Search results for: “features”

  • When will Apple launch iOS 18.4?

    When will Apple launch iOS 18.4?

    After rolling out the iPhone 16e, Apple updated its websites for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. These updates give a clearer idea of when the next big releases are coming.

    What’s New with iOS 18

    The websites now say that fresh Apple Intelligence features and support for more languages will arrive in early April. This is a sharper timeline compared to the vague “April” hint Apple shared earlier. The upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—are the ones to watch for.

    Apple has big plans for these releases. They’ll bring Apple Intelligence to languages like Chinese (Simplified), English (India and Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. More languages, such as Vietnamese, will join the list later in 2025.

    So far, Apple hasn’t shared the first test versions (betas) of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4. But people expect them to drop soon—maybe any day now.

    A Small Hiccup

    Originally, the April updates were set to include new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence. However, Apple might push these back a bit. They’re still smoothing out some issues and want to make sure everything works just right. In short, early April is the time to mark on your calendar for these exciting updates. Apple’s working hard to bring smarter features and more language options to your devices!

  • iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    People buying the new iPhone 16e will need to update its software as soon as they get it. This update will bring the phone to the latest iOS 18 version. The iPhone 16e will come with iOS 18.3 already installed. However, Apple rolled out iOS 18.3.1 on February 10. So, if you’re setting up your new iPhone 16e and transferring data from an older iPhone running iOS 18.3.1, you’ll need to download this update first.

    The iOS 18.3.1 update doesn’t bring exciting new features, but it fixes a security issue. Apple said this problem was being used by some people in a harmful way, so it’s important to install it.
    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e start this Friday, and the phone will officially hit stores on February 28.

    This version uses simple words and keeps the meaning intact. It feels natural, like something a person would write, while staying clear and organized. The word count is around 350, fitting the limit you asked for!

  • iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    The iPhone 16e is unique in Apple’s lineup as the only model with a single rear camera. It uses the same 48-megapixel Wide lens as the iPhone 16, but it doesn’t include all the camera tricks found in its sibling.

    What the iPhone 16e Camera Offers

    The 48-megapixel Fusion lens on the iPhone 16e gives you a regular 1x view and a 2x zoom option. However, it skips the Telephoto lens, so no extra zoom levels are available. It also lacks an Ultra Wide lens, meaning wide-angle photos and close-up macro shots aren’t possible. With just one lens, you can’t capture spatial images or videos either.

    You still get handy features like True Tone Flash, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5. But it misses out on advanced portrait options like Focus Control and the newest Photographic Styles. In Portrait mode, you can tweak the focus after snapping a picture, but unlike the iPhone 16, you can’t tap to switch the focus to a different subject.

    Missing Style and Video Options

    The latest Photographic Styles, which let you set a consistent look for all your photos, are exclusive to the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max. The 16e only offers older filter options instead. For video, it doesn’t have Cinematic mode or Action mode, though it does include the new Audio Mix feature.

    Front Camera Comparison

    The front cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16e are nearly the same, with one catch. The 16e skips Cinematic mode, Photographic Styles, and Depth Control for Portrait shots, which the iPhone 16 includes. In short, the iPhone 16e delivers solid camera basics with its 48-megapixel lens, but it leaves out some of the fancier tools and creative options you’d find on the iPhone 16. It’s a simpler choice for those who don’t need all the extras.

  • Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple has made some big changes to its iPhone lineup. They’ve decided to stop selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which were introduced back in 2022. These phones were known for their good value, with the iPhone 14 starting at $599 and the Plus at $699 after price drops from their original costs.

    The iPhone 14 models came with a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen respectively, offering a choice for those who wanted a larger screen without going for the Pro versions. They ran on the A15 Bionic chip, had new safety features like Crash Detection, and enhanced cameras with the Photonic Engine for better photos in low light.

    In another move, Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE. This was the last iPhone with a Home button, making it unique. With the SE gone, Apple no longer offers phones with Touch ID, an LCD screen, or smaller than 6 inches. All current models now use Face ID and have bigger displays.

    Here’s what the lineup looks like now:

    iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus.

    Interestingly, the iPhone 16e comes with a bit of an old-school look with its notch but is powered by the latest A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 models have the newer Dynamic Island but are equipped with the older A16 chip without Apple Intelligence support.

    This shift in product strategy suggests that Apple might be focusing on larger screens and newer technologies, as they’re expected to discontinue the iPhone 15 models with the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series in September.

    With these changes, Apple has officially moved away from smaller screen sizes, with the smallest screen now being 6.1 inches on several models. This means if you’re looking for a compact phone, you’ll need to look at older models or other brands, as Apple seems to have left the small-screen market behind.

  • Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple has just launched the iPhone 16e, aimed at being an affordable option for smartphone users. This new model takes over from the discontinued third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e boasts a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, a step up from the 4.7-inch LCD of its predecessor. It now sports a notch for Face ID, signaling the end of the Touch ID era for Apple’s phones.

