Search results for: “watch 3”

  • New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    New iPhone SE 4 could keep its value better

    Apple might announce the new iPhone SE 4 very soon, and it could keep its worth better than before, according to SellCell’s research.

    iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb 3

    Even though the iPhone SE is cheaper, it has not kept its resale value as well as Apple’s more expensive phones. SellCell’s study shows that past SE models lost their value quickly. For instance, the third iPhone SE model dropped by 42.6% in value in just one month and by 57.8% after six months. In contrast, the iPhone 15 series only lost 28.8% in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

    The same happened with the second iPhone SE, which saw a 50.8% decrease in value in six months, while the iPhone 14 series only went down by 31.1% in the same time. This might be because the SE starts at a lower price, looks older, and isn’t as popular in the used market.

    However, some smaller, cheaper iPhones have done better. The iPhone 13 mini, for example, only lost 19.2% of its value in the first month, compared to 42.6% for the third iPhone SE. After a year, it had depreciated by 46.1%, while the third iPhone SE lost 64.4%. Even after two years, the iPhone 13 mini was down by just 53%, more like the flagships than the SEs.

    The upcoming iPhone SE 4 might change this pattern. If it gets a modern look similar to the iPhone 14 and gets a better chip, camera, and supports Apple’s smart features, it could hold its value better. This would make it stay competitive for longer.

    Like other phones, the value of the iPhone SE drops more when a new model comes out. The second iPhone SE lost another 4% of its value 12 weeks after the third one was released. So, if you want to sell your SE, doing it soon after a new one comes out is smart.

    The price will also affect how well the iPhone SE 4 keeps its value. It might start at $499 in the US, which is a bit more than the $429 of the current model. This could make it a good choice for people watching their budget, but it also means people will expect better features for the extra cost.

    Apple took longer than usual to update the iPhone SE, which means there aren’t many affordable, new-tech options right now. This might make the new iPhone SE more popular when it comes out, especially if it’s much better than the old versions.

  • Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Low Power Mode isn’t a new thing for iPhone users. It was first introduced with iOS 9 back in 2015. Now and then, I come across complaints online about new iPhones running slowly, and often, Low Power Mode is turned on. Let’s explore how this feature impacts your iPhone’s performance.

    How Does Low Power Mode Work?

    Low Power Mode is designed to help your iPhone last longer when you’re away from a charger. When you turn it on, it cuts down on power use by turning off or limiting various features.
    iOS will suggest turning on Low Power Mode when your battery hits 20%, but you can switch it on anytime you want.

    Here’s what Apple says about it:

    Low Power Mode helps your iPhone or iPad when the battery is low. It makes the battery last longer before you need to charge it, but some things might work slower or not update as quickly. Some tasks might not work until you turn off Low Power Mode or charge to 80% or more.

    You can see if Low Power Mode is active by checking if the battery icon in your Status Bar is yellow.

    What Changes When Low Power Mode is On?

    Apple has a list on its site detailing what changes:

    • Turns off or limits 5G use
    • Sets Auto-Lock to 30 seconds
    • Reduces screen brightness and limits refresh rate to 60Hz on ProMotion devices
    • Turns off Always-On Display for supported iPhones
    • Reduces visual effects
    • Stops background activities like downloads, iCloud syncing, backups, and email fetching

    Does It Slow Down Your iPhone?

    Yes, it does. Although not officially stated by Apple, Low Power Mode also reduces your iPhone’s speed. Your iPhone’s chip has performance and efficiency cores. Normally, it uses all cores, favoring performance cores for heavy tasks. But in Low Power Mode, it mostly uses the slower efficiency cores to save energy.

    For example, in a benchmark test with Low Power Mode off, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip scored:

    • Single-core: 3341
    • Multi-core: 8270

    With Low Power Mode on, the scores drop significantly:

    • Single-core: 1384
    • Multi-core: 4093

    This shows that your iPhone might run at about half speed with this mode active.

    Conclusion

    While Low Power Mode can extend your battery life, especially when your phone is idle, it’s less effective during active use. It’s best to use Low Power Mode only when necessary. Remember, this feature is also available on iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.

  • AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    In a recent development, users of the AI app DeepSeek in South Korea have hit a snag. The local government has decided to ban the Chinese AI application, citing that it does not follow the country’s data protection rules. As a result, Apple and Google have been instructed to take the app off their app stores in South Korea.

