Search results for: “iPhone 14”

  • 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 iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a smaller notch, says insider

    New iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a smaller notch, says insider

    The latest buzz around Apple’s next big phone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, suggests it will come with a smaller notch. This comes from a tipster on Weibo known as Digital Chat Station.

    Smaller Notch with New Tech

    The insider has shared that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will use something called a “metalens” for its Face ID. This new tech combines the parts that send and receive light into one, making the whole setup thinner and smaller. This means the Dynamic Island, which is the name for the notch on newer iPhones, could be less noticeable. The same technology might also show up in the next iPad Pro and a rumored foldable iPad.

    How Metalens Differs

    Unlike the usual camera lenses in iPhones that use curved glass to focus light, a metalens is super thin and flat. It uses tiny structures to direct light to the camera’s sensor, which could make devices even slimmer.

    Mixed Messages from Experts

    However, this news conflicts with what was said earlier by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in January, who predicted no change in Dynamic Island’s size for the iPhone 17 lineup. On the flip side, analyst Jeff Pu had predicted last year that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would feature these metalens leading to a slimmer Dynamic Island. Pu has been right about Apple’s moves before, so his predictions carry some weight.

    Credibility Check

    Digital Chat Station has a history of getting things right. They correctly predicted details about the iPhone 15’s camera and the iPhone 12’s screen design, which adds some trust to their latest claim.

    Apple rolled out the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro models back in 2022, and it has stayed the same size since then. We’re all waiting to see what Apple has in store when they reveal the iPhone 17 series, expected in September next year.

    Source

  • iPhone owners are upgrading their phones sooner

    iPhone owners are upgrading their phones sooner

    People with iPhones are starting to get new ones a bit quicker than before, according to a report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

    In the last three months of 2024, CIRP found that more iPhone buyers were replacing their phones earlier than in past years. About 36% of new iPhone owners had their old phone for two years or less, which is up from 31% the year before. On the other hand, the number of people keeping their phones for three years or more dropped to 33%.

    This change is the first big shift in how often people upgrade their iPhones since CIRP started keeping track in 2014. Even though people generally kept their phones longer over time, something seems to be pushing some users to upgrade sooner. The percentage of people upgrading after just two years is back to where it was in 2020.

    CIRP thinks several things are causing this. One big reason might be deals from phone companies that make it cheaper or easier to get a new phone. Another could be Apple’s new AI features, which might make people want to switch to the latest model to use them.

    This trend in upgrade habits comes at a time when Apple’s iPhone sales have not been as strong. CIRP guesses that the people upgrading now are the most active Apple fans, more eager to get the newest tech. Meanwhile, those who upgrade less often might be holding out for something really special before they decide to buy a new phone.

  • Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple is thinking about changing who makes the screens for its iPhones because one of its current suppliers, BOE, is having trouble making good-quality displays. This information comes from sources in Korea, as reported by OLED-info.

    BOE, a company from China, has been having a hard time making the LTPS AMOLED screens that Apple wants for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16. Since the start of 2024, they’ve only been able to provide about 7-8 million screens to Apple, way less than the 40 million they were supposed to make.

    It’s going to take around six weeks to fix these quality issues. In the meantime, people in the industry think that Samsung Display will get most of the new screen orders because LG Display is busy making a different type of screen for the iPhone “Pro” models.

    This isn’t the first time BOE has had problems. Last year, they had issues with the screens around the camera cutout, which they call the Dynamic Island, for the iPhone 15, and Apple cut back on orders because of it. This situation shows how tough it can be to keep up with Apple’s high standards for their iPhone screens.

    Source

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    While everyone is talking about the iPhone 17, Apple is quietly preparing another exciting release. The iPhone SE 4 is set to be a big upgrade for Apple’s budget-friendly phone, with a fresh look, USB-C charging, and more. Here are five things you can expect from the iPhone SE 4.

    iPhone SE 4: What’s New

    1. Modern Design with a Larger Screen

    • The iPhone SE 4 will look completely different from the current model. Right now, the iPhone SE has an older iPhone 8-style design with thick borders around a 4.7-inch screen and a Home button. The new version, however, will have a sleek, modern design similar to the iPhone 14.
    • Leaked details suggest it will have a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a small cutout at the top. It will also have flat edges instead of the rounded ones on the current model. The new phone is expected to be slightly bigger, measuring about 147.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm, compared to the current 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm.

    2. Face ID Instead of Touch ID

    • The current iPhone SE uses a Home button with Touch ID for unlocking, but the iPhone SE 4 will switch to Face ID. This is possible because of the new design with a cutout at the top of the screen, where the Face ID sensors will sit.

    3. Better Speed and Power

    • The current iPhone SE runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is already fast for its price. The iPhone SE 4 will take this a step further with the newer A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. This means it will be able to handle Apple’s latest AI features without any trouble.

    4. USB-C Charging

    • The iPhone SE 4 will switch from the old Lightning port to USB-C for charging, just like the iPhone 16. This change is required by new rules in the European Union and makes charging more universal.