    Under the hood, the phone runs on the brand-new A18 chip, which not only speeds up the device but also supports Apple’s smart features like summarizing notifications and creating personalized emojis. Another highlight is the custom 5G modem, dubbed C1, that Apple developed in-house. This modem is said to be so energy-efficient that it gives the iPhone 16e the best battery life among all 6.1-inch iPhones.

    For photography, there’s a single 48-megapixel camera on the back, which Apple claims can offer a 2x zoom with optical-quality results. Design-wise, the iPhone 16e introduces an Action button where the traditional Ring/Silent switch used to be, and it has moved to a USB-C port, leaving behind the Lightning connector. However, it does not include the Camera Control button seen in other iPhone 16 models.

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin on February 21. It’s priced at $599 in the U.S., and you can choose between white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. This new iPhone aims to blend advanced technology with affordability, providing an entry point into Apple’s ecosystem for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

    iPhone 16E
    iPhone 16E
  • Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple is rumored to unveil a new budget-friendly iPhone tomorrow, and hints are strong that it could be named iPhone 16E rather than iPhone SE 4. Initially, many speculated this new model would be another iPhone SE, following the previous generations. However, recent leaks suggest otherwise, leaning towards the name iPhone 16E.

    The name iPhone 16E first popped up in December, mentioned by Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, a popular social media site in China. Not long after, a leaker named Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter) echoed these sentiments, suggesting the next iPhone SE might be dubbed iPhone 16E.

    Just today, Majin Bu shared another clue, stating they’ve seen a box labeled “iPhone 16E”. Adding fuel to this rumor, Bloomberg’s tech journalist Mark Gurman commented on a recent post by Apple CEO Tim Cook, hinting at a “new family member” announcement, which might refer to this newly named device. Also, there are several new case listings on Amazon tagged for the iPhone 16E, although this could just be speculation.

    Amazon iPhone 16E

    The expected features for this new phone include a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID for security, a powerful A18 processor, a USB-C port, compatibility with Apple’s AI features, and a custom 5G modem. We’ll find out the official price and when it’s coming out tomorrow.

  • New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    Apple might announce the new iPhone SE 4 very soon, and it could keep its worth better than before, according to SellCell’s research.

    iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb 3

    Even though the iPhone SE is cheaper, it has not kept its resale value as well as Apple’s more expensive phones. SellCell’s study shows that past SE models lost their value quickly. For instance, the third iPhone SE model dropped by 42.6% in value in just one month and by 57.8% after six months. In contrast, the iPhone 15 series only lost 28.8% in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

    The same happened with the second iPhone SE, which saw a 50.8% decrease in value in six months, while the iPhone 14 series only went down by 31.1% in the same time. This might be because the SE starts at a lower price, looks older, and isn’t as popular in the used market.

    However, some smaller, cheaper iPhones have done better. The iPhone 13 mini, for example, only lost 19.2% of its value in the first month, compared to 42.6% for the third iPhone SE. After a year, it had depreciated by 46.1%, while the third iPhone SE lost 64.4%. Even after two years, the iPhone 13 mini was down by just 53%, more like the flagships than the SEs.

    The upcoming iPhone SE 4 might change this pattern. If it gets a modern look similar to the iPhone 14 and gets a better chip, camera, and supports Apple’s smart features, it could hold its value better. This would make it stay competitive for longer.

    Like other phones, the value of the iPhone SE drops more when a new model comes out. The second iPhone SE lost another 4% of its value 12 weeks after the third one was released. So, if you want to sell your SE, doing it soon after a new one comes out is smart.

    The price will also affect how well the iPhone SE 4 keeps its value. It might start at $499 in the US, which is a bit more than the $429 of the current model. This could make it a good choice for people watching their budget, but it also means people will expect better features for the extra cost.

    Apple took longer than usual to update the iPhone SE, which means there aren’t many affordable, new-tech options right now. This might make the new iPhone SE more popular when it comes out, especially if it’s much better than the old versions.

  • Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Low Power Mode isn’t a new thing for iPhone users. It was first introduced with iOS 9 back in 2015. Now and then, I come across complaints online about new iPhones running slowly, and often, Low Power Mode is turned on. Let’s explore how this feature impacts your iPhone’s performance.

    How Does Low Power Mode Work?

    Low Power Mode is designed to help your iPhone last longer when you’re away from a charger. When you turn it on, it cuts down on power use by turning off or limiting various features.
    iOS will suggest turning on Low Power Mode when your battery hits 20%, but you can switch it on anytime you want.

    Here’s what Apple says about it:

    Low Power Mode helps your iPhone or iPad when the battery is low. It makes the battery last longer before you need to charge it, but some things might work slower or not update as quickly. Some tasks might not work until you turn off Low Power Mode or charge to 80% or more.

