Search results for: “camera”

  • New iPhone 17 models revealed in video based on secret plans

    New iPhone 17 models revealed in video based on secret plans

    On Friday, YouTuber iDeviceHelp shared a video showing early models of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, said to be based on private company papers. We’re highlighting this video because it was created with input from leaker Majin Bu, whose iPhone 17 designs from last month were backed up by other sources tied to Apple’s supply chain in China.

    Apple is planning a big change for the iPhone 17 Pro models’ camera setup. Instead of the usual square bump, these phones will feature a wide aluminum camera bar stretching across the back, according to recent news. The makeover also includes the new iPhone 17 Air, which will take over from the Plus model. The video shows the buttons staying in the same spots as on the iPhone 16. It even offers a hands-on look at how the iPhone 17 Air stacks up against other models.

    Most reports agree the iPhone 17 Air will sport a 6.6-inch screen—bigger than the standard iPhone 17 but smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Expert Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the Air will be just 5.5mm thick in some areas, though the camera bump might stick out a bit more. Unlike its siblings, the basic iPhone 17 will likely keep the camera style of the iPhone 16, making it easier to tell Apple’s regular and fancy models apart.

    Last month, analyst Jeff Pu shared that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have aluminum frames. However, he thinks the iPhone 17 Air will stand out with a titanium frame. Apple first used titanium for Pro models in 2023, but Pu says they’ll switch to aluminum for eco-friendly reasons.

    There’s also talk of a new feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models: wireless reverse charging. This would let the phone power up other Apple gadgets. Still, iDeviceHelp wonders if the super-thin iPhone 17 Air can fit MagSafe magnets. We won’t know for sure how spot-on these models are until Apple launches the iPhone 17 series next September.

  • What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    Apple is gearing up to launch its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone 17 Air, sometime later this year. People have been buzzing about how thin it might be compared to the 6.9mm iPhone 6. Now, fresh leaks are giving us a clearer picture of what’s coming.

    For months, guesses about the iPhone 17 Air’s size have bounced around. A recent tip from leaker Ice Universe says it could be just 5.5mm thick—a number analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also mentioned back in January. Another expert, Jeff Pu, thought it’d be closer to 6mm. Screen size rumors vary, too. Kuo suggested a 6.6-inch display, but Ice Universe claims it’ll match the 6.9-inch screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, sharing the same shape and edges as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. They even shared a video showing a possible sneak peek of the phone.

    Last Friday, YouTuber iDeviceHelp teamed up with leaker Majin Bu—who’d shown similar designs earlier—to drop a video. They say their mockups of the standard, Pro Max, and Air models come from secret Apple papers. Watching it, I couldn’t help but notice how the Air’s super-thin edge reminded me of the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro—the thinnest Apple gadget so far.

    One cool detail stands out: the mockups show a camera bar running across the back, kind of like a Google Pixel. It’s unclear if it’s just for looks or does something special, but I like it. My iPhone 15 Pro wobbles on my desk, and this bar—shown on the 17 Pro Max mockup—seems to fix that a bit. The cameras still poke out, though, so it’s not a total win.

    The rest of the design looks familiar—buttons in the usual spots (except for the iPhone 16E, missing its Camera Control button), plus a USB-C port and speakers on the bottom. Up front, expect the Dynamic Island and Face ID. We’ll have to wait until September—Apple’s big reveal time—to see how close these guesses are.

  • Fresh details on iOS 19 and visionOS 3 unveiled

    Fresh details on iOS 19 and visionOS 3 unveiled

    Apple’s big software updates are still about three months off, but some early hints about iOS 19 and visionOS 3 are popping up. First off, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared that iOS 19 will probably bring more of Apple’s smart features, called Apple Intelligence, to a wider range of apps. It’s a small but exciting tease for what’s ahead.

    Next, he heard that visionOS 3 will come loaded with new goodies. While he didn’t spill any exact details, he called it a “feature-packed” update, which sounds promising. Meanwhile, visionOS 2.4 is already in testing and shaping up to be a solid upgrade. It brings Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro, adds a cool Spatial Gallery app with 3D content, and throws in a few other surprises. Everyone will get to try it out in April.

    As for the Vision Pro hardware, there’s chatter about a possible upgrade to an M5 chip by late 2025. But 2026 seems more realistic. Gurman thinks the Vision Pro, which he called a “sales dud,” won’t see a refresh this year. On the iOS 19 side, we’re also expecting a fresh look for the Camera app and a chattier Siri. That Siri upgrade was pushed back a bit, though. These updates show Apple’s still hard at work, even if the big reveals are a little ways off. Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the launch!

  • Apple Smart Home device delayed, staff testing it at home

    Apple Smart Home device delayed, staff testing it at home

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg says Apple has started a special testing program for its new smart home gadget, which some call the HomePad. It was supposed to launch in March, but that’s not happening anymore. The delay is because Apple is still working on making Siri smarter, which is taking longer than planned.

