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  • Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple has decided to stop working on augmented reality (AR) glasses that were meant to work with the Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The idea was to make glasses that look normal but could show AR images.

    Apple wanted these AR glasses to be powered by the Mac because the glasses themselves couldn’t hold the big chip needed for AR without getting too hot or heavy. The goal was to have the glasses perform like an iPhone but use much less power. But, they found out that connecting the glasses to an iPhone wasn’t practical due to battery life issues, so they tried using the Mac instead. However, Apple’s leaders didn’t think this was a good long-term plan, so they ended the project.

    These AR glasses were lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro headset, didn’t need a head strap, and didn’t show the wearer’s eyes on the front. They also had lenses that could change color depending on what the user was doing, like signaling to others whether they were busy.

    Apple has been talking about AR glasses for nearly ten years, but the technology isn’t there yet for the kind of glasses they want. Back in 2023, Gurman mentioned that the AR glasses were somewhat of a running gag among the team, working on it just to keep CEO Tim Cook satisfied. In 2017, Cook admitted that the tech for good-quality AR glasses didn’t exist, and it seems that’s still true.

    Even though they’ve stopped the glasses project, Apple is still working on new versions of the Vision Pro, hoping to return to the AR glasses idea when the tech catches up. The glasses were supposed to use tiny projectors to show images and videos to the wearer, and Apple continues to develop special microLED screens that could be used in future AR glasses.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s competitor, Meta, is making its own AR glasses called “Orion,” which are still in the early stages and very expensive to produce. They’re planning to launch them by 2027, the same year Apple had originally aimed for its now-canceled glasses.

  • Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple is working on a new version of its visionOS software, which currently powers the Apple Vision Pro, to make it work with smart glasses. This move is part of their plan to offer more popular augmented reality (AR) products that are less bulky than their current headset.

    Apple’s Vision Pro Challenges

    The Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, hasn’t been as successful as hoped. Many people have found it too heavy to wear for long periods, too pricey, and it also tends to get hot. Since it was released, interest has dropped, and sales haven’t met Apple’s goals.

    In his newsletter, tech journalist Mark Gurman shared that Apple’s Vision Products Group is now focusing on something lighter and more like the smart glasses Meta made with Ray-Ban. However, it might take at least three years before these glasses are ready, as there’s still a lot of research needed.

    User Studies and Software Development

    Apple is actively testing how people react to different features and interfaces for these glasses at their offices. They’ve named this project “Atlas,” which is being managed by the Product Systems Quality team. This team is part of Apple’s hardware division.

    The research is happening in a secretive spot in Santa Clara, not far from their main office in Cupertino. Last year, Apple let go of some workers there, but those left are focusing on AR tech. They also have a place to test new screen technologies.

    Future Plans for Vision Pro

    Apple is not giving up on the Vision Pro entirely. They’re planning to make a cheaper version with simpler parts, hoping to sell it for about the price of their top-end iPhone, around $1,600. They wanted to launch this model by late 2024, but they’re still perfecting the design.

    Gaming Collaboration

    Additionally, Apple is teaming up with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to the Vision Pro, aiming to make it better for gaming. This partnership has been going on for a few months now.

    By focusing on these new, more accessible AR products, Apple hopes to expand its reach in the tech market and make AR part of everyday life.

  • WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp is now developing a feature where iPhone users can use more than one account on the same phone. According to WABetaInfo, this update is aimed at making it easier for people who have both personal and work accounts.

    WhatsApp Feature Update
    Before this, only Android users in the beta program could use multiple accounts. Now, iPhone users testing the app through TestFlight can try this out too. This means you won’t need another app like WhatsApp Business to handle a different account; you can do it all in the main WhatsApp app.

    With the latest beta version, 25.2.10.70, you can choose to make your phone the main account or connect another account by scanning a QR code to use it as a “companion” account. This way, each account keeps its own notifications, chats, backups, and settings. You can switch between accounts easily, without needing another phone.

    Instagram, which is also run by Meta, already allows switching between accounts in its app. Adding this to WhatsApp makes the apps more similar. We don’t know when everyone will get this feature, but since it’s in the testing phase, it might not be too long. There’s still no word on a WhatsApp app for iPads.

    In other news, Meta has recently linked WhatsApp with its Accounts Center, where you manage your privacy and settings across all Meta platforms. Now, you can tweak your settings all in one spot and share your status from WhatsApp to Instagram and Facebook.

  • Why Apple won’t buy TikTok: A Simpler Explanation

    Why Apple won’t buy TikTok: A Simpler Explanation

    Apple has the money to buy almost anything, but TikTok isn’t something it’s likely to acquire. This decision goes beyond just the price tag.

