Tag: Apple

  • New Apple iPhone Fold Details: Touch ID Rumored Instead of Face ID

    New Apple iPhone Fold Details: Touch ID Rumored Instead of Face ID

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.58-inch foldable display with under-panel camera (UPC) technology.
    2. It will have a 5.25-inch cover display using hole-in-active-area (HIAA) technology.
    3. Apple may include 48 MP dual rear-facing cameras in the iPhone Fold.
    4. A side-mounted Touch ID sensor is likely, with Face ID potentially omitted for a thinner design.
    5. The official name for the device has not been confirmed yet.

    The iPhone Fold may be about a year away from its official release, but Digital Chat Station has shared some early details about the device.

    Specifications and Features

    Currently, the device doesn’t have an official name, so Digital Chat Station simply labels it as ‘Apple’s foldable’. According to their sources, it will sport a roughly 7.58-inch foldable display that uses under-panel camera (UPC) technology. This is a shift from the traditional punch-hole camera, as seen with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, Galaxy Z TriFold, and Galaxy Z Fold7, which is currently priced at $1,599 on Amazon.

    Cover Display and Technology

    In addition, the iPhone Fold is reportedly going to have a cover display measuring 5.25 inches, utilizing hole-in-active-area (HIAA) technology. Interestingly, Apple is also predicted to apply HIAA tech in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models to minimize the size of the front-facing cameras.

    Additional Features

    Digital Chat Station indicates that these displays are expected to be combined with 48 MP dual rear-facing cameras and a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. Consequently, it seems that Apple may decide to forgo Face ID in order to keep the device as thin as possible.

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  • Apple Sources 11 Million OLED Panels from Samsung for Foldable iPhone

    Apple Sources 11 Million OLED Panels from Samsung for Foldable iPhone

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple plans to produce about 10 million foldable iPhones, indicating a strong entry into the foldable market.
    2. The company has ordered 11 million OLED display modules from Samsung Display for its upcoming foldable smartphone.
    3. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a ‘book-type’ design with a 7.58-inch internal display and a 5.35-inch external screen.
    4. Apple is reportedly working on advanced display technologies to reduce the crease issue in foldable phones.
    5. The foldable iPhone could be unveiled in 2027, with a price expected to be $400 higher than the Samsung Galaxy Fold7.

    According to data shared on X by Jukan05, long-time tech competitors Apple and Samsung are looking forward to the potential success of Apple’s upcoming foldable smartphone. The company from Cupertino is reportedly getting 11 million OLED display modules from Samsung Display. If this information is accurate, it indicates that Apple plans to enter the foldable market more aggressively than many industry experts had predicted.

    Targeted Production Numbers

    The report from JukanOS suggests that Apple aims to produce about 10 million foldable iPhones, as phone manufacturers typically order more components than they will actually create. This number also hints that Apple believes it can secure a notable slice of the market with its initial foldable offering. Currently, the market is estimated to be around 20 million units each year.

    Device Specifications

    The foldable iPhone is described in the report as a ‘book-type’ device, featuring a 7.58-inch internal display alongside a 5.35-inch external screen. There are industry speculations that Apple has made strides in minimizing the crease, a common issue with foldable phones, by utilizing advanced display technologies, including Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) and Under Display Camera (UDC).

    Apple has not made any official statements regarding the foldable iPhone, and the timeline for its launch remains uncertain. However, reports suggest that the smartphone could be unveiled in 2027, with a price tag that is expected to be $400 higher than that of the Samsung Galaxy Fold7.

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  • Apple Chip Designer Leaves for AI Company: Jony Ive to Johny Strouji

    Apple Chip Designer Leaves for AI Company: Jony Ive to Johny Strouji

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple may seek a new CEO focused on AI by 2026 due to talent leaving for companies like Meta.
    2. Key executives, including hardware technologies SVP Johny Srouji, are considering leaving Apple.
    3. Srouji’s expertise in AI chip development makes him a target for other companies.
    4. There is a contrast between U.S. and China’s approaches to AI, with a focus on practical solutions in China.
    5. Srouji’s potential departure could be driven by the desire for new challenges beyond incremental improvements in Apple products.

    Apple might be looking to find a new CEO who is more focused on AI by 2026, but for now, its top talent is being attracted to companies like Meta and others.

