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  • One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    It’s been a whole year since the Apple Vision Pro, a fancy AR/VR headset that costs $3,500, was released to the public. This high-tech gadget hasn’t sold as well as expected, which isn’t surprising because of its steep price. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, called it a product for those eager to jump into future tech.

    Recent whispers suggest that Apple might stop making the current Vision Pro by the end of 2024. But don’t worry, they’ve got enough stock for now, and they’re already looking at creating a new version possibly this year.

    What’s Next for Vision Pro?

    There was talk about a second-generation Vision Pro, but those plans seem to be on hold. Instead, Apple seems more focused on bringing out a cheaper model.

    A Small Update Coming Soon?

    Instead of a major new model, we might just see a little update this year. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman think this update could include the new M5 chip, which would be better than the M2 in the current model. This could mean better performance, maybe even bringing the advanced Siri features from Apple’s other devices to the Vision Pro.

    However, don’t expect big changes in how it looks or other major features. Apple might just use up leftover parts from the first model. Adding 5G could be on the table, but it’s uncertain if this update will include it or if they’ll save it for a bigger release.

    A Cheaper Vision Pro?

    Apple is interested in making a less expensive version of the Vision Pro, aiming for a price closer to that of a top-end iPhone. But this won’t happen soon; the earliest we might see this is 2027. Cutting costs while keeping quality is tricky, especially with the display. They might use cheaper materials and less powerful chips, and might even skip some features like the EyeSight display.

    What About Apple Glasses?

    There was an idea for lightweight AR glasses that would work with a Mac, but that project was dropped. Apple still dreams of AR glasses that don’t need to connect to another device for power, but they’re waiting for technology to catch up before trying again.

    So, while we’ve celebrated a year with the Vision Pro, Apple is slowly steering towards making it more accessible and advanced, but patience will be key.

  • Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple is trying hard to protect its big money deal with Google as Google faces legal action for breaking antitrust rules, but the court isn’t helping. Recently, Apple asked for an urgent pause in the case to join in, but the judge said no and decided to keep the case moving forward.

    Google Logo Feature Slack

    Back in November, Apple wanted a bigger say in how the case would proceed, arguing that Google shouldn’t keep breaking the law. The court turned them down, so Apple appealed, but appeals take time. While waiting, Apple asked for the case to stop, but the judge didn’t agree.

    The court believes Apple hasn’t shown it would be badly hurt without this pause, nor has it clearly stated why it needs to be more involved or what new information it could add. The judge also feels that there’s no clear error in the first decision to keep Apple out of the lawsuit. Plus, it’s important to keep moving to stop Google from continuing these illegal actions.

    The court’s ruling pointed out that this case has been going on for over four years now, and any delay would be significant. Moreover, the court found that Google broke the law by making deals with companies like Apple to keep its monopoly in search and ad markets. Allowing Apple’s request for a pause would just let this illegal activity go on, which isn’t good for the public.

    Last year, Google was found guilty of these antitrust violations, with its deal with Apple being a key issue. Google gives Apple billions yearly to be the default search in Safari, and this was deemed illegal. The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and others. If Google can’t continue these agreements, Apple could lose billions, yet would still need to offer Google as a search option.

    Google might also face tougher penalties like selling Chrome or separating Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Apple worries that Google will focus on protecting these assets over their search deal, which is why Apple wants to intervene.

    In their filing for a pause, Apple argued, “If we can’t resolve our appeal before or during the remedies trial, we might just have to watch as the government pushes for harsh changes that could stop us from working with Google for ten years.”

    Apple is now pushing to speed up its appeal to join the lawsuit against Google, with the next phase of the case due to start in April. If they can speed things up, their appeal might be heard before then.

    Source

  • Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple has recently stopped allowing users to install iOS 18.2.1 on their iPhones. If you’ve updated to iOS 18.3, you can’t go back to the older version anymore. This change happened because Apple released iOS 18.3 last week.

    Why Can’t You Downgrade?

    When Apple brings out a new version of iOS, they usually stop supporting the old one after about one or two weeks. Once they do this, you can’t install the older version because Apple checks with its servers to make sure only the latest software can be installed. Right now, if your iPhone can use iOS 18, you’re stuck with iOS 18.3 or whatever comes next.

    Why Does Apple Do This?

    Apple does this to make sure everyone’s iPhone is as safe and secure as possible. By keeping everyone on the newest version, they can protect users from old security risks that the new updates fix.

    What’s New in iOS 18.3?

    The latest update, iOS 18.3, comes with several new features and over 20 security fixes. One important fix was for a problem that hackers might have been using to attack some iPhones. This shows why it’s good to keep your phone’s software current.

    In summary, if you’ve moved to iOS 18.3, you’re now stuck there for better security and features. Apple makes these updates to keep your information safe, so it’s wise to stay updated even if you can’t go back.

  • India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

    India, a Growing Hub for Apple

    India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

    Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

    New Tax Benefits

    The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

    During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

    This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

    Source

  • Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Apple Watch is known for saving lives, but now, Apple Vision Pro is making its mark in healthcare, especially in surgery and medical training. Harry McCracken from Fast Company shares how this expensive device is becoming unexpectedly useful in medical settings.

