Search results for: “ipad air”

  • Apple’s New 5G Chip: Which devices will get it?

    Apple’s New 5G Chip: Which devices will get it?

    Apple has introduced its own 5G chip, called the C1 modem, in the new iPhone 16e. This is different from other iPhone models that still use Qualcomm’s modems. Most people might not notice the switch, but it’s a big step for Apple, which has been working on this technology since at least 2018.

    We don’t have speed test results for the C1 modem yet, but it’s likely to be slower than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem found in the iPhone 16. Apple wants to match or beat Qualcomm someday, though that could take a few years. For now, the C1 modem shines in another way: it uses less power. This helps the iPhone 16e have the best battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone, even better than the regular iPhone 16. Apple’s knack for blending hardware and software shines through here.

    Apple says the C1 is just the beginning. In a recent statement about its U.S. manufacturing plans, the company hinted at putting its custom 5G modems in more gadgets soon. The C1 took years of research and teamwork from thousands of engineers. It’s part of a bigger plan to improve modems across Apple products.

    So, what’s next? Expert Ming-Chi Kuo says the super-slim iPhone 17 Air, coming later this year, will also use the C1 modem. The iPad 11, expected in March or April, could be another fit for it, especially the versions with cellular data. Looking further ahead, reports from Mark Gurman suggest Apple might add 5G to Macs and Vision Pro devices someday.

    Apple plans years for its chips—up to four years for iPhone processors—and the same goes for modems. The company is already designing C2 and C3 modems. The C2 could bring faster mmWave 5G, while the C3 might outdo Qualcomm. All iPhone 18 models and the iPad Pro could get the C2 modem. Eventually, Apple might even blend the modem into its main iPhone chip.

    Why make its own modem? Apple wants to depend less on outside companies like Qualcomm and avoid past tensions with them. Though they settled a lawsuit and agreed to work together until 2027, Apple’s goal is to stand on its own. Years ago, it tried Intel modems, but they weren’t as good as Qualcomm’s. Now, with the C1, Apple’s dream of controlling its tech is coming true. Soon, every Apple device with cellular might run on its own modem.

  • 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!

  • Unveiled: Fresh camera looks for the iPhone 17 family

    Unveiled: Fresh camera looks for the iPhone 17 family

    A sneak peek at Apple’s next iPhone 17 series has popped up online, thanks to leaker Majin Bu. He shared a design sketch showing off the new back camera styles for the regular iPhone 17, a super-slim iPhone 17 Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

    Majin Bu has gotten some leaks right before, but he’s also missed the mark—like predicting an iPad 11 launch in 2023 that never happened. This time, though, other trusted sources from Weibo, like Fixed Focus Digital, Ice Universe, and Digital Chat Station, agree the sketch looks legit based on their info from Apple’s suppliers in China. “It’s pretty much spot-on,” said Digital Chat Station about the design. Looks like this might be the real deal!

    Fixed Focus Digital added, “The sketches are solid. Here’s a little extra: the iPhone 17 Pro versions will likely mix glass and metal. The logo area will be glass, set into a metal body.” This could explain the red patches on the Pro models in the image. The word is, Apple’s aiming for a tougher build with half glass and half aluminum—keeping wireless charging alive while making the phone less likely to break.

    There’s also talk that the iPhone 17 Pro models might let you charge other Apple gadgets wirelessly—a cool new trick! Apple’s shaking things up with the cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models, swapping the old square bump for a wide aluminum bar stretching across the back. The brand-new iPhone 17 Air, stepping in for the Plus model, will sport a Matching flat bar too, but with just one camera lens.

    The basic iPhone 17, however, will stick to the familiar camera setup from the iPhone 16, keeping the standard and fancy models distinct. Analyst Jeff Pu says the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max will rock aluminum frames, while the iPhone 17 Air might get a titanium one. Titanium showed up in Pro models in 2023, but Pu thinks Apple’s switching to aluminum for the Pros to be greener. What’s your take on these rumored iPhone 17 changes? Drop your thoughts below! Apple’s expected to show them off in September, as usual.

