Tag: Apple

  • Buy iPhone 18 Pro at $1,399: Analysts Predict Price Hike

    Buy iPhone 18 Pro at $1,399: Analysts Predict Price Hike

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed future price increases for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, citing rising DRAM and NAND costs.
    – TechInsights estimates the cheapest iPhone 18 Pro will cost between $1,299 and $1,399, up from the iPhone 17 Pro’s $1,099.
    – The estimate assumes Apple maintains a 47% gross margin, resulting in a $1,371 retail price excluding expensive camera hardware.
    – DigiTimes suggests the base iPhone 18 model may launch in spring 2027 at the same price, implying Apple might accept a smaller margin on some models.

    iPhones, iPads, and Macs Are Getting Costlier, Confirms Tim Cook

    Apple-CEO Tim Cook has recently affirmed that iPhones, iPads, and Macs will becom more expensive in the future, a move Apple pins on rising DRAM and NAND costs. But interestingly, Apple continues to charge memory and SSD prices that are far above market rates, raising eyebrows. While Tim Cook hasnt yet given specifics on how severe these hikes will be, the Wall Street Journal shared an estimate from TechInsights analysts that is based on internal analysis and price trends. These numbers paint a clear picture of what is coming for consumers.

    TechInsights Predicts Big Price Jump for iPhone 18 Pro

    According to this estimate, the cheapest Apple iPhone 18 Pro is expected to set you back between $1,299 and $1,399, with the upper end of this range being more likely. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro with 256 GB of storage now costs $1,099 in the U.S. If this forecast is accurate, models with more storage, along with the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the rumored iPhone Ultra, will likely be even pricier. It’s a steep climb from where we are now, and many will feel the pinch.

    How Apple Might Keep Their Margins High

    According to TechInsights, their estimate is based on the idea that Apple still aims to keep a gross margin of 47 percent. Given the increased production costs, this formula would result in a retail price of $1,371 – and that’s not even including the significantly more expensive camera hardware. Surprisingly, DigiTimes assumes the base model of the iPhone 18 series will launch in spring of 2027 at the same price, meaning Apple may have to accept a smaller margin on select models to stay competitive. The Wall Street Journal also covered these findings.

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  • Even before price hikes: How overpriced Apple’s RAM and SSD are

    Even before price hikes: How overpriced Apple’s RAM and SSD are

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple confirmed unavoidable price hikes due to the DRAM crisis.
    – Apple can absorb the cost increases thanks to historically high profit margins on RAM and SSDs.
    – Apple charges roughly double for RAM and triple for SSDs compared to open-market prices.
    – Price increases are primarily to protect profit margins, not to cover costs.

    Apple-CEO Tim Cook has officially confirmed

    That price increases due to the DRAM crisis would be “unavoidable,” after the costs of RAM and NAND flash memory have risen dramatically since last October. Yet Apple would be well-equipped to weather crises thanks to its formerly extremely high profit margins on RAM and SSDs.

    Comparison of Apple’s current RAM and SSD prices

    As a comparison of Apple’s current RAM and SSD prices with those of brand-name products on the open market shows, a price increase would by no means be necessary to cover costs, meaning that Apple would primarily be using higher prices to protect its profit margins. Since M.2 SSDs and RAM on SO-DIMMs are not technically identical to Apple’s soldered chips, this comparison serves only as a rough guide to contrast current DRAM and NAND prices with the upgrade costs in the Apple Store.

    Apple still charges roughly twice as much

    As the comparison shows, Apple still charges roughly twice as much for most RAM upgrades as one would pay on the open market. The difference is even more striking when it comes to flash storage. While a 4 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD from a brand-name manufacturer currently costs around $459, Apple charges $1,200.

    Apple has not yet confirmed

    Apple has not yet confirmed how much the planned price increases will be. What is certain, however, is that Apple is achieving very high profit margins on RAM and SSD upgrades even without price increases, despite the DRAM crisis.

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  • Tim Cook Confirms Apple Price Hikes Due to Rising Chip Costs

    Tim Cook Confirms Apple Price Hikes Due to Rising Chip Costs

    Key Takeaway

    – Memory chip costs are rising sharply due to AI demand, making Apple price increases “unavoidable.”
    – DRAM and NAND prices are projected to rise over 300% by Q3 2026.
    – High-memory products like iPhones and MacBooks will be impacted, while low-memory items like AirPods will not.
    – Consumers should consider buying devices now before prices climb further.

