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Search results for: “iphone”

  • New MacBook Air reveal could happen soon — Here’s When

    New MacBook Air reveal could happen soon — Here’s When

    Now that the iPhone 16e is out for customers, Apple seems ready to share its next big thing any day now.

    MacBook Air Gets a Boost

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple might unveil new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip as soon as this week.

    “I think the M4 MacBook Air will show up as early as this week,” Gurman posted on X today. “Stock is running low, and Apple’s gearing up for a Mac announcement soon.”

    He also mentioned this in his Power On newsletter today.

    Look out for the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs powered by the M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Apple already added M4 chips to the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini last October, and tests show it’s up to 25% faster than the M3 chip for heavy tasks. Last fall, Apple bumped the base RAM in MacBook Airs from 8GB to 16 GB. The top RAM choice might jump to 32GB this time. Battery life should last longer, too.

    Cool Camera and Display Upgrades

    Following the MacBook Pro’s lead, the new MacBook Air will likely get a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage. This keeps you in the frame during video calls, even if you move. It might also include Desk View, showing both your face and your desk from above. These features work in apps like FaceTime and Zoom and were once only on iPads or Macs with a Studio Display.

    The new models could have three Thunderbolt 4 ports (up from two Thunderbolt 3 ports) and support two external screens, even with the lid open. A nano-texture display, which cuts glare with a special coating, might come too—though Apple could save that for the MacBook Pro to keep them different. No big look changes are expected. The MacBook Air got a fresh design in 2022.

    When and How?

    If these MacBook Airs drop this week, expect a press release on Apple’s Newsroom site and maybe a YouTube video. There could be a surprise or two as well!

  • Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted that Apple could delay some of Siri’s exciting new Apple Intelligence features until iOS 18.5. His latest update suggests this is looking more and more likely.

    Siri’s Personal Touch in iOS 18

    Originally, Apple aimed to roll out these Siri improvements with iOS 18.4. But due to some hiccups and bugs, it seems the company has shifted gears to iOS 18.5 instead. The first test version of iOS 18.4, released recently, didn’t include any of these promised upgrades.

    In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman shared that iOS 18.5 will bring the real magic. He wrote:

    • The next update, iOS 18.5, is where the cool stuff lands. Expect a smarter Siri with AI powers, as shown last June, plus Apple Intelligence support for users in China.
    • Apple’s team has been quietly testing iOS 18.5 since early February, according to visitor logs spotted by MacRumors.

    When Can We Expect It?

    Gurman predicts that iOS 18.5 will hit devices in May, though testing might kick off earlier. He added:

    • This new Siri will show if Apple can bounce back strong. It’s set to launch in May, almost a year after its big reveal.
    • There’s still a slim chance some Siri tweaks could sneak into a later iOS 18.4 test version, but Gurman’s betting on iOS 18.5 for now.

    What’s Coming to Siri?

    The update promises neat tricks like noticing what’s on your screen, understanding your details, and giving you better control within apps. For instance, at WWDC 2024, Apple demoed Siri helping an iPhone user check their mom’s flight and lunch plans by pulling info from Mail and Messages.

    Which iPhones Get It?

    You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model to enjoy Apple Intelligence.

  • A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    For the last couple of years, I’ve noticed something odd with Apple’s Messages app, especially when it comes to pictures. I keep hoping Apple will fix it, but so far, they haven’t done anything about it. Here’s the issue: if you send an AVIF picture through iMessage, it doesn’t show up right. AVIF is a type of image that’s getting more popular, so this glitch is kind of frustrating.

    But that’s not the whole story. It’d be fine if Apple just didn’t work with AVIF files at all. Instead, for some strange reason, the image pops up in a tiny box on your screen. There’s no way to make it bigger, so you’re stuck squinting at a super small picture you can’t see.

    This happens on both iPhones and Macs. The funny thing is, before you send the AVIF picture, it looks perfectly fine in the preview. You’d never guess there’d be a problem until after you hit send. It’s not like Apple doesn’t know how to handle AVIF. They added support for it in Safari with iOS 16, which was over two years ago. So, they’re halfway there—they just haven’t updated iMessage to keep up. The files show up, but you can’t view them properly.

