Tag: Apple

August 18, 2025
Apple May Skip iPhone 18 Launch in 2026, Rumors Suggest
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in September 2025.
2. The current Plus model may be replaced with a new Air version in the lineup.
3. There will likely be no standard iPhone 18 released in 2026.
4. An entry-level iPhone 17e is set to launch in spring 2026.
5. The new lineup for 2026 may include a Pro, Pro Max, Air, and a foldable phone.
Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, and recent reports indicate some significant changes in the line-up. The current Plus model will probably be substituted with a new Air version, and looking ahead to 2026, another report suggests that there won’t be a standard iPhone 18.
New Lineup Details
This information comes from ETNews, which cites sources within the industry. The Korean news outlet mentions that Apple is not intending to launch a standard iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, the proposed line-up for 2026 is expected to include the Air, Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable phone, marking a first for the company.
The Entry-Level Model
Instead of a standard iPhone 18, the company is anticipated to introduce the iPhone 17e in spring 2026, which will serve as the entry-level model for that year. Furthermore, ETNews claims that the basic iPhone 18 will debut alongside the 18e in spring 2027, with newer foldable and high-end models to follow later.
It’s important to note that this isn’t the first instance of the base iPhone 18 being reported as absent from the 2026 launch, as earlier rumors from various sources have indicated similar outcomes. This reshaped launch timeline seems to be aimed at enhancing the sales of Pro models, and it is thought to be a strategic decision to boost overall iPhone sales during the first half of the year.
Confusion Ahead?
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether or not these strategies, if Apple truly intends to implement them, will create confusion among consumers in 2026 and in subsequent years.
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Tags: Apple, iPhone 17, iPhone 18
August 17, 2025
Apple’s Future iPhone: Samsung’s New Camera Sensor Technology
Key Takeaways
1. Apple plans to increase domestic manufacturing of iPhone components, including protective glass and camera sensors, primarily in Texas.
2. Samsung has developed a new hybrid shutter technology for camera sensors that combines rolling and global shutter features to improve image quality.
3. The hybrid shutter technology aims to reduce common issues like blurriness and noise in fast-moving scenes.
4. Apple’s potential shift to using Samsung’s camera sensors may end its long-standing partnership with Sony, although confirmation of this technology’s use is still pending.
5. The integration of Samsung’s new sensors into iPhones is unlikely before 2027, with the anniversary model possibly being the first to feature this technology.
Apple has been quite transparent about its plans for the iPhone lately. Although the idea of fully manufacturing an iPhone in the USA seems far-fetched, a growing number of components will be produced domestically. For instance, protective glass for the iPhone and Apple Watch, along with new camera sensors, will be made by Samsung in a facility located in Austin, Texas. A captivating background article on this topic was recently released by the South Korean trade publication Hankyung and later translated in detail by @Jukanlosreve on X. This report is based on a presentation given by Samsung at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) in February 2025, which can be accessed publicly on Researchgate.
Technological Motives Behind Changes
While the changes may have been sparked by US President Donald Trump’s policies, the officially confirmed use of Samsung’s camera sensors, featuring “innovative new technology that the world has never seen before,” appears to stem from a purely technological interest, known as the hybrid shutter. This new Samsung innovation merges the benefits of both rolling shutter and global shutter technologies within a single image sensor, aiming to address their respective limitations.
Understanding Shutter Technologies
For more information on how these two shutter technologies function in camera sensors, you can check out Merwansky, for instance. Here’s a quick overview: The “rolling shutter” can lead to blurriness, a jello effect, or flickering in videos when fast-moving subjects are in frame. On the other hand, the theoretically superior “global shutter” is more complicated, uses more energy, and can result in unnatural images with noise. The hybrid shutter technology that Samsung is currently developing consists of three layers for the first time. The top layer has the photodiodes and rolling shutter parts, the middle layer consists of transistors and capacitors for the global shutter, while the bottom layer contains the logic semiconductor that combines the ADC and an image signal processor (ISP) for image correction.
Innovative Solutions to Image Distortion
By default, the sensor’s 1.2-micron 50-MP pixels work separately in rolling shutter mode. However, if the smartphone’s chipset identifies a scene that may cause issues, like a spinning fan, it switches to global shutter mode. This involves a type of pixel binning mode where four pixels group together to simplify the global shutter mode. According to Samsung’s findings, this approach produces remarkable results, cutting noise by over half and preventing issues usually associated with rolling shutter mode.
