Apple News

☁️ iPhone 17 Pro to retain 'triangular' camera design despite rumors of change Previous reports suggest horizontal Pixel-like design module. 📰 The news that iPhone 17 Pro will retain the triangular camera arrangement was revealed by the Instant Digital insider with a strong track record on other leaks, who previously denied the abandonment of titanium in the iPhone 17 Pro:

My source told me that the appearance of the back panel will indeed change, but the layout of the three cameras will still be triangular, not the horizontal bar currently circulating on the internet.

🤔 Some insiders have already even rushed to make numerous concept designs with a “horizontal block” of cameras in the iPhone 17 Pro, but most of them are in fact technically impossible to realize while keeping Dynamic Island where it is now and placing the communication antennas at the top of the device. It is possible that the company has not yet approved the final design of the iPhone 17 Pro and the redesign of the camera unit into a “horizontal block” will still happen. Does the iPhone 17 Pro need to change its usual camera layout? 👍 – Yes, it's about time. 👎 – No, it'll lose its uniqueness. @iPhone #iPhone #rumors

😰 New 'Categories' in Mail hasn't been receiving the best response from iPhone users 😳 Apple Intelligence seems too intelligent since users still don't know how to cope with updated Mail app. According to a new survey by sellcellphone, 73% of iPhone users said Apple Intelligence adds little to no value to their experience. Nevertheless, AI could be very handy if know how to use it. 📧 Updated version of the Mail app with built-in categorization and how to turn it off Mail Categories organizes your email inbox into the following sections: ・Primary for your most important messages; ・Transactions for your orders and receipts; ・Promotions for deals and offers; ・and Updates for news, subscriptions, and social. If you don't like Mail Categories, you can swap back over to List View by tapping on the three dots in the upper right corner of the Mail app, but if you do want to give Mail Categories a try, there are a couple tips worth noting. To get to a view of your inbox with all emails in chronological order without swapping views, just swipe left on the category bar to get to the "All Mail" option. 🤔 How do you like the updated Mail app? 👌 – quite useful 👎 – don't understand anything @iPhone #iOS #AppleIntelligence #apps

📰 The Wall Street Journal about foldable iPhone and the ‘iPhone 17 Air’ Thin ‘iPhone 17 Air’ will cost the same as the iPhone 16 Plus, and foldable iPhone in 2026 will get a ‘folding’ format. 2️⃣ new foldable devices are expected: an iPhone and a larger device as a laptop-tablet, which will have about a 19’ display when unfolded (information consistent with earlier rumours). Incidentally, this device was originally expected to launch first, but now the foldable iPhone has been prioritised – it's due out in 2026 and is highly likely to be in a ‘fold-out’ format rather than a book, which Apple has also been testing. It is noted that the foldable iPhone will unfold to a display size that will be larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (that is, at least 7 inches). The main task of engineers at the moment is to minimise the visibility of the crease on the display. As for ‘iPhone 1️⃣7️⃣ Air’ it was already discussed here. It is expected to offer an alternative for those who want a sleeker phone and don't mind the compromises that a slim device would have. That is, Apple is betting that the ultra-thin design will be visually appealing. This thin ‘iPhone 17 Air’ (as insiders have dubbed it) will be thinner than current models, but it should also be cheaper than the Pro models, with a simplified camera system to keep costs down. The expected price level is the same as the iPhone 16 Plus, instead of which a thin iPhone is planned for the lineup. @iPhone #iPhone #iPad #rumors

📰 News from Mark Gurman: Apple is designing a giant foldable iPad and a new Magic Mouse 📱 According to the insider, the company is developing a device with foldable displays that will be as big as two iPad Pro's lying side by side. Such a device is difficult to make because of problems with the visibility of the fold, but the company does not plan to release it earlier than 2028. Perhaps such a device would be a new version of the MacBook with a foldable display, but Gurman speculates that the system will be iPadOS or sort of it. Such a device would definitely be more expensive than $2,000. 📱 Also the company continues to study the idea of a foldable iPhone, such a device will be released no earlier than 2026. But the exact format of the device has not yet been determined: book or folding. 🔌 The main idea of the new Magic Mouse is to make something better that will fit the modern era of using a computer with a mouse, and also to fix a long-standing complaint of users which is the placement of the charging port. There are already prototype versions of the accessory that the company has been working on for the past few months, but the new product won't be out for another year at the earliest. @iPhone #iPad #MagicMouse #rumors

