Tag: iPhone 16 Pro

April 26, 2025
Caviar Unveils Spiritual Heritage iPhones as Sacred Art Pieces
Key Takeaways
1. Caviar’s Spiritual Heritage Collection transforms iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max into spiritual art, featuring three designs: Reverence, Medina, and OM.
2. Each model incorporates luxurious materials like 24K gold, garnets, and fine enamel, with prices starting at $8,340.
3. The Reverence model features a black and silver design inspired by Islamic culture, while the Medina edition celebrates Middle Eastern artistry with gold relief and turquoise.
4. The OM edition reflects Buddhist and Hindu concepts of mindfulness, showcasing a lotus design and garnets for a calming effect.
5. The collection expands on Caviar’s Credo series, which includes phones inspired by Christian and Jewish symbols, with prices for special editions reaching up to $9,630.
Caviar, the opulent brand from Dubai, has unveiled a stunning new collection that transforms Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max into exclusive pieces of spiritual art. This series, called the Spiritual Heritage Collection, showcases three exquisite designs: Reverence, Medina, and OM, each inspired by sacred traditions and made with luxurious materials like 24K gold, garnets, and fine enamel. True to Caviar’s style, these are not mere phones; they are bold statements, with prices starting at $8,340.
Unique Design Features
The Reverence model presents a striking black and silver design that pays respect to the divine presence in Islamic culture, adorned with intricate enamel work over a geometric titanium medallion. The design is influenced by Eastern patterns, and the repeating motifs create a sense of harmony and eternity. The combination of silver and matte black lends it a strong, almost sacred quality, reminiscent of a futuristic religious artifact.
Cultural Inspirations
Next is the Medina edition, which celebrates classic Middle Eastern Islamic artistry and architecture. It features a beautifully sculpted gold relief outlined by a botanical design, finished with turquoise composite stone. This design is rich in symbolism and crafted for those who value cultural significance and detailed workmanship.
Mindfulness in Design
The OM edition embodies the concepts of balance and mindfulness, drawing inspiration from Buddhism and Hinduism. It showcases an orange symbol at its center, enclosed within a three-dimensional lotus design, surrounded by 32 small garnets set into a silver titanium back. The design reflects geometric patterns commonly linked to meditation and clarity, offering a calm and introspective vibe intended to promote focus and self-examination.
Caviar’s Spiritual Heritage Collection expands on the brand’s broader Credo series, which features phones that incorporate Christian and Jewish symbols, including editions inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica, Mogen David, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Pricing Information
The Spiritual Heritage Collection from Caviar is available now, with prices varying by design: $8,340 for Reverence, $8,910 for Medina, $9,200 for OM, and special editions like St. Peter’s Basilica reaching up to $9,630. Earlier this year, Caviar also launched a remarkable iPhone 16 Pro Max priced at $100,000, inspired by Notre Dame, alongside a high-end Valentine’s Day collection featuring custom-designed iPhone 16 Pro models.
Tags: Caviar, iPhone 16 Pro, Spiritual Heritage Collection
April 8, 2025
Apple Shifts India-Made iPhones to US Amid Price Hike Fears
Key Takeaways
1. Increase in Store Traffic: Apple Stores are experiencing a rise in customer visits due to concerns over potential price hikes from tariffs.
2. Lack of Corporate Guidance: Apple employees currently lack specific information to reassure customers until the earnings announcement on May 1.
3. Rerouting Production: Apple is shifting more iPhones manufactured in India to the US market to avoid high tariffs, aiming to produce around 25 million iPhones in India this year.
4. Potential Cost Increases: The iPhone 16 Pro’s production cost could rise significantly due to tariffs, possibly leading to higher retail prices.
5. Long-Term Production Shifts: Moving iPhone production to the US is a long-term process that may not result in reduced costs, as Apple adjusts its strategy to mitigate tariff impacts.
Apple iPhone customers are rushing into stores across the US, asking whether prices will go up following a 34% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on goods coming from China. There’s also a threat of this rate increasing to 50% if China decides to retaliate, which it has.
Increase in Store Traffic
Employees at Apple Stores are noticing a significant rise in customer visits, reminiscent of the hustle and bustle seen during the holiday shopping season. Many of these prospective iPhone buyers are concerned about potential price hikes. This surge in inquiries has also led to a boost in sales compared to previous years during the same timeframe.