    Key Departures in Apple’s Ranks

    Following the exits of major designers such as Jony Ive and Alan Dye, along with their AI head and several others, it seems the time has come for Apple’s Senior Vice President of hardware technologies, Johny Srouji, to consider leaving as well. Reports suggest that Srouji has informed Tim Cook about his intention to move on to another organization.

    A Shift Toward AI

    With the current excitement around AI in chip development, it’s easy to guess where Srouji might head next. His expertise in the Neural Processing Unit subsystem of Apple chips places him in high demand wherever AI chip innovation is taking place.

    Different Approaches to AI

    Recently, the founder of China’s Huawei remarked on the U.S.’s strategy for AI, which involves spending enormous amounts on advanced hardware to tackle vague superintelligence problems. He pointed out that China takes a more practical approach to everyday AI solutions.

    The idea of creating artificial general intelligence is certainly appealing, and Srouji may be leaving not just for better pay—which Tim Cook could provide—but also for the opportunity to tackle new challenges rather than just focusing on yearly performance improvements for the iPhone or Mac chips.

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  • Apple UI Designer Joins Meta as More Executives Depart

    Apple UI Designer Joins Meta as More Executives Depart

    Key Takeaways

    1. Alan Dye, head of Apple’s user interface design team, is leaving to join Meta as Chief Design Officer, focusing on Reality Labs.
    2. Several key figures are departing from Apple, including former COO Jeff Williams and AI head John Giannandrea, raising concerns about future exits.
    3. Stephen Lemay will replace Dye as head of design, bringing extensive experience from his long tenure at Apple.
    4. CEO Tim Cook praises Lemay for his high standards and contribution to Apple’s design culture.
    5. Positive employee reactions indicate excitement about Lemay’s appointment, suggesting confidence in the design team’s future.

    It hasn’t been a very great week for the way Apple is run.

    Alan Dye, who leads the user interface design team at Apple, is leaving the company to join Meta Platforms Inc. He will take on the role of Chief Design Officer at Meta. As reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Dye will be working directly under Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer. His new role will have him help lead Reality Labs, the group responsible for products like the Meta Quest VR headsets.

    Departures at Apple

    This change is happening during a time when several significant figures are also leaving Apple. Jeff Williams, the former Chief Operating Officer, retired back in November. Just this week, John Giannandrea, who was in charge of AI development at Apple, announced his resignation. Bloomberg and other news sources are speculating that more departures may be on the horizon, including Johny Srouji, Apple’s head of silicon development, and even CEO Tim Cook.

    A Possible Bright Side

    Interestingly, Dye’s exit could have a silver lining. Though Apple is losing its head of design, Stephen Lemay, an experienced member of the company, will take his place. Lemay has been instrumental in designing every major Apple interface since 1999, as noted by CEO Tim Cook. Cook also mentioned that “[Lemay] has always set an extraordinarily high bar for excellence and embodies Apple’s culture of collaboration and creativity.”

    Positive Reactions

    John Gruber, a tech blogger known for his insights on Apple, has shared that employees he has talked to are “happy – if not downright giddy – at the news that Lemay is replacing Dye.”

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  • Apple Set to Surpass Samsung as Global Smartphone Leader

    Apple Set to Surpass Samsung as Global Smartphone Leader

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is predicted to surpass Samsung temporarily and maintain its lead in the smartphone market by 2025, reclaiming the title of largest smartphone manufacturer since 2011.
    2. The global smartphone market is expected to grow by 3.3% in the coming year, with Apple forecasting a significant 10% increase in sales compared to Samsung’s 4.6% growth.
    3. The success of the iPhone 17 series, especially in the US and China, is driving Apple’s growth, aided by a “super cycle” effect as consumers upgrade outdated devices.
    4. A large second-hand market for iPhones is bolstering new sales, with 358 million used iPhones sold between 2023 and mid-2025, leading to new purchases.
    5. Upcoming product launches, including a foldable iPhone in 2026 and a budget-friendly iPhone 17e, along with challenges for Chinese manufacturers, will further enhance Apple’s competitive position.

    Analysts from Counterpoint Research have made some daring predictions in their latest report. They assert that the smartphone industry’s balance of power will totally shift by 2025. Samsung should prepare itself, as Apple is not only predicted to surpass the South Korean brand temporarily but also to maintain its lead. Analysts estimate a global market growth of 3.3% for the coming year.

