Search results for: “RAM”

  • Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple recently rolled out exciting updates for its users. The second beta of macOS Tahoe, released on June 24, 2025, now lets developers test AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac. To try it, connect your AirPods, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and toggle on beta updates.

    This feature, already available on iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, will open to public beta testers in July, making it easier to explore new AirPods features like better call audio and studio-quality recording. Meanwhile, iOS 26’s beta introduces a fresh Clock app design with a bigger time display and larger Stop and Snooze buttons.

    However, this redesign might make it easier to accidentally tap Stop instead of Snooze when you’re groggy, going against earlier Apple research that favored different-sized buttons to avoid mistakes. Users can now customize snooze times from 1 to 15 minutes, a handy tweak from the fixed nine-minute snooze.

    In other news, Apple has joined China’s subsidy program to boost iPhone sales. By offering discounts through platforms like JD.com and Tmall, Apple aims to compete better in the world’s largest smartphone market, where local brands like Huawei are strong. This move follows a 40% sales drop in early 2025, showing Apple’s push to stay competitive with price cuts and trade-in offers.
    These updates show Apple’s focus on improving user experience and staying competitive globally.

  • All iPhone 17 models will come with 12GB RAM for better performance

    All iPhone 17 models will come with 12GB RAM for better performance

    Apple is planning to upgrade all iPhone 17 models with 12GB of RAM, according to a recent report. This is a noticeable improvement compared to the current iPhone 15 series, where only the Pro models have 8GB of RAM and the regular ones have 6 GB.

    The increase in memory is expected to help with performance, especially when using apps that require more power or when multitasking. It should also support upcoming features that will rely on Apple’s AI technology. This could include on-device AI processing in iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC in June.

    The report also says that Apple will continue to use different chips for standard and Pro models. The iPhone 17 and 17 Plus are likely to get the A18 chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max (or possibly “Ultra”) will have the A18 Pro chip.

    Adding more RAM to all models shows that Apple is getting ready for more powerful features in the future. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in September 2025, keeping with Apple’s usual release schedule. This change suggests Apple wants all iPhone users, not just those buying Pro models, to have smoother and faster experiences with future apps and iOS features.

  • Apple may give iPhone 17 Air 12 GB ram as it tries to make more phones in India

    Apple may give iPhone 17 Air 12 GB ram as it tries to make more phones in India

    Apple might give the upcoming iPhone 17 Air model 12GB of RAM, which would make it much faster and better at handling apps. This model is expected to launch in 2025 and could also be lighter and thinner than other iPhone 17 versions. If this happens, it would be a big upgrade from the current iPhone 15 lineup, which starts at 6GB of RAM.

    The iPhone 17 Air is also rumored to feature a better front camera and use a new type of display that helps reduce reflections. These updates show that Apple is planning to change its design and improve performance, especially for the base models, not just the Pro versions.

    At the same time, Apple is working hard to build more iPhones in India. The company wants to depend less on China for production. However, it’s not going as smoothly as expected. According to a report, some of Apple’s Chinese partners are not fully cooperating with plans to move manufacturing to India. Apple is pushing to grow its supply chain outside China because of rising costs and political tensions.

    Even with these challenges, Apple is focused on making its global production stronger. With better hardware expected in the iPhone 17 Air and continued efforts to expand production in India, the company is planning big changes.

    Source/Via

  • Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    After years of waiting, Instagram has launched an official app for iPad, exciting fans who have long wanted a better way to use the platform on bigger screens. The news dropped on April 8, 2025, and it’s a big deal for users tired of the stretched-out phone version.

    The new iPad app keeps things simple and familiar. You’ll find all the usual features—like scrolling through posts, watching stories, and sending messages—now built to fit the iPad’s larger display. It’s not just a blown-up phone app anymore; Instagram tweaked it to feel right at home on tablets.

    The layout spreads out nicely, letting you see more photos and videos without squinting. For a while, iPad users had to deal with the iPhone version, which looked awkward and didn’t use the extra screen space well. People kept asking Instagram for a proper app, and now it’s here.

