Tag: Apple

  • Vintage Label Added to Original iPhone SE and Second-Generation iPad Pro 12.9

    Vintage Label Added to Original iPhone SE and Second-Generation iPad Pro 12.9

    Apple Adds Original iPhone SE and iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen to Vintage Category

    Apple has recently added two of its devices to its vintage and obsolete product list. The devices in question are the original iPhone SE, which was first released in 2016, and the second-generation iPad Pro 12.9. According to Apple’s classification, devices are considered vintage if they have been off the market for five years but less than seven. The original iPhone SE was sold until 2018, and in October, the Apple Watch Series 1 was also classified as vintage.

    Vintage vs Obsolete

    It’s important to note that Apple’s vintage and obsolete labels have different implications. The fact that the iPhone SE and iPad Pro 12.9 have entered the vintage category means that they are not yet obsolete but may no longer be eligible for official support. Repairs for these devices will depend on the availability of spare parts. However, once these devices reach the seven-year mark, they will be labeled as obsolete and will no longer be serviced.

    The Legacy of the iPhone SE

    The iPhone SE was a budget-friendly iPhone that left a lasting legacy with its compact form factor and dual-tone design, reminiscent of the iPhone 5s. It featured a 4-inch display, an A9 SoC, 2GB RAM, and a 1,624mAh battery unit. Following the discontinuation of the original model, Apple now has two generations of the iPhone SE. The third-generation was launched last year, and there are rumors of a new iPhone SE arriving in 2025.

    The Fate of the iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen

    On the other hand, the second-generation iPad Pro 12.9 was removed from the market in 2018. As it enters the vintage category, its official support may be limited, depending on the availability of spare parts.

    Overall, the addition of the original iPhone SE and the second-generation iPad Pro 12.9 to Apple’s vintage category signifies their transition from current products to devices that may no longer receive full support. While they are not yet obsolete, their serviceability will depend on the availability of spare parts. Apple users who own these devices should take note of their vintage status and plan accordingly for any repairs or upgrades in the future.

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Requests Exemption for Older iPhones Amid India’s Deliberation of EU-Inspired USB-C Law

    Apple Requests Exemption for Older iPhones Amid India’s Deliberation of EU-Inspired USB-C Law

    Apple’s Obstacles in India Stemming from EU’s USB-C Legislation

    Shift towards USB-C Connectivity in India

    The Indian administration aims to enforce the use of USB-C ports across all smartphones starting in June 2025. Apple has raised apprehensions regarding its ability to align with this mandate without compromising its manufacturing objectives. Seeking clemency for older iPhone models, as well as an extension stretching 18 months past 2024, Apple hopes to facilitate the essential adaptations in a timely manner.

    Necessity of Exemption for Legacy iPhones

    Given the widespread popularity of older iPhone editions in India, Apple’s plea for exemptions appears logical. With a substantial market share in the region, strict adherence to the USB-C directive sans exemptions could potentially disrupt Apple’s production strategies and impact its market standing.

    In Summary

    Apple encounters a predicament in meeting India’s USB-C decree, reminiscent of the challenges faced in the European Union. Imploring Indian authorities to acknowledge its predicaments, Apple seeks a resolution that enables it to fulfill the stipulations while mitigating disturbances to its manufacturing targets and market reach.

    Tags: , ,
  • iPhone 16 Leverages iOS 18, Packed with Cutting-Edge Generative AI, Marking the Most Significant Upgrade in Years

    iPhone 16 Leverages iOS 18, Packed with Cutting-Edge Generative AI, Marking the Most Significant Upgrade in Years

    Recently, there have been reports that Apple has temporarily paused the development of iOS 18 in order to prioritize fixing bugs in the current software version. However, this delay is not expected to impact the release schedule of the next-generation software version. In the latest Power On newsletter by reliable analyst Mark Gurman, he reveals Apple's plans for iOS 18 and iPhone 16, set to launch next year. iOS 18 is said to be the most significant update in years, compensating for the lack of major hardware changes in the next-generation iPhones.

    Apple Aims to Compete in Generative AI Space

    According to reports, Apple aims to compete against Google and OpenAI in the generative AI space. The tech giant plans to introduce generative AI technology integrated within its software, bringing this advanced technology to iPhones with the release of iOS 18. However, the specific new features that will be included in iOS 18 are yet to be revealed. Gurman mentioned that iOS 18 will follow a few years of modestly sized updates and will be an "ambitious and compelling" update, offering significant new features, design enhancements, and improvements in security and performance.

    iPhone 16 to Rely on iOS 18 for Unique Selling Proposition

    The report also states that the next-generation iPhone 16 will not feature any significant hardware changes. Instead, Apple intends to make iOS 18 the unique selling proposition for the iPhone 16 by loading it with major new features. This explains the recent decision to halt the development of iOS 18 temporarily in order to address any bugs. The last time Apple took such action was in 2019.