    5. Apple’s Own Modem

    • For the first time, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modem made by Apple instead of one from Qualcomm. This is a big step for Apple, but users likely won’t notice any difference. If everything works smoothly, it’s a success for Apple.

    Final Thoughts

    • After more than a year of rumors, the iPhone SE 4 might finally be announced soon, possibly next week, according to Bloomberg. Instead of a big event, Apple is expected to share the news through a simple press release on its website.

    What do you think about the iPhone SE 4? Does it fit well in Apple’s lineup, or should Apple rethink its strategy for budget phones?

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

    Source

  • iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    The next iPhone SE 4 is set to feature a traditional notch instead of the newer Dynamic Island, according to display expert Ross Young. He claims the phone will look much like the iPhone 14 with its notch.

    Just a few weeks ago, another source, Evan Blass, showed pictures suggesting the iPhone SE 4 would have a Dynamic Island. This was confusing because earlier rumors pointed towards a notch. Another leak from early 2024 also hinted at a Dynamic Island, but most signs point to Apple sticking with the notch for this budget phone.

    Many rumors have pointed out that the iPhone SE 4 is built similarly to the iPhone 14, which had a notch. This makes sense if Apple is using the same body design for the SE version. Plus, screen protectors rumored to be for the iPhone SE 4 show a cutout for a notch, not a Dynamic Island.

    When the iPhone SE 4 comes out, it will mark the end of Touch ID on iPhones, moving entirely to Face ID for unlocking. The phone is expected to have a 6.1-inch screen, one camera on the back, 8GB of RAM, and will run on an A17 Pro chip, which will support Apple’s smart features. Rumors are that we’ll see the iPhone SE 4 hit the market around April, in the spring.

  • Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Apple keeps a close eye on security, and they’ve just released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to tackle some security weaknesses. It’s wise to update your devices right away to keep them secure.

    iOS 18.3

    Available for:

    • iPhone XS and newer
    • Various iPad models from the 3rd generation Air onwards

    Security Fixes:

    • Photos Access: If someone could physically access your unlocked device, they might have seen your photos. This has been fixed with better security checks.
    • AirPlay: Several issues have been resolved, including risks of system crashes or memory problems when on the same network as an attacker. Also, remote attackers could mess with your apps or even cause them to crash, but not anymore thanks to these updates.
    • ARKit: Now, opening a bad file won’t crash your apps.
      CoreAudio and CoreMedia: Parsing risky files could lead to app crashes, but Apple has tightened up these areas.
    • ImageIO: Handling images won’t cause your system to slow down or crash.
    • Kernel: Apps trying to gain too much control or run harmful code have been stopped by new security measures.
    • Safari: Visiting malicious websites could trick you, but the update adds better protection against this.
    • SceneKit: There was a chance for user information to leak through file parsing, which has been fixed.
    • Time Zone: Now, sensitive contact details won’t appear in system logs.
    • WebKit: Web browsing could lead to privacy issues or system crashes, but these have been addressed.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3

    AirPlay, AppKit, AppleGraphicsControl, and More:

    • Like iOS, macOS has patched issues with AirPlay, preventing crashes or memory corruption.
    • AppKit and other components have been secured to prevent unauthorized access to user data or system crashes.
    • AppleMobileFileIntegrity: Several fixes ensure apps can’t tamper with protected parts of your system or access private data.
    • Kernel: Enhanced to prevent apps from gaining excessive permissions or causing system instability.
    • Safari and WebKit: Improved to safeguard against deceptive websites and ensure web content doesn’t cause disruptions.
    • SceneKit: Just like on iOS, file parsing is now safer.
    • Time Zone: Privacy has been bolstered to keep contact details out of logs.

    watchOS 11.3

    For Apple Watch Series 6 and Later:

    • Similar security enhancements have been applied, focusing on AirPlay, CoreAudio, CoreMedia, ImageIO, Kernel, and WebKit to prevent unauthorized access, crashes, or performance issues.

    Updating your devices is crucial for maintaining security. Always check for the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are protected against known vulnerabilities.

  • New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    As we get closer to the release of the new iPhone SE 4, fake models of the phone have appeared online, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect – or not expect.

    These fake phones, which are just for showing what the real one might look like, were posted on X by a user named Majin Bu. They shared photos and a small video to highlight the design.

    There’s been a lot of talk about whether this new iPhone SE would have a new kind of screen cutout called ‘Dynamic Island’ or just the old ‘notch’. From these models, it seems like it’s going to stick with the notch, similar to the iPhone 14. You can see the camera cutout for selfies on the front, and there’s only one camera on the back, just like we thought. The phone also has a glass back and an aluminum frame.

    Rumors about new buttons like an Action Button or a Camera Control Button don’t seem to be true, according to these models. They look a lot like earlier leaks from another leaker, Sonny Dickson.

    Apart from what you can see, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a new, quicker A18 processor, Apple’s own modem chip, and 8GB of RAM. This RAM amount is what’s needed for Apple’s new smart features. The camera will probably be the same 48-megapixel one used in the iPhone 16.

    Apple is likely to launch this new iPhone SE in March or April. It’s meant to be their cheapest phone, and while it might cost a bit more than before, they’re trying to keep it under $500.