    The company says they listened to feedback and wanted to make something that works smoothly on iPads. You can grab the app from the App Store for free, and it works on any iPad running iPadOS 16 or later. It’s perfect for anyone who loves snapping pics, sharing moments, or just browsing their feed.

    Plus, with the bigger screen, editing photos or watching Reels feels way more fun. This move shows Instagram cares about its fans and wants to keep up with how people use tech today. It’s a win for iPad owners who’ve been hoping for a better experience. So, if you’ve got an iPad, download it and see how Instagram shines on a larger canvas!

  • Apple blocks Russian developers from its special app program

    Apple blocks Russian developers from its special app program

    Apple has recently stopped Russian developers from using its Apple Developer Enterprise Program (ADEP). According to Russian tech insiders who spoke with RBC, this change happened on February 12. With this program now off-limits, developers in Russia can’t build or share custom iOS apps for private use without putting them on the App Store. A tech firm in St. Petersburg told the news outlet that all their ADEP data was wiped out, leaving the program useless for them.

    Before shutting it down, Apple seems to have given a heads-up to companies relying on Enterprise certificates. These certificates let developers approve and share apps internally, and Apple warned they’d stop working by mid-February. In Russia, ADEP was a big deal for testing apps without App Store approval. Big companies also used it to create tools like business apps, company chatbots, customer management systems, and delivery trackers for their teams.

    Even though Apple halted product sales and cut back services like Apple Pay in Russia after the Ukraine conflict started, the App Store itself is still running there. That said, Apple has followed Russian rules by pulling certain apps—like VPNs and some news platforms—when the government asked. This move shows Apple tightening its grip on what Russian developers can do, even as some services stay active.

    It’s a shift that’s likely to hit companies and tech teams hard, especially those who counted on ADEP for their day-to-day work. Want to dig deeper into this topic? Check out the discussion in the Political News forum on MSN, where this story was shared. Anyone can read it, but if you want to chime in, you’ll need to be a forum member with at least 100 posts.

  • Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Apple has traditionally used a range of materials for the frames of its high-end iPhones, moving from aluminum to stainless steel, and most recently to titanium. Now, whispers in the tech world suggest that for the iPhone 17 series, Apple might revert to aluminum for most models.

    According to Jeff Pu, an Apple supply chain analyst, who shared his insights in a note to GF Securities, three out of the four iPhone 17 models – the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max – will feature aluminum frames. Surprisingly, the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to keep the more durable titanium frame.

    This switch back to aluminum for the Pro models is significant because the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models were launched with titanium frames, making them lighter than their predecessors with stainless steel frames.

    The motivation behind this potential change appears to be environmental. Aluminum has a smaller carbon footprint than titanium, aligning with Apple’s goal to make all its products and supply chain carbon-neutral by 2030. This move echoes Apple’s recent strategy with products like the new Mac mini and certain Apple Watches, potentially positioning some iPhone 17 models as the company’s first carbon-neutral smartphones.

    The choice of titanium for the iPhone 17 Air, however, remains a bit of a mystery since aluminum is lighter, which would typically be preferred for a device aimed at being slim and lightweight. Last year, another analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, hinted that the iPhone 17 Air might use a combination of both materials, with less titanium than used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. While the reasons for these material choices are not entirely clear yet, we can look forward to more details emerging as we approach the expected September reveal of the iPhone 17 series.

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  • Apple’s matching grants program marred by fraud allegations: A Deep Dive

    Apple’s matching grants program marred by fraud allegations: A Deep Dive

    In a troubling turn of events, Apple’s esteemed Matching Grants program, designed to amplify employee charitable giving, has been shaken by allegations of widespread fraud. This program, a cornerstone of Apple’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, allows employees to donate to eligible charities, with Apple matching those donations at a generous rate. However, recent investigations have uncovered a scheme that allegedly exploited this program for personal gain, leading to firings, criminal charges, and a closer examination of corporate oversight.  

