Latest news with #CeramicShield
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
iPhone 18 could be made with even tougher glass — built in the USA
Apple has released details for its $600 billion American Manufacturing Program, which outlines new and strengthened partnerships with U.S. component makers. Part of this commitment, as spotted by 9to5 Mac, will see $2.5 billion being used to expand the company's partnership with Corning, the company behind the Ceramic Shield glass used on recent iPhones and the Gorilla Glass screens seen on many of the best Android phones. According to a separate Apple announcement, 100% of the cover glass for both the iPhone and the Apple Watch will be produced in Corning's Harrodsburg, Kentucky, manufacturing facility. However, the press release doesn't mention when this change will take place beyond Apple's release, which states that 'soon, every iPhone and Apple Watch sold around the world will be built with Kentucky-made cover glass.' As spotted by Android Authority, Apple is also working with Samsung to launch an 'innovative new technology for making chips, which has never been used before anywhere in the world.' This will take place at Samsung's fabrication plant in Austin, Texas, and will supply chips that will apparently optimize both the power and performance of Apple products. Outside of this statement, there is no real information on what this change will mean or what impact Samsung will have when it comes to the next generation of A-series chipsets. This wouldn't be the first time that Samsung has manufactured the chips, with the company having a hand in the A4 chip seen in the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 6s' A9 chip. However, Apple soon moved chip production to the Taiwanese company TSMC as its main chip producer, and this looks to be continuing for the iPhone 17 series. According to rumors, the A19 and the A19 Pro chip could feature TSMC's 2nm process. This could bring a noticeable jump in performance for the phone, especially when combined with the rumored 12GB of RAM. Apple has also entered an agreement with GlobalFoundries to bring more semiconductor manufacturing to the United States, with the focus being the GlobalFoundries semiconductor facility in Malta, New York. This follows Trump threatening a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports to the U.S. (via the New York Times), although it should be noted that TSMC has been excluded from this. It isn't just production, as Apple will be the first, and largest, customer for Amkor's new advanced chip packaging and test facility in Arizona. Considering the recent tensions between Apple and the Trump administration regarding possible price increases on suppliers, the push to develop jobs and parts in the U.S. could stand as a peace treaty of sorts between the two parties. At this point, we can't say for certain what this will mean for future Apple products, although hopefully it will help to mitigate the predicted price rises that were expected due to the tariffs. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Hans India
iPhone 17 Pro May Launch with Scratch-Resistant, Anti-Reflective Display This September
Apple may be preparing a major upgrade for its premium iPhones this year. According to a recent report by MacRumors, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature an advanced display coating that boosts scratch resistance while significantly reducing screen glare. The new technology is expected to enhance visibility under bright lighting, especially outdoors. The enhanced screen protection combines anti-reflective and scratch-resistant properties and is seen as an evolution of the Ceramic Shield Apple currently uses. Although the feature was first rumored in 2024, production issues reportedly delayed its rollout. However, recent updates suggest those challenges have been overcome. Insiders familiar with the development told MacRumors that Apple's supply chain partners have now stabilized production of the new coating layer, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing. This upgrade will likely remain exclusive to the Pro lineup, meaning standard iPhone 17 models and the rumored iPhone 17 Air might not benefit from it. This would be the first time Apple brings anti-reflective screen technology to the iPhone series. While iPads, MacBooks, and the Pro Display XDR already use similar coatings, the iPhone lineup has so far been limited to an oleophobic finish for smudge resistance and the Ceramic Shield for drop protection. Apple's decision to integrate this coating now appears timely, especially after rival Samsung introduced Gorilla Glass Armor in its recent flagships. That technology boasts up to 75% reduction in screen reflections alongside improved scratch durability, making it a standout in outdoor performance. Apple seems to be responding with its own premium-level upgrade. Earlier this year, reports indicated that Apple was facing slowdowns on the production line due to the complexity of applying the anti-reflective layer. The coating process required precise handling, which made it difficult to meet high-volume manufacturing targets. Fortunately, those issues seem to be resolved as of mid-2025. If the improvements roll out as expected, users can look forward to a more durable display with better outdoor readability, less glare, and possibly reduced reliance on third-party screen protectors. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled on September 8, 2025, in line with Apple's traditional launch schedule. While Apple has not yet officially confirmed the feature, more concrete details are likely to surface in the coming weeks. Stay connected with India Today Tech for the latest updates on Apple's upcoming announcements.
