Tag: News

  • Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple has just revealed its debut custom 5G modem, named “C1”, which will first appear in the brand-new iPhone 16e. The C1 modem plays a key role in enhancing the iPhone 16e’s battery life, making it last longer than any other iPhone with a similar 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.

    By integrating the advantages of Apple’s own silicon technology, the C1 modem stands out as both the first modem Apple made itself and the most energy-saving modem ever used in an iPhone, providing swift and dependable 5G service. The combination of Apple’s silicon, including the C1, the iPhone’s new internal layout, and the smart energy management of iOS 18, leads to an impressive battery performance.

    It’s worth noting that the C1 modem is exclusive to the iPhone 16e; other iPhones still rely on modems from Qualcomm. This step is similar to when Apple switched from Intel processors to its own chips, showing Apple’s strategy to lessen its dependence on external suppliers like Qualcomm for crucial components.

  • Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple has made some big changes to its iPhone lineup. They’ve decided to stop selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which were introduced back in 2022. These phones were known for their good value, with the iPhone 14 starting at $599 and the Plus at $699 after price drops from their original costs.

    The iPhone 14 models came with a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen respectively, offering a choice for those who wanted a larger screen without going for the Pro versions. They ran on the A15 Bionic chip, had new safety features like Crash Detection, and enhanced cameras with the Photonic Engine for better photos in low light.

    In another move, Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE. This was the last iPhone with a Home button, making it unique. With the SE gone, Apple no longer offers phones with Touch ID, an LCD screen, or smaller than 6 inches. All current models now use Face ID and have bigger displays.

    Here’s what the lineup looks like now:

    iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus.

    Interestingly, the iPhone 16e comes with a bit of an old-school look with its notch but is powered by the latest A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 models have the newer Dynamic Island but are equipped with the older A16 chip without Apple Intelligence support.

    This shift in product strategy suggests that Apple might be focusing on larger screens and newer technologies, as they’re expected to discontinue the iPhone 15 models with the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series in September.

    With these changes, Apple has officially moved away from smaller screen sizes, with the smallest screen now being 6.1 inches on several models. This means if you’re looking for a compact phone, you’ll need to look at older models or other brands, as Apple seems to have left the small-screen market behind.

  • Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple has just launched the iPhone 16e, aimed at being an affordable option for smartphone users. This new model takes over from the discontinued third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e boasts a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, a step up from the 4.7-inch LCD of its predecessor. It now sports a notch for Face ID, signaling the end of the Touch ID era for Apple’s phones.

    Under the hood, the phone runs on the brand-new A18 chip, which not only speeds up the device but also supports Apple’s smart features like summarizing notifications and creating personalized emojis. Another highlight is the custom 5G modem, dubbed C1, that Apple developed in-house. This modem is said to be so energy-efficient that it gives the iPhone 16e the best battery life among all 6.1-inch iPhones.

    For photography, there’s a single 48-megapixel camera on the back, which Apple claims can offer a 2x zoom with optical-quality results. Design-wise, the iPhone 16e introduces an Action button where the traditional Ring/Silent switch used to be, and it has moved to a USB-C port, leaving behind the Lightning connector. However, it does not include the Camera Control button seen in other iPhone 16 models.

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin on February 21. It’s priced at $599 in the U.S., and you can choose between white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. This new iPhone aims to blend advanced technology with affordability, providing an entry point into Apple’s ecosystem for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

    iPhone 16E
    iPhone 16E
  • New tariffs increase US laptop prices, but Apple keeps prices steady

    New tariffs increase US laptop prices, but Apple keeps prices steady

    The recent 10% tariff on goods from China, introduced by President Trump, is beginning to impact prices in the United States. This tax has to be paid by American businesses or passed on to consumers, forcing companies to decide whether to increase product prices or reduce their profits.

    Acer, a major player in the laptop market, has decided to raise its prices by 10%. Jason Chen, the company’s CEO, explained that the price hike is an unavoidable response to the new import tax. This change will affect laptops made in China, with the new prices set to take effect next month. “We must adjust the price for consumers to reflect this tariff,” Chen stated, indicating that a 10% increase is likely.