    Although Apple has been hugely successful in many areas, it has consistently struggled with launching social media platforms. While buying TikTok might seem like a shortcut, the challenges involved make it a risky move.

    TikTok isn’t officially on the market yet, but if it were to be sold, the buyer would need to be an American company to comply with U.S. regulations. Apple could technically buy TikTok—Bloomberg estimates its value at around $60 billion. However, purchasing it would mean starting a new division from scratch, which isn’t Apple’s strong suit.

    Apple has shown little interest or ability to thrive in the social media industry. Buying TikTok wouldn’t change the fact that the platform operates in a highly competitive space. Additionally, TikTok’s current operations already face controversies, such as limited search results on sensitive topics like abortion, seemingly to align with certain political views in the U.S. If Apple owned TikTok, it would be responsible for similar censorship decisions, potentially harming its reputation.

    Another major hurdle is the heavy moderation TikTok requires. Managing content on such a large platform is expensive and labor-intensive. While some companies, like Meta, have cut back on moderation to save money, Apple would face criticism if it followed suit. If it didn’t, the cost of moderation would still be a significant burden.

    Ultimately, Apple doesn’t need the complications that come with TikTok. The $60 billion price isn’t the issue—it’s the endless problems that would follow. Instead, Apple seems to be focusing on smaller, more manageable acquisitions, as seen with its $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014, still its largest buy to date.

    In short, owning TikTok would bring more trouble than value to Apple.

  • Apple prepares for major changes in its board of directors

    Apple prepares for major changes in its board of directors

    Apple is gearing up for notable shifts in its board of directors, as two key members approach or surpass the recommended retirement age of 75. Art Levinson, the board chair, will turn 75 in March 2025, making his retirement likely in the near future. An announcement about his departure could come as early as February during Apple’s annual shareholder meeting. Levinson, a former CEO and chairman of Genentech and the current CEO of Alphabet’s Calico Life Sciences, has been part of Apple’s board since 2010.

    Levinson’s retirement could pave the way for Apple CEO Tim Cook, now 64, to step into the chairman role by 2026, potentially signaling the beginning of his own retirement plans. Alternatively, Cook might appoint another current or incoming board member to the position.

    Apple has a policy recommending retirement at 75, but it isn’t always strictly enforced. For instance, Ronald Sugar, a longtime board member and former Northrop Grumman executive, was granted an exception in 2024. However, his extended tenure may soon come to an end, leaving Apple with the task of finding two new board members.

    If Cook chooses to remain solely as CEO, Apple may conduct a global search to fill these roles. However, should Cook take on the chairman position, he would follow a growing trend among tech leaders. Notable examples include Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who transitioned to board chair after stepping down as CEO.

    Tim Cook has been with Apple since 1998 and became CEO in 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple has maintained its position as one of the world’s most influential companies. These board changes could mark the beginning of a new era for the tech giant.

    Source

  • iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    Apple’s new iPhone 17 phones coming out this year will keep the Dynamic Island the same size, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

    Kuo shared on social media that he doesn’t think the Dynamic Island will change much on any of the iPhone 17 models. This goes against what people thought before, as there were whispers about making it smaller.

    Last year, another analyst, Jeff Pu, talked a lot about Apple using something called a “metalens” for the Face ID system in the iPhone 17 Pro, which would make the Dynamic Island thinner. But now, it seems that might not be happening.

    The Dynamic Island was first seen with the 2022 iPhones, and it hasn’t really changed since. People have been hoping Apple would make it smaller to give more space on the screen, but it looks like that’s not going to happen just yet.

    Even though the Dynamic Island isn’t changing, Apple has other plans for the iPhone 17’s design. They’re introducing a very thin model called the “iPhone 17 Air”, which will be the first big design update in a while. Both the iPhone 17 Air and the Pro versions are expected to have new camera setups arranged horizontally.

    For more details on what’s new with the iPhone 17 series, check out our summary on the iPhone 17.

  • Cooling Down and Slimming Up: The future of the iPhone

    Cooling Down and Slimming Up: The future of the iPhone

    The smartphone world is a constant race for innovation, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of performance and design. In recent years, a key area of focus has been thermal management, ensuring devices can handle increasingly powerful processors without overheating. While Android manufacturers have embraced vapor chamber cooling for some time, Apple has traditionally relied on heat sinks. However, rumors suggest this is about to change with the upcoming iPhone 17 series.