    The Matching Grants program, launched with much fanfare by CEO Tim Cook in 2018, was intended to empower Apple employees to support causes they believe in. The program offered a 2:1 match, meaning for every dollar an employee donated, Apple would contribute two, up to an annual limit of $10,000 per employee. This generous policy aimed to significantly boost the impact of employee giving, turning individual contributions into substantial support for non-profit organizations.

    The recent allegations paint a starkly different picture. Reports indicate that approximately fifty Apple employees have been terminated following an internal investigation into potential fraud related to the Matching Grants program. Furthermore, six former employees in the Bay Area have been formally charged with criminal offenses, specifically tax fraud, connected to the alleged scheme. 

    The alleged fraud involved a complex system of falsified donations. It is claimed that certain employees collaborated with specific non-profit organizations, some reportedly connected to the Indian community, to manipulate the program. The scheme purportedly worked as follows: employees would make donations to these non-profits, triggering Apple’s matching contributions. However, instead of the funds remaining with the charities, they were allegedly funneled back to the employees, allowing them to effectively pocket Apple’s matching funds.  

    If these allegations are proven true, the implications are significant. Not only would this constitute a serious breach of Apple’s internal policies, but it would also violate US tax laws. By falsely claiming charitable donations, the employees could have illegally reduced their tax burden, amounting to tax fraud. The charges currently relate to approximately $152,000 over three years, suggesting a potentially widespread and sustained effort to exploit the program. 

    The ramifications extend beyond individual misconduct. Apple, in this scenario, would have inadvertently made charitable donations to organizations that were complicit in the scheme. Additionally, the state of California could have been defrauded through improper tax write-offs claimed by the employees for non-existent donations. This situation raises serious questions about the oversight mechanisms in place to prevent such fraud and the potential need for stricter controls in corporate giving programs. 

    Indonesia Stands Firm on Domestic Content Rules, Impacting iPhone 16 Sales

    In other news concerning Apple’s global operations, the company continues to face challenges in Indonesia regarding the sale of its iPhone 16 models. Despite a significant investment proposal, including the establishment of a local production facility, the Indonesian government has maintained its ban on iPhone 16 sales due to unmet domestic content requirements. 

    Indonesia has implemented a policy requiring smartphones sold within its borders to meet a certain threshold of locally sourced components. This policy aims to boost domestic manufacturing and create jobs within the country. Last year, Indonesian authorities determined that Apple’s iPhone 16 models did not meet the required 35% domestic content threshold, leading to a sales ban. 

    In response, Apple has offered a substantial $1 billion investment in Indonesia, which includes plans to build an AirTag production facility on Batam Island, near Singapore. This offer represents a significant increase from previous, smaller investment proposals that were rejected by the Indonesian government.  

    Despite this increased investment, the Indonesian government has remained firm on its stance. The Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, has clarified that while the AirTag facility is a welcome investment, it does not directly contribute to the domestic content of iPhones. The government insists that only locally produced phone components will count towards meeting the domestic content requirement.  

    This situation highlights the complexities of navigating international trade and regulatory environments. While Apple is a major player in the global technology market, it must adhere to the specific regulations of each country in which it operates. Indonesia’s insistence on domestic content demonstrates its commitment to fostering local manufacturing and leveraging its large consumer market to attract foreign investment that benefits its economy. 

    The ongoing situation in Indonesia underscores the importance of local production and its impact on market access. This case serves as a reminder that large corporations must adapt to the specific requirements of individual countries and that investment alone does not guarantee market entry. The Indonesian government’s firm stance reflects a broader trend of countries seeking to maximize the economic benefits of foreign investment and promote domestic industries.

    Source/Via

  • Apple Fitness+ launches new progressive training program

    Apple Fitness+ launches new progressive training program

    Building strength isn’t just about lifting heavy things; it’s a journey of understanding your body, pushing your limits safely, and consistently progressing. It’s about building a foundation for a healthier, more resilient you.

    Recognizing this, Apple Fitness+ has unveiled a new progressive strength training program designed to guide users through this very journey, offering a structured approach to building and maintaining strength. This isn’t just another workout series; it’s a carefully crafted program designed to take the guesswork out of strength training, offering a clear path to achieving your fitness goals. 

