Showing posts with label apple products and services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apple products and services. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Unveiled: August 2025 Preview Guide

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Overview of the iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 is still months away, but speculation and rumors about its features are already growing. In 2025, Apple is expected to make some significant changes to its product lineup, potentially introducing an “Air” model that is said to be extremely slim. While the base model will remain as the iPhone 17, along with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, there are whispers that the “Plus” model may be discontinued in favor of the iPhone 17 Air.

This article provides a preview of the upcoming iPhone 17, compiling all the latest rumors and leaks about the device. It will be updated frequently as more information becomes available ahead of the September release.

iPhone 17 Specifications

Surprisingly, there haven’t been many leaks regarding the specifications of the iPhone 17. Most of the focus has been on the Air and Pro models. One ongoing rumor is that the iPhone 17 might feature a 120Hz display. However, it's unlikely that Apple will include this feature since they market the 120Hz refresh rate under the term "ProMotion," which is exclusive to their Pro devices. Instead, a 90Hz screen could be a more realistic possibility, though it would still lag behind some budget smartphones like the Pixel 9a, which offers a 120Hz display.

New A19 Chipset

The iPhone 17 is expected to come equipped with the A19 chip. This chipset will not use TSMC’s next-generation 2nm process but will instead utilize an upgraded 3nm process. The A19 is likely to be manufactured using TSMC’s N3P process, which began mass production in late 2024. Similar to the iPhone 16 series, the base model will receive the A19, while the Pro models will get the A19 Pro. The primary difference between these chips will be the number of CPU and GPU cores.

In terms of RAM, the iPhone 17 is expected to retain 8GB of RAM, following the upgrade from 6GB in the iPhone 15 to 8GB in the iPhone 16. Meanwhile, the Pro models are anticipated to jump to 12GB of RAM.

Despite launching its own modem for the iPhone 16e, Apple is not expected to use its in-house modem for the iPhone 17. It may only be available for the iPhone 17 Air. The reason for this is volume; the Air is likely to be a low-volume model, so Apple won't need to produce as many modems. Additionally, the in-house modem does not support mmWave 5G, which could affect carrier support, such as Verizon.

ProMotion Display

The regular iPhone 17 is rumored to feature a ProMotion display with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. However, a 90Hz refresh rate is more probable. Apple refers to higher refresh rates as "ProMotion," which is currently exclusive to their Pro devices. This feature is not available on non-Pro iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks.

iPhone 17 Pricing

Some rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 will maintain the same price as the base model has been for several years, likely at $799. This would create a $200 gap between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 16e. If the iPhone 17 Air starts at $899, it would be unusual for the base model to cost more than $799.

The Pro models are also expected to keep the same pricing, with the iPhone 17 Pro at $999 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,199.

However, some analysts predict a potential $50 price increase for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. While this rumor has circulated since the iPhone X in 2018, no actual price increases have occurred in the US. Nonetheless, it may be time for a price hike after seven years.

iPhone 17 Design

Several renders of the iPhone 17 have surfaced, showing Apple moving towards a camera setup similar to a camera bar, akin to the Google Pixel. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a camera bar that spans the top of the phone, while the iPhone 17 itself will be similar but slightly thinner, featuring two cameras instead of one.

These cameras will still be positioned side by side, with Face ID remaining off-center. The placement of the cameras is due to the size of the Face ID components, making it impractical to place a camera behind them. Otherwise, the iPhone 17 is expected to retain its current design, including the Camera Control and Action Buttons. Slightly smaller bezels and a smaller dynamic island are also anticipated.

iPhone 17 Cameras

The iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera across the entire lineup, with a six-element lens. This would be a significant upgrade from the current 12-megapixel camera on the iPhone. However, this is likely the only camera improvement for the base model.

The Pro models, on the other hand, are expected to have a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP tetraprism telephoto camera. At least one model will include a mechanical aperture, allowing users to adjust the size of the aperture. This feature is expected to be on the Pro Max model.

iPhone 17 Connectivity

Apple is expected to remove the SIM card tray from even more countries, transitioning to eSIM-only support. This change was first introduced in the US with the iPhone 14. WiFi 7 will be available on the iPhone 17, supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz for faster speeds and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.3 support is also anticipated.

