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  • Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple has reassured consumers that its Apple Watch bands are “safe to wear,” following a lawsuit claiming some bands contain harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

    Apple’s Statement:

    Apple Watch bands are completely safe for everyone to wear. We conduct our own tests and also involve independent labs to check our materials thoroughly, including those used in our watch bands.

    Apple also mentioned that they go beyond what the law requires to ensure their products and manufacturing processes are free from dangerous chemicals.

    Phasing Out PFAS:

    Despite confirming the safety of current bands, Apple is actively working to eliminate PFAS from all its products. In a statement from November 2022, Apple outlined their plan:

    We began by looking at the most common PFAS used in our products – fluoropolymers. Although our tests show these are safe for users, we’re expanding our efforts to include all manufacturing stages. We aim to eliminate all PFAS, understanding it’s a complex process that needs careful consideration to find effective, safe alternatives.

    This transition will take time as we catalog PFAS use, develop new materials that perform just as well, and ensure these alternatives are not harmful themselves.

    The Lawsuit:

    The lawsuit references a study which found high levels of PFAS in some smartwatch bands, suggesting these chemicals could be absorbed through the skin leading to health issues. This study included brands like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google, though it didn’t name specific bands.

    When asked about which specific Apple Watch bands might contain PFAS, Apple did not provide an immediate response. The lawsuit aims to include anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for an Apple Watch.

    The case awaits a judicial decision on whether it can proceed as a class action.

  • How much does your iPhone lose value each year?

    How much does your iPhone lose value each year?

    Buying a new smartphone, especially an iPhone, can be quite expensive. If you’re thinking about getting the newest model, trading in your old one can help lower the cost. But don’t wait too long before you trade it in because the value drops quickly.

    No Clear Pattern in Value Drop

    The data comes from Back Market, a site where you can sell your used devices or buy refurbished ones. According to their records, how much an iPhone loses value each year isn’t predictable. You might expect a steady decrease, but that’s not the case.

    For example, an iPhone from 2016 is now valued at $16, while the 2017 model, just a year newer, is worth $38. Some models lose value faster than others; the 2020 iPhone saw a 49% drop in value, compared to only a 25% drop for the 2019 model. This seems odd because the iPhone 12, released in 2020 with a new design, didn’t hold its value much better than the iPhone 11.

    On average, Back Market says an iPhone loses about 36% of its trade-in value after one year. If you’re eyeing the latest iPhone 17 series after using an iPhone 16 Pro Max, it’s wise to trade in soon rather than later.

    The Problem of Unused Devices

    When you upgrade your tech, what do you do with the old stuff? Trading in phones is straightforward, but not so much for other gadgets. Back Market found that 81% of people have at least one piece of tech they’re not using anymore, and 55% have three or more. Surprisingly, 72% of people have an old smartphone lying around.

    Not everyone knows how to go about trading in their old tech. Plus, there’s the issue of safety; stories of people getting robbed during meet-ups are common. Also, the trade-in values from companies might not seem fair compared to what you might get elsewhere. Still, it’s better than letting your devices sit unused, losing value every year.

  • Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Macworld argues that Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 has taken inspiration from over a dozen iPhone features. From the phone’s sleek, straight-edged design to how its AI assistant displays, Samsung seems to have borrowed quite a bit from Apple.

    Macworld’s Mahmoud Itani highlights this, starting with the AI features. The Galaxy S25 has integrated AI similar to Apple’s, allowing users to connect with third-party chatbots like Google Gemini, just as Apple does with ChatGPT in its system. When activating Gemini on the Galaxy S25, users see a text box with a colorful, glowing border, which looks a lot like Siri’s interface on iPhones. Additionally, the text selection tool in Samsung’s phone mimics Apple’s Writing Tools, offering options to proofread or transform text into tables.

    Itani goes on to mention other features like the ability to record and summarize calls, perform natural language searches in the photo gallery, and a photo editing tool that resembles Apple’s Image Playground. There’s also a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, called the Now Bar, and enhanced audio features for video recording akin to Apple’s cinematic audio.

    9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
    It’s clear that Samsung often looks to Apple for inspiration. Their strategy seems to involve quickly bringing to market features similar to those rumored or leaked for upcoming iPhones, aiming to beat Apple to the punch. However, Apple isn’t innocent of copying either, as both companies tend to adopt similar technologies once they’re mainstream.

    Ultimately, this mutual borrowing is beneficial. The competitive pressure drives each company to innovate and perfect their offerings, leading to better products for consumers.

  • Apple Watch Bands might have harmful chemicals, lawsuit claims

    Apple Watch Bands might have harmful chemicals, lawsuit claims

    A lawsuit filed in a California court this week targets Apple, alleging that the company did not tell customers about dangerous chemicals in some of their Apple Watch bands.