    Temporary Ban on DeepSeek in South Korea

    According to news sources, South Korea’s data protection watchdog has told tech giants like Apple and Google to stop people from downloading this app. However, you can still use DeepSeek through a web browser in South Korea for the time being. The reason given for this ban is that DeepSeek doesn’t meet the requirements set by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

    The company behind DeepSeek has admitted they overlooked some aspects of South Korea’s data laws and has appointed lawyers in the country to deal with the situation. Additionally, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that China takes data privacy seriously and ensures it is protected by law.

    Path to Reinstatement

    DeepSeek could start working again in South Korea if it makes changes to align with the local privacy laws.

    For a bit of background, DeepSeek is a Chinese tech startup that became famous for its AI model “R1”, which is both effective and resource-efficient compared to others. The app received praise from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook but has also stirred up controversy because of where it comes from.

    Italy was the first to block DeepSeek for similar privacy concerns, and in the U.S., a senator has proposed a law to penalize the use of Chinese AI apps. Last month, DeepSeek climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store, beating out ChatGPT by OpenAI, and it currently sits at number 13 in app downloads.

    Source

  • The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    The Future of Slim: Imagining the iPhone 17 Slim

    There’s a lot of buzz about Apple’s next big thing – the iPhone 17 Slim. If rumors are to be believed, we might see this super-thin iPhone hit the market soon. After some blurry pictures leaked online, a detailed concept now gives us a glimpse into what this device might look like in everyday use.

    iPhone 17 Slim Concept

    The concept, crafted by WEIS Studio, shows the iPhone 17 Slim in someone’s hand, illustrating how thin it could be. According to the latest whispers, this phone could be just 5.5 millimeters thick. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro measures at 8.25 mm, and the thinnest iPhone we’ve seen so far, the iPhone 6, was 6.9 mm.

    The concept also features a unique single-lens camera on the back with a bar-like design, setting it apart from the current iPhones. This matches up with what we’ve seen in the leaked images.

    Why So Thin?

    The idea of an iPhone this slim is both exciting and intriguing. If these rumors hold, the iPhone 17 Slim might be as thin as the latest M4 iPad Pro, which is 5.3 mm for the 11-inch model. Analysts think Apple is aiming for an ultra-thin design to make the phone more appealing, potentially increasing sales among those looking for something new and innovative.

    Public Reaction

    One user, Terry Benedict, commented, “Why would anyone want something so thin it seems fragile? I get changing the screen size or edge design, but this? It reminds me of Ian Malcolm’s famous line, ‘Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.’”

    What to Expect

    The iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to take the place of the “Plus” model, fitting between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. However, due to its slim profile, some compromises are expected. It might not have multiple camera lenses or a large battery.

    The new model is expected to sport a 6.6-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, not matching the 120Hz of the Pro models. Additionally, it will likely include Apple’s new in-house 5G modem, set to debut with the iPhone SE 4, paired with an A19 chip for better battery efficiency.

    You can watch the full concept video on Instagram to see more of this sleek design.

  • New iPhone 17 Pro camera design leaked

    New iPhone 17 Pro camera design leaked

    A new leak shows that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro might feature an innovative camera setup. According to the popular YouTube channel “Tech Updates,” the phone will have three back cameras, but this time, they’ll be inside a new, rectangular camera bar with rounded edges.

    In the latest video from “Tech Updates,” host Mike Johnson explains that this camera bar will be much bigger than what we’ve seen in earlier leaks. The cameras will sit on the left side of the bar, and on the right, you’ll find the LED flash, a microphone, and the LiDAR Scanner, all stacked up.

    Johnson also mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a unique two-tone look, where the camera bar seems darker than the phone’s back panel.

    While it’s not clear if this new design offers any advantages or if it’s just for looks, it certainly changes the phone’s appearance. Johnson claims his information comes from several people who know about the iPhone 17 Pro’s design, and he’s seen the phone himself.

    He suggests that this new camera setup might also appear on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, though he didn’t confirm it. There’s also talk of an “iPhone 17 Lite” model with a similar bar but only one camera. It’s uncertain if this design will make it to the basic iPhone 17, but it would make sense for Apple to keep things uniform across the lineup.

    Other brands like Google have camera bars on their phones too, like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but their cameras are lined up horizontally.

