Latest news with #DigiTimes
Digital Trends
16 hours ago
- Health
- Digital Trends
The 2026 Apple Watch could get upgrades that I've been waiting for years
In just over a month, Apple will introduce the world to a fresh portfolio of iPhones. Rumors have focused on a camera-centric design overhaul for the 'Pro' flagships and a whole new ultra-slim sibling that will adopt the 'Air' branding. It sounds like this year's Apple Watch may not be a showstopper of the Fall launch event, but its successor might turn out to be one that I've been waiting for ages. According to supply chain outlet DigiTimes, the purported Apple Watch Series 12 set to arrive in 2026 could be a massive overhaul, both inside and outside. 'The high-end Apple Watch model launching in 2026 is expected to undergo substantial upgrades and redesigns centered around enhanced sensing capabilities,' says the report. Recommended Videos Citing multiple supply chain sources, the report mentions three key areas of improvement for the 2026 Apple Watch related to battery, biosensing, and aesthetics. Starting with the sensors, Apple reportedly plans to double the number of sensors on its smartwatch, going from four to eight. A big leap for on-wrist biosensing Supplied by TASC, the report notes that the sensors will be arranged in a ring-like shape on the underside, protected by a transparent glass cover. Aside from opening the doors for new health sensing capabilities, the new sensors will reportedly help improve battery efficiency, as well. Now, let's talk about the next-gen biosensing chops. Rumors suggest that blood pressure sensing will finally land on the Apple Watch this year, or next. Apple is most likely relying on the same light-based technique for assessing the blood pressure that we've already seen on Samsung's Galaxy smartwatches. This approach relies on calibration with a medical-grade sensor, while Huawei has developed a micropump system for its smartwatches that works standalone. Older reports claim that the Apple Watch won't tell absolute systolic/diastolic blood pressure values, but will simply warn users about any abnormal spikes or drops. Another promising wellness feature is non-invasive blood glucose level analysis. Apple has been working on the tech stack for years, but due to regulatory concerns and technical challenges, it hasn't served it aboard an Apple Watch, yet. The underlying tech, however, has been in development in other labs for years. In 2022, experts at Georgia's Kennesaw State University reported the development of a noninvasive system of blood glucose level measurement device called GlucoCheck that works in tandem with a mobile application. A year later, Movano revealed an AI-powered needle-free wearable that lets users check real-time glucose data. Michael Leabman, the company's CEO and founder, told Digital Trends that their smartwatch relies on an onboard radio frequency-powered sensor for the job. So far, no mainstream smartwatch brand has delivered on glucose analysis tech, and if Apple manages to pull it off, it would mark yet another huge leap for the company. What else is on the table? The DigiTimes report also hints at big gains in the battery life department. It notes that on the Apple Series 12, 'power efficiency will improve significantly.' I am more excited about this upgrade, which is supposedly made possible by shifting to a next-gen sensor hub. Over the past couple of years, smartwatches running Google's Wear OS software have made big strides in the battery life department. The OnePlus Watch 2 and its successor, owing to their unique dual-OS approach, can easily go past two days without losing any of their functional charm. Samsung's current generation Galaxy Watch 8 series smartwatches also last longer, and in my tests, they comfortably got past a day. With battery saving tools applied, while disabling always-on display and frugal background activity, I got a per-charge mileage close to a couple of days. Apple's smartwatches rarely go past a full day on a single charge. Finally, the 2026 Apple Watch is also said to be in line for a design makeover, a year ahead of a similar treatment planned for the anniversary edition iPhone. The report only mentions 'a significant redesign,' but doesn't go into details about any minute details. Since its market arrival, the Apple Watch has retained the same fundamental design, with the only notable changes being a slimming down of the chassis and the switch to a curved display. Apple is reportedly planning to add cameras to its smartwatch, but there is little clarity whether the 2026 Apple Watch will be the first to get it.
