Tag: iPhone 16

  • Replace Siri with Google Gemini on Apple iPhone Soon

    Replace Siri with Google Gemini on Apple iPhone Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has adjusted the iPhone to comply with EU rules, allowing third-party apps like PayPal to use the NFC chip for contactless payments.
    2. Users can now access alternative app stores, such as the Epic Games Store, for downloading apps and games.
    3. The iPhone 16 will feature a USB-C port due to EU regulations.
    4. Upcoming iOS updates will allow users to choose rival voice assistants, like Google Gemini, as defaults instead of just Siri.
    5. Apple is developing an AI-enhanced version of Siri to better compete with advanced alternatives from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.


    Apple has made many adjustments to the iPhone in recent years to stay within the bounds of EU rules like the Digital Markets Act. Because of this, third-party applications, including PayPal, can now utilize the NFC chip for contactless payments. Furthermore, users can now access alternative app stores, including the Epic Games Store, for downloading apps and games. The introduction of the USB-C port on the iPhone 16 also stems from the EU’s requirement for USB-C.

    Changes in Default Settings

    With iOS already allowing users to choose a browser like Google Chrome or a different email app as their default, similar changes are on the way for voice assistants. According to information from Bloomberg, Apple is developing iOS updates that will enable users to utilize rival voice assistants like Google Gemini instead of just Siri. Up until now, users have had to open specific apps to use other voice assistants, rather than being able to activate them through the lock button or voice commands.

    Future of Siri

    Mark Gurman, an editor at Bloomberg, believes that many iPhone users will jump at the chance to swap out Siri for a more advanced alternative. Apple’s AI capabilities currently lag behind those of Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which sometimes causes Siri to use ChatGPT for more complicated questions. Nevertheless, Apple is reportedly already working on an AI-enhanced version of Siri to better compete with its competitors.

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  • Leica iPhone App Introduces Artist Looks for Pro-Quality Photos

    Leica iPhone App Introduces Artist Looks for Pro-Quality Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Leica Lux iPhone app offers personalized photo options, including classic Leica Looks and new Artist Looks inspired by famous photographers.
    2. One Artist Look, inspired by Greg Williams, features high-contrast black and white images with grain, resembling vintage Kodak Tri-X 400 film.
    3. The Greg Williams-inspired style emphasizes authenticity and warmth without over-editing, and adjusts automatically to different lighting conditions.
    4. Users can save the Greg Williams look as a favorite within the Leica Lux App, with plans for future accessibility in the Leica Photos app for select Leica cameras.
    5. The Leica Lux app is available in the App Store for a subscription fee of $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, and is exclusive to Apple iPhones, including the iPhone 16.


    The Leica Lux iPhone app gives photographers a wide range of options to personalize their photos. Users can choose from classic Leica Looks, simulate popular Leica M lenses, or explore the new Artist Looks, which mimic the styles of famous photographers.

    Inspired by Greg Williams

    One of these new styles is inspired by the works of British photographer Greg Williams. This Artist Look features high-contrast black and white images with noticeable grain, similar to the vintage Kodak Tri-X 400 film. Leica’s marketing claims that this style highlights authenticity, warmth, and closeness, steering clear of over-editing. It also adjusts automatically to various lighting situations.

    Collaboration with a Renowned Photographer

    Leica points out that this look was created in partnership with Greg Williams himself. For photographers who plan to use this style frequently, it can be saved as a favorite within the Leica Lux App. In the future, this feature will also be accessible in the Leica Photos app, enabling use with select Leica cameras like the Leica Q3.

    The Artist Look inspired by Greg Williams is now available to all users of the Leica Lux iPhone app after the update to version 1.7. The app can be found in the App Store but requires a subscription that costs $6.99 each month or $69.99 per year—those who choose the yearly plan save about $14 annually. The Leica Lux app is exclusively for Apple iPhones, including the latest iPhone 16.

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  • Free Racing Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store for Android & iOS

    Free Racing Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store for Android & iOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games is offering a free mobile game, Mr Racer: Premium, valued at $9.98, available until May 15.
    2. The game features 15 hypercars, five different locations, and seven racing modes, with both offline and online gameplay options.
    3. Players will receive 5 million in-game currency and a ‘Fancy Pack’ for car customization.
    4. Mr Racer: Premium is free from advertising interruptions, enhancing the gaming experience.
    5. The game can be claimed through Epic Games’ mobile apps or a desktop browser, but there are regional restrictions for installation.


    The Epic Games Store has refreshed its mobile free game giveaway program, featuring a racing game this time. Last week, they discounted Super Space Club for Android and iOS devices, including the newest iPhone 16 (currently priced at $676 – refurbished on Amazon). To add to this, the new mobile giveaway comes alongside two free games available on PC, which we have detailed in another article.

