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  • New feature spotted on iCloud: Apple invites

    New feature spotted on iCloud: Apple invites

    Update: Apple has officially launched the new Apple Invites app.

    It looks like Apple is about to roll out a new feature called “Apple Invites.” This was spotted on the main iCloud website, though Apple hasn’t made an official announcement yet. The iCloud homepage now mentions that “Apple Invites” will be part of the iCloud+ package:

    Upgrade to iCloud+ to enjoy more storage, plan your events with Apple Invites, and keep your privacy safe with features like iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video. iCloud+ is what Apple calls its premium storage plans, starting at just $0.99 a month in the US.

    Besides extra storage, iCloud+ subscribers get perks like iCloud Private Relay and HomeKit Secure Video for free. Now, it seems Apple Invites is the latest benefit you can expect. You’ll be able to use Apple Invites right from iCloud.com/invites, and there’s likely going to be an app for your iPhone and other devices too.

    The feature is designed to help you plan events like birthday parties or graduations:

    Make digital invitations for parties, graduations, baby showers, and more. Keep track of who’s coming, share photos, and send invites easily through email or text. If you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, you’ll have access to all of Apple Invites without any extra fees, no ads, and you can create as many events as you like.

    Apple Invites will work hand-in-hand with other Apple services like Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Photos. According to tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we might hear more about Apple Invites very soon, possibly this week.

    Source

  • Discover the new iPhone 17 Air: Six exciting features coming soon

    Discover the new iPhone 17 Air: Six exciting features coming soon

    This autumn, Apple is introducing a new member to its iPhone family: the iPhone 17 Air. Instead of the usual Plus model, Apple is bringing something fresh that might even win over Pro users. Here’s what you can look forward to with the iPhone 17 Air.

    Super Slim Design

    Inspired by the incredibly thin M4 iPad Pro, the iPhone 17 Air is set to be one of the slimmest iPhones yet. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests it could be as thin as 5.5mm at its narrowest, making it a lot thinner than the current iPhone models, which are around 8.25mm for the Pro and 7.8mm for the standard and Plus versions.

    New 6.6-inch Screen

    The iPhone 17 Air will feature a middle-ground screen size of 6.6 inches, fitting just between the Pro and Pro Max models. This could be the perfect size for anyone who finds the Pro a bit small but the Pro Max a tad too large.

    Always On and Smooth Display

    For the first time, both the base iPhone 17 and the Air are expected to have an Always On display and a high refresh rate. While there’s talk about a possible 90Hz screen, the 17 Air might keep the full 120Hz ProMotion for that extra smooth feel.

    A19 Chip

    The iPhone 17 Air will run on Apple’s new A19 chip, which will also power the base iPhone 17. Although not as advanced as the A19 Pro in the Pro models, it’s still expected to handle everyday tasks, AI, and gaming with ease.

    Single 48MP Back Camera

    The 17 Air will stand out with just one rear camera, a 48MP lens, featuring a unique ‘bar’ design. This design might bring unexpected advantages, but specifics are still under wraps.

    Upgraded 24MP Front Camera

    Moving from 12MP to 24MP, the front camera on the iPhone 17 Air should offer much better selfies and video calls, narrowing the quality gap with the back cameras.

    Apple’s Own 5G Modem

    Exclusively for the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is introducing its own 5G modem. While it might not outpace Qualcomm’s current offerings in speed, Apple’s integrated approach could bring unique connectivity perks.

    The iPhone 17 Air looks set to redefine what we expect from Apple’s lineup, offering a mix of thin design, new tech, and user-friendly features. This fall’s iPhone launch is shaping up to be a highlight.

  • Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, discussing performance details with CEO Tim Cook and new CFO Kevan Parekh. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key points from the call:

    iPhone Sales and Apple Intelligence

    While Apple’s services revenue increased, and they saw growth in Mac and iPad sales, iPhone sales dipped slightly. This quarter, iPhones brought in $69.1 billion, less than last year’s $69.7 billion. The new Apple Intelligence feature, introduced in iOS 18, has not yet sparked a big update trend. However, Cook noted that iPhone 16 models are selling better in places where Apple Intelligence is available.

    Cook believes that as more people upgrade to newer iPhones, which support Apple Intelligence, usage will grow. He also mentioned upcoming support for more languages in April, which should help. He finds the email summarization feature invaluable, receiving hundreds of emails daily.

    Best Quarter Ever

    Tim Cook announced that this was Apple’s best quarter yet, with a revenue of $124.3 billion, up by four percent from last year. Apple’s active device count hit a new high at over 2.35 billion worldwide. However, sales in China dropped to $18.5 billion from $20.8 billion last year.

    Services Revenue

    The services sector shone brightly, earning $26.3 billion, a 14 percent jump from the previous year’s $23 billion. They set new records in the Americas, Europe, and other parts of Asia-Pacific, with over a billion paid subscriptions now.

