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  • iPhone 18 may be more expensive due to advanced chip technology

    iPhone 18 may be more expensive due to advanced chip technology

    Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup could be more expensive, and the reason is a major change in its chip technology. According to a report from DigiTimes, the new A19 chip — expected to power the iPhone 18 — will use TSMC’s 2-nanometer (2nm) process, which is more advanced and costly than the current 3nm process used in the iPhone 15 Pro.

    TSMC, Apple’s chip supplier, is set to start making 2nm chips in the second half of 2025. This new chip process offers better performance and improved energy efficiency, but it also comes with a much higher production cost. That means Apple might raise the prices of the iPhone 18 models to balance the added cost.

    Apple usually introduces new chip technology in its Pro models first, so the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could be the first ones to get the 2nm A19 chip. The standard iPhone 18 models may still use an older chip, like the A18 or A17 Pro.

    In short, while the new chips could make iPhones faster and more power-efficient, buyers might have to pay more for those upgrades, especially in the Pro models of the iPhone 18 series. Apple hasn’t confirmed any of this yet, but more details should come out closer to the launch.

  • Hidden court case on iCloud security sparks calls for openness

    Hidden court case on iCloud security sparks calls for openness

    A private court session about iCloud encryption started on Friday, and people in the UK and US are pushing for it to be made public. The UK government wants Apple to add a secret way into iCloud, not just for UK citizens but for everyone using it worldwide. Some iCloud info uses basic protection where Apple keeps a key and can share it with governments if ordered. Other data uses stronger protection, where only the user and their devices have the key.

    Apple offers a privacy tool called Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which locks nearly all iCloud data so tightly that even Apple can’t open it. If ADP is on, Apple can’t hand over data to governments. The UK’s demand would force Apple to unlock ADP. Instead of agreeing, Apple stopped offering ADP to UK users while it fights the rule.

    The Quiet Court Battle Over a Hidden Demand

    The UK law makes these orders secret, and any challenges to them happen behind closed doors. Apple found a smart workaround to hint at the issue. It couldn’t legally say the UK told it to unlock ADP, so it simply pulled ADP from the UK without saying why. The message was obvious: “We can’t admit the UK demanded this, or that we said no.”

    Apple also couldn’t say it was fighting the order, but somehow that news slipped out too. UK reporters showed up at the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday but couldn’t enter the courtroom.

    Protests in the UK and US

    Many groups are upset. UK news outlets like the BBC, Reuters, and The Guardian, along with privacy groups like Big Brother Watch, have complained to the court, saying the case should be public. Privacy International and Liberty also teamed up to argue against the secret order.

    “This secret move by the UK to weaken security for everyone is unfair and too extreme,” said Caroline Wilson Palow from Privacy International. “People everywhere need strong protection to stay safe from threats.” In the US, five lawmakers from both parties, including Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Andy Biggs, demanded the court open up the case. They say hiding it makes no sense now that the order is widely known, especially since Apple already pulled ADP from the UK last month.

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • 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!

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

  • CVS Trials new way to open locked cabinets with your phone

    CVS Trials new way to open locked cabinets with your phone

    CVS is trying out a cool new way to make shopping easier. Instead of calling a store worker to open locked cabinets, CVS customers can now use their smartphones to unlock them. This idea comes from a report by The Wall Street Journal, shared by The Verge.

    In many stores, items that are often stolen are kept in locked cases. This is good for stopping theft but not so good for shoppers who have to wait for help to get their items. Tilak Mandadi, who oversees technology at CVS Health, mentioned to The Wall Street Journal that customers don’t like these locked cabinets. That’s why CVS is testing this new method.

    If you have the CVS app, a CVS account, and your Bluetooth turned on, you can connect to the store’s Wi-Fi and unlock these cabinets with your iPhone or Android phone.

    Currently, this trial is happening in just three CVS locations, but they plan to grow this to between 10 to 15 stores. If it goes well, CVS wants to bring this feature to all its stores. This could make shopping much quicker and more enjoyable for everyone.

    Source

  • Apple’s 2025 Shareholder Meeting: A look at governance and executive compensation

    Apple’s 2025 Shareholder Meeting: A look at governance and executive compensation

    The tech world’s attention often focuses on product launches and groundbreaking innovations. However, the inner workings of a company like Apple, particularly its governance and executive compensation, provide a fascinating glimpse into its strategic direction and priorities.

    Apple recently announced that its 2025 annual shareholder meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 25th, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This meeting, while not typically a stage for major product announcements, offers a platform for shareholders to exercise their rights and for the company to address key governance matters.  

    For those holding Apple stock as of January 2, 2025, the meeting provides an opportunity to participate in the company’s direction. Shareholders will be able to attend, cast their votes, and even submit questions through Apple’s dedicated virtual meeting website. Access will require a specific control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials distributed to shareholders. This virtual format has become increasingly common for large corporations, offering broader accessibility for shareholders worldwide.  

    The agenda for the meeting includes several key items. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the re-election of the Board of Directors, a crucial process that ensures the company is guided by experienced and capable leaders. The meeting will also include a vote to approve executive compensation, a topic that often draws significant attention. Additionally, shareholders will be asked to ratify Ernst & Young LLP as Apple’s independent public accounting firm, a standard practice for publicly traded companies. Finally, the meeting will also include votes on various shareholder proposals, which can range from social and environmental concerns to corporate governance reforms.  

