Latest Intelligence (Page 3)

26 Dec

Wish List: A More Flexible Apple Display Strategy

#mac #rumours

Bridging the Gap: There is currently a massive pricing and feature gap between the $1,599 Studio Display and the $4,999 Pro Display XDR, leaving many Mac users without a "middle-ground" option.
The Case for ProMotion: High-refresh-rate ProMotion (120Hz) is now standard on iPhones, iPads, and MacBook Pros, making the 60Hz limitation on the Studio Display feel increasingly outdated for a premium product.
Mini-LED Technology: Bringing Mini-LED backlighting to a secondary display model would allow for true HDR support and better contrast, features currently missing from the standard Studio Display.
Targeting Modern Needs: A more flexible strategy would include a display that offers the high-end panel quality of the MacBook Pro but in a larger 27-inch or 32-inch desktop form factor.
Industrial Design: While Apple's current displays are aesthetically pleasing, users are calling for thinner bezels and more adjustable height/tilt options to be included by default rather than as expensive add-ons.
Future Opportunities: A more aggressive display roadmap could help Apple capture pro-sumers who currently turn to third-party brands like Dell or ASUS for high-performance monitors.

26 Dec

Apple's New Sensor Shift Design Is Built for Stable Focus in Handheld Video

#iphone #rumours

Mechanical Innovation: A new Apple patent reveals a redesigned sensor-shift system that physically separates the autofocus lens carrier from the stabilization platform, preventing the two systems from interfering with each other during handheld shooting.
Flexure-Based Suspension: The design utilizes "flexures"—compliant structures that allow precise movement in specific directions—to eliminate mechanical "play" and ensure the sensor returns to a neutral position predictably.
Closed-Loop Control: Unlike older systems that rely on estimated motion from gyroscopes, this new architecture uses real-time position sensors on the circuit board to measure exactly where the sensor is, resulting in smoother pans and less drift.
Damping for Calm Footage: The system includes internal damping to prevent the camera from "overshooting" or oscillating during sudden movements, such as footsteps, making handheld video feel more deliberate and cinematic.
Filmmaker Focus: While casual users look for sharpness, this update targets "motion feel," aiming to reduce the micro-jitter and "nervous" digital smoothing artifacts that often plague smartphone filmmaking.
Future Hardware Target: This modular-style sensor-shift architecture is expected to be a key component of future iPhone camera systems (likely the iPhone 18 series), potentially reducing the need for external gimbals in professional workflows.

26 Dec

Apple Discontinues 25 Products in 2025: Clearing Space for iPhone 18 Pro Max

#iphone #ipad #mac #applewatches #airpods #rumours

Strategic Purge: Apple has quietly discontinued up to 25 devices and accessories in 2025 to streamline its lineup and prepare for the 2nm processor era of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
End of the Home Button: The discontinuation of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) officially marks the end of the Home button and Touch ID era, with the iPhone 16e taking its place as the entry-level model.
Non-AI Hardware Exit: Older models like the iPhone 14 and 15 are being phased out to ensure the current lineup meets the minimum performance baseline required for advanced Apple Intelligence features.
iPad & Mac Refresh: Several M-series devices, including the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra), have been retired to make way for newer M3 and M5 successors.
Wearables Update: The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE (2nd Gen) were discontinued as Apple moves toward a more clearly differentiated smartwatch lineup for 2026.
Accessory Transition: Apple is retiring legacy standards, including Lightning adapters and older MagSafe chargers, in a final push toward total USB-C and Qi2 charging adoption.
Titanium Focus: The product cleanup is seen as a move to highlight the rumored titanium chassis and next-gen hardware of the "iPhone 18" flagship series.
Inventory Impact: While discontinued, these products remain software-supported, and users may find significant price drops at third-party retailers while supplies last.