    Free Game Offer

    Starting today and running until May 15, you can add Mr Racer: Premium to your Epic Games library, a deal valued at a total of $9.98 for both mobile platforms. According to the store’s blog post, the game boasts 15 hypercars and allows you to race in five different locations with seven racing modes available. Mr Racer: Premium also offers both offline and online gameplay options, letting you compete against friends or randomly matched players.

    Added Bonuses

    In addition, this week’s offer includes 5 million in-game currency and a ‘Fancy Pack’ that provides various customization choices for your cars. Epic Games highlights that Mr Racer: Premium delivers a racing experience free from advertising interruptions. You can claim Mr Racer: Premium at no cost through Epic Games’ mobile applications or using a desktop browser via the instant checkout link, provided you are logged into your Epic Games account. Keep in mind that there are still regional restrictions regarding the installation of Epic’s mobile applications.

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  • Epic Games Store Announces Free Game Giveaway for Android, iOS May 2025

    Epic Games Store Announces Free Game Giveaway for Android, iOS May 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store has updated its free mobile game giveaway program on Android and iOS to align more closely with its PC offerings.
    2. This week, the only free game available is Super Space Club, which is usually priced at $7.98.
    3. Users must sideload the Epic Games Store application to access it on their devices, particularly on iOS.
    4. The app installation is currently only available for iOS devices within the European Union.
    5. Epic Games will refresh its mobile giveaway on May 8 at approximately 15:00 UTC.


    The Epic Games Store has updated its free mobile game giveaway program on both Android and iOS platforms, following a similar update on PC earlier today. Recently, Epic Games has been trying to bring both programs closer together. That said, some differences still exist. For instance, on mobile, they included Loop Hero along with Chuchel, while on PC, only Chuchel received a discount.

    Free Game Offers This Week

    This week, the only game available for free is Super Space Club, now listed at $0.00 on both Android and iOS, a deal that usually costs $7.98. In simpler terms, this week, the Epic Games Store has aligned its giveaways across both platforms. Sadly, it seems unlikely that picking up free mobile games from the store will be any simpler in the future.

    Installation Notes

    Currently, to access the Epic Games Store, users need to sideload the application on devices such as the iPhone 16 (currently priced at $700 – refurbished on Amazon). While the store does provide installation instructions for both systems, the app can only be installed on iOS devices within the European Union. Keep in mind that Epic Games plans to refresh its mobile giveaway at approximately 15:00 UTC on May 8. Until then, you can download Super Space Club for free through the mobile apps or via a desktop browser using this instant checkout link, as long as you are logged into your Epic Games account first.

    Important Disclaimer

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price changes made by retailers. The deal or discounted price mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and may have time limits or limited stock availability.

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  • Apple Unveils iPhone 16: Relax, It’s Here!

    Apple Unveils iPhone 16: Relax, It’s Here!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple promotes the iPhone 16’s durability with its Ceramic Shield, suggesting it can withstand drops without a case.
    2. The advertisement marks a shift in the smartphone industry, where brands typically encourage using cases for protection.
    3. Apple aims to compete with other brands emphasizing durability features, like water and dust resistance.
    4. While the Ceramic Shield is designed for improved protection, real-life drop scenarios may still pose risks.
    5. The debate over using a case versus going caseless is reignited, as some users may prefer the sleek design without a case despite the risks.


    Apple is making a daring statement: you might not need a case for your iPhone 16. In a recent advertisement, the company highlights the phone’s Ceramic Shield, claiming it’s tough enough to withstand drops without getting scratched. This is a significant move for smartphone brands, which often avoid promoting caseless usage—likely to keep selling their expensive branded cases or to sidestep backlash from drop tests.

    Confidence in Durability

    The new ad emphasizes trust in the iPhone 16’s strength. The video features the phone enduring a dramatic fall, conveying that its Ceramic Shield—Apple’s exclusive glass—will protect it. Unlike previous ads that showcased toughness yet suggested using cases, this one boldly states, “Chill, it’s iPhone 16.” This represents a major change in an industry where buying cases has become almost automatic.

    Competing in the Durability Arms Race

    The timing is strategic. Brands from China like Oppo and Realme are promoting their IP69 dust and water resistance, while Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2 claims to survive drops of 2.2 meters onto concrete-like surfaces. Apple is raising the bar to keep up with this durability competition, hinting at a new phase where phones may not require extra protection.

    The Reality of Going Caseless

    The iPhone 16’s Ceramic Shield is said to be “tougher than ever,” combining ceramic crystals with glass for improved drop and scratch resistance. However, real-life drops are unpredictable—consider uneven sidewalks or accidental falls onto tiles. Apple’s advertisement is bold, but it also strategically relies on lab-tested strength to appeal to users who are tired of heavy cases.