    This whole thing feels off. Since AVIF works in Safari and the Photos app, people naturally send these images through iMessage. But when they don’t display correctly, it’s a letdown. You’re left with a useless picture.

    I hope Apple tackles this soon. It’s a small but annoying issue that messes up the experience. With AVIF becoming more common, it’s time for iMessage to catch up and let us see those images the way they’re meant to be seen.

  • Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

    What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

    The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

    The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

    It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

    New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

    Combining Chips for the Future

    Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

  • iOS 18 brings a handy Calendar upgrade

    iOS 18 brings a handy Calendar upgrade

    Apple’s Calendar app stayed pretty much the same for years, but lately, it’s been getting better fast. With iOS 18, there’s one new feature I’ve wanted for a long time, and it’s turned out to be a game-changer: Reminders now work right inside the Calendar app.

    A Clear Daily Plan with Reminders Built In

    Before this update, the Calendar and Reminders apps on the iPhone didn’t talk to each other—they were totally separate. But now, iOS 18 mixes the basic features of Reminders into Calendar. For me, this is a big win because I can finally see my whole day in one spot. With this new setup, all my scheduled reminders show up next to my calendar events. I rely on reminders a lot to keep track of home chores and work tasks.

    In the past, figuring out my day meant flipping between two apps—Calendar and Reminders. Just checking Calendar wasn’t enough since I’d miss key tasks I’d set up. Now, though, everything’s together. My reminders line up in order with my events, so one quick look at the Calendar app tells me exactly what’s ahead.

    One Small Catch, But Still a Great Change

    There’s just one downside: you can’t pick and choose which Reminders lists show up in Calendar. It’s either all your scheduled reminders or none at all.

    Even with that little hiccup, blending Reminders into Calendar has been awesome. It’s made my daily planning so much smoother and easier. This upgrade might sound simple, but it’s honestly made a huge difference for me.

  • How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    The iPhone 16e reviews are out, and Apple’s new C1 modem is stealing the spotlight. People thought it might lag behind Qualcomm modems, but the early results tell a different story—its speed is holding up pretty well! The C1 modem skips the super-fast mmWave 5G used in the U.S., but it still matches the 5G performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem, which powers the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s what some tech reviewers found.

    Allison Johnson from The Verge said she barely noticed a difference between the C1 and X71. She tested the iPhone 16e for FaceTime calls, uploading big video files in busy spots, and streaming YouTube on a bus. She compared it to a regular iPhone 16 with a Qualcomm modem on Verizon, and both worked about the same.

    John Velasco from Tom’s Guide agreed. He tested the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 in New York City and found no big speed gaps. Only one test showed the 16e pulling ahead slightly. What about hard numbers? Andru Edwards, in a video review, clocked the iPhone 16e at 673 Mbps download speed in his suburban New York yard on AT&T. The iPhone 16 Pro Max hit 667 Mbps in the same spot—pretty close! In busy New York City, the 16e reached 127 Mbps, beating the Pro Max’s 75 Mbps, though the Pro Max uploaded faster (50 Mbps vs. 30 Mbps).

    YouTuber Dave Lee from Dave2D tested in Toronto on the Bell network. His iPhone 16e was 30-40 Mbps faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the Chinese channel Geekerwan ran lab tests with an artificial 5G network. The iPhone 16e matched the iPhone 16 and other phones in speed and reliability.

    Apple claims the C1 is their most energy-saving modem yet—up to 25% more efficient than Qualcomm’s. Geekerwan’s tests back this up, showing the 16e using 0.67W compared to 0.88W for the iPhone 16. Overall, the C1 modem surprises everyone by keeping up with the best, while sipping less power, in both real life and lab settings.

  • Apple’s purchase transfer tool now available in the EU and UK

    Apple’s purchase transfer tool now available in the EU and UK

    Apple recently made changes to its support page for a new tool that lets users move purchases between Apple Accounts. The EU and UK are no longer left out, meaning people there can now use it. The only place still missing out is India, where the tool isn’t available yet.

    This purchase transfer tool came out earlier this month. It helps shift purchases, like apps or iTunes goodies, from one Apple Account to another. To use it, you need an iPhone or iPad signed into two accounts at once—one for iCloud and another for the App Store.

