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  • Unveiled: Fresh camera looks for the iPhone 17 family

    Unveiled: Fresh camera looks for the iPhone 17 family

    A sneak peek at Apple’s next iPhone 17 series has popped up online, thanks to leaker Majin Bu. He shared a design sketch showing off the new back camera styles for the regular iPhone 17, a super-slim iPhone 17 Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

    Majin Bu has gotten some leaks right before, but he’s also missed the mark—like predicting an iPad 11 launch in 2023 that never happened. This time, though, other trusted sources from Weibo, like Fixed Focus Digital, Ice Universe, and Digital Chat Station, agree the sketch looks legit based on their info from Apple’s suppliers in China. “It’s pretty much spot-on,” said Digital Chat Station about the design. Looks like this might be the real deal!

    Fixed Focus Digital added, “The sketches are solid. Here’s a little extra: the iPhone 17 Pro versions will likely mix glass and metal. The logo area will be glass, set into a metal body.” This could explain the red patches on the Pro models in the image. The word is, Apple’s aiming for a tougher build with half glass and half aluminum—keeping wireless charging alive while making the phone less likely to break.

    There’s also talk that the iPhone 17 Pro models might let you charge other Apple gadgets wirelessly—a cool new trick! Apple’s shaking things up with the cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models, swapping the old square bump for a wide aluminum bar stretching across the back. The brand-new iPhone 17 Air, stepping in for the Plus model, will sport a Matching flat bar too, but with just one camera lens.

    The basic iPhone 17, however, will stick to the familiar camera setup from the iPhone 16, keeping the standard and fancy models distinct. Analyst Jeff Pu says the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max will rock aluminum frames, while the iPhone 17 Air might get a titanium one. Titanium showed up in Pro models in 2023, but Pu thinks Apple’s switching to aluminum for the Pros to be greener. What’s your take on these rumored iPhone 17 changes? Drop your thoughts below! Apple’s expected to show them off in September, as usual.

  • Apple tweaks words to steer clear of Porn app misunderstanding

    Apple tweaks words to steer clear of Porn app misunderstanding

    Apple recently made a small tweak to dodge a tricky situation that made it seem like they were okay with a porn app popping up for iPhone users in the EU through a third-party app store. This mix-up sparked some confusing news headlines, but Apple sorted it out by switching just three words in an email they send to app developers.

    The Porn App Mix-Up

    Last year, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to let third-party app stores onto iPhones. Apple wasn’t thrilled about it and even made the process of using these stores a bit of a hassle to discourage people. One big worry for Apple was losing control over what kinds of apps could sneak onto the platform—like pornography, which they’ve always kept out of their own App Store.

    Apple still gets to check apps for safety before they’re allowed in these third-party stores. That’s what happened with an app called Hot Tub, designed for browsing adult content. After Apple’s safety check, the app’s developer got the green light from AltStore, a third-party store, which then claimed Apple “approved” it.

    Technically, this was sort of true. After Apple confirms an app meets security and privacy rules, they send an email saying it’s “approved” for release. But that wording caused a headache. Apple pushed back, saying they didn’t actually support the app. They explained that EU rules forced them to let it onto third-party stores like AltStore, even if those stores don’t match Apple’s strict standards for user safety.

    A Quick Word Swap

    To clear things up, Apple changed the email’s phrasing. Here’s the switch:

    • Before: “The following app has been approved for distribution”
    • Now: “The following app is now ready for distribution”

    AltStore’s Riley Testut pointed out the update, joking about what might’ve prompted it. Tech writer John Gruber called it a smart move—keeping the message clear for developers while making it obvious Apple isn’t cheering for every app that passes the safety check. With this tiny tweak, Apple dodged a big misunderstanding without missing a beat.

  • Apple unveils $500 Billion plan to boost U.S. jobs and growth

    Apple unveils $500 Billion plan to boost U.S. jobs and growth

    Apple recently shared exciting news about pouring $500 billion into the United States over the next four years. This massive investment will bring 20,000 new jobs and grow the company’s work in manufacturing and research, as reported by Bloomberg. The announcement follows a meeting between Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, and President Donald Trump.

    The company has big plans, including building a new server-making plant in Houston. This 250,000-square-foot facility, set to open next year, will team up with Foxconn to create servers for Apple’s Private Cloud computing system. Apple is also launching a supplier training center in Michigan to prepare the next wave of American manufacturers. Plus, they’re expanding data centers in states like Arizona, Oregon, Iowa, Nevada, and North Carolina. Chip-making for some Apple Watch and iPad models has already kicked off at TSMC’s Arizona site.

    The 20,000 new jobs will focus on research, chip design, and artificial intelligence. This follows Apple’s earlier push, which added 20,000 research roles in the past five years. In Detroit, Apple will open a special academy to help smaller businesses learn manufacturing skills. The company is also boosting its U.S. manufacturing fund to $10 billion.