    At UC San Diego Health, doctors use the headset to make operating rooms more efficient, reducing physical stress and enhancing work flow. Sharp HealthCare has also started a new center focused on spatial computing, and they’re hosting a big meeting where 300 experts are discussing how Vision Pro can be used in surgery, teaching, and more.

    Susan Prescott from Apple was surprised at how quickly the medical community has taken to the Vision Pro. One surprising benefit? Its high price. Prescott explains, “It’s an exciting time where we’re bringing healthcare leaders together not just to listen, but to share and inspire each other with how they’re using Vision Pro.”

    Even with its high cost, adoption in the medical field has been swift. UC San Diego Health’s surgeon, Ryan Broderick, describes how the Vision Pro helps in surgery:

    “For the best surgical view, the screen should be right in front of your face. But in many surgeries, you have to twist and turn, which can strain your neck and back over time. The Vision Pro fixes this by letting you place screens exactly where you need them.”

    The headset uses Apple’s M2 chip, like in their computers and tablets, and a special R1 chip to handle all the sensors. This setup helps prevent nausea and provides critical, real-time data during operations.

    With the Vision Pro, surgeons can see their environment while also having virtual screens positioned for comfort. Dr. Broderick’s team tested this by streaming live surgery feeds directly into the headset, improving ergonomics significantly. They’ve already done over 50 cases with promising results.

    Despite the $3,500 price tag, the value in healthcare is clear. Tommy Korn, an ophthalmologist at Sharp HealthCare, notes that typical operating room screens cost around $20,000 each. Here, Vision Pro not only offers ergonomic benefits but also seems like a cost-effective choice.

    So, while the Apple Vision Pro might seem pricey at first glance, in the medical field, it’s proving to be an investment worth considering. Check out the full story by Harry McCracken at Fast Company for more insights.

  • Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    The big deal between Google and Apple, worth $20 billion a year for search rights, was found to break competition laws last summer. Although Apple isn’t on trial, what happens in this case could change things a lot for them. So, Apple has asked to slow down the court process.

    Apple Wants a Say in the Case

    Just a few days ago, Apple tried to get its witnesses into Google’s trial but was turned down. Apple isn’t accused of doing anything wrong, but they argued that Google can’t look out for Apple’s interests anymore because Google is busy protecting itself from claims that could break up its business.

    Since they couldn’t bring their witnesses, Apple has now asked for a pause in the court case. They say they need this to keep their rights safe while they appeal the decision.

    Their latest court document explains:

    “If we don’t pause this case, Apple could be hurt in ways we can’t fix later. We might lose our chance to be part of deciding what happens next, like at the trial itself, while they decide on our rights. This gets even worse because of what the other side said in our last meeting.”

    The document also mentions that courts often allow such delays when someone wants to appeal a decision about joining a case, and Apple hopes this court will agree too.

    If Apple can’t join in the way they want, they have a backup plan:

    “At the very least, the court should let Apple see all the case documents as someone not officially in the case until the higher court decides.”

    No matter what, Apple thinks they need to be involved in the court process to some extent to avoid serious damage to their interests.

  • Is there really a call for the iPod’s Return?

    Is there really a call for the iPod’s Return?

    Sometimes, I come across posts where people reminisce about the days when iPods were all the rage. I have to admit, the iPod was my introduction to the Apple world. But now, years after its discontinuation, I’m not convinced that people genuinely want the iPod back, despite their claims. Here’s my take on why.

    Apple officially ended the iPod era in 2022 with the discontinuation of the iPod touch, declaring that “music lives on.” However, the iPod had already started fading away much earlier, particularly in 2017 when the last of the iPod nano and shuffle were no more.

    Now, with the iPod gone, there’s a natural nostalgia, and some folks argue for its revival. While I get the sentiment, I think the need for an iPod doesn’t hold up in today’s world.

    A Look Back at the iPod’s Journey

    The original iPod came out in 2001, a time when computers were big and phones weren’t smart. The idea of having a device that could hold “a thousand songs in your pocket” was revolutionary. I remember the thrill of using an iPod for the first time.

    As technology advanced, Apple introduced various iPod models, including the tiny nano and shuffle. These devices were hugely popular, making up 40% of Apple’s revenue in 2006. But the landscape was changing, and Apple knew it.

    Smartphones were getting smarter. When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone in 2007, he mentioned it would be the best iPod yet, combining music and phone functionalities. He was right; the iPhone made separate music players less necessary.

    Do We Miss the iPod?

    I used to carry both an iPhone and an iPod because early iPhones didn’t have much storage. But as iPhones improved and music streaming became the norm, the need for a dedicated music device dwindled.

    iPod sales hit their peak in 2008 with nearly 60 million units sold, but they started declining from 2009, especially after the iPhone’s introduction. By 2014, when Apple last reported iPod numbers separately, sales had dropped to just 14 million units.