    Recent reports from sources in China indicate that Apple plans to incorporate vapor chamber (VC) technology into all models of the iPhone 17 family, including both the Pro and non-Pro versions. This move marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach to cooling. Vapor chambers are sophisticated cooling systems that utilize the principles of evaporation and condensation.

    They consist of a sealed metal enclosure containing a small amount of liquid, typically de-ionized water. When the chipset generates heat, this liquid evaporates, absorbing the heat in the process. The vapor then travels to a cooler part of the chamber, condensing back into liquid, releasing the heat. This cycle effectively spreads the heat across the surface of the chamber, allowing for more efficient cooling. 

    This news contradicts earlier speculation from prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who initially suggested that only the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max would feature a VC cooling system. The inclusion of VCs across the entire iPhone 17 lineup suggests Apple is prioritizing thermal performance across the board. Furthermore, rumors also point to the non-Pro iPhone 17 models finally receiving high-refresh-rate displays, though whether these will be 90Hz or 120Hz remains to be seen.

    Beyond cooling enhancements, Apple appears to be planning a major design overhaul for 2025 by introducing the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. This model has generated significant buzz, with rumors hinting at a design reminiscent of the classic MacBook Air. 

    The iPhone 17 Air has been a subject of much speculation, with early rumors referring to it as the “iPhone Slim.” The key feature that has captured everyone’s attention is its expected thinness. Initial reports suggested a thickness of around 6.25mm, roughly 25% thinner than the Pro models. However, more recent information from Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that the 17 Air could be even thinner, reaching a mere 5.5mm at its thinnest point.

    This revelation has sparked considerable discussion, particularly the phrasing “thinnest part.” This suggests Apple might be considering a tapered design, similar to the iconic wedge shape of the original MacBook Air. This design approach would allow the device to be incredibly thin at certain points while maintaining a more practical thickness in other areas.

    The tapered design of the classic MacBook Air was a defining feature, beloved by many for its sleek aesthetics and comfortable ergonomics. It instantly distinguished the MacBook Air from other laptops and symbolized Apple’s design prowess. Replicating this design language in the iPhone 17 Air would not only be a nostalgic callback to Apple’s history but could also offer significant practical benefits.

    One of the primary concerns with larger smartphones is one-handed usability. While larger screens offer a more immersive viewing experience, they can be challenging to handle with one hand. This is a common reason why some users prefer smaller devices. The iPhone 17 Air, with its rumored 6.6-inch display, sits between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max. This size could be ideal for many users, offering a larger screen without the unwieldiness of the Pro Max.

    The tapered design could play a crucial role in enhancing one-handed usability. By making the bottom portion of the device, where the hand naturally rests, the thinnest part, Apple could effectively mitigate the challenges associated with a larger screen. This would allow users to enjoy the benefits of a larger display without sacrificing comfortable one-handed operation.

    In essence, the iPhone 17 Air could offer a compelling combination of a larger, more immersive display and comfortable one-handed use, thanks to its innovative design. This could be a game-changer for users who have been hesitant to embrace larger smartphones due to concerns about ergonomics.

    If Apple can successfully implement this design, the iPhone 17 Air could become a highly sought-after device, potentially even attracting users away from the Pro line. The combination of improved cooling with vapor chambers across the lineup, and the potential for a groundbreaking, nostalgic design with the iPhone 17 Air, paints an exciting picture for the future of Apple’s smartphones.

  • Big Tech Fines: A drop in the ocean or a Wake-Up Call?

    Big Tech Fines: A drop in the ocean or a Wake-Up Call?

    The world of technology is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries and shaping our modern lives. However, this rapid growth and influence haven’t come without scrutiny. Recent years have seen a surge in regulatory actions against major tech companies, resulting in billions of dollars in fines for various infractions, primarily related to antitrust and competition law violations. But the question remains: are these fines a significant deterrent, or merely a cost of doing business for these corporate giants?

    A recent analysis of tech fines paints a stark picture. While the total sum of penalties levied against major tech players in 2024 reached a staggering $8.2 billion, a closer look reveals a different story. This seemingly enormous figure represents a mere fraction of these companies’ financial power. In fact, most of these tech behemoths could comfortably cover these fines within a matter of days or weeks using their free cash flow – the money left over after covering operating expenses and capital expenditures.

    Consider Apple, for example. The tech giant faced over $2.1 billion in fines last year, primarily for alleged antitrust violations. While this number sounds substantial, it represents just over a week’s worth of the company’s free cash flow. This means that Apple could theoretically pay off all its fines with less than eight days of earnings. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of fines as a regulatory tool. If these penalties represent such a small portion of a company’s resources, are they truly a deterrent against anti-competitive behavior?

