Latest news with #Cupertino
CNET
22 minutes ago
- CNET
Should You Buy an iPhone 16 or Wait for the iPhone 17?
So you're ready to purchase your next iPhone. You can take one of two routes: Buy an iPhone 16 right now, or wait a little longer and get Apple's next version, which is expected to make its debut in just over a month. What's the better choice? With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 in September, it could be a good idea to hang tight and either purchase the new phone or get the iPhone 16 at a discounted price. Apple still hasn't confirmed the existence of the iPhone 17, and we don't have any official specs or features, but here's how it could compare to the iPhone 16, according to rumors and speculation. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17: Key rumored specs compared We still don't have any confirmed details about the iPhone 17, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning and purported leaks from making the rounds. Speculation extends across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, from the Pro models to what could be a thinner "Air" version (which may be Apple's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge). But I'm going to focus on the baseline iPhone 17. Screen differences One of the most highly anticipated changes could be that the iPhone 17 adds a 120Hz display, which would be very welcome. Currently, only the iPhone Pro models have that higher refresh rate, while the baseline and Plus models are stuck with a 60Hz display. Bumping that refresh rate could also prompt Apple to bring the always-on display to the baseline model, making it easier to quickly glance at the time and your notifications without waking your display. There's been some back-and-forth on whether the iPhone 17 will have a scratch-resistant, antireflective display. But the most recent reports suggest that feature will only be available on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, not the baseline iPhone 17 (or the Air). So there may not be major discrepancies between the iPhone 16 and 17 on that front. Camera differences It's possible the iPhone 17's selfie camera will get a bump to 24 megapixels, instead of the current 12 megapixels found in the iPhone 16's front-facing shooter. Megapixels aren't the only determining factor for good-quality photos, but if it is an upgrade, that could make taking selfies or shooting videos for social media on the front-facing camera less of a compromise. There's also been some conversation about the camera bump on Apple's upcoming iPhone lineup. It's likely that only the Pro models' cameras will be nestled in a new, larger panel that stretches horizontally across the back of the phone (perhaps evoking the "Geordi Visor" on the Google Pixel 9) and that the baseline will maintain a similar camera arrangement to the iPhone 16. Only time will tell. Design differences Rumors suggest that like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 will have an aluminum frame. (In fact, it's possible that'll be the case for the entire lineup, apart from the iPhone 17 Air, which could have a titanium frame to make it lighter.) There have also been reports that the iPhone 17 will use a new compact "metalens" technology for the proximity sensor, which could reduce the size of the Face ID sensor and the Dynamic Island. That could give slightly more real estate to the top of the 17's display. Processor and RAM One key element that could remain unchanged across both phones is the processor. The iPhone 17 is rumored to pack an A18 chip, just like the iPhone 16. With Apple's plans to expand its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, it's possible the iPhone 17 lineup could come with 12GB of RAM, instead of the current 8GB -- or at least part of it could. In April, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models would sport 12GB of RAM but that Apple was still deciding whether to equip the baseline model with that higher amount too. In May, analyst Jeff Pu noted the baseline would remain at 8GB. We'll have to wait to see what Apple ultimately decides. Speaking of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered Adaptive Power feature arriving with iOS 26 can help conserve battery by making "small performance adjustments," like "allowing some activities to take a little longer," according to Apple. The next iPhone is expected to arrive with the upcoming operating system onboard, but you'll also be able to download iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, as well as some older iPhones, once it becomes available publicly. That should help to stretch your battery life on either device. Color options What's on the inside may be most important, but people also want to know what fun colors the iPhone 17 could sport. Rumors suggest the upcoming device could come in black, blue, silver, purple and green. For comparison, the iPhone 16 is available in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. Everything we think we know about the iPhone 17 is still just speculation, so we'll have to see what Apple unveils this fall. Should you buy an iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17? If you're in desperate need of a new phone and can't wait any longer, who am I to stop you? But if you can hang tight until September, when Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17, you can either score the flashy new device or get a discount on the iPhone 16. (In previous years, the company dropped the price on older models by around $100.) It's likely the changes between the iPhone 16 and 17 will be relatively modest. Apple tends to debut newer features on its Pro models before eventually rolling them out across the full lineup, like it did with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max and the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. So any shiny new capabilities will likely land on its more premium phones first, such as the rumored antireflective display and redesigned cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models. But perhaps the biggest changes could arrive next year with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, for which Apple is reportedly "preparing a major shake-up" of the phone's design, according to Bloomberg. That includes a (long-rumored) foldable version and a "bold new Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass." The iPhone 17 may not even be announced yet, but it's never too early to be looking even further ahead.
