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  • New iPhone tool helps American airlines find lost bags

    New iPhone tool helps American airlines find lost bags

    American Airlines has joined a handy iPhone feature that lets travelers share the location of their AirTag-tracked bags at airports, as reported by View from the Wing.

    AirTags Make Bag Tracking Simple

    With the iOS 18.2 update, the Find My app now includes a tool to share the location of an AirTag attached to your luggage with others, like airline staff. If your bags go missing or get delayed, this feature helps the airline find them faster—just pop an AirTag in your suitcase!

    American Airlines started using this tool this week, a spokesperson confirmed. Other airlines, such as Delta, United, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa, already support it too.

    Here’s what an American Airlines spokesperson shared with View from the Wing:

    “We’ve added a simple and safe way for customers to share the location of their AirTag or Find My accessory with us. If a bag is delayed on a trip to or from a U.S. airport, customers can create a link using Apple’s Share Item feature on iOS 18.2 or later and send it to us. At the baggage office, they scan a QR code to file a claim and add their details.”

    How the Share Item Tool Works

    If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 (or newer), you can make a “Share Item Location” link in the Find My app. Share it with someone, and they’ll see a webpage with a map showing where your item is. The map updates as the item moves. Apple teamed up with airlines to keep this private and secure. Only a few authorized staff can see the link, and they must log in with their Apple Account or work email to view it.

    When Sharing Stops

    The location sharing ends as soon as you get your bag back or after seven days—whichever comes first. Released in December, iOS 18.2 kicked off this feature, and Apple says more airlines will add it soon.

  • New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    With the iOS 18.2 update, Apple has added a handy feature to its AirTag trackers, making it simpler to find lost luggage. This new tool, called “Share Item Location,” needs airlines to join in to work. Now, the busiest airline in the U.S. has jumped on board.

    American Airlines may not have the biggest fleet or the most money, but it carries more passengers daily than any other U.S. airline. That’s why its decision to use Apple’s new feature could help tons of travelers track down their missing bags.

    AirTags have been a game-changer for finding lost luggage since they first came out. Before, telling an airline where your bag might be didn’t always mean they could grab it quickly. Now, Share Item Location lets you safely share your AirTag’s spot with the right airline staff.

    Apple teamed up with airlines to set up a secure way to share this info, using the many Apple devices airlines already have. Only a few people can see the location link, and they need to log in with their Apple ID or work email to view it.

    American Airlines says less than 1% of bags get lost, and most are back with owners within a day. With this AirTag feature, they hope to speed that up even more. If your bag with an AirTag gets left behind, you can start a claim by scanning a special QR code at the baggage desk. Want to know which airlines use this feature? Check our updated list here. You can grab a single AirTag on Amazon for just $23.19 or get a four-pack for $79.99 (down from $99.99).

  • Visual Intelligence coming soon to iPhone 15 Pro with a future update

    Visual Intelligence coming soon to iPhone 15 Pro with a future update

    Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, and it comes with a cool feature called Visual Intelligence, even though it doesn’t have a Camera Control button. Excitingly, Apple has now shared that this same feature will also arrive on the iPhone 15 Pro through an upcoming software update.

    What is Visual Intelligence?

    With Visual Intelligence, iPhone 16 users can point their camera at things around them—like objects or places—and get helpful info. It can summarize written words, read them aloud, translate languages, search Google for items, or even chat with ChatGPT. Pretty neat, right?

    On the iPhone 16, this feature normally starts with a special Camera Control button. People thought that button was a must-have to use it. But the new iPhone 16e skips that button entirely. Instead, users can turn on Visual Intelligence using the Action button or through the Control Center.

    Apple has now told John Gruber from Daring Fireball that iPhone 15 Pro owners will get Visual Intelligence too, thanks to a future update. Since the iPhone 15 Pro also lacks the Camera Control button, Apple says you’ll be able to launch it from the Control Center or the Action button once the update arrives.

    When Will It Happen?

    Apple hasn’t said exactly which update will bring this feature to the iPhone 15 Pro. They didn’t confirm if it’s iOS 18.4, which is currently in testing and expected to roll out soon. However, since the iPhone 16e hits stores on February 28, iOS 18.4 feels like a strong guess. After the iPhone 16e launch, Apple updated its website, hinting that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in early April. So, iPhone 15 Pro users might not have to wait too long to try out this awesome feature themselves!

  • Will we see an iPhone 17e? Here’s what we think

    Will we see an iPhone 17e? Here’s what we think

    Apple recently launched the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, stepping away from its older iPhone SE series. Priced at $599, this new phone brings a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a fast A18 chip, and a USB-C charger. It’s a budget-friendly choice within the iPhone 16 group. So, does this mean an iPhone 17e is coming with the iPhone 17 series?

    What’s Coming with iPhone 17?

    The iPhone 17 family is likely to include four versions: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a fresh, super-slim iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air will take over from the Plus model, featuring a thin aluminum body and a 6.6-inch screen. It’s designed to be easy to carry while still working well.