    This new program is built on the principle of progressive overload, a fundamental concept in strength training. It’s about gradually increasing the demands on your muscles over time, forcing them to adapt and grow stronger. This isn’t about jumping into the deep end immediately; it’s about a measured, sustainable approach that prioritizes proper form and prevents injury. The program is thoughtfully structured into three distinct weeks, each focusing on a specific training principle: Progressive Overload, Time Under Tension, and Dynamic Power.  

    Week One: Laying the Foundation with Progressive Overload

    The first week of the program emphasizes the core principle of progressive overload. This means gradually increasing the weight, repetitions, or sets you perform over time. This week is all about establishing a baseline, getting comfortable with the movements, and understanding how your body responds to the exercises.

    It’s about building a solid foundation upon which you can build further strength. The workouts are designed to target all major muscle groups, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to strength development. This isn’t just about lifting heavier weights each time; it’s about listening to your body, understanding its limits, and making gradual, sustainable progress.  

    Week Two: Maximizing Muscle Engagement with Time Under Tension

    The second week introduces the concept of Time Under Tension (TUT). This refers to the amount of time your muscles are under strain during a set. By increasing the TUT, you can further stimulate muscle growth and improve strength.

    This week focuses on controlling the tempo of your movements, slowing down the eccentric (lowering) phase of each exercise, and maximizing muscle engagement. This technique maximizes muscle fiber recruitment, leading to greater strength gains and improved muscle endurance. It’s about focusing on the quality of each repetition, rather than simply rushing through the set.  

    Week Three: Unleashing Explosive Power with Dynamic Movements

    The final week of the program shifts its focus to Dynamic Power. This involves incorporating explosive movements that emphasize speed and power. This week is about translating the strength you’ve built in the previous weeks into functional, real-world movements.

    These exercises are designed to improve your power output, which is essential for activities like jumping, sprinting, and lifting heavy objects quickly. This week adds a new dimension to your training, enhancing not just your strength, but also your athleticism.

    A Holistic Approach: More Than Just Strength

    Beyond the progressive strength program, Apple Fitness+ has also expanded its offerings with other exciting additions. For those looking to improve their agility, endurance, and strength on the court, a new pickleball program has been introduced. This program is tailored to the specific demands of the sport, helping players enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

    Additionally, new workshop-style sessions called Yoga Peak Poses have been added, focusing on individual poses to help users build confidence and refine their technique. This is a great addition for those looking to deepen their yoga practice and explore more challenging poses in a safe and supportive environment. Finally, recognizing the importance of mindfulness and mental well-being, Apple Fitness+ has also launched an Introduction to Breath Meditation program, adding a new dimension to its already robust meditation offerings.  

    A Seamless Integration: Connecting Your Fitness Journey

    Starting this week, Strava users can now seamlessly share their Fitness+ workouts directly to the Strava app. This integration allows users to share their progress with their Strava community, track their metrics, and stay motivated. This integration is a welcome addition for those who enjoy the social aspect of fitness and want to share their achievements with others.  

    This comprehensive update to Apple Fitness+ demonstrates a commitment to providing users with a diverse and effective range of fitness programs. The new progressive strength training program, in particular, offers a structured and accessible approach to building strength, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall well-being. It’s not just about getting stronger; it’s about building a healthier, more resilient you.

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  • Expanding Trust: Telegram introduces third-party verification

    Expanding Trust: Telegram introduces third-party verification

    For years, the blue checkmark has reigned supreme across social media, a symbol of authenticity in a digital world often plagued by impersonators and misinformation. Telegram, the popular messaging app known for its focus on privacy and security, has long offered its verification system for public figures and organizations. Now, Telegram is taking a bold step forward, introducing a novel approach: third-party verification. This new system promises to enhance trust and uniquely combat misinformation. 

