Tag: Apple Intelligence

  • Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new MacBook Air M4 features the M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, offering enhanced performance and AI integration.
    2. It includes a 12MP webcam with Center Stage and Desk View for improved video calls and presentations.
    3. The base model now comes with 16GB of RAM and supports up to 32GB of unified memory for better multitasking.
    4. The MacBook Air M4 retains a sleek design with a new Sky Blue color option and offers improved external display support, managing two 6K displays simultaneously.
    5. Pricing starts at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model, with pre-orders available and shipping beginning March 12.

    Hot on the heels of Apple’s latest iPads launch, the company has now announced the new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip. This refresh brings Apple Intelligence, improved battery life, a new 12MP webcam with Center Stage, and 16GB of base RAM—all for a lower price than the previous model.

    MacBook Air M4: Specs and Features

    When it comes to appearance, the MacBook Air M4 looks almost exactly like the previous model. It continues the sleek, fanless design, but now offers a fresh Sky Blue color option alongside Silver, Starlight, and Midnight shades.

    Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch display sizes, the Air boasts a brightness of 500 nits, a color depth of 10-bit, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. The highlight of this update is the new M4 chip, which comes with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. It also supports a maximum of 32GB of unified memory.

    Enhanced Features and AI Integration

    The entry-level model now begins with 16GB of RAM, a change that Apple made across the M2 and M3 Air models last October. A segment of this memory will also power Apple Intelligence, which is the company’s collection of AI-enhanced features. Apple Intelligence includes tools like Smart Replies in Messages, Mail Summaries, Cleanup in Apple Photos, Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. Similar to the iPhone, these AI functions mainly operate on-device, ensuring that most tasks remain private. For more complicated cloud requests, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute securely handles the processing without sharing user data.

    Additionally, the new Air features an upgraded 12MP front-facing camera nestled in the notch, bringing it in line with the MacBook Pro series. It includes Center Stage, which keeps you centered during video calls, and Desk View, which allows you to show both your face and a bird’s-eye view of your desk at the same time—great for demos and presentations.

    Price and Availability

    The MacBook Air M4 keeps two Thunderbolt 4 ports and offers MagSafe charging. A major improvement over the M3 model is its capability for external displays—while the earlier Air could only support one 6K display, the new version can manage two displays at once.

    The starting price for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is $999 in the United States and ₹99,000 in India, whereas the 15-inch model is available for $1,199 and ₹124,000, respectively. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping set to commence on March 12.

    Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower PriceApple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price
    Tags: , ,
  • Free Up to 7GB iPhone Storage by Disabling Apple Intelligence

    Free Up to 7GB iPhone Storage by Disabling Apple Intelligence

    With the launch of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3, Apple has introduced its newest AI-driven feature, Apple Intelligence, which is now automatically active on devices that are compatible. This collection of AI capabilities includes features like message summaries, image creation, and improved Siri interactions, but it also requires a substantial amount of storage. According to Apple’s official documentation, Apple Intelligence can take up to 7GB of space on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    Managing Storage Needs

    For users facing storage limitations or those who may not find the AI features beneficial, there is a way to completely disable Apple Intelligence. Once you turn it off, the local AI models will be deleted from the device, freeing up the space they occupied. This is particularly helpful for iPhone users who have limited storage, especially for those who don’t actively utilize AI-generated features or content.

    Steps to Disable Apple Intelligence

    To turn off Apple Intelligence, users can go to Settings on an iPhone or iPad, or System Settings on a Mac, and find the “Apple Intelligence & Siri” section. By toggling off Apple Intelligence, a confirmation prompt will appear, after which the system will erase AI-related resources. Some AI capabilities, like Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground, will no longer be accessible. However, it’s worth noting that certain tools, like the Clean Up function in the Photos app, might still be available.

    Apple Intelligence is unavailable in mainland China at this time, and the company has not shared a timeline for when it might be launched there. Additionally, only devices with Apple’s newest hardware, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and M-series iPads and Macs, can support Apple Intelligence. Users upgrading to iOS 18.2 must also opt-in to access the AI features.

    Customizing Your Experience

    For those who are hesitant about fully disabling Apple Intelligence, Apple allows users to selectively turn off specific features through app settings. Options like message summaries in notifications and writing assistance tools can be disabled without shutting down the entire AI suite. By managing these settings, users can customize their experience while still maintaining control over the storage and functionality of their devices.

    Tags: , ,
  • iOS 18.3 Update Fixes Major Criticism of Apple Intelligence

    iOS 18.3 Update Fixes Major Criticism of Apple Intelligence

    Apple is in the process of releasing iOS 18.3, which is a 1.8 GB update that brings a variety of new features. Most of these updates are focused on Apple Intelligence, which is currently only accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro, and just for users in the USA at this moment. The launch of Apple Intelligence in Europe is anticipated to coincide with the arrival of iOS 18.4, set for April.