    Mac and iPad Sales

    Mac sales were up to $9 billion from $7.8 billion, thanks to the new M4 models. Both new users and upgraders contributed to this growth. iPads also did well, with a 15 percent sales increase, largely due to the iPad Air and the budget iPad models, with many sales going to first-time iPad buyers.

    Other Notes

    On the topic of DeepSeek and reducing computational costs, Cook sees efficiency-driving innovation positively. Regarding future iPhone designs, he hinted at more innovation to come. With potential tariffs on the horizon, Apple is keeping a close watch but had no further comments.

    Looking Ahead

    For the next quarter, Apple anticipates low to mid single-digit growth in revenue with a gross margin expected between 46.5 and 47.5 percent.

    This earnings call highlights Apple’s ongoing strength in the tech market, even with some challenges like in China, affirming their position as a leader in technology and innovation.

  • 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.

  • iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    Apple is rumored to replace the iPhone “Plus” with a new model called the iPhone “Air” in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s what we’ve learned from various sources about this upcoming slim phone.

    The Name “Air”

    The term “Air” has been floated by tech experts like Jon Prosser and Mark Gurman, suggesting that this new phone will be thinner than previous models. This iPhone 17 Air aims to fill the gap between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro versions, offering a sleek alternative to the less popular Plus model.

    How Thin Will It Be?

    Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone yet, with a possible thickness of just 5.5mm, even thinner than the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm. It’s expected to feature an aluminum body instead of the titanium used in Pro models, which contributes to its slim profile. However, there’s talk that it might only have one speaker due to space constraints.

    Screen Size

    The screen might be around 6.6 inches, according to analyst Jeff Pu, although another source, Ross Young, mentions a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display. This would make it smaller than the current iPhone 16 Plus’s 6.7-inch screen.

    Display Features

    All iPhone 17 models, including the Air, are rumored to get ProMotion, meaning a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for better scrolling and viewing. This would also allow for an always-on display, showing time and notifications when the phone is locked.

    Camera Changes

    The camera layout might shift to the top center of the phone, a departure from the traditional top-left corner placement. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air might only have one rear camera, according to leaks.

    Durability and Camera Upgrades

    The screen is expected to be more durable with an anti-reflective coating. The front-facing camera could see an upgrade to 24 megapixels, promising better selfies with more detail and clarity.

    Memory and Processing Power

    The new model is likely to come with 8GB of RAM, matching the current iPhone 16 lineup. It’s also expected to run on the A19 chip, potentially offering better performance and efficiency.

    In-House Tech

    Apple might introduce its own 5G modem in this model, alongside a Wi-Fi chip, aiming for better connectivity and power efficiency. The phone will reportedly go SIM-less, using only eSIM technology globally.

    Price

    There’s some debate on pricing; it could either be priced like the iPhone 16 Plus at around $899 or might even be more expensive than the Pro Max if it’s positioned as a premium device.

    With these rumors, the iPhone 17 Air sounds like it could be a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, focusing on sleek design while maintaining high performance. However, these are still leaks and subject to change as we approach the expected September 2025 release.

  • 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.

  • Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Apple has announced that the new iOS 18.3 update will be available very soon, possibly even today. They made this known while introducing a new Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch.

    Changes in Notification Summaries

    iOS 18.3 has changed how notification summaries look and work. Now, you’ll see summaries in italic text, making them easier to spot. However, Apple has turned off news summary features for now because they weren’t always getting the stories right. They’ve promised to fix this in the next update. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your phone’s lock screen.

    Visual Intelligence Gets Better

    If you have an iPhone 16, you’re in for a treat with iOS 18.3. It upgrades the Visual Intelligence feature which you activate with the Camera Control button. Now, you can use your camera to learn more about things around you, like adding events to your calendar from posters or identifying plants and animals. This cool feature isn’t available on older iPhones though.

    Calculator App Update

    A handy little feature has returned to the Calculator app in iOS 18.3. If you hit the equals button again, it’ll repeat the last calculation, which is great for figuring out things like compound interest without retyping everything.

    Celebrating Black History Month

    To celebrate Black History Month, Apple has released a special Black Unity Sport Loop band for the Apple Watch, along with a new Unity Rhythm watch face and matching wallpapers for your iPhone and iPad. These will come with the iOS 18.3 update.

    Bug Fixes

    iOS 18.3 also tackles some bugs. It fixes a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you’re typing to Siri, and another where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed the Apple Music app.

    Future Home App Feature

    Although not active yet, iOS 18.3’s code hints at upcoming support for robot vacuums in the Home app. Apple says this feature will be available in a future update, possibly iOS 18.4.

    So, keep an eye out for this update, which promises to make your iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable.

  • iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in April. While the beta testing phase hasn’t begun yet, a few exciting updates are rumored to be part of the new version.

    Big Updates to Siri

    iOS 18.4 may introduce significant improvements to Siri, marking a new step forward with Apple Intelligence. Three key upgrades are expected:

    • Personal Context: Siri will better understand your preferences and habits.
    • On-Screen Awareness: It will respond more effectively to what’s displayed on your device.
    • App Integration: Siri could interact with apps in smarter ways to perform tasks for you.