    In an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Journal, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, warns that “Unfortunately, price increases are unavoidable” due to skyrocketing memory chip costs. Both solid state storage and RAM prices have risen dramatically during the past year, primarily driven by huge demand from AI data centers. Unlike conventional apps, such as Final Cut Pro, that can run with just 8 GB of RAM, AI large language models (LLM) need 48 GB or more to load and run well on consumer computers, and even more in data centers for commercial use.

    Memory Prices Going Through the Roof

    As a result, Micron has discontinued production of consumer memory products to focus on supplying commercial customers, while products from PlayStation 5 consoles to Samsung LPDDR5X DRAM continue to see 100% price increases or greater. A graph of price changes in DRAM and NAND pricing since 2023 by TechInsights in the article estimates both will have increased by over 300% by the third quarter of 2026. Given that Apple’s top-of-the-line 2TB iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently priced at $1,999, one can imagine the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphone or iPhone Ultra folding phone topping the $2k mark.

    What This Means For Your Wallet

    Cook has not revealed specifics or timings for the planned price increases, nor what effect Apple’s own Siri AI has on its product pricing. The lack of transparency is worrying for consumers who are already facing higher costs for everything from groceries to gas. Parents wanting to equip their children before school starts this fall might want to buy iPhones and MacBooks early as demand for memory is expected to outstrip supply for the next several years.

    Products that use few memory chips or none at all, like the AirPods 4 with ANC, will likely not be impacted. This means you can still get a good deal on accessories while the larger ticket items become increasingly expensive. The memory shortage is showing no signs of letting up, and Apple fans should brace for sticker shock in the coming quarters. Whether it’s a new MacBook Pro or the latest iPhone, prepare to pay more for the same amount of storage you got last year.

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  • iPhone 20 Pro & Ultra 2: Apple’s Biggest Product Launch Ever

    iPhone 20 Pro & Ultra 2: Apple’s Biggest Product Launch Ever

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple’s 2027 iPhone lineup (iPhone 20 Pro/Pro Max) will feature a nearly bezel-less design with curved glass and a new 2nm A21 Pro chip.
    – New AirPods (code B798) will have cameras in the stems, acting as visual sensors for Siri’s AI Visual Intelligence rather than taking photos.
    – A foldable iPhone (potentially called iPhone Ultra) is planned for September 2027.
    – Apple is planning the largest product push in company history for 2027.
    – 2028’s iPhone 21 Pro will move to a 1.4nm A22 Pro chip, possibly with Intel as a second production partner.

    Gurman’s Latest Scoop on Apple’s Future

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman landed another scoop today, June 16, offering a well-sourced look at Apple’s future. Based on sources who naturally want to remain anonymous, the analyst reveals new details about the long-rumored AirPods with integrated cameras and also names several other Apple products that are expected to launch in 2027. Next year will be especially important for Apple, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which is expected to bring an entirely new iPhone design, among other things.

    iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max Design Details

    In the paywalled article, Gurman does not mention any names, but on X he is more direct. The successor to the iPhone 18 Pro will likely be called the iPhone 20 Pro and carries the model number V73, while the iPhone 20 Pro Max has the reference V74. Both are expected to feature the new design, which the analyst describes as nearly bezel-less with curved glass on the sides. A new foldable also appears to be planned for September 2027, meaning the first Apple foldable, potentially called iPhone Ultra, could get a successor just one year later under the codename V78.

    2nm Chip and 1.4nm Process Roadmap

    All three 2027 iPhones are based on a new 2nm chip internally called Naxos, which will likely be officially named Apple A21 Pro. Just one year later, Apple is expected to move to even smaller structures. The iPhone 21 Pro in 2028 is said to be based on an Apple A22 Pro chip that is already planned at TSMC using a 1.4nm process, according to Gurman. Intel could also be used as a second production partner.

    AI-Powered AirPods with Cameras

    Alongside the iPhone 20 generation, new AirPods are also expected to launch, although they are said to be significantly smarter than the Apple earbuds currently available. As Apple’s first AI wearables, they are expected to feature cameras in the stems, though these are not intended for taking photos or videos. Instead, they are meant to serve as visual sensors for Siri AI, for example to answer questions about the surrounding environment or nearby objects. Siri could suggest a recipe based on available food items, among other things.

    Visual Intelligence and Smart Glasses Plans

    The new AirPods carry the code number B798 and are expected to help Apple with Visual Intelligence, which was already announced for iOS 27 during the WWDC 2026 keynote. Apple’s smart glasses with the codename N50 could also launch as early as late 2027, while a smart pendant is apparently being considered as a third AI wearable. According to the analyst’s sources, Apple is planning the largest product push in the company’s history for 2027.

