Tag: iphone

  • US Freezes Tariff Hikes Except for China Facing 125% Increase

    US Freezes Tariff Hikes Except for China Facing 125% Increase

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is moving iPhones and other products to the US to stabilize retail prices amid new tariffs.
    2. The Trump administration has paused planned tariff increases for 90 days for countries not retaliating against US tariffs.
    3. China is not included in the tariff pause, with tariffs increasing from 104% to 125%.
    4. Over 75 countries have asked the US government to negotiate a solution regarding tariff increases.
    5. The stock market reacted positively, with the S&P 500 rising 9.5% and the Nasdaq Composite increasing 12.2%.

    Apple has recently moved a significant quantity of iPhones and various other items from its stock in India and China to the US. This action was taken to maintain the retail prices as stable as possible in light of the new tariffs placed on all imports to the US.

    Tariff Pause for 90 Days

    The Trump administration has put a stop to the planned tariff increases for 90 days concerning countries that have not retaliated against US tariffs. Therefore, these nations will face a universal US tariff of 10% until July. When asked about the reason for this delay, the president remarked: “People were jumping a little bit out of line. They were getting yippy.”

    Increased Tariffs on China

    However, as the title suggests, China is not included in this pause. The Trump administration has escalated the already high 104% tariff to a staggering 125%, marking the start of what is being called a new trade war between the two nations. The motive? In retaliation to the previously set 104% tariff on goods exported from China, Beijing imposed 84% tariffs on imports from the US. Following this, the Trump administration accused China of showing a “lack of respect” and increased the tariff to 125%, which took effect immediately.

    Negotiations and Market Impacts

    Over 75 countries have urged the US federal government to “negotiate a solution” since the Trump administration revealed its plans for tariff increases, as stated by the president. Ultimately, he decided to ease off, paving the way for three months of negotiations with multiple nations.

    Many of you might already know how these tariff changes impact the stock market. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 index surged by 9.5%, marking its largest single-day rise since 2008. The Nasdaq Composite also rose by 12.2%—its best performance since 2001.

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  • European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 18.4 introduces new features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages for beta testers.
    2. iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing are not available for users in the EU due to regulatory uncertainties.
    3. Apple cites concerns over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regarding user privacy and data security as reasons for the feature limitations.
    4. The DMA has previously impacted Apple, forcing changes like the switch from Lightning to USB-C for the iPhone 15.
    5. It is uncertain if iPhone Mirroring will be available in iOS 19, leaving EU users without this feature for now.

    With the upcoming launch of iOS 18.4, iPhone users, especially those in the European Union (EU), are eagerly anticipating some long-awaited additions. Sadly, EU users must wait a bit longer for one of these features.

    New Release Candidate Details

    The latest Release Candidate for iOS 18.4 was made available on Monday for beta testers. This update brought enhancements to Apple Intelligence, adding features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages. However, EU users observed that iPhone Mirroring is still not accessible. Additionally, SharePlay Screen Sharing, which permits FaceTime users to share their screens, is also absent.

    Apple’s Explanation

    Apple has explained that the lack of iPhone Mirroring in the EU is due to “regulatory uncertainties,” a rather vague justification. Last June, the company pointed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), expressing concerns:

    We worry that the interoperability requirements of the DMA might force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that could endanger user privacy and data security.

    It seems Apple is sticking to its stance on this matter. Given that Apple’s practices have been a key focus of the DMA, the company is probably being cautious about certain features. The DMA is the law that famously compelled Apple to replace its Lightning connector with USB-C in the iPhone 15 (which can be found renewed on Amazon for $487.34).

    Future Outlook

    It is unclear whether iPhone Mirroring will eventually be available with iOS 19, which is anticipated to bring significant changes to Apple’s mobile operating system. For the time being, iPhone users in the EU will have to make do without this particular feature.