    “We believe in America’s bright future and are thrilled to add $500 billion to support it,” Cook said. “We’ll keep partnering with people and businesses nationwide to shape an amazing new story for American innovation.”

    This news might be timed cleverly, as Trump has talked about adding a 10% tax on imports from China. In his first term, Cook convinced Trump to skip tariffs on iPhones, warning they’d help rivals like Samsung instead.

    Apple’s bold move shows its confidence in America and could spark more growth and jobs ahead. Note: Since this topic touches on political and social themes, the discussion is in our Political News forum. Everyone can read it, but only members with 100+ posts can comment.

  • AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    Apple has shared exciting news: the AirPods Pro 2 now comes with a special hearing aid feature that’s easy to use and available in the United Kingdom.

    AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Support

    Sumbul Desai, a top expert at Apple, said, “We’re thrilled to use technology to improve lives. Bringing this hearing aid option to the UK gives AirPods Pro 2 users a full hearing care experience.” She’s Apple’s vice president of Health.

    This new feature makes everyday sounds clearer for adults who feel they have mild to moderate hearing trouble. Apple says it’s free in countries where it’s offered, and it comes through simple software updates.

    The hearing aid works by using a personal hearing profile. This profile comes from a quick five-minute Hearing Test that checks how well someone hears different sound levels. After the test, users get a result showing their hearing ability and tips on what to do next. The profile also adjusts sound for music, movies, games, and calls on all connected devices.

    Apple first rolled out these hearing tools in the US and a few other places in late October with iOS 18.1. Then, in December, iOS 18.2 brought the Hearing Test to more countries like France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, plus the hearing aid feature to the United Arab Emirates. Now, UK users can enjoy both the test and the hearing aid feature.

    To use these hearing tools, AirPods Pro 2 need firmware version 7B19 or higher. The update happens on its own when the AirPods are charging and near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. This update shows Apple’s focus on making life better with smart, simple tech. UK users can now hear the world around them more clearly, all thanks to their AirPods Pro 2.

  • Apple solves a big CarPlay problem

    Apple solves a big CarPlay problem

    Apple rolled out the iOS 18.4 beta on Friday, bringing some fresh and exciting updates. Among them are Priority Notifications powered by Apple Intelligence, a new Food category in the Apple News app, and a few other goodies. But there’s one smaller tweak that didn’t grab much attention—a change to CarPlay, especially for cars with bigger screens.

    A user named Jace noticed on Threads that CarPlay in iOS 18.4 now shows three rows of app icons instead of just two. This update makes better use of larger car screens, giving you more apps at a glance. Not every car gets this upgrade, though. The extra row only pops up on bigger displays, but it’s not clear exactly how big the screen needs to be.

    For example, MacRumors pointed out that it works on the Toyota Tundra, which can have a screen up to 14 inches. So, if your car’s screen is on the smaller side, you might not see this change yet. This update is a big win for drivers. Car screens keep getting larger, but CarPlay hasn’t always kept up, leaving some space on the display.

    With CarPlay 2 still not here, this fix is a nice in-between solution. It makes things more convenient, especially for people with big screens, by showing more apps at once. That means less swiping through home screen pages while you’re on the road. Overall, it’s a simple but smart move by Apple. For those with the right setup, it makes using CarPlay feel smoother and less cluttered.

  • Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Back in July, people in South Korea started a petition begging Apple to turn on the Find My feature in their country. Many thought it wasn’t available because of strict government rules, but the petition said that wasn’t true. Apple promised to bring Find My to South Korea by spring 2025, and they’re starting to make it happen now.

    Aaron Perris shared on X that the Find My network is up and running in South Korea with the iOS 18.4 beta 1 release. This is great news for folks there—they can now track down their missing gadgets. Plus, it might stop thieves in their tracks since the activation lock, which depends on Find My, was a big point in the petition.

    We’re expecting the full iOS 18.4 update to drop for everyone in April. It comes with some cool extras like Priority Notifications, a fresh Food section in the Apple News app, and more. Want the full scoop? Check out our guide on what’s new in iOS 18.4 beta. If you’re in South Korea and don’t mind trying the beta version, you can finally use this feature that’s been missing from your iPhone for so long.

  • iPhone 17 Pro set to be your go-to video recorder

    iPhone 17 Pro set to be your go-to video recorder

    A recent report from Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter reveals that Apple is gearing up to make the iPhone 17 Pro a game-changer for video recording. While the company has long focused on perfecting photos, it’s exciting to know that video is finally getting some serious attention.

    Apple has been working hard to make the iPhone the ultimate camera replacement. For years, they’ve aimed to build the best camera system you can carry in your pocket. Now, they’re ready to take it up a level by improving video features. iPhones have always done a decent job with video, but Apple wants to make them even better.

