Search results for: “model”

  • 50 new and exciting iPhone features added since iOS 18

    50 new and exciting iPhone features added since iOS 18

    Since the launch of iOS 18 in September 2024, Apple has rolled out numerous updates, enhancing the iPhone experience with iOS 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3. Here’s a look at 50 features and improvements you might have missed:

    • Reset Your Control Center: If you’ve messed up your Control Center customization, iOS 18.1 lets you reset it to its original layout. Just go to Settings > Control Center and choose ‘Reset’.
    • Share AirTag Location: iOS 18.2 offers a new way to share the location of lost items with airlines or trusted friends. This feature works with AirTags and other Find My Network items, providing a link that can be viewed on any device.
    • Learn About Places: With iOS 18.2 on iPhone 16 models, you can get instant information about places by using Camera Control. Hold down the button, snap a photo, and see details like opening hours or make reservations right from your screen.
    • More Control Center Options: iOS 18.1 added new toggles for Satellite and AirDrop, giving you more control over connectivity options right from the Control Center.
    • Camera Control Activation: Now, with iOS 18.2, your iPhone’s screen needs to be on before you can use Camera Control, preventing accidental activation.
    • Add Events from Visuals: iOS 18.3 allows you to add calendar events directly from posters or flyers using Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16 models.
    • Selfie Mode: With iOS 18.1, switch to selfie mode by swiping on the Camera Control button, making selfies easier than ever.
    • Lock Focus and Exposure: iOS 18.2 introduces a way to lock focus and exposure on iPhone 16 models with a light press of the Camera Control button.
    • Share Music on TikTok: iOS 18.1 lets you share songs from Apple Music directly to TikTok, broadening your music-sharing options.
    • Identify Nature: iOS 18.3 enhances Visual Intelligence to help identify plants and animals in real-time on iPhone 16 models.
    • Full-Screen Video: The Photos app now offers a full-screen viewing mode for videos, making your memories more immersive.
    • Sleep Apnea Alerts: iOS 18.1 added sleep apnea detection for Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2, alerting you to potential issues after gathering data over time.
    • iPhone Mirroring with Hotspot: iOS 18.2 allows you to mirror your iPhone to your Mac even when using Personal Hotspot.
    • Search with Camera: Visual Intelligence in iOS 18.2 lets you search online for items by taking a picture, handy for shopping or identifying unknown objects.
    • Proofread Your Text: iOS 18.1’s Writing Tools include proofreading functions to catch and correct typos, making your writing clearer.
    • Track Downloads: With iOS 18.2, you can monitor your Safari downloads directly from the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island.
    • Rewrite Text: Change the tone of your messages with iOS 18.1’s Rewrite tool for more effective communication.
    • Safari Data Management: iOS 18.2 provides new ways to manage your browsing data, including exporting and importing.
    • Volume Control on Lock Screen: iOS 18.2 reintroduced the ability to adjust media volume directly from the Lock Screen.
    • Summarize Emails: iOS 18.1 helps manage your inbox with email summaries, letting you quickly understand long messages.

    These updates, among many others, show Apple’s commitment to continuously improving the iPhone experience, making it more intuitive, personal, and capable. Keep your iPhone updated to enjoy these enhancements!

  • When will we see Apple’s new budget iPhone?

    When will we see Apple’s new budget iPhone?

    Apple introduced its high-end iPhone 16 series last fall, bringing lots of new technology, including Apple Intelligence. But soon, there’s going to be a new, cheaper iPhone with similar cool features. Here’s when you can expect the iPhone SE 4 to come out.

    When Will the New iPhone SE Come Out?

    Rumors suggest that Apple is planning to release the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. Specifically, March 2025 seems to be the most likely month.

    Apple doesn’t usually launch big products in January or February, except for the Vision Pro last year. However, they often have new product announcements in March or April. Given what we know about how they’re making the iPhone SE 4, March looks like the best guess.

    Here’s when past iPhone SE models were released:

    • iPhone SE 3: March 18, 2022
    • iPhone SE 2: April 24, 2020
    • iPhone SE: March 24, 2017

    The only time Apple released an SE in April was during the global health crisis, hinting that March might be more typical for these launches.

    What’s New with the iPhone SE 4?