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  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone with Liquid Metal Hinges Expected Next Year

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone with Liquid Metal Hinges Expected Next Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. A foldable iPhone is being developed, resembling Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold in design and incorporating features from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
    2. The device will utilize innovative liquid metal hinge technology to reduce screen creases, improving the overall flatness of the display.
    3. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the foldable iPhone could set a new standard for foldable displays in the market.
    4. Expected specifications include a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display, similar to an iPad mini.
    5. Production is set to begin in Q4 2026, with a possible launch in early 2027, and the estimated price could be around $2,000.

    For some time, there has been chatter about a foldable iPhone, and the most recent article from Bloomberg by Mark Gurman reinforces this idea. According to the article, the new iPhone is expected to look similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold regarding its design. The report also mentions that this foldable iPhone will incorporate some features from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is only 5.5mm thick, suggesting that the upcoming device will be quite compact.

    Innovative Hinge Technology

    A key aspect of Apple’s foldable iPhone will be its liquid metal hinge, which will be produced by Dongguan EonTec, Apple’s chosen supplier. This hinge aims to tackle one of the major problems with foldable phones: the creases that appear on the screen. Typically, Apple uses liquid metal for smaller items like SIM ejector tools, but they are now looking to use this technology to improve the flatness of the screen.

    Analyst Insights

    Interestingly enough, just last week, Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst known for his accurate forecasts, reiterated this information. He also mentioned that this innovation could establish a new benchmark for foldable displays that other Android brands might follow. Kuo indicated that the foldable iPhone could come with a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display, resembling an iPad mini.

    At this point, Apple has yet to disclose any technical specifications for the foldable iPhone. Nonetheless, Gurman indicated that the price might be around $2,000, with limited availability initially. It is anticipated that production for the foldable iPhone will commence in Q4 2026 and that it may debut in early 2027, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. This aligns with predictions made by analyst Jeff Pu in a previous report. In any case, it seems we will have to wait a while before we catch our first official glimpse of the foldable iPhone.

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  • Google Launches Circle in Search for iPhones with Restrictions

    Google Launches Circle in Search for iPhones with Restrictions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Circle to Search has expanded from Google and Samsung phones to more Android devices and now to Apple devices, but with limitations.
    2. On Android, users can easily use Circle to Search across almost all apps by long-pressing the navigation bar.
    3. iPhone users have a restricted experience, only able to access the feature within the Google app and Chrome through a three-dot menu option.
    4. Google is integrating Circle to Search into Google Lens on iOS, improving usability but not achieving full system-wide access like on Android.
    5. Google Lens is receiving AI upgrades, providing users with AI-generated summaries and links related to the items they search for.

    Circle to Search has become one of Google’s notable triumphs lately. Initially, it was only available on Google and Samsung phones, but in late 2024, it started to spread to more Android devices. Now, Google is bringing this feature to Apple devices, although there are some significant restrictions.

    Functionality on Android

    On Android devices, Circle to Search is compatible with nearly all applications and screens. Users can easily activate it by long-pressing the navigation bar, after which they can circle, scribble, or tap on anything displayed to get more information.

    Limitations on iPhones

    On the other hand, iPhones have a much more limited experience. The feature is only found within the Google app and Chrome. Instead of the straightforward long-press action, users must tap the three-dot menu and choose “Search this Screen” to initiate a search.

    Integration with Google Lens

    Rather than fully transferring Circle to Search, Google is basically merging its capabilities into Google Lens as an additional feature for Chrome and the Google app on iOS. This makes sense since Lens has provided similar functions for a while, though users usually need to open the app and upload a screenshot to identify what they see on their screens. The latest update does streamline the process a bit, but it’s still not as user-friendly as it is on Android.

    Coming soon, a new Lens icon will be introduced to simplify access to this feature even further. However, complete system-wide integration like what exists on Android isn’t in the works for now.

    AI Upgrades for Google Lens

    In addition, Google Lens is getting enhanced with AI overviews. Now, when users search for something like a flower or a car using Google Lens, they will receive an AI-generated summary of the item, along with links to online resources related to it.