26 Dec

Where is the New Apple TV? Delayed Refresh Expected in 2026

#rumours

Delayed Launch: Despite rumors of a 2025 release, the Apple TV 4K refresh is now expected in Spring 2026, potentially coinciding with a new home hub device and HomePod mini.
A17 Pro Chip: The next-gen model is rumored to feature the A17 Pro chip, enabling Apple Intelligence support and bringing console-quality gaming to the platform.
Wi-Fi 7 Support: Apple is expected to include its custom N1 networking chip, adding support for Wi-Fi 7 and the 6GHz band for faster speeds and lower latency.
Next-Gen Siri: With the faster hardware, the new Apple TV will likely support a major Siri overhaul in 2026, offering ChatGPT-like conversational abilities and better content recommendations.
Lower Price Point: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple may target a $100 price point for a new model to increase affordability and market share.
Gaming Improvements: The jump from the A15 Bionic to the A17 Pro will provide a significant boost in GPU performance, making the Apple TV a more viable micro-console.

26 Dec

Best Apple AirPods Boxing Day Deals 2025: Top Discounts Handpicked

#airpods

AirPods Pro 3 Discount: The latest AirPods Pro 3 are currently reduced to £199 at John Lewis and Amazon, offering a £20 saving on the model praised for its eight-hour battery life and improved noise cancellation.
AirPods 4 (Standard): The entry-level AirPods 4 have hit their Black Friday low of £99 at Argos, featuring the H2 chip, personalized spatial audio, and voice isolation.
AirPods 4 with ANC: For those preferring an open-fit design with noise cancellation, the ANC version of the AirPods 4 is available for £149, down from its original price of £169.
Retailer Availability: Major discounts are being matched across third-party retailers like Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, and AO, as Apple does not hold its own direct sales events.
Expert Recommendation: Tech critics highlight that the AirPods 4 models are a significant upgrade over the second-generation buds, offering better sound quality and a more compact design.
Broad Sale Event: These AirPods deals are part of a wider Boxing Day event featuring price cuts on other popular tech items like Kindles, Oura rings, and Ninja kitchen appliances.

26 Dec

New to Apple Watch? Here's How to Set Yours Up Like a Pro

#applewatches #rumours

Pre-Setup Requirement: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest software (iOS 26) before beginning. The entire setup process typically takes about 30 minutes.
Initial Power & Language: Unbox the watch, attach the strap, and place it on the magnetic charger. Select your language and region once the device powers on.
Pro Pairing Tip: Open the Watch app on your iPhone and bring it close to the watch. Use the yellow square on the iPhone screen to perfectly frame the watch face to pair them.
Configuration Choices: Decide whether you are setting the watch up for yourself or a family member, and sign in with your Apple ID to enable core ecosystem features.
Health & Passcode: Verify your personal fitness details to improve monitoring accuracy and choose whether to set a passcode for added security.
Syncing & Tutorials: Allow the devices to sync, then follow the quick tutorials for gesture controls (like the "Wrist Flick") and safety tools.
Final Software Check: Once "Hello" appears, go to Settings > General > Software Update on the watch to ensure you are running the absolute latest version of watchOS.
Pro Features to Try: Enable key tools like the AI-powered "Workout Buddy," sleep apnea detection, and automatic volume adjustments for a better experience.

25 Dec

Apple's 2025 Strategy: Building a Foundation Beyond the AI Hype

#iphone #mac #rumours

Strategic Foundation: While AI dominated tech headlines in 2025, Apple’s most critical moves were focused on long-term infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and hardware vertical integration.
Silicon Independence: Apple continued to distance itself from third-party component makers by accelerating the development of its in-house 5G modems and Wi-Fi chips, aiming for total control over its device connectivity.
Supply Chain Diversification: The year marked a massive shift in manufacturing, with Apple significantly increasing production capacity in India and Southeast Asia to reduce geopolitical risks associated with China.
Services Revenue Growth: Beyond hardware, Apple’s Services sector reached new heights, proving that its ecosystem lock-in remains its strongest financial moat even during global economic fluctuations.
The "Wait and See" AI Approach: Rather than rushing half-baked AI features, Apple focused on private, on-device processing power (Private Cloud Compute), setting a standard for security that competitors are now scrambling to match.
Future Hardware Tease: Internal restructuring suggests Apple is preparing for a "post-smartphone" era, with increased investment in home robotics and sophisticated wearable technologies expected in 2026 and 2027.

