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  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max to get thicker for a bgger battery

    iPhone 17 Pro Max to get thicker for a bgger battery

    Apple is making the iPhone 17 Pro Max a bit thicker than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max, according to a Chinese tipster named Ice Universe. The new iPhone 17 Pro Max is said to measure 8.725mm thick, compared to 8.25mm for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. That’s a small jump of 0.475mm. The leaker believes this extra space is “definitely” for a larger battery. Other than the thickness, the phone’s body is expected to stay the same as the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    So far, there haven’t been any whispers about better battery life or size changes for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If Ice Universe is right, this could be fresh news for Apple fans. The iPhone 17 Pro models are also rumored to sport a big rectangular camera bump with rounded edges. However, Apple seems to be keeping the triangle setup for the back camera lenses.

    For its high-end phones, Apple might switch to an aluminum frame instead of the titanium one used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. The back of these devices could also feature a new look, blending aluminum and glass. Ice Universe added that the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the super-slim iPhone 17 Air will have the same size, except for their thickness, which will differ. This tweak in design could mean longer battery life for users, something many iPhone lovers would welcome. We’ll have to wait and see if these rumors hold true when Apple reveals the iPhone 17 lineup!

  • iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro Max: Same size, different thickness

    iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro Max: Same size, different thickness

    Apple’s upcoming super-slim iPhone 17 Air is said to match the iPhone 17 Pro Max in size, except for how thick each phone is, according to a tip from leaker Ice Universe.

    Comparing iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Air

    On their Weibo page, the Chinese leaker shared that the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max have the same length, width, screen size, and edges. “The only thing that’s different is the thickness,” they explained. “The iPhone 17 Air is just 5.5mm thick, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.725mm thick.”

    If this is true, it also means the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be quite a bit thicker than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max. We’ve heard about the iPhone 17 Air’s slim 5.5mm body before, but Ice Universe’s info shakes things up compared to older rumors. Last year, screen expert Ross Young said the iPhone 17 Air would have a 6.55-inch display, or about 6.6 inches when rounded up.

    However, YouTube creator Jon Prosser disagreed last month, saying the iPhone 17 Air will come with a bigger 6.7-inch screen. (Young later stuck to his 6.55-inch prediction.) If Prosser’s right, that still doesn’t match the 6.9-inch screen expected for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple bumped up the screen sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max last year, and they’re likely staying the same for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Ice Universe added that the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s frame is unchanged, “just like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.”

    iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Air

    • Thickness: 8.73mm vs. 5.55mm
    • Height: 163mm vs. 163mm
    • Width: 77.6mm vs. 77.6mm
    • Screen: 6.9″ (174mm) vs. 6.9″ (174mm)
    • Edge: 1.15mm vs. 1.15mm

    Ice Universe has a good track record, correctly leaking iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max sizes in the past. Still, we’re keeping a cautious eye on this rumor until more people back it up. Apple should reveal the iPhone 17 family around mid-September, as usual.

  • Why the iPhone 16e could be a gamble for Apple, according to a survey

    Why the iPhone 16e could be a gamble for Apple, according to a survey

    Apple’s iPhone 16e is fresh on the scene, but it’s not what many fans hoped for. It’s not called an iPhone SE, and its price isn’t budget-friendly either. A new survey about how Apple customers—and especially iPhone SE fans—shop for phones shows why this new model might be a tricky move for Apple.

    The survey from CIRP digs into what iPhone SE owners owned before their current phone. It turns out these folks don’t usually jump to fancy, high-end iPhones. This could make it tough for Apple to sell them on the iPhone 16e.

    Experts Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz point out that SE buyers tend to stick with simple, low-cost phones. They don’t often upgrade to pricier models. 26% of SE owners had an older SE before buying a new one. They didn’t see a need to get anything fancier—just the latest SE. Meanwhile, only 3% of people buying other iPhones came from an SE. Even more surprising? About 45% of SE buyers used to have a regular “number” iPhone (like an iPhone 12 or 14) but chose to switch to the cheaper SE instead.

    This shows that price matters a lot to SE fans. With the iPhone 16e starting at $599, way up from the SE’s $429, these shoppers might look elsewhere—like at Androids or used iPhones. Here’s the problem for SE owners ready for a new phone: They can either spend more on the 16e or hunt for a cheaper option.

    Apple’s betting they’ll pick the 16e, and phone company deals might sweeten the price. But SE fans often use smaller, budget carriers that don’t offer big discounts, making the jump to $599 feel steep. Dropping a true budget phone is a bold choice for Apple. It’s a risk that could push some loyal fans away, and only time will tell if it pays off.