As mentioned earlier, Apple’s in-house modem is not expected to be included in the base model, only in the Air. Apple will continue using Qualcomm’s modems for the other iPhone 17 models.

iPhone 17 Launch Date

Apple typically announces new iPhones in September, usually a week after Labor Day. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are expected to ship in late September. The iPhone 17 Air may ship slightly later, possibly in October.

On August 5, a German carrier reported that the iPhone 17 launch event will take place on September 9, aligning with Apple’s previous launch timelines.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

iPhone 17 Pro May Finally Get Much-Awaited Charging Feature — What's Known

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Exciting Features Expected in the Upcoming iPhone 17 Series

As we get closer to the September Apple event, excitement is building around the next generation of iPhones. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro are all expected to bring significant updates and improvements. Recently, there have been several leaks about the upcoming devices, with one particularly notable leak revealing details about a long-awaited charging feature for the Pro models.

A recent leak has provided insight into the potential inclusion of reverse wireless charging in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This feature, which has been available on many top Android smartphones for some time, could be a game-changer for Apple users. According to a well-known leaker named Fixed Focus Digital, who has had some success with previous predictions, the Pro versions of the iPhone 17 will support this functionality.

However, the leak didn't provide many specifics regarding how the reverse charging will work. It remains unclear whether it will be a wired or wireless solution. Considering Apple's focus on wireless technology, especially with its MagSafe feature, it seems logical that the implementation would be wireless. Previous rumors from February also did not specify whether the feature would be wired or wireless, leaving much to the imagination.

In addition to reverse charging, the iPhone 17 models are also rumored to include faster wireless charging capabilities. This is a welcome development for users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging. With each new release, Apple continues to refine and enhance its charging technologies, making it easier for users to keep their devices powered up without the hassle of cables.

Reverse wireless charging is not a new concept for the iPhone. It has been a recurring topic in discussions about Apple's future devices, dating back to the iPhone 11 Pro. During a teardown of that model, evidence of reverse charging was discovered, but it was never activated or officially supported by Apple. This has led to ongoing speculation and anticipation for when the feature might finally make its way to an iPhone.

For users like myself, who own an AirPods Pro, the idea of being able to charge them from my phone when I have extra power is very appealing. While the AirPods have impressive battery life, there are times when I forget to charge the case. Having access to additional power, whether through a wired or wireless connection, sounds incredibly useful. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities that reverse charging could bring to the Apple ecosystem.

As the release date approaches, it will be interesting to see if Apple actually implements this feature or if it turns out to be just another round of rumors. Regardless of the outcome, the continued discussion around reverse charging highlights the growing demand for more versatile and convenient charging solutions.

Other recent developments in the tech world include the anticipated release of iOS 26, which is expected to integrate GPT-5 into Apple Intelligence. Additionally, the Apple Watch has finally received the Notes app, offering users a more comprehensive experience. For those interested in fitness tracking, there have been comparisons between the Apple Watch 10 and the Garmin Forerunner 570, showcasing the strengths of each device.

Stay tuned for more updates as the September Apple event draws near, and keep an eye out for the latest news and insights on the upcoming iPhone 17 series.

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Apple Explores Google Gemini for Siri Upgrade

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Apple Explores AI Collaboration with Alphabet to Enhance Siri

Apple, one of the world's leading technology companies, is reportedly in early discussions with another major tech company, Alphabet, to explore the potential integration of Google’s Gemini AI model into an updated version of its virtual assistant, Siri. This move could involve developing a customized AI model that either replaces or enhances Apple’s existing internal models. The initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to catch up in the fast-evolving generative AI landscape, where it has faced challenges compared to its competitors.

In addition to considering Google, Apple has also been in talks with other AI firms such as Anthropic and OpenAI. These partnerships aim to identify the best technologies that can significantly improve Siri’s performance and capabilities. However, Apple has not yet made a final decision and is currently evaluating multiple options.

Two Versions of the New Siri Under Development

Apple is working on two distinct versions of the next-generation Siri. One is called “Linwood,” which relies on Apple’s own internal AI models, while the other, named “Glenwood,” is based on third-party AI models. Initially, Apple considered Anthropic as a top choice, but the high costs associated with their technology prompted the company to expand its search for alternatives.