    While Apple’s shareholder meetings are not typically known for revealing future product roadmaps or strategic overhauls, they can offer valuable insights. In past meetings, executives have occasionally touched upon broader industry trends and the company’s strategic thinking. For instance, last year’s meeting saw CEO Tim Cook discuss the growing importance of artificial intelligence, months before Apple unveiled its own AI-driven features. These brief glimpses into the company’s long-term vision are often of great interest to investors and industry observers.

    One of the most closely watched aspects of the shareholder meeting is the disclosure of executive compensation. Apple’s annual proxy filing revealed that CEO Tim Cook earned $74.6 million in 2024. This figure represents an increase from his 2023 earnings of $63.2 million.

    Cook’s compensation package is multifaceted, including a base salary of $3 million, a significant portion in stock awards totaling $58 million, performance-based awards amounting to $12 million, and other compensation totaling $1.5 million. This “other compensation” encompasses various benefits such as 401(k) contributions, life insurance premiums, vacation cash-out, security expenses, and the cost of personal air travel, which Cook is mandated by Apple to utilize for all travel, both business and personal.   

    It’s important to note that while Cook’s 2024 compensation exceeded his 2023 earnings, it was still lower than the substantial $99 million he received in 2022. This decrease followed a decision by Cook and the Board of Directors to adjust his total compensation after it approached the $100 million mark. This highlights a degree of self-regulation and consideration of shareholder sentiment regarding executive pay.

    The structure of Cook’s compensation also reflects Apple’s emphasis on performance-based incentives. While a target compensation of $59 million was set, Cook earned more due to the cash incentive payout tied to Apple’s financial performance. This model aligns executive interests with those of shareholders, rewarding strong company performance.

    Beyond the CEO’s compensation, the proxy filing also revealed the earnings of other key Apple executives. Luca Maestri (Chief Financial Officer), Kate Adams (Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Global Security), Deirdre O’Brien (Senior Vice President of Retail + People), and Jeff Williams (Chief Operating Officer) each earned $27.2 million. These figures provide a broader context for executive compensation within Apple, demonstrating a tiered structure that rewards leadership contributions across the organization. 

    In conclusion, Apple’s annual shareholder meeting is more than just a procedural event. It’s a key moment for corporate governance, allowing shareholders to participate in important decisions and providing transparency into executive compensation. While it might not be the venue for major product announcements, it offers a valuable look into the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential companies. The 2025 meeting will undoubtedly continue this tradition, offering insights into Apple’s priorities and its approach to leadership and accountability.

  • Apple, Nvidia, and the pursuit of silicon independence

    Apple, Nvidia, and the pursuit of silicon independence

    The tech world is a complex ecosystem, a constant dance of partnerships, rivalries, and strategic maneuvering. One particularly intriguing relationship, or perhaps lack thereof, is that between Apple and Nvidia. While Nvidia has risen to prominence on the back of the AI boom, fueled by demand from giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, Apple has remained conspicuously absent from its major customer list. Why?

    Reports have surfaced detailing a history of friction between the two companies, harking back to the Steve Jobs era and the use of Nvidia graphics in Macs. Stories of strained interactions and perceived slights paint a picture of a relationship that was, at best, uneasy. However, attributing Apple’s current stance solely to past grievances seems overly simplistic.

    Apple’s strategic direction has been clear for years: vertical integration. The company’s relentless pursuit of designing its own silicon, from the A-series chips in iPhones to the M-series in Macs, speaks volumes. This drive is motivated by a desire for greater control over performance, power efficiency, and cost, as well as a tighter integration between hardware and software.

    It’s less about an “allergy” to Nvidia and more about Apple’s overarching philosophy. They want to own the entire stack. This isn’t unique to GPUs; Apple is also developing its own modems, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chips, reducing reliance on suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom.

    While Apple has utilized Nvidia’s technology indirectly through cloud services, this appears to be a temporary solution. The development of their own AI server chip underscores their commitment to internalizing key technologies. The past may color perceptions, but Apple’s present actions are driven by a long-term vision of silicon independence.

    Source

  • Apple customers open their wallets for World AIDS Day, reaching $3 Million goal

    Apple customers open their wallets for World AIDS Day, reaching $3 Million goal

    Apple’s annual World AIDS Day campaign, running from November 29th to December 8th, has closed with a resounding success. This year, the campaign, which incentivized Apple Pay users with a $5 donation to The Global Fund for every purchase made at Apple Stores, online, or through the app, reached its target of $3 million.

    The (RED) organization, co-founded by U2’s Bono and a long-standing partner of Apple, expressed their gratitude to both Apple and its customers. “Thank you,” they tweeted, “for hitting this incredible milestone and helping provide life-saving healthcare in vulnerable communities.”

    This campaign builds upon a long tradition of collaboration between Apple and (RED) in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The Global Fund, the recipient of Apple’s generosity, uses these donations to fund critical health programs in areas most affected by these diseases.

    Apple’s commitment to The Global Fund stretches back 18 years, making it one of the longest-standing partnerships in the fight against these devastating illnesses. Interestingly, this commitment began with the (PRODUCT)RED initiative, which offered special red-colored Apple products with a portion of the sales going directly to The Global Fund.

    While this initiative has raised over $250 million to date, the number of (PRODUCT)RED Apple products available for purchase has noticeably decreased in recent years. However, the success of the recent Apple Pay donation campaign demonstrates the continued dedication of Apple customers to supporting The Global Fund’s vital work.

    Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Apple evolves its partnership with (RED) in the future. Whether this involves bringing back the (PRODUCT)RED line or focusing on innovative donation initiatives like the recent one, Apple’s commitment to ending these diseases remains strong. This year’s $3 million raised by enthusiastic Apple customers serves as a powerful testament to that commitment.