GSM Arena
20 hours ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Apple Watch lineup to offer big improvements next year
A report by DigiTimes suggests Apple's current Watch series is selling very well, exceeding expectations by around 10%. Additionally, the company will bring significant improvements to the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Watch Ultra 3 that are expected to debut next year. By citing industry chain analysts, DigiTimes believes Apple is readying hardware, software and design upgrades to the new Apple Watch series. One of the most prominent features will be blood pressure detection and blood glucose monitoring. The latter is still in question, however, due to medical regulations, technological hurdles and patent disputes. The blood pressure detection will focus mostly on spotting trends and pushing alerts when abnormalities are detected. The industry supply chain analysis also reveals that the new Apple Watches will feature twice the sensors. The report doesn't give away the exact sensors in question, but says the new approach will reduce the devices' reliance on algorithmic data interpolation and start relying more on raw data from the sensors. This will likely improve battery efficiency and performance. We can also expect a major redesign with next year's iteration of the Apple Watch, but again, the report doesn't go into much detail. Source
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Apple's New MacBook With Low-Cost Price Tag Tipped To Launch Next Year: What We Know
Last Updated: Apple is planning for a new low-cost MacBook variant that will have different features and its possible launch price has been tipped. The news about the budget MacBook version launching soon is back on the agenda and now reports are giving us more clarity about how affordable this new model could be in the market. And there seems to be good news coming in for people who would be looking to upgrade or buy a new system next year. Apple's new MacBook version could sit below the Air variant in the lineup and priced well below it as well. We could see the company bring back an old screen size for the model and make some other concessions to keep the price down. The report from DigiTimes suggests the affordable MacBook model could be priced around $699 (Rs 60,900 approx) which will make it a budget device in the lineup, and sitting below the MacBook Air in Apple's price chain. The report, quoting sources, further states that Apple could target the new system for students which means a special discounted rate will let them buy the model for $599 (Rs 48,900 approx). The latest MacBook Air M4 model starts at $999 (Rs 72,400 approx) and the new version will give more buyers the chance to finally own a Mac without spending big. Apple could use the iPhone chipset (A-series) to power this MacBook variant which could help in a big way to keep the launch price low. The M-series silicon have shown us Apple's focus on performance and reliability and the A-series processors are quite close to these levels. The MacBook is expected to come in colourful options and likely to feature a 12-inch display rather than 13-inch as mentioned in earlier reports. Apple's general consensus with launching affordable products is linked to its obvious premium image. The iPhone 16E is a clear example of its thinking, which replaced the SE moniker this year priced at Rs 59,900 and seems to have gotten an underwhelming response from the market. Can the $699 priced MacBook buck this trend and give people enough reasons to invest in the new model? It all depends on how Apple packages the device in terms of the features, hardware and more. view comments First Published: August 14, 2025, 08:17 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Apple to launch low-cost MacBook starting at $599, production to begin soon: Report
Apple is preparing to introduce a more affordable MacBook, with production set to begin later this year. According to Industry sources (via DigiTimes) suggest the laptop could debut at $699 for the general market and $599 under Apple's education discount program. This would place it well below the current entry-level MacBook Air, which starts at $999 or $899 for education buyers. Apple is set to launch a budget MacBook with an A18 Pro chip and competitive pricing. 12-inch MacBook: Key Features and Production Timeline (Expected) The upcoming model is expected to feature Apple's A18 Pro processor, the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro. It will reportedly be available in multiple colour options, including pink, blue, and yellow. Mass production is anticipated to start by the end of 2025, with shipments beginning in early 2026. Also read: Apple teams up with top apps for next-gen Siri launch While earlier rumours pointed to a 13-inch screen, updated details indicate the new MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display. This is slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and the display will likely offer a lower resolution and brightness compared to the Air's Liquid Retina panel. Other specifications, such as weight, memory, and storage, have not yet been confirmed. Also read: CEO Tim Cook says Apple is ready to open its wallet to catch up in AI Industry analysts expect the reduced