    The analysis also highlighted other tech giants and their respective fine burdens. Google, facing nearly $3 billion in fines, could clear its debt in just over two weeks. Meta, with fines exceeding $1.4 billion, could do the same in under ten days. Even Amazon, despite facing a relatively smaller fine of around $57 million, could pay it off with less than a day’s worth of earnings. These figures underscore the immense financial power of these companies and cast doubt on the efficacy of the current fining system.

    The core issue lies in the disparity between the scale of the fines and the financial resources of the companies being fined. For most individuals or small businesses, a substantial fine can have a devastating impact. However, for these tech giants, billions of dollars can be absorbed with minimal disruption to their operations. This creates a situation where fines are perceived as a minor inconvenience rather than a serious consequence, potentially emboldening these companies to engage in practices that might otherwise be considered too risky.

    One of Apple’s largest fines stemmed from an EU ruling related to competition in the music streaming market. This case, and others like it, highlight concerns about these companies’ dominance and their potential to stifle innovation and competition. When the penalty for breaking competition laws amounts to a negligible portion of a company’s earnings, the incentive to comply with these laws diminishes significantly.

    Experts and industry observers have voiced concerns about this issue, arguing that regulators need to adopt a more impactful approach. The current system of fines, while well-intentioned, fails to address the underlying problem: the immense financial disparity between regulators and the companies they regulate. Some suggest that regulators should explore alternative measures, such as imposing stricter operational restrictions, breaking up monopolies, or even pursuing criminal charges against executives in cases of egregious misconduct.

    The goal of regulation should not be simply to generate revenue through fines, but rather to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace. If fines are not acting as a sufficient deterrent, it’s time for regulators to re-evaluate their strategies and find more effective ways to hold these powerful companies accountable. The future of innovation and competition may depend on it. Creating an environment where all companies, regardless of size, can thrive is crucial. This requires strong competition legislation and, more importantly, robust enforcement. Without it, the current system risks becoming a mere slap on the wrist for the world’s most powerful tech companies.

  • Tim Cook Among Tech Leaders Attending Trump’s Inauguration: What It Means for Apple and the Industry

    Tim Cook Among Tech Leaders Attending Trump’s Inauguration: What It Means for Apple and the Industry

    Apple CEO Tim Cook, along with several other prominent tech leaders, will attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The move underscores the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington, where politics and business interests often intersect.

    Tech Leaders Gather for a Historic Event

    Bloomberg reports that Cook’s attendance reflects a broader trend of engagement between tech executives and Trump’s administration. In the months leading up to the inauguration, major tech companies and CEOs, including Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), and Elon Musk (Tesla), have been interacting more closely with the incoming administration. These efforts often involve donations to inaugural funds or direct meetings with Trump and his team.

    Tim Cook personally donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling Apple’s intent to maintain dialogue with the new administration. This donation follows Cook’s December visit to Mar-a-Lago, where he had dinner with Trump, as well as a congratulatory message Cook posted on social media after Trump’s election victory.

    The Financial Stakes: Tech’s Investment in Political Influence

    Trump’s inauguration fund has reportedly amassed $200 million, thanks in part to contributions from industry leaders and corporations. Companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta, Uber, Toyota, Ford, and GM have also made significant donations. These investments are widely seen as a way to secure favorable policies or avoid potential regulatory roadblocks under the new administration.

    For Apple, this engagement may be particularly strategic. Trump’s stated intention to impose tariffs on imported goods poses a potential challenge for tech companies. Apple has historically worked to minimize the impact of such policies on its operations.

    Tariffs and Tech: Apple’s Delicate Balancing Act

    During Trump’s first term, Apple successfully avoided tariffs on major products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, though some tariffs were imposed on accessories such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePod. In 2019, Trump acknowledged Cook’s arguments against tariffs, stating that the Apple CEO had “made a good case” about how tariffs could disadvantage Apple compared to competitors.

    By attending the inauguration and fostering a relationship with the administration, Cook may be positioning Apple to negotiate exemptions or influence future trade policies that could impact the tech giant’s supply chain and pricing strategy.

    Broader Implications for Tech-Government Relations

    The presence of high-profile tech leaders at Trump’s inauguration underscores a shifting dynamic in Silicon Valley’s relationship with Washington. While the tech industry has traditionally been perceived as leaning toward liberal politics, the pragmatic need to navigate regulatory and trade issues often necessitates bipartisan engagement.

