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  • iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    Apple’s smart system, called Apple Intelligence, needs a lot of memory to work well—at least 8GB. Since Apple wants to make this system even smarter, people are saying the iPhone 17 Pro models could come with 12GB of memory.

    iPhone 17 Pro Set for a Memory Boost

    Talk about the iPhone 17 Pro having 12GB of memory isn’t new. Last August, expert Ming-Chi Kuo said this might happen after Apple showed off Apple Intelligence at its big 2024 event. Now, it’s looking more likely that these new iPhones will get a memory upgrade this year.

    Jeff Pu, another expert from GFHK Tech Research, told investors (in a note shared with 9to5Mac) that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will jump to 12GB of memory from the 8GB in today’s models. He says the growing need for AI tricks is pushing phone and computer makers to add more memory. “The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will switch to 12GB of fast LPDDR5 memory, which could bump up smartphone memory use by 3.5% across about 100 million new iPhones,” Pu explained.

    Last year, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max had 8GB of memory, while the regular models got 6GB. In 2024, Apple gave 8GB to the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus too. That’s why Apple Intelligence only works on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer phones. The just-released iPhone 16e also has 8GB and runs Apple Intelligence.

    More memory in the iPhone 17 Pro will help it stay ready for the future. It also suggests Apple might add new AI features that need extra power—features only these models could handle. For example, Apple recently upgraded all its Macs, even the older M2 MacBook Air, to 16GB of memory.

    What Else Is Coming with the iPhone 17?

    Rumors say the whole iPhone 17 family will look different. Expect a fresh camera setup and video tools perfect for vloggers. There’s also talk of a super-thin iPhone model that could sit between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro, maybe replacing the Plus version. These new iPhones should arrive in September.

  • Why Apple TV+ is going big on shows from around the world

    Why Apple TV+ is going big on shows from around the world

    Netflix recently shared its latest report on what people watched most in the last half of 2024. One standout detail from this report might clue us in on why Apple TV+ is suddenly focusing so much on shows and movies that aren’t in English.

    Netflix’s Worldwide Fans Love Variety

    Netflix is a giant compared to Apple TV+, so it’s tricky to compare their hits side by side. Still, the report revealed something eye-opening: almost a third of all Netflix viewing comes from shows and films in languages other than English. That’s a huge slice of their massive audience! Plus, three of their top 10 most-watched shows—like Squid Game season 2—weren’t in English either.

    Netflix has been pouring effort into global stories for years, and it’s clearly working as they grow fans all over the world. Apple TV+, though smaller, is starting to follow a similar path by boosting its lineup of non-English shows.

    Apple TV+ Steps Up with Global Stories

    In its early days, Apple TV+ made a few non-English shows like Pachinko and Drops of God. Critics loved them, but they were exceptions in a mostly English collection. Lately, though, things have changed fast. Since September, Apple TV+ has rolled out new titles like:

    • Berlin ER (a German hospital show)
    • Love You to Death (a Spanish rom-com)
    • You Would Do It Too (a Spanish crime story)
    • Where’s Wanda? (a German funny mystery)
    • Midnight Family (a Spanish doctor drama)
    • La Maison (a French fashion tale)

    Even with fewer releases overall, Apple TV+ is now dropping about one new non-English show each month. Netflix’s winning streak with global hits might be the push behind this shift.

    Aiming for Fans Everywhere

    While the U.S. is still Apple’s main focus, these moves show they’re dreaming bigger—hoping to win over viewers worldwide. Maybe the buzz around Severance will get more people hooked on their global gems too. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 a month and offers popular shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

  • Apple offers discounts on refurbished M4 iMacs

    Apple offers discounts on refurbished M4 iMacs

    Apple recently started selling the M4 Mac mini and MacBook Pro at lower prices in its refurbished store. For a while, the M4 iMac, which came out at the same time, wasn’t included. Good news—Apple has now added it, so the whole M4 Mac family is available!

