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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.
January 29, 2025
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.

January 27, 2025
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!
January 27, 2025
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.
January 25, 2025
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.

January 25, 2025
How much does your iPhone lose value each year?

Buying a new smartphone, especially an iPhone, can be quite expensive. If you’re thinking about getting the newest model, trading in your old one can help lower the cost. But don’t wait too long before you trade it in because the value drops quickly.

No Clear Pattern in Value Drop

The data comes from Back Market, a site where you can sell your used devices or buy refurbished ones. According to their records, how much an iPhone loses value each year isn’t predictable. You might expect a steady decrease, but that’s not the case.

For example, an iPhone from 2016 is now valued at $16, while the 2017 model, just a year newer, is worth $38. Some models lose value faster than others; the 2020 iPhone saw a 49% drop in value, compared to only a 25% drop for the 2019 model. This seems odd because the iPhone 12, released in 2020 with a new design, didn’t hold its value much better than the iPhone 11.

On average, Back Market says an iPhone loses about 36% of its trade-in value after one year. If you’re eyeing the latest iPhone 17 series after using an iPhone 16 Pro Max, it’s wise to trade in soon rather than later.

The Problem of Unused Devices

When you upgrade your tech, what do you do with the old stuff? Trading in phones is straightforward, but not so much for other gadgets. Back Market found that 81% of people have at least one piece of tech they’re not using anymore, and 55% have three or more. Surprisingly, 72% of people have an old smartphone lying around.

Not everyone knows how to go about trading in their old tech. Plus, there’s the issue of safety; stories of people getting robbed during meet-ups are common. Also, the trade-in values from companies might not seem fair compared to what you might get elsewhere. Still, it’s better than letting your devices sit unused, losing value every year.

January 24, 2025
One cool update in the new M4 MacBook Air

Apple is about to release the M4 MacBook Air, which might be the first new product they launch this year. There’s one big reason why you might want to upgrade from the M2 or even the M3 models: better support for extra screens.

Screen Limits Have Been a Problem for MacBook Airs

In the past, MacBook Airs with M1 and M2 chips could only connect to one extra screen, which was a bit of a bummer for many users who needed more space.

Last Year’s M3 Model Made Some Improvements

The M3 MacBook Air from last year allowed you to use two extra screens, but you had to keep the laptop closed. This was better than before but still not ideal if you wanted to use the laptop’s keyboard and touchpad.

The M4 MacBook Air Changes Things Up

The upcoming M4 MacBook Air will have the same chip as the basic MacBook Pro and is expected to let you use two external screens while keeping your laptop open.

This means you could have three screens in total: two extra ones plus the laptop’s screen. This feature is already in the M4 MacBook Pro, so it makes sense for the M4 Air to have it too.

Why This Matters

For many, this could be a big enough reason to upgrade. If you’re still using an M3, M2, or M1 MacBook Air, being able to work with two extra monitors without closing your laptop is a game-changer. It lets you use the laptop’s keyboard and touchpad, saving you from buying additional gear, and gives you more screen space to work with.

This upgrade could really make the M4 MacBook Air a top choice for those looking for an efficient and versatile laptop setup.

January 23, 2025
iPhone 17 design leak

Apple’s iPhone 17 design seems to be confirmed, according to a recent post by Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) on X. The image shared shows what appears to be the back of the iPhone 17 models in packaging, hinting at a sleek, minimalist design with a centered Apple logo.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 17 “Slim” or “Air”. The Air model is rumored to be the thinnest iPhone yet at around 6.25mm, featuring a titanium-aluminum frame for a balance of strength and lightness.

A significant upgrade is the introduction of ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate across all models, enhancing the display experience with smoother visuals. Additionally, one model might feature an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, showcasing Apple’s move towards self-reliance in hardware.

The iPhone 17 Air is set to replace the “Plus” model, offering a larger 6.6-inch display but not matching the Pro Max in specs or price. This strategy reflects market trends favoring premium models, with potential price increases for the Pro and Air models.

In a strategic shift, Apple has started the early manufacturing of the iPhone 17 base model in India, a first for the company, while keeping the production of Pro and Air models in China. This move could diversify Apple’s manufacturing base.

The iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be announced in September 2025, with pre-orders starting soon after. This update promises to bring significant design and technology advancements to Apple’s iconic iPhone lineup, keeping fans and tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further details.

January 21, 2025
New iPad Pro expected to launch in 2025

Apple is set to launch a new iPad Pro this year, according to a report from the Korean site, The Elec. It looks like both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions will get an update at the same time.

iPad Pro 2024

The report suggests that this year’s iPad Pro won’t see big changes; it’ll just have some small upgrades. It will probably look a lot like the current models, so don’t expect a new look. The main update will likely be in the specs.

The focus of the report is on LX Semicon from South Korea possibly providing display drivers for these new iPads. They’re planning to start making parts in April or May, which means we won’t see these iPads until later in the year.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned earlier that Apple might have its new M5 chip ready for the iPad Pro by late 2025 or early 2026.

The latest iPad Pros with OLED screens and the M4 chip came out in May 2024.

In the early part of this year, Apple should also release new versions of the iPad Air and the basic iPad 11. These are expected around March or April. Gurman says the iPad 11 will have an A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM to handle Apple Intelligence, while a leak suggests the iPad Air will get an M3 chip.

There’s no clear news on an iPad mini update this year. Since it usually gets updated every few years and just got the A17 Pro last year, it might skip an update in 2025.

Source

January 21, 2025
Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

Apple is set to revolutionize home tech with its upcoming ‘HomePad’, a new smart display designed to blend seamlessly into your living space. Here are the five core features that will define this device:

1. 7-inch Square Display: Initially rumored to be a 6-inch screen, the HomePad has been upgraded to a 7-inch display. Its design resembles a square iPad, roughly the size of two iPhone 16 Pro Max models side by side, offering a compact yet functional interface.

2. New Operating System – ‘homeOS’: The HomePad introduces a novel operating system, possibly named ‘homeOS’. This OS combines elements of the Apple Watch’s interface and the iPhone’s StandBy mode, dynamically adjusting the display based on the user’s proximity for an interactive experience.

3. Widget Support: Following the trend set by StandBy mode, the HomePad will support widgets, allowing users to customize their home screen much like on an iPhone or iPad. While the inclusion of third-party widgets remains uncertain, Apple’s recent macOS updates suggest they might extend this functionality.

4. Versatile Accessories: To adapt to various home environments, Apple is crafting multiple attachments for the HomePad. These include wall mounts for security panel aesthetics and bases with additional speakers for kitchen, bedroom, or office use, ensuring the device fits into your home’s aesthetic and functionality needs.

5. Enhanced Siri with AI: Unlike current Apple home devices, the HomePad will feature an AI-enhanced Siri, thanks to integration with technologies like ChatGPT. This upgrade promises to handle a broader array of commands and understand user context better, aiming to reduce those all-too-common “I’m sorry” responses from Siri.

The HomePad promises to be more than just a smart display; it’s envisioned as a central hub for smart home control, video calls, and more, making daily life more connected and intuitive.

January 21, 2025

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