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, for its Apple Intelligence features. DeepSeek made headlines for creating AI models that are less expensive and use less power, but privacy concerns led to bans on government devices in some countries. Apple needed a local partner for China, looked at several, but seems to be moving forward with Alibaba after initial talks with Baidu didn’t work out. They’ve even submitted a first batch of AI features to China’s regulators for approval.

    Apple also plans to add Chinese language support to Apple Intelligence in an upcoming April update, but this might only apply outside of China until they get the green light there.

    Source/Via

  • New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    Apple is gearing up to launch a new MacBook Pro with an OLED screen in 2026. This model is expected to be much thinner than the current ones, according to reports. Samsung Display is already testing these new OLED panels, which they started making in late 2024.

    The new MacBook Pro will use a special kind of OLED called hybrid OLED, similar to what you find in the newest iPad Pro. This type of screen gives better brightness, contrast, and uses less power compared to the mini-LED screens we see now. Samsung has put a lot of money into making these panels, around $3 billion, for laptop-sized screens. Another company, BOE from China, is also working on similar technology but can make both hybrid and bendy OLED screens.

    However, it’s not all about OLED yet; for 2025, it looks like the MacBook Pro will stick with mini-LED screens. Analysts predict only small improvements in performance next year, with new chips called M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max.

    If you’re thinking about waiting for the next big MacBook Pro update, here are some reasons:

    • Slimmer Design: The 2026 model aims to be one of the thinnest in tech.
    • Better Screen: OLED displays promise superior picture quality.
    • Energy Saving: OLED screens could improve battery life.
    • True Overhaul: The design and tech might see a significant refresh.
    • Future-Proof: OLED is the future of screen tech in laptops.

    Meanwhile, for MacBook Air users, there’s good news too. Apple plans to upgrade the display in 2027 with something called Oxide TFT technology. This is a step up from what’s currently used and should make screens sharper, smoother, and save more battery. Both Samsung and BOE are setting up to make these new screens, but we don’t know how many yet. However, the plan to switch MacBook Air to OLED has been pushed back to 2029 or later. So, if you’re looking for an OLED screen on your MacBook Air, you might need to wait a bit longer.

    Source/Via

  • Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Apple has just bumped up the trade-in values for several Mac models in the U.S., allowing you to save more when you decide to upgrade. Here’s a quick look at how much you could get back on your old Mac:

    • MacBook Pro – Now valued at up to $925, was $915
    • MacBook Air – Now up to $435, previously $425
    • MacBook – Increased to up to $140 from $90
    • iMac – You can get up to $315, it was $305 before
    • iMac Pro – Now up to $455, up from $405
    • Mac mini – Valued at up to $375, was $365
    • Mac Studio – Now up to $1,150, a slight increase from $1,140
    • Mac Pro – Up to $720, which was $670 before

    These boosted trade-in values are only available until April 2, so you have a limited time to take advantage of this offer. Whether you’re looking to buy a new Apple device right away or prefer to get an Apple gift card for future use, this is a great opportunity to get more for your old tech.

    You can trade in your Mac either online at Apple’s website or directly at an Apple Store. Once you trade in, the credit can be used towards purchasing a new Apple product or converted into an Apple gift card.

    For more information or to start your trade-in, head over to Apple’s trade-in page. Don’t miss out on these enhanced values to make your next upgrade more affordable!

  • Apple’s budget iPad gets a small update after 2.5 years, but don’t expect much

    Apple’s budget iPad gets a small update after 2.5 years, but don’t expect much

    It’s been over two years since Apple last updated its most affordable iPad, back in October 2022, when they introduced the 10th generation model. Now, after a significant wait, the 11th generation iPad is on its way, but don’t hold your breath for big changes.

    The Main Upgrade: A New Chip

    Just like the iPad mini 7 that came out last autumn, the new iPad 11 is expected to be more of a performance boost than a redesign. The big news is the upgrade from the A14 Bionic chip, which was introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020, to the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023. This change should offer around a 40% increase in CPU speed.

    Also, the memory is set to double from 4GB to 8GB, which should make handling several apps at once smoother.

    New AI Features

    The iPad 11 is expected to include Apple Intelligence, bringing AI-driven features like Genmoji, Image Playground, support for ChatGPT, and an updated Siri to the cheapest iPad for the first time.

    Possible Small Changes

    Unfortunately, there aren’t many exciting new features rumored. There might be minor color updates, and possibly some improvements in connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. There’s also a whisper about introducing Stage Manager, a feature from iPadOS 16 that’s currently limited to iPads with more advanced chips. Given the new iPad’s specs, it might finally support this multitasking tool.

    Conclusion

    Despite the long wait, this update to the iPad lineup is shaping up to be pretty modest. One of the more significant changes in recent iPad models was moving the camera to a landscape position, but that’s already in place for this model since 2022.

    Here’s hoping Apple might at least bump the storage from 64GB to 128GB. We should see this new model hit the market this spring.

  • Apple’s iPad still leads the way in tablets

    Apple’s iPad still leads the way in tablets

    Apple remains at the forefront of the tablet industry, holding a strong 42.3 percent of the global market in the last quarter of 2024, as per a recent study by Canalys.

    In that period, Apple managed to ship about 16.9 million iPads, an increase from the 14.8 million shipped the year before. Samsung came in second, with approximately 7 million units shipped, which gave them 17.8 percent of the market. Following Samsung, Lenovo, Huawei, and Xiaomi took the third, fourth, and fifth spots.

    Over the entire year of 2024, Apple’s total shipment was around 57 million iPads, capturing 38.6 percent of the market share. This was more than double the number of tablets shipped by Samsung, who managed 27.8 million units.

    In 2024, Apple updated its top-tier iPad Pro with an M4 chip and gave the iPad mini a boost with an A17 Pro chip, while the iPad Air was enhanced with an M2 chip. Looking ahead to 2025, Apple is set to introduce updates to its budget-friendly iPad and give another refresh to the iPad Air.