    The lawsuit suggests that Apple promotes the watch as good for health and fitness, but fails to mention that certain bands might be harmful. According to the legal document, a study recently found high levels of substances called “forever chemicals” or PFAS in some smartwatch bands. These chemicals can soak into the skin and might cause health issues over time.

    PFAS are used in synthetic rubber to prevent the bands from getting dirty or discolored by sweat or grime.

    Although the study didn’t name specific brands, it tested bands from companies like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google. The lawsuit points out that among these, some expensive bands, including those from Apple, had significant amounts of PFAS. The lawsuit is aimed at anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for their Apple Watch.

    Apple has not yet commented on these allegations. A judge will decide if this lawsuit can move forward.

    This situation highlights the importance of transparency in product materials, especially when items are marketed for health and daily use. Consumers deserve to know what they’re wearing, particularly when it’s something as close to the body as a smartwatch band.

  • Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Apple began introducing Thread radios into its devices towards the end of 2023, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While Apple has been relatively quiet about this new feature, a recent interview sheds light on its benefits.

    Understanding the iPhone’s Thread Radio Advantages

    An insightful interview was published by The Verge, featuring three major contributors to Matter, the new standard for smart home devices. Among them was Vividh Siddha, who serves as both President of the Thread Group and Director at Apple.

    In the discussion, Siddha explained the purpose behind incorporating Thread radios into iPhones. He highlighted two main advantages:

    • Simplifying Smart Home Automation: For those new to smart homes, like someone buying a smart bulb or switch from a store, automating these devices can be tricky without additional equipment. The Thread radio in your iPhone allows for these automations directly, making life easier for early adopters.
    • Maintaining Access During Power Outages: If you lose power, and thus your Wi-Fi or other network systems are down, the Thread radio can still function. This means you can still use important smart devices like your front door lock, ensuring you can enter your home even in emergencies.

    Siddha’s dual roles give him a unique perspective on how Thread can revolutionize home automation, emphasizing these benefits are just the beginning.

    Thread Radios: A Step Forward for Apple’s Smart Home Vision

    The smart home landscape can be confusing, but with Matter, Apple aims to streamline this. Moreover, Apple’s recent push into smart home gadgets could change the game. In the coming months, expect new devices like the ‘HomePad’, followed by updates to the Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini. By 2026, Apple plans to launch smart doorbells and cameras.

    While the inclusion of Thread radios in the latest iPhones might not show immediate effects, over time, this technology is poised to enhance Apple’s smart home ecosystem significantly.

  • iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    People are selling old iPhones with TikTok already on them for lots of money on eBay. Some are even asking for up to $50,000! For example, someone listed an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max with TikTok for $50,000.

    Even though President Trump said companies wouldn’t get in trouble for not following the TikTok ban, big companies like Apple and Google are still not allowing TikTok in their app stores in the US.

    A Quick Update

    The US Supreme Court said yes to banning TikTok last Friday, and the ban started on January 19. TikTok was taken off the app stores on Sunday. Apple had to say they would follow the law. But then, Trump posted on social media that he would stop the ban when he became president again the next day, and he said companies could ignore the law without getting into trouble. So, TikTok came back online thanks to Bytedance, with Oracle, a US company, trusting Trump’s word.

    Trump then made an official statement saying the ban wouldn’t be enforced for 75 days, but lawyers said this might not be legal, meaning companies could still face huge fines of up to $850 billion. They also said Trump could change his mind if he didn’t like a company.

    eBay Listings for TikTok iPhones

    Wired noticed that some sellers on eBay are trying to make money by selling old phones with TikTok on them for much more than they are really worth.

    If you look up “TikTok phone” on eBay, you’ll find over 9,000 listings for phones from brands like Apple and Samsung, all with TikTok installed. Some listings are asking for $50,000, while many others are between $2,000 and $5,000.

    Luckily, it seems like most people aren’t paying these crazy prices. The phones with very high prices aren’t selling, and when they do sell, it’s often because buyers can offer a lower price through eBay’s “best offer” option.

    Here’s an interesting thing about these iPhones: if one user downloads apps using their Apple ID and then another user signs in with their own ID, the apps stay on the phone. But, if you ever reset your phone using your own iCloud backup, you’ll lose those apps.

    Source

  • How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    The Apple Watch has become known for helping people in emergencies, but for one business leader, it offered life-changing insights.

    John Mackey, who started Whole Foods, decided to stop drinking three years ago after looking at the information his Apple Watch gave him. He told Business Insider that the decision was one of the best he’s made. “I wish I had stopped drinking 30 years ago,” Mackey said, reflecting on the years he could have felt better.

    Mackey found that his Apple Watch was key in this life change. He used it to keep track of his sleep. “Some nights I slept well, others not so much,” he observed. This led him to think about what he did differently on those bad sleep nights.

    With the help of his Apple Watch and the AutoSleep app, Mackey noticed patterns. More exercise and lighter dinners helped him sleep better. But the real eye-opener was his deep sleep, or the lack of it, when he drank.

