Search results for: “device”

  • M4 MacBook Air’s graphics power matches M4 iPad Pro, tests show

    M4 MacBook Air’s graphics power matches M4 iPad Pro, tests show

    New test results for Apple’s upcoming MacBook Air with the M4 chip have appeared on Geekbench, hinting at how much faster its graphics are compared to the current M3 models. These scores give us a sneak peek at the power of Apple’s latest 3-nanometer chip design.

    One test entry, labeled “Mac16,12,” was logged on February 23. It shows a device with a 10-core chip and 24GB of memory. This machine was running a unique version of macOS Sequoia 15.2, which Apple briefly released in December. That slip-up had already hinted at new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs, so this benchmark looks like the real deal.

    The MacBook Air scored 55,516 in the Metal graphics test. That’s very close to what the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro gets, which makes sense since both devices rely on the same chip and don’t use fans to stay cool. For comparison, the current M3 MacBook Air usually hits around 48,000 to 49,000 on the same test. Meanwhile, the M4 MacBook Pro, which has fans, scores a bit higher at about 57,000.

    Since neither the MacBook Air nor the iPad Pro has fans, their graphics performance stays pretty similar. The MacBook Pro’s cooling gives it a slight edge, but the gap isn’t huge. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently shared that Apple is gearing up its sales, marketing, and store teams for a March release of the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs.

    He’s said before that they’re just weeks away. Beyond the M4 chip upgrade, no big changes are expected for these models. This suggests Apple fans can look forward to a solid boost in graphics power soon, wrapped in the sleek, fan-free design MacBook Air users love.

  • Apple plans to blend modems into its main chip by 2028

    Apple plans to blend modems into its main chip by 2028

    Apple has a big idea: it wants to combine the modem—the part that connects devices to the internet—into its main processor. This move would make its gadgets use less power and cost less to build, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his Power On newsletter, Gurman predicts this change might happen by 2028 at the earliest. Interestingly, that’s also when Apple could start adding its own modem to MacBooks with cellular data, something he’s mentioned before. This time, though, he didn’t tie MacBooks into the modem talk.

    Years ago, Apple toyed with the idea of a MacBook Air that could connect to 3G networks. Back in 2008, Steve Jobs, the former CEO, nixed it because it would take up too much space. A combined chip design could fix that issue.

    Apple recently showed off its first homemade modem, called the C1, in the new iPhone 16e. Unveiled last week, this modem is the most energy-saving one ever in an iPhone. The iPhone 16e, with its 6.1-inch screen, boasts the longest battery life yet—up to 26 hours of video playback. Apple says the C1 is just the beginning.

    Gurman also revealed that Apple is already testing a C2 modem and even a C3, which could launch in 2027. By then, Apple hopes its tech will beat Qualcomm’s modems, a company it’s relied on for years. Word has it the C2 might appear in the iPhone 18 Pro next year.

    Since 2018, Apple has been crafting its own modem to ditch Qualcomm’s parts. The two companies have had a rocky past, but they’ve agreed to keep working together until March 2027. This gives Apple plenty of time to polish its own design. Moving away from Qualcomm makes sense as Apple pushes to control more of its tech and boost efficiency in its devices.

  • Apple’s new C2 modem set to shine in iPhone 18 Pro next year

    Apple’s new C2 modem set to shine in iPhone 18 Pro next year

    Apple is gearing up to launch its brand-new C2 modem in 2026, and it’s expected to first show up in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This news comes from Mark Gurman, a well-known tech writer, who shared the update in his recent Power On newsletter from Bloomberg.

    In his article, Gurman explained that Apple is already trying out the C2 modem and even working on the next one, called the C3, which might come in 2027. By then, Apple hopes its modem will be better than the ones made by Qualcomm, a company known for top-notch modem tech. Reports from MacRumors also confirm Apple is testing this C2 version.

    The company introduced its first homemade modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e just last week. Apple claims this chip uses less power than any iPhone modem before, helping the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e last longer on a single charge—outdoing even the pricier iPhone 16.

    Gurman also mentioned that Apple’s second 5G modem will roll out with the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and hit iPad Pro models by 2027. This upgraded modem should keep up with Qualcomm’s best by supporting super-fast mmWave 5G, something the C1 can’t do yet.