    With these options, it’s hard to say if Apple will add an iPhone 17e. Right now, there’s no solid news or hints about an iPhone 17e showing up soon. The iPhone 17 Air might be Apple’s way of offering a middle-ground phone, possibly making an “e” version unnecessary. Without a clear word from Apple or trusty leaks, we can only guess if an iPhone 17e will happen.

    Could an iPhone 17e Still Pop Up?

    One idea is that Apple might drop an iPhone 17e next February to shake things up mid-year. This could become a yearly habit—more fun than just releasing new colors in spring like they’ve done before. Or, Apple might launch “e” models whenever they feel like it, much like the iPhone SE. For example, the first SE came out in March 2016, the second in April 2020, and the third in March 2022.

    What’s Next?

    As Apple keeps tweaking its iPhone plans, the iPhone 16e’s success could decide if more “e” phones are coming. How well it sells and what people say about it might show us Apple’s next move. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if the “e” series sticks around with the main iPhone lineup.

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  • iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    People buying the new iPhone 16e will need to update its software as soon as they get it. This update will bring the phone to the latest iOS 18 version. The iPhone 16e will come with iOS 18.3 already installed. However, Apple rolled out iOS 18.3.1 on February 10. So, if you’re setting up your new iPhone 16e and transferring data from an older iPhone running iOS 18.3.1, you’ll need to download this update first.

    The iOS 18.3.1 update doesn’t bring exciting new features, but it fixes a security issue. Apple said this problem was being used by some people in a harmful way, so it’s important to install it.
    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e start this Friday, and the phone will officially hit stores on February 28.

    This version uses simple words and keeps the meaning intact. It feels natural, like something a person would write, while staying clear and organized. The word count is around 350, fitting the limit you asked for!

  • iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    iPhone 16e comes with iPhone 16 camera, but misses some extras

    The iPhone 16e is unique in Apple’s lineup as the only model with a single rear camera. It uses the same 48-megapixel Wide lens as the iPhone 16, but it doesn’t include all the camera tricks found in its sibling.

    What the iPhone 16e Camera Offers

    The 48-megapixel Fusion lens on the iPhone 16e gives you a regular 1x view and a 2x zoom option. However, it skips the Telephoto lens, so no extra zoom levels are available. It also lacks an Ultra Wide lens, meaning wide-angle photos and close-up macro shots aren’t possible. With just one lens, you can’t capture spatial images or videos either.

    You still get handy features like True Tone Flash, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5. But it misses out on advanced portrait options like Focus Control and the newest Photographic Styles. In Portrait mode, you can tweak the focus after snapping a picture, but unlike the iPhone 16, you can’t tap to switch the focus to a different subject.

    Missing Style and Video Options

    The latest Photographic Styles, which let you set a consistent look for all your photos, are exclusive to the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max. The 16e only offers older filter options instead. For video, it doesn’t have Cinematic mode or Action mode, though it does include the new Audio Mix feature.

    Front Camera Comparison

    The front cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16e are nearly the same, with one catch. The 16e skips Cinematic mode, Photographic Styles, and Depth Control for Portrait shots, which the iPhone 16 includes. In short, the iPhone 16e delivers solid camera basics with its 48-megapixel lens, but it leaves out some of the fancier tools and creative options you’d find on the iPhone 16. It’s a simpler choice for those who don’t need all the extras.

  • iPhone 16e: New features without some expected ones

    iPhone 16e: New features without some expected ones

    The new iPhone 16e comes with some interesting features but also leaves out a few expected ones. One highlight is the Visual Intelligence feature, which you can now use on the iPhone 16e even without a special camera button. Instead, you can activate it through the Action button or in the Control Center. This means you can quickly snap photos or use other visual tools without needing a dedicated button.

    Apple has made it clear on their site that you can use the Action button for lots of things, like calling friends or opening apps. However, if you were hoping for MagSafe, you’ll be disappointed; the iPhone 16e doesn’t support it. This means no MagSafe chargers, cases, or wallets for this model. But don’t worry, you can still charge your phone wirelessly with standard Qi charging, just not as fast as with MagSafe.

    Price-wise, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model, making it the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. This is a bit more than what the old iPhone SE cost, but you get a more modern look, a powerful A18 chip, Face ID, and more storage to start with. Here’s how the pricing lines up:

    • iPhone 16e – $599
    • iPhone 15 – $699
    • iPhone 15 Plus – $799
    • iPhone 16 – $799
    • iPhone 16 Plus – $899
    • iPhone 16 Pro – $999
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max – $1,199

    You can pre-order the iPhone 16e starting Friday, and it will officially be available from February 28. Apple also shared a detailed 12-minute video on YouTube to introduce the iPhone 16e, giving everyone a good look at what to expect.

    The iPhone 16e features include a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch for Face ID, the new A18 chip, a single 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and an Action button. It also comes with Apple’s new C1 modem for better 5G performance. So, while the iPhone 16e might not have everything you’d expect from an iPhone, it offers a balance of cost and modern features for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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