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  • iPhone Ultra delayed: Leaker rejects new rumors

    iPhone Ultra delayed: Leaker rejects new rumors

    Key Takeaway

    – A reliable leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, has debunked recent reports of a four-month delay for the iPhone Ultra foldable.
    – The leaker called the delay claims “fake news” and “even more absurd,” insisting the launch timeline is on track.
    – If any delay occurs, it is expected to be minimal—only about one month.
    – Apple is still anticipated to unveil the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.

    First Foldable Rumors Are All Over The Place

    For the longest time, it has been rumored that Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Ultra, would arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September. Recently, a report seemed to back previous claims of a delay, but a reliable leaker has now debunked said report, claiming everything is on track. There is a lot of excitement around the first folding phone from Apple, and a whole lot about the phone has been speculated upon courtesy of endless leaks and rumors.

    Another Report Gets Called Out

    Alongside those rumors were also talks about a possible short delay. What caused a stir among Apple fans was a report coming out of China claiming a four-month delay, pushing the iPhone Ultra into early 2027. But it looks like the leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, doesn’t agree and has called the report fake. Citing a statement claiming Apple’s first foldable may be delayed, the leaker simply said, “Fake news.” Another statement that claimed a delay until next year got a “Even more absurd” response.

    Confidence In The Timeline

    Fixed Focus Digital seems confident that the iPhone Ultra will not be delayed, or if it does get delayed, it will only be by a month. Notably, the leaker did not share the source for his confidence in Apple’s launch timeline. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone Ultra foldable, in September. The base iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 will be released early next year. Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo.

    • Fixed Focus Digital called the delay report “Fake news”.
    • Another rumour about a delay got a “Even more absurd” response.
    • The leaker is confident about the September launch timeline.
    • A four-month delay into 2027 was previously reported from China.


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  • Apple iPhone 18 Gets 50% More RAM, Surprising Price

    Apple iPhone 18 Gets 50% More RAM, Surprising Price

    Key Takeaway

    – iPhone 17 base model has only 8 GB RAM, excluding it from running Apple’s new AI features.
    – iPhone 18 base model is expected to upgrade to 12 GB RAM, matching higher-end models.
    – Apple reportedly will not raise the base iPhone 18 price despite rising memory costs.
    – Base iPhone 18 launch delayed until spring 2027, while Pro models launch in September.

    The Apple iPhone 17 ($747 on Amazon) has only 8 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 17 Pro (Max) and the iPhone Air come with 12 GB of RAM. This means that Apple’s new AI model only runs on the more expensive models. In iOS 27, this model is primarily required for the more natural language of the completely revamped Siri AI assistant, but is likely to be necessary for additional AI features in the future. Apple is expected to eliminate this drawback of the base model in the iPhone 18.

    Memory Upgrade for the Next Generation

    As reported by DigiTimes, the next-generation base iPhone model is set to receive an upgrade from 8 GB to 12 GB of RAM. This lends credibility to earlier rumours. What is suprising, however, is that Apple is not expected to raise the price of the base model despite the DRAM crisis and the 50 percent increase in RAM. If this information is correct, the iPhone 18 with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of flash storage will launch in the U.S. for $799 and in Europe for €949.

    Cost Absorption and Competitive Positioning

    Apple is expected to absorb the rising production costs caused by more expensive DRAM and NAND memory itself, rather than passing them on to customers, which would allow the iPhone 18 series to be positioned significantly better against the competition. However, the base model is expected to be at a disadvantage in at least one respect. While the iPhone 18 Pro (Max) and the iPhone Ultra are set to be unveiled in September, the launch of the iPhone 18 is not expected until spring 2027. Aside from a new processor and more RAM, no major upgrades are expected.

    • iPhone 18 base model: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, $799 / €949
    • iPhone 18 Pro (Max) and Ultra launch in September 2026
    • iPhone 18 base model launching in spring 2027
    • No price increase expected despite higher DRAM costs

    Competitive Landscape and Timelines

    DigiTimes, via MacRumors, indicates that the base model will lag behind its siblings in terms of release timing. This staggered launch strategy could frustrate consumers who prefer the more affordable option but do not want to wait until spring of 2027. It also gives competitors a chance to release their own devices with comparable specs months before Apple’s entry-level phone arrives. The Pro models will likely feature even more advanced camera systems and possibly a new design, but these details remain unofficial for now.