    Market Trends

    Despite the overall market seeing steady growth, Apple is anticipated to experience a significant rise of 10% in sales. In contrast, Samsung is projected to gain a modest 4.6%. This increase won’t be enough for Samsung to retain its title as the world’s leading smartphone maker. If the analysts are correct, Apple will reclaim the title of largest smartphone manufacturer for the first time since 2011, increasing its market share to 19.4%. Conditions might get even worse for Samsung, as the report forecasts Apple remaining at the top until at least 2029. Thus, this would signify not just a change in leadership but a whole new era.

    Reasons Behind the Shift

    What’s driving this change now? The reasons are rather simple. The iPhone 17 series is flying off the shelves, not just in its primary market, the USA, but also in China. Researchers are observing impressive double-digit growth rates year-over-year there, which is quite notable given that China has previously posed challenges for Western companies. Additionally, there’s a “super cycle” effect where many people purchased new smartphones during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Those devices are becoming outdated, with dead batteries and scratched screens. Now is the time for upgrades.

    Next, there’s a vast second-hand market to consider. Between 2023 and mid-2025, 358 million used iPhones were sold. Users of these devices frequently opt for a new model afterward. Moreover, a foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026, posing a direct challenge to Samsung right in its own market. Simultaneously, the iPhone 17e, a more budget-friendly option (which could replace the “Slim” or SE), is aimed at drawing in new customers. Bloomberg also mentions a full design revamp scheduled for 2027. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are facing difficulties. Their domestic markets are weak, and supply chains are under pressure. Starting in 2026, component prices are also likely to rise. Apple and Samsung, with their considerable financial resources, have a notable edge when it comes to acquiring components.

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    Apple Set to Surpass Samsung as Global Smartphone Leader

     

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  • Apple iPhone Fold Price May Exceed Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 by $400

    Apple iPhone Fold Price May Exceed Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 by $400

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple’s foldable iPhone, informally called the “iPhone Fold,” is highly anticipated but has faced numerous leaks and speculations.
    2. Apple takes a cautious approach to new technology, which has led to concerns about falling behind competitors, especially in AI integration.
    3. The expected price for the iPhone Fold could be around $2,399, potentially making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever.
    4. Rising component costs and a predicted decline in iPhone sales may lead Apple to set a premium price for the foldable device.
    5. While Apple’s design team is strong, it remains uncertain if the software will effectively utilize the extra screen space to justify the high cost.

    Apple’s foldable iPhone, informally dubbed the “iPhone Fold” by online enthusiasts, has been at the center of numerous leaks and speculations over the last couple of years. Samsung’s initial foldable device, the Galaxy Fold, launched around six years ago, leading to a surge of foldable Android phones from nearly every smartphone manufacturer worldwide.

    Apple’s Cautious Approach

    In contrast, Apple has always taken a more measured approach to the adoption of cutting-edge technology. While this method has generally served the company well in the past, the current landscape appears to be quite different. The tech giant from Cupertino has fallen behind its rivals in the race for AI integration, resulting in widespread ridicule and an awkward atmosphere within Apple’s AI division.

    Anticipation and Pricing Concerns

    The anticipated foldable iPhone is set to become one of the most eagerly awaited devices to emerge from Cupertino, and its price is likely to play a significant role in its overall success. Fubon Research’s analyst, Arthur Liao, predicts that the iPhone Fold could potentially cost as much as two iPhone 17 Pros combined, amounting to around $2,399.

    Moreover, the report suggests that the increasing costs of components, along with a projected dip in iPhone sales, may compel Apple to set a premium price for its inaugural foldable device. There’s been speculation that Apple plans to use high-end materials for the hinge and display assembly, which would also inflate the product’s Bill of Materials (BoM). The expected specifications for the iPhone Fold include:

    Design and Software Considerations

    Apple’s hardware design team, despite some bumps along the way, has demonstrated a solid performance in recent years. There’s little doubt that the iPhone Fold will be visually striking if and when it launches. However, it remains unclear whether Apple’s software will fully utilize the extra screen space to justify the steep price. For comparison, the latest Galaxy Fold7 is priced at $1,999, currently available for $1,599 on Amazon.