    You can see if Low Power Mode is active by checking if the battery icon in your Status Bar is yellow.

    What Changes When Low Power Mode is On?

    Apple has a list on its site detailing what changes:

    • Turns off or limits 5G use
    • Sets Auto-Lock to 30 seconds
    • Reduces screen brightness and limits refresh rate to 60Hz on ProMotion devices
    • Turns off Always-On Display for supported iPhones
    • Reduces visual effects
    • Stops background activities like downloads, iCloud syncing, backups, and email fetching

    Does It Slow Down Your iPhone?

    Yes, it does. Although not officially stated by Apple, Low Power Mode also reduces your iPhone’s speed. Your iPhone’s chip has performance and efficiency cores. Normally, it uses all cores, favoring performance cores for heavy tasks. But in Low Power Mode, it mostly uses the slower efficiency cores to save energy.

    For example, in a benchmark test with Low Power Mode off, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip scored:

    • Single-core: 3341
    • Multi-core: 8270

    With Low Power Mode on, the scores drop significantly:

    • Single-core: 1384
    • Multi-core: 4093

    This shows that your iPhone might run at about half speed with this mode active.

    Conclusion

    While Low Power Mode can extend your battery life, especially when your phone is idle, it’s less effective during active use. It’s best to use Low Power Mode only when necessary. Remember, this feature is also available on iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.

  • New rumors about the next Apple Pro Display

    New rumors about the next Apple Pro Display

    Apple launched the Pro Display XDR back in 2019 for a hefty $4,999, with no stand included and an optional stand priced at $999. Since then, despite advancements in screen tech, Apple hasn’t updated this model. But whispers and leaks suggest they’re preparing something new.

    Apple’s Own Chip

    In 2022, Apple introduced the Studio Display, which stood out because it was powered by the A13 Bionic chip. This chip allowed for features like Center Stage and spatial audio. The original Pro Display XDR, being older, doesn’t have this advantage. However, there’s talk from Bloomberg that Apple’s next high-end monitor might include its own silicon, reducing its dependency on the connected computer for performance.

    If these rumors from 2022 are still on track, the upcoming Pro Display XDR 2 might boast an Apple Silicon chip, potentially adding features like a built-in camera and speakers.

    Quantum-Dot Tech

    Display expert Ross Young has hinted that Apple could shift to quantum-dot technology for the next Pro Display XDR, similar to what’s seen in the new MacBook Pro. Quantum-dot films could replace older tech in Apple products, enhancing color and brightness. It’s not confirmed if this means a switch to mini-LED, but it’s expected to improve the display’s quality.

    Other Expectations

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in 2023 suggested Apple might launch a 27-inch mini LED display in 2025. While this might not directly relate to the Pro Display XDR due to size differences, it shows Apple’s interest in high-end displays. Additionally, there’s talk of a 7K resolution display, which could be a future option for the Pro Display.

    When Will It Come Out?

    Ross Young has speculated that the Pro Display XDR 2 could see the light of day towards the end of 2025 or early 2026. However, according to Mark Gurman’s newsletter, this isn’t a top priority for Apple, given the niche market for such a costly monitor.

    In conclusion, while the Pro Display XDR has been static for years, the future looks bright with potential upgrades in technology and features, though exact details and timelines remain under wraps.

    Source

  • Will the new iPhone SE have more space?

    Will the new iPhone SE have more space?

    The iPhone SE 4 is set to hit the market this week, bringing with it a new look, a powerful A18 chip, and complete support for Apple Intelligence. But there’s one thing many are wondering: will it finally have more storage than the 64GB we’ve seen before?

    Will the iPhone SE 4 Still Start at 64GB?

    When the iPhone SE 2 came out in 2020, it started with 64GB of storage for $399. You could pay more for 128GB or 256GB if you needed extra space. The current iPhone SE 3 from the same year has the same starting storage but at a slightly higher price of $429.

    There’s been talk around, including a not-so-reliable leak from a Chinese store, suggesting the new model might stick with 64GB (as reported by MacRumors). But I wouldn’t trust this information too much since it might just be a guess while we wait for Apple’s official word.

    The Case for More Storage

    Apple Intelligence, a new feature, needs about 7GB of storage on your phone. That’s quite a lot, especially if you only have 64GB to start with. Given this, it seems reasonable to expect that Apple might bump up the base storage to 128GB for the iPhone SE 4. Apple has adjusted hardware for new features before, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they do it again.

    While I might be wrong, I’m betting on a larger base storage for the new iPhone SE.

    Looking at Other iPhones

    It’s worth noting that Apple moved away from offering 64GB as the lowest storage option on its top-tier iPhones starting with the iPhone 13 in 2021, which suggests a trend towards providing more storage out of the box.

    In conclusion, the iPhone SE 4 could be the model where Apple decides it’s time to offer more than just 64GB right from the start, aligning with the needs of modern smartphone users and its own technological advancements.