A fresh update for the Gentler Streak app on iOS is now ready for downloading. This wellness application assist users in monitoring their health, sleep, and exercise while emphasizing sustainable lifestyle habits. The app works seamlessly with Apple Health and, true to its name, encourages you to take rest days for better self-care. It has received positive feedback and was awarded the Apple Design Award 2024 for its Social Impact.
New Features in Version 5.0.5
The latest version, 5.0.5, introduces enhancements to the newly added sleep section that was introduced in version 5.0.0 about a month ago. Users can now monitor their sleep health, observing trends over a span of up to two weeks. The recent update allows you to record naps with the addition of an Unspecified sleep stage. This new category acts as a fifth type of sleep, alongside the already existing REM, Deep Sleep, Core, and Awake stages. This effectively means that the time you spend napping or dozing off now contributes towards your sleep target and is included in your sleep analysis.
Subscription Details and Compatibility
It’s important to highlight that while Gentler Streak can be downloaded for free, accessing more advanced features requires a Gentler Streak Premium subscription. For instance, while all users can receive daily sleep analysis and insights, only those with a Premium subscription can access the previous night’s data and Sleep-Overview charts. A monthly subscription costs $7.99/£7.99/€7.99. The app is compatible with a range of devices, including various models of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 46mm, which is currently available for $359 on Amazon.
The Apple Watch Series 10 features a case that is a bit larger and thinner compared to the Series 9. Nevertheless, the modifications in design and functionalities are rather minor, and the overall construction of the smartwatch remains almost the same as its earlier version.
Inside the Smartwatch
To access the internal components of the smartwatch, one must first remove the display from the case. The screen is secured using a substantial amount of adhesive. Once you take off the display, it becomes impossible to put it back on; the display cable is arranged in a manner that requires almost complete disassembly of the smartwatch to swap the screen out.
Battery and Other Components
Fortunately, the battery and the Taptic Engine can be swapped out fairly easily once the case is opened. However, the mainboard, which includes the processor, RAM, and storage, must be replaced as a single unit, similar to the glass back and all sensors present in the smartwatch. It’s almost funny how little has changed between the teardown of the Apple Watch Series 10 and the first-generation model: even after ten years, Apple has made only slight adjustments to the smartwatch’s design.
Repair Rating
iFixit has rated the Apple Watch Series 10 with a repair score of 3 out of 10, indicating that the design modifications for easier repairs are significantly overdue. Apple itself provides a battery replacement service priced at $99. For any other type of damage, Apple suggests a complete replacement, which can range from $299 to $399 depending on the model.
Apple hosted its anticipated fall event today, where the tech giant from Cupertino introduced the iPhone 16 series and the Watch Series 10. Additionally, Apple unveiled the AirPods 4, marking a significant update from the AirPods 3 launched in 2021. This new release includes two models: an entry-level version and a standard option.
Two Models of Apple AirPods 4
The AirPods 4 maintain the previous models’ design, featuring a semi-in-ear stem and silicone ear tips. Apple claims the newest earphones offer an improved fit for most users. They are also IPX4-rated for water resistance. Users can still perform various functions by tapping the earbud stems, and there’s a new feature allowing users to nod or shake their heads to interact with Siri and handle calls.
Regarding audio, the AirPods 4 boast Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for a more immersive sound experience. The budget model lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), while the premium version includes it, previously only available in AirPods Pro. The earbuds feature a Conversational mode that decreases volume during conversations. The ANC variant also offers transparency mode and adaptive audio, providing more options based on user preferences and budget. Both models are powered by an H2 chipset, enhancing battery life, personalizing the listening experience, and enabling faster pairing.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The AirPods 4 offer up to 30 hours of battery life, including the storage case, which supports wireless charging. With this update, Apple has fully transitioned to USB-C ports across all its devices. The earbuds themselves deliver about 6.5 hours of usage.
The AirPods 4 pair includes features such as Find My, a redesigned case with a built-in speaker, seamless audio switching, and more.