    As the leader of one of the world’s most influential companies, Cook’s actions reflect a balancing act—maintaining Apple’s values while securing its business interests in a politically polarized environment.

    Closing Thoughts

    Tim Cook’s decision to attend Trump’s inauguration is emblematic of the evolving relationship between technology and politics. As the tech industry grapples with challenges ranging from trade policies to antitrust scrutiny, maintaining open lines of communication with government leaders is more critical than ever.

    Cook’s attendance highlights Apple’s commitment to navigating these complexities while safeguarding its position as a global innovator. For tech leaders and companies alike, this moment serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between business and governance in shaping the future of the industry.

  • Remembering the dawn of the iPhone and looking ahead to the iPhone 17 Pro

    Remembering the dawn of the iPhone and looking ahead to the iPhone 17 Pro

    Eighteen years ago, the tech world was irrevocably changed. On a January day in 2007, Steve Jobs took the stage at Macworld Expo and unveiled not one, but two groundbreaking products: the original iPhone and the first Apple TV. This wasn’t just another product launch; it was a revolution in personal technology and home entertainment. 

    Jobs, with his characteristic showmanship, presented the iPhone as a trifecta of innovation: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device. He emphasized that these weren’t three separate gadgets crammed into one; they were seamlessly integrated into a single, elegant device. “Today,” he declared, “Apple is going to reinvent the phone.” 

    And reinvent it they did. The original iPhone was a stark departure from the clunky, button-laden phones of the time. Its sleek aluminum and plastic design, dominated by a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, eliminated the need for a physical keyboard. This, combined with a 2-megapixel camera and the revolutionary iPhone OS, offered a user experience light years ahead of anything else on the market. The iPhone wasn’t just a phone; it was a pocket-sized computer, a music player, and a window to the internet, all rolled into one. It set the stage for the mobile revolution we live in today. 

    But the iPhone wasn’t the only star of the show. Apple also officially launched the Apple TV, a device that had been teased as “iTV” a few months prior. The Apple TV was designed to bring iTunes content to the living room, allowing users to wirelessly stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos from their computers directly to their televisions. With a 40GB hard drive for local storage and support for 720p HD resolution, the Apple TV offered a compelling new way to enjoy digital media at home. The inclusion of both HDMI and component video output further solidified its place as a versatile home entertainment hub. 

    Adding another layer to this momentous occasion, Apple announced a significant corporate shift: the company officially changed its name from “Apple Computer, Inc.” to simply “Apple Inc.” This change signaled a broader vision, a move beyond personal computers and into the wider world of consumer electronics and digital services. Apple was no longer just a computer company; it was a technology powerhouse. 

    Fast forward to today, and the legacy of these announcements continues to shape the tech landscape. As we reflect on the 18th anniversary of these groundbreaking products, the rumor mill is already churning with anticipation for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected later this year. While official details are still under wraps, several intriguing rumors have surfaced, painting a picture of what we might expect.

    One notable rumor suggests a return to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models, a departure from the titanium used in the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro. This could be coupled with a unique “part-aluminum, part-glass” back design, potentially even incorporating elements of both aluminum and titanium in the frame itself. The camera bump is also rumored to be undergoing a redesign, potentially adopting a larger rectangular shape made of aluminum. Whether the lenses will retain their current triangular arrangement or shift to a horizontal or vertical alignment remains to be seen.  

    Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s advanced third-generation 3nm process. As always, this new chip is expected to bring improvements in both performance and power efficiency. There’s also talk of Apple designing its own Wi-Fi 7 chip, though some reports suggest it might stick with Wi-Fi 6E, like the iPhone 16 models. 

    Camera upgrades are also on the horizon, with rumors pointing to a significant jump to a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for all iPhone 17 models, doubling the resolution of the current 12-megapixel front camera. The rear telephoto camera on the Pro models is also rumored to be getting a substantial boost, potentially jumping to 48 megapixels from the 12 megapixels found on the iPhone 16 Pro models.  

    Memory is another area where we might see an improvement, with rumors suggesting an increase to 12GB of RAM for both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This increase would provide more headroom for demanding tasks, including the performance of Apple’s AI features and multitasking. Finally, there’s a whisper about a significantly narrowed Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, potentially achieved through the implementation of a “metalens” for the Face ID system.

    These are, of course, just rumors, and the final product may differ. However, they offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the iPhone and underscore the lasting impact of those groundbreaking announcements 18 years ago. From the revolutionary touch screen of the original iPhone to the potential advancements of the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, a legacy that began with a visionary on a stage and a simple promise to reinvent the phone.

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