Apple seems to have been quite impressed by Samsung’s presentation of the new sensor technology in February, leading to a possible end or at least a reduction in its long-standing exclusive partnership with Sony. While Apple has confirmed its intention to use “innovative new technology” for its camera sensors, it remains uncertain if this will actually be the hybrid shutter technology highlighted in Samsung’s presentation.
Future Prospects for iPhones
It remains unclear when the new Samsung sensors will be integrated into Apple’s iPhones. The report suggests that this will likely not happen before 2027, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro, anticipated for 2026, will not feature them. As 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the very first iPhone, the rumored anniversary model, possibly named iPhone 20 Pro or iPhone XX and said to be made entirely of glass, might be the first to utilize this camera technology.
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Tags: Apple, Hybrid Shutter, Samsung
August 12, 2025
“Privacy Risks of Smartwatches and Wearables: Data Gaps Explained”
Key Takeaways
1. Modern wearables collect sensitive personal information, raising significant privacy concerns.
2. A study assessed 17 wearable brands based on 24 privacy criteria, revealing many have confusing policies and insufficient protection against data leaks.
3. The “Privacy Risk Score” ranges from 33 (lowest risk) to 60 (highest risk), indicating varying levels of data protection among brands.
4. Leading brands like Google and Apple score well for clear policies and strong security, while brands like Huawei and Xiaomi show major privacy shortcomings.
5. Consumers should prioritize data protection when choosing wearables and regularly check how their data is managed.
Modern wearables gather various types of personal information, like sleep habits, heart rate, physical activity, and menstrual cycle data. While this information can enhance health tracking, it also brings up significant privacy issues.
Privacy Assessment of Wearable Brands
A research published in npj Digital Medicine assessed 17 popular wearable brands including Apple, Google, Fitbit, Huawei, and Xiaomi, evaluating them against 24 specific criteria. These criteria include how transparent the privacy policies are, how much control users have, and how companies respond to security breaches. The findings indicate that many brands have confusing privacy policies and often lack clear details on data sharing practices. Additionally, the methods to protect against data leaks are generally insufficient, and users have few chances to manage or delete their data.
Risk Scores for Data Protection
The evaluation assigned a “Privacy Risk Score” to the 17 wearable brands, with scores ranging from 33 (indicating the lowest risk) to 60 (indicating the highest risk).
Leading the pack in terms of data protection are Google (33), Apple (35), Oura (38), Polar (38), Withings (39), and Garmin (41). These brands are noted for their clear policies, transparent controls over data, and solid security measures. Users of these brands can feel confident about the safeguarding of their personal information.
In the middle tier, brands like Fitbit (43), Ultrahuman (44), Samsung (47), Fossil (48), Coros (50), Whoop (50), Wahoo (52), and Suunto (53) are seen to have medium risks regarding data protection. While these companies have some measures in place, they often fall short on transparency and user control. It is advisable for users to carefully scrutinize the specific data protection policies of these brands.
Concerns for Bottom-Ranked Brands
On the lower end, Huawei (58), Wyze (60), and Xiaomi (60) show considerable shortcomings in data protection. Despite being significant players in the market, these brands lack clarity about data collection, provide limited user control options, and have inadequate protection systems. The study highlights a high data protection risk associated with these companies, urging users to be especially cautious and thoroughly assess their own data protection choices.
The research emphasizes that when selecting a wearable device, data protection should be as crucial as features and pricing. Consumers are encouraged to routinely verify how their data is handled and what rights they possess, as this is essential for making informed choices about how to safeguard their privacy.
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Tags: Apple, google, Wearable Privacy, Xiaomi
August 12, 2025
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Air Size Comparison: Leaked Dimensions
Key Takeaways
1. The iPhone 17 series will be revealed on September 9, replacing the iPhone 16 Plus with the new iPhone 17 Air.
2. The iPhone 17 Air will be about 30% thinner than the iPhone 16 Plus, measuring approximately 0.22 inches in thickness and featuring a 6.6-inch screen.
3. The iPhone 17 series will have four variants, with the base model slightly smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro.
4. A photo shows the size differences among the four iPhone 17 models, with the iPhone 17 Air positioned between the Pro models.
5. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature a new antenna design located around a larger camera module for improved reception and signal strength.
The Apple iPhone 17 series is set to be formally revealed on Tuesday, September 9. In comparison to the iPhone 16 series, one model will be entirely replaced. The iPhone 16 Plus is not expected to have a direct successor. Instead, Apple plans to launch the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.
