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Search results for: “upgrade”

  • AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    Apple is gearing up to release a new version of the AirTag around May or June this year, according to a tip from a leaker called Kosutami. This matches what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at earlier, saying a fresh AirTag would drop sometime in mid-2025.

    Here’s a quick look at three exciting updates rumored for the AirTag 2:

    First, it’s said to come with a new Ultra Wideband chip, giving it a tracking range up to three times better than the current AirTag. This tech-first showed up in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. On newer iPhones like the 15 and 16, there’s a handy feature called Precision Finding for People, which helps you spot friends in busy places from as far as 200 feet (about 60 meters) away.

    Next, the AirTag 2’s speaker might be tougher to mess with or take out, making it harder for anyone to misuse it and boosting safety. Finally, the word is it’ll work even better with the Apple Vision Pro, though details on that are still fuzzy. The first AirTag hit the scene at an Apple Event in April 2021. In the U.S., one costs $29, or you can grab four for $99.

    Kosutami is mostly known for collecting early Apple prototypes, but they’ve been right about some big reveals before. For instance, they nailed it when they said the iPhone 16 Pro would have a metal-wrapped battery way ahead of its launch.

    That said, their guess last August about the new AirPods Pro coming “soon” didn’t happen—AirPods Pro 3 is still a no-show. In a fresh update today, Kosutami hinted again at new AirPods Pro and some smart home goodies from Apple. The company’s expected to roll out a brand-new smart home hub this year, plus there’s talk of a Face ID doorbell and a home camera possibly coming in 2026 or beyond.

  • Apple might upgrade its top music subscription

    Apple might upgrade its top music subscription

    Apple could be planning to make its best music subscription even better, following in the footsteps of Spotify’s new strategy. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw, Spotify is crafting a higher-priced version of its music service. This new offering, tentatively named Music Pro, is set to include superior audio quality, concert ticket perks, and tools for subscribers to remix songs. The cost? About $6 more per month than the current subscription fee, bringing the total to around $17.

    Spotify’s move to introduce a premium tier isn’t new; they’ve been wanting to match Apple Music’s high-quality audio for some time now. However, since Apple Music already provides lossless audio without an extra charge, Spotify needs more than just better sound to justify the price hike.

    One idea they’re exploring is selling concert tickets directly through the app, a unique yet problematic market due to the complexities of ticket sales online. Additionally, the ability to remix or adjust songs like a DJ could be a significant draw for users.

    On the Apple side, they’ve been offering advanced audio features like lossless audio and Dolby Atmos without additional cost. However, there’s talk that Apple, along with Amazon, might be considering premium tiers for their apps, including music services. This would be a shift from Apple’s current approach of enhancing services without increasing prices.

    Apple has only raised the price of Apple Music once, from $9.99 to $10.99 a month back in 2022. If they decide to add more expensive tiers, they might include features like exclusive access to music stems for use in apps like GarageBand and Logic. Apple has already tested this concept in its creative workshops at retail stores but not as a take-home feature.

    While nothing is set in stone, the idea of Apple charging more for these advanced features could signal a new direction in how they monetize their streaming service. This could depend on what unique offerings they can bring to the table to make the extra cost worthwhile for subscribers.

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  • New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    Apple is gearing up to launch a new MacBook Pro with an OLED screen in 2026. This model is expected to be much thinner than the current ones, according to reports. Samsung Display is already testing these new OLED panels, which they started making in late 2024.

    The new MacBook Pro will use a special kind of OLED called hybrid OLED, similar to what you find in the newest iPad Pro. This type of screen gives better brightness, contrast, and uses less power compared to the mini-LED screens we see now. Samsung has put a lot of money into making these panels, around $3 billion, for laptop-sized screens. Another company, BOE from China, is also working on similar technology but can make both hybrid and bendy OLED screens.

    However, it’s not all about OLED yet; for 2025, it looks like the MacBook Pro will stick with mini-LED screens. Analysts predict only small improvements in performance next year, with new chips called M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max.

    If you’re thinking about waiting for the next big MacBook Pro update, here are some reasons:

    • Slimmer Design: The 2026 model aims to be one of the thinnest in tech.
    • Better Screen: OLED displays promise superior picture quality.
    • Energy Saving: OLED screens could improve battery life.
    • True Overhaul: The design and tech might see a significant refresh.
    • Future-Proof: OLED is the future of screen tech in laptops.

    Meanwhile, for MacBook Air users, there’s good news too. Apple plans to upgrade the display in 2027 with something called Oxide TFT technology. This is a step up from what’s currently used and should make screens sharper, smoother, and save more battery. Both Samsung and BOE are setting up to make these new screens, but we don’t know how many yet. However, the plan to switch MacBook Air to OLED has been pushed back to 2029 or later. So, if you’re looking for an OLED screen on your MacBook Air, you might need to wait a bit longer.