    This update is gradually being released to English-speaking users in regions where AI overviews are available.

    Google Launches Circle in Search for iPhones with Restrictions
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  • iCloud End-to-End Encryption Unavailable for UK Users

    iCloud End-to-End Encryption Unavailable for UK Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has prioritized privacy but has removed Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for new iPhone users in the UK due to government demands.
    2. Existing UK users must turn off ADP to use iCloud services; it is not automatically disabled by Apple.
    3. Advanced Data Protection is opt-in, meaning users who haven’t activated it will not be affected by this change.
    4. Other Apple services like iMessage, Keychain, and Safari History still retain end-to-end encryption despite the removal of ADP.
    5. UK users concerned about data security may consider switching to other cloud storage services or storing data locally.

    Among several factors, iPhones are well-known for their strong focus on privacy. Apple is famous for not compromising on encryption, even when the FBI made requests back in 2015. However, a decade later, Apple has given in to ongoing demands from the UK Government. Consequently, new iPhone users will no longer have access to Advanced Data Protection.

    Notice for UK Users

    9to5Mac found a notice on an iPhone in the UK that stated, “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users.” Existing users will also need to turn off the feature if they want to utilize iCloud services. The good news is that it’s opt-in, so unless you turned it on yourself, you might not be impacted. This is also why it’s your responsibility to disable it, as Apple can’t deactivate end-to-end encryption remotely.

    Other Security Features Remain Intact

    However, this change won’t impact other Apple services that also use end-to-end encryption, like iMessage, Keychain, and Safari History. If you’re located in the UK and rely on iCloud, it might be a wise decision to consider switching to a different cloud storage service or storing your data locally. While the transition may be cumbersome and not as smooth as what Apple offers, you can feel confident that your data will remain safe.

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  • iPhone Pro Users Upgrade Phones Faster Than Ever, Says Counterpoint

    iPhone Pro Users Upgrade Phones Faster Than Ever, Says Counterpoint

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pro iPhone users upgrade their devices every 2.75 years, while non-Pro users keep theirs for about 3.15 years.
    2. Many Pro model owners see themselves as trendsetters and influencers, driving their need to upgrade quickly.
    3. The resale market for Pro models is growing, especially in regions with high demand for refurbished iPhones, like India and Southeast Asia.
    4. Apple is successfully attracting former Android users, with nearly half of surveyed iPhone owners having switched from Android devices.
    5. Shorter upgrade cycles are influenced by carrier trade-in offers, installment plans, and Apple’s introduction of exclusive features on newer models.

    Pro iPhone users are swapping their devices much quicker than those who own base models, a recent report from Counterpoint reveals the reasons behind this. On average, Pro users upgrade their iPhones every 2.75 years, while non-Pro users keep their phones for about 3.15 years. This difference might appear small initially, but in the high-end smartphone market where Apple is promoting pricier models, it indicates a significant change.

    What’s Causing the Change?

    The shift in behavior among iPhone users plays a key role in this trend. A lot of Pro model owners view themselves as trendsetters or early adopters, with 45 percent claiming they are the first to try out new tech. Additionally, 25 percent see themselves as influencers who sway buying choices. This self-view creates a pressing need to upgrade, often within two to three years after a phone is released. Meanwhile, users of base models are increasingly drawn to the Pro line, attracted by features like better cameras, ProMotion displays, and higher-quality materials.

    Effects on the Resale Market

    The trend of shorter upgrade cycles is also impacting the secondary market. With more Pro models being sold again, the number of refurbished devices is likely to increase, especially in places like India and Southeast Asia, where there’s a strong demand for used iPhones. Supply issues have made it hard for many customers to find refurbished Pro models, but this change could help alleviate some of those problems.