    Mike Johnson has been sharing tech news for years and has had both successes and failures with his predictions. He famously revealed details about the AirTag and iPad mini 6 well before they were launched. However, not all his predictions have been spot-on, like the flat-edged Apple Watch Series 7 rumor.

    Recently, Johnson hinted that iOS 19 might bring a new look to the Camera app, inspired by visionOS, with clear and semi-transparent menus. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 series in September, and we’re likely to hear more about the design before that.

  • What’s next for Apple’s AirPods after the Powerbeats Pro 2?

    What’s next for Apple’s AirPods after the Powerbeats Pro 2?

    Apple and Beats recently introduced the eagerly awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds. This new model brings features not yet seen in Apple’s AirPods. But what does this mean for the future of AirPods?

    Rumors About Upcoming AirPods

    One standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is its heart rate sensor. This marks the first time Apple has included such a health-focused tool in a product other than the Apple Watch. It suggests that future devices might also focus more on health monitoring. Although Powerbeats are designed for workouts, it’s notable that Apple chose to debut this technology in a Beats product.

    What About AirPods?

    Will AirPods follow suit with a heart rate sensor? It seems likely, as various sources confirm Apple is indeed developing AirPods with health sensors. The next big update, expected in the AirPods Pro 3, will likely include this sensor. Although we don’t have a specific release date, considering the AirPods Pro 2 came out in 2022, we might see the next version soon, perhaps even this year.

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned last year that Apple is looking into sensors that could measure body temperature through the ear canal. There’s also talk about integrating camera sensors into AirPods, but these innovations won’t make it into the AirPods Pro 3.

    AirPods Pro 3 Expectations

    For the AirPods Pro 3, expect a new design, though details are scarce. The basic AirPods model got a recent update with a fresh look and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), so don’t expect another update soon. As for the AirPods Max, after last year’s update to include USB-C, there are no significant updates planned shortly.

    This glimpse into Apple’s strategy shows a clear direction toward enhancing personal health monitoring through their audio products, promising exciting developments for AirPods users.

  • Apple Might Add Cameras to AirPods: What does this mean for us?

    Apple Might Add Cameras to AirPods: What does this mean for us?

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revealed that Apple is working on a new type of AirPods that include cameras. Don’t expect to see this in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, but the tech is definitely on the way. The big question is, what’s the purpose?

    Exploring Visual Intelligence

    With the iPhone 16, Apple introduced a feature called Camera Control, which not only helps in taking photos but also brings something called Visual Intelligence. This allows your phone to understand and interact with the world around you. For example, you could scan an event poster and add the details to your calendar or use AI to learn about something new.

    Apple seems to want to extend this capability to AirPods. Imagine being able to ask Siri about your surroundings without even touching your phone. This move is part of Apple’s strategy to stay competitive in the AI technology race.

    Enhancing Audio Experience

    Ming Chi Kuo, a known tech analyst, suggests these cameras could also improve how we experience spatial audio, especially when used with devices like the Apple Vision Pro. If you’re watching a video and turn your head, the audio could shift to match your new perspective, making the experience more immersive.

    There’s also a wild card idea from Kuo about “in-air gesture control” for AirPods, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie.

    When Will We See Them?

    According to Gurman, don’t hold your breath for these camera-equipped AirPods until at least 2027, possibly with the AirPods Pro 4. Apple’s vision includes not just these AirPods but also smart glasses, aiming to make use of the costly technology developed for the Vision Pro. This would help in understanding and interacting with the environment around the user.

    In summary, Apple’s exploration into adding cameras to AirPods might revolutionize how we interact with our devices, enhancing both utility and entertainment through smarter, more contextual technology.

  • UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    The British government has quietly asked Apple to give it full access to every user’s encrypted data stored in the cloud, according to The Washington Post. This secret directive reportedly came last month, compelling Apple to design a backdoor allowing UK security agencies to access encrypted user data around the world. This is a demand that has never been made in any other democratic nation.

    The order was delivered via a “technical capability notice” under the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which critics call the “Snooper’s Charter.” This law allows law enforcement to force companies to assist in gathering evidence.

    Apple has not commented on this issue. The law makes it illegal for Apple to even acknowledge such a demand from the government. Similarly, the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such notices, stating it does not discuss operational details.

    A consultant who advises the US on encryption issues said Apple would not be able to inform users that their encryption is no longer secure. A former White House security advisor verified the UK’s order.

