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Search results for: “Update”

  • Apple’s big iMac plans might skip what consumers really want

    Apple’s big iMac plans might skip what consumers really want

    Apple made headlines back in 2023 when they officially announced that they wouldn’t be updating the 27-inch iMac to Apple Silicon. However, they hinted at the possibility of a larger iMac, potentially with a 32-inch screen. But recent updates from tech analyst Mark Gurman have cast some doubt on these plans.

    Apple is known for keeping its cards close to its chest, following a philosophy set by Steve Jobs who believed in the power of surprise in product launches. The company rarely comments on rumors or future product plans, sticking to a standard response of not discussing unannounced products.

    However, in an unusual move, Apple confirmed in November 2023 that they had no plans for an Apple Silicon version of the 27-inch iMac. This statement left room for speculation about a larger iMac model. Given that screens much larger than 27 inches are now standard, the idea of a bigger iMac seemed logical.

    In today’s tech world, 27-inch monitors are often used in setups with multiple screens, suggesting a demand for even larger, standalone displays. Yet, some argue that buying a Mac mini with a separate, large monitor would serve the same purpose as a large iMac, offering flexibility in screen size and setup.

    Despite this, many fans of the iMac’s all-in-one design expressed disappointment with the idea of having to hide a computer behind a monitor. They cherish the simplicity and elegance of having everything integrated into one device.

    Gurman’s latest comments, however, are not particularly encouraging for those hoping for a consumer-grade larger iMac. His statement suggests that Apple might only consider a larger screen for professional models like an iMac Pro, leaving regular consumers out in the cold.

    Terms like “probably” and “eventually” do little to excite those eager to upgrade from their older 27-inch models without settling for a smaller 24-inch version. For current owners of the Intel-based 27-inch iMac, this news might be disheartening, as they wait for an Apple Silicon upgrade that matches their expectations in size and functionality.

  • New chip for MacBook Pro before iPad Pro

    New chip for MacBook Pro before iPad Pro

    Apple plans to put its latest M5 chip into the MacBook Pro in the fall, with the iPad Pro following in early 2026, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This is a change from what was expected before, based on how they rolled out the M4 chips last year.

    Before we see the M5 MacBook Pro, Apple will update the Mac Studio and Mac Pro with the current M4 chips. These updates might come out around the big developer conference in June 2025.

    The M5 chip will have a new kind of ARM design and will be made using a very tiny 3-nanometer technology from TSMC. Instead of going for an even smaller 2-nanometer tech, which would be pricier, Apple chose this for cost reasons. But the top models of the M5 will still be a big step up from the M4, thanks to a special 3D stacking method that makes the chips cooler and more efficient.

    This 3D stacking or SoIC technology stacks the chips one on top of the other, which helps with heat and power use. Apple has been working closely with TSMC on this new tech, which also uses some cool new materials for the chip’s package.

    There’s already talk in Apple’s code about the M5 chip. One report says that Apple will use this chip not just in new devices but also in their servers to make AI features better, both on your device and online.

    Source

  • New MacBook Air with M4 chip coming soon

    New MacBook Air with M4 chip coming soon

    Apple is gearing up to release new MacBook Air models equipped with the latest M4 chip by March, at the very latest, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This timeline aligns with last year’s launch of the M3 MacBook Air.

    MacBook Air in Blue

    Gurman shared these details in his recent Power On newsletter, although he hasn’t pinned down the precise launch date for the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs. Just a week ago, he hinted that the new models would hit the market “within weeks.”

    There’s been buzz about these new MacBook Airs for some time. Initially, they were expected to be Apple’s first big reveal of the new year. However, the spotlight might now go to the iPhone SE 4, which is set to be unveiled this Wednesday.

    Apple actually gave us a sneak peek of these upcoming M4 MacBook Airs back in December. When they released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 update, it included references to new machines listed as “Mac16,12” and “Mac16,13.” These codes hinted at the “MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)” and “MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025).”

    Since that discovery, everyone’s been waiting for these new MacBook Airs to drop. Gurman also noted last week that supplies of the current M3 MacBook Airs are running low, which usually means new models are on their way.

    Source

  • When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    Apple finished the iOS 18.3 test phase a few weeks back, and we’re usually quick to see new test versions. But, we’re still waiting for the first test of iOS 18.4. The good news is, we might not have to wait much longer.

    iOS 18.4’s first test should come out next week

    Apple typically sticks to a schedule where new test versions come out soon after a big update goes live. This time, however, we’ve had a longer wait than usual. iOS 18.3 went public at the end of January, and here we are in mid-February, still without the new test. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we could see the iOS 18.4 test sometime between the middle of this week and early next week.

    Siri in the New iOS

    This week has passed without any new test releases, but next week looks promising.

