Tag: iPhone 16

  • iOS 18 Downgrades iPhones to 80Hz Refresh Rate? Evidence Disputes

    iOS 18 Downgrades iPhones to 80Hz Refresh Rate? Evidence Disputes

    The launches of iOS 18 and iPadOS have faced significant challenges. For instance, users found that upgrading older iPhones to iOS 18 led to decreased performance. In addition, Apple had to pause the distribution of iPadOS 18 due to reports of it causing some Apple M4-based iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 13 devices to become inoperable.

    Performance Issues and Claims

    Further reports indicated that iOS 18 restricts the refresh rate on iPhones with ProMotion technology to 80 Hz during scrolling. This information appears to have originated from Ice Universe, who shared evidence that their iPhone 16 Pro Max (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon) was "always locked at 80Hz" while scrolling on Weibo. Given Ice Universe’s standing in the tech community, their assertions have been largely accepted without thorough investigation.

    On one side, there is no evidence to confirm that the application used to measure the refresh rate is reliable. Additionally, other users have shown that their iPhones, capable of 120 Hz, can indeed reach that refresh rate while scrolling. However, it has been observed that quickly swiping in certain applications can trigger the display’s variable refresh rate feature, limiting it to 80 Hz.

    Historical Context of the Issue

    Interestingly, the 80 Hz issue on 120 Hz capable iPhones predates both the release of iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series. A quick search reveals that early adopters of the iPhone 13 Pro Max were voicing similar concerns back in October 2021. Similarly, YouTuber Golden Reviewer also expressed dissatisfaction in a video from that time titled "120Hz ProMotion is Bugged on iPhone." Essentially, it seems that a well-followed account is now drawing attention to a problem that may have been present since Apple introduced ProMotion displays with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max over three years ago.

    Sources include @UniverseIce, @BrightMinho, @ianzelbo, @vvaiibhav, MacRumors Forums, and Golden Reviewer.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Camera Button May Lead to $750 Repair Costs

    iPhone 16 Pro Camera Button May Lead to $750 Repair Costs

    As the Apple iPhone 16 series becomes available to consumers, initial feedback is coming in, revealing a range of opinions. While users are pleased with the device’s performance in areas like processing speed, heat control, and camera features, one particular aspect is attracting negative attention.

    New Feature Concerns

    This year, Apple has added a new capacitive button on the side of the iPhone 16. Designed for easy access when the phone is held horizontally, this button is intended to act as a camera shutter, complete with a tactile vibration response. Apple’s goal was to enhance the photography experience by mimicking a traditional camera feel. However, many users are less than thrilled. Numerous individuals are labeling this feature as one of Apple’s biggest letdowns yet. To make matters worse, the cost of repairing this button is astonishing.

    Repair Costs Alarmingly High

    The capacitive button carries a hidden financial burden. Reports reveal that it consists of nine different parts, which considerably heightens the chances of malfunction. If the button fails, Apple categorizes it under “other damage,” leading to exorbitant repair costs. For the iPhone 16, fixing it can cost up to 4,399 RMB (~US$624), while the iPhone 16 Pro can reach as high as 5,299 RMB (~US$751). These figures imply that repairing the button might necessitate a motherboard replacement, adding to the overall dissatisfaction.


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  • iPhone 16 Teardown: High Scores for Quick-Remove Battery

    iPhone 16 Teardown: High Scores for Quick-Remove Battery

    The iPhone 16 and its Plus version have been launched, lacking the new battery shield found in the higher-end 16 Pro and Pro Max models. However, the standard versions of this flagship series offer a unique feature that may compensate for this absence.

    New Battery Repair Guide

    Apple has introduced a fresh iPhone 16 Battery Repair Guide, which reveals that the battery is secured with electrically-induced adhesive instead of the usual pull-tabs. According to Apple, users can effectively "hot-wire" this adhesive using just a simple 9V battery and red and black crocodile clips.

    To perform this process, one clip must connect to a new silver tab on the battery, while the other should attach to a grounding screw located on the nearby speaker array.

    iFixit Confirmation

    iFixit has validated this method through its latest iPhone 16 teardown video, indicating that it can also work with other power sources up to 30W, including certain power banks. The innovative battery adhesive, believed to be provided by Tesa, is notably difficult to remove without utilizing its electrochemical properties, as noted by Phone Repair Guru in another teardown of the 16 series.