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
AirPods Pro 2 Might Be Apple's Quiet Clearance Before the AirPods Pro 3 Drop, Still Steady at a Low Price
You might be one of the many, many people clinging to your older-gen AirPods and holding out on upgrading to the AirPods Pro 2, waiting for the next gen to drop so the Pro 2s plummet in price. Bad news — there haven't been any signals from Cupertino that there's an AirPods Pro 3 on the way anytime soon. Take our word on this one — the AirPods Pro 2 are well worth upgrading to right now, especially while they're just $199 at Amazon. Normally priced at $249, the $50 Amazon discount is currently the best path to discovering just how good the active noise cancellation, transparency mode, personalized spatial audio, and other high-level features on the AirPods Pro 2 are. See at Amazon There might be a little pushback from the over-ear headphone enthusiasts who worship at the altar of the AirPods Max, but the general consensus from users and reviewers alike is that the AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's best AirPods yet. From the day the AirPods Pro 2 hit the market in April 2024, they've earned rave reviews for the great many upgrades Apple packed into them. Over 32,000 Amazon reviewers agree, giving the AirPods Pro 2 an average 4.6 out of 5 star review. What's so great? The Active Noise Cancellation got a huge upgrade from the original AirPods Pro, removing up to twice as much noise. The Transparency Mode that lets you still stay in touch with your surroundings is a great enhancement and also a big safety feature. Then there is the clinical-grade hearing protection and scientifically validated Hearing Test, both groundbreaking industry-first innovations. The mothership upgrade that made all the other great new AirPods Pro 2 enhancements possible is Apple's H2 processor chip, which really makes its presence felt with the custom-built drivers that bring incredible bass and high notes when you're listening to music, along with personalized Spatial Audio that will blow your mind. The H2 chip is also the driver behind the incredible sound quality the AirPods Pro 2 give you when you're using them for calls or video conferences. We get the temptation to keep holding out for a new AirPods release to drop so you can snag the AirPods Pro 2 for some obscenely low bargain-bin price, but that's no reason to stick with older-gen buds from Apple or any other manufacturer. Amazon's current 20% off deal that carves $50 from the price of the AirPods Pro 2 makes them a stellar buy at just $199, especially with no new releases on the way that would usurp their standing as Apple's best AirPods ever. See at Amazon
The Verge
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Verge
AppleCare One is a good deal, but not for everyone
Apple announced some big changes to its device protection plans this week with the introduction of AppleCare One. The new service lets you protect three devices for $19.99 per month. That means things like your Apple TV, AirPods Max, and iPad can be covered under one plan at a cost that doesn't fluctuate. And every device after that costs $5.99 per month to add. The company's goal is to convince customers that this new service is easier and a better value compared to enrolling each device in its own AppleCare Plus plan. In reality, how much you save depends entirely on the Apple devices you have. People who buy its latest and greatest products will yield significantly more savings compared to those who buy its most affordable products. It's a little confusing, so let's break it down. Apple claims that customers can save $11 each month by enrolling an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and an iPad in AppleCare One compared to paying for three individual AppleCare Plus plans for those devices. But that's not true across the board for all of its models. For example, the monthly cost for iPhone coverage with AppleCare Plus starts at $9.99 for the cheapest and oldest eligible models, whereas the iPad and Apple Watch start at $4.99 and $2.99 (both of which are up slightly compared to prices before this week, when the Theft and Loss benefit was tacked on for either protection plan), respectively, totaling $17.97. In this case, AppleCare One is a slightly worse deal than buying plans a la carte. Where the new service shines is if you own some of Apple's most expensive products, like the iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Vision Pro, and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip. Paying for a monthly AppleCare Plus plan for each of those three would cost $47.47 altogether, according to a list of prices Apple PR manager Anna Mitchell shared with The Verge. AppleCare One, on the other hand, would still be $19.99 — for any mix of three products, Mitchell confirmed — which is obviously the better deal by a huge margin. For a more typical product buildout — like the base iPhone 16, AirPods Pro, and the latest 13-inch MacBook Air — the savings are far more modest. With AppleCare Plus, the iPhone costs $11.99 per month, the MacBook Air costs $6.99 per month, and you can pay $14.99 upfront for a year of coverage for the AirPods Pro (monthly coverage isn't an option, but