This approach marks a shift from Apple’s traditional emphasis on privacy and in-house control. Despite this, any external AI models used for Siri would still operate on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers rather than directly on user devices. This setup allows Apple to maintain certain privacy safeguards while leveraging advanced AI capabilities.

Internal Challenges and Strategic Shifts

Apple’s internal AI teams have experienced some turbulence, with key engineers leaving for rival companies like Meta due to better compensation packages or concerns about the company’s direction. While Apple is currently testing a more powerful trillion-parameter model for research purposes, it still lags behind industry leaders like OpenAI, which already utilizes multi-trillion-parameter models.

Despite these challenges, CEO Tim Cook has expressed confidence in Apple’s AI strategy. He recently told employees that the company is investing heavily in AI and believes it can eventually deliver a superior product, even if it isn’t the first to market.

Analysts’ Outlook on Apple’s Stock

From a financial perspective, analysts have given Apple a Moderate Buy rating, based on recent evaluations. Out of 16 analyst reports in the past three months, 16 were Buys, 11 were Holds, and one was a Sell. The average price target for Apple’s stock stands at $239.60 per share, indicating a potential 5% upside.

As Apple continues to navigate the competitive AI landscape, its decisions regarding partnerships and internal development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its products and services. The company’s ability to balance innovation with its commitment to user privacy will be key to maintaining its position as a leader in the tech industry.

Apple Explores Google Gemini for Siri Upgrade

Featured Image

Apple Explores AI Collaboration with Alphabet to Enhance Siri

Apple, one of the world's leading technology companies, is reportedly in early discussions with another major tech company, Alphabet, to explore the potential integration of Google’s Gemini AI model into an updated version of its virtual assistant, Siri. This move could involve developing a customized AI model that either replaces or enhances Apple’s existing internal models. The initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to catch up in the fast-evolving generative AI landscape, where it has faced challenges compared to its competitors.

In addition to considering Google, Apple has also been in talks with other AI firms such as Anthropic and OpenAI. These partnerships aim to identify the best technologies that can significantly improve Siri’s performance and capabilities. However, Apple has not yet made a final decision and is currently evaluating multiple options.

Two Versions of the New Siri Under Development

Apple is working on two distinct versions of the next-generation Siri. One is called “Linwood,” which relies on Apple’s own internal AI models, while the other, named “Glenwood,” is based on third-party AI models. Initially, Apple considered Anthropic as a top choice, but the high costs associated with their technology prompted the company to expand its search for alternatives.

This approach marks a shift from Apple’s traditional emphasis on privacy and in-house control. Despite this, any external AI models used for Siri would still operate on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers rather than directly on user devices. This setup allows Apple to maintain certain privacy safeguards while leveraging advanced AI capabilities.

Internal Challenges and Strategic Shifts

Apple’s internal AI teams have experienced some turbulence, with key engineers leaving for rival companies like Meta due to better compensation packages or concerns about the company’s direction. While Apple is currently testing a more powerful trillion-parameter model for research purposes, it still lags behind industry leaders like OpenAI, which already utilizes multi-trillion-parameter models.

Despite these challenges, CEO Tim Cook has expressed confidence in Apple’s AI strategy. He recently told employees that the company is investing heavily in AI and believes it can eventually deliver a superior product, even if it isn’t the first to market.

Analysts’ Outlook on Apple’s Stock

From a financial perspective, analysts have given Apple a Moderate Buy rating, based on recent evaluations. Out of 16 analyst reports in the past three months, 16 were Buys, 11 were Holds, and one was a Sell. The average price target for Apple’s stock stands at $239.60 per share, indicating a potential 5% upside.

As Apple continues to navigate the competitive AI landscape, its decisions regarding partnerships and internal development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its products and services. The company’s ability to balance innovation with its commitment to user privacy will be key to maintaining its position as a leader in the tech industry.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

No Base iPhone in 2026 as Apple Places Big Bet on Foldable Launch

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is among thebest stocks to buy now according to AI.According to a report by South Korean outlet ETNews, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will skip the 2026 launch schedule, breaking from its tradition by not releasing its base model. The reason is simple - it's saving the spotlight for its first-ever foldable smartphone, which will be unveiled in the fall alongside iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max.