    Repairability Score

    Despite these challenges, the new feature has granted the iPhone 16 series an iFixit repairability score of 7 out of 10. The 16 Pro and Pro Max have yet to match this score due to their conventional pull-tabs, making it unlikely for them to achieve a similar rating for ease of repair in the near future.



  • A18 Pro Beats Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in CPU Power and Efficiency

    A18 Pro Beats Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in CPU Power and Efficiency

    Apple’s newly released iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro received a mix of reactions, with many considering the flagship series to be a minor upgrade, especially in the absence of Apple Intelligence. The devices are driven by the A18 and A18 Pro chipsets, which show notable enhancements compared to previous models.

    Performance Insights

    Determining if these advancements can hold their ground against the rising competition in the mobile chipset market is challenging. Recent tests show that their performance is close to matching the M1 in CPU evaluations, although they fall short of the rumored Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC in multi-core performance.

    A recent report from Geekerwan offers a more optimistic view of the A18 and A18 Pro. Both processors demonstrate a significant advantage over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the SPEC 2017 CPU benchmark. For example, the performance of the A18 Pro’s P-cores is nearly 42% greater than that of the Cortex-X4 found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while only using 8% more power. On the other hand, the E-cores in the A18 Pro are slightly quicker than the Cortex-A720, using nearly 30% less energy.

    Graphics Performance

    When it comes to GPU capabilities, the A18 Pro excels in the 3D Mark’s Steel Nomad Light GPU assessment, easily outperforming all competitors in the market. Although the A18 Pro’s GPU is significantly quicker than its predecessor, the A17 Pro, the improvement in efficiency is less remarkable, leading to higher power consumption alongside its speed.

    In practical gaming scenarios, the A18 Pro performs optimally in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is not surprising due to the larger device’s superior thermal management. Apple’s enhancements in thermal control have evidently made a positive impact, enabling better performance stability and cooler temperatures.

    Gaming Performance Comparison

    Specifically, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved a commendable 55.5 FPS, while the same chipset in the smaller iPhone 16 Pro recorded 49.5 FPS. The iPhone 16 Pro Max slightly surpassed the Dimensity 9300+ in the Vivo X100s and significantly outperformed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Xiaomi 14 Pro. However, the Redmagic 9S Pro emerged as the leader, achieving an impressive 59.9 FPS, but at the cost of higher power usage. Once again, Apple’s chipsets excel in efficiency.

    Of course, the CPU and GPU performance of smartphones depend on numerous factors, and their significance is not as pronounced as in PCs. While synthetic benchmarks can indicate generational progress, the true usability and quality of a smartphone cannot be fully assessed through lab tests alone. Therefore, only detailed evaluations from experts can provide insight into the actual experience the new flagship iPhones will deliver.


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  • iPhone 16 Series: A18 and A18 Pro CPU Performance Tests Revealed

    iPhone 16 Series: A18 and A18 Pro CPU Performance Tests Revealed

    The iPhone 16 series was launched just a week ago, and multiple reports have emerged regarding the CPU performance of the A18 and A18 Pro, thanks to Geekbench. Initially, these benchmark results came from unknown sources, but with the new models now undergoing hands-on tests, we have more clarity.

    Performance Scores Revealed

    According to Chinese review site Novice Evaluation, the iPhone 16, powered by the A18 chip, achieved a single-core score of 3295 on Geekbench 6.3. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro with the A18 Pro scored slightly higher at 3399. For multi-core performance, the A18 scored 8085, while the A18 Pro reached a score of 8408.

    Comparison with Previous Models

    These findings align with earlier reports suggesting that the A18 and A18 Pro provide similar performance levels in terms of CPU capabilities, with the A18 Pro in the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max showing a barely noticeable advantage. Notably, the A18 Pro is approximately 15% more powerful than last year’s A17 Pro, while the A18 in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus outperforms the A16 found in the iPhone 15 by as much as 35%.


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  • OnePlus 13 vs iPhone 16: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Beats Apple A18

    OnePlus 13 vs iPhone 16: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Beats Apple A18

    The OnePlus 13 is anticipated to be introduced in China this October. Before its official release, a new OnePlus phone identified by the model number PJZ110 has shown up on Geekbench. Trusted tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that this could be the forthcoming OnePlus 13. Here are the insights gathered from its Geekbench profile.