    Source/Via

  • Exciting upgrades coming to Apple Vision Pro this year

    Exciting upgrades coming to Apple Vision Pro this year

    The Apple Vision Pro has now been on the market for a year, and it’s time for some exciting updates. Here are three major improvements we can look forward to in the coming months, plus a special offer for military members.

    Smarter Siri

    Siri on the Vision Pro is set to get smarter with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This upgrade, expected in visionOS 3, will make Siri more powerful than ever. With better AI, Siri will be more helpful, especially for voice-based tasks, making your experience with the Vision Pro smoother and more intuitive.

    More Games, More Fun

    Apple has been keen on making its devices great for gaming, but the Vision Pro didn’t start with much in this area. Good news is on the horizon though; support for PlayStation VR2 controllers is coming, and there’s a buzz about more games being developed for the Vision Pro. This could make it a top choice for VR gamers if Apple plays its cards right.

    Lots More Immersive Videos

    Immersive Video has been one of the standout features of the Vision Pro, but there hasn’t been enough content to satisfy users. That’s changing with Apple planning to release more immersive videos. This could turn the Vision Pro into a powerhouse for entertainment, offering experiences like no other.

    Special Offer for Veterans and Military

    Apple has now included the Vision Pro in its Veterans and Military Purchase Program, offering a 10% discount. This means you can get the Vision Pro for a starting price of about $3,149 instead of $3,499. Accessories like extra batteries and travel cases also get a discount, although you can’t use Apple Card Monthly Installments for this offer. This is Apple’s way of thanking those who serve by making their cutting-edge tech more accessible.

    With these upgrades, the Vision Pro is shaping up to be not just a tech marvel but a versatile platform for work and play. Whether it becomes a must-have productivity tool remains to be seen, but as an entertainment device, it’s certainly on its way to becoming unbeatable.

  • Apple’s new Smart Home devices: upgrades that matter

    Apple’s new Smart Home devices: upgrades that matter

    Apple is bringing out three new devices for your home this year: the HomePad, a new Apple TV 4K, and the HomePod mini 2. These gadgets are set to make a big change in how smart homes work.

    A New Chip for Better Connections

    Mark Gurman has shared that the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 will be released later this year. While we don’t know everything about these new gadgets yet, we do know they will have a special new chip. This chip, called “Proxima,” is made by Apple and handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

    Here’s why this is important:

    • Energy Efficiency: Apple wants to make its devices work better together while using less power.
    • Better Connectivity: This chip helps Apple gadgets connect to the internet and pair with other devices like headphones more easily.
    • Synchronization: With this chip, your Apple devices at home can share data faster and work more closely with each other.

    What This Means for Your Smart Home
    This chip is part of Apple’s big push into smart homes. It’s like when Apple added a new type of radio to their latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs. At first, it wasn’t clear why, but now we see it was preparing for a better smart home setup with technologies like Matter.

    Even though having a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip might not sound thrilling, it can make a lot of difference. It means all your Apple devices can work together more smoothly. HomeKit, Apple’s smart home system, sometimes has connection issues, and this new chip might help fix that.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple also plans to release its smart home gadgets like cameras and doorbells next year. For Apple to take the lead in smart homes, everything needs to work well together. This new chip is like a missing piece that could make everything work smoothly.

    I’m excited for Apple to step up its game in the smart home world, and it looks like we won’t have to wait long to see these changes.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: Three exciting upgrades coming soon

    Apple Watch Ultra 3: Three exciting upgrades coming soon

    The Apple Watch Ultra hasn’t seen big changes since 2023, but that’s about to change with the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. Here’s what’s new:

    High Blood Pressure Alert

    One of the key health features coming to the Ultra 3 is high blood pressure detection. This won’t give you exact numbers but will alert you if your blood pressure might be high, similar to how it detects sleep apnea. This feature has been in development for years, and it’s set to launch this year.

    Send Messages from Anywhere

    For those who love adventure, the Ultra 3 will let you send messages even without a phone nearby. Thanks to satellite technology, you can text when there’s no cell or Wi-Fi signal around. This means explorers can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about staying in touch.

    Faster Internet with 5G

    For the first time, the Apple Watch Ultra will support 5G. This isn’t the full-speed 5G you get on your phone but a version called 5G Redcap, which is kinder to battery life yet still improves connectivity over the old 4G.

    While we wait for its fall release, these features suggest that Apple is making the Ultra 3 the go-to watch for those who like to explore. There’s still time for more surprises, like better battery life, which would be a big plus for many users.

  • iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    Apple has announced new accessibility tools coming with iOS 19, making the iPhone even more helpful for people with different needs.