During the first half of 2026, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will only debut its budget-friendly iPhone 17e, while the basic iPhone 18 will appear in 2027. Following this, the tech powerhouse will transition into a two-stage annual cycle, whereby the primary models will be introduced in the spring, and flagships and folding versions in the fall.

A wide view of an Apple store, showing the range of products the company offers.

This is a smart strategy, considering the lack of interest from customers throughout the rest of the months. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is heavily dependent on Services, which is now its main growth catalyst, with an emphasis on delivering sustained double-digit growth, peak margins, and resilience against macroeconomic pressures.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a California-based provider of smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories that was founded in 1976. With a mission to bring the best user experience, the company offers iPhone, Mac, and iPad, among others.

While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AAPL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this. cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT:The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Monthsand10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.

The Apple Labor Day Sale We've Been Waiting For Is Here. Save Up to 49% on AirPods, MacBooks, and More

  • We found lots of Apple tech on sale ahead of Labor Day.
  • Right now, you can shop up to 49% off Apple Watches, Beats Headphones, AirPods, iPads, and more.
  • Score a 2025 MacBook Air for under $800 — perfect for kids heading to college.

We’re still more than a week out fromLabor Day(this year, it falls on Monday, Sept. 1), but we're excited to share that we found lots of Apple deals you can shop right now. The holiday weekend marks the unofficial end tosummer(RIP), but it also presents a great opportunity to stock up onBack-to-schooland fall essentials. If you have a kid heading to college or need a tech refresh, you can save up to 49% offApple products.

Shop Now

Shop deals onApple Watches, AirPods,iPads, MacBooks, and tech accessories starting at $75. As shopping editors, we track sales on products to know when something isactuallyA good deal. Historically, we have seen steeper discounts on Apple products before, but we expect prices to drop as we near the holiday weekend, so be sure to watch this space.

Currently, the2025 MacBook Airis discounted to under $800 — a greatentry-level laptopfor college students or an affordable replacement for your outdated Macs. While we did see the laptop drop this low in June, it is currently at its lowest price since we startedTracking itfive months ago.

The editor-favoriteAirPods Pro 2are on sale for $169 right now, and you can get the latest generationAirPods 4under $100. If you prefer an over-ear headphone style, theBeats Studio Prosare nearly half off in five colors: Black, Deep Brown, White, Navy, and Sandstone.

If you don't know which AirPods are right for you, check out ourcomprehensive guide to the best AirPods. Our Senior Technology EditorStefan VazharovHe has tested every iteration of Apple's latest lineup and recommends the Pro 2 as the best overall AirPods. "They are comfortable to wear and have intuitive controls, plus they offer great sound and impressive noise cancellation," writes Vazharov. "As someone who tests wireless earbuds for a living, I always have AirPods Pro in my bag."

The Apple WatchSeries 10andSE (2nd Gen)) are currently 25% and 32% off, respectively. The Series 10 boasts the largest display and is packed with health tracking and fitness features, while the SE offers a solid overall experience at a more affordable price point.

Shop the most notable early Labor Day Apple sales available on Amazon below!

Shop Labor Day Apple Deals

Apple iPhone Embarrassed by Folding, AI-Powered Smartphones

Google and Samsung have raised the bar for smartphones with recent product launches, putting the pressure on rivalsAppleAAPL, which will soon introduce its iPhone 17 series handsets. Apple stock has stalled ahead of its event.

On Wednesday,Alphabet'sGOOGL Google showed off itsfall product line-up, led by its AI-enabledPixel 10 phones. Last month, Samsung launched new AI-poweredGalaxy smartphones. Both introduced folding, large-screen devices, something Apple is not rumored to have until late next year.

Please watch the video at Investors.com - Apple's AI Ambitions: Are Investors Losing Patience?

Analysts and product reviewers have taken notice of the Google and Samsung smartphone innovations.

"Apple is getting lapped by its Android competitors," said Nicole Nguyen, personal technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal, in anarticleWednesday. She said the new Google Pixel phones are "leagues ahead of the iPhone in AI."

The Gemini AI on Google phones can perform real-time voice translation, fast photo edits, and will proactively surface information when a user needs it.