    The timing of this shift is particularly noteworthy with the iPhone SE 4 launch expected tonight. Apple’s most budget-friendly iPhone has traditionally catered to buyers who are more price-conscious, but the new model is speculated to come with a significant redesign, likely resembling the iPhone 14, complete with Face ID and an OLED screen. If Apple maintains competitive pricing, the SE 4 could serve as an ideal choice for first-time iPhone buyers and those switching from Android.

    Apple’s Success Against Android

    Furthermore, the report points to Apple’s increasing success in attracting users who previously owned Android devices. Nearly half of the iPhone owners surveyed had come from Android, with major brands like Samsung and Google feeling the impact. As more premium Android users transition to iPhones, companies like Samsung, OnePlus, and Vivo are focusing more on AI-driven features and high-end specs to remain relevant.

    Recent statistics from CIRP (via AppleInsider) support the idea of shorter upgrade cycles. In Q4 2024, 36 percent of iPhone users upgraded within two years, a rise from 31 percent the previous year. Carrier trade-in offers and installment plans have made upgrading easier, while Apple’s tactic of launching exclusive features on newer models is pushing users to upgrade sooner than before.

    Even though iPhones can last four to five years, Apple continues to introduce new innovations that instill a sense of urgency among its core users. Whether this trend will persist depends on future product launches, but for now, Pro users are upgrading more rapidly, and Apple is steering the market to maintain that forward momentum.

    iPhone Pro Users Upgrade Phones Faster Than Ever, Says Counterpoint
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  • Apple Reports Record Revenues and EPS Growth in 2025

    Apple Reports Record Revenues and EPS Growth in 2025

    The first part of Apple’s fiscal year 2025 has wrapped up, ending on December 28, 2024, and the results are impressive. The company set a new record, bringing in a whopping $124.3 billion in revenue, which is a 4% increase compared to the same period last year.

    iPhone Sales Lead the Charge

    iPhones were a major contributor, generating $69.138 billion, which represents 55.6% of the total revenue. Tim Cook credited this success to the launch of “our best-ever line-up of products and services during the holiday season.” However, it’s possible that the high prices of the phones also played a role in these strong sales figures.

    Other Products Struggle

    In contrast, sales of Macs and iPads were much lower, with figures at $8.987 billion and $8.088 billion, making up only 7.2% and 6.5% of total revenue, respectively. This shows a noticeable gap between the performance of iPhones and that of other products in Apple’s lineup.

    Services Shine Bright

    On a brighter note, the first quarter of 2025 was the most successful for Apple Services, which includes offerings like Apple TV+, Music, Podcasts, and Fitness+. This segment brought in $26.34 billion, or 21.2% of Apple’s global sales during this period.

    Apple’s earnings per share (EPS) also reached new heights, hitting $2.40, which is a 10% increase from last year. According to Apple CFO Kevan Parekh, this performance will enable the company to distribute around $30 billion, or $0.25 for each share of common stock, to its shareholders, expected to happen on February 13, 2025.

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  • Samsung Accused of Copying iPhone Features in Galaxy S25 Series

    Samsung Accused of Copying iPhone Features in Galaxy S25 Series

    It’s normal for companies to imitate one another. Recently, Macworld pointed out that with the unveiling of the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has rolled out several One UI 7 features that closely resemble those seen on the latest iPhone models.

    Third-Party Chatbot Integration

    One notable feature mentioned by Macworld is the addition of third-party chatbot integration into Galaxy AI. This is quite akin to the ChatGPT integration found in Apple Intelligence. Additionally, Apple’s AI platform is set to support Google Gemini. The article also draws attention to the Gemini trigger animation on the Galaxy S25 series, which looks a lot like the colorful glowing border animation seen with Siri on the iPhone.

    New Features in the Phone App

    Samsung has added new functionalities that allow users to record, summarize, and transcribe calls directly within the Phone app of the Galaxy S25 series. These features are already present in iOS 18. Another new addition is the battery information section in the Settings app, which, similar to iOS, provides details on battery cycle count, health, and other relevant information.