25 Dec

Apple 2025 Winners and Losers: iPhone 17 Dominates While iPhone Air Flops

#iphone #mac #rumours

Winner: iPhone 17 Series: The iPhone 17 is hailed as a major win due to its long-overdue 120Hz ProMotion display, updated selfie camera, and 256GB base storage, all while maintaining its predecessor's price point.
Winner: MacBook Pro 14 (M5): The M5 chip is described as a monumental shift, offering 45% better graphics performance and significant memory bandwidth increases without sacrificing battery life.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3: Recognized for delivering best-in-class noise cancellation, improved transparency modes, and new health tracking features like Live Translation and IP57 protection.
Loser: iPhone Air: Despite high anticipation, the device is considered a flop because consumers weren't willing to trade camera quality, battery life, and audio for a thinner design at a premium price.
Loser: iPhone 16e: Criticized for being overpriced at $599, the device lacked modern essentials like MagSafe, 120Hz refresh rate, and Always-On display, relying heavily on recycled parts.
Loser: Apple Intelligence & Siri: For the second year in a row, Apple's AI efforts are seen as "half-baked," with the fully overhauled Siri assistant still missing and potentially being outsourced to Google Gemini.
Supply Chain Shift: Apple’s move to diversify its supply chain away from China and toward India is noted as a long-term strategic win for operational resilience.
Sales Performance: The strong performance of the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to help Apple overtake Samsung as the world's leading smartphone vendor by volume for the first time in a decade.

25 Dec

Apple to Launch 20+ New Products in 2026: The Ultimate Roadmap

#iphone #ipad #mac #applewatches #rumours

iPhone 18 Series & Foldable: The fall lineup will feature the iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID and a dedicated "iPhone Fold/Ultra" featuring a book-style crease-free design.
Budget MacBook & iPhone 17e: A new low-cost MacBook (starting at $599-$699) and the iPhone 17e with the A19 chip are expected in early 2026 to target the budget market.
iPad OLED & Spec Bumps: The iPad mini is rumored to finally receive an OLED display and A20 Pro chip, while the iPad Air moves to the M4 and the base iPad gets Apple Intelligence support.
Apple Home Expansion: A new "HomePod Touch" with a 7-inch screen and a first-party Apple security camera with HomeKit Secure Video integration are on the horizon.
Next-Gen Mac Displays: Apple is reportedly prepping a Studio Display 2 with 120Hz ProMotion and a possible new Pro Display XDR refresh.
M5 & M6 Mac Transitions: The year starts with M5 MacBook Air and Pro models, culminating in a major redesign for the MacBook Pro featuring M6 chips and OLED touch displays in the fall.
Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4: Expected updates include new "S-class" chips and the potential introduction of Touch ID or expanded health sensors across both models.
AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras: Built-in cameras are rumored for the next AirPods Pro to power advanced AI and visual intelligence features.
Apple Glasses Tease: While shipping might not occur until 2027, Apple may officially unveil its AR "Apple Glasses" during 2026.
AirTag 2: An updated tracker with a new Ultra Wideband chip for improved range and security is slated for a spring release.

25 Dec

iPhone 18 Production Starts Early for Apple's Unprecedented Split Launch

#iphone #rumours

Aggressive Production Timeline: Apple is reportedly beginning trial production for the iPhone 18 series as early as January 2026, with full-scale manufacturing potentially starting before February.
New Split-Launch Strategy: Abandoning the traditional simultaneous September release, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and its first foldable in Fall 2026, followed by the standard iPhone 18 in Spring 2027.
The "iPhone Fold" Debut: The Fall 2026 window will highlight Apple’s foldable entry, rumored to feature a crease-free 7.6-inch internal display and a price tag between $1,800 and $2,500.
Next-Gen 2nm Silicon: All iPhone 18 models are expected to utilize Apple's A20 chip built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, delivering significant jumps in AI processing and power efficiency.
Major Camera Upgrades: The entire lineup will likely move to a 24-megapixel front camera, while Pro models may debut variable aperture technology and a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung.
Base Model Spec Bump: In a major move for mainstream users, the standard iPhone 18 is rumored to receive 12GB of RAM to better handle the growing demands of on-device AI features.
Manufacturing Diversification: Trial production for lower-cost models is expected to take place in India as Apple continues to shift its supply chain balance away from a sole reliance on China.
Financial Strategy: Spreading launches throughout the year is designed to smooth out Apple's seasonal revenue spikes, creating a more consistent innovation cycle for consumers and investors.