"Google is pushing the boundaries of premium devices - especially in camera and AI integration, leveraging Gemini and showcasing that the promise of a universal agentic AI assistant can actually be in your hands - today," said IDC analyst Nabila Popal in a statement.

Meanwhile, Apple has delayed the release of many iPhone AI features until next year, including an upgraded Siri digital assistant. Apple is scheduled to announce its iPhone 17 family next month.

Apple Stock Sees Price-Target Cut

On thestock market today, Apple stock slid 0.5% to close at 224.90. On Tuesday, it dropped 2% to 226.01.

GlobalData analyst Anisha Bhatia said Google targeted Apple in its sales pitch for the Pixel 10 phones.

"Google clearly targeted switchers during the event - the marketing pointedly addressed iPhone users with two key problems - easy transfer of data and inclusive RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging," she said in areportAlthough Google has not yet significantly affected Apple's market share, its Pixel series, loaded with its ever-improving set of AI magic, could give consumers a compelling reason to switch.

Loop Capital Markets analyst Ananda Baruah cut his price target on Apple stock to 226 from 230 on Thursday and reiterated his hold rating.

Follow Patrick Seitz on X at@IBD_PSeitzfor more stories on consumer technology, software and semiconductor stocks.

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Here's What To Do If Your MacBook's Keyboard Is Wearing Off (And Why It Happens)

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Shiny keycaps on a keyboard are a common sight, especially on a MacBook that has been used for a while. This is not the new kind of "shiny" we're talking about, and it's usually not good news. If you've seen it on your Apple laptop's keyboard, along with worn-off letters on a few keys, you're not alone. I've seen it happen on the first MacBook I got all the way back in 2017, and it is pretty evident on theM3 MacBook AirI purchased it last year. Now, it's not an alarming situation per se, but merely cosmetic wear and tear.

Unfortunately,your Apple Care+ subscriptionWon't fix it. So, what's all the fuss about? When you open a new Apple laptop, the keycaps are matte. It's not exactly rough or grippy for your fingertips, but the keycap surface lacks sufficient friction to prevent your fingers from slipping or feeling sticky due to sweat or grease. But over time, the top layer slowly wears off. As a result, the black keycaps begin to appear shiny, and in some cases, the printed letters also start to fade.

The more heavily a keyboard is used, the quicker its keycaps start appearing smoothed or shiny on the top. And if you have long nails or your keycap stroke involves the fingertips sliding off strongly, the painted letters will also wear off faster. For bloggers, writers, and researchers, it's a fairly common - and deeply undesirable - sight.

Read more:4 Useful USB-C Accessories for Your Windows Laptop

Hard Problem, Easy Fix

Let's address the most important doubt first. Will AppleCare+ onthe new AppleCare One service, cover a worn-off keyboard? No. Apple says its insurance policy bundle does not cover "normal wear and tear" and "cosmetic damage (like scratches) which does not affect the functionality of the device." So, unless the key(s) on your MacBook have stopped responding or hampering your usage at a hardware level, Apple won't do anything about a worn-out MacBook keyboard.

If you absolutely can't stand the sight of a keyboard with a shiny patch and faded letters on the keycaps, your only option is to get a full keyboard replacement done by Apple, or try a third-party shop where you can test your luck and check if they have a spare set lying around to replace the old keycaps. You can estimate the cost of a keyboard replacement on Apple's Mac Repair and Servicedashboard.

Is there a more convenient solution? Yes. You can buy a set of keycap stickers, which come in transparent and opaque colors. Depending on the brand you choose, you can opt for a set with a matte surface finish or select one of the artistic sets featuring printed figures and meme material.Keyshortshas a lovely selection of MacBook keyboard stickers. They come with a two-year warranty and do not interfere with the backlighting, as well. Moreover, they don't leave an imprint on the screen when you close the lid of your MacBook. OnEtsy, you can find a wide range of artistic decal sets that look lovely.

Go All In With Membrane Covers

If you're looking for a more holistic solution to protect your MacBook from the issues of shiny keys and worn-out letters, consider investing in a rubberized membrane layer that covers the entire keyboard deck, preventing liquid and dust from entering. On Amazon, you can find a wide range of keyboard covers for various MacBook Air and Pro models that have been on the market in recent years. Uppercase, Mosiso, and CaseBuy are some of the brands you should check out.