    The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is set to be a major step up from the current model. Here’s what you might see:

    • A screen that goes from edge to edge, with Face ID instead of a Home button, and a notch at the top
    • Powered by the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16
    • 8GB of memory
    • Support for Apple Intelligence
    • A 48MP camera matching the iPhone 16’s quality
    • A USB-C port for charging
    • Apple’s first self-made 5G chip

    While this new model won’t have every fancy feature of the pricier iPhone 16, it’s expected to offer great value. The current iPhone SE starts at $429, but the new one might start a bit higher, perhaps at $499 or less, and definitely with more storage space.

    The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lot of features without spending a fortune.

  • Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple is gearing up to share its holiday sales figures, and everyone’s curious if its new AI features will spike iPhone sales. Here’s the deal: while the AI boost isn’t here yet, it’s definitely on its way.

    The iPhone 16 is Doing Well, But AI’s Big Moment is Coming

    Back in June, when Apple rolled out its AI features, experts predicted a boom in iPhone sales. They thought AI would push people to upgrade their phones faster than usual.

    When Apple last announced its earnings, the iPhone 16 had just hit the market, and the AI features weren’t fully live yet. Sales went up by 5%, which is good but not the massive jump some were hoping for.

    This Week’s Earnings Will Give Us a Better Look

    This week, we’ll get a clearer picture of how AI might be influencing sales. While Apple is set to report a solid quarter, iPhone sales are expected to be good but not groundbreaking. Remember, the iPhone is Apple’s star product. However, what investors really want to see is growth, and it might be a while before AI truly drives that.

    Hardware Upgrades Are Setting the Stage for AI

    Apple’s AI features need strong hardware to work well. Here’s what Apple has been doing:

    • All iPhone 16 models now come with 8GB of RAM, a feature once only in Pro models.
    • The next iPhone SE will have an AI-friendly chip and more RAM.
    • All new Macs now start with 16GB of RAM, likely due to AI demands.
    • Even the cheapest iPads are getting chips that support AI.

    Rumors are swirling about even better hardware for the iPhone 17, including 12GB of RAM and enhanced cooling systems. The upcoming A19 chip will probably bring some significant AI enhancements.

    Looking Forward to a Supercycle

    Right now, the current AI features aren’t pushing a massive wave of upgrades. But give it 2-3 years, and AI will likely be a major reason for people to switch to newer models. The advantages of Apple’s AI will become too compelling to ignore.

    In short, while we’re not seeing an AI-driven supercycle yet, it’s brewing. The combination of new hardware and software will soon make older iPhones feel outdated, setting the stage for a big sales surge.

  • New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    Security experts have found two major issues, named SLAP and FLOP, that affect all new iPhones, iPads, and Macs, including many older models. These flaws could let someone peek into what’s open on your web browser.

    What Are SLAP and FLOP?SLAP and FLOP are types of security problems discovered by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They are similar to famous security issues like Spectre and Meltdown. Both rely on a technique called “speculative execution,” where the chip tries to guess what you’ll do next to speed things up. If this guesswork goes wrong, attackers might sneak in bad data to see things they shouldn’t.

    The Dangers of These FlawsNormally, each tab in Safari is like a locked box, keeping its contents separate from others. But with SLAP, if you’re tricked into visiting a bad website, it could open those locks. It could potentially read your emails, track your location on Apple Maps, or check your bank details.

    FLOP is even trickier; it can do the same thing but also works on Chrome, making it more dangerous. These attacks don’t need any harmful software on your device; they use weak spots in Apple’s own system, making them hard to spot.

    Which Devices Are at Risk?These security issues affect any Apple device with chips from the A15 series or the M2 series and newer. Here’s a list of affected devices:

    • iPhone: iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and the third-generation iPhone SE.
    • iPad: iPad Air, Pro, and mini models released from 2021.
    • Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro since 2022; Mac mini, Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Pro since 2023.

    Real-World Threats?So far, there’s no proof these vulnerabilities have been used against users in real life. Apple has acknowledged the problem and has been working on fixes since they were alerted in May 2024 for SLAP and September 2024 for FLOP. Apple’s statement to Bleeping Computer suggests they don’t see these as urgent threats right now.

    The best advice for now is to be careful with the websites you visit until Apple rolls out a fix.

    Source

  • iPhone 17 camera changes might affect 3D video

    iPhone 17 camera changes might affect 3D video

    Talk about the new iPhone 17 has been buzzing, especially when it comes to changes in how the camera might look. There’s a lot of talk that Apple might change the camera from the usual triangle shape to a long, flat strip like on the Google Pixel 9. But, some say it’s still going to keep the triangle look, so it’s all a bit confusing.

