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  • Apple might upgrade its top music subscription

    Apple might upgrade its top music subscription

    Apple could be planning to make its best music subscription even better, following in the footsteps of Spotify’s new strategy. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw, Spotify is crafting a higher-priced version of its music service. This new offering, tentatively named Music Pro, is set to include superior audio quality, concert ticket perks, and tools for subscribers to remix songs. The cost? About $6 more per month than the current subscription fee, bringing the total to around $17.

    Spotify’s move to introduce a premium tier isn’t new; they’ve been wanting to match Apple Music’s high-quality audio for some time now. However, since Apple Music already provides lossless audio without an extra charge, Spotify needs more than just better sound to justify the price hike.

    One idea they’re exploring is selling concert tickets directly through the app, a unique yet problematic market due to the complexities of ticket sales online. Additionally, the ability to remix or adjust songs like a DJ could be a significant draw for users.

    On the Apple side, they’ve been offering advanced audio features like lossless audio and Dolby Atmos without additional cost. However, there’s talk that Apple, along with Amazon, might be considering premium tiers for their apps, including music services. This would be a shift from Apple’s current approach of enhancing services without increasing prices.

    Apple has only raised the price of Apple Music once, from $9.99 to $10.99 a month back in 2022. If they decide to add more expensive tiers, they might include features like exclusive access to music stems for use in apps like GarageBand and Logic. Apple has already tested this concept in its creative workshops at retail stores but not as a take-home feature.

    While nothing is set in stone, the idea of Apple charging more for these advanced features could signal a new direction in how they monetize their streaming service. This could depend on what unique offerings they can bring to the table to make the extra cost worthwhile for subscribers.

    Source

  • Apple’s Big 2025 Start: What’s coming this week?

    Apple’s Big 2025 Start: What’s coming this week?

    Apple is all set to reveal its first big product of 2025 this Wednesday. The company’s CEO, Tim Cook, shared the news on social media last week. Although we don’t have all the details yet, there’s a good chance it’s the new iPhone SE.

    New iPhone SE: What to Expect

    Based on what we’ve heard, the new iPhone SE might be the star of the show. Here’s what’s likely coming:

    • A larger 6.1-inch OLED screen
      A switch to USB-C for charging
    • A high-quality 48MP back camera
    • Face ID for unlocking your phone
    • And it might be the first iPhone with Apple’s own 5G modem

    There’s talk that Apple might give this iPhone SE a new name, calling it the iPhone 16E. Tim Cook hinted that “the newest member of the family” is on the way, which could mean this new naming might happen.

    Other Possible Reveals

    Apart from the iPhone, Apple could surprise us with:

    • A new MacBook Air with the latest M4 chip
    • An 11th generation iPad with the A17 Pro chip, bringing new smart features
    • An iPad Air with the M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard

    These might not launch right away but could be part of the early-year announcements.

    Don’t Hold Your Breath For

    While Apple has lots planned for 2025, some products won’t make it to the early launch:

    • AirTag 2, expected around mid-2025, will offer better tracking
    • A new smart home hub, possibly named ‘HomePad’, might be delayed beyond March
    • High-end computers like the M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro are slated for a summer reveal at WWDC.

    So, keep your eyes peeled for Wednesday’s event; it’s shaping up to be an exciting start to Apple’s 2025 product lineup.

  • 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.

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  • Apple is working hard on a new Studio Screen

    Apple is working hard on a new Studio Screen

    Apple is putting a lot of effort into creating a new Studio Screen, according to tech reporter Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. In his recent newsletter, Gurman shared that this new Studio Screen is expected to hit the market around 2026, along with new Macs with M5 chips.

    He describes the upcoming screen as having the same look as the one we have now, with a 27-inch screen size. Within Apple, it’s known by the code name J427.

    Gurman hasn’t mentioned any new features for this screen yet. But, last week, Ross Young, who knows a lot about screens, said Apple is working on a new 27-inch screen that might use mini-LEDs. He thinks this could be the new Studio Screen, possibly coming out late 2025 or early 2026. Mini-LEDs could make the screen brighter and the colors pop more than the current model.

