Tag: iphone

  • Apple unveils new Wallet feature for iPhone 18 Pro soon

    Apple unveils new Wallet feature for iPhone 18 Pro soon

    Key Takeaway

    – iOS 27 Wallet app can scan restaurant bills and split costs per person
    – Split requests are sent via Messages with one-click payment
    – Payments use Apple Cash, currently limited to the USA
    – New feature may not be available or may be limited outside the US
    – No Android version is planned, limiting competition with Venmo

    Wallet App Gets a Smart New Feature for iOS 27

    Bloomberg has now been able to reveal details about a new feature of the Wallet app in advance, after Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman previously revealed information about new camera features and the Siri app. According to the new report, the Wallet app of the Apple iPhone can scan bills via the camera after the update to iOS 27 and split the bill amount between several people.

    How the Bill Splitting Function Works

    For example, if a restaurant bill is scanned, all dishes and drinks, including their price, will be listed separately so that they can be assigned to the respective person. IOS then automatically sends messages to these people, which can be used to pay the corresponding amount with just a few clicks. According to Bloomberg, this function can be accessed either in the Wallet app or in Apple’s Messages app.

    Availability Limited to Apple Cash Users

    To pay the amount, Apple Cash is to be used – a feature that allows money to be easily transferred from one iPhone to another, although this service is currently only available in the USA. This could mean that this new feature for splitting bills will not be offered at all in other regions, or only in a slimmed-down form. In order to seriously compete with apps such as Venmo, Apple would also have to offer a version of this feature for Android smartphones, which is not currently planned, at least according to the Bloomberg report.

    • Scan restaurant bills using the camera in iOS 27
    • List all dishes and drinks with seperate prices
    • Assign each item to a specific person
    • Pay via Apple Cash with automatic messages
    • Feature is currently U.S. only due to Apple Cash limitations
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  • Apple Produces 25% of iPhones in India, Report Reveals

    Apple Produces 25% of iPhones in India, Report Reveals

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple produced approximately 55 million iPhones in India in 2025, up from 36 million in 2024, representing 25% of total iPhone production.
    2. The increase marks a shift from “one in five” to “one in four” iPhones made in India, highlighting Apple’s efforts to diversify manufacturing away from China.
    3. All versions of iPhones are now assembled in India, indicating a more developed manufacturing infrastructure and improved capabilities.
    4. This production increase aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to manufacture most iPhones sold in the US from India by the end of 2026.
    5. The shift in production focus to India enhances supply chain resilience, shipping flexibility, and future product launch planning.

    Apple has made significant strides in shifting its manufacturing to India. A recent report, dated March 10, reveals that Apple produced around 55 million iPhones in India in 2025, an increase from 36 million in 2024. This means that India now accounts for roughly 25% of Apple’s total iPhone production, which translates to one out of every four iPhones being made there.

    A Major Production Increase

    This increase represents a substantial rise from the previous benchmark of “one in five” production that was linked to Apple’s expansion in India in 2025. The updated data indicates that the company’s efforts to diversify manufacturing are not just a backup plan for older models; rather, it shows a significant transformation in how Apple is redistributing its production capabilities away from China.

    A Broader Product Range

    An important aspect of this new information is that all versions of iPhones are now reportedly assembled in India. This indicates a more developed manufacturing infrastructure in the country compared to just a few years ago when it was primarily known for lower-volume production and older models.

    This wider range of products is just as crucial as the overall production numbers. While increasing output is one aspect, expanding to include the entire iPhone lineup implies that Apple and its partners are becoming more adept at managing processes, logistics, and readiness for product launches in India. For a company that heavily relies on China for its supply chain, this marks a significant advance.

    Long-Term Strategy Alignment

    The recent production achievement aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy for manufacturing. Previous reports indicated that Apple aims to produce most iPhones sold in the US from India by the end of 2026, driven by tariff pressures, geopolitical issues, and the need to lessen reliance on a single manufacturing location.

    If the new estimate of 25% is accurate, then Apple’s operations in India are evolving from a secondary focus in the iPhone business into one of its core production elements. This shift carries clear implications for resilience in the supply chain, flexibility in shipping, and planning for future product launches. As of now, Apple’s public newsroom has not issued a new announcement regarding this particular milestone, so it is best understood as a reported development in manufacturing rather than an official statement from Apple.