The best part is that, just like keycap stickers, keyboard cover protectors also come in a variety of styles and colors. For people with modest tastes, they can choose cover skins that exactly match the keyboard layout of their MacBook, down to a black color scheme for keycaps against a partially transparent backdrop. A healthy number of MacBook keyboard covers, like this one byMosiso, they are spill-proof and washable - all within a $10 budget.

It's made out of soft silicon, and thanks to a thickness of just 0.3mm, it won't impede the closing and opening of the MacBook's lid, nor will it impede the typing experience. In my experience, it takes a bit of time getting used to typing on a rubberized membrane layer atop the MacBook's keyboard. While Mosiso's covers come in a variety of colors, too, I prefer the multi-colorCaseBuycover, which also features a neat blocky design and printed shortcuts, too.

Want the latest in tech and auto trends?Subscribe to our free newsletterFor the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time.

Read theoriginal article on The Shiro Copr.

Friday, August 22, 2025

Google Makes a Joke About Apple's Unfulfilled AI Promises During Pixel 10 Launch

At the recent Made by Google event, the company did more than just unveil its latest Pixel phones. We not only met the new Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The company also took the opportunity to draw a clear line in the sand. Google basically used the spotlight to highlight the notable differences between its own approach with the Pixel 10 lineup and Apple's.

Throughout the presentation, Google executives made a series of subtle but direct jabs at Apple. They framed their new products as a different and better way forward.

Google boasts about the Pixel 10 series while subtly criticizing Apple's approach

The most classic shot came in a conversation about what prevents people from loving their phones. The answer was familiar to tech enthusiasts: the "walled garden." This classic criticism of Apple's closed ecosystem was a clear reminder of the fundamental difference between the two companies' philosophies. While Apple controls every aspect of its user experience, Google's Android is presented as an open, more customizable platform. This gives users more freedom to explore.

The AI race also provided a moment for Google to land a jab. In a clear reference to a rival's delayed AI features, a Google executive spoke of "a lot of hype about this, and frankly, a lot of broken promises too" (via PhoneArena). This highlights the contrast between the future promises of others and the Gemini-powered features that Google is already shipping on its new Pixel devices.

Google praises its live presentation despite fan criticism

Finally, the live nature of the event itself became a point of pride. In a world where many major tech announcements have become polished, prerecorded films, Google called the live presentation a "game-changing launch event." The company opted for a presentation where even comedian and presenter Jimmy Fallon was present. That said, although Google sells this as a positive, the event has actually received multiple criticisms from fans who found it "cringy."

Be that as it may, the tech rivalry in the mobile segment is as heated as ever. The stage is set for what is sure to be an interesting second half of the year for smartphones.

The postGoogle Makes a Jab at Apple's Unfulfilled AI Promises During Pixel 10 Launchappeared first onAndroid Headlines.

5 Apple Products You Should Wait to Buy Until Next Year

Apple has already refreshed some of itsPopular productsthis year, including the MacBook Air and Mac Studio, with the iPhone and Apple Watch also among the company's anticipated fall 2025 releases.

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However, other devices have not received updates since 2024 or earlier, which makes it important to time your purchases carefully so you get the best value for Apple's premium prices. Here are five Apple products that you should probably wait until 2026 to buy.

Also here is how to pay less for Apple products.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult.You can start this week.

iPhone 17 (e)

Apple is expected to announce its new iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, so you don't have to wait too long if you're looking for the updated standard, Pro and Pro Max models. But if you're on a budget, it may be worth waiting for the more basic iPhone 17(e), which is rumored to come out in spring 2026.

According to9 to 5 Mac, you can expect the iPhone 17(e) to have the faster A19 chip and possibly an upgraded modem, though the overall design and single camera may remain the same.MacworldEstimated that the iPhone 17(e) could sell at the current retail price of the iPhone 16(e), $599, or go up to $699, depending on how Apple positions it in the lineup.

For You:8 Items to Stock Up on Now in Case of Tariff-Induced Product Shortages

Apple Studio Display

Thecurrent 27-inch Apple Studio Displayhas beena hot pickfor those who would like a 5K Retina screen with a built-in camera and speakers to accompany their MacBook, Mac Mini or Mac Studio. However, the monitor has not had any updates since its release in March 2022.