    Why the iPod Might Not Make a Comeback

    Some argue that Apple could make money by bringing back the iPod. Yet, I believe Apple knows better than to expect significant sales from a relaunched iPod. The iPhone mini’s short-lived tenure shows that even when consumers claim to want something, sales might tell a different story.

    Sure, there might be an initial rush to buy an iPod for nostalgia, but long-term demand? Doubtful.

    The Legacy of the iPod

    I keep my old iPod nano on my desk, not just as a reminder of good times but also to understand why we’ve moved on. In our current tech environment, we prefer devices that do it all.

    Apple has essentially continued the iPod’s legacy through devices like the iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and even the Apple Watch, which, in many ways, is like a modern iPod nano. You can listen to music on it independently of your phone. Even with these options, though, I find myself never leaving home without my iPhone.

    So, do people want the iPod back? Probably not. The spirit of the iPod lives on, just in a different, more integrated form.

  • 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.

  • New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    Are you tired of hearing about DeepSeek? This popular chatbot from China has taken over tech news and even topped the App Store charts. But with fame comes risk, as it’s now linked to scams, phishing, and dangerous software for Mac users. Here’s what you need to know.

    Welcome to our weekly security update, where we talk about keeping your Apple devices safe amidst the latest threats.

    Scams and Fake Apps

    Cyble, a well-known cybersecurity company, has been tracking various scams that use DeepSeek’s popularity. Scammers are tricking people into scanning QR codes for fake crypto deals or offering fake investments. There are also fake DeepSeek apps for Mac that look real, but the catch is, there’s no official DeepSeek app for Mac.

    Malware Alert

    The latest scam involves spreading AMOS, a notorious type of Mac malware, disguised as a DeepSeek app. AMOS, written in Swift, can work on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. Hackers charge $1,000 a month to use this malware, which communicates with a cybercriminal’s server to steal your personal data like passwords, credit card details, and more.

    How It Works

    Here’s how you might get tricked:

    • You download a fake DeepSeek app from a website or an email.
    • The scammer tells you to open Terminal and drag a file into it.
    • What looks like a safe file actually runs harmful scripts, putting your Mac at risk.

    Protecting Yourself

    With macOS Sequoia, Apple made it harder for unsigned apps to run, but hackers have found ways around this by using Terminal. Remember, DeepSeek only has apps for iOS and Android, so any Mac version you see is not legitimate. Also, avoid using DeepSeek altogether because of privacy issues; in China, laws allow for extensive data access and censorship.

    Your Thoughts?

    Are you concerned about DeepSeek’s privacy issues? Share your thoughts with us.

    Stay safe out there, and keep your devices secure by being wary of what you download and where it comes from.

    For more on Apple security:

    • DeepSeek has raised privacy alarms, leading to investigations in the US and Europe, with the app already removed from Italy’s App Store.
    • Security flaws named SLAP and FLOP could expose your web tabs on Apple devices.
    • A court has put limits on how much data the FBI can search from tech companies under FISA.
    • Google Ads are still being used by hackers, despite Google’s advanced tech and resources.

    Stay informed and stay safe!

  • Exciting updates in iOS 18.4: Seven new Apple Intelligence features

    Exciting updates in iOS 18.4: Seven new Apple Intelligence features

    Apple Intelligence has been making waves since its debut in iOS 18.1, and with the upcoming iOS 18.4, there’s even more to look forward to. Here are seven key features and changes that are on the horizon.

    Siri’s New Powers: Seeing What You See

    Imagine Siri understanding what’s on your screen just like the Vision Pro does. With iOS 18.4, Siri will gain this ability, making interactions much smoother. For instance, if you see a new address in a message, you could just tell Siri to add it to your contacts, and it would happen without any extra steps.

    Siri’s Expanded App Abilities

    With the new update, Siri will be able to do lots more without needing to open apps. It can perform actions like finding and editing a photo, then moving it to a specific folder in the Files app, all through voice commands.

    Siri Knows You Better

    Siri will now have a deeper understanding of you, similar to a personal assistant. You could ask Siri to find a recipe sent by a friend, and it would search through your emails, messages, and notes to find it. It can also retrieve personal details like your passport number or check your calendar.

    Smart Notification Prioritization

    Apple Intelligence will make your notifications smarter by highlighting the most urgent ones at the top of your list. This means you’ll catch the important stuff without sifting through less relevant alerts.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    The Image Playground app will finally introduce the ‘Sketch’ style option that was promised but missing in earlier versions. This adds another creative way to produce images with AI.

    Apple Intelligence in Europe

    Good news for European users; Apple Intelligence features will expand to iPhones and iPads in the EU, starting with iOS 18.4 in April.

    More Languages for AI

    Apple is set to support more languages for its AI features, including Chinese, various forms of English, French, German, and several others, making Apple Intelligence more accessible globally.

    Once iOS 18.4 rolls out, we’ll see all the promised Apple Intelligence features from last year’s WWDC become a reality. With these updates, Apple continues to push the envelope on what AI can do for you, setting the stage for even more advancements in iOS 19.

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