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  • NATO Approves iPhone and iPad for Classified Information Use

    NATO Approves iPhone and iPad for Classified Information Use

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple’s iPhone and iPad are now approved by NATO to handle secure and classified information without extra software adjustments.
    2. This is the first time a consumer gadget has received such approval from NATO, marking a significant milestone.
    3. Only devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 with the “Indigo Configuration” are authorized by NATO.
    4. Key security features like Secure Enclave, encrypted Face ID, and Memory Integrity Management are crucial for NATO’s approval.
    5. Currently, only the iPhone and iPad have NATO’s approval; Apple’s computers have not yet qualified.

    Apple’s devices might soon play a role in promoting global peace.

    This week, Apple revealed that both the iPhone and iPad have been cleared to manage secure and classified information for NATO, with no need for extra software or adjustments. In simpler terms, these devices are secure enough right from the package to handle NATO’s sensitive data.

    A New Milestone

    This is the first instance of a consumer gadget getting such an approval. Previously, gadgets had to undergo significant changes, either in software or hardware, to fulfill NATO’s stringent security standards. Currently, Apple’s devices stand alone as the only consumer gadgets that NATO has authorized for use.

    Specific Requirements

    To clarify, only devices operating on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 configured with the “Indigo Configuration” are sanctioned by NATO. The Indigo Configuration is a specially designed setup created by the German Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, known as BSI. This is Germany’s authority that manages data and information security. Even though no extra software is needed on the devices, mobile software management (MSM) and other configurations must still be adjusted.

    NATO pointed out that Apple’s Secure Enclave, encrypted Face ID, and Memory Integrity Management are vital components of the security systems in the iPhone and iPad. Notably, it’s worth mentioning that, at this moment, only the iPhone and iPad have received NATO’s approval; none of Apple’s computers have qualified yet.

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  • Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy: Used by Over 1 Billion People

    Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy: Used by Over 1 Billion People

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple iPhones have the largest active user group, accounting for nearly 25% of all smartphones in use.
    2. Samsung follows with about 19% market share, representing over a billion active users.
    3. Chinese manufacturers are rising, with Xiaomi leading at 12%, followed by Oppo (8%) and Vivo (7%).
    4. Transsion is gaining popularity in developing regions, focusing on budget-friendly smartphones.
    5. Smaller brands like Motorola and Google are struggling, with Google holding less than 1% market share and consumers keeping their phones longer before upgrading.

    Smartphone sales provide a quick look at the market, but the count of active devices for each brand shows trends over time. A recent survey by Counterpoint Research indicates that Apple iPhones have the largest active user group. Almost 25% of all smartphones in use are iPhones. Samsung is the only other brand with over a billion active users, holding about 19% of the market. This means that roughly one in five smartphones currently in use is from the Samsung Galaxy line.

    Chinese Manufacturers on the Rise

    The top six smartphone makers from China each boast more than 200 million users. Xiaomi leads this pack, commanding a market share of about 12%. Oppo and Vivo follow behind, making up approximately 8% and 7% of the global market, respectively. Transsion, which owns Tecno and Infinix, ranks just above Huawei and Honor. In recent years, Transsion has gained a significant user base, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where there is a strong demand for budget-friendly smartphones that deliver good value.

    Smaller Players Struggling

    Motorola and Realme phones are used by just under 200 million people globally. Google’s smartphone presence is minimal, barely appearing in Counterpoint Research’s statistics, with a market share of less than 1%, and trailing Realme significantly. The forthcoming Google Pixel 10a is not expected to change that situation much, as this mid-range phone will likely offer few enhancements compared to the Pixel 9a (priced from $399 on Amazon). Counterpoint Research notes that consumers are keeping their smartphones for longer periods before deciding to upgrade to a new model.

