Search results for: “apple iphone”

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple has just shared the second test versions (betas) of new software updates with developers. These updates include visionOS 2.4 for Vision Pro, tvOS 18.4 for Apple TV, watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Mac, and iOS 18.4 for iPhone. This comes two weeks after the first test versions were released. Developers can grab these updates through the Settings app on each device if they’re signed up with Apple.

    The Vision Pro’s visionOS 2.4 update stands out because it adds Apple Intelligence features for the first time. These include tools for writing, creating custom emojis, making memory videos, editing images, sorting notifications, and connecting with ChatGPT. There’s also a new Spatial Gallery app showing off cool 3D videos, photos, and panoramas from artists and creators.

    Plus, a Vision Pro app for iPhone lets users manage their headset, find apps, and add stuff to a watch list. With iOS 18.4, your iPhone can set up a Guest Mode for Vision Pro, letting others try it easily while you control what they see. These updates will launch fully in early April.

    For Mac users, macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings a smarter Mail app that sorts emails into categories like deals, news, and important messages. Apple News+ fans get a new food section with recipes and restaurant stories, while Photos gains memory video options. Apple Intelligence also adds support for more languages. This update will roll out in early April, too.

    On the iPhone side, iOS 18.4 beta now works on iPhone 12 models and the new iPhone 16e after fixing a glitch that caused some devices to freeze. It also brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models—a feature that uses the camera to explain objects or places around you.

    New emojis like tired eyes, a shovel, and a fingerprint are included too, along with quick Apple Intelligence shortcuts in Control Center. These updates show Apple’s focus on making devices smarter and easier to use. Full releases are planned for early April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the changes soon!

  • Could an Apple camera lens boost your iPhone photos?

    Could an Apple camera lens boost your iPhone photos?

    Xiaomi has built its name by mimicking Apple’s ideas, but recently, it’s come up with a few tricks I’d love to see Apple borrow. First, it wowed us with the sleek look of its 15 Ultra phone. Now, it’s teasing a cool concept that could inspire an awesome Apple Camera Lens add-on for iPhones.

    My iPhone is my go-to camera. Why? It’s always in my pocket. A few years back, it even became my main camera for trips. Sure, I still grab a standalone camera for special photo outings or unique destinations worth the extra gear. But Xiaomi’s latest idea might just bridge the gap perfectly.

    Smartphone cameras have tiny sensors and small plastic lenses, which limit their quality. Xiaomi’s fix? A real camera lens with a big sensor that snaps onto your phone magnetically. You’d still use the built-in lenses for quick shots, but for top-notch photos, this add-on turns your phone into something like a lightweight mirrorless camera—smaller and easier to carry than a separate one.

    Simon Hill from Wired tested a working version and loved it. He tried a Xiaomi 35-mm f/1.4 lens paired with a 100-megapixel sensor—way bigger than anything in phones today. It has a flexible aperture, perfect for dim lighting. Hill said it attached like a MagSafe wallet and felt like using a real camera, with sharp results to match.

    It comes with an autofocus motor—just tap the screen to pick your focus. Plus, there’s a physical ring for hands-on adjustments. In Pro mode, it worked as smoothly as the phone’s regular camera, letting Hill focus on objects near and far for a soft, natural background blur. We don’t know if Xiaomi will sell this lens, but I’m sold on the idea. Imagine Apple teaming up with Nikon, Canon, or Sony to make one for iPhones. It’d be a game-changer for phone photography!

  • Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    For almost two years, French officials have been looking into a privacy tool on iPhones called App Tracking Transparency. This feature lets people choose if they want apps to follow their activity for ads or not. You’ve probably noticed those “Ask App Not to Track” messages popping up. Now, according to a recent Reuters story, the investigation is almost over—and it doesn’t look good for Apple.

    France Might Stop This Privacy Feature Soon

    The two-year review of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency in France should finish within the next month. And it seems Apple might not like the result.

    Reuters reporter Foo Yun Chee explains:

    French regulators are likely to tell Apple next month to stop this practice, saying it’s unfair to competition. They’ll probably add a fine too. This would be the first time a government blocks this feature. In France, fines for such issues can reach up to 10% of a company’s yearly earnings worldwide.