    Why the Delay?

    Even without the Siri troubles, the smart home device was unlikely to hit its March target. It needs new Siri features, called App Intent, that were meant to come with iOS 18.4 in April. But now, Apple has admitted those upgrades are running late. In a message to Daring Fireball, they said:

    “We’re building a Siri that knows more about you and can do tasks in your apps. It’s taking more time than we expected, and we’ll roll it out next year.”

    Rumors hinted at these Siri updates arriving with iOS 18.5 or later, but Apple’s “next year” comment suggests bigger delays. Gurman even thinks Apple might need to rethink its whole plan for Siri and Apple Intelligence. Since the smart home gadget depends on these Siri improvements, its launch has been pushed back, too.

    Testing at Home

    Even though the public won’t see it soon, Apple isn’t sitting still. Gurman reports they’ve kicked off a testing program for employees. Some staff get to bring the device home, try it out, and tell Apple what works or doesn’t. This helps fix problems before the gadget goes on sale.

    What’s This Device Like?

    Here’s a quick look at what people say the new smart home hub might offer:

    • A 7-inch square screen with a thick edge
    • A camera up top
    • A battery you can recharge
    • A new system called homeOS
    • Great for video calls like FaceTime
    • Works with lots of Apple apps
    • A handy dashboard like StandBy
    • Simple controls for your smart home
    • Support for Apple Intelligence

    The delay is a bummer, but it’s smart to wait until everything’s ready. For now, Apple’s team is testing it to make it better.

  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max to get thicker for a bgger battery

    iPhone 17 Pro Max to get thicker for a bgger battery

    Apple is making the iPhone 17 Pro Max a bit thicker than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max, according to a Chinese tipster named Ice Universe. The new iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to measure 8.725mm thick, compared to 8.25mm for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. That’s a small jump of 0.475mm. The leaker believes this extra space is “definitely” for a larger battery. Other than the thickness, the phone’s body is expected to stay the same as the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    So far, there haven’t been any whispers about better battery life or size changes for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If Ice Universe is right, this could be fresh news for Apple fans. The iPhone 17 Pro models are also rumored to sport a big rectangular camera bump with rounded edges. However, Apple seems to be keeping the triangle setup for the back camera lenses.

    For its high-end phones, Apple might switch to an aluminum frame instead of the titanium one used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. The back of these devices could also feature a new look, blending aluminum and glass. Ice Universe added that the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the super-slim iPhone 17 Air will have the same size, except for their thickness, which will differ. This tweak in design could mean longer battery life for users, something many iPhone lovers would welcome. We’ll have to wait and see if these rumors hold true when Apple reveals the iPhone 17 lineup!

  • Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode, a company known for its easy-to-use smart home security system that works with Apple’s HomeKit, just rolled out a fresh app for Apple TV. This brings all their security tools and smart home controls right to your TV screen. I’ve been using Abode’s setup for over four years and really love what they offer.

    With this new app, Abode users can turn their security system on or off, watch live video from up to four Abode cameras, and look back at saved clips—all without leaving the sofa. The app’s look and feel match the one on your iPhone, so it’s super simple to use and manage your gadgets without digging for your phone.

    One cool perk comes with Abode’s 24/7 recording option. If you’ve got it turned on, you can scroll through hours of video or skip to important moments right on your Apple TV. So, if a motion alert pops up during your favorite show, you can check it out instantly—no iPhone needed. Plus, if you use Abode CUE for smart home tricks, you can tweak certain devices straight from the app’s main screen.

    As an Abode user myself, I love how this app lets you check your security from almost any device—iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and now your TV. The design stays the same across all these, which keeps things familiar. The Apple TV app store doesn’t get many new apps beyond streaming ones, so it’s exciting to see Abode step up with something fresh.

    Abode plays nicely with HomeKit too. You can control the system through Apple’s Home app, but the real win is how Abode’s sensors—like ones for doors, windows, or motion—work as HomeKit devices. This lets you add them to HomeKit scenes and automations for extra convenience. Want to know more? Check out Abode’s blog about their new Apple TV app (and an updated Google TV one too), or grab an Abode starter kit on Amazon.

  • iPhone 17 Air might get a super-packed battery

    iPhone 17 Air might get a super-packed battery

    In a recent blog, Ming-Chi Kuo, an expert on Apple’s supply chain, shared some exciting news. He said the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will come with a “high-density” battery, which could mean better power for this super-slim phone.

    Kuo mentioned that this new iPhone, expected to fold, will use the same kind of battery as the ultra-thin iPhone 17. These high-density cells pack more energy into a small space. He didn’t give exact numbers for how much power they’ll hold, though.