    The Big Camera Design Question

    The main worry with this new camera design is what it might mean for making 3D videos for the Apple Vision Pro. Right now, the iPhone 15 Pro and all iPhone 16 models can do this.

    What’s 3D Video?

    3D video, or spatial video, lets you experience videos in a more real way, kind of like you’re there. It uses two cameras that work together to give you a sense of depth, just like your eyes do. This makes the video feel more lifelike because you can move your head and the scene moves with you.

    How It Works Now

    The current iPhones do this by having the cameras lined up vertically. This setup helps in capturing the video in the right way when you hold your phone sideways.

    The Problem with a New Design

    If the iPhone 17 Pro changes to a horizontal camera strip, it might not work as well for 3D videos. The cameras would be side by side instead of one on top of the other, which might mess up how we capture these videos. If this happens, only the cheaper iPhone models might keep this feature, or no iPhone 17 might have it at all if they all get the new design.

    Could There Be a Fix?

    There’s hope though. New tech like Gaussian splatting, which can make 3D models from different camera views, might help. This technology is already used by Niantic in apps where you can explore 3D spaces. Maybe Apple is working on something similar for videos, but we don’t know for sure yet.

    What’s Next?

    We’ll find out all the details when Apple reveals the iPhone 17, probably in September. Until then, it’s all just guesses and rumors about how they’ll handle this cool 3D video feature with their new camera design.

  • Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    The new year of 2025 is off to a great start with Apple ready to unveil some impressive gadgets in the coming months. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

    M4 MacBook Air

    Apple’s beloved MacBook Air is getting a boost with the M4 chip. This update is set to include:

    • 16GB of RAM as standard
    • A new nano-texture display option
    • A 12MP camera for better video calls
    • Support for two external displays when the laptop is open
    • Better battery life
    • Keeping the familiar 13-inch and 15-inch designs

    Look for this refreshed MacBook Air sometime in February or early March.

    iPhone SE 4

    The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a must-have for many:

    • It boasts an iPhone 14-like design with an OLED screen and no home button
    • Includes Face ID with a notch
    • Runs on the powerful A18 chip
    • Supports Apple Intelligence, previously only on higher-end models
    • Comes with 8GB of RAM and a 48MP camera
    • Has a USB-C port and Apple’s first self-made 5G modem
    • Priced to be affordable, expected under $499

    This new iPhone SE is slated for a March release.

    ‘HomePad’ Smart Display

    Apple is set to mix things up with the ‘HomePad’, a smart home device:

    • It will focus on voice commands through Siri, home control, and communication
    • You can use apps like Safari and Music, but there’s no App Store
    • The screen size is about that of two iPhones side by side
    • Includes speakers, a camera for FaceTime, and a battery
    • You can mount it on walls or place it on various surfaces
    • It’s designed with security in mind, including features for video and audio intercom

    Though initially expected in March, there might be a slight delay.

    11th Generation iPad

    Apple fans can look forward to the new 11th-generation iPad:

    • It’s likely to feature a new, faster A-series chip with 8GB RAM
    • Could include new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips
    • This update aims to keep the iPad accessible and up-to-date

    M3 iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an upgrade with the M3 chip:

    • Expected to support new keyboard accessories
    • Will maintain the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes

    Apple Watch SE 3

    There’s talk of a new Apple Watch SE:

    • Could be released in the spring, possibly alongside the iPhone SE 4
    • An update from the last SE model which came out in 2022

    These product launches promise a dynamic start to 2025 for Apple, setting the stage for an exciting year with more innovations expected at WWDC and the fall launch season.

  • Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Students from Georgia Tech have found two new security problems in Apple’s latest chips. These issues, called SLAP and FLOP, could let someone peek into your private internet activities like browsing history, credit card details, emails, and even where you are, just by using a bad website. You don’t need to touch the device to make this happen; a harmful webpage can do the trick by getting around Apple’s safeguards.

    These flaws affect several of Apple’s newer chips:

    • Mac laptops from 2022 onwards
    • Mac desktops from 2023 onwards
    • iPads made since 2021
    • iPhones from 2021 models onwards

    These vulnerabilities were reported to Apple back in May and September of last year, but they haven’t been fixed yet. Apple has promised to patch these security issues soon.