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  • Apple iPhone Auto-Fix Mode for Software Issues

    Apple iPhone Auto-Fix Mode for Software Issues

    Key Takeaway

    – iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 will introduce a macOS-style recovery mode, eliminating the need for a PC or Mac.
    – Devices in recovery mode can connect to a known Wi-Fi network and display battery status.
    – Options include installing updates, erasing data, activating PC-supported recovery, and remote diagnostic access for Apple Support.
    – A “Recovery Assistant” will automatically detect and attempt to fix known software errors.
    – To enter recovery mode, hold the power button until the menu appears, instead of releasing it at the Apple logo.

    Revolutionizing iPhone and iPad Repairs

    If an iPhone or iPad can no longer be switched on due to a critical software error, it can be restored using the so-called recovery mode. Up until now, the device had to be connected to a PC or Mac in order to be reset either via the Finder in macOS or via the Apple Devices app on Windows computers.

    iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 Bring Built-In Recovery

    This will change with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, as the next major operating system versions, which are expected to be released in the fall, will include a macOS-style recovery mode. If a device such as the Apple iPhone 17 is booted in this mode, a menu with a range of options appears. The iPhone automatically connects to a known Wi-Fi network, if available, and displays the remaining battery charge in the status bar. Buttons at the top of the screen allow you to set the language and restart the iPhone.

    New Recovery Options and Assistant Features

    The recovery options also make it possible to install a software update, delete all data from the iPhone, activate the older, PC-supported recovery mode or start a diagnostic mode via which Apple Support can access the device remotely. The so-called “Recovery Assistant” is designed to automatically detect known software errors and attempt to rectify them. To boot an iPhone in recovery mode, it must be switched on using the power button, whereby the button is held down instead of releasing it as usual as soon as the Apple logo appears.

    • Install software updates directly without a computer
    • Delete all data and settings from the device
    • Activate the traditional PC-based recovery mode
    • Run diagnostic mode for remote Apple Support access

    How to Activate the New Recovery Mode

    When you boot the iPhone in this mode, the device will automaticly connect to a known Wi-Fi network if one is present. The status bar will show the remaining battery charge. There are buttons at the top of the screen that let you change the language and restart the phone. The Recovery Assistant tries to detect any known software issues and fix them autonmatically, which makes the process much simpler for users who dont have a computer handy.

     

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  • Apple WWDC reveal: interesting but not typical Apple

    Apple WWDC reveal: interesting but not typical Apple

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple cut specific audio frequencies (3kHz-6kHz) during WWDC when “Siri” was mentioned to prevent device activations
    – The tactic was largely ineffective, as many viewers reported their Apple devices still woke up during the livestream
    – This frequency-muting approach is not unique; Amazon used a similar method for “Alexa” in 2017, and other brands do it too

    Apple’s WWDC Tweak: Keeping Siri at Bay

    Apple made some interesting tweaks so that you could have an uninterrupted WWDC livestream. To avoid countless Apple device activations, the Cupertino giant tweaked frequencies when ‘Siri’ or ‘Siri AI’ was mentioned. How efficient those tweaks were is questionable at best, as pointed out by viewers.

    The Frequency Cutting Technique

    A user named ‘luuk de leest’ shared on X that during the keynote, Apple cut out 3kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, and 6kHz frequencies every time the phrase ‘Siri’ was mentioned. This was done to avoid unnecessary activations on the viewers’ devices. The user shared a spectrogram screenshot showing blank spots in the claimed frequencies when ‘Siri’ was mentioned. Furthermore, they mention HomePods in particular, but the tweak should have affected all devices in the ecosystem.

    It Didn’t Quite Work Out

    Unfortunately, it didn’t really work as intended, and several commenters mentioned that their iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and even HomePods were woken up several times during the keynote. It is possible that without the tweak, the activations may have been even worse.

    Not a New Trick in the Book

    As interesting as it is, this tweaking is not new. Apple isn’t the first or the only one doing this, as back in 2017, it was found that Amazon did the same with its commercials when ‘Alexa’ was mentioned. Other brands do it as well, to prevent unnecessary smart speaker activations.

     

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  • Apple uses Siri AI as anti-EU tool to push DMA exemption

    Apple uses Siri AI as anti-EU tool to push DMA exemption

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple introduced iOS 27 with new AI features led by Siri AI, which can access screen content, apps, and the iPhone camera.
    – In the EU, Siri AI is not available on iPhone or iPad due to the Digital Markets Act, only on Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
    – Apple claims the EU refused to cooperate on security/privacy, while the EU says Apple chose not to offer the feature.
    – Apple applied for an 18-month exemption that was rejected, and is reportedly working on an EU-compliant solution behind the scenes.