    Despite campaign promises from Trump that tariffs wouldn’t affect consumer prices, there’s now an acknowledgment that costs could indeed rise. For those looking to buy items from China, it might be wise to do so soon, as many companies still have stock bought before the tariff was implemented, which they can sell at current prices.

    In the U.S., nearly 80% of laptops come from China, and the Consumer Technology Association warns that these tariffs could add up to $143 billion to the cost for American consumers, potentially leading to lower sales. This association counts Apple as one of its key members.

    Acer is contemplating shifting some of its manufacturing out of China, though significant barriers make this challenging. There’s also talk of possibly manufacturing in the U.S., but this seems more like a political gesture since another Trump tariff could impose up to a 100% tax on imported components.

    Meanwhile, Apple has not yet adjusted its prices, choosing to absorb the tariff costs for the time being. This decision might not last, as they will eventually have to decide between increasing prices or accepting lower profit margins in the U.S. market.

  • New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    Apple has been quietly working on a feature many have been waiting for – reverse wireless charging. This means your iPhone could charge other devices like your AirPods or Apple Watch directly from its battery. Although this feature has been common in Android phones, Apple has yet to fully unlock it in their iPhones.

    Back in 2020, the iPhone 12 hinted at this capability, but it was only partially implemented. We saw the phone could charge the MagSafe Battery Pack, but not other accessories like AirPods. Since then, Apple has been refining this technology.

    Recent leaks suggest that Apple might be ready to introduce this feature with the iPhone 17 Pro. According to sources, they’ve been testing a 7.5W reverse charging capability in this model. This isn’t just about adding a feature; it’s about ensuring it works well. Apple is focusing on managing charging speeds, heat, and efficiency to make this a useful addition.

    Moreover, Apple is reportedly developing a user-friendly interface for this feature, complete with animations and sounds to guide users on how to use it. This would make the experience seamless and intuitive, much like the current MagSafe interactions.

    While the charging speed might not be super fast, think of it as an emergency tool – perfect for when you’re out and about without your charger. Imagine your Apple Watch battery dying on a long trip; your iPhone could come to the rescue.

    The leaker, known for accurate past predictions about Apple products, claims this feature is in the testing phase. However, whether it will make it into the final release of the iPhone 17 Pro remains uncertain. This development could significantly change how we use our devices, offering more flexibility and convenience. But until Apple officially confirms this, we’ll have to wait and see if our iPhones will soon play the role of a mini charging station.

    Source

  • Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple has announced that it will close its store at Northbrook Court, a mall in the Chicago area, for good. Though no specific closure date has been shared, the decision reflects changes happening at the mall. The Apple store at Northbrook first opened its doors back in 2005 and later expanded within the mall in 2017. Despite this closure, Apple assures that all employees from this location will remain with the company.

    “Apple is all about giving customers a great experience,” an Apple spokesperson stated. “With Northbrook Court Mall undergoing major changes and many stores leaving, we’ve decided it’s time to close our shop here. We’ve enjoyed being part of the Northbrook community for nearly two decades. Our team members will keep their jobs, and we invite our customers to visit any of our other eight stores in the Chicago area, or shop online through Apple.com or our app.”

    The announcement was initially covered by Crain’s Chicago Business. Northbrook Court has been struggling, evidenced by the exit of several big-name retailers, with Lululemon being the latest to leave just last month. This isn’t the first time Apple has shut down stores; last year, they closed locations in Infinite Loop and at the Royal Hawaiian.

    However, Apple continues to expand globally, having opened new stores in places like Miami Worldcenter, The Exchange TRX in Malaysia, and they’re preparing to open a new store in Downtown Detroit soon. This closure marks another shift in Apple’s retail strategy, balancing between closing underperforming locations and expanding into new markets or revitalized areas.

  • Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple might call new iPhone ‘iPhone 16E’ not ‘iPhone SE 4’

    Apple is rumored to unveil a new budget-friendly iPhone tomorrow, and hints are strong that it could be named iPhone 16E rather than iPhone SE 4. Initially, many speculated this new model would be another iPhone SE, following the previous generations. However, recent leaks suggest otherwise, leaning towards the name iPhone 16E.

    The name iPhone 16E first popped up in December, mentioned by Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, a popular social media site in China. Not long after, a leaker named Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter) echoed these sentiments, suggesting the next iPhone SE might be dubbed iPhone 16E.

    Just today, Majin Bu shared another clue, stating they’ve seen a box labeled “iPhone 16E”. Adding fuel to this rumor, Bloomberg’s tech journalist Mark Gurman commented on a recent post by Apple CEO Tim Cook, hinting at a “new family member” announcement, which might refer to this newly named device. Also, there are several new case listings on Amazon tagged for the iPhone 16E, although this could just be speculation.

    Amazon iPhone 16E

    The expected features for this new phone include a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID for security, a powerful A18 processor, a USB-C port, compatibility with Apple’s AI features, and a custom 5G modem. We’ll find out the official price and when it’s coming out tomorrow.

  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

    Source

  • iPhone 17 Series might charge at 35W, no big jump from last year

    iPhone 17 Series might charge at 35W, no big jump from last year

    If you’re excited about the iPhone 17 series and expecting a big leap in charging speed, you might want to temper your expectations. According to recent whispers from the tech world, the new iPhones might not offer much of a boost in how quickly they charge.

    A well-known analyst, Jeff Pu, shared some insights in a note to GF Securities, which was then reported by MacRumors. He suggests that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all max out at 35W for wired charging.

    Last year’s iPhone 16 models didn’t show much difference. ChargerLAB noted that the iPhone 16 Pro could hit a high of 30W consistently. There was one instance where the iPhone 16 Pro Max touched 37W with Apple’s high-powered charger, but it wasn’t clear how long it stayed at that level.

    Similarly, PhoneArena tested the standard iPhone 16 and found it could peak at 38W under very demanding conditions like running heavy apps or games, though it generally settled at around 20W for regular use. This means, for those keeping track, the iPhone 17 models might not give us the charging speed boost we hoped for, sticking close to the capabilities of the previous generation.

    As for wireless charging, Pu didn’t spill any beans on that front. The iPhone 16 models could charge at up to 25W with MagSafe, and we’re left guessing if the iPhone 17 will match or exceed this.
    In summary, if you were looking forward to a dramatic increase in charging speed with the iPhone 17, it looks like you’ll be waiting a bit longer. The new models might just keep pace with what we’ve seen before, rather than sprinting ahead.

    Source

  • Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Rumors suggest iPhone 17 Pro models might switch back to aluminum frames

    Apple has traditionally used a range of materials for the frames of its high-end iPhones, moving from aluminum to stainless steel, and most recently to titanium. Now, whispers in the tech world suggest that for the iPhone 17 series, Apple might revert to aluminum for most models.

    According to Jeff Pu, an Apple supply chain analyst, who shared his insights in a note to GF Securities, three out of the four iPhone 17 models – the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max – will feature aluminum frames. Surprisingly, the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to keep the more durable titanium frame.

    This switch back to aluminum for the Pro models is significant because the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models were launched with titanium frames, making them lighter than their predecessors with stainless steel frames.

    The motivation behind this potential change appears to be environmental. Aluminum has a smaller carbon footprint than titanium, aligning with Apple’s goal to make all its products and supply chain carbon-neutral by 2030. This move echoes Apple’s recent strategy with products like the new Mac mini and certain Apple Watches, potentially positioning some iPhone 17 models as the company’s first carbon-neutral smartphones.

    The choice of titanium for the iPhone 17 Air, however, remains a bit of a mystery since aluminum is lighter, which would typically be preferred for a device aimed at being slim and lightweight. Last year, another analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, hinted that the iPhone 17 Air might use a combination of both materials, with less titanium than used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. While the reasons for these material choices are not entirely clear yet, we can look forward to more details emerging as we approach the expected September reveal of the iPhone 17 series.

    Source