Design Changes
With a thickness of about 0.22 inches, this model may be nearly 30 percent thinner than the iPhone 16 Plus. Additionally, it sports a screen size of 6.6 inches, making it slightly more compact than the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus. The screen dimensions for the other models appear to stay the same, meaning the iPhone 17 series should offer four different variants:
Size Comparisons
A photo shared by MajinBuOfficial supposedly displays screen protectors for all four iPhone 17 models lined up together, showing the size differences of Apple’s new phones. For example, the image shows that the iPhone 17 Air is positioned almost precisely between the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in terms of size, while the base model is just a bit smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro. Nonetheless, the base version is probably going to have slightly thicker bezels around the screen.
New Antenna Design
Furthermore, the leaker suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will come with a completely new antenna layout. Rather than embedding the antennas for the 5G modem and WiFi 7 chip into the metal casing, they are located around the notably larger camera module. This change could enhance reception and signal strength, particularly since users are less likely to obstruct the antennas with their hands.
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Tags: Apple, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air
August 11, 2025
Affordable Apple MacBook leaks: $599 price, mobile SoC, compact size
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is developing a budget-friendly MacBook priced between $599 and $699, significantly lower than the MacBook Air starting at $999.
2. The new MacBook is expected to run on an A18 Pro chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro models.
3. A 12.9-inch display is anticipated for this affordable MacBook, following predictions from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
4. Mass production of components is projected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with a possible release in late 2025 or early 2026.
5. The introduction of this budget MacBook may be a strategy to counteract rising prices due to inflation and provide more affordable options for consumers.
Apple is reportedly gearing up for an interesting update to the M5 MacBook that might delight its fans. Rumors suggest that the tech giant is working on a budget-friendly MacBook to complement its standard MacBook Air and Pro models. This particular version might run on a mobile System on Chip (SoC).
Affordable Options Coming Soon
Digitimes has confirmed the development of this new budget MacBook and has shared several details. The new “ultra-low-cost” MacBook could be priced between $599 and $699, which is significantly lower than the starting price of $999 for the 13.6-inch MacBook Air M4 (available on Amazon).
How Apple Is Lowering Prices
So, how is Apple managing to offer such a lower price? It appears to be utilizing a mobile SoC.
In line with earlier reports, Digitimes states that this affordable MacBook will be equipped with an A18 Pro chip. This is the same chip that powers the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, Apple is expected to use a 12.9-inch display for this budget-friendly MacBook, aligning with Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions made in June.
Production Timeline and Market Strategy
Digitimes notes that mass production of components for this new MacBook could begin in the third quarter of 2025, which might lead to a release in late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline is consistent with what Ming-Chi Kuo has stated; he also mentioned that production for the affordable MacBook could kick off around the same period.
So, what’s driving Apple to alter its successful MacBook Air and MacBook Pro strategy? According to Digitimes’ Senior Analyst Jim Hsiao, introducing a MacBook priced at $599-$699 could be a strategy to counterbalance the rising prices of the MacBook Air due to inflation. This could imply that Apple might raise the price of the base MacBook Air M5, prompting them to create a budget option for those who can’t afford the potential $1,000 price tag of the regular MacBook Air.
Conclusion: A Positive Shift for Consumers
Regardless of the final outcome, it’s thrilling to hear that Apple is finally looking to reduce MacBook prices. This is an area where Apple has been lacking, as the company doesn’t currently offer a comprehensive MacBook in the $500-$700 range.
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Tags: A18 Pro, Apple, MacBook
August 8, 2025
Apple’s Small Acquisitions Could Boost Private AI in Future Devices
Key Takeaways
1. Apple has acquired around seven small companies in 2025 to enhance its technology strategy.
2. Increased spending on data centers and Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system aligns with the company’s focus on artificial intelligence.
3. The Neural Engine, crucial for AI tasks on Apple devices, could be improved through technology from recent acquisitions.
4. Past acquisitions, like PrimeSense and AuthenTec, have significantly contributed to Apple’s hardware innovations such as Face ID and Touch ID.
5. The combination of strategic acquisitions and AI investment suggests Apple may soon introduce advanced on-device AI features in new hardware.
During the earnings call for Q3 2025 held on August 4, CEO Tim Cook shared that Apple has bought approximately seven small companies this year. He explained that these acquisitions are focused on enhancing the company’s technology strategy. “We are very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap… the ones that we have acquired thus far this year are small in nature,” he noted to analysts, according to a transcript from Six Colors.
Investment in AI Infrastructure
Although Apple has not revealed the names of the companies or the technologies they contribute, CFO Kevan Parekh mentioned during the Q3 2025 earnings call that spending on data centers and Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system is on the rise. Both of these investments align with the company’s artificial intelligence plans. Together with targeted acquisitions, this demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the Neural Engine that is fundamental to Apple Silicon.