    Looking ahead, Apple’s rumored super-slim iPhone 17 Air is next in line to get the C1 modem. This sleek new phone is expected to take the place of the Plus model in the iPhone 17 family, set to launch around mid-September next year.

    Apple’s push into making its modems shows its big plans to improve iPhone performance and battery life while stepping up to challenge the leaders in mobile tech. Fans can look forward to faster, longer-lasting devices in the coming years!

  • 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.

  • Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Apple rolled out the first iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 betas today, bringing the refreshed Mail app to iPad and Mac users for developers to try.

    What’s New in the Mail App on Mac

    The updated Mail app now sorts your emails automatically into neat groups. The most urgent messages land in the Primary category. Other emails get split into sections like shopping orders, newsletters, special offers, and social updates.

    There’s a handy “Transactions” area that gathers receipts, order details, and delivery updates. This makes it super simple to track purchases and shipping info. Then, there’s an “Updates” section for things like newsletters, doctor appointment reminders, and subscription messages. Plus, a “Promotions” category holds emails about sales and deals.

    When you open the app after the update, this grouped view is what you’ll see first. But if you prefer the old-school style, just tap the top-right corner to switch to a basic list of all emails in order by date—no categories. If your device supports Apple Intelligence, the Primary inbox will highlight key emails so you can focus on what matters most. Time-sensitive messages from Transactions, Updates, or Promotions will also pop up in Primary.

    Apple already added this email-sorting feature to the iPhone with iOS 18.2. Now, it’s available on Mac and iPad too, making it easier to stay on top of your inbox across all your devices.

  • Apple releases early test versions of tvOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4

    Apple releases early test versions of tvOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4

    Today, Apple shared the first test versions, or betas, of its upcoming watchOS 11.4 and tvOS 18.4 updates. These are meant for developers to try out and test before the official release.

    Developers who are signed up with Apple can grab these early versions directly through the Settings app on their devices, like the Apple Watch or Apple TV.

    So far, Apple hasn’t spilled the beans on what’s new in these updates. We don’t have details about any fresh features or changes yet. But don’t worry—if anything exciting pops up as developers dig into these betas, we’ll make sure to add that info here and keep you posted.

    These betas are a chance for developers to explore and help Apple smooth out any bugs before the updates reach everyone. Stay tuned for more as we learn what’s in store!

  • All iPhone 17 models to get Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 Chip

    All iPhone 17 models to get Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 Chip

    Good news for iPhone fans! This week, Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared that all four iPhone 17 models will come with a brand-new Wi-Fi chip made by Apple. While he didn’t say exactly which Wi-Fi version it will use, it’s very likely to be Wi-Fi 7.

    Another analyst, Jeff Pu, who keeps an eye on companies linked to Apple, also mentioned this in a report for GF Securities earlier this month. He agrees that every iPhone 17 model will have this Apple-made Wi-Fi 7 chip.

    The iPhone 16 series already works with Wi-Fi 7, so this isn’t a huge shock. What’s exciting, though, is that Apple is creating its own chip for it. Recently, Apple introduced its custom C1 modem in the iPhone 16e for better phone signal, and now it’s set to launch its own Wi-Fi chip in the iPhone 17 later this year. By making its own parts, Apple wants to depend less on other companies, like Qualcomm for modems and Broadcom for Wi-Fi chips, and maybe stop using them altogether one day.

    Wi-Fi 7 is super fast and reliable. It uses three bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—at the same time when paired with the right router. This means quicker internet, less delay, and a stronger connection. With Wi-Fi 7, speeds can hit over 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, as long as your device can handle it. Apple is expected to show off the iPhone 17 lineup in September. With these upgrades, it looks like the next iPhones will bring even better tech to your hands!

  • Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip set to boost iPhone 17 series

    Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip set to boost iPhone 17 series

    Apple recently unveiled its shiny new C1 modem with the iPhone 16e, just a day ago. But guess what? Another exciting Apple-made chip is on the way, and it’s expected to land in every iPhone 17 model, according to a fresh report.