    OnePlus 13 on Geekbench

    According to the Geekbench profile, the speculated OnePlus 13 is equipped with a Qualcomm processor featuring six CPU cores running at 3.53GHz and two CPU cores at 2.32GHz. These specifications are believed to relate to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which is expected to be unveiled next month at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Tech Summit 2024. The chip is reportedly being manufactured by TSMC using its second-generation 3nm process.

    The Geekbench listing for the OnePlus 13 also indicates the inclusion of 16 GB of RAM and Android 15. The device achieved scores of 3,236 in single-core and 10,049 in multi-core tests. This suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is poised to deliver superior performance compared to Apple’s A18 chip, which recorded scores of 3,114 and 6,666 on Geekbench. At the time of writing, the OP13’s Geekbench listing was not available on the Geekbench website.

    Performance Insights and Battery Details

    According to DCS, the single-core and multi-core performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 outperforms Apple’s chip. However, these results are preliminary, lacking manufacturers’ performance optimizations, which leaves room for future enhancements.

    DCS also shared a Weibo post revealing what seems to be the battery and charging features of the OnePlus 13. The leak indicates that the OnePlus 13 will be equipped with a silicon dual-cell battery, model number BLPxxx, with a capacity of 6,000mAh. The device is expected to support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

    Additional Features and Production

    The OP13 is set to include a new Hasselblad Master Mode, the latest flagship algorithms, and a design showcasing an all-glass body, with a white glass variant. Additionally, the production of the OnePlus 13 has reportedly commenced, hinting at an announcement in October.


  • The iPhone 16 will redefine Apple’s revolutionary smartphone

    The iPhone 16 will redefine Apple’s revolutionary smartphone

    Exciting new details continue to surface about the iPhone 16 series. In addition to the previously leaked design and battery upgrades, Apple seems ready to make a splash with artificial intelligence enhancements. Rumors suggest iOS 18 will debut a suite of AI powered features for the iPhone 16 lineup. If this is true, performance should be blistering, thanks to the cutting-edge Neural Engine reportedly included in these new devices. Here are the details…

    iPhone 16 to offer ultra-fast AI performance thanks to new Neural Engine

    Apple’s A and M series processors consistently deliver powerful performance. Recent claims suggest the upcoming A18 and M3 will raise the bar even higher, with significant advances in AI capabilities. This means faster existing AI features, new functionality across Apple devices, and an overall smoother user experience.

    Advancements in Apple’s Neural Engine

    Apple’s Neural Engine, the core of their custom AI processing, will see significant advancements. These enhancements will power even more demanding AI applications on the iPhone 16 and other Apple devices. Expect smoother performance in facial recognition, Siri, augmented reality, and AI-driven camera features.

    Competition in the Smartphone Market

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a key feature in the smartphone market. Samsung, for example, based its entire sales strategy for the S24 series on Galaxy AI, highlighting its capabilities beyond those of a standard phone. Chinese manufacturers are following suit, putting pressure on Apple to innovate in this area.

    A Radical Shift for Apple?

    In our introduction, we noted that Apple seems to be making significant changes this year. A departure from the company’s usual approach. Typically, Apple avoids radical shifts and hesitates to introduce cutting-edge features like artificial intelligence so early. With this in mind, and since we only have unconfirmed claims, it’s possible that the upcoming iPhone won’t be so different after all. However, if the rumors prove true, this could represent the most dramatic change in iPhone history.

  • Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design

    Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design

    More iPhone 16 details continue to emerge. According to recent leaks, the series is expected to maintain its four-model structure but will introduce significant changes in battery design and capacity across its variants.

    iPhone 16 Series to Introduce New Battery Designs and Capacities

    According to the leaks, the iPhone 16 series might ditch the L-shaped battery design introduced in the iPhone 13 series for some models. While the specific reason for this shift remains unclear, it could point towards internal layout changes or perhaps pave the way for new features requiring more space.

    Boosted Battery Capacities

    But fear not, power users! Leaks suggest significant boosts in battery capacities across the board. The standard iPhone 16 is rumored to jump to a 3,561mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Plus might sport a hefty 4,006mAh cell. The flagship model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, could see a monster 4,676mAh battery, potentially offering multi-day usage for moderate users. Details on the iPhone 16 Pro, expected to be the most sought-after model, have yet to surface.