    The current Studio Screen came out in March 2022 with the Mac Studio. It boasts a 5K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, can get up to 600 nits bright, has a built-in camera and speakers, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the US, it starts at $1,599.

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  • Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    The Apple Vision Pro, which just celebrated its first birthday, might soon receive one of its largest updates yet, and you won’t need to buy new hardware to enjoy it. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence, which was initially rolled out for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Until now, this suite of AI features was exclusive to models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, various iPad models with M-series chips, and the latest Macs.

    However, there was no mention of Apple Vision Pro getting these AI enhancements in previous updates. The Vision Pro, powered by Apple’s second-generation M-series chip, has been somewhat left out until now. But that could change.

    Recent whispers from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg hint that Apple might extend Apple Intelligence to the current Vision Pro models. This is exciting news for those who’ve invested in the $3,500 headset, offering new capabilities without the need for an upgrade.

    This rumor comes as a relief, especially after reports suggested that some new Siri features with Apple Intelligence might miss the iOS 18.4 release. Keep an eye out for more updates from Apple in the coming days, including a new product launch scheduled for this Wednesday.

    Top Apple Accessories You Might Love

    • Wireless CarPlay Adapter
    • iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack
    • USB-C Charger for iPhone
    • Apple AirTag for Tracking
    • AirPods 4 for Music Lovers
    • AirPods Pro 2 for Enhanced Audio Experience
    • Apple Pencil Pro for Creatives

    Stay tuned for how these developments could enhance your Apple experience!

  • Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Yesterday, Hector Martin announced his resignation as the leader of the Asahi Linux project, which began shortly after Apple introduced its Silicon chips in early 2021. The team had successfully released an alpha version for M1 and M2 Macs in 2022, making significant strides in the project.

    Background

    Bringing Linux to Apple Silicon was a challenging task, but with overwhelming community support, Martin achieved what many thought was impossible. For the first couple of years, the project turned the platform from zero to one of the best Linux experiences on any laptop. Despite some hardware features still missing, the overall performance was impressive, especially considering there was no direct support or documentation from Apple.

    However, the journey wasn’t all smooth. Martin faced burnout due to constant complaints from some users and opposition from parts of the Linux community. He particularly criticized Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, for not being actively involved enough in supporting the integration of new technologies like Rust into Linux. This lack of leadership, according to Martin, was detrimental to the project’s progress.

    What’s Next?

    Despite stepping down, Martin is optimistic about the project’s future. He plans to hand over leadership to the existing Asahi Linux team, who aim to continue the project with several goals for 2025. These include merging all necessary drivers for M1 and M2 Macs into the main Linux kernel, known as upstream.

    The team also plans to enhance testing processes and introduce new features like DisplayPort alt mode, DirectX 12 support, and support for internal microphones, which might be available in just a few days. However, support for newer hardware like M3 and M4 Macs won’t be a priority for now, as the focus is on strengthening the current foundation.

    Martin’s departure raises questions, but the team’s dedication suggests that Asahi Linux will persist, though perhaps not immediately on the newest Apple hardware. Here’s hoping for continued advancements and success for the Asahi Linux project.

  • 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.

  • Siri’s big update might be late

    Siri’s big update might be late

    Apple is facing some challenges with the new and improved version of Siri, which includes smart features from Apple Intelligence. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these updates might not come out on time because of technical issues and software glitches.

    Apple Intelligence Overview

    There was talk that these new Siri features would be part of the iOS 18.4 update. However, with the first beta of iOS 18.4 expected next week, it looks like Siri isn’t quite ready yet.

    Apple has already announced that Apple Intelligence would support more languages in April, hinting that’s when iOS 18.4 might roll out. This leaves Apple with little time to fix Siri’s problems. Some of these new features might get delayed until May, possibly appearing in an iOS 18.5 update.