📱 iPhone 17 Air model enters product introduction phase at Foxconn 📰 According to DigiTimes' supply chain sources, the new iPhone 17 in a slimmer format and with a single camera, at Foxconn's factory has already entered the phase where the model moves from concept to production, starting with design verification and prototype testing, and then component supplier approval (NPI). 📏 The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the Plus model and will reportedly offer a significantly slimmer design that current iPhone models. The handset will be about two millimeters thinner than the current iPhone 16 Pro, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. As for size, it is expected to fall somewhere between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Separate rumors have claimed 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but larger than the 17 Pro. 🔜 The ‌iPhone 17‌ Air will be one of three devices that are set to get a custom Apple modem chip in 2025, with also bringing the chip to the iPhone SE early in the year and a low-cost iPad. @iPhone #iPhone #rumors

📸 King Charles explores Apple’s UK headquarters 🇬🇧 On 12 December, King Charles III visited Apple's UK office and Tim Cook welcomed His Highness to Apple's London office at Battersea Power Station, where he met with Apple employees, members of the local creative community and students who had learned useful skills such as coding from educational programmes supported by Apple and UK non-profit organisation The King's Trust. 🤝 During the visit, King Charles interacted with Apple employees and learned about the latest technology and software as well as Tim Cook presented King Charles III with a round aluminium plaque from Apple to commemorate his visit. Also at the evening event to celebrate the King's reception, the British band RAYE performed a festive set of songs. @iPhone #AppleInc #events

🍏 Imagine it. Genmoji it. 📱 Apple has released a promo video “Imagine it. Genmoji it” with a demonstration of the ability to generate your own emoji by description using Apple Intelligence.

By simply typing a description into the emoji keyboard, a Genmoji will appear, including multiple options to choose from. With images from their photo library, users can take Genmoji even further by creating one that is inspired by a friend or family member. Personalized Genmoji can be customized with accessories, like a hat or sunglasses, and can reflect themes or activities to make them even more personal and unique. Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.

💬 “Owners” of Apple Intelligence share in the comments your Genmoji! @iPhone #ApplePromo #AppleIntelligence

🍎 Which features of iOS 18.2 we should be trying first? 🥔 Apple Intelligence may have officially launched with iOS 18.1 earlier this year, but those were pretty small potatoes in comparison. This is where Apple Intelligence really comes into its own. 📱 The AI features are only available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus all four iPhone 16 models. Anyone with an older device, even the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, will be missing out, on account of them not having the required 8GB of RAM. ❗️iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max won’t be getting every Apple Intelligence feature Visual Intelligence is exclusive to iPhone 16 devices, for reasons Apple hasn’t explained. It’s not clear if it’s due to hardware constraints, or if Apple simply wants to limit the feature to phones with a Camera Control button, which means iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 🔎 So, what's exactly has been launched?

Visual Intelligence It is a brand new camera mode accessible through the Camera Control button. The feature is Apple’s take on Google Lens, or a kind of AI vision if you prefer. ChatGPT and Siri ChatGPT in iOS 18.2 is an opt-in feature, which means you need to deliberately switch it on to take advantage of what it can do. But once it is switched on, it’ll add conversational AI abilities to Siri, letting you converse with the assistant in a much more natural way than you otherwise would. Image Playground and Genmoji No need in words to explain. Generate your own pictures and emojis and share in the comments! (decent ones, of course) Image Wand This feature is in the notes app, and transforms your sketches into a more polished image. Or, if you prefer, it will fill in blank spaces in the notes app, using your notes as the context and prompt it needs to create something new. Writing tools Writing tools launched with iOS 18.1, but there have been some upgrades packed into iOS 18.2 as well. This includes a new tool called “Describe Your Change” which lets you type in specific instructions for a text rewrite, rather than relying on Apple’s 3 pre-set options. That way the AI-assisted revisions should have a little more of a personal touch. (now you message can be read as you graduated at Oxford, thanks to AI)

🌎 By the way, iOS 18.2 also brings multiple languages to Apple Intelligence, including non-U.S. English: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K. 💬 If you've already downloaded Apple Intelligence, share in the comments what new features you like best! @iPhone #iOS #AppleIntelligence

🔔 Apple Intelligence new features have been launched 📱 Apple has officially released iOS 18.2 with new Apple Intelligence features. They include Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT. @iPhone #iOS #iPadOS #macOS #AppleIntelligence

🚀 30 seconds to the launch of the A18 Pro 📱 This is how the iPhone 16 Pro was launched! 🗺 Waiting for Apple Intelligence to launch? @iPhone #ApplePromo #humor

🛰 The next Apple Watch Ultra will have support for sending messages via satellite communication 👍 Already working in iPhones now and saving lives for those without a connection. ⌚️ Bloomberg reports that for the foreseeable future, some Apple Watch may switch to cellular modems from MediaTek, instead of the modules from Intel currently in use. The new chips will integrate support for 5G Redcap, a low-level cellular standard designed specifically for wearable devices. 🩸 In addition, the Apple Watch is expected to launch a high blood pressure monitoring feature – the feature was previously planned to launch, but was postponed. The company is still working on non-invasive glucometer functionality, but this is not yet planned for the next few years. @iPhone #AppleWatch #projects