this shakes out to $1.25 per month). AppleCare One would save you a quarter each month, thereabouts. Nothing to get excited about. What's important to keep in mind is, just like AppleCare Plus, AppleCare One only serves as the key to unlock cheaper repair and replacement prices. You still have to pay deductibles and fees for each and every repair, and those costs vary depending on the device, as well as the type of repair you need. How much you can expect to pay — which is in addition to your monthly AppleCare fee — is listed on Apple's website. Either warranty plan you opt for yields significant savings versus paying out of pocket without coverage. For example, accidental damage to my iPhone 13 would cost $600 without AppleCare versus $100 with it. The answer to 'Is AppleCare One a good deal?' isn't as simple as just having expensive, high-end gear. Apple hopes to lure those who don't upgrade their tech with every release cycle with AppleCare One. One of its biggest selling points is that you can enroll devices up to four years old that are in good condition (or up to one year old for headphones). This beats the 60-day cutoff for adding AppleCare Plus to new purchases, which is generous but easy to forget about if you don't enroll right away. In other words, if you missed the boat on enrolling your devices originally and want to reduce the upfront cost of repairs for eligible devices, AppleCare One seems like a great way to do that. Especially since there's no mandatory amount of time you need to be a member before you can reap the benefits of cheaper repairs. Apple has been going hard on its services in the past handful of years, and its efforts to get its customers further embedded in its walled garden seem to be paying off. Its most recent quarterly earnings showed that services earnings were at an all-time high, and AppleCare One might become an essential part of its plan moving forward. But whether it's an essential subscription for you depends on the devices you own. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Cameron Faulkner Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Analysis Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apple Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Geeky Gadgets
4 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPadOS 26 Beta 4 Arrives: A Look at the Latest Features
Apple has unveiled iPadOS 26 Beta 4, marking a significant step forward in its software development cycle. This release introduces a combination of stability enhancements, design refinements, and feature updates, signaling the operating system's progression toward its official public release. If you're eager to understand the latest changes and how they might influence your iPad experience, here's a detailed look at the most notable updates. The video below from SlatePad gives us a detailed look at the new features in iPadOS 26 beta 4. Watch this video on YouTube. Improved Stability and Performance With iPadOS 26 Beta 4, Apple has prioritized stability and performance improvements, making this version the most reliable in the beta series to date. Persistent bugs have been addressed, resulting in smoother app transitions and enhanced system responsiveness. Whether you're multitasking, running resource-intensive applications, or simply navigating the interface, you'll notice fewer crashes and a more seamless experience. These updates are particularly beneficial for developers and early adopters, offering a dependable environment for testing and daily use. Refined Visual Design and Transparency Effects Apple continues to refine its design language with subtle yet impactful updates in Beta 4. The transparency effects have been fine-tuned, reintroducing the liquid glass aesthetic across various system components. Apps like Music, Podcasts, Mail, and Settings now feature enhanced translucency in toolbars and sidebars. This update not only improves visual appeal but also ensures that text and icons remain clear and legible against semi-transparent backgrounds. These refinements highlight Apple's commitment to blending aesthetics with functionality, creating a more polished user interface. Notification Summary Returns The long-awaited return of the Notification Summary feature is a standout addition in iPadOS 26 Beta 4. Absent since iPadOS 18.3, this tool consolidates notifications into a single, organized view, making it easier to manage alerts. While still in its beta phase, Apple has included a disclaimer about potential inaccuracies, encouraging users to approach the feature with caution. Customization options in the notification settings allow you to tailor this functionality to suit your workflow, offering a more streamlined way to stay on top of your alerts. Dynamic Wallpaper for Enhanced Personalization A new dynamic wallpaper option adds a layer of personalization to your iPad. This default wallpaper evolves throughout the day, shifting through a range of colors and designs based on the time. While primarily an aesthetic enhancement, this feature underscores Apple's ongoing efforts to make the iPad interface more immersive and customizable. The dynamic wallpaper not only enhances visual engagement but also aligns with the broader theme of creating a