    Apple has shared with Bleeping Computer that they haven’t fixed these problems yet, saying, “We appreciate the researchers’ teamwork as this test improves our knowledge of these risks. We think this doesn’t present an immediate threat to our users.”

    SLAP only affects the Safari browser, while FLOP can hit both Safari and Chrome. They haven’t checked if other browsers like Firefox might have the same problem. There’s no sign yet that these attacks have happened out there in the real world. For more information on how these attacks work, you can check out the dedicated website that explains everything about SLAP and FLOP.

  • Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Apple is facing some challenges with its CarPlay system. There are actually two main issues. First, the much-talked-about new version of CarPlay, which was introduced at WWDC 2022, hasn’t made its way into any cars yet. Apple promises it’s collaborating with various car makers to bring this update to life, but we’re still waiting.

    However, the bigger issue might be how Apple is overlooking the current version of CarPlay, which is already in millions of cars on the road.

    Apple’s CarPlay Dilemma

    Apple seems very focused on rolling out the new CarPlay, which is a big project needing close cooperation with each car manufacturer. While this is exciting, it will take years before it’s as common as the current CarPlay.

    Apple boasts that over 98% of new cars in the U.S. come with CarPlay, except for brands like Tesla, GM, and Rivian. Despite this success, the current CarPlay feels outdated to many users.

    Neglecting Current Users

    It appears Apple is adopting an all-or-nothing strategy. There are features from the new CarPlay that could improve the current system without needing manufacturer support. Since CarPlay mirrors the iPhone’s screen, Apple could enhance it via iPhone software updates.

    Possible Improvements for Current CarPlay Users

    • New Apps: Apple hasn’t added new built-in apps to CarPlay in a long while. For instance, adding a Weather app could be straightforward.
    • More Customization: Users can currently only rearrange app icons and choose from a few wallpapers. More options like custom themes, better control over the dashboard layout, or using any photo as wallpaper would enhance user experience.
    • Enhanced HomeKit Integration: CarPlay lets you control basic HomeKit devices, but there’s room for improvement. Adding more direct controls or a simplified Home app interface could be beneficial.
    • EV-Friendly Features: Apple Maps does a great job with EV routing in a few models, but it could offer more for EV users. Even without real-time battery data, features like better charger location mapping could be added.

    Conclusion

    While I’m excited about what the next CarPlay promises, I hope Apple doesn’t forget the millions of people using the existing version. They deserve updates that can make their driving experience better, even as the new system is developed. Right now, it feels like the current CarPlay is being left behind.

  • Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    The latest watchOS 11.3 update has accidentally messed up updates for some older Apple Watches, according to what people are saying on social media.

    If you have an Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or the first Apple Watch SE, you might run into a problem. These models can’t move to the new watchOS 11, and now, there’s a glitch that stops them from getting the last big update for watchOS 10, called watchOS 10.6.1.

    If your Apple Watch wasn’t on watchOS 10.6.1 before the new updates came out, you won’t be able to install it now. So, if you’re using one of these older watches with an older software version, you’re stuck. Also, some of these watches won’t connect to your iPhone if they’re on an older version of watchOS 10.

    This problem only affects the older models that can’t go beyond watchOS 10, specifically those not already updated to 10.6.1 from last August. Apple is expected to sort this out soon, so keep an eye out for a fix.

  • What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    Apple has just released iOS 18.3 for everyone to download. We’ve already covered the new features, but here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new according to Apple’s official notes:

    Visual Intelligence with Camera Control (For all iPhone 16 models):

    • Add Events to Calendar: Now you can add an event to your Calendar just by snapping a picture of a poster or flyer.
    • Identify Plants and Animals: Your camera can now help you learn about nature by identifying different plants and animals.

    Notification Summaries (For iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max):

    • Manage Summaries Easily: You can now control your notification summary settings right from the lock screen.
    • New Look for Summaries: Notifications that are summarized now show up in italics and with a special icon, making them easy to spot.
    • Temporary Hold on Some Apps: Summaries for News and Entertainment apps are paused for now, but you can choose to get them back when they’re ready.

    Other Updates and Fixes:

    • Calculator: If you press equals again, it will repeat your last calculation, making quick math easier.
    • Siri: No more issues with the keyboard disappearing when you start typing a command.
    • Apple Music: Fixed a problem where music would keep playing even after you close the app.

    This update aims to make your iPhone experience smoother and more intuitive. Whether you’re organizing your schedule or just exploring the outdoors, iOS 18.3 has something to make daily tasks a bit easier.