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  • Elon Musk Plans Starlink Phone with Satellite Connectivity Features

    Elon Musk Plans Starlink Phone with Satellite Connectivity Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is testing smartphone connectivity to its Starlink satellite network, enabling text messaging and potential web browsing and phone calls without traditional networks.
    2. The company is developing its own smartphone, called the “Starlink phone,” with no release date or specific features announced yet.
    3. Elon Musk claims the Starlink phone will be designed from scratch to enhance AI efficiency and support AI applications directly on the device.
    4. The phone aims to attract more users to Starlink, which generates about 80% of SpaceX’s revenue.
    5. The success of the Starlink phone will depend on its pricing and the ability to offer global internet access without roaming fees, especially for frequent travelers.

    SpaceX is testing the ability to connect smartphones to its Starlink satellite network. In the United States, a test involved iPhones used on the T-Mobile network, allowing them to send and receive texts through Starlink satellites. The idea is that this system can also facilitate web browsing and phone calls without needing a traditional cellular network.

    Development of a New Device

    As reported by Reuters from three different sources, SpaceX is in the process of creating its own smartphone. At this point, there are no specifics available about when the “Starlink phone” might be released or what features it might include. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has stated that this smartphone will be quite different from current models and will be engineered from scratch to maximize AI efficiency per watt, enabling AI applications to run directly on the device.

    Aiming for New Users

    The Starlink phone is expected to attract more users to Elon Musk’s satellite service, especially considering that Starlink generates about 80% of SpaceX’s overall revenue, as noted by Reuters. For those who travel often, a Starlink phone could be enticing if the company can provide a plan that offers global internet access without extra roaming fees. Nevertheless, since using a phone abroad has become quite easy and affordable due to eSIM options, the success of such a device will likely hinge on its pricing.

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  • T-Mobile Ends JUMP! On Demand with Special Goodbye Offer

    T-Mobile Ends JUMP! On Demand with Special Goodbye Offer

    Key Takeaways

    1. T-Mobile will discontinue its JUMP! On Demand service on December 1, with upgrades ending after November 30.
    2. Launched in 2015, JUMP! On Demand allowed customers to lease devices for 18 months and upgrade frequently.
    3. Current users can make one last upgrade before the deadline, after which they will own their leased devices without extra fees.
    4. The closure is linked to financial risks and complications associated with smartphone leasing and returns.
    5. T-Mobile is shifting towards simpler device financing tied to longer service contracts for better customer retention.

    T-Mobile is set to discontinue its JUMP! On Demand service starting December 1. While the company hasn’t made an official announcement, information shared by The Mobile Report indicates that the program will come to an end, meaning customers will lose the ability for upgrades after November 30. This signifies the quiet end of a leasing option that was once a key part of T-Mobile’s appeal to those who frequently upgraded their devices.

    Launch and Features of JUMP! On Demand

    Initiated in 2015, JUMP! On Demand promised monthly phone upgrades without requiring full retail payments. Customers were able to lease a device for a period of 18 months, with the flexibility to change phones whenever they wanted. This was particularly attractive for users looking to get their hands on the latest iPhones or Samsung Galaxy phones every few months. However, over time, the program became more difficult to access as T-Mobile tightened eligibility requirements, raised deposits, and eliminated various promotions associated with leasing.

    Final Upgrade and Device Ownership

    As per the information leak, existing JUMP! On Demand users can take advantage of one last upgrade prior to November 30. Once that date passes, T-Mobile will terminate all ongoing leases and transfer the ownership of the leased devices to their respective customers. Additionally, the internal documents state that all remaining lease payments will be canceled by T-Mobile, meaning customers won’t have to pay a buyout fee and can keep their current devices without any additional cost. This is quite an unusual decision for a US carrier and seems to be a strategy for T-Mobile to phase out the program without facing backlash from customers.

    Reasons Behind the Closure

    Though T-Mobile hasn’t offered a specific explanation for ending JUMP! On Demand, the underlying business rationale is clear. Leasing smartphones carries financial risks, especially as device prices continue to rise. It also complicates the billing process and returns, which can lead to customer service issues. Currently, T-Mobile favors straightforward device financing linked to longer service contracts, which keeps customers tied to their plans for extended periods and simplifies the process of handling returned leased devices.