    The new Siri is supposed to bring three key enhancements: understanding the personal context for better interaction, performing more actions within and across apps, and recognizing what’s on the screen to respond accordingly. However, testers have noted that these features aren’t working smoothly yet.

    Big updates like this usually don’t arrive as late as May since Apple starts focusing on the next iOS version around WWDC in June.

    Gurman suggests that Apple might release these features in iOS 18.4 but keep them off by default for further testing, until they’re fully ready in iOS 18.5. We should see the first iOS 18.4 beta soon, but don’t expect to see the new Siri features right away.

    Source

  • The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    There’s a lot of buzz about Apple’s next big thing – the iPhone 17 Slim. If rumors are to be believed, we might see this super-thin iPhone hit the market soon. After some blurry pictures leaked online, a detailed concept now gives us a glimpse into what this device might look like in everyday use.

    iPhone 17 Slim Concept

    The concept, crafted by WEIS Studio, shows the iPhone 17 Slim in someone’s hand, illustrating how thin it could be. According to the latest whispers, this phone could be just 5.5 millimeters thick. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro measures at 8.25 mm, and the thinnest iPhone we’ve seen so far, the iPhone 6, was 6.9 mm.

    The concept also features a unique single-lens camera on the back with a bar-like design, setting it apart from the current iPhones. This matches up with what we’ve seen in the leaked images.

    Why So Thin?

    The idea of an iPhone this slim is both exciting and intriguing. If these rumors hold, the iPhone 17 Slim might be as thin as the latest M4 iPad Pro, which is 5.3 mm for the 11-inch model. Analysts think Apple is aiming for an ultra-thin design to make the phone more appealing, potentially increasing sales among those looking for something new and innovative.

    Public Reaction

    One user, Terry Benedict, commented, “Why would anyone want something so thin it seems fragile? I get changing the screen size or edge design, but this? It reminds me of Ian Malcolm’s famous line, ‘Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.’”

    What to Expect

    The iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to take the place of the “Plus” model, fitting between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. However, due to its slim profile, some compromises are expected. It might not have multiple camera lenses or a large battery.

    The new model is expected to sport a 6.6-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, not matching the 120Hz of the Pro models. Additionally, it will likely include Apple’s new in-house 5G modem, set to debut with the iPhone SE 4, paired with an A19 chip for better battery efficiency.

    You can watch the full concept video on Instagram to see more of this sleek design.

  • New AirPods Pro 3: Exciting updates coming soon

    New AirPods Pro 3: Exciting updates coming soon

    The wait is almost over for the next generation of Apple’s popular earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, expected to hit the market this September with the iPhone 17. Here’s what we’re excited about.

    A Fresh H3 Chip

    The AirPods Pro 3 will feature a new H3 chip, which promises significant enhancements over its predecessor. The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 brought notable improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation. With the H3, we can expect even better audio performance, possibly with longer battery life. The H2 chip’s success in providing rich bass and clear sound suggests the H3 could take these aspects to new heights.

    A New Look

    Rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will sport a new design, although details are sparse. The current design has been well-received, so any changes might be subtle, perhaps involving smaller stems or a better fit for comfort. These tweaks could make the earbuds even more appealing to users who prioritize style and comfort.

    Better Noise Cancellation

    The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the AirPods Pro 2 was a game-changer, and the upcoming model aims to improve this even further. Powered by the new H3 chip, the ANC in AirPods Pro 3 is expected to be significantly better, offering a quieter listening experience in noisy environments.

    Health Features Might Be Included

    While not confirmed, there’s buzz about new health features possibly coming with the AirPods Pro 3. Heart rate monitoring, similar to that in the Apple Watch, could be one of them. There’s also talk about temperature sensors and other health metrics, which would turn these earbuds into a wellness tool as well as an audio device.

    In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be an exciting update with potentially better sound, a refined design, superior noise cancellation, and new health functionalities. Even if you’re happy with your current AirPods Pro 2, the advancements in the next generation might make them an irresistible upgrade.

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