    The surface depicted in Apple’s ad is a flat wooden platform that is forgiving enough, even for a flagship from three years ago. The ad also fails to clarify whether Apple would be liable if the glass breaks due to a careless drop. It sends a confident message, indeed, but seems somewhat too cautious in execution. We’ve previously discussed the idea of using a smartphone without a case—even in 2025—and you can find that information here.

    The Case Debate

    This announcement raises an interesting question: to case or not to case? Some people appreciate the sleekness of a phone without a case, while others wouldn’t want to risk a broken screen. With Apple’s show of faith, more users might choose to go without cases, but it wouldn’t be surprising if their case sales remain robust. What do you think—should the iPhone 16 be bare or protected?


  • New Free Game on Epic Games Store for Mobile – Limited Time Only

    New Free Game on Epic Games Store for Mobile – Limited Time Only

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store is offering a free mobile game, Doodle Kingdom: Medieval, available on Android and iOS.
    2. Users must side-load the Epic Games Store app on Android devices; it cannot be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
    3. Free mobile games for iOS are only accessible to users in the European Union and the UK.
    4. Doodle Kingdom: Medieval is a puzzle game with multiple modes and endless creation options, valued at $4.98.
    5. The giveaway lasts until April 10 at 16:00 UTC, and users need an Epic Games account to redeem the game.


    The Epic Games Store has rolled out a new free mobile game this week, offering just one title. This giveaway is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. However, there are some limitations when it comes to redeeming these free mobile games.

    Downloading Challenges

    For example, you can’t download the Epic Games Store directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Instead, users need to side-load the app onto their Android devices or newer iPhones such as the iPhone 16 (curr. $662.99 – renewed on Amazon). Additionally, free mobile games for iOS from Epic Games are restricted to users in the European Union and the UK. To find out more about these restrictions, check out Epic Games’ specific support pages for Android and iOS.

    Special Offer on Doodle Kingdom: Medieval

    This week, Epic Games has put Doodle Kingdom: Medieval on sale, a puzzle game that expands upon the popularity of Doodle God and Doodle Devil. This game is illustrated as one that “transforms players into wizards and knights,” and it includes multiple game modes along with endless options for creating ‘elements.’ The current mobile giveaway from Epic Games will be available until April 10 at 16:00 UTC. More information can be found on the company’s website or on its instant checkout page for claiming this week’s deal worth $4.98 across both Android and iOS. Keep in mind that you need to be logged into an Epic Games account for this redemption process to function properly.

    Important Note

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck cannot be held liable for any price alterations made by retailers. The discounted price or offer mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and could be limited by time and/or stock availability.

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  • iPhone 16e Benchmarks Show Strong CPU and GPU Performance

    iPhone 16e Benchmarks Show Strong CPU and GPU Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 16e has similar CPU performance to the iPhone 16, with benchmark scores of 3,520 (single-core) and 9,181 (multi-core).
    2. Earlier claims of the iPhone 16 having a 10% performance lead over the 16e were proven inaccurate.
    3. The iPhone 16e’s GPU performance is weaker than the iPhone 16, with scores of 3,862 (3DMark WildLife Extreme) compared to 4,588.
    4. The iPhone 16’s GPU is approximately 18% stronger than that of the iPhone 16e.
    5. The iPhone 16e is now readily available for purchase following its launch.


    Apple has released its new iPhone 16e, and it’s now easily accessible after its launch last week. Early benchmark results from unknown sources highlighted that the mid-range device’s CPU and GPU are not as powerful as those of the iPhone 16. However, verified tech outlets have now thoroughly tested the iPhone 16e.

    Benchmark Performance

    According to tests conducted by the well-known site Geekerwan, the iPhone 16e matches the iPhone 16 in terms of CPU performance. It achieved scores of 3,520 for single-core and 9,181 for multi-core on Geekbench 6. In comparison, the standard iPhone 16 received scores of 3,509 and 9,018 in the same tests. This confirms that earlier benchmark claims suggesting a 10% lead for the iPhone 16 were inaccurate. This result is not surprising, considering both models share the same CPU core count and clock speeds.

    Graphic Performance

    On the other hand, the iPhone 16e falls short against the iPhone 16 in GPU performance. This is due to its less powerful quad-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 boasts a penta-core GPU. In the 3DMark WildLife Extreme test, the iPhone 16e scored 3,862, compared to the iPhone 16’s 4,588. Similarly, in the Nomad Light test, the iPhone 16e scored 1,627, whereas the iPhone 16 achieved 1,916. Therefore, it can be concluded that the iPhone 16’s GPU is approximately 18% stronger than that of the iPhone 16e.

    Purchase Options

    If you’re interested in upgrading your audio experience, you can buy the Apple AirPods Max on Amazon.