    The Current Landscape of Telegram Verification

    Telegram’s existing verification system follows a familiar model. To earn the coveted blue checkmark, individuals and organizations must demonstrate notability and verifiable identity. This typically involves showcasing at least two credible English-language press mentions and linking back to the Telegram account from at least two other established social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, VK, and Snapchat. This system has served its purpose, but it also presents limitations, particularly for organizations managing multiple accounts.

    A New Era of Decentralized Verification

    Recognizing the need for a more scalable and flexible solution, Telegram is pioneering a decentralized verification model. This new system empowers already-verified organizations to verify additional accounts under their umbrella. This means that instead of relying solely on Telegram’s internal verification process, established entities can vouch for the authenticity of related accounts, creating a network of trusted sources. 

    Instead of the familiar blue checkmark, accounts verified by a third party will display a distinct logo next to their names. This visual cue clearly distinguishes these accounts from those verified directly by Telegram, providing users with a clear understanding of the verification source. Furthermore, the name of the verifying organization will also be displayed, adding another layer of transparency and accountability. 

    The Benefits of Third-Party Verification

    This innovative approach offers several key advantages. Firstly, it streamlines the verification process for organizations managing multiple accounts, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring consistency across their online presence. Imagine a large news outlet with separate Telegram channels for different departments or regions. Under the new system, the main news outlet account could verify all related channels, ensuring users that they are indeed interacting with official sources.

    Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, third-party verification strengthens the fight against scams and misinformation. By empowering trusted organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram creates a proactive defense against impersonators and malicious actors. This decentralized approach distributes the responsibility of maintaining online integrity, making it more difficult for bad actors to operate undetected. 

    Telegram emphasized the proactive nature of this solution in a recent blog post, stating that it “sets a new safety standard for social platforms.” This underscores the company’s commitment to creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment for its users.

    How Third-Party Verification Works in Practice

    The process for becoming a third-party verifier involves an initial verification by Telegram, followed by an application process to become eligible to assign verified marks. Telegram has also implemented a Bot API, allowing organizations to automate the process of assigning and removing verification status for related accounts.

    To illustrate how this works in practice, consider a hypothetical scenario: a well-known tech website, “TechNow,” has a verified Telegram account. Under the new system, TechNow could verify the accounts of its individual writers, displaying the TechNow logo next to their names. This would assure readers that they are communicating with legitimate members of the TechNow team.

    A Human Touch: The Importance of Context and Trust

    While technology plays a crucial role in combating misinformation, the human element remains essential. Context and trust are paramount in navigating the digital landscape. Telegram’s third-party verification system recognizes this by leveraging the existing trust users place in established organizations. By empowering these organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram strengthens the overall ecosystem and fosters a greater sense of confidence among its users.

    This new feature isn’t just about adding another layer of verification; it’s about building a more resilient and trustworthy online community. It’s a testament to Telegram’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing a safe and reliable communication platform for millions of users worldwide. This decentralized approach to verification could very well become a new industry standard, shaping the future of online trust and authentication.

  • Apple’s Vision and Smart Glasses plans unveiled

    Apple’s Vision and Smart Glasses plans unveiled

    Apple has exciting plans for its Vision products and smart glasses, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. These plans stretch until 2028, with several new devices on the way. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s coming. In 2025, Apple will release an updated Vision Pro with a new M5 chip.

    This version won’t have major changes and isn’t considered a second-generation model. It’s expected to start production in the third quarter, with Apple aiming to ship 150,000 to 200,000 units. This device will stay a niche product, helping Apple keep its place in the market and use up extra parts.

    No new Vision or smart glasses products are planned for 2026. However, 2027 will bring Apple’s first smart glasses, similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans. These glasses will have multiple frame and temple options for a custom look. They won’t have a display but will include voice control, gesture recognition, audio playback, a camera for photos and videos, and AI to understand the environment around you.

    Looking ahead to 2028, Apple is working on a Vision Air, a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro, and new XR glasses with advanced features. Kuo says five of these projects have set timelines, while two are still being finalized. Apple’s focus on smart glasses could spark the next big trend in consumer tech, blending style, AI, and practical features.