    Refurbished M4 iMacs Come in Many Colors and Options

    You can now grab the M4 iMac from Apple’s refurbished store in different colors and setups, all at nice savings (spotted by MacRumors).

    The regular price for the basic M4 iMac is $1,299 when brand new. But if you go refurbished, it’s only $1,099—and it still comes with all the matching accessories, like the keyboard and mouse.
    Since all M4 Macs now kick off with 16GB of memory, the starting model is a solid pick compared to older versions.

    That said, many people might want more storage space. Apple has several bigger SSD options to choose from. Just keep an eye on the discounts—they can change depending on how much storage you pick.

    Compare Prices Before You Buy

    If you’re thinking about getting an M4 iMac, don’t skip checking Amazon. They’ve got brand-new ones on sale, sometimes close to Apple’s refurbished prices.

    For instance, a new basic M4 iMac is going for $1,149 right now. That’s just $50 more than Apple’s refurbished version. So, it’s worth a look to see which deal feels right for you! Whether you go refurbished or new, the M4 iMac is a colorful, powerful choice at a better price than before.

  • 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.

  • iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, they highlighted a fresh design inside that made room for a bigger battery. While Apple doesn’t share exact battery sizes, a popular YouTuber, Dave Lee from Dave2D, spilled the details in his latest review. He revealed the iPhone 16e has a 3,961 mAh battery—a solid jump of over 10% compared to the 3,561 mAh in the standard iPhone 16.

    Here’s how it stacks up:

    • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
    • iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
    • iPhone 16e: 3,961 mAh

    Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers the best battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks partly to their new energy-saving C1 modem.

    How Does the iPhone 16e Hold Up in Real Life?

    Dave Lee tested the iPhone 16e by keeping the Reddit website running non-stop over Wi-Fi. The phone lasted an impressive 12 hours and 54 minutes. By comparison, the iPhone 16 managed 11 hours and 17 minutes in the same setup, making the 16e the champ here.

    Tom’s Guide ran their own test, mimicking regular web browsing on a cellular network. The iPhone 16e averaged 12 hours and 41 minutes—super close to the iPhone 16’s 12 hours and 43 minutes. The top scores? The 16e hit 12 hours and 49 minutes, while the iPhone 16 reached 13 hours and 19 minutes.

    CNET’s Patrick Holland shared his hands-on experience: “After six days with the 16e, I’ve charged it just three times. Using a 30-watt charger, it went from zero to 59% in half an hour. I’ve been pushing it hard—testing cameras, playing heavy games, and using smart features. It easily lasts a full day, and with lighter use, it can stretch to a day and a half.”

    In CNET’s video streaming test, the iPhone 16e stayed at 100% after an hour, while the iPhone 16 and 15 dipped to 97%. Holland noted more tests are coming, but the early signs are promising.
    Get Yours Soon Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are open now, with the official launch this Friday. Curious for more? Check out our full iPhone 16e review summary!

  • 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!

  • 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 security update in the UK made simple

    Apple’s security update in the UK made simple

    On February 21, Apple stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK after the government quietly asked for a way to unlock private user data stored in iCloud—not just in the UK, but everywhere. This decision has left some UK Apple users wondering how safe their information is now. Let’s break it down.

    What Was Advanced Data Protection?

    Advanced Data Protection, or ADP, started in 2022 as Apple’s top security option for iCloud. It’s a setting users can turn on to lock more of their data—like backups, photos, and notes—with a special kind of protection called end-to-end encryption. This means only the user can unlock it on their own devices, and no one else, not even Apple, can peek inside. Without ADP, Apple uses regular encryption for things like email and calendars, where it keeps a spare key and can open the data if a court orders it.

    Not many people likely used ADP since Apple never shared numbers. Some might not know about it, while others have older devices that can’t handle it because they need the latest software.
    Who’s Impacted by This Change?