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  • Apple iPhone 16e Geekbench Scores Show Lower CPU and GPU Performance

    Apple iPhone 16e Geekbench Scores Show Lower CPU and GPU Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 16e features a less powerful GPU with a 4-core configuration compared to other iPhone 16 models.
    2. Performance tests show the iPhone 16e has lower CPU scores than the standard iPhone 16, indicating about 10% weaker CPU performance.
    3. The iPhone 16e scored 24,188 on the Metal test, while the iPhone 16 scored 28,042, highlighting a 15% efficiency gap in GPU performance.
    4. The iPhone 16e is priced $200 lower than the standard iPhone 16, making it a more budget-friendly option.
    5. Buyers may need to compromise on performance and features, such as the absence of an ultra-wide-angle camera, for the lower price.


    Apple has just launched its latest mid-tier smartphone, the iPhone 16e, earlier this week. It’s clear that Apple is not trying to conceal the fact that the iPhone 16e comes with a less powerful GPU compared to other models in the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring a 4-core configuration. However, it seems that the new device might also fall short in terms of CPU performance.

    Performance Details

    Recently, the iPhone 16e was spotted on Geekbench under the model number “iPhone 17,5,” equipped with 8 GB of RAM. The results show a single-core score of 2,706 and a multi-core score of 7,942. For comparison, the standard iPhone 16 achieved scores of 3,377 and 8,362 in our tests. This data suggests that the iPhone 16’s CPU might be about 10% stronger than that of the iPhone 16e, which is intriguing since both devices share the same number of CPU cores and clock speed.

    GPU Performance Comparison

    The Metal test results from Geekbench highlight the impact of the missing GPU core in the A18 chip of the iPhone 16e. It scored 24,188 on the Metal test, while the vanilla iPhone 16 managed a score of 28,042. This indicates that the absence of one core likely allows the iPhone 16 to be approximately 15% more efficient in GPU performance.

    Pricing and Trade-offs

    Although it is somewhat disheartening that the iPhone 16e does not match the performance levels of the iPhone 16, there is a silver lining: the new device is priced $200 lower. For prospective buyers, the slightly diminished performance and the absence of an ultra-wide-angle camera might be seen as a reasonable compromise.

    Don’t forget to check out the Apple Watch Ultra 2 available on Amazon.

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  • iPhone 17 Redesign Rumored: New Camera Control Button Feature

    iPhone 17 Redesign Rumored: New Camera Control Button Feature

    Apple is not likely to change the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro (currently priced at $914.97 – renewed premium on Amazon) in the near future. Generally, new flagship models are expected to launch this fall, likely around late September or early October.

    Gradual Evolution

    Apple usually makes slow updates from one iPhone version to the next. For instance, there are only a few visual changes between the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 16 series. However, there have been ongoing speculations that Apple might introduce a completely new design for at least one model in the iPhone 17 lineup, potentially the iPhone 17 Air.

    New Designs on the Horizon

    Recently, leaker Majin Bu shared a computer-aided design (CAD) image of a case that might belong to the iPhone 17 Air or the standard iPhone 17. The presence of a single rear camera suggests that it’s unlikely to be the regular iPhone 17, but it might just be used for showing purposes.

    The image doesn’t assure that Apple will actually produce the design shown. At least one case maker seems to have been informed that this design could be the final one, which would reintroduce the Camera Control button, rather than just a camera bar similar to the Google Pixel.

    Upcoming iPhone SE

    While the iPhone 17 series is thought to be still a ways off, reports indicate that Apple is preparing to launch its next iPhone SE later this month. It is rumored that the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e could officially be revealed as soon as February 11 and at a significantly lower price than the current iPhone 16.

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  • Apple Confetti: New iCloud Event-Planning Service Launch

    Apple Confetti: New iCloud Event-Planning Service Launch

    Apple is seen by many as still on the hunt for its next big hit, often referred to as the “next iPhone.” However, the company’s latest venture into innovative tech, its high-end mixed-reality headset called the Vision Pro, may not be that breakthrough after all.

    iPhone 16 Series Challenges

    On another note, Apple Intelligence has been highlighted as the standout feature for the iPhone 16 series. Yet, it has faced some challenges in its early stages and has not yet received the green light to launch globally. This has raised concerns about its future.

    Services: A Bright Spot

    Despite these hurdles, Apple continues to thrive in its Services segment, which has become one of the most lucrative parts of its business, as revealed in its recent financial statements. The Services portfolio, which includes offerings like TV+, Music, Fitness+, and Podcasts, is set to welcome a new addition called Confetti, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This new feature aims to enhance the simple “invitation” function currently found in the manufacturer’s Calendar app with a broader array of features that are supposedly more engaging, such as RSVP management.

    The anticipated feature is expected to reside in iCloud and will likely be available through both the web and the iPhone interface, based on hints discovered in the iOS 18.3 code analysis.

    Pricing Information

    As for the iPhone 16 Pro, it is now on sale for just under $1,000 in Renewed Premium condition on Amazon.

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