    A Fresh Wi-Fi Chip for All iPhone 17 Models

    For some time now, whispers have hinted that Apple’s been busy cooking up its connection tech. This includes two big projects: the 5G modem, like the new C1 and its future upgrades, and a homemade Wi-Fi chip. Now, word is out that this Wi-Fi chip is ready to roll and will show up in the whole iPhone 17 crew next year.

    Tech expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared some details in a recent X post:

    Apple is speeding up plans to swap out Wi-Fi chips from companies like Broadcom for its design. My latest checks show all iPhone 17 models launching in late 2025 will use Apple’s own Wi-Fi chips (unlike the C1 modem, which only the slim iPhone 17 will get). This move cuts costs and promises better connections between Apple gadgets.

    Earlier rumors suggested this Wi-Fi chip would pop up in some iPhone 17 models, but no one knew which ones. Now, it’s clear—Apple’s going big, replacing Broadcom’s chips across the board in the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.

    Kuo mentions this change will “boost connectivity across Apple devices,” which sounds cool but leaves us guessing about the details. The C1 modem already improved battery life, so I’m excited to see if this new Wi-Fi chip brings similar perks—or maybe something even better. What kind of connection upgrades can we expect? We’ll have to wait and see!

    Source

  • New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    With the iOS 18.2 update, Apple has added a handy feature to its AirTag trackers, making it simpler to find lost luggage. This new tool, called “Share Item Location,” needs airlines to join in to work. Now, the busiest airline in the U.S. has jumped on board.

    American Airlines may not have the biggest fleet or the most money, but it carries more passengers daily than any other U.S. airline. That’s why its decision to use Apple’s new feature could help tons of travelers track down their missing bags.

    AirTags have been a game-changer for finding lost luggage since they first came out. Before, telling an airline where your bag might be didn’t always mean they could grab it quickly. Now, Share Item Location lets you safely share your AirTag’s spot with the right airline staff.

    Apple teamed up with airlines to set up a secure way to share this info, using the many Apple devices airlines already have. Only a few people can see the location link, and they need to log in with their Apple ID or work email to view it.

    American Airlines says less than 1% of bags get lost, and most are back with owners within a day. With this AirTag feature, they hope to speed that up even more. If your bag with an AirTag gets left behind, you can start a claim by scanning a special QR code at the baggage desk. Want to know which airlines use this feature? Check our updated list here. You can grab a single AirTag on Amazon for just $23.19 or get a four-pack for $79.99 (down from $99.99).

  • What new Apple gadgets are coming this spring?

    What new Apple gadgets are coming this spring?

    Apple just revealed its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, and now everyone’s curious about what’s next. This spring, we’re expecting some exciting updates from Apple. Let’s dive into the products we’re pretty sure will get a refresh before the season ends. Plus, there’s a chance Apple might surprise us with something new!

    M4 MacBook Air

    The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops are getting a boost with the speedy M4 chip. Don’t expect a new look—the focus is all about power. Tech insider Mark Gurman says these refreshed MacBook Airs are “almost here,” likely hitting stores later this spring. With stock running low in Apple stores, the launch could be super close!

    iPad Air

    The iPad Air is up for an upgrade, possibly with an M3 or M4 chip. It might also come with a cheaper Magic Keyboard made for affordable iPads. Rumors are mixed—some say it’ll get the M3 (a bit older than the iPad Pro’s M4), while Gurman hints it could jump to the M4. A trusted source from January backs the M3 idea. No big design changes are expected, and Gurman says it’s coming soon.

    Budget-Friendly iPad

    Apple’s working on an 11th-generation iPad with a faster chip and Wi-Fi 6E support. It’ll likely include the new C1 modem chip from the iPhone 16e. Gurman reports it’ll run on the A17 Pro chip—found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPad mini 7. This chip powers Apple Intelligence, so the iPad should have at least 8GB of RAM to handle those cool AI features. Shipments reportedly started in December, so it’s on the way!

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a gadget to control your smart home, like a central “Command Center.” This iPad-style device might launch as early as 2025, per Gurman. But he also warns it could slip to later in the year because it needs updates from iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Analyst Kuo predicts a release in mid-to-late 2025. For now, Gurman says it’s still a few months off. Spring’s shaping up to be a big season for Apple fans—stay tuned!