Search results for: “ios 15”

  • 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!

  • Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple has just revealed its debut custom 5G modem, named “C1”, which will first appear in the brand-new iPhone 16e. The C1 modem plays a key role in enhancing the iPhone 16e’s battery life, making it last longer than any other iPhone with a similar 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.

    By integrating the advantages of Apple’s own silicon technology, the C1 modem stands out as both the first modem Apple made itself and the most energy-saving modem ever used in an iPhone, providing swift and dependable 5G service. The combination of Apple’s silicon, including the C1, the iPhone’s new internal layout, and the smart energy management of iOS 18, leads to an impressive battery performance.

    It’s worth noting that the C1 modem is exclusive to the iPhone 16e; other iPhones still rely on modems from Qualcomm. This step is similar to when Apple switched from Intel processors to its own chips, showing Apple’s strategy to lessen its dependence on external suppliers like Qualcomm for crucial components.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra outspeeds iPhone 16 Pro Max in app loading

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra outspeeds iPhone 16 Pro Max in app loading

    In a recent speed test by PhoneBuff, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has shown it’s faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max when opening apps. This test looked at how quickly each phone could handle tasks across different programs, from social media to games.

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and equipped with 12GB of RAM, took the lead right from the start. It was quicker in opening work apps and even faster in processing photos in Snapseed, an editing app. When it came to video editing with LumaFusion, the Samsung phone was 25% faster than the iPhone, which is surprising since Apple phones usually do well in this area.

    Even in games, where iPhones have often led, the S25 Ultra kept ahead. It did better or just as well as the iPhone in games like Subway Surfers and Flip Diving. The iPhone only slightly won in some games, but overall, Samsung was ahead.

    The first round of app openings took the Galaxy S25 Ultra just 2 minutes and 18 seconds, beating the iPhone by 15 seconds. In the second round, which checks how well the phones keep apps running in the background, the iPhone narrowed the gap a bit, but Samsung still won by a clear margin, which PhoneBuff described as one of the biggest victories in recent speed tests.

    Samsung’s advantage seems to come from its powerful chip, more RAM, and a larger cooling system. This setup, along with Android 15 and One UI 7, gives the Galaxy a performance boost. Although Apple has had time to fine-tune iOS 18 for its hardware, Samsung has seemingly taken the lead in speed.

    Looking ahead, Apple might catch up with the iPhone 17 series expected in September. The new models could feature an A19 Pro chip made with an advanced manufacturing process, potentially offering better speed and efficiency. Also, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to have better cooling to manage heat during heavy use.

    This speed test shows that while both phones are top performers, Samsung currently holds the lead in how quickly apps can be loaded and processed.

  • Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Some people are noticing that Apple’s recent software updates are turning Apple Intelligence back on, even if they had turned it off before.

    If you’ve missed it, Apple released updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, iOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 18.3.1, which include important security updates everyone should install. However, after these updates, some users, including software developer Jeff Johnson, have reported that their devices, especially those showing a Welcome screen after the update, are automatically enabling Apple Intelligence again.

    In our tests, devices like the M4 Pro Mac mini, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and M4 iPad Pro showed different behaviors. The iPhones and iPad kept Apple Intelligence off, but the Mac mini re-enabled it after the update. It seems the key is whether you see a Welcome screen for Apple Intelligence, which doesn’t give you an option to set it up later, forcing you to enable it.

    This automatic reactivation is a worry for those who want control over their device settings, especially since Apple Intelligence needs up to 7GB of storage to work. This space is used for keeping AI models on your device for privacy-focused processing. In previous updates, Apple made Apple Intelligence an opt-out feature, meaning it’s on by default.

    If you want to keep Apple Intelligence off, you should check your settings after updating. On your iPhone or iPad, look in Settings under “Apple Intelligence & Siri.” On a Mac, go to System Settings and check the same place. Have you updated recently? Share your experience in the comments.

    In other news, Apple reportedly decided not to partner with DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, for its Apple Intelligence features. DeepSeek made headlines for creating AI models that are less expensive and use less power, but privacy concerns led to bans on government devices in some countries. Apple needed a local partner for China, looked at several, but seems to be moving forward with Alibaba after initial talks with Baidu didn’t work out. They’ve even submitted a first batch of AI features to China’s regulators for approval.

    Apple also plans to add Chinese language support to Apple Intelligence in an upcoming April update, but this might only apply outside of China until they get the green light there.