Pricing and Availability
The entry-level AirPods 4 model is priced at $129, while the mid-tier version costs $179, matching the AirPods 3’s pricing. Pre-orders begin today, with sales starting on September 20.
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, which boasts a fresh design, a bigger screen, and several innovative health and fitness functionalities.
Thinnest Design Yet
The Series 10 is about 10% slimmer than its predecessors, yet it maintains an 18-hour battery life. This sleekness is achieved by integrating the antenna into the watch’s body. The watch is available in aluminum and titanium, with various colors and finishes, such as jet-black aluminum and polished titanium.
Larger Display and Enhanced Refresh
The Series 10 features the largest display seen in any Apple Watch, with a 30% increase in screen area. Its wide-angle OLED technology ensures it is 40% brighter when viewed from an angle, and the improved refresh rate allows some watch faces to display a continuously moving second hand.
Faster Charging
Thanks to an updated back design, the Series 10 charges more swiftly. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to eight hours of use, while 30 minutes charges it to 80%.
Sleep Apnea Monitoring
Beyond sleep tracking, the Series 10 can now detect sleep apnea signs by monitoring wrist movements associated with breathing interruptions. This capability is expected to receive regulatory approval soon.
Water Activity Features
For aquatic enthusiasts, the Series 10 includes a depth gauge that measures up to 6 meters and a water temperature sensor. The Depth app provides details like current depth, water temperature, time underwater, and maximum depth. Additionally, watchOS 11 introduces a Tides app for open water activities.
Enhanced Audio and Call Quality
The Series 10 enables users to listen to audio through its built-in speakers, accommodating Apple Music, Podcasts, and third-party apps. A voice isolation feature also reduces background noise during calls.
Fresh Finishes
For the first time, the Apple Watch is offered in a polished aluminum finish, including a glossy jet-black option. A polished titanium finish replaces stainless steel in some models, providing a lighter and more reflective appearance. Both aluminum and titanium models are offered in various colors.
watchOS 11
Running on watchOS 11, the Series 10 introduces new features like the Vitals app, training load insights, customizable Activity rings, and an enhanced Smart Stack.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 10 is priced starting at $399. It is now available for pre-order, with in-store availability beginning on September 20. New watch bands can also be ordered.
Apple has officially set a launch date for the iPhone 16, with an event scheduled for September 9. This eagerly anticipated event is likely to showcase the company’s latest smartphones, rumored to feature significant enhancements both internally and externally, such as improved cameras and a new design.
The theme for this event, “It’s Glowtime,” suggests a focus on AI capabilities that these devices will offer through Apple Intelligence. The invitation design features Apple’s logo surrounded by colors reminiscent of Siri, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence.
iPhone 16 Series
The centerpiece of Apple’s event will undoubtedly be the iPhone lineup, specifically the iPhone 16 models. Apple is anticipated to unveil four new models, starting with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. These models will sport a slightly updated design compared to the iPhone 15 series, maintaining the shape with matte-finished rear glass and flat frames, but adopting a vertical camera module design similar to the iPhone X.
The iPhone 16 series may feature an A18 chip, capable of supporting the AI functionalities introduced with iOS 18.1. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will debut with minimal design changes except for slimmer front bezels, allowing for larger 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays. These models will likely be powered by a more robust A18 Pro chip.
All iPhone 16 models will include Action Button support, a customizable shortcut button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. A Capture Button focused on camera functions is also anticipated in the new series.
New Apple Watch Series 10
Accompanying the iPhone launch, the new Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to be revealed. Known for debuting alongside new iPhones, this series might arrive with a sleeker design and thinner front bezels. A potential new 49mm size could be unveiled, aligning with the Apple Watch Ultra’s dimensions.
As the Apple Watch celebrates its 10th anniversary, there are speculations of a special edition, possibly an Apple Watch X with a unique design. However, it’s uncertain if this will be introduced now or in 2025. Meanwhile, an Apple Watch SE with a plastic case instead of aluminum could be announced, offering a more affordable option.