    Key Improvements

    This update largely focuses on enhancements to Notification Summaries, which faced significant backlash last year due to AI-generated misinformation. With iOS 18.3, users can now modify the Notification Summary settings directly on their lock screens. A fresh icon has been introduced, making it simpler for users to differentiate between summaries and standard notifications. For now, news apps will be left out of the summaries to prevent the spread of misleading headlines.

    New Features and Fixes

    Visual Intelligence has been upgraded to allow users to create calendar entries simply by scanning a poster or flyer with their iPhone camera. Additionally, it can now identify and label animals and plants. The calculator app has also received a handy new feature that lets users repeat a calculation by tapping the equal sign again. This update addresses various issues in the keyboard and music app as well. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence will automatically activate for anyone who is new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, meaning that users who prefer not to use this feature will need to turn it off themselves via the “Settings” and “Apple Intelligence & Siri” options.

    Conclusion

    Apple is making strides with the iOS 18.3 update, focusing on user experience and feedback. While some features are limited to specific devices and regions for now, the company is clearly working towards broader availability in the near future. Users should keep an eye on these developments and be prepared to manage their settings accordingly.

    Tags: , ,
  • iPhone SE4 Outshines Mid-Range Android Phones in Key Area

    iPhone SE4 Outshines Mid-Range Android Phones in Key Area

    Apple is reportedly gearing up to shake up the mid-range smartphone scene with the upcoming iPhone SE 4. Scheduled to launch in March 2025, this new device is anticipated to be priced under $500, positioning it as a direct rival to high-end Android smartphones. Bloomberg suggests that the iPhone SE 4 might include Apple Intelligence, a premium feature currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series.

    Bringing Apple Intelligence to a New Audience

    The iPhone SE 4 will be the first model in the SE lineup to include Apple Intelligence tools like Genmoji, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and even support for ChatGPT integration. This represents a significant advancement for the SE series, introducing features that are uncommon in the mid-range Android market.

    Enhanced Performance with New Chipset

    With the addition of Apple Intelligence, it is expected that the iPhone SE 4 will run on either the A17 Pro or A18 SoC, as these are the only processors capable of supporting the new features. The third processor option, the A18 Pro, is probably not going to be utilized in this SE model. The chipset is likely to be among the most notable enhancements in the iPhone SE 4, with rumors suggesting it will come with 8GB of RAM, a considerable upgrade from the iPhone SE (2022).

    Anticipated Features and Launch Insights

    As per Notebookcheck, Apple Stores are not quickly restocking the iPhone SE (2022), which hints at an upcoming launch for the next version. Although Apple may choose to forgo some advanced AI features to highlight its pricier models, the iPhone SE 4 is still expected to attract users from the Android world, especially given its rumored price tag of under $500.

    Camera and Design Expectations

    Previous leaks indicate that the iPhone SE 4 could sport a 48MP single rear camera, a significant improvement over the 12MP camera found on its predecessor. The front design is likely to feature a notch reminiscent of the iPhone 14. However, let’s be realistic: are you really expecting the Dynamic Island feature from Apple at a price point below $500? If that’s what you want, you might need to consider an Android option.

    iPhone SE4 Outshines Mid-Range Android Phones in Key Area
    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Stops AI News Summaries Due to Inaccuracies

    Apple Stops AI News Summaries Due to Inaccuracies

    Apple’s New AI Features Face Challenges

    Apple Intelligence was among the most anticipated features of the new iPhone 16 series, which starts at $829.99 at Best Buy. However, it seems this innovation has brought more trouble than excitement for Apple. Many of the Apple Intelligence features didn’t even debut with the new iPhones, and since the AI tech became accessible in late October last year, it’s been delivering some rather dubious results.

    Temporary Suspension of AI Summaries

    In light of these puzzling and often amusing outcomes, Apple has decided to pause the AI news summaries in the next iOS beta version. As reported by Engadget, the developer previews for iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3 show that notification summaries have been turned off.

    This update appears to only affect news organizations, completely taking away the option to enable summaries for news articles in the Settings menu. It’s uncertain how this change will impact social media, which has become a significant news source for many users.

    Ongoing Improvements to Apple Intelligence

    Apple has stated that Apple Intelligence is still in its beta phase, suggesting there are still issues to address. To help clarify things, Apple plans to introduce a notice in the notification summaries that will indicate when the text shown is a summary produced by Apple Intelligence. Moreover, moving forward, summaries generated by Apple Intelligence will be presented in italics for better understanding. Apple’s decision is somewhat intriguing, as social media examples show that people are not confused about the text’s origin. The real issue seems to be with the content produced by the AI being inaccurate or misleading.