  • 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

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

  • Apple’s new budget iPhone could boost sales with AI features

    Apple’s new budget iPhone could boost sales with AI features

    Apple is gearing up to launch a new budget-friendly iPhone next week that could significantly increase its popularity, thanks to the inclusion of Apple Intelligence. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this new model, potentially succeeding the iPhone SE 3, is expected to ship around 22 million units this year, outpacing previous entry-level iPhone sales.

    Kuo highlights several advantages for Apple with this new release. Firstly, launching an affordable iPhone between its flagship releases helps maintain sales momentum during typically slower periods. Secondly, by adding Apple Intelligence to a phone that’s cheaper than the premium iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16 series, Apple can broaden the reach of its AI features. Thirdly, this model will debut Apple’s first self-developed modem, which will first be tested in this less high-stakes environment.

    This move to in-house modems still involves paying licensing fees to Qualcomm, due to their extensive patent holdings. The design of the new budget iPhone is rumored to mimic the iPhone 14, featuring a modern, flat-sided look, Face ID instead of Touch ID, and smaller bezels, though it will likely retain a single back camera.

    Apple has noted that areas where Apple Intelligence is available have seen increased iPhone sales, suggesting that consumers are eager for AI integration. However, regions without these features, like China, have not seen the same growth. Apple Intelligence is set to expand to more markets by this summer.

    The week’s big reveal will occur on Wednesday at Apple’s product launch event, where we might also see the iPad 11 with Apple Intelligence and the MacBook Air with the new M4 chip. This strategic move by Apple could reshape the market dynamics for budget smartphones, making advanced technology more accessible to a broader audience.

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  • 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 camera design leaked

    New iPhone 17 Pro camera design leaked

    A new leak shows that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro might feature an innovative camera setup. According to the popular YouTube channel “Tech Updates,” the phone will have three back cameras, but this time, they’ll be inside a new, rectangular camera bar with rounded edges.

    In the latest video from “Tech Updates,” host Mike Johnson explains that this camera bar will be much bigger than what we’ve seen in earlier leaks. The cameras will sit on the left side of the bar, and on the right, you’ll find the LED flash, a microphone, and the LiDAR Scanner, all stacked up.

    Johnson also mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a unique two-tone look, where the camera bar seems darker than the phone’s back panel.

    While it’s not clear if this new design offers any advantages or if it’s just for looks, it certainly changes the phone’s appearance. Johnson claims his information comes from several people who know about the iPhone 17 Pro’s design, and he’s seen the phone himself.

    He suggests that this new camera setup might also appear on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though he didn’t confirm it. There’s also talk of an “iPhone 17 Lite” model with a similar bar but only one camera. It’s uncertain if this design will make it to the basic iPhone 17, but it would make sense for Apple to keep things uniform across the lineup.

    Other brands like Google have camera bars on their phones too, like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but their cameras are lined up horizontally.

    Mike Johnson has been sharing tech news for years and has had both successes and failures with his predictions. He famously revealed details about the AirTag and iPad mini 6 well before they were launched. However, not all his predictions have been spot-on, like the flat-edged Apple Watch Series 7 rumor.

    Recently, Johnson hinted that iOS 19 might bring a new look to the Camera app, inspired by visionOS, with clear and semi-transparent menus. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 series in September, and we’re likely to hear more about the design before that.

  • Could Apple fix the biggest issue with its most exciting product soon?

    Could Apple fix the biggest issue with its most exciting product soon?

    With whispers of new Apple product reveals just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about what could be coming up this Friday. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is set to give the media an update on the Apple Vision Pro this Friday.

    Here are some guesses I had before:

    • New M5 Chip – No M5 products have been announced yet, but they’re apparently in production. Maybe Vision Pro will be the first to get it, like how the M4 came with the iPad Pro.
    • Apple Intelligence Support – Vision Pro has enough RAM for this, but maybe all the memory is already being used. They might increase the RAM.
    • PSVR Controller Support – Gurman says it’s happening, but it won’t shake things up much.

    Now, I’m thinking about another big change: a price cut. It would be a great piece of news to share on a Friday evening.

    Apple has always defended the $3,500 price tag by saying you’re buying into the future. But Susan Prescott’s recent statement – “for now, the price is what the price is” – hints that this might not be the final word.

    Apple doesn’t usually lower prices before new models come out, but the cost of Vision Pro has been its biggest barrier. There’s history here; they reduced the price of the first iPhone by $200 shortly after it came out.