    One major upgrade is to the Personal Voice feature. With iOS 19, users who have speech difficulties will be able to type what they want to say, and their iPhone will speak it using their own synthetic voice. It also works with Live Speech across calls and FaceTime, helping people communicate in real time.

    Another helpful tool is Vehicle Motion Cues. This feature helps reduce motion sickness for those who feel dizzy while using their iPhone in a moving car. It adds animated dots on the screen to match the vehicle’s movement, which helps the brain adjust better.

    Music Haptics is also coming. This feature lets deaf or hard-of-hearing users feel music through the Taptic Engine. They can experience rhythm and sound using vibration. Developers can add this feature to their own apps with a new API.

    CarPlay is getting smarter too. iOS 19 will add support for voice control in supported cars. This means users can do more with their voice while driving. There’s also color filters and bold text options to make the display easier to read.

    These updates will be released later this year with iOS 19. Apple says they are part of a larger push to make their products more inclusive for everyone.

  • Apple’s Upcoming Updates: Smarter Calendars, advanced Watches, and new payment options

    Apple’s Upcoming Updates: Smarter Calendars, advanced Watches, and new payment options

    Apple is gearing up for exciting changes in 2025, bringing fresh features to its Calendar app, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and PlayStation 5 payment systems. These updates aim to make daily tasks easier and more connected for users.

    The Calendar app might get a big boost with Apple Intelligence, thanks to Apple’s 2024 purchase of Mayday Labs, an AI-powered scheduling company. This could mean smarter ways to organize your day, like automatic task management or better Siri integration for planning.

    The upgrade is likely to appear in iOS 19, making your calendar more helpful and intuitive. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to launch later this year with three new features focused on connectivity. It will include 5G RedCap for faster, energy-efficient internet, plus satellite connectivity to stay in touch without an iPhone.

    These additions make the watch ideal for adventurers or anyone wanting a smoother, phone-free experience. For gamers, Apple Pay is now available on the PlayStation 5, offering a secure way to buy games and content. During checkout, you scan a code with your iPhone or iPad, then use Face ID or Touch ID to pay.

    This feature, already supported on iOS 18, is also expected to reach the PS4 soon, making purchases safer and more convenient. These updates show Apple’s focus on blending smart technology with everyday tools, from planning your schedule to enjoying games and staying connected on the go.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Apple’s next software updates: a fresh look and smarter calendar

    Apple’s next software updates: a fresh look and smarter calendar

    Apple is gearing up for big changes with its upcoming software releases, macOS 16 and iOS 19, set to be revealed at WWDC in June 2025. These updates promise a major makeover, aiming to make Apple’s devices feel more connected and user-friendly. For macOS 16, expect a bold redesign that echoes the 2020 macOS Big Sur update.

    That release brought a cleaner, more open look with spaced-out buttons and a fresh style. Some thought it hinted at touchscreen Macs, but Apple said it was just about creating a natural, airy feel. This time, macOS 16 will likely align more closely with iOS and iPadOS, using a glassy, visionOS-inspired style to unify the experience across Apple’s platforms.

    Meanwhile, iOS 19 is set to enhance the iPhone with new AI features. Apple recently bought a company specializing in calendar tools, suggesting the Calendar app could get a smart upgrade. Imagine your iPhone suggesting events or managing your schedule with Apple Intelligence, making daily planning smoother and more intuitive.

    These updates aim to refresh how we interact with Apple devices while keeping things consistent across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, big changes can be risky—some users might find the new designs jarring, like the iOS 7 shift years ago. Still, Apple’s focus on a cohesive, modern look and smarter apps could make these updates a hit when they roll out in fall 2025. Stay tuned for a fresh, connected Apple experience.

    Source/Via

  • Apple boosts Macs with AI chips and offers Apple Card perks

    Apple boosts Macs with AI chips and offers Apple Card perks

    Apple is making its Mac computers smarter by adding new chips designed for artificial intelligence (AI). These chips, part of the M4 series, help Macs handle complex tasks like video editing and data analysis faster. The upgraded Neural Engine in these chips powers Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that work directly on the device for better privacy.

    This means users can enjoy smoother performance for creative and professional work. The MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio already use M4 chips, with the Mac Pro expected to get an update by late 2025. These advancements make Macs ideal for both everyday users and professionals needing high performance.

    On another note, Apple Card holders in the U.S. can now enjoy a special offer: a three-month free trial of Uber One, valued at $30. This deal, available until July 31, 2025, gives users benefits like free delivery on Uber Eats orders over $15 and discounts on rides.

    To claim it, cardholders need to activate the offer through the Uber or Uber Eats app by June 30, 2025. This perk adds value for Apple Card users, making dining and travel more convenient. By combining powerful AI-driven Macs with exclusive Apple Card benefits, Apple continues to enhance user experiences in both technology and lifestyle.

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