    Apple's Development Cycle and iPad Software

    Apple follows a development cycle consisting of four milestones leading up to the Worldwide Developer's Conference in June. Four of these milestones focus on adding new features, while the remaining two are dedicated to bug fixing. Each milestone lasts for six weeks. This time, the company paused development right after the first milestone, allowing an extra week to address any issues.

    Gurman also mentioned that the next version of Apple's software for iPad could be groundbreaking, although no specific details were provided.

    In conclusion, iOS 18 is expected to be a significant update for Apple, compensating for the lack of major hardware changes in the next-generation iPhones. The focus on generative AI technology and the promise of new features, design enhancements, and improved security and performance make iOS 18 an eagerly anticipated release. The decision to temporarily halt development to address bugs demonstrates Apple's commitment to delivering a high-quality software experience.

    Tags: , ,
  • Few design changes found in teardown of 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chips

    Few design changes found in teardown of 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chips

    Apple MacBook Pro (M3, M3 Pro) Teardown: What the Inside Reveals

    A recent teardown of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chips has provided some interesting insights into the device’s construction and design. While there are no major changes to the way the M3 Pro model is constructed, there are notable differences compared to the M3 model. Let’s take a closer look at what the teardown reveals.

    Cooling System: More Power, More Fans

    One of the most significant differences between the two models is the cooling system. The M3 Pro comes equipped with two fans to cool down the chip, while the M3 model uses only one. This difference is likely due to the fact that the M3 Pro is a more powerful chip and generates more heat. Additionally, the M3 Pro also features a larger heatsink compared to the M3 model.

    Storage: Eliminating Speed Bottlenecks

    Another major difference between the two models lies in the storage. The base M3 board of the MacBook Pro has two flash storage modules, which theoretically eliminates the speed bottlenecks experienced in the M2 Air, which only had one module. This means that the M3 model should offer faster storage performance compared to its predecessor.

    Similar Design with Easy Replacements

    Despite these differences, the overall design of both models remains very similar. The insides of both the M3 and M3 Pro are mostly modular, allowing for easy replacement of most components. This modularity ensures that users can easily swap out faulty or damaged parts without much hassle.

    Some Components are Locked Down

    However, it’s worth noting that there are a few components that are locked down and cannot be easily replaced. These include the Touch ID and lid angle sensors, which are paired to the logic board. Special tools are required to replace these components, making it more challenging for users to perform repairs themselves.

    Repairability Score

    iFixit, a renowned company known for its teardowns and repairability assessments, has given the new MacBook Pro models a provisional “Repairability” score of four out of ten. This score is based on the expectation that parts and manuals will be provided via Self Service Repair channels, which would make it easier for users to repair their devices.

    In conclusion, the teardown of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chips has revealed some interesting details about the device’s construction and design. With improved cooling systems, faster storage, and a mostly modular design, these new models offer potential for easy repairs. However, users should be aware of the few components that are locked down and may require professional assistance for replacement.

    Tags: , , ,
  • Samsung’s Trade-In Program Remains More Generous Despite Apple’s Increase in Trade-In Values for Android Devices

    Samsung’s Trade-In Program Remains More Generous Despite Apple’s Increase in Trade-In Values for Android Devices

    Today, smartphone prices are constantly rising due to factors like increasing costs and inflation. This pushes many of us to reduce costs by selling our old phones before buying new ones. But in our fast-paced world, where everyone is constantly busy, this can be a time-consuming task. There are a few different ways to sell your old phone. You can sell it to someone directly, take it to a phone store and get scammed, or trade it in to a company that offers this service. Moreover, Apple now gives higher trade-ins for your Android. Here are the details…

    Samsung’s Trade-In Program Is Still the Best, Even With Apple’s Recent Improvements

    Campaigns that encourage people to trade in their old items for new ones are very common in the US. Even Apple offers discounts to customers who buy both iOS and Android devices, creating a form of recycling and saving money for both buyers and sellers. In the United States, Apple has also changed its fees, making second-hand Android smartphones more valuable. Of course, we cannot specify every phone, but this is the change in some of the Android phones that Apple will pay you for trade-in.

    New trade-in valueOld trade-in value
    Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraUp to $340Up to $325
    Samsung Galaxy S22 PlusUp to $230Up to $225
    Samsung Galaxy S22Up to $190Up to $180
    Samsung Galaxy S21 PlusUp to $160Up to $140
    Samsung Galaxy S21Up to $135Up to $120
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraUp to $165Up to $140
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20Up to $120Up to $100
    Google Pixel 6 ProUp to $140Up to $125
    Google Pixel 6Up to $110Up to $90
    Google Pixel 6aUp to $100Up to $80
    Tags: , ,
  • Enhanced Parallel Processing in M3 and A17 Pro takes Apple silicon GPUs to the next level

    Enhanced Parallel Processing in M3 and A17 Pro takes Apple silicon GPUs to the next level




    Apple’s M3 and A17 Pro Chips: Improved Performance for Developers