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  • New Simpsons Movie Coming After Nearly 20 Years of Wait

    New Simpsons Movie Coming After Nearly 20 Years of Wait

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Simpsons movie is officially set to premiere on July 23, 2027, nearly 20 years after the first film.
    2. The original Simpsons movie was a massive success, grossing over $500 million worldwide and praised for its transition from TV to cinema.
    3. There is no official title or storyline for the sequel yet, but it may be called The Simpsons Movie 2.
    4. Social media reactions to the announcement are mixed, with enthusiasm from some fans and skepticism from others about the timing and quality of the sequel.
    5. The Simpsons continue to generate strong opinions and nostalgia after over 35 years on air.

    The beloved yellow family from Springfield has amassed nearly 800 episodes already. Up to now, there has been just one film – which came out in 2007, the same year the first iPhone was launched. Now, nearly two decades later, The Simpsons are making a comeback on the big screen. On September 29, 2025, 20th Century Studios made it official with the announcement of a new movie, set to premiere on July 23, 2027 – almost exactly 20 years after Marge, Homer, Lisa, Bart, and Maggie first dazzled audiences in theaters.

    A Record-Breaking Debut

    The initial Simpsons movie debuted on July 26, 2007, and it was a huge hit, raking in over $500 million globally. Critics lauded its execution, describing it as a significant transition from television to cinema. Considering that success, it was unexpected to wait two decades for a sequel. Though no official title or storyline has been disclosed yet, there are whispers that it could be simply named The Simpsons Movie 2.

    Mixed Reactions on Social Media

    The announcement triggered a flurry of responses across social media platforms. On X, fans expressed their enthusiasm, sharing memes and fond memories in celebration of the news. Conversely, Reddit adopted a more skeptical approach. While many nostalgically reminisced about the 2007 film – “I can still picture the Kwik-E-Mart 7/11s!” – others questioned if the timing for a sequel was right, with one user remarking: “Feels like it’s 10 years too late.” Some critiques also targeted the show’s more recent seasons, with doubts about whether its current quality could effectively support a successful sequel. Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: after over 35 years, The Simpsons still evoke strong feelings and opinions.

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  • Free Adobe Premiere Video Editing App Launches for Phones

    Free Adobe Premiere Video Editing App Launches for Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Adobe Premiere is launching a mobile app for iPhones and iPads, with an Android version in development.
    2. The app is user-friendly for touch devices, allowing editing in up to 4K HDR resolution.
    3. It includes AI features for creating sound effects and improving audio quality.
    4. Users can access Adobe Stock assets for free and export videos without watermarks to social media platforms.
    5. Projects created on mobile can be opened in Premiere Pro on Macs and PCs.

    Adobe has introduced Premiere for mobile devices, specifically smartphones and tablets. This app is initially available for Apple iPhones and iPads, while the Android version is still being developed. Apple users who are interested can register for its launch on September 30.

    A Look Back at Adobe Premiere

    First launched in 2003, Adobe Premiere has gained popularity as a video editing tool for both Macs and PCs. It’s commonly used by students and independent filmmakers, however, it hasn’t reached the same level of success as Avid Media Composer, which debuted in 1989 and is the go-to choice for major Hollywood films grossing over $500 million. With the emergence of free, high-quality video editing options like DaVinci Resolve, which Notebookcheck utilizes for its YouTube content and is also accessible on Apple iPads, Adobe is striving to hold on to its market share.

    Features of Mobile Premiere

    The mobile version of Adobe Premiere is designed to be user-friendly for touch devices, transforming the traditional desktop application. Social media creators can easily incorporate images, sound, text, and videos into multiple tracks, offering editing capabilities in up to 4K HDR resolution. The application uses artificial intelligence to create sound effects from text inputs and to improve recorded audio. Users can also enrich their videos with Adobe Stock assets, such as background music and sound effects, at no extra cost.

    Creators can produce videos without watermarks and utilize them however they choose, including a simple export option to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Furthermore, projects created on mobile can be opened in Premiere Pro on Macs and PCs.