more personalized user experience. Expanded Silence Unknown Callers Options The Silence Unknown Callers feature has been expanded in Beta 4, offering greater control over how your device handles calls from unknown numbers. The updated settings now include three distinct options: Never: Allows all calls to come through without restriction. Allows all calls to come through without restriction. Ask Reason for Calling: Prompts unknown callers to state their reason before your device rings, adding an extra layer of screening. Prompts unknown callers to state their reason before your device rings, adding an extra layer of screening. Silence: Sends unknown callers directly to voicemail, minimizing interruptions. These additions provide a more nuanced approach to call filtering, allowing you to manage interruptions effectively while making sure that important calls are not missed. Ongoing Challenges in Multitasking and File Management Despite the advancements in Beta 4, certain limitations persist. Slide-over apps remain restricted, as they cannot yet be enabled in full-screen multitasking. This limitation affects users who rely on advanced multitasking workflows for productivity. Similarly, the eject option in the Files app remains non-functional, leaving file management capabilities unchanged. These omissions highlight areas where further development is needed, particularly for power users seeking more robust multitasking and file-handling features. What These Updates Mean for You iPadOS 26 Beta 4 represents a significant step forward in Apple's software development process. By focusing on stability, design refinements, and usability improvements, this beta version lays the groundwork for a well-rounded operating system. While some features remain incomplete or absent, the updates introduced in Beta 4 demonstrate Apple's dedication to enhancing the iPad experience. Whether you're testing the beta or waiting for the official release, these changes reflect a thoughtful approach to innovation and continuous improvement, making sure that the iPad remains a versatile and user-friendly device. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on iPadOS 26 Beta 4. Source & Image Credit: SlatePad Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
4 hours ago
- Phone Arena
iPhone 17 Air: Five things I want to see from Apple's new phone
So here's my wish list for the– because even if I know some things will have to go in the name of thinness, I still want more. What can I say, the Rolling Stones were right: you can't always get what you want… but I'm still asking anyway. Also check iPhone 17 Air: 10 new features Apple might unveil this year 120Hz ProMotion I'll keep banging this drum until Apple listens: give all iPhones 120Hz refresh rates already. It's 2025 – a 60Hz display just doesn't cut it anymore, especially for a brand that prides itself on premium experiences. The I'll keep banging this drum until Apple listens: give all iPhones 120Hz refresh rates already. It's 2025 – a 60Hz display just doesn't cut it anymore, especially for a brand that prides itself on premium experiences. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are still stuck on 60Hz, and it's getting a little embarrassing. Rumors are all over the place – ). If Apple wants to give the Air a real standout feature from the regular model, this should be it. Rumors are all over the place – some say the regular iPhone 17 and 17 Air will still miss out on ProMotion (Apple's name for dynamic refresh rate), while others hint it could finally roll out across the lineup (well, probably 90Hz for the iPhone 17 ). If Apple wants to give the Air a real standout feature from the regular model, this should be it. A battery that can keep up If you're coming from a smaller iPhone like the If you're coming from a smaller iPhone like the iPhone 13 mini , like me, then sure, the rumored 2,800 mAh battery in the Air might seem like a nice step up. But let's be real: in today's world of power-hungry apps and watching videos all the time, that's tiny. Receive the latest Apple news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Other brands – especially Chinese phone makers – have already started using silicon-carbon batteries , which are more compact and can store more energy. Why not Apple? A super thin phone like the Air needs smarter battery tech and if Apple pulls it off, it would be a big win. I'm not holding my breath, but wouldn't that be a pleasant surprise this fall? A single camera that actually delivers Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air might come with just one rear camera, similar to the Leaks suggest themight come with just one rear camera, similar to the iPhone 16e . And I'm fine with that – if it's a good one. My wish? Apple gives it the same main sensor as the Pro model. Keep the titanium coming . Apple used titanium for its Pro models for three years now, but it sounds like the Pro line might switch back to aluminum – leaving titanium exclusive to the Air. One of the most exciting rumors about the iPhone 17 Air is its titanium frame . Apple used titanium for its Pro models for three years now, but it sounds like the Pro line might switch back to aluminum – leaving titanium exclusive to the Air.