    For some folks, this tool has worked like a charm. They’ve successfully moved their App Store and iTunes buys to the account they like better. Sadly, I’m not one of them. Still, I’ve managed with two accounts for 15 years—what’s a few more, right?

    Anyway, if you’re in the EU or UK, you can now give this a shot. The support page lays out all the steps and rules you need to follow to make it work. It’s got a bunch of details, so check it out if you’re thinking of switching things over. The tool’s a handy option for anyone wanting to tidy up their accounts or bring everything under one roof. Just be ready to jump through a few hoops to get it done!

  • Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple rolled out fresh test versions of software updates today for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, covering both the Lightning and USB-C models. These updates carry the version number 7E5080a and are currently limited to developers. This marks the second test update Apple has tried out, following the first one from January, which was labeled 7E5067b.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    We don’t yet know exactly what’s new or different in this update, but we’ll keep you posted if we learn more. For now, regular users still have version 7B21 on their AirPods Pro 2 and 7B20 on their AirPods 4. These won’t change until Apple officially releases the tested software to everyone.

    To get the update, place your AirPods near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s on Wi-Fi, then plug them in to charge. The process might take up to 30 minutes to finish. Want to see which version you’re running? On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button next to your AirPods when they’re connected, and check the number there.

  • Spotify boss slams Apple’s EU rules follow-up, pushes for tougher action

    Spotify boss slams Apple’s EU rules follow-up, pushes for tougher action

    Spotify’s top boss, Daniel Ek, isn’t pleased with how Apple is handling the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a chat with Bloomberg, he took a swing at Apple, urging EU officials to crack down on the tech giant soon. Ek insists it’s high time “to make sure the rules stick” against Apple. Bloomberg’s Samuel Stolton reports:

    Ek called Apple’s efforts to follow the DMA a “joke.” He accused the iPhone maker of dragging its feet and finding ways to avoid fully cooperating with the law, which puts tight controls on big tech companies.

    “Europe needs to prove it’s serious about enforcing the rules already in place,” Ek told Bloomberg on Tuesday. He also pointed out that regulators in the U.S. are starting to pay closer attention to Apple’s actions.

    The EU has already shown it’s unhappy with Apple’s first attempts to follow the DMA. Talks are likely underway about whether Apple should face bigger penalties.

    Stolton adds: “EU competition boss Teresa Ribera has promised a decision on Apple’s DMA follow-through by late March. The law lets her slap fines as high as 10% of Apple’s yearly global earnings.”

    Things have shifted a bit politically since then, though. With the U.S. President now pushing back against such moves, it’s uncertain if the EU will keep pressing Apple. Spotify and Ek have been vocal supporters of tougher rules on Apple for a while, so this latest nudge to the EU isn’t shocking. Still, Ek’s fresh complaints might stem from worries that the EU could drop the ball and let Apple off the hook.

  • Your Safari searches now pop Up in iOS 18.4

    Your Safari searches now pop Up in iOS 18.4

    With the iOS 18.4 update, Apple added a little change to Safari that might catch your eye. Now, when you open a new tab and tap the search bar, your recent searches show up right away. It’s a simple shift, but it could spark some mixed feelings.

    In the earlier version, iOS 18.3.1, things worked differently. Opening a new tab and tapping search kept your history hidden, leaving you on the usual Safari start page. You wouldn’t see past searches unless you started typing something similar, and even then, it only popped up as a suggestion.

    According to 9to5Mac, this new setup in iOS 18.4 could feel a bit awkward. Imagine handing your iPhone or iPad to a friend or family member to use Safari or another app—your recent searches would be right there for them to see. Not everyone might love that kind of openness.

    On the flip side, if you’re someone who never shares your device, this could be handy. Seeing your latest searches with one tap might save time, especially if you look up the same things often. Plus, Apple still has Private Browsing mode, which keeps your searches off the record entirely.

    Right now, iOS 18.4 doesn’t let you turn off this search history display. That said, Apple might tweak it before the update goes live for everyone, since it’s still in beta. If you want to wipe the slate clean, there’s always the “Clear All” button to erase your search history whenever you like. This small update shows how even tiny changes can make a difference—whether you find it helpful or a little too revealing depends on how you use your device!

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