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  • iPhone Sales Surge Amid Trump’s Influence on Market Trends

    iPhone Sales Surge Amid Trump’s Influence on Market Trends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple reported a strong revenue increase of nearly 10%, reaching $94 billion, driven by a 13% rise in iPhone sales to $44.6 billion.
    2. CEO Tim Cook attributed growth to customer upgrades and preparation for potential US tariffs, leading to unprecedented device replacements.
    3. Apple is shifting some manufacturing to India due to rising US-China tensions, despite new tariffs starting August 1.
    4. Analysts believe manufacturing in India will be more cost-effective in the long run, despite additional trading costs of $800 million last quarter.
    5. Apple faces increased competition in China, prompting plans to invest more in AI features to keep pace with rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi.

    Apple shared its revenue numbers for the third quarter yesturday. CEO Tim Cook expressed happiness over the strongest revenue increase since the pandemic began. This impressive growth was primarily driven by a significant rise in iPhone sales, which far surpassed what was predicted. CFO Kevan Parekh mentioned that the company had a record number of active devices across all its product lines and markets. Revenue from iPhone sales climbed by over 13% to reach $44.6 billion, which is six times higher than what analysts expected. The total revenue for the group hit $94 billion, marking a nearly 10% increase – the highest it’s ever been in the April-to-June timeframe.

    Growth Factors

    Tim Cook noted that a part of this growth can be attributed to the company preparing for possible US tariffs. A lot of customers upgraded their old devices to new ones, especially iPhones and Macs, resulting in an unprecedented level of device replacements for Apple. Even though analysts anticipated a pull-forward effect, the sales were still seen as remarkable for a quarter that is usually slow. This good news was also mirrored in the stock market performance.

    Production Shifts

    Most iPhones sold in the US are made overseas, mainly in China. While smartphones are currently not subject to import tariffs, rising tensions between the US and China have prompted Apple to shift some manufacturing to India. However, starting August 1, Indian products will also incur a 25% tariff. Despite these new challenges, analysts believe that manufacturing in India will be more cost-effective in the long run. Apple calculated the extra trading costs to be about $800 million last quarter, with another $1.1 billion expected this quarter.

    Competitive Landscape

    There are early signs of recovery in the Chinese market, where Apple faces growing competition from brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. Sales have improved thanks to discount promotions that have helped stop the declining trend. Competing companies have been particularly successful with their AI features, an area where Apple has been relatively slow. However, CEO Cook has stated that Apple plans to invest more in this area moving forward to keep pace. The potential acquisition of AI firms such as Perplexity and Mistral, as reported by Bloomberg (paywall), could bring the success promised at WWDC25 sooner than expected.

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  • Custom iPhone Cases with USB-C for Older Lightning Models

    Custom iPhone Cases with USB-C for Older Lightning Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has switched to USB Type-C ports for all iPhone models starting with the iPhone 15 series.
    2. Engineer Ken Pillonel created a unique case to connect older iPhones with Lightning ports to USB Type-C.
    3. Pillonel’s innovation allows quick charging, data transfer, and wired Apple CarPlay through USB Type-C.
    4. The case, called Obsoless iPh0n3, supports iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14 series, and is priced between CHF 43.90 and CHF 49.90 (about $55 to $63).
    5. More iPhone models are expected to be supported in the future.

    Apple has finally switched to USB Type-C ports for all its iPhone models starting with the iPhone 15 series. However, engineer Ken Pillonel has found a way to connect older iPhones to USB Type-C by creating a unique case that allows this connectivity for models that still use Lightning ports.

    Background on Pillonel’s Innovations

    Pillonel is well-known for his modified iPhone X that featured a USB Type-C port, which sold for an astonishing price of over $85,000 in 2021. Since that time, he has also been working on replacement components for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, which currently cost $449.99 on Amazon, instead of waiting for official replacements.

    Features of the New Case

    In the video shared below, Pillonel describes how his innovative iPhone case uses a specially designed circuit board to enable quick charging, data transfer, and even wired Apple CarPlay through USB Type-C. From what we understand, the only real limitations involve Lightning accessories that need power, such as SSDs. Additionally, Pillonel has included magnets to enhance compatibility with MagSafe.

    Pricing and Availability

    At this moment, the Obsoless iPh0n3 can be purchased for the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, with prices ranging from CHF 43.90 to CHF 49.90 (about $55 to $63) before shipping costs. It seems that more iPhone models will be supported in the future as well. For further information, check out the Obsoless website.

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    Custom iPhone Cases with USB-C for Older Lightning Models

     

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