    Would a price drop on the Vision Pro, which starts at $3,499, make a big impact? Maybe not a huge one, but any reduction helps. They could also offer more storage for the same price. However, since there’s no shortage of stock, even this seems up in the air. Still, my bet is that we’ll see some kind of price adjustment for the Apple Vision Pro this Friday. It’s speculative, but it’s something to think about.

  • Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    A week ago, Apple surprised everyone by launching a new app and service named “Invites.” However, this launch has led to some unfair criticism about Apple’s approach to apps, suggesting they operate like Google does with its apps.

    Google is well-known for starting new apps and services but then either shutting them down or merging them into something else. A good example is Google Podcasts, which didn’t last long. There’s practically a “graveyard” of Google apps that didn’t make it.

    After the launch of Invites, some people started to think Apple does the same thing with its apps. But is that really true?

    Not Dead Yet

    Take the Apple Sports app, for example. It’s been around for a year now, and it keeps getting better. People love it so much they’re asking for a widget for their phones. It’s clear this app isn’t just left to die; it’s growing in popularity.

    Then there’s the Journal app, which first appeared with iOS 17.2 in December 2023. By the time iOS 18 rolled out, the app had a significant update to version 2.0, bringing new features like search, sort options, audio transcripts, and more. The only thing missing is an iPad version, not updates.

    Apple Music Classical, initially iPhone-only, expanded to include an iPad app and added features like album booklets. It even got a CarPlay app and Siri support.

    Music Memos’ Legacy

    Music Memos was an app for musicians to record their tunes. It lasted for five years before Apple decided to enhance the built-in Voice Memos app instead. Now, Voice Memos can record two tracks at once, which is great for songwriters who use voice and guitar.

    Clips in the Classroom

    Apple Clips isn’t dead either. It’s thriving in educational settings with features like royalty-free music and templates that teachers can use in their lessons. Instead of abandoning it, maybe Apple should focus on making a simpler video editing app like CapCut, but without the ByteDance connection.

    Looking Ahead for Invites

    The future of the Invites app might include tight integration with the Calendar app and could come pre-installed on new iPhones. Its success will depend on turning users into iCloud+ subscribers and having a strong advocate within Apple, similar to how Apple Sports has been championed.

    In summary, Apple’s so-called “hobby apps” aren’t just side projects; they’re part of a broader strategy where apps are nurtured, updated, and sometimes transformed to better serve users.

  • Apple starts making its new M5 Chip

    Apple starts making its new M5 Chip

    Apple has kicked off the production of its latest M5 chip, according to reports from South Korean sources. This new chip could show up in devices as early as this year.

    The process of putting together the M5 chip began last month, as noted by ET News. This final step, called packaging, comes after the chip is made and involves protecting it and connecting it to other parts of a device.

    Apple works with a company called TSMC to make the chips on special silicon discs. After that, other companies, like Taiwan’s ASE Group, America’s Amkor, and China’s JCET, handle the packaging. Reports say ASE started first, with the others set to follow one by one.

    Right now, the focus is on making the basic M5 chip, not the more powerful versions like the M5 Pro, M5 Max, or M5 Ultra. The companies involved are also building new facilities to help produce these higher-end models later.

    The M5 chip is expected to have a better design based on ARM technology and is being made using TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer method. Apple chose not to use an even newer 2-nanometer process, likely to keep costs down. However, the more advanced M5 versions will still be a big step up from the current M4 chips, thanks to a special stacking technique called System on Integrated Chip (SoIC).

    This stacking method layers the chips on top of each other, which helps manage heat better and reduces power loss compared to flat designs. Apple is also teaming up with TSMC on a new version of this stacking that uses a mix of materials, including carbon fiber, for even better results.

    The first device to get the M5 chip is likely to be a new iPad Pro, expected to start production in the second half of next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Here’s when other devices might get the M5:

    • iPad Pro: Late 2025 or early to mid-2026
    • MacBook Pro: Late 2025
    • MacBook Air: Early 2026
    • Apple Vision Pro: Fall 2025 to Spring 2026

    Hints of the M5 chip have already been found in Apple’s official code. Reports also suggest the chip’s design will help power both regular devices and Apple’s AI servers, boosting performance for both everyday users and cloud services.

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