India Today
17-07-2025
- India Today
iPhone 17 Pro could launch with a scratch resistant anti-reflective display
Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a new type of display technology with its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models. According to details shared by MacRumors, the high-end iPhones in the 2025 lineup may feature a more durable and advanced screen that not only resists scratches better but also cuts down on reflections, improving visibility under bright lighting technology in question is said to be an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, developed as an improvement over the existing Ceramic Shield protection that Apple currently uses in its iPhones. The feature was first rumoured in 2024 but faced production-related challenges that cast doubts on its inclusion in this year's iPhone models. However, the latest update suggests that those hurdles have been familiar with the matter have reportedly told MacRumors that Apple's suppliers have now achieved consistent production levels of the new display layer, making it viable for mass manufacturing. As a result, the company is likely to include this new glass on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. It is worth noting that this upgraded screen is not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 17 or the rumoured iPhone 17 Air, keeping it exclusive to the premium segment. The purpose of the new coating goes beyond just aesthetics. While most iPhones already feature an oleophobic layer to resist fingerprints and smudges, and a Ceramic Shield for drop protection, this would be the first time Apple is aiming to reduce glare on the iPhone's screen. Anti-reflective coatings have been seen in Apple's iPad and MacBook lineups, particularly in the Pro Display XDR and high-end MacBook models, but not in the iPhone this year, reports suggested that Apple was struggling with the process of applying the anti-reflective layer at scale. The coating required a precise and time-consuming method, which was reportedly slowing down the production lines. As a result, there were concerns that Apple might delay or cancel the feature altogether. But things appear to have improved on that front, and mass production now seems to be on timing of this feature is also notable. Apple's main competitor in the premium smartphone space, Samsung, recently introduced Gorilla Glass Armor on its flagship models. This technology offers up to 75 percent reflection reduction and better scratch resistance, giving Samsung phones an edge when it comes to display performance in outdoor conditions. Apple seems to be responding with its own version of a similar upgrade, although it hasn't been officially confirmed the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max do indeed come with this new display layer, users can expect better visibility in sunlight, fewer screen glares, and improved durability against daily use. It may also reduce the need for screen protectors, something many users rely on for added iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025, following Apple's usual timeline. While many details are still under wraps, leaks and reports have suggested that the 2025 iPhones could launch on September 8. You can stay tuned to India Today Tech for all the updates.- Ends
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e: How Much of a Difference Does $200 Make?
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. The iPhone 16e starts at $599 and comes with 128GB of storage. The 256GB model costs $699, and the 512GB version is $899. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 offers the same three storage options but at $799, $899, and $1,099, respectively. If it's just dollars and cents, the iPhone 16e comes out on top. Winner: iPhone 16e Both the iPhone 16e and 16 feature similar designs with flat metal sides, flat glass panels, and rounded corners. The iPhone 16e measures 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches (HWD) and 5.88 ounces, which makes it a little shorter and lighter than the iPhone 16 (5.81 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches, 6.0 ounces). The iPhone 16e brings back the notch at the top of the screen, first seen on the iPhone X, while the 16 has the newer Dynamic Island at the top of its screen. Both phones rely on FaceID for biometric authentication. As for colors, the iPhone 16e comes in only Black or White. The iPhone 16 comes in Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine (lavender), or White. If you prefer a splash of color, you know which to pick. Both devices have the same IP68 rating for protection against dust and water. Each has an aluminum frame. The 16e has a last-generation Ceramic Shield front panel but an unspecified type of glass on the back. The iPhone 16 has a newer version of Ceramic Shield on the front, which should offer slightly more break and scratch protection. Thanks to its Dynamic Island, better glass, and larger color palate, the iPhone 16 wins this round. Winner: iPhone 16 Both devices use a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, but their resolutions differ ever so slightly. The iPhone 16e has a resolution of 2,532 by 1,170 pixels, while the 16 has 2,556 by 1,179 pixels. Despite the minor difference in the number of pixels, Apple says both have the same density of 460 pixels per inch for essentially the same viewing experience. The iPhone 16's typical brightness is 1,000 