📱 iOS 18.2 is really coming as Apple seeds the second release candidate versions to developers 🗺 iOS 18.2 is one of the most significant updates since the release of iOS 18, as Apple will introduce key AI features including ChatGPT integration for Siri, as well as Image Playground tools, Genmoji, and more. (don't forget that you can test it all in English, but not in Europe) 🔨 Developers can already download and install the latest iOS 18.2 update on their iPhones via the Settings on the device. Release candidates represent the final version of beta software that's expected to see a public release should no notable bugs be found. 🧑‍💻 Although the update was supposed to be released today for everyone, the company has only released a test patch. 🔧 The public release could take place on Thursday, as was the case with the first build. This would give Apple a few extra days to fix flaws and issues in the update. 🤞 If iOS 18.2 doesn't arrive on Thursday, we can assume it will be released next week, most likely on Monday or Tuesday, as the company aims to stick to its usual release schedule. @iPhone #iOS #iPadOS #macOS

🤝 Apple and Sony are working to add support for PlayStation VR2 controllers to Vision Pro Vision Pro's hand-tracking interaction system will be augmented with physical controllers adapted for virtual reality. 📰 Mark Gurman infroms that Apple spent a long time choosing options and finally came to Sony PlayStation for such functionality earlier this year. All this time, work has been underway to add support for the PS VR2's Sense controllers to visionOS. In addition to game support, the controllers will be able to be used to navigate the visionOS system by flipping through content with sticks and selecting objects with a trigger. 🕹 This collaboration will take gameplay in Apple's spatial computer to a whole new level. Right now, PS5 and Xbox controllers already work with Vision Pro, but they aren't optimised for virtual reality and don't have the ‘six degrees of freedom’ required for spatial interfaces. 🍎 Apple is also expected to exclusively sell PlayStation Sense VR2 controllers in its shops separately, as Sony itself does not currently sell such controllers without a bundle with the PS VR2 helmet. 🥽 Apple and Sony could have announced the partnership a month ago, but apparently something went wrong. We can only expect to see an announcement of controller support in Apple Vision Pro in the future, if plans aren't cancelled. @iPhone #VisionPro #partners

🤓 Why Apple removed the MacBook's Touch Bar 📅 In 2016 Apple introduced new MacBook Pro models that featured the Touch Bar. Apple promised it would offer intuitive new ways to interact with content. But later the Touch Bar was removed. There are a few reasons for this: Officially, Apple gave a generic justification. Saying, “Users value the full-height function row on the standalone Magic Keyboard. And we’ve brought it to the MacBook Pro. The physical keys replace the Touch Bar. Bringing back the familiar, tactile feel of mechanical keys that pro users love.” Which is essentially marketing speak for, “the touch bar was a bad idea so we’re removing it. But where exactly did it go wrong? 1️⃣ The first problem was Apple never improved on its functionality. Some users appreciated the shortcuts it offered, like quick access to emoji while chatting, or tool adjustments in photo editing apps. But its functionality was never expanded. Leading to lukewarm reception of the feature among users. 2️⃣ In fact, Apple was relying on third party developers to utilize the touch bar in their own apps. But that didn’t happen in most cases since the feature was limited to MacBook Pro models. So spending extra time developing a Touch-Bar-enabled Mac app that only benefited a fraction of users didn’t make sense. 3️⃣ The Touch Bar also came with compromises. Like turning the row of physical function and escape keys into touch-sensitive buttons. Something that frustrated users who complained about mistypes and the constant need to look down at their keyboard, slowing down their workflow. Now the escape button was later turned back into a physical key with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but the touch bar remained underwhelming to users who found it more of a nuisance than a convenience. 🤔 So from Apple’s perspective, continuing to include the Touch Bar would be a mistake. Since it’s not a feature user’s value, it adds significant cost, and it weighs more than a traditional row of keys. @iPhone #MacBook

🥲 Touch Bar like in MacBook Pro is coming back 🪙 Kickstarter has launched a fundraiser for Flexbar, a USB accessory for Mac, Windows, and mobile devices that is a standalone version of the Touch Bar like in MacBook Pro. 💰 The startup has already raised more than $50,000. The Flexbar should have a retail price of $179, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2025. 😁 The perfect accessory for those who've always wanted a MacBook with Touch Bar. @iPhone #accessories #MacBook