Enhancements to the Neural Engine
The Neural Engine is already responsible for AI tasks on Apple devices, including image enhancement, live translation, and updates to Siri. Integrating specialized technology from smaller purchases could enhance processing speeds, lessen power use, and boost privacy by minimizing dependence on remote servers.
Past Acquisition Strategies
This isn’t the first time Apple has taken a similar path. The acquisition of PrimeSense in 2013 played a vital role in the development of Face ID, while the 2012 purchase of AuthenTec brought the fingerprint recognition technology for Touch ID. In both situations, the hardware updates were only noticeable when they appeared in new features. The mix of strategic acquisitions and a growing investment in AI infrastructure implies that Apple might be preparing to introduce more sophisticated on-device AI functionalities in upcoming hardware.
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Tags: Apple, M&A, Neural Engine
August 8, 2025
Xiaomi Surpasses Apple: Changes in the Smartphone Market
Key Takeaways
1. The smartphone market is primarily dominated by two operating systems: iOS and Android.
2. Xiaomi surpassed Apple in smartphone shipments in Q2 2025, holding a 23% market share in Europe.
3. Apple has a unit share of 21% but experienced a 4% decline in sales.
4. Samsung remains the market leader with a 31% share, despite a 10% drop in annual growth.
5. Realme is showing strong growth potential, with a 5% annual increase, while Lenovo’s share declined by 18%.
The smartphone sector is not very divided when it comes to the operating systems available. There are essentially just two main mobile platforms: iOS and Android. Apple’s iOS is only found on its own devices, while Android and its variations are the go-to choice for most other manufacturers. Recent information from Canalys and Omdia shows that Android remains the leader in the European smartphone landscape, and there’s been a significant change in the rankings of top smartphone producers.
Xiaomi’s Surge
Notably, Xiaomi has surpassed Apple in the second quarter of 2025 regarding the number of shipments. It’s important to mention, however, that sales numbers don’t completely indicate market share (like user base), which is affected not only by total sales but also by how long users typically keep their phones.
Market Share Analysis
The study indicates that Xiaomi phones made up 23% of all smartphones sold in Europe during the second quarter of 2025, reflecting an annual increase of 11%. Apple is close behind with a unit share of 21%, although its sales decreased by 4%. Meanwhile, Samsung remains the top player in the market, capturing 31% of smartphone sales in Europe, despite experiencing a 10% drop in annual growth. Following them are Lenovo and Realme, with shares of 5% and 4%, respectively. However, Realme has shown promise to surpass Lenovo, achieving an annual growth of 5%, while Lenovo faced an 18% decline during the same timeframe.
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Tags: Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi
August 7, 2025
iPhone 17 Pro Could Be Cheaper Than iPhone 16 Pro Despite Price Hike
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is likely to increase prices for certain iPhone 17 models, attributing the rise to improvements rather than tariffs.
2. The iPhone 17 series will introduce a base model, an iPhone 17 Air, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, removing the Plus model.
3. The iPhone 17 Pro may start with 256 GB of storage, which could justify a price increase of $50, making it $50 less than the 256 GB iPhone 16 Pro.
4. Most iPhone 17 models are expected to see a $50 price increase, except for the base iPhone 17, with the Air starting at $949 and the Pro Max at $1,249.
5. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to feature camera improvements and will be available in new colors, with a potential announcement date of September 9.
Apple is poised to raise the prices of certain iPhone 17 models. Although the company probably won’t mention tariffs as the cause for this increase, they will likely attribute it to enhancements made to the new devices. A recent leak indicates that the price hike might be warranted, particularly for the Pro version. The 17 series will see the removal of the Plus model, introducing a base iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Air, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Details on Pricing and Storage
The newest insights originate from Setsuna Digital (translated by a machine) through Weibo. The source claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will start with 256 GB of storage instead of the usual 128 GB. This implies that if the base iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be $1,049, factoring in the recent speculation of a $50 price increase, it will still be $50 less than the 256 GB variant of the iPhone 16 Pro. Presently, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for the 128 GB version, with the 256 GB variant priced at $1,099.
Implications of Storage Changes
Should Apple choose to boost the base storage option for the iPhone 17 Pro to 256 GB, the anticipated price increase might not be as burdensome for those eager to upgrade. Nevertheless, almost every model is projected to see a price rise of $50, with the exception of the base iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to begin at $949, while the iPhone 17 Pro is expected at $1,049, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,249.