    According to Gurman, Apple’s big plan for the 2025 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, is to win over vloggers and video creators. They want these folks to ditch their separate cameras and rely on iPhones instead:

    A key aim for the 2025 models is to convince vloggers and other video makers to switch from traditional cameras to iPhones for more of their projects. Expect Apple to highlight these upgraded video skills big time when the new phones launch in September.

    The report doesn’t spill the beans on exactly how Apple will boost the iPhone 17 Pro’s video game, but more details should pop up soon. This shift sounds pretty cool to me, and I’m curious to see what’s coming next!

    Source

  • Apple set to release new MacBook Air with M4 Chip soon

    Apple set to release new MacBook Air with M4 Chip soon

    Apple is getting ready to roll out a fresh take on its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops, powered by the new M4 chip. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the big reveal is expected to happen in March.

    Talk about this M4 MacBook Air has been buzzing for a while now. Hints of it popped up in the macOS 15.2 beta back in December, making it seem like the launch was close. Gurman had even hinted that the MacBook Air would hit the market before other spring releases, like the iPhone 16e and iPad Air. But while the iPhone 16e is already out, the MacBook Air has kept us waiting.

    That wait might finally be ending soon. Gurman says Apple is gearing up for a March launch and is busy getting its marketing, sales, and store teams ready. He also mentioned that the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models are running low in stock at stores, which could be a sign the new version is on its way.

    As for what’s new with the M4 MacBook Air, the details are slim. The star of the show is the M4 chip, but there could be a few other upgrades too. Some possibilities include faster Thunderbolt 4 ports (instead of the current USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 setup), a better Center Stage camera for video calls, and maybe even a nano-texture screen option to cut down on glare.

    These features have already shown up in other Macs with the M4 chip, so they’d make sense here too. Apple fans won’t have to wait much longer to see what’s in store. With March just around the corner, the new MacBook Air could be here before we know it!

    Source

  • Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Right now, Apple Intelligence lets Siri pass some questions to ChatGPT for smarter, more detailed answers than Siri can give on its own. During WWDC24, Apple’s software leader, Craig Federighi, hinted in a chat that they’re open to teaming up with other AI systems, like Google Gemini. A fresh leak suggests this teamwork might happen soon.

    A recent update tied to the iOS 18.4 beta shows “Google” and “OpenAI” listed as outside options for Apple Intelligence. This clue comes from code explorer Aaron Perris, who shared it onX. This doesn’t promise Gemini will pop up in iOS 18.4—especially since Apple Intelligence has faced some slowdowns already—but it strongly hints it’s coming eventually. It could land in a later iOS 18 tweak or roll out with iOS 19. Word is, Apple’s also cooking up its own chatty Siri upgrade for iOS 19.

    Google just dropped some shiny new Gemini 2.0 models, including one built for better reasoning. These might soon show up on iPhones, at least if you’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, or the upcoming iPhone 16e. In short, Apple’s gearing up to mix Google’s brainpower into its tech, giving users more ways to get sharp answers straight from their phones. Stay tuned—big things could be on the way!

  • Apple stops new iOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4 test updates for some devices

    Apple stops new iOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4 test updates for some devices

    Today, Apple halted the watchOS 11.4 beta 1 update for all Apple Watch Series 6 users, meaning they can’t try out this early version anymore. This info comes from Aaron Perris on X. Apple also paused iOS and iPadOS 18.4 beta 1 for certain iPhones and iPads.

    watchOS 11.4 Beta Removed

    Apple rolled out the watchOS 11.4 beta just yesterday, along with iOS 18.4 beta, visionOS 2.4 beta, and others. While those updates brought some cool new stuff, it’s not clear what was different about watchOS 11.4 beta.

    Two people on the r/watchOSbeta subreddit said their Apple Watches stopped working after installing it. One mentioned they had a Series 6, but the other didn’t say which model. Because of this, Apple likely decided to pull the update. Aaron says this affects all Series 6 versions: GPS (40mm and 44mm) and GPS + Cellular (40mm and 44mm).

    iOS and iPadOS 18.4 Beta Stopped Too

    Apple also blocked iOS 18.4 beta 1 for several devices, like most iPhone 12 models, some 2020 iPads, and the cellular versions of the latest iPad Air. People noticed their devices kept restarting after the update, though the exact problem isn’t clear. Here’s the list of affected devices:

    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPad 8 (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 4 (Wi-Fi)
    • iPad Air 4 (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Cellular)

    Hopefully, Apple will fix these issues and bring the betas back soon. It’s funny how most of the devices having trouble came out in 2020. For now, users with these gadgets will have to wait a bit longer for the next test versions.