Lack of Corporate Guidance
At the moment, Apple staff don’t have specific guidance on how to reassure anxious customers until the company announces its earnings on May 1. However, Apple is proactively taking steps to mitigate any adverse effects that might arise from the steep tariff increase.
Rerouting Production
The company has accumulated several months’ worth of device inventory in the US and is also shifting more iPhones manufactured in India to the US market. These devices incur much lower import tariffs, with Apple planning to produce around 25 million iPhones in India this year.
If a significant number of these iPhones are sent to the US rather than being sold locally, it could potentially meet roughly half of the American demand for these devices. The high tariff on products from China could increase the iPhone’s Bill of Materials (BOM)—the expense involved in assembling them—by approximately 55%.
Potential Cost Increases
For example, the iPhone 16 Pro, which currently has a BOM cost of $550 and is priced at about $917 on Amazon in a Grade A renewed condition, could end up costing Apple over $800 to produce and import due to the newly imposed tariffs.
To maintain its profit margins, Apple might need to raise the price of the iPhone 16 Pro to match that of a fully loaded 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max, which may not be appealing to many consumers in the US.
Long-Term Production Shifts
Transitioning iPhone production to the US will take time and will not necessarily lower costs. Thus, it appears that Apple is making efforts to adjust its strategy and lessen the impact of tariffs on American consumers as best as it can.
Source:
Link
Tags: Apple, iPhone 16 Pro, Tariffs
March 26, 2025
$12,000 iPhone 16 Pro Max Showcases Moscow Landmarks and Indium
Key Takeaways
1. Caviar’s Horizon collection transforms flagship smartphones into art pieces inspired by famous cities, with the Moscow edition featuring a panoramic view of the city.
2. The Moscow model includes luxury design elements such as 24-karat gold, scarlet garnets, and handcrafted details of notable landmarks like the Spasskaya Tower and Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
3. The phone’s body is made from high-quality titanium with black PVD coating and engraved golden firework patterns, enhancing its luxury appeal.
4. Only ten units of the Moscow edition will be produced, making it an exclusive collector’s item, with an optional mechanical watch available.
5. Prices for the Moscow edition start at $10,560 for the iPhone 16 Pro and go up to $12,060 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, appealing to those seeking sophistication and fine craftsmanship.
Luxury customization brand Caviar introduced its Horizon collection last week, turning flagship smartphones into detailed art pieces inspired by famous cities. The company has now added a new model—the Moscow edition of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, showcasing a breathtaking panoramic view of the Russian capital.
Design Features
The Moscow model displays a detailed panoramic view of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Spasskaya Tower and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. The Spasskaya Tower is covered in a layer of 24-karat gold and features scarlet garnets made from yttrium, a rare metal sourced from Russia’s Ural mountains. To enhance its uniqueness, a special indium insert highlights the tower’s window. Saint Basil’s Cathedral is carefully handcrafted with bright enamel colors, reflecting the architectural splendor of historic Moscow.
The phone’s body is made from high-quality titanium with a black PVD coating, intricately engraved with golden firework patterns that represent the festive Moscow sky. The side buttons are embellished with 18K gold, boosting its luxury appeal. For collectors desiring even more sophistication, Caviar offers an optional mechanical watch embedded in the Spasskaya Tower. Only ten units of the Moscow edition will be produced, making it a genuinely exclusive masterpiece.
Other City Editions
In addition to the Moscow model, the Horizon collection features various other city-themed designs. The London version includes a gold mini replica of Big Ben with a built-in mechanical watch. The Dubai edition showcases a three-dimensional gold panorama featuring the iconic Burj Khalifa. Other models include Gibraltar with titanium engravings of the Barbary macaque, the Bahamas with gold-plated elderberry flowers, and Shanghai’s skyline displayed on a Huawei Mate X6 foldable phone.
Prices for Caviar’s Moscow edition start at $10,560 for the 128GB version of the iPhone 16 Pro, reaching up to $12,060 for the 1TB version of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This collection is aimed at those who desire more than just a smartphone; it’s a representation of global sophistication and fine craftsmanship.