Upcoming Features and Colors
The iPhone 17 Pro, along with the rest of the range, has been the subject of numerous leaks over the last few months. It is anticipated to feature some camera enhancements like continuous zoom and a new Pro camera application. Additionally, the phone is rumored to be available in fresh color options: orange (Pantone Papaya), dark blue (Pantone Mood Indigo), and dark gray.
Although Apple hasn’t officially announced the release date for the iPhone 17 series, a recent report suggested that the devices will be revealed on September 9. Interestingly, the iPhone 16 series was launched on the same day last year.
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Tags: Apple, iPhone 17 Pro, Price Increase
August 7, 2025
Apple iPhone 18: Samsung Camera Sensors Amid Trump Tariffs
Key Takeaways
1. President Trump announced a future 100% tariff on chip imports, prompting Apple to adapt its supply chain.
2. Apple will produce all glass covers for iPhones and Apple Watches in the United States to seek tariff exemptions.
3. Samsung will manufacture camera sensors in Texas for the upcoming iPhone 18, marking a shift from Sony as Apple’s supplier.
4. The new camera sensors will feature advanced stacked image technology and will be used in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro.
5. Apple plans a $600 billion investment to relocate parts of its supply chain to the US, although advanced components like displays and processors will still be sourced elsewhere.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared that a 100% tariff would be imposed on chip imports in the future. To get an exemption from this, Apple has announced that all glass covers for iPhones and Apple Watches sold globally will be produced in the United States. As reported by the Financial Times, Apple is also set to use camera sensors made in the US by Samsung Semiconductor, beginning with the iPhone 18.
Samsung’s Innovations
Samsung’s factory located in Texas will use cutting-edge chip manufacturing technology, though Apple hasn’t shared any detailed information yet. According to the Financial Times, Samsung is expected to produce stacked image sensors featuring three layers. These sensors will make their first appearance in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro. This marks a significant change, as it will be the first time Apple will not use camera sensors from Sony, which were previously made at a TSMC facility in Japan.
Investment in Local Manufacturing
These new camera sensors are part of a larger strategy involving a $600 billion investment to shift parts of the iPhone supply chain back to the US, aiming to dodge tariffs set by the Trump administration. Apple stresses that components produced in the US will be utilized in iPhones sold all over the world. However, it’s important to note that there are no current plans to manufacture some of the more advanced and costly components of an iPhone, like the display or the processor, within the US.
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Tags: Apple, iPhone 18, Samsung
August 6, 2025
Japan Orders Apple to Lift iOS Browser Restrictions by 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Japan’s digital market competition body has mandated Apple and Google to create an open ecosystem under the Smartphone Act.
2. Apple must remove restrictions on browser engines for iOS by December 2025, allowing browsers like Firefox and Chrome to use their own engines.
3. Apple’s current policy requires the use of its WebKit engine for iOS, which it defends by citing security and performance concerns.
4. New regulations prohibit unreasonable technical barriers and financial burdens on alternative browser engines and require the removal of outright bans.
5. The Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) will require Apple to provide choice screens for browsers post-activation, starting in December 2025.
Japan’s digital market competition body has released its final findings on the assessment of browsers and web applications. The broad legislation under the country’s Smartphone Act compels companies like Apple and Google to create an open ecosystem. This could spell trouble for Apple’s longstanding limitations regarding browser engines on iOS.
Deadline for Apple
As noted by Open Web Advocacy, a nonprofit group that provided input on the report, Apple has until December 2025 to lift all restrictions on browser engines for iOS. This change would allow browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Opera to operate using their own engines.
Apple’s Policy on Browser Engines
Currently, Apple’s browser engine policy requires the use of its own WebKit engine for iOS, which powers Safari. Apple has historically justified this restriction with claims about security and privacy concerns. They argue that WebKit is specifically optimized for iOS, offering a secure user experience, while alternative engines could lead to fragmentation and a poorer performance.
Interestingly, the lack of browser competition on iOS means that Safari, Apple’s own browser, brings in considerable revenue for the company. Advocates for an open web have criticized Apple’s de facto ban, stating that these policies limit user choices and stifle the growth of secure alternatives. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to lift some of these restrictions.
Japan’s Smartphone Act Regulations
The new rules clarify that vendors cannot create unreasonable technical barriers for alternative browser engines while allowing them to adopt these engines. Additionally, it prohibits placing financial burdens on app providers. Vendors are also required to remove any outright bans that could restrict competition within their platforms.
The Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) obligates vendors to provide choice screens for browsers and other software. Apple will need to show these screens “promptly after first activation.” Set to take effect in December 2025, the MSCA will press Apple to open its ecosystem to third-party browser engines.
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Tags: Apple, Smartphone Act, WebKit