    Keep in mind, that Monday, February 17 is President’s Day in the US, so don’t count on a release then. Also, on Wednesday, February 19, Apple has a big product reveal planned, so they might not want to overshadow it with a software update. That leaves Tuesday, February 18 as a likely day for the iOS 18.4 test version.

    While there’s always a chance it could be delayed, a release next week seems pretty sure, especially since Apple has already announced that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. They need to start testing soon for the new features in Apple Intelligence and Siri.

    A Longer Gap Between Tests is Rare but Not New

    It’s not common for three whole weeks to pass between test releases, but it has happened before. Here’s how the last few years looked:

    • 2024: iOS 17.3 went live on January 22, with the first iOS 17.4 test on January 25.
    • 2023: iOS 16.3 was released on January 23, and the first iOS 16.4 test came on February 16.
    • 2022: iOS 15.3 launched on January 26, followed by the first iOS 15.4 test on January 27.

    So, while this longer wait is unusual, it does have precedent, showing that Apple sometimes changes up its schedule.

  • 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

  • What’s coming up at Apple’s big reveal next week?

    What’s coming up at Apple’s big reveal next week?

    Apple hasn’t released any new gadgets this year, but that might change soon. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has hinted at something big coming on Wednesday, February 19.

    “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family,” Cook announced on social media, accompanied by a video showing an animated Apple logo in a circle. No further details were shared, leaving us to speculate on what might be unveiled.

    Here’s what could be on the table:

    New Budget iPhone or iPhone 16E

    Rumors are swirling that we might see a new, affordable iPhone SE. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has been quite vocal about it, suggesting that a new iPhone SE with a bigger screen, a USB-C port, and enhanced features might be just around the corner. There’s also talk of this model possibly being called the iPhone 16E, hinting at its integration into the broader iPhone 16 lineup.

    Updated MacBook Air and iPads

    Gurman also mentioned new versions of the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and the basic iPad might be coming, although not necessarily next week. These updates could include new chips like the M4 for the MacBook Air, M3 for the iPad Air, and possibly the A16 or A17 Pro for the iPad, with no major redesigns expected.

    Home Control Center

    While Apple’s smart home hub isn’t slated for mass production until later this year, there’s a chance we could get a sneak peek next week. This device, likened to a HomePod with a screen, might feature a 6 or 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and smart home management capabilities.

    AirTag 2?

    The circular logo in Cook’s teaser has sparked AirTag 2 rumors due to the current AirTag’s round design. However, Gurman remains skeptical about an announcement this soon, suggesting that while a new AirTag is expected this year, it’s unlikely to be the star of next week’s show. Expected upgrades include better anti-stalking features and enhanced tracking with a new Ultra Wideband chip.

    Apple enthusiasts should mark their calendars for next Wednesday to see if these speculations hold true. Stay tuned for what could be an exciting addition to Apple’s product family.

  • 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!

  • Easier bike route planning with Apple Maps in the UK and Ireland

    Easier bike route planning with Apple Maps in the UK and Ireland

    Apple Maps has just made it easier for bike riders in the UK and Ireland to find their way around. A recent update spotted by a user on Reddit means that now, you can plan a bike trip from one end of the country to the other, like from the southern tip of England to the northernmost part of Scotland, if you feel like it.

    Before this update, the bike route feature wasn’t available everywhere in these countries. Now, Apple Maps gives you specific paths for cyclists, showing you where the bike lanes are, which paths are good for bikes, and warning you about steep hills, stairs, or other things that might get in your way.

    This feature has been part of Apple Maps since the iOS 14 update, and it’s not just in the UK and Ireland. Cyclists in the United States, Australia, China, France, Germany, and Japan, along with big cities like London, Barcelona, and Toronto, can also use it. Apple keeps an updated list on their website of all the places where this cycling feature works.

    This expansion is great news for anyone who loves to bike or just needs to get around on two wheels, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.

    Cycling Directions Released in Remainder of UK and Ireland
    byu/cmmncw inapplemaps

  • Apple launches new study on health with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

    Apple launches new study on health with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

    Apple has just started a new health study that you can join using the Apple Research app. If you’re in the U.S. and old enough, you can sign up by agreeing to the study’s terms.

    The Apple Health Study

    This study wants to see how gadgets like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods can help improve our physical and mental health, as well as our overall well-being. It’s going to look at how different parts of health are connected. For example, it will check if your mental state affects your heart rate or how your sleep might change how much you exercise.

    This project is the biggest health study Apple has done so far. It will check how tech affects lots of health areas like how active we are, aging, heart health, blood flow, thinking, hearing, women’s health, mental health, how our body uses food, how we move, brain health, breathing, and sleep.

    Building on Past Studies

    This new study follows on from other Apple studies like the one on women’s health, hearing, and heart and movement. Apple is working with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which is connected to Harvard Medical School, to run this study. The Apple Research app, where you can join the study, is available on the App Store for iPhone and Apple Watch. The app got an update today to include this new health study.

    Source

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