Tags: Caviar, iPhone 16 Pro, Moscow edition
March 20, 2025
Oppo Find X8s Unveils World’s Thinnest Bezels in Real Life
Key Takeaways
1. Oppo’s Find X8 series will feature new models with the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC.
2. The Find X8s will have a flat display with the world’s slimmest bezels, measuring around 1.3mm.
3. The design includes a single punch-hole for the camera, differing from Apple’s Dynamic Island style.
4. The Find X8s is expected to be slim at 7.79mm thick and weigh less than 179 grams.
5. The OnePlus 13T may share the same front panel design as the Find X8s.
Oppo is set to enhance its Find X8 series of top-tier smartphones very soon. Recent rumors indicate that two of the new models will feature the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC instead of the 9400, and one of them will be smaller than the other.
Design Features
The “Find X8s” is believed to come with a flat display that is roughly the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro, but it will offer more screen space because it will have “the world’s slimmest bezels” (around 1.3 millimeters (mm), as claimed, in contrast to the 1.43mm of the 16 Pro) at the time of its launch.
Moreover, the X8s is likely to sport a single punch-hole design instead of the Dynamic Island cut-out style used by Apple.
Visual Evidence
These assertions appear to be supported by a recent image that allegedly shows the X8s alongside the iPhone 16 Pro. The “X8s” features a flat-edged metallic frame, which seems to come in a different color and may have a more matte finish compared to its Apple counterpart.
According to well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, the device will measure no more than 7.79mm in thickness. The Find X8s could also weigh less than 179 grams (g), suggesting that it might be both slimmer and lighter than the 16 Pro at its launch.
Potential Similarities with OnePlus
If this turns out to be true, the “OnePlus 13T” might share the same front panel as the upcoming Find X8s when it debuts.
Source:
Link
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, Oppo Find X8S
March 18, 2025
Caviar Transforms Big Ben into Working iPhone Watch in London
Key Takeaways
1. Caviar’s Horizon Collection features luxury smartphones inspired by famous cities, merging art and technology.
2. Each model is made with premium materials like 24-karat gold, titanium, and natural stones, emphasizing craftsmanship.
3. Limited editions, such as the London, Gibraltar, Bahamas, Shanghai, and Dubai models, enhance exclusivity with only ten or ninety-nine pieces available.
4. The collection includes unique designs, like a mechanical clock in the London edition and intricate engravings in the Gibraltar and Bahamas editions.
5. Customized designs are available, allowing clients to create personalized luxury smartphones based on their favorite cities or landmarks.
Caviar has once again elevated the concept of luxury with its latest Horizon Collection, which features bespoke smartphones inspired by some of the globe’s most famous cities. Each model transcends being merely a phone; it is a meticulously crafted artwork that merges stunning architecture with exquisite craftsmanship. The collection boasts the finest materials, such as 24-karat gold, aviation-grade titanium, natural stones, and vibrant enamel decorations.
A Nod to Iconic Cities in Precious Metals
The London edition stands out as particularly eye-catching. Designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, this model showcases an elaborate three-dimensional bas-relief of Big Ben, crafted from a special jewelry alloy and adorned with 24K pink gold. At its heart lies a genuine mechanical clock with a manual winding feature, elegantly merging timeless tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Only ten pieces of this model will be produced, enhancing its exclusivity.
Mediterranean Inspirations and Tropical Vibes
The Gibraltar edition draws from the beauty of the Mediterranean. It is made from aviation-grade titanium and boasts a sleek white finish. This edition features detailed engravings of the island’s renowned Barbary macaques, alongside gold palm trees and emerald green enamel leaves. Just like the London edition, this one is also limited to only ten pieces.
For a touch of tropical charm, the Bahamas edition embodies the essence of island life. It showcases intricate floral engravings of the national yellow elder flower, set upon a flawless white stone body and bordered by gentle rose gold. Only ten of these exquisite models will be crafted.
A Tribute to Modern Architecture
The Shanghai edition, crafted on the Huawei Mate X6 foldable, pays homage to the city’s cutting-edge skyline. Iconic structures like the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower are engraved in gold, all encased in aviation-grade titanium with a sleek black satin finish. This edition is relatively more accessible, with 99 units available for purchase.
Lastly, the Dubai edition epitomizes contemporary luxury. Its design showcases a gold-plated three-dimensional cityscape featuring landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, set against a black titanium backdrop with subtle radial satin textures. Similar to the Shanghai edition, this one is limited to 99 units.