    Improved Battery Performance

    These reported numbers represent a welcome improvement over the current generation. The base iPhone 15 currently features a 3,279mAh battery, while the Pro Max tops out at 4,352mAh. If accurate, the increases could translate to noticeable gains in screen-on time and overall user experience.


  • A Sneak Peek at the Groundbreaking Redesign of iPhone 16 Prototype

    A Sneak Peek at the Groundbreaking Redesign of iPhone 16 Prototype

    New details about the upcoming iPhone 16 series continues to emerge. For example, so far, we’ve learned that the iPhone 16’s capture button may offer DSLR-like functionality, and we’ve gathered some details about the processor and camera. Now, a revealed prototype indicates a much more significant change is on the way. Accordingly, the iPhone 16 will be influenced by a complete redesign, marking the end of an era that began five years ago with the iPhone 11 Pro. Here are the details…

    iPhone 16 Series Set for a Revolutionary Redesign

    The design of iPhones is undoubtedly one of the most criticized aspects of Apple. The company often avoids significant changes and sticks to a similar design language for several years, leading to comments from consumers like “the same phone” despite significant performance improvements. Recent information suggests that Apple may receive similar reactions this year with the iPhone 16, causing disappointment in terms of design. However, it appears that upcoming models will feature a new design for the rear cameras, replacing the two diagonal lenses with two vertical camera lenses on the rear.

    Prototype Reveals Potential Design Changes

    A visual claimed to be from the prototype of the iPhone 16 has been shared on Twitter. Contrary to popular belief, there are expected major design changes for the iPhone 16 prototype. However, some speculated changes may not come to fruition. For instance, recent claims suggested an increase in the size of the iPhone 16 Pro, but it appears the Pro Max variant might not experience any size growth. Although precise measurements are not available, there are indications of a potential minor increase, possibly around 0.x inches.

    New Rear Camera Layout

    However, the most significant change will undoubtedly occur in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. Apple will abandon the diagonally aligned camera design located in the top right corner this year. Instead, it will revert to the camera layout familiar from the iPhone X and iPhone 11. While this may not change much for many users, it will still disappoint those with high expectations for design. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that making a significant design change on a phone with a completely screen-covered front, released every year, is not very feasible.

    Refreshed Button Layout

    The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a similar appearance in terms of the camera. However, they will also be refreshed in terms of design, thanks to the new button layout. Capacitive touch buttons are anticipated to undergo a transformation, either becoming flat or slightly recessed into the chassis. Although specific details are unknown, it seems that this change is mainly influenced by the proximity to the Motor below.

    Possible Integration of Periscope Camera

    One more intriguing prospect for the iPhone 16 Pro involves the integration of a periscope camera. The EVT1 model of the iPhone 15 Pro showcased a square periscope, comparable in size to the main camera’s CMOS but smaller than its Pro Max counterpart. Although this smaller CMOS boasted a 4x aperture change, it was notably absent in the EVT2 model.

  • Potential DSLR-Like Features Expected in the Capture Button of iPhone 16

    Potential DSLR-Like Features Expected in the Capture Button of iPhone 16

    Leaks and rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 series have been circulating online for some time now. Apple's next-generation flagship smartphones are expected to be released in September this year. Previous reports have hinted at the inclusion of a dedicated Capture button on the iPhone 16 models. Now, a Weibo user named Instant Digital, who has a mixed track record, has shared some details about this Capture button.

    iPhone 16's Capture button may resemble a DSLR button, according to Instant Digital. It will have the ability to detect multiple levels of pressure, much like the two-step buttons found on digital cameras. The main function of this button will be to trigger the capture of images or videos. However, a light or halfway press will allow users to lock and adjust the focus. This feature would provide convenience compared to having to tap the screen to lock the focus on the subject, ensuring that the image doesn't turn out blurry. Additionally, a recent report suggests that the Capture button may also support zoom in and out functions.

    It is worth noting that some Sony Xperia phones already feature two-stage shutter buttons. These dedicated Capture buttons allow users to quickly capture photos. On the other hand, the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models can only be programmed to launch the camera app. The inclusion of the Capture button on the iPhone 16 indicates Apple's focus on photography with its next-generation offerings. This addition could greatly benefit serious photographers and videographers.

    However, it is still unclear whether the Capture button will be present on all iPhone 16 models. Early renders of the iPhone 16 Pro show the dedicated button located on the bottom right side of the device.