    These changes aim to make Siri more personalized and intuitive.

    Expanded Language Support

    When iOS 18.2 launched, Apple hinted at adding new language options for Apple Intelligence in 2025. With the April update, the list may grow to include languages like Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and more. English variants for regions such as India and Singapore are also part of the plan. Additional languages will roll out throughout the year.

    New Emoji Additions

    As in previous spring updates, Apple is likely to introduce new emojis with iOS 18.4. The Unicode Consortium has already revealed this year’s batch, which includes:

    • Fingerprint
    • Face with bags under eyes
    • Harp
    • Root vegetable
    • Leafless tree
    • Splatter
    • Shovel

    These emojis will enhance communication with more creative options. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed these updates, the anticipated features hint at a more dynamic and user-friendly experience with iOS 18.4. Stay tuned for more details as the release approaches!

  • Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Rumors have been swirling that Apple might ditch the ‘iPhone SE’ name for the next model coming this spring. Instead, it could be called the ‘iPhone 16E’. This change might sound odd, but it actually fits well with what we know about the upcoming phone.

    What’s New with the iPhone 16E?Here’s what we expect from this new model:

    • Design Inspired by iPhone 14: It will have a notch for Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED screen.
    • Powerful A18 Chip: It will support Apple’s new AI features.
    • USB-C Charging: Replacing the old Lightning port.
    • Camera Upgrade: A single 48MP back camera, similar to those in the iPhone 15.
    • New 5G Modem: Apple’s first self-designed modem.

    This would be the most significant update to the SE series since 2020. The last SE, released in 2022, just got a new chip and 5G, but kept the same look.

    Pricing ConcernsThere’s talk of pricing the iPhone 16E at $499, which feels low considering its specs. Apple sells the iPhone 14 for $599 and the iPhone 15 for $699. How could they offer a newer phone with advanced features for less?

    • Cost-saving Components: Apple might use their own modem to cut costs, and cheaper display panels from BOE and LG instead of Samsung’s.

    But even with these savings, would Apple really price it so low?

    Why ‘iPhone 16E’ Makes SenseIf priced at $499, the iPhone 16E would undercut the iPhone 16 by $300, which includes extras like the Dynamic Island and an extra camera. Calling it the 16E could justify a $599 price, making it seem less like a budget option but more of a streamlined part of the current lineup.

    Moreover, it would highlight that the iPhone 15, which might still be sold, doesn’t have the latest features like Apple Intelligence.

    A New Name for a New EraThe ‘SE’ has always meant a smaller phone, but with a 6.1-inch screen, that’s no longer accurate. ‘iPhone 16E’ tells customers it’s part of the latest series, potentially boosting sales by clearly showing its place in the lineup.

    This naming could also help consumers understand the phone’s place in time, especially if Apple starts labeling models by year rather than generation. In summary, renaming the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E could be Apple’s smart move to align the model with its current offerings while managing expectations around price and features.

  • New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    Get ready for an exciting year for iPhone fans! Alongside the new iPhone SE 4 in spring and the sleek iPhone 17 Air in autumn, Apple’s top-tier Pro models are set to dazzle with these seven new features coming this September:

    Better Selfie Camera

    The selfie camera is getting a major upgrade. Instead of the 12MP we’ve seen, the iPhone 17 Pro will sport a 24MP front camera, bringing selfie quality much closer to the prowess of its back cameras.

    New A19 Pro Chip

    Apple is keeping its tradition of upgrading the chip alive with the A19 Pro, reserved only for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This means the best performance will be exclusive to these models, while the iPhone 17 Air gets the standard A19.

    More Memory with 12GB RAM

    With AI becoming more central to our devices, Apple’s upping the ante by doubling the RAM to 12GB for the Pro and Pro Max models, the highest ever in an iPhone. This jump from 8GB in the previous models ensures smoother AI operations.

    Homegrown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple has been working on its own chips, and now they’re ready. The iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a new combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, only the iPhone 17 Air will get Apple’s custom 5G modem, while Pro models continue with Qualcomm’s.

    Bigger Camera Bump

    The camera setup on the iPhone 17 Pro models will see a larger, rectangular bump, possibly for enhanced photography features. The design includes an aluminum top for strength and a glass bottom for wireless charging.

    Switch to Aluminum Frame

    Moving away from titanium, the iPhone 17 Pro will now feature an aluminum frame. This change from last year’s material choice is intriguing, and we’re eager to learn why Apple made this switch.

    Enhanced Cooling

    AI and high performance need good cooling, so Apple’s adding a vapor chamber and graphite sheet specifically to the iPhone 17 Pro Max to keep things cool under pressure.

    These updates make the choice tougher between sticking with the Pro for top features or going for the slim and stylish Air. Hardware might be peaking, but Apple seems determined to push the envelope further with these innovations.

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