nits, and it peaks at 2,000 nits outdoors. The iPhone 16e is a little dimmer, with a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1,200 nits. The 16e screen is still easy to see in most lighting conditions, but when held side-by-side, the 16's screen is clearly brighter. Considering how similar the displays are otherwise, the iPhone 16's brighter panel sets it apart. Winner: iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 and 16e both use a version of Apple's A18 processor, though they are slightly different. The iPhone 16's A18 processor features a six-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores, a 16-core Neural Engine, and a five-core GPU. The 16e, meanwhile, has a four-core GPU, so it's down a single core from the iPhone 16. Early reports suggest the 16e has the same 8GB of RAM as the 16, but Apple hasn't confirmed that. Both devices run iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence and can process AI tasks both on-device and in the cloud. All of Apple's current Intelligence features, including Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and Writing Tools, are available on the 16e. Siri is the Apple Intelligence sore point across all iOS devices, and Apple's feet are in the fire. In everyday use, the two phones act and feel the same. Neither feels quicker than the other. Using benchmarks to put some numbers behind their performance, we found the 16e actually bests the 16 on a CPU test like Geekbench but falls slightly behind on tests like GFXBench and 3DMark. The 16's extra GPU core helps it edge out the 16e on these graphics tests. The iPhone 16e is the first device with an Apple-designed modem, the C1. The company claims this is the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone and is 25% more power-efficient than the modem of the iPhone 15. The C1 supports all the low- and mid-band 5G spectrum used by US carriers but doesn't support the ultra-fast mmWave signals that the 16 does. In testing, it holds up. The C1 kept a voice call connected during a 20-minute drive and delivered some of the fastest download speeds we've seen on AT&T's network. As for other radios, the iPhone 16 has Wi-Fi 7 and an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for precise location tracking, while the 16e has Wi-Fi 6 and no UWB chip. Battery life is perhaps the biggest differentiator here. Apple says the iPhone 16e has a new internal design, which allows it to give the device a bigger battery. Moreover, the C1 modem was designed with efficiency in mind. Taken together, Apple claims the iPhone 16e can run for up to 26 hours when viewing video—longer than any other iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen. In our battery drain test, the 16e outlasted the 16 by nearly four hours (21 hours and 37 minutes compared with 17 hours and 50 minutes). Winner: Tie The iPhone 16e supports standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W. Puzzlingly, it is not compatible with Apple's MagSafe charger or MagSafe accessories. If you want MagSafe, you'll have to go with the standard iPhone 16. Moreover, the 16 charges more than three times as fast wirelessly at 25W. Wired charging speeds are on even footing. With a 20W brick, the 16e and 16 need 69 and 66 minutes, respectively, to charge fully. Once both phones are updated to iOS 26 later this year, they'll tell you how long for a full charge. Winner: iPhone 16 The iPhone 16e has a 48MP Fusion camera on the rear, while the iPhone 16 has a 48MP Fusion camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The 16 can shoot macro photos and spatial photos for the Apple Vision Pro, but the 16e cannot do either. The 16 supports 0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom, while the 16e is limited to 1x and 3x. Both support 10x digital zoom. The 12MP TrueDepth selfie cameras of the iPhone 16e and 16 are the same, and both have access to the A18's image signal processor. The 16 features Cinematic mode with up to 4K30 video capture and focus and depth control in portrait mode. The 16e does not have the Cinematic mode and can control depth only in portrait mode. Otherwise, they are the same spec for spec. The iPhone 16 has more advanced video capture tools. It has a Cinematic mode with shallow depth of field and Dolby Vision, Action mode, spatial video recording, and macro video recording. None of these options are available with the iPhone 16e. However, they both can shoot up to 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps) and 1080p slo-mo video at 120fps or 240fps. The touch-sensitive Camera Control is available on every iPhone 16 except the 16e. The iPhone 16e takes fine photos, but the 16 is just more versatile. Winner: iPhone 16 Based on our reviews and how the two phones perform, these are our buying recommendations: If you're looking for the lowest-cost entry point into the iPhone ecosystem, great battery life, and Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e is the way to go. If "mostly the basics" are all that matter to you and you don't mind the notch or limited color palette, you'll be more than happy with what the iPhone 16e offers. If you want more advanced photography and videography features, the iPhone 16 is the better option. If you prefer to have extras like MagSafe compatibility, faster mmWave 5G, faster Wi-Fi 7, and Apple's Dynamic Island, you should get the iPhone 16. Interested in a different iPhone? See how the rest of the iPhone 16 family stacks up.