    More iPhone-Like Features

    These aren’t the sole ‘copied’ features in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series (you can pre-order the S25 on Amazon). Macworld also mentions several other features, such as the Now Bar, which seems to be inspired by iOS’ Live Activities, the capability to record log videos, and various other UI elements reminiscent of the iPhone.

    Of course, Apple has also taken cues from Samsung. For example, it has introduced features that allow users to customize app icon colors, quick settings toggles, and lock screen personalization. Galaxy users have been enjoying these options for quite some time. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect; ultimately, users gain when companies strive to enhance the best version of a new concept.

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  • Apple Intelligence Consumes Increasing Amounts of RAM

    Apple Intelligence Consumes Increasing Amounts of RAM

    Artificial intelligence is now deeply rooted in our daily lives, with many tech firms increasingly integrating AI features into their offerings. Known as Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI primarily operates on devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, the demand for RAM is rising more rapidly than Apple had originally expected.

    RAM Growth Concerns

    The company from California was aware that its local AI would eventually impact the RAM of its devices, but the speed of this increase took developers by surprise. At its launch in October, Apple Intelligence required 4 GB of RAM; it has since risen to 7 GB, as reflected in the latest system needs. If this trend continues (with a 3 GB increase over just two months), iPhones with limited RAM might soon find themselves in a tricky situation.

    Possible Solutions and Limitations

    In theory, one could address this issue by disabling certain features, but that option isn’t available right now. Users wanting to keep using Apple Intelligence will likely have to upgrade their smartphones at some point, which isn’t necessarily a bad idea considering older iPhones may not receive security updates anymore. Only highly demanding tasks are sent to Apple Secure Cloud servers, which are reputed to have robust security measures.

    New Features and Future Plans

    Interestingly, the increased storage needs have a silver lining: introducing new features and content has become easier. For instance, a new function called “Image Playground” was launched in December 2024, allowing users to create comic images, with the AI able to access their personal media library if they wish. New emojis can also be generated.

    While Apple’s AI for the iPhone isn’t yet available in the European Union, a workaround exists, though it only provides limited functions. In contrast, Macs have supported Apple Intelligence since version 15.1. The company has announced plans to fully roll out Apple Intelligence in the EU by April.

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  • Samsung’s New Ad Teases Apple Over Foldable Phones

    Samsung’s New Ad Teases Apple Over Foldable Phones

    Google isn’t the sole company making comparisons between its new flagship phones and those from Apple in recent advertisements. Samsung has also jumped into the fray, using its latest ad for foldable Galaxy phones to poke fun at Apple for lacking "innovation."

    Galaxy Phones on Display

    In the ad, Samsung highlights what iPhone users are missing by showcasing the capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. The focus is on the flexible design of these foldable devices, emphasizing features such as Live Translate available on the cover display of the flip phone.

    A Nod to "Simon Says"

    Moreover, the ad carries another message. Samsung insinuates that Apple users are merely following the orders of a mysterious character named Simon, echoing the well-known "Simon Says" game. Within the advertisement, this enigmatic figure seems to compel iPhone users to settle for "limited choices."

    With this portrayal, Samsung also hints that Apple hasn’t been "innovative" enough with its recent smartphone releases. Indeed, at one moment, the video flashes the phrase, "Nobody should wait for innovation." The advertisement concludes with the narrator stating, "Samsung says, do your own thing," suggesting that if users opt for Samsung, they won’t be bound to the whims of the mysterious character (512 GB Z Fold 6 curr. $1,514.99 on Amazon).

    Market Share Insights

    While it’s common for Apple’s rivals to launch such ad campaigns, Statcounter reports that the tech giant from Cupertino commands a dominating 56.77% share of the mobile market in the United States. In contrast, Samsung holds a smaller 23.67%, and Google stands at 9.46%. Samsung’s market share has not seen much improvement recently, making it uncertain if these ads will persuade iPhone users to switch brands.

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