Prices for the Horizon Collection commence at $8,900 for the Gibraltar edition of the iPhone 16 Pro, while the Dubai edition for the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaches a high of $13,700. For those desiring something uniquely personal, Caviar also provides fully customized designs inspired by any city or landmark the client imagines, bringing personal visions to life in gold.
Earlier this month, Caviar inaugurated its first exclusive showroom in Dubai, featuring its ultra-luxury custom iPhones.
Tags: Caviar, iPhone 16 Pro, Luxury Smartphones
March 11, 2025
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Phones Could Omit SIM Slots for Slimmer Design
Key Takeaways
1. Many iPhones available on Amazon are eSIM-only models, limiting traditional SIM card use.
2. Users wanting to keep traditional SIMs may consider Android alternatives like OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9 Pro.
3. Non-iPhone manufacturers may also eliminate physical SIM card support with upcoming flagship devices using Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2.
4. The shift to eSIM may primarily affect the next generation of ultra-slim smartphones.
5. The trend’s acceptance may depend on the success of future models like iPhone 17 Air and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
Many iPhones available on Amazon are eSIM-only models, as Apple has chosen this route in certain areas, including North America. As a result, individuals who want to keep using their traditional SIM cards may need to consider Android alternatives to the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, such as the OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9 Pro.
Future of SIM Cards
However, this situation could change soon, as non-iPhone manufacturers are reportedly planning to eliminate physical SIM card support with the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (also referred to as the Qualcomm SM8850 in some leaks) for their upcoming flagship devices.
Impact on Slim Devices
Luckily, this ‘feature’ might only affect the next generation of ultra-slim smartphones. These devices may support high-end specs like the “SM8850,” but they could lack a slot for a SIM card, according to the usually reliable source, Digital Chat Station.
Factors Influencing Trends
The likelihood of this trend becoming common reportedly hinges on several elements, including the success or failure of the anticipated iPhone 17 Air and, presumably, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
Source:
Link
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, Oneplus 13, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
January 9, 2025
2TB SSD for iPhone: ShiftCam Planck Data Transfer 1,050 MB/s
ShiftCam is introducing one of the tiniest SSDs globally, named Planck. This SSD has been specifically designed for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro. Its compact design means it hardly interferes with smartphone usage and adds very little weight, which is crucial for stability when using gimbals for video recording.
Essential for High-Quality Video
Apple ProRes videos recorded at 4K resolution and 120 frames per second consume a hefty 440 MB per second, equating to 264 GB for just ten minutes. Because of this, external SSDs are essential for these types of video projects. The Planck SSD boasts impressive data speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, ensuring it can handle all ProRes formats efficiently. Plus, transferring numerous photos and videos from the iPhone to the SSD can be done swiftly.
Built to Last
The ShiftCam Planck is built to be shockproof and holds an IP65 rating, indicating it can endure heavy rain without damage. Additionally, ShiftCam includes a USB-C hub that enables the use of two Planck SSDs at once. This hub is also equipped with an HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor, allowing users to view their media on a larger screen effortlessly. Notably, the Planck is more affordable than Apple’s storage options: Apple charges an extra $500 to upgrade the iPhone 16 Pro from 128 GB to 1 TB, while the 1 TB ShiftCam Planck costs just $189.
Pricing and Launch Details
The ShiftCam Planck SSD is anticipated to be available in spring 2025, offering a 1 TB version for $189 and a 2 TB version for $299. During January, pre-orders will be taken as part of a Kickstarter campaign for $125 and $199, respectively. Information regarding the pricing and availability of the Planck USB-C hub is yet to be announced. Kickstarter campaign for $125
Source: Link
Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, Planck SSD, ShiftCam
December 29, 2024
Apple Plans Flat, Edgeless iPhone Display for Future Models
Current iPhones, like the iPhone 16 Pro, already seem quite sleek, but future iPhones are looking to take a big leap by eliminating black bezels from the OLED screen completely, as per a report from the supplier industry in South Korea. The report mentions that Apple is exploring a flat design with a fully bezel-free display, allowing content to reach all the way to the edge of the device, similar to the current designs of Apple Watches.
Display Differences
Unlike what Android manufacturers have previously introduced with their AMOLED screens, Apple’s envisioned display wouldn’t have curved sides. This means that Apple desires a design without visible curves, ruling out the quad-curved panels that are in vogue with Chinese flagship models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Additionally, Samsung’s Edge Panels, which were once a major focus for them, are not a suitable option for Apple for the same reasons, according to insights from industry insiders.