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  • Apple Employee Gaslights Redditor Over $2,000 MacBook Pro Issues

    Apple Employee Gaslights Redditor Over $2,000 MacBook Pro Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new M5 MacBook Pro has received positive reviews for performance, efficiency, and battery life, but some users report issues.
    2. A first-time buyer experienced creaking noises from the hinge and palm rest after 15 days of use, raising concerns about quality.
    3. Apple store staff dismissed the user’s complaints, claiming the noises were normal and not a reason for replacement.
    4. Previous MacBook models have had similar hinge issues, often resolved by tightening screws, indicating a recurring problem.
    5. Users suggest that being assertive and escalating concerns may lead to a replacement for persistent issues with the MacBook Pro.

    Apple just launched its new M5 MacBook Pro a few weeks ago, earning a lot of positive reviews for enhanced performance, efficiency, and longer battery life. Nevertheless, a Reddit user’s first experience with the M5 MacBook Pro has not been completely satisfactory.

    User Experience with M5 MacBook Pro

    The Reddit user, known as noss616, hails from Australia and is a first-time MacBook buyer. He spent $2,000 on a fully equipped 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro. After using it for 15 days, he began to hear creaking noises coming from the hinge and palm rest areas. These sounds occurred whenever he opened or closed the laptop, or even when he pressed down on the chassis.

    Noss616 filmed a video showcasing the issue with his MacBook. He also has an AppleCare+ subscription, which led him to visit two different Apple stores. Unfortunately, staff at both locations brushed off his concerns, claiming they couldn’t detect any creaking sounds.

    Apple’s Response to the Complaint

    Even after a thorough examination, the store employees maintained that everything was fine. During his second visit, he felt that the Apple staff were “gaslighting” him, as one employee explained that the noise was merely from the “metal-on-metal body” of the MacBook and insisted it was completely normal.

    The same employee added, “We’re not going to replace it because we don’t want to create a precedent. If we replace it and the new one makes the same noise, it just continues the cycle of exchanges.”

    Under the Reddit thread, a former Genius Bar Technician explained that the creaking noise was merely a cosmetic issue and wouldn’t be covered by the warranty. Another Reddit user mentioned that they managed to get an M4 replacement immediately after pushing store management over a similar problem.

    Ongoing Issues with MacBooks

    This issue does not seem to be unique; previous models of MacBooks have had similar hinge creaking problems that were often fixed by tightening the screws around the mechanism.

    Such problems are particularly frustrating, especially after spending nearly $2,000 on a brand-new M5 MacBook along with an ongoing AppleCare+ subscription. Whether this slight creaking justifies a full replacement is a matter of personal judgment, but for a company that prides itself on craftsmanship and engineering, it serves as a reminder that Apple can also face quality-control troubles, even if they often overlook minor cosmetic issues.

    Many users commented on the Reddit post, suggesting that if noss616 continues to be assertive with Apple and escalates his concerns to higher management, he may eventually receive a replacement M5 MacBook Pro from the tech company based in Cupertino.

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  • Apple Set to Appoint New CEO in 2024

    Apple Set to Appoint New CEO in 2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is actively searching for a new CEO, potentially by January 2026, as Tim Cook has surpassed Steve Jobs’ record for leadership duration.
    2. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is a leading candidate for the CEO position.
    3. The leadership transition is planned for a smooth changeover and is not due to any current performance issues.
    4. Ternus has been with Apple since 2001 and has significant experience in product design and hardware engineering.
    5. Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market capitalization has reached $4 trillion, driven by strong sales of the iPhone 17 series.

    Apple is said to be on the hunt for a new CEO, possibly as soon as next year. Tim Cook has been leading the company longer than anyone else in its history, having surpassed Steve Jobs’ record of 5,090 days this past August.

    Succession Plans in Motion

    According to the Financial Times, Apple is intensifying its efforts to find a successor, with plans to name a new CEO by January 2026. This transition has apparently been in the works for several years, and John Ternus, who is currently Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is being considered for the role.

    Ternus’ Journey at Apple

    John Ternus has been part of Apple since 2001, starting in product design before becoming the senior vice president of hardware engineering in 2021. He took charge of the Apple Watch hardware in late 2022 and is responsible for the Mac and iPad presentations at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

    The report suggests that this leadership change isn’t a reaction to Apple’s current performance. Instead, the company aims to introduce a new CEO before its earnings report at the end of January for a seamless transition.

    Previous Speculations

    Last year, there were similar discussions about Ternus as a potential successor. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted that Ternus is well-regarded by other executives, while COO Jeff Williams and software chief Craig Federighi are seen as less likely candidates.