    So, two big things could happen when this case ends:

    • Apple may have to turn off this feature for people in France.
    • The company could also face a penalty.

    Back in 2023, when this probe began, we noted: “Apple’s being accused of playing favorites and setting unclear, unfair rules about how user info can be used for ads.”

    Apple shared this comment with 9to5Mac during an earlier debate about the feature:

    “We at Apple think your data is yours. You should decide if it’s shared and with whom. App Tracking Transparency just lets users pick whether apps can track them or pass their info to data collectors. These rules are the same for everyone, including us, and we’ve had lots of support from privacy fans and regulators.”

    Beyond France, Germany and Italy are also checking out this feature. Usually, the worry isn’t the tool itself but how Apple uses it for its apps. In the U.S., companies like Meta have complained the most—not regulators. They say this privacy option has hurt their ad income.

  • Why iPhones mix up ‘Racist’ with ‘Trump,’ According to Apple

    Why iPhones mix up ‘Racist’ with ‘Trump,’ According to Apple

    Apple has pointed to a sound mix-up as the reason behind a strange issue with the iPhone’s voice-to-text tool. In recent days, this odd glitch has been popping up on social media, especially TikTok. One video shows an iPhone owner speaking the word “racist” clearly into the dictation feature, only for the phone to briefly type “Trump” instead. Moments later, it fixes itself before finishing the transcription.

    An Apple spokesperson explained to The New York Times that the confusion comes from a “sound overlap” between the two words. They’re already working on a solution to stop it from happening. John Burkey, who used to work on Apple’s Siri team and still chats with them regularly, said the trouble started after a recent update to Apple’s servers.

    He’s not buying the “sound overlap” story, though. “It feels more like a big joke from someone inside Apple,” he said. Burkey, now the founder of Wonderrush.ai, an AI startup, thinks it’s unlikely this is just a random error tied to Apple’s AI data. The fact that the word corrects itself hints it’s not purely a tech slip-up. He suspects someone might have sneaked a bit of code into Apple’s system to swap “racist” with “Trump” on purpose.

    “Who’s behind it?” Burkey wondered. “Did they tweak the data or mess with the code?”

    Interestingly, The Wall Street Journal pointed out that other words starting with “r” — like “rampant” or “rampage” — have also briefly turned into “Trump” during dictation. For now, Apple says it’s a simple sound confusion they’re fixing. But with people like Burkey raising eyebrows, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s more to this quirky iPhone hiccup than meets the eye. Either way, it’s got folks online talking — and maybe laughing a little, too.

  • Apple tackles funny iPhone voice typing glitch

    Apple tackles funny iPhone voice typing glitch

    Many iPhone users spotted a strange problem today with the phone’s voice typing feature. When they say “racist” to send a message, the word “Trump” pops up for a second before fixing itself to “racist.”

    This quirky glitch happens when people use the iPhone’s dictation tool. Sometimes, as they speak “racist,” the phone types “Trump” in the Messages app. Then, it quickly changes to the right word after figuring out what was said.

    In our tests, saying “racist” didn’t always turn into “Trump” first, but it happened more often than other mix-ups. We also noticed “Rhett” or “Rouch” showing up briefly before the phone corrected it to “racist.”

    A video showing this odd bug has been making rounds on TikTok and other social media. An Apple spokesperson explained to The New York Times that the mix-up comes from the words sounding a bit alike. It’s unclear if this has been an issue for a while and only got noticed now, or if something changed recently to cause it. Apple assured us they’re working on a solution.

    John Burkey, who used to work on Apple’s Siri team, told The New York Times that there might be something in Apple’s system accidentally turning “racist” into “Trump.” He jokingly called it a “big prank” but wasn’t sure if it was added on purpose or slipped into the data Apple uses for its smart features.

    Note: Since this topic touches on political or social stuff, the chat about it is in our Political News forum. Everyone can read it, but only forum members with 100+ posts can join the conversation.

  • Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone promises a smooth screen – No Crease!

    Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone promises a smooth screen – No Crease!

    Apple is working hard on its first-ever foldable iPhone, and exciting news says they’ve cracked a big problem: the annoying screen crease you see on most foldable phones. A fresh report hints that Apple has found a way to make the display look smooth and flawless when folded or unfolded.

    According to a Korean news site, ETNews, Apple is picking out the companies that will supply parts for this phone, and they’ll finish choosing by April. This means they’re getting ready to start making the phone soon, with parts production kicking off later this year.

    An insider shared with ETNews, “Apple wants the crease gone, no matter the cost, to make their foldable phone stand out from others.” They’ve created a special new material to hide the crease completely. This is a huge deal because other brands like Samsung and Huawei haven’t managed to erase that line on their foldable screens. If Apple pulls this off, they could leap ahead of the competition.

    The report says Samsung Display will be the only company making the OLED screens for Apple’s foldable iPhone. They’ve been working on it since last year, using their know-how from being the first to mass-make foldable screens. The phone might fold like a book, with super-thin glass from a US company called Corning covering the screen. Another US company, Amphenol, which has made hinges for MacBooks, is likely to supply the folding part.

    ETNews predicts the foldable iPhone will hit stores in late 2026, matching what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other experts like Ming-Chi Kuo have said. Rumors from a Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, suggest it’ll have a 5.49-inch outside screen and a 7.74-inch inside one when opened.

    Both screens might look wider and shorter than usual, different from something like Oppo’s new Find N5 phone. Apple’s foldable iPhone could change the game with its crease-free screen and cool design. Fans might have to wait until 2026, but it sounds like it’ll be worth it!

  • Apple and Indonesia agree to allow iPhone 16 sales again

    Apple and Indonesia agree to allow iPhone 16 sales again

    Apple and Indonesia have worked out a deal to end a five-month ban on selling the iPhone 16 in the country, according to insiders who shared the news with Bloomberg. The disagreement started in October when Indonesia blocked Apple’s newest iPhone because the company didn’t follow rules about making products locally. Now, that fight is over, and iPhones are coming back!

    As part of the deal, Apple promises to spend $1 billion in Indonesia—a huge jump from earlier offers of $10 million and $100 million, which the government turned down. They’ll sign an agreement soon, possibly this week, and the Industry Ministry will quickly approve permits so iPhone 16 sales can start again.

    Apple’s not just handing over money, though. They’ll also train Indonesians in tech skills like research and software design, helping locals create their own products. This was a big ask from Indonesia, which wanted Apple to set up research centers in the country.

    The plan includes building a factory on Batam island to make AirTags, those little trackers Apple sells. A company called Luxshare Precision Industry will run it, and it could handle 20% of all AirTags made worldwide. Plus, another factory in Bandung, a few hours from Jakarta, will churn out different accessories. Apple will also fund tech schools to teach students things like coding.

    Still, don’t expect iPhones to be built in Indonesia anytime soon—Apple’s keeping that part of its business elsewhere for now. This deal is a win for Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who pushed for the $1 billion offer. Last month, the Industry Ministry surprised everyone by keeping the ban, hoping for a better deal—and it worked!

    Indonesia’s tough stance brought in big money and jobs, supporting their goal to grow local industries, not just be a place to sell stuff. For Apple, this opens the door to Indonesia’s 278 million people, many of them young and tech-loving. With sales slowing in China, this market could be a goldmine, even if Apple isn’t a top phone brand there yet.

  • Apple’s new C2 modem set to shine in iPhone 18 Pro next year

    Apple’s new C2 modem set to shine in iPhone 18 Pro next year

    Apple is gearing up to launch its brand-new C2 modem in 2026, and it’s expected to first show up in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This news comes from Mark Gurman, a well-known tech writer, who shared the update in his recent Power On newsletter from Bloomberg.

    In his article, Gurman explained that Apple is already trying out the C2 modem and even working on the next one, called the C3, which might come in 2027. By then, Apple hopes its modem will be better than the ones made by Qualcomm, a company known for top-notch modem tech. Reports from MacRumors also confirm Apple is testing this C2 version.