    Source/Via

  • 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.

  • New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    A new tool on iPhones is making it simpler for travelers to locate their lost or delayed bags at airports, and now more airlines are using it.

    Tracking Luggage with AirTags

    With the latest update to iOS 18.2, the Find My app now lets you share the location of your luggage if it has an AirTag attached. This means if your bag gets lost, airport staff from participating airlines can help find it more easily.

    This week, airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings started supporting this feature. Before this, airlines like Delta, United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand were already on board.

    Sharing the Location

    If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or newer, you can link the Find My app to share your luggage’s location. Anyone with this link can check a webpage that shows where the luggage is on a map, which updates as the bag moves. Apple has ensured that sharing these links is both private and secure. Only a few airport workers can see the link, and they need to log in with an Apple Account or a partner email to access it.

    The sharing stops as soon as you get your bag back, or it automatically ends after one week.

    Expansion Plans

    Apple released iOS 18.2 in December, and they’re planning to work with more airlines in the coming months to expand this helpful feature. This tool is a game-changer for travelers, making the stress of lost luggage a thing of the past.

  • Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    You might have heard on social media that Apple automatically added Elon Musk’s Starlink to all iPhones. That’s not true. Here’s the simple truth: The iPhone can connect to Starlink, but only under certain conditions. Right now, in the United States, only one carrier, T-Mobile, uses Starlink for additional coverage on the iPhone.

    Apple hasn’t directly teamed up with Starlink. T-Mobile uses its own frequency (band 25) to make this possible, and the iPhone supports this band. There’s nothing unique in iOS 18.3 related to Starlink; it just supports T-Mobile’s latest network updates.

    If you’re a T-Mobile customer and you don’t want to use Starlink, you can turn it off easily. Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then Cellular, find your carrier and switch off Satellite. Apple has also shared some info on how iPhones work with satellite services provided by carriers. This document explains how these services differ from Apple’s satellite network.

    To use these carrier satellite services, you’ll need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16
    • The newest iOS update
    • A compatible carrier
    • Possibly, a specific plan from your carrier

    When your iPhone uses these services, you’ll see “SAT” in the status bar. Remember, there might be extra charges or data limits, so check with your carrier for details.

    Starlink can provide internet like other companies such as Spectrum or Xfinity, for homes, on the go, or even on boats and planes. But with T-Mobile, it’s currently limited to sending texts when you’re out of regular network range. This is in beta, and you need to sign up on T-Mobile’s site to use it.

    In the future, T-Mobile might expand this to include more mobile data services through Starlink. But remember, Starlink isn’t a phone company; that’s why they work with T-Mobile. Don’t skip updating to iOS 18.3 just because of Starlink rumors. Updating keeps your iPhone safe and running smoothly with the latest features and fixes.

  • Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Apple announced the iPhone 16 as the first model designed specifically for Apple’s AI features. But until they shared how many phones they sold, we weren’t sure if people would care. Now, it’s pretty clear they do.

    iPhone 16 is Doing Great with AI

    Last week, Apple reported their biggest earnings ever, with revenues hitting $124.3 billion. When you look closer, you see that their main products – iPhone, iPad, and Mac – are selling well. iPads and Macs did particularly well, maybe because of AI, or maybe not. The iPhone 16 didn’t sell as much as last year’s model but still did quite well.

    Here’s why it’s good news:

    Tim Cook said that the iPhone 16 is selling better than the iPhone 15. This is a big deal. What’s even more telling is that the iPhone 16 sells better in places where Apple’s AI features are available. Right now, these features aren’t available in Europe or China. And China is where the iPhone isn’t doing as well, showing that AI might be a key factor.

    What Does This All Mean?

    It looks like Apple’s AI story is hitting the mark, at least for now. Apple can celebrate the iPhone’s success, but making their AI even better is the next big challenge.

    Is Apple Intelligence Really That Good?

    Even if you’re not sure if Apple’s AI features are impressive, people are paying more to get the AI-focused iPhone 16 than they did for previous models. The places where AI isn’t available are facing temporary sales issues, which could mean big opportunities for Apple in the future. So, it’s a win for Apple’s AI, a win for iPhone sales, but the next big question is: will people keep loving the AI once they start using it?

    How will customers feel about it?

    We’ll get some answers with the updates coming in iOS 18.4, but the real test will be with the launch of iOS 19 in June.