    People have worried that the iPhone 17 Air’s thin design might mean a weak battery. After all, a smaller body leaves less room for a big battery. But it looks like Apple’s got some tricks up its sleeve! Three rumored features could help this phone last longer than expected. First, there’s that high-density battery. Second, Apple’s new C1 modem chip saves energy. And third, skipping the Ultra Wide camera frees up space inside for a bigger battery.

    Apple is likely to show off the iPhone 17 Air in September. Kuo says it’ll be just 5.5mm thick at its slimmest spot, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever. With these smart design choices, the iPhone 17 Air might surprise us all with how long it can go between charges.

  • Why is the iPhone 16e so close to having MagSafe?

    Why is the iPhone 16e so close to having MagSafe?

    One of the strangest things about the iPhone 16e is that it doesn’t fully support MagSafe. This missing feature surprised so many people that Apple felt the need to explain why they left it out. But here’s the twist: the phone seems to be almost ready for MagSafe, which makes the decision even more puzzling.

    Three Great Things About MagSafe

    The iPhone 16e comes with plenty of top-notch features, but MagSafe isn’t one of them. That’s a big deal because MagSafe brings three awesome perks. First, it makes wireless charging super simple. You just place your phone near the charger, and it snaps right into the perfect spot—no more fumbling around.

    Second, it speeds up wireless charging. Older Qi chargers topped out at 7.5 watts, but MagSafe and Qi2 bump that up to 15 watts. Other iPhone 16 models even hit 25 watts with the newest MagSafe chargers. Third, MagSafe unlocks a bunch of cool accessories—like car mounts, wallets, and camera stabilizers—that stick to your phone with magnets.

    Apple’s Odd Explanation

    Apple’s reason for skipping MagSafe? They say the people buying the 16e don’t use it. According to them, this phone is aimed at folks who prefer plugging in a cable over wireless charging. They think these buyers are upgrading from older models like the iPhone SE or iPhone 11, which didn’t have MagSafe. But that logic feels shaky—those phones didn’t have MagSafe, so of course those users didn’t rely on it!

    The iPhone 16e’s Hidden Surprise

    Here’s where it gets interesting. David Price from Macworld found that the iPhone 16e actually has some MagSafe magnets inside—it’s just not strong enough to work perfectly. I tested this myself by taking my 16e out of its case and placing it near an old MagSafe charger. To my surprise, the charger stuck to the phone! The connection was weak, but it held. Price even shared a video showing the charger lifting off a table to snap onto the phone.

    The catch? This only works without a case, and the magnets aren’t powerful enough to hold the phone on a standing dock. Still, it’s odd that Apple included some magnets but didn’t go all in on MagSafe. Why get so close and then stop?

  • New MacBook Air arrives this week: what’s coming?

    New MacBook Air arrives this week: what’s coming?

    Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, dropped a hint about a fresh product this week with a quick video saying, “There’s something in the Air.” The “Air” clue and the timing suggest we’re about to see new MacBook Airs with the M4 chip.

    • Design – The new MacBook Air will stick to two sizes: 13 inches and 15 inches. Don’t expect a big makeover—there’s no buzz about a new style. The last design update was in 2022, so the look should stay familiar, just like today’s models.
    • Screen – Apple’s fancy mini-LED screens are for the MacBook Pro, so the MacBook Air will likely keep its usual Liquid Retina Display (think LED). The MacBook Pro recently got a matte display option, and while it might show up on the Air, it’s not a sure thing—it could stay a Pro-only perk.
    • M4 Chip – The M4 chip is already in the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad Pro, and Mac mini, so it’s no shock it’s coming to the MacBook Air. It’s got up to 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Built with a super tiny 3-nanometer process, it’s made for Apple Intelligence. It’ll beat the M3, but don’t expect a huge leap—think about 25% better performance.
    • Memory – Last year, Apple bumped the MacBook Air’s starting memory to 16GB from 8GB. That’s staying the same for the new ones—no changes here.
    • Battery – Thanks to the M4’s efficiency, battery life might get a boost. For example, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro lasts up to 24 hours streaming video or 16 hours browsing online.
    • Camera – The MacBook Pro’s new 12-megapixel FaceTime camera could come to the Air. It has Center Stage to keep you in focus during video calls and Desk View to show off your desk from above.
    • Ports – Right now, the MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The new ones might jump to three Thunderbolt 4 ports for faster connections.
    • Price – The M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, and no price hikes are rumored for the M4.
    • Old Models – The M2 MacBook Air, priced at $999, might get swapped for an M3 version—or stick around if upgrading costs too much.
    • Surprise “Air” Stuff? – The M4 MacBook Air is the star, but Apple could sneak in updates for other “Air” products like the iPad Air or AirTags next year.
    • Launch Details – No big event is planned—expect a press release and videos, with the MacBook Air possibly out tomorrow!