    This affects two groups in the UK:

    • New users: Since February 21, they can’t turn on ADP. They’ll see a message saying it’s no longer available.
    • Current ADP users: If you already had it on, you’ll need to switch it off yourself soon to keep using iCloud. Apple can’t do it for you and promises more help later.

    If you never used ADP, nothing changes—your data still has Apple’s basic protection, where Apple holds the key.

    What’s Still Safe?

    Even without ADP, some iCloud features stay super secure by default, like iMessage, FaceTime, passwords, and health info. These use end-to-end encryption no matter what.

    Why Did This Happen?

    The UK government used a law to secretly demand Apple build a hidden way into encrypted data worldwide. Apple said no, worried it would weaken security for everyone—like leaving a house key out for anyone to find. Instead, they pulled ADP from the UK, hoping to bring it back someday with better safety for users.

  • New iPhone Mail trick solves a pesky problem

    New iPhone Mail trick solves a pesky problem

    For years, iPhone users have wanted Apple Mail to act differently when moving or deleting an email. Before the latest update, after you trashed or filed a message, the app would jump straight to the next email in your inbox. This was frustrating because it marked that next email as read, even if you didn’t mean to open it. People wished the app would just take them back to the inbox list instead. Good news—iOS 18.4 finally makes that happen!

    This automatic jump to another email after deleting one was odd. Most other email apps don’t do this, which is why some iPhone fans switched to options like Spark or Outlook. But Apple Mail keeps improving, especially with cool new features like email summaries and quick replies powered by Apple Intelligence. This small tweak in iOS 18.4 might just convince those users to return to Apple’s built-in app.

    In iOS 18.4, there’s a fresh setting called “Delete or Move Message Action.” By default, it’s set to “View Next Message,” keeping the old habit alive. But if you switch it to “Don’t Select a Message,” the app won’t leap to another email after you delete or move one. Instead, it takes you right back to your inbox list. From there, you can pick whichever email you want to tackle next and keep sorting through your messages your way.

    Want to try it? Open the Settings app, tap Apps, then Mail, and look for “Message List.” Under that, you’ll see “Delete or Move Message Action” to adjust how it works. This little change, which fans have been asking for, comes with iOS 18.4. It’s still being tested in developer and public betas, but it’ll roll out as a free update for all iPhone users around April. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference in keeping your inbox under control!

  • Why iPhones mix up ‘Racist’ with ‘Trump,’ According to Apple

    Why iPhones mix up ‘Racist’ with ‘Trump,’ According to Apple

    Apple has pointed to a sound mix-up as the reason behind a strange issue with the iPhone’s voice-to-text tool. In recent days, this odd glitch has been popping up on social media, especially TikTok. One video shows an iPhone owner speaking the word “racist” clearly into the dictation feature, only for the phone to briefly type “Trump” instead. Moments later, it fixes itself before finishing the transcription.

    An Apple spokesperson explained to The New York Times that the confusion comes from a “sound overlap” between the two words. They’re already working on a solution to stop it from happening. John Burkey, who used to work on Apple’s Siri team and still chats with them regularly, said the trouble started after a recent update to Apple’s servers.

    He’s not buying the “sound overlap” story, though. “It feels more like a big joke from someone inside Apple,” he said. Burkey, now the founder of Wonderrush.ai, an AI startup, thinks it’s unlikely this is just a random error tied to Apple’s AI data. The fact that the word corrects itself hints it’s not purely a tech slip-up. He suspects someone might have sneaked a bit of code into Apple’s system to swap “racist” with “Trump” on purpose.

    “Who’s behind it?” Burkey wondered. “Did they tweak the data or mess with the code?”

    Interestingly, The Wall Street Journal pointed out that other words starting with “r” — like “rampant” or “rampage” — have also briefly turned into “Trump” during dictation. For now, Apple says it’s a simple sound confusion they’re fixing. But with people like Burkey raising eyebrows, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s more to this quirky iPhone hiccup than meets the eye. Either way, it’s got folks online talking — and maybe laughing a little, too.