    Apple’s newest iOS 27 update hits iPhones hard

    On Monday, Apple has revealed iOS 27, the next major operating system update for smartphones such as the iPhone 17. In addition to performance optimizations and minor design adjustments, the update primarily introduces new AI features, led by Siri AI. Apple’s new chatbot is strongly reminiscent of products such as ChatGPT, including its own app, whereby Siri AI can also access the screen content, installed apps and the iPhone’s camera.

    Siri AI blocked in Europe for iPhones

    In the EU, however, Siri AI is only available at launch on the Mac, the Apple Watch and on Apple TV, but not on the iPhone or iPad, the platforms that the EU considers to be “gatekeepers” due to their large market share. According to Apple, the EU refused to work constructively with the iPhone manufacturer to find a way to offer Siri AI in the EU without compromising the security and privacy of users. Reuters now quotes a spokesperson for the European Commission as saying that it would be solely Apple’s decision not to offer Siri AI in the EU.

    Apple blames Brussels for the AI gap

    Instead of finding a viable solution that meets the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, Apple would have simply applied for an exemption valid for at least 18 months, which the Commission unsurprisingly rejected. The fact that Apple is choosing to incite customers against the EU’s policy and spread propaganda instead of developing a compliant solution is a strategy that the company has been pursuing for a long time, probably in the hope of influencing EU antitrust law. Behind the scenes, however, an EU-compliant solution is clearly already in the works, because as the screenshot embedded below shows, the Siri app can already integrate third-party chatbots.

     

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  • Apple to Power Siri with Google Gemini on Nvidia B200 GPUs

    Apple to Power Siri with Google Gemini on Nvidia B200 GPUs

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple is partnering with Nvidia to use Blackwell Superchips via Google Cloud to upgrade Siri.
    – Siri queries will be processed using Google’s Gemini model on Nvidia hardware for enhanced capabilities.
    – Nvidia’s confidential computing feature encrypts data during processing, ensuring privacy from Apple, Google, and Nvidia.
    – The overhaul aims to add multi-step reasoning, deeper app integration, and better context understanding to Siri.
    – The updated Siri is scheduled to launch in September.

    Apple and Nvidia Team Up for a Smarter Siri

    In a recent report, Apple may be partnering with Nvidia to use its powerful Blackwell Superchips, which power Google Cloud, to give Siri a major overhaul, finally delivering a worthy upgrade that Apple’s long-time assistant deserves. According to a report by The Information, some iPhone users’ queries to the new Siri will be routed through Google Cloud and executed on a licensed version of Google’s Gemini model, using Nvidia’s Blackwell B200 data center GPUs. Apple has reportedly approved Nvidia’s computing technology, which encrypts data while it is actively being processed on those chips.

    Tri-Party Agreement for Enhanced AI

    This three-way setup is part of Apple’s broader agreement with Google to deliver a more capable Siri with new features and accessibility options, currently scheduled to launch in September. The Information stated that Apple “will tap into Google’s fleet of Nvidia Blackwell B200 data center chips and will enable Nvidia’s confidential computing feature, which encrypts data as it is being processed by the chips.” This should make the assistant much more useful for everyday tasks.

    Data Encryption as a Core Priority

    Data encryption is a priority for Nvidia, as it will “preserve the confidentiality and integrity of AI models on Rubin, Blackwell, and Hopper GPUs” to allow “sensitive AI workloads to run securely at scale with near-native performance, even in shared or cloud environments.” Nvidia’s flagship GPU family is Blackwell, designed for large-scale AI training even as it gears up for a next-generation Vera Rubin launch. The Blackwell B200 succeeded the Hopper architecture, delivering significant gains in inference performance, speed, and memory bandwidth, and enabling the linking of numerous GPUs.

    New Capabilities for iPhone Users

    This setup would allow Gemini’s more demanding models to run seamlessly via Siri, handling complex tasks on your iPhone with features such as multi-step reasoning, deeper app integration, and a stronger understanding of context. Apple’s focus seems centered on privacy: confidential computing creates a hardware-secure environment that encrypts both data and the model itself during processing. Therefor, even though search queries and prompts pass through Google’s infrastructure and Nvidia hardware, the data will remain protected from both companies, maintaining Apple’s long-term commitment to privacy on iOS. The Information (Paywall)

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