    Apple Might Stop UK iCloud Services Over Privacy Concerns

    There’s talk that Apple might pull its encrypted storage service from the UK rather than weaken the privacy promises it made to its users. However, this wouldn’t stop the UK from accessing the service in other countries. Apple has hinted before that it might withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if privacy is compromised. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, allows users to encrypt additional data categories like Photos and Notes, keeping them private even from Apple.

    Google, on the other hand, has made encryption standard for Android backups since 2018. When asked if any government had asked for a backdoor, Google responded that they can’t access encrypted backup data, even with a legal order.

    How to Secure Your iCloud Data

    The IPA was revised in 2023 to let the Home Office potentially ban certain encrypted services. Apple criticized these changes as excessive government control, suggesting they could prevent new security features from being offered globally.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook has always argued against providing backdoors, stating it would invite criminals to access user data. Cybersecurity experts agree, warning that any backdoor could be exploited. Apple’s resistance was notable in 2016 when they fought and won against a US order to unlock an iPhone.

    With increasing cyber threats from state actors, like those from China, US officials are now more focused on cybersecurity than ever, promoting encryption to protect communications. Privacy advocates, like Big Brother Watch, argue that such measures won’t make the UK safer and will instead undermine basic rights and freedoms.

    Source

  • New Apple TV Coming Soon in 2025 – Here’s what you need to know

    New Apple TV Coming Soon in 2025 – Here’s what you need to know

    Apple has not updated the Apple TV since 2022, but there’s buzz that a new model will be released in 2025. While details are still under wraps, here’s a peek at what we might see:

    Updated Chip

    The current Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which was introduced in the iPhone 13. For the next model, Apple might use the A17 Pro chip or something even better, paired with at least 8GB of RAM. This upgrade could open the door for more sophisticated features like enhanced Siri capabilities, part of what Apple calls Apple Intelligence.

    With these improvements, Siri could become smarter, making it easier to find what you want to watch. The A17 Pro also supports advanced graphics techniques like ray tracing, which could mean better quality games on your TV, similar to those on gaming consoles.

    Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Upgrades

    Expect the new Apple TV to come with a new chip that supports Wi-Fi 6E, allowing for faster internet connections on the less crowded 6GHz band. This could mean smoother streaming and better connectivity with smart home devices. Both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Ethernet versions might continue to be offered, possibly with the latest Bluetooth 5.3.

    Same Look, New Feel?

    Don’t expect a new look for the Apple TV; it will likely keep its sleek, black plastic design. However, the internals are where the magic happens.

    Pricing

    There’s talk from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo about possibly introducing a more budget-friendly Apple TV, aiming for a price under $100. However, it’s more probable that Apple will keep selling the current model at a reduced price. The current model starts at $129 for 64GB.

    When to Expect It

    Look for the new Apple TV to hit the market towards the end of 2025, possibly in September or October.

    Stay tuned to your favorite tech news sources for more updates as Apple unveils more about this anticipated refresh.

  • Apple might get checked by China over App Store rules

    Apple might get checked by China over App Store rules

    Apple could soon face an investigation in China about how it runs its App Store, according to Bloomberg. A black and white image of the Chinese flag with the Apple logo in the background. China’s market watchdogs have been looking into Apple’s practices since last year. They’re concerned about the 30% fee Apple charges for in-app purchases and how the company doesn’t allow other payment options, sources told Bloomberg.

    The focus is on whether these high fees are fair to Chinese app makers. There’s also worry that by not letting other app stores or payment methods in, Apple might be hurting competition and not giving Chinese users the best deal. If Apple doesn’t change its ways, China might officially look into it, the sources added.

    This all started because of ongoing disagreements with big Chinese companies like Tencent and ByteDance. There was a report in August saying Apple was pushing these companies to change how their apps work in China to stop them from dodging that 30% fee.

    The timing is tricky because things are tense between the US and China. Just this week, China started looking into Google’s business practices right after new US taxes on Chinese products began. Apple has a lot at stake in China. It’s where most iPhones are made, and it’s a huge market for Apple outside the US. But local companies like Huawei are getting stronger, and Apple’s sales in China dropped by 11% over the holiday season. Apple has faced similar issues in other places too. They’ve had to change how they do business in places like Europe to follow new laws and avoid penalties.

    Note: Discussions about this topic can be found in our Politics section on the forum. You can read the thread, but you need to have made at least 100 posts to join the conversation.

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