AirPods 4
The event on September 9 is also likely to spotlight the AirPods. Apple is expected to present new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 models (non-Pro) to maintain its competitive edge in the wireless headphone market.
One variant is expected to mirror the features of the third-generation AirPods, while another could include active noise cancellation, albeit with slightly lesser capabilities than the AirPods Pro, making it available at a lower price point. A refresh of the AirPods Max may also be on the horizon, featuring updates like a USB-C port, Bluetooth 5.3, an H2 chip, and new color options.
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s emphasis on AI, which was a highlight at WWDC, is expected to continue at the September event with Apple Intelligence features tailored for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. These features are anticipated to play a crucial role in the new devices, providing capabilities that were not showcased at the earlier WWDC event.
iOS 18 and Other Software Updates
Following the event, Apple will roll out iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2 build candidates to developers for final beta testing. These updates, which will become available when devices launch by September 20, will include all the features announced earlier this year, particularly those highlighted at the WWDC event.
How to Watch
Apple will broadcast the event live on the Apple Events website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. An event is already scheduled on Apple’s YouTube channel, allowing users to set a notification reminder before the stream begins.
Apple’s annual Fall event is a few months away, and as expected, we anticipate the launch of the next-generation iPhones and Apple Watch. This year is particularly special as it marks the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, which is rumored to include a special edition called Watch X. Previous reports indicate that the Cupertino-based tech giant may introduce significant changes to the Watch Series 10, including a thinner design and larger display. Now, new CAD-based renders provide a first look at what this year’s Watch Series 10 might look like. It’s important to note that there’s still some ambiguity between Watch Series 10 and Watch X.
Apple Watch Series 10 Leaked CAD-based Renders
According to the leaked renders, the Apple Watch Series 10 will maintain a design similar to its predecessors. It will feature a square dial with a rotating crown on the top right side and a physical button located just below it.
Design and Display Changes
The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to come with a larger display, reportedly featuring a 2-inch screen, which is a notable upgrade from the 1.7-inch display on the Watch Series 9. For comparison, the Watch Ultra 2 has a 1.93-inch screen. This means the upcoming model will boast the largest screen on an Apple Watch to date. The increased screen size will also result in larger overall dimensions. The smartwatch is expected to measure 46 x 39.7 x 11.6mm, making it bigger than the Watch Series 9 but smaller than the Watch Ultra, essentially placing it between the two models.
Clarifying the Confusion
Regarding the confusion between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch X, the CAD-based renders do not show any significant redesign for the former. Thus, it could be a minor update with the Watch X potentially emerging as the special anniversary model. Earlier reports suggested that the Watch X might feature a magnetic band attachment system, which is not evident in the newly leaked renders.
Apple Watch users hoping for an upgrade should take heart, as reports from supply chain sources indicate the upcoming Series 10 is set to offer significant increases in battery life thanks to new display technology.
Current Apple Watch models use limited LTPO technology; other areas rely on less efficient systems. Korean tech publication The Elec has reported that Series 10 may introduce an upgraded OLED display featuring low-temperature polycrystalline oxide thin film transistor (LTPO TFT), potentially improving efficiency across its entirety.
Enhance Display Technology
Apple Watch Series 10’s key highlight will likely be its use of LTPO technology, transitioning away from LTPS transistors and towards oxide in their driver transistors, to improve battery life significantly and extend usage per charge cycle through OLED displays employing oxide for reduced leakage current and extended battery life. This move signals an incremental move away from display-pixel connected transistors made out of oxide; which should improve battery life significantly over LTPS OLED displays with increased leakage current leakage current and more prolonged usage on each charge cycle.
Balancing Efficiency with New Features
Apple Watch Series 10 might feature improved display technology that promises longer battery life, however new features in it might offset these efficiency gains. Still, fans of wearable devices such as Apple Watch will no doubt welcome news that an extended-lasting model might emerge and would surely excite those eager for advancements such as better battery performance.