    In a podcast last year, Mackey explained how the watch influenced his decision. “It changed my life. It helped me stop drinking over two years ago,” he said. He explained how even one drink would ruin his deep sleep, making his total sleep time decrease by about an hour.

    “I didn’t want to give up alcohol because I enjoyed it,” Mackey admitted. But the evidence was clear: alcohol meant no deep sleep. He had to choose between a good night’s sleep or a drink, and he chose sleep.

    For Mackey, better sleep has meant a better life. His experience underscores how useful the sleep tracking features on newer Apple Watch models can be, including the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, which can even detect signs of sleep apnea.

    This story shows how technology, in this case, the Apple Watch, can lead to significant personal improvements by providing clear insights into our daily habits.

    Source

  • New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    The iPhone’s screen recording tool is about to get even better with three cool new features. It’s great for making quick videos of your screen, like when you’re showing someone how to do something on their phone. I talk about these updates in my latest “iPhone Secrets” episode.

    What Does Screen Recording Do Now?

    Screen recording on your iPhone lets you capture whatever is on your screen and save it in your Photos. You can also stream it live! To do more, just hold down the Screen Record button in the Control Center. This lets you turn on your microphone or choose where to send your live video, like to Zoom or Instagram.

    What’s New?

    • Stereo Sound Recording: Right now, when you record your screen, the sound is only in one channel (mono). But soon, you’ll be able to record in stereo using the iPhone’s multiple microphones for a richer sound experience.
    • HDR Screen Capture: Currently, if you record your screen while watching high-quality (HDR) video, it all goes back to standard quality (SDR). In the next update, you’ll keep the high quality, making your recordings look just as good as what you’re watching.
    • Live Camera Overlay: Imagine recording your screen and adding a live video of yourself in a small window. This is coming soon! It’s like having a mini TV of you in the corner of your screen recording, perfect for tutorials or explaining things hands-free.

    Here’s what the new screen recording menu might look like, with a camera icon next to the microphone icon, allowing you to turn your camera on while recording.

    These changes might not excite everyone, but for people who use screen recording a lot, they’re big improvements. Especially the camera overlay, which can make your videos much more engaging.

    What do you think about these updates? For more details, check out the latest “iPhone Secrets” episode where I go over these features and more coming to iOS 18.3.

  • When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    A leak has recently given us hints about when we might see the new iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and iPad Air models.

    A private account on X (formerly Twitter) shared that these upcoming devices will come with iOS 18.3 or iPadOS 18.3 already installed when they hit the market. While we don’t know the exact release date, it looks like they’ll be announced sometime between March and April, before iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 roll out.

    The leak included the build numbers for these new software versions:

    • iOS 18.3 for iPhone SE (4th generation): 22D8062
    • iPadOS 18.3 for iPad 11 and iPad Air (2025): 22D2060, 22D2062

    The final test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released this week, suggesting that the updates might be available for current devices next week.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip might be announced before these iPads and iPhone, potentially making them Apple’s first big reveal of 2025.

    The new iPhone SE is expected to look like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16 with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a single 48-megapixel camera. It might also have a new A-series chip, 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s AI features, and Apple’s own 5G modem.

    The iPad 11 is rumored to have an A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, also supporting Apple’s AI features. For the iPad Air, there’s some confusion; some leaks suggest an M3 chip, while others hint at the M4 chip that’s in the latest iPad Pro.

    New Magic Keyboards are also on the way for these iPads.

    This information gives us a clearer picture of what to expect from Apple in the coming months.

    Source

  • Nokia’s missed opportunity with the iPhone

    Nokia’s missed opportunity with the iPhone

    In a surprising turn of events, historical records recently uncovered reveal that Nokia had the foresight to recognize the iPhone’s potential threat, but failed to act on it. In 2007, just a day after Apple unveiled its revolutionary device, a small team of nine within Nokia penned an internal presentation highlighting the iPhone’s disruptive capabilities.

    At the time, Nokia was the king of the mobile market, boasting a 50% share and a reputation for cool, trend-setting design. However, this internal document titled “Apple iPhone: A Serious Contender” warned that the iPhone’s touchscreen user interface could redefine industry standards. The team noted, “iPhone touch screen UI may set a new standard of state-of-the-art. New UI paradigm that has a promise of unparalleled ease-of-use.”

    They also acknowledged the iPhone’s potential to capture the ‘coolness’ factor in the US market, a crucial aspect for brand perception among young consumers. The presentation emphasized the need for Nokia to develop its own touch interface to compete effectively, stating, “Nokia needs to develop touch UI to fight back.”

    Despite these insights, Nokia’s senior management did not heed these warnings. Seven years later, Nokia had to exit the smartphone market, a stark contrast to its former glory. This scenario serves as a poignant reminder of how pivotal moments can shape or break industry giants. If Nokia had listened to its visionary team, perhaps it would still be a player in the smartphone arena today.

    Source

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