    The company introduced its first homemade modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e just last week. Apple claims this chip uses less power than any iPhone modem before, helping the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e last longer on a single charge—outdoing even the pricier iPhone 16.

    Gurman also mentioned that Apple’s second 5G modem will roll out with the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and hit iPad Pro models by 2027. This upgraded modem should keep up with Qualcomm’s best by supporting super-fast mmWave 5G, something the C1 can’t do yet.

    Looking ahead, Apple’s rumored super-slim iPhone 17 Air is next in line to get the C1 modem. This sleek new phone is expected to take the place of the Plus model in the iPhone 17 family, set to launch around mid-September next year.

    Apple’s push into making its modems shows its big plans to improve iPhone performance and battery life while stepping up to challenge the leaders in mobile tech. Fans can look forward to faster, longer-lasting devices in the coming years!

  • iPhone 16e solves a cost confusion in Apple’s lineup

    iPhone 16e solves a cost confusion in Apple’s lineup

    When 5G arrived with the iPhone 12, Apple started a tricky pricing game. They’d advertise iPhones as “starting at $799,” but that deal only worked if you signed up with a big US carrier right away. Want one without a carrier lock? The real price jumped to $829. The iPhone 16e finally puts an end to this extra fee hassle.

    No More Activation Tricks

    Since the iPhone 12, every basic iPhone model has followed this pricing twist—yes, even the iPhone 16. The good news? The fancier Pro models never had this issue.

    It’s always bugged me when people call the iPhone 16 a “$799 phone.” That’s not the full story. If you activate it with a major carrier through Apple, sure, you get that price. But for everyone else, it’s $829. Many folks buy straight from their carrier, and even then, they’re stuck with the higher $829 cost. Some say $30 isn’t much, but it still feels sneaky.

    Apple’s C1 Modem Changes Things

    Back with the iPhone 12, Apple added 5G mmWave to all models. Big carriers like Verizon probably pushed for it. This speedy tech isn’t cheap and usually skips budget phones. The catch? It only shines in crowded spots like stadiums. In busy places like New York, you might lose the signal just by walking around a corner.

    Thankfully, the iPhone 16e uses Apple’s C1 modem, which skips mmWave. Without that costly feature, there’s no need for carrier discounts to balance things out. So, no matter your carrier, you can grab an iPhone 16e for the advertised $599. That’s a first for a regular iPhone since 2020!

    Looking ahead, Apple’s next C2 modem might bring mmWave back. But since Apple often leaves it out for iPhones sold outside the US, we’ll probably see a version without it too. For now, the iPhone 16e keeps things simple and fair.

  • All iPhone 17 models to get Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 Chip

    All iPhone 17 models to get Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 Chip

    Good news for iPhone fans! This week, Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared that all four iPhone 17 models will come with a brand-new Wi-Fi chip made by Apple. While he didn’t say exactly which Wi-Fi version it will use, it’s very likely to be Wi-Fi 7.

    Another analyst, Jeff Pu, who keeps an eye on companies linked to Apple, also mentioned this in a report for GF Securities earlier this month. He agrees that every iPhone 17 model will have this Apple-made Wi-Fi 7 chip.

    The iPhone 16 series already works with Wi-Fi 7, so this isn’t a huge shock. What’s exciting, though, is that Apple is creating its own chip for it. Recently, Apple introduced its custom C1 modem in the iPhone 16e for better phone signal, and now it’s set to launch its own Wi-Fi chip in the iPhone 17 later this year. By making its own parts, Apple wants to depend less on other companies, like Qualcomm for modems and Broadcom for Wi-Fi chips, and maybe stop using them altogether one day.

    Wi-Fi 7 is super fast and reliable. It uses three bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—at the same time when paired with the right router. This means quicker internet, less delay, and a stronger connection. With Wi-Fi 7, speeds can hit over 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, as long as your device can handle it. Apple is expected to show off the iPhone 17 lineup in September. With these upgrades, it looks like the next iPhones will bring even better tech to your hands!