⏰ Apple's HomePod with display is delayed until the second half of 2025 📱 According to Chinese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's post on Meduim, Apple has run into problems more than once in designing a new Smart Home hub that will be similar to the HomePod with a display. 🐌 The delay is due to software development issues as it's supposed to be some sort of homeOS system. Currently, plans to release such a device are pushed back to “post-WWDC25”, meaning the second half of 2025. 📄 The analyst claims that the company has really big plans to enter the Smart Home system, as a lot of patents are registered for solutions for personal authentication in space, which will help to realize applications for this device (probably, it's about the technology of identifying the user in front of the device and activation of personal mode). Related accessories are also being prepared: IP Camera, sensors and other devices in the future. 🔉 Kuo specified that at first Apple plans to produce about 500,000 units of such a device. 👂Two component suppliers are already known: ・BYD Electronic (a subsidiary of electric car manufacturer BYD). ・Microelectronics holding Tianma will supply panels for the device, the possibility of installing OLED-displays is not excluded, given the manufacturer's experience with Chinese smartphones. @iPhone #HomePod #homeOS #rumors #AppleProjects

📶 MacBook with cellular support thanks to Apple's 5G modem 📶 The new project is within Apple's three-year cycle of moving from Qualcomm modems to its own communications chips. In addition to the MacBook, the 5G+WiFi modem could theoretically also be installed in one of the next Apple Vision Pro, as well as future smartglasses. 📰 In a lengthy article on Bloomberg, Mark Gurman says that Apple's first 5G modem will be worse than current Qualcomm models as it won't have support for mmWave 5G (used in the US) and will only support four-carrier aggregation, a technology that combines bands from several wireless providers simultaneously to increase network capacity and speeds. Modems from Qualcomm can support six or more carriers at the same time. However,

by using its own modem, Apple is able to create a smartphone that’s about 2 millimeters thinner than an iPhone 16 Pro, while still having room for the battery, display and camera system. Over time, the shift could allow for other new designs. That includes foldable devices — a concept Apple continues to explore.

📱 The novelty is already planned for use in the iPhone SE4 and iPhone 17 Air, and later the modem could be used in base iPad models as well. 📆 By 2026, there should be more advanced versions of Apple's modems with mmWave 5G and support for 6x aggregation. By 2027, plans are in the works to roll out a modem that will include built-in satellite support and faster speeds than the competition. @iPhone #Macbook #chips #rumors

💰 From Apple employee to cold-blooded criminal A story of people never having enough. It happens that Apple employees on a good salary want even more! 📰 Six former Apple employees have been charged with using a charity scheme to defraud Apple out of thousands of dollars, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney. 🪙 Apple has a program that will match or double employee donations made to charities, and the employees came up with a plan to make fake donations and collect money from Apple. 💰 Between July 1, 2018 and April 6, 2021, the employees collected approximately $152,000 from Apple's program and overreported $100,000 in charitable contributions as tax deductions. Apple detected the fraud and brought it to the attention of the district attorney's office. From Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen:

This case underscores our unwavering commitment to rigorously prosecuting individuals who defraud the tech community and misuse vital charitable programs and state resources. We commend Apple for coming forward and actively collaborating with our Office to uncover this elaborate fraud. We encourage others in the tech community to do the same. It's the holidays. Give - legally - to help the needy, not to help yourself.

👩‍⚖️ The six former Apple employees who participated in the scheme have been charged with grand theft, conspiracy to commit felony grand theft, perjury, and tax fraud. Due to the amount of money involved, they face charges under California's aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. If convicted the six are facing jail time, fines, and fees, including restitution for the money they collected. @iPhone #AppleInc

🇮🇩 Apple must invest at least $1 billion in Indonesia to lift iPhone 16 ban 📰 According to Reuters, Indonesia's Investment Authority Minister Rosan Ruslani has publicly stated that he expects investment from Apple, but did not mention any consequences if the company fails to comply. The new amount is 100 times higher than what Apple itself had previously offered. Rozan Ruslani:

We expect at least $1 billion from Apple within a week to remove the restrictions. The logic is simple: if Apple benefits from iPhone 16 sales in Indonesia, it should also invest in the region to create jobs.

@iPhone #AppleInc

💬 Steve Jobs Tim Cook on Apple's legacy, saving humanity, the past and the future ✍️ Tim Cook had an interesting interview with Steven Levy of Wired about how Apple wants to literally save humanity's lives, how they came to AI, why they chose the name Apple Intelligence, whether there will be investments in OpenAI, what the future of the iPhone is, what's happening with Apple Vision Pro, what Tim misses, and Apple's legacy. ℹ️ Tim Donald Cook is 64 at the moment, and he's not just an aging grandfather, but a man in the prime of his life who isn't even thinking about leaving his position at the company he's been with since 1998 (26 years).

– I’ve heard you say that Apple Intelligence could make you funnier, which seems strange. – I think it can make you friendlier, which, in many ways, can be funnier as well.

📰 Read this ⬆️ and other interesting moments in the full interview. @iPhone #AppleInc