size and lower-cost components to make the device lighter than the M4 MacBook Air, which weighs 2.7 pounds. However, whether it will drop below 2.5 pounds remains to be seen. Apple has yet to clarify if the device will join the MacBook Air lineup or be branded simply as a MacBook. Furthermore, speculation suggests that the base configuration may include 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though some hope Apple will offer 256GB in the entry-level model. The A18 Pro chip is not expected to match the performance of Apple's M-series processors but will support Apple Intelligence, enabling access to the company's expanding AI-based features. Also read: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Tiny tablet, mighty potential Pricing Impact on Apple's Device Lineup The launch of a $599 MacBook could appeal to students and budget-conscious buyers while helping Apple to expand its share of the laptop market. However, it may also overlap with the iPad lineup in terms of pricing. For example, an 11-inch iPad with an A16 chip costs Rs. 36,900 for students. This pricing strategy suggests Apple may be positioning the device as an attractive alternative to iPads for users seeking a traditional laptop experience.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan responds to Trump allegations in letter: 'I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has written a letter to the company's employees after the U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to step down, pointing to alleged conflicts of interest linked to his past financial involvement with Chinese chipmakers, reports DigiTimes. In the letter, he reassured the Intel staff that he has always operated 'within the highest legal and ethical' principles and that the company is working with the U.S. gov't to address the 'misinformation' matters. According to corporate filings transpired earlier this year, Lip-Bu Tan controls more than 40 companies in China and holds minority stakes in over 600 others through investment firms he owns or manages, with a total value of at least $200 million. Some of these businesses supply or contract with the People's Liberation Army, and in many cases his stakes are co-held with Chinese state-owned enterprises or regional government-backed funds. While questions over Tan's background were already present when he became chief executive in March 2025, earlier this week Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel's board warning about national security risks that stem from Tan's investments while being the head of Walden International, the venture capital firm he founded in 1987 and still chairs, as well as two Hong Kong-registered entities — Sakarya Limited, which he owns outright, and Seine Limited, which is controlled by Walden. Intel responded by stressing both the company's and Tan's alignment with U.S. strategic interests. The company reminded the U.S. government, and the nation, of more than half a century of domestic manufacturing. This includes the ongoing large-scale spending on R&D and semiconductor production within the country and the latest fabs in Arizona that will produce chips on Intel 18A process technology, which is the most advanced production node available in the U.S. Intel also noted it remains the only American firm still investing in leading-edge process development. In his own message to Intel staff, Tan emphasized his 40+ years connection to the U.S., his gratitude for opportunities in the country, and his commitment to guiding the company through a critical period. He rejected claims of misconduct and described his career as built on trust and adherence to strict legal and ethical principles. Tan said concerns of the Senator and Trump stem from 'misinformation,' which is why Intel is engaging with the administration to clarify the facts, reiterated support for national and economic security, and highlighted progress toward high-volume production of 18A-based processors later this year. He also stressed that the Intel Board fully supports his work. Industry insiders have suggested to DigiTimes a few possible reasons for the timing of Trump's concerns. Some believe Intel's advancement of its 14A and 18A process technologies may not align with the administration's vision for reshoring production. Others note that since Tan took over, job cuts have been deeper than anticipated, which include foundry divisions previously spared from reductions, which could run counter to Trump's stance on domestic employment. Discontented mid-to-senior executives could have conveyed these concerns to Cotton, prompting his outreach to Intel's board and Trump. Interestingly, President Trump did not call Lip-Bu Tan's Intel leadership a concern for national security. Instead, he cited conflict of interests, which may point both at his financial interests as the chairman of Walden International and other investment entities, and to his backing of multiple Chinese tech firms, including some currently on the U.S. Commerce Department's Entity List for alleged links to China's government, military, and intelligence services. "The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately," Trump wrote. "There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!" Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