    Samsung’s Upcoming Competitor

    Recent leaks have pointed out that the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series may introduce a similar AI-driven notification summary feature for Android. One of Apple’s key selling points for Apple Intelligence is that all processing happens securely on the device itself. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy AI has utilized both on-device and cloud processing, leaving it unclear whether the new Samsung feature will match Apple’s security or experience the same inaccuracies.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Intelligence Consumes Increasing Amounts of RAM

    Apple Intelligence Consumes Increasing Amounts of RAM

    Artificial intelligence is now deeply rooted in our daily lives, with many tech firms increasingly integrating AI features into their offerings. Known as Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI primarily operates on devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, the demand for RAM is rising more rapidly than Apple had originally expected.

    RAM Growth Concerns

    The company from California was aware that its local AI would eventually impact the RAM of its devices, but the speed of this increase took developers by surprise. At its launch in October, Apple Intelligence required 4 GB of RAM; it has since risen to 7 GB, as reflected in the latest system needs. If this trend continues (with a 3 GB increase over just two months), iPhones with limited RAM might soon find themselves in a tricky situation.

    Possible Solutions and Limitations

    In theory, one could address this issue by disabling certain features, but that option isn’t available right now. Users wanting to keep using Apple Intelligence will likely have to upgrade their smartphones at some point, which isn’t necessarily a bad idea considering older iPhones may not receive security updates anymore. Only highly demanding tasks are sent to Apple Secure Cloud servers, which are reputed to have robust security measures.

    New Features and Future Plans

    Interestingly, the increased storage needs have a silver lining: introducing new features and content has become easier. For instance, a new function called “Image Playground” was launched in December 2024, allowing users to create comic images, with the AI able to access their personal media library if they wish. New emojis can also be generated.

    While Apple’s AI for the iPhone isn’t yet available in the European Union, a workaround exists, though it only provides limited functions. In contrast, Macs have supported Apple Intelligence since version 15.1. The company has announced plans to fully roll out Apple Intelligence in the EU by April.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Tests Genmoji on Mac with 15.3 Developer Beta

    Apple Tests Genmoji on Mac with 15.3 Developer Beta

    Apple’s latest developer beta for macOS 15.3 brings Apple Intelligence to Mac users through its new artificial intelligence tools. One of the exciting features is the ability to create custom emojis, known as Genmoji, using simple text prompts.

    Creating Genmoji

    According to 9to5mac, users can generate a Genmoji by using the emoji picker located next to the text input area. After that, you can describe the emoji you wish to create. These Genmoji are created directly on your device. There’s also a separate app called Image Playground where users can make images from text requests.

    Customization and Sharing

    Genmoji can be personalized with fun accessories like hats and sunglasses. You can even use photos from your library to make them resemble people you know. Once created, these Genmoji stickers can be used in Messages, Notes, or Keynote presentations. They can also be shared as reactions via Tapback. Additionally, Genmoji sync through iCloud, ensuring they are accessible on all compatible devices.

    Other Updates

    While this beta version doesn’t include any significant visual changes or new features, it does come with various bug fixes and system improvements. Alongside the macOS 15.3 developer beta, Apple has also rolled out betas for iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and visionOS 2.3. More Apple Intelligence features are expected to be launched in 2025.

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,
  • iPhone SE 4 Launch Timeframe, Processor, and RAM Details Revealed

    iPhone SE 4 Launch Timeframe, Processor, and RAM Details Revealed

    While the excitement around the newly released iPhone 16 is still fresh, whispers about Apple’s next budget-friendly device, the iPhone SE 4, are growing louder.

    Launch Timeline for the iPhone SE 4

    Unlike the annual updates of flagship models, the SE series comes out less frequently. The current three models were launched in 2016, 2020, and 2022. A recent rumor hints that the iPhone SE 4 may hit the market in early 2025.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is a trusted source regarding Apple news, the company is preparing to unveil the iPhone SE “early next year.” He cites unnamed insiders who are knowledgeable about the project, confirming that the device is being referred to as “V59” and is aimed at taking on budget Android phones, particularly in the Chinese market.

    Design Changes Ahead

    The tech giant from Cupertinio is anticipated to introduce some significant changes in the design of the iPhone SE 4. Speculations indicate that Apple will finally retire the iPhone 8-style design, opting instead for something more akin to the iPhone 16.