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just broke my iPhone — here's what I learned about the durability of today's phones
My iPhone 12 has served me ably for more years than I can count without pausing to think about. It's been there on trips, helping me snap photos, and it's gotten me from point A to point with trusty navigation tips. It's also tested innumerable software updates and features, without complaint or incident. And the other day, I smashed it beyond repair. I was out for one of my evening walks to get my steps in — yes, the Fitness app on my iPhone 12 also encourages me to stay active — and I reached for my phone to start a new podcast to accompany me for the rest of my journey. But while taking the iPhone out of my pocket, it slipped from my hands and took a plunge to the concrete below, bouncing on the sidewalk and then skidding to a stop a few feet away. You can see the after-effects in the photo at the top of this article. My iPhone 12 landed flush on the main camera, cracking the lens for good. The phone is still perfectly functional, but if I want to take a photo with the camera, the end result looks like a Monet painting. Don't feel sorry for me. I got a lot of use out of the iPhone 12. Apple first released that particular model nearly five years ago, and while I haven't been using the iPhone 12 since Day 1, it's been my go-to model for at least three years, maybe four. An upgrade was in the cards anyhow, and my clumsiness merely forced the issue. So I'm not looking for any sympathy. Rather, I'm sharing this story because I think it reveals a couple of important things about today's smartphones and making sure they last as long as possible. When it comes to dropping phones, the incident that finally did in my iPhone 12 wasn't exactly my first rodeo. I would estimate that, conservatively, I've probably dropped that phone once a week for the past three years. Sometimes, it would fall harmless on cushions or padded surfaces. But otherwise — hardwood floors, linoleum, bathroom tiles — this phone has come into contact with it at all, usually at less-than-ideal acceleration. For heaven's sake, the iPhone 12 that finally succumbed to my ham-fisted handling is the same one that wound up at the bottom of the Russian River when I capsized a canoe. And that only knocked it out of commission for the time it took me to expel water from its charging port. Through all that mishandling, the cracked lens from its most recent fall is the only significant damage my iPhone 12 ever suffered. Yes, there were cosmetic scuffs and scrapes, mostly to the phone's frame, but this Apple device definitely took a licking and kept on ticking. And that's by design. The iPhone 12 introduced Apple's Ceramic Shield, a tougher material designed for better drop protection. Mission accomplished, I can safely confirm. And the iPhone 12's IP68 water resistance rating has kept my phone safe from dunks in the water, whether it's the pool at my gym or the aforementioned ravages of the Russian River. More encouraging, if your phone is more recent mine, Apple has only improved durability. The latest iPhone 16 models offer a newer generation of Ceramic Shield for even greater durability. And if you spring for one of the Pro versions, you get a titanium frame that's stronger yet lighter than the typical aluminum materials used in phones. Despite all that, I think you still should get a case for your phone — at least if you want it to last for a very long time. My iPhone 12 was naked as a jaybird when I let it slip from my hands, and I think it's a safe bet that had it been in case, it might have come away from this latest tumble unscathed. Don't be like me — get a case to keep your iPhone safe. • Best iPhone 16 cases• Best iPhone 16 Plus cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases That's because even the thinnest, low-profile cases offer key protection for the two most vulnerable areas of your phone — the screen and camera array. Any phone case worth its salt has raised edges around those areas, aimed at preventing them from coming into contact with unforgiving surfaces. Throw in even a modicum of drop-protection — Tom's Guide recommends you look for cases that offer at least 4 feet — and there's a good chance that those inevitable accidents won't result in catastrophic damage. Put it this way: if I had been keeping my iPhone 12 in a case on that fateful walk, I'd have the option of upgrading to a new device whenever I wanted instead of having to get a new phone now. With the iPhone 17 launch still a few months away, that extra time might have come in handy. So celebrate the fact that the phone in your hands — whether built by Apple or someone else — is probably a lot more durable than a device you might have owned a few years back. And that's great news if you're one of the growing number of people who try to make their phones last as long as possible. Just make sure you keep a case handy for those late-night walks.