Technical Challenges
LG and Samsung are both engaged in creating display solutions for Apple‘s upcoming iPhones, but they’re encountering significant technical hurdles in producing the entirely flat and borderless OLED panel that Apple envisions. Experts note that the “optically clear adhesive technology” (OCA) essential for this innovation hasn’t reached maturity yet and is progressing slowly. Therefore, borderless iPhones are not anticipated until 2026. A representative from Samsung Display has earlier mentioned that they are also making strides in developing better under-display cameras for Apple.
Source: Link
Tags: bezel-less display, iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Display
December 7, 2024
TSMC 2nm Trial Run Exceeds Expectations with 60% Yield
Chips designed with the advanced 2 nanometer (2nm) technology are expected to deliver better performance and/or energy efficiency than their 3nm versions, which are already used in devices like the latest iPhone 16 Pro series, the newest MacBook Pros, and flagship Android devices, such as the OnePlus 13.
Challenges in Production
Nonetheless, the next-generation silicon’s potential benefits indicate that it is becoming increasingly challenging to manufacture, a reality Intel is currently experiencing with negative consequences. On a positive note, TSMC’s ongoing 2nm pilot project seems to be moving ahead of schedule, with production yields reported to be at or above 60%.
Location of Production Trials
The trial run is taking place at TSMC’s Zhuke Baoshan facility, located in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. The first 2nm production process is expected to transition to the Kaohsiung factory afterward.
This facility is set to become the very first site for mass production of TSMC’s 2nm chips. The silicon is anticipated to hit the market by late 2025, likely emerging in products like the next-generation iPad Pro.
Future Product Expectations
Moreover, TSMC’s upcoming offerings are projected to include the A20 Pro for the next iPhones, MediaTek’s future flagship Dimensity 9600 SoC, NVIDIA’s Rubin series, and AMD’s Zen 6 platform.
This might explain why Wei Zhejia, TSMC’s chairman and president, has described the demand as being "beyond imagining." The 2nm chips produced by TSMC are also expected to significantly contribute to the rollout of next-gen AI technologies.
Tags: 2nm chips, iPhone 16 Pro, TSMC
November 12, 2024
Caviar Launches $9,200 iPhone 16 Pro Collection for Icons
Caviar, a luxury smartphone customizer located in Dubai, has just launched its newest collection named “Visionaries,” which features exclusive custom designs for the iPhone 16 Pro series.
Celebrating Influential Figures
This collection honors key figures, showcasing models inspired by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs. Each device is meticulously made using premium materials, with distinct engravings and meaningful elements that reflect the legacy of these notable individuals.
Detailed Specifications
The Steve Jobs edition begins at $9,340, paying tribute to the late Apple co-founder. It is made of impact-resistant titanium and sports a sleek black PVD finish. The device incorporates a gold-hued engraving along with Apple’s famous logo, highlighted by double electroplated gold for an impressive appearance.
The Trump Great Again edition, which starts at $9,200, celebrates Donald Trump’s anticipated 2024 presidential win. This model features an aerospace-grade titanium frame with a durable black PVD finish, mirroring the architectural style of the Trump Tower. It includes a red centerpiece representing Trump’s signature red tie and his election ballot mark. The design is further enhanced with the engraved slogan “Great Again” as a reference to his campaign, adorned with stars and stripes to pay respect to the American flag.
A Unique Space Experience
The Musk Be On Mars edition, starting at $9,990, honors Elon Musk’s ambitions with SpaceX. A key highlight of this model is an actual fragment from the SpaceX Starship embedded within the phone, sourced from a collector of Starship crash remnants. Finished in a space black color, this model features laser-engraved space scenes and a bas-relief of the Dragon spacecraft. Musk’s name and signature are also prominently displayed, showcasing his contributions to space exploration.
The Caviar Visionaries collection includes the iPhone 16 series, which encompasses the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max from the last generation. With storage choices ranging from 128GB to 1TB, each model is a limited collector’s item, with only 99 units manufactured.
Caviar is recognized for its lavish designs, having previously launched the custom Huawei Mate XT Ultimate that features 24k gold and crocodile leather, along with a gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro in a rare desert titanium shade, starting at $10,630.
Tags: Caviar Visionaries, iPhone 16 Pro, Luxury Smartphone Customization