    However, Mark Gurman suggests that the SE 4 might actually look more like the iPhone 14 instead of the iPhone 16. Even if this design isn’t the latest, it would still represent a considerable improvement over the aging iPhone 8 aesthetics.

    Features and Specifications

    There will no longer be a home button with bulky bezels on the front. But it’s important to mention that the phone will keep the notch and won’t feature Dynamic Island. Despite the somewhat older design, the iPhone SE 4 could potentially incorporate one of the standout features from the iPhone 16 series — Apple Intelligence.

    The good news is that this feature comes with specific hardware requirements, including a minimum of an A18 processor and 8GB of RAM. This means that the iPhone SE 4, by including Apple Intelligence, essentially confirms its chip and memory capabilities. This enhanced hardware will surely make the SE 4 a compelling option for users interested in experiencing Apple Intelligence, guaranteeing at least a modern processor and sufficient RAM.

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Cuts iPhone 16 Production: Is Low Demand the Reason?

    Apple Cuts iPhone 16 Production: Is Low Demand the Reason?

    In a note to investors shared by 9to5Mac, analysts from Barclays have disclosed that Apple has decided to cut the production of the iPhone 16 by three million units. These reductions were traced back to a significant semiconductor partner linked to iPhone orders, as revealed by supply chain evaluations.

    Lower Demand for iPhone 16

    The analysts from Barclays indicated that shipments of the iPhone 16 are projected to drop by 15% compared to last year. However, the performance in the previous quarter met expectations. According to the report, the September quarter is expected to see 51 million iPhone 16 units shipped, benefiting from two additional days of sales compared to the iPhone 15 models.

    Challenges Ahead in December

    Looking towards the December quarter, Apple faces more obstacles. The production reductions, along with a decline in demand, place the iPhone 16 shipments at a higher risk. Analysts speculate that this slowdown may be related to the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the new AI features from Apple, which are not yet fully implemented. This delay in rolling out Apple Intelligence could be a factor in the weaker demand. It’s noteworthy that the new models, particularly the Pro versions, do not show significant differences in design apart from the introduction of the new Capture button.

    Impact of Apple Intelligence on Demand

    The phased release of Apple Intelligence seems to play a crucial role in the dip in demand. Apple introduced iOS 18.1 Beta with Apple Intelligence for the iPhone 16 in mid-September, but the delay in presenting the complete set of features might have led to a less enthusiastic response from customers. Barclays analysts mentioned, “We think Sep-Q iPhone units are on track for 51M as the best case (consensus and Barclays both at 51M for Sep-Q estimate), assuming some channel fill in line or better vs. last year due to more selling days. We believe July and August sell-through has been flattish Y/Y.”

    Another concern for Apple is that the comprehensive Apple Intelligence features may not be widely available outside the U.S., which could influence global shipments. Additionally, the absence of significant design changes might also be contributing to the reduced demand. While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a new camera layout, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models maintain a striking resemblance to their previous versions.

    Tags: , ,
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max Manufacturing Cost is One-Third of Retail Price

    iPhone 16 Pro Max Manufacturing Cost is One-Third of Retail Price

    Market research firm TD Cowen has disclosed the total manufacturing expense (bill of materials) for the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max. This includes the costs of components, assembly, and packaging. Their findings indicate that the total manufacturing cost for the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max is $485, which is nearly one-third of its retail price.

    High Costs for Display and Cameras

    To provide some context, the manufacturing cost of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is $453, which is $32 (or 7%) less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. According to the analysis, the display and rear camera system are among the most costly components of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The rear camera system alone constitutes 16% of the overall manufacturing cost. Interestingly, the display panel and touchscreen have the same expense as the rear camera system.

    In contrast, the back camera setup of the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $70, representing 15% of its total manufacturing cost. This difference might stem from the fact that the 12MP ultrawide camera in the iPhone 15 Pro Max is cheaper than the 48MP camera in the latest model.iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $70

    Minor Increases in Component Costs

    Additionally, the new A18 Pro chip featured in the latest iPhone is only $5 more expensive than the A17 Pro chip used in its predecessor. Costs for memory and storage have also risen by $5 each. Other enhancements, like the larger battery, reportedly remain at the same cost of $15.

    Notably, the bill of materials for the standard iPhone 16 has risen to $416, up from $395 for the previous model. Apple has also set the price of the iPhone 16 at $100 higher on its US website compared to the iPhone 15.

    New Features and Current Limitations

    All models in the iPhone 16 series now feature a new Capture button, enhancing camera accessibility. Interestingly, the BOM analysis does not mention this newly introduced button, despite a prior report suggesting it could cost users up to $750 to replace. Currently, the main selling feature of the new devices—Apple Intelligence—is still in its beta phase.

    Tags: , ,