    Since Cook took the helm, Apple’s market capitalization has skyrocketed to an impressive $4 trillion, achieving this milestone largely due to strong sales from the iPhone 17 series.

    The Financial Times

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  • Apple iPhone 17e Expectations: Budget Model After iPhone 16e Issues

    Apple iPhone 17e Expectations: Budget Model After iPhone 16e Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has struggled to find a successful alternative to its standard iPhone models since the iPhone 11 series.
    2. The iPhone 16e has underperformed, making up only 8% of Apple’s sales in its first month, partly due to a high launch price.
    3. The company’s attempts with ‘mini’ and ‘Plus’ versions did not attract much interest, leading to a focus on the iPhone Air.
    4. The iPhone Air is reportedly not meeting expectations, and there are considerations to delay the iPhone Air 2.
    5. Apple plans to release the iPhone 17e in spring 2026, but the ‘e’ series may face discontinuation if it doesn’t succeed.

    In the past few years, Apple has had a hard time finding a successful alternative iPhone to its standard, Pro, and Pro Max lines. Since launching the iPhone 11 series in 2019, Apple has tried out ‘mini’ and ‘Plus’ versions. However, these options didn’t attract much interest, leading Apple to shift focus towards the iPhone Air, which is reportedly not meeting expectations, prompting the company to think about delaying the iPhone Air 2.

    iPhone 16e: A Sales Struggle

    As reported by Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 16e has joined the list of Apple’s commercial disappointments (curr. $389 on Amazon). While a well-known Weibo account hasn’t shed much light on the situation, a study by Counterpoint Research earlier this year showed that sales of the iPhone 16e were not up to par with earlier iPhone SE models. The research pointed out that a high launch price contributed to the lackluster sales, noting that the iPhone 16e made up only 8% of Apple’s sales in its first month on the market.

    Future of iPhone Models

    Keeping all this in consideration, Fixed Focus Digital indicates that Apple is still planning to release the iPhone 17e. If the company’s previous patterns are any indication, the iPhone ‘e’ series will only have one more opportunity to succeed before it is potentially discontinued. Presently, Fixed Focus Digital anticipates that the iPhone 17e will be launched in spring 2026, while the release of the iPhone Air 2 remains on hold for now.

     

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  • iPhone 18 Pro Max Expected to Be Chunkier Than Any Previous Model

    iPhone 18 Pro Max Expected to Be Chunkier Than Any Previous Model

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be heavier and thicker than previous models, with an estimated weight of around 243 grams.
    2. The weight increase of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is about 10 grams more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which weighs 233 grams.
    3. The thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be greater than the current model, possibly to accommodate a larger battery or new technology.
    4. All information about the iPhone 18 series remains speculative, as Apple has not officially confirmed any details.
    5. The iPhone 18 series is expected to launch in phases, with the Pro models debuting in the latter half of next year and the standard model in early 2027.

    There have been many leaks and whispers about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series, even though the iPhone 17 series was just released two months ago. These early hints suggest potential design modifications and camera enhancements for the iPhone 18 series. Recently, there’s been a leak regarding the size of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is rumored to be both heavier and thicker compared to past iPhone models.

    Weight Details

    The scoop comes from Instant Digital on Weibo. The source claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will weigh approximately 10 grams more than its predecessor. This means the new device will tip the scales at around 243 grams, making it the heaviest iPhone to date. The current record is held by the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which weighs in at 240 grams. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series benefitted from titanium construction which helped reduce weight. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max reverted to an aluminum body, increasing its weight to 233 grams.

    Thickness Changes

    In addition, the leaker indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will also be somewhat thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The current model measures 8.75 mm, and with the new model expected to be thicker, it’s possible that Apple is either fitting a bigger battery or requires extra space to keep the new 2 nm A20 SoC cool.

    Rumors and Future Releases

    It’s important to highlight that these details are merely speculation at this stage, as Apple has not officially disclosed any information regarding the next generation of iPhones. The iPhone 18 series is anticipated to launch in phases, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to debut in the latter half of next year, while the standard iPhone 18 is likely to be introduced in the first half of 2027. Additionally, Apple is rumored to unveil its first foldable device next year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, which could prove to be a more thrilling release. Nevertheless, some reports suggest that the foldable might also be delayed until 2027.

    Instant Digital on Weibo (2)

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