  • iPhone 17 Air might get a super-packed battery

    iPhone 17 Air might get a super-packed battery

    In a recent blog, Ming-Chi Kuo, an expert on Apple’s supply chain, shared some exciting news. He said the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will come with a “high-density” battery, which could mean better power for this super-slim phone.

    Kuo mentioned that this new iPhone, expected to fold, will use the same kind of battery as the ultra-thin iPhone 17. These high-density cells pack more energy into a small space. He didn’t give exact numbers for how much power they’ll hold, though.

    People have worried that the iPhone 17 Air’s thin design might mean a weak battery. After all, a smaller body leaves less room for a big battery. But it looks like Apple’s got some tricks up its sleeve! Three rumored features could help this phone last longer than expected. First, there’s that high-density battery. Second, Apple’s new C1 modem chip saves energy. And third, skipping the Ultra Wide camera frees up space inside for a bigger battery.

    Apple is likely to show off the iPhone 17 Air in September. Kuo says it’ll be just 5.5mm thick at its slimmest spot, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever. With these smart design choices, the iPhone 17 Air might surprise us all with how long it can go between charges.

  • Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Apple just rolled out new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models, packed with speedy M4 and M3 Ultra chips. They also tossed in extras like Thunderbolt 5 ports for the Mac Studio. But one thing they didn’t upgrade? Wi-Fi. These new Macs stick with Wi-Fi 6E instead of jumping to the newer, faster Wi-Fi 7.

    Wi-Fi 6E is solid—it taps into the 6GHz band for smoother connections on compatible routers. But Wi-Fi 7 (also called IEEE 802.11be) is a step ahead. It promises speeds up to four times quicker, less lag, and better handling of lots of devices at once. Its coolest trick, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), mixes different frequencies into one strong connection for improved speed and reliability.

    So why didn’t Apple go for Wi-Fi 7? It’s not a total shock—last year’s M4 MacBook Pros also skipped it. Still, it’s a bit weird when you see all iPhone 16 models from September rocking Wi-Fi 7 chips from Broadcom. The Macs, though, stay a step behind.

    That said, Wi-Fi 7 isn’t a big deal yet. Even on the iPhone 16, Apple caps it at a 160 MHz bandwidth instead of the full 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 can handle, so the phones aren’t using its full power anyway. Plus, not many people have Wi-Fi 7 routers at home yet. The Wi-Fi 6E in these Macs already uses the 6GHz band, which is less crowded and works great for most needs.

    Sure, Wi-Fi 7 could make the Macs more future-ready, but its real perks won’t shine until more folks upgrade their setups. For now, Wi-Fi 6E does the job well enough for things like video calls, cloud gaming, and streaming in high quality. Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an M4 Mac, don’t sweat the missing Wi-Fi 7. The tech’s still new, and Wi-Fi 6E keeps things running smoothly for everyday use. You’re not missing out on much—yet!

  • Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Apple’s first homemade modem, the C1 chip, is missing one big feature: mmWave 5G, the super-speedy version of 5G. While some might not mind—since not many phone companies use it yet—there’s a clear reason behind this choice.

    Building the C1 chip took years. You’d think Apple, with its knack for making amazing Mac chips that outshine Intel’s, could whip up a modem easily. But it’s not that simple. Mobile data tech is a tricky puzzle for three main reasons.

    First, every country has its own rules for mobile data, and a chip meant for the world has to work with all of them. Second, even in one country, phone companies tweak these rules differently, and Apple has to match each one. Third, the chip must handle not just today’s standards, like 5G, but also older ones like 4G, switching smoothly if the signal drops. That means supporting every version of every standard, old and new, everywhere.

    That’s why the C1’s spec list is a long one, covering tons of 5G bands, 4G types, and even older tech like GSM, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a lot to juggle! Apple had to make some tough calls with the C1. Rumors hinted at compromises, and they were right. The chip skips mmWave 5G and sticks to Wi-Fi 6 instead of jumping to Wi-Fi 7.

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the mmWave skip is about saving power. Apple brags that the C1 uses way less energy than the Qualcomm chips it replaces. Adding mmWave isn’t hard, but making it work well without draining the battery is a challenge. That’s why Apple left it out for now. The good news? Kuo says Apple is already working on a better C1 for next year. This updated version will tackle power use, boost speed, and finally add mmWave 5G support. So, faster 5G is coming—just not yet!

  • Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Big things are happening in the Apple world! Recently, Best Buy kicked off the first discount on the new M3 iPad Air. This tablet comes with a powerful chip, a sleek design, and now a lower price, making it a great time to grab one if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple has decided to stop selling the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. They’re clearing the way for newer stuff, so if you loved those laptops, they won’t be around much longer. On the flip side, Apple just launched a fresh MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a cool sky-blue color. It’s fast, stylish, and perfect for anyone wanting a modern laptop.

    That’s not all—Apple also unveiled the M3 Ultra chip, a super-strong processor for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. This new chip is powering the updated Mac Studio, which also offers an M4 Max option. These machines are built for people who need top performance, whether for work or creative projects.

    In other news, Qualcomm, a big tech company, bragged that its X85 modem beats Apple’s tech in speed and power. This could mean tougher competition for Apple’s devices down the road, especially for things like Internet speed on phones and tablets.

    From discounts to brand-new gadgets, Apple is keeping things exciting. Whether you’re after a deal on the M3 iPad Air or eyeing the shiny new MacBook Air in sky blue, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the M3 Ultra and Mac Studio upgrades, power users have plenty to cheer about. Stay tuned—Apple’s not slowing down anytime soon!

  • New iPad with A16 chip misses out on Apple Intelligence

    New iPad with A16 chip misses out on Apple Intelligence

    Apple just released an updated version of its basic iPad, now powered by an A16 chip. Sadly, this new model still doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, the company’s latest AI feature. According to Apple’s official tech details, Apple Intelligence isn’t included on this entry-level iPad. This matches what we see with its specs—no AI capabilities here.

    Back in January, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg predicted something different. He claimed the new basic iPads—labeled J481 and J482—would come with a faster A17 Pro chip, the same one in the iPad mini. He also said they’d jump from 4GB of memory to 8GB, enough to run Apple Intelligence. His guess? These upgrades would bring the AI features to the budget iPad.
    Turns out that rumor didn’t pan out.

    Instead, a private X account with a solid history of accurate leaks nailed it. They said the entry-level iPad would stick with the A16 chip—and they were right. No A17 Pro or extra memory boost happened. This leaves the basic iPad as the only one in Apple’s current lineup without Apple Intelligence. If you want those fancy AI tools, you’ll need an iPad Pro or iPad Air with an M1 chip or later, or the newest iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. Those models have what it takes to run the feature.

    For now, the entry-level iPad keeps things simple with the A16 chip. It’s a step up from the older A14, but it’s clear Apple’s holding back the big AI upgrade for this one. Fans hoping for more might feel a little let down, but the update still brings a bit of fresh power to the budget-friendly device.

  • Why is the iPhone 16e so close to having MagSafe?

    Why is the iPhone 16e so close to having MagSafe?

    One of the strangest things about the iPhone 16e is that it doesn’t fully support MagSafe. This missing feature surprised so many people that Apple felt the need to explain why they left it out. But here’s the twist: the phone seems to be almost ready for MagSafe, which makes the decision even more puzzling.

    Three Great Things About MagSafe

    The iPhone 16e comes with plenty of top-notch features, but MagSafe isn’t one of them. That’s a big deal because MagSafe brings three awesome perks. First, it makes wireless charging super simple. You just place your phone near the charger, and it snaps right into the perfect spot—no more fumbling around.

    Second, it speeds up wireless charging. Older Qi chargers topped out at 7.5 watts, but MagSafe and Qi2 bump that up to 15 watts. Other iPhone 16 models even hit 25 watts with the newest MagSafe chargers. Third, MagSafe unlocks a bunch of cool accessories—like car mounts, wallets, and camera stabilizers—that stick to your phone with magnets.

    Apple’s Odd Explanation

    Apple’s reason for skipping MagSafe? They say the people buying the 16e don’t use it. According to them, this phone is aimed at folks who prefer plugging in a cable over wireless charging. They think these buyers are upgrading from older models like the iPhone SE or iPhone 11, which didn’t have MagSafe. But that logic feels shaky—those phones didn’t have MagSafe, so of course those users didn’t rely on it!

    The iPhone 16e’s Hidden Surprise

    Here’s where it gets interesting. David Price from Macworld found that the iPhone 16e actually has some MagSafe magnets inside—it’s just not strong enough to work perfectly. I tested this myself by taking my 16e out of its case and placing it near an old MagSafe charger. To my surprise, the charger stuck to the phone! The connection was weak, but it held. Price even shared a video showing the charger lifting off a table to snap onto the phone.

    The catch? This only works without a case, and the magnets aren’t powerful enough to hold the phone on a standing dock. Still, it’s odd that Apple included some magnets but didn’t go all in on MagSafe. Why get so close and then stop?