Rather than spending $1,599 or more now, consider waiting for the rumored Apple Studio Display 2, which could finally be released in early 2026 after multiple delays. In August 2025,MacRumorsWrote that the upgraded model might have the A19 Pro chip and possibly mini-LED backlighting, although the specifics (including its price and size) are still unknown.

iPad Air

The most recentiPad AirReleased in May 2024, it remains a smart purchase if you want a powerful everyday tablet at a competitive starting price of $599 (11-inch) or $799 (13-inch). But if you can wait until next spring, you can expect a new release with a performance upgrade.

In July 2025,BloombergIt was reported that the updated tablet should launch in March or April 2026 and feature the M4 chip, which should provide a faster experience when using apps and help improve battery life.MacRumorsandApple Insideralso noted an upcoming iPad Air with an OLED display, but it's unclear whether that will wait until 2027.

Apple HomePod

Released in February 2023, the currentApple HomePodIt does the job if you just want a smart speaker for playing music and issuing Siri requests. But the $299 smart home device lacks the interactive touchscreen of its competitors, like the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show.

AAugust 2025 Bloomberg articlenoted thatApple was working onA smart home hub that would have a 7-inch display attached to a speaker base and feature a special Siri-powered operating system, which has the codename "Charismatic." If you want that functionality, this home device may be worth the wait in 2026, but be prepared to pay a likely higher price.

MacBook Pro

Apple announcedthe most recent 14- and 16-inchMacBook Pro modelsin October 2024 and a refresh with the M5 chip was initially expected in late 2025. However, anAugust 2025 postFrom Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that new MacBooks may have to wait until 2026.

With premium laptops currently starting at $1,599 to $2,499 (depending on screen size), consider waiting for the next release to get a faster processor. You can also consider choosing a refurbished version of the current MacBook Pro at a discount.

According to9 to 5 Mac, even bigger changes are rumoured with a late 2026 release, including an updated design and OLED display upgrade.MacworldMentioned that a 5G-enabled MacBook Pro is also in the works.

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This article originally appeared onThe Shiro Copr:5 Apple Products You Should Wait To Buy Until Next Year

Apple employees built an LLM that taught itself to produce good user interface code - but worryingly, it did so independently.

  • Apple started with almost no Swift examples and achieved surprising results
  • StarChat-Beta was pushed into uncharted territory without clear guidance
  • Nearly one million working SwiftUI programs emerged after repeated iterations

Apple researchers recently revealed an experiment in which an AI model was trained to generate user interface code in SwiftUI, even though almost no SwiftUI examples were present in the original data.

The study began with StarChat-Beta, anopen sourceModel designed for coding. Its training sources, including TheStack and other collections, contained almost no Swift code.

This absence meant the model did not have the advantage of existing examples to guide its responses, which made the results surprising when a stronger system eventually emerged.

Creating a loop of self-improvement

The team's solution was to create a feedback cycle. They gave StarChat-Beta a set of interface descriptions and asked it to generate SwiftUI programs from those prompts.

Each generated program was compiled to ensure it actually ran. Interfaces that worked were then compared with the original descriptions using another model, GPT-4V, which judged whether the output matched the request.

Only those that passed both stages remained in the dataset. This cycle was repeated five times, and with every round, the cleaner dataset was fed back into the next model.

By the end of the process, the researchers had nearly one million working SwiftUI samples and a model they called UICoder.

The model was then evaluated against both automated tests and human evaluation, where the results showed that it not only performed better than its base model, but also achieved a compilation success rate higher than GPT-4.

One of the striking aspects of the study is that Swift code had been almost entirely excluded from the initial training data.

According to the team, this happened by accident when TheStack dataset was created, leaving only scattered examples found on web pages.

This oversight rules out the idea that UICoder merely recycled code it had already seen - instead, its improvement came from the iterative cycle of generating, filtering, and retraining on its own outputs.

While the results focused on SwiftUI, the researchers suggested the approach "would likely generalize to other languages and UI toolkits."

If so, this could open paths for more models to be trained in specialized domains where training data is limited.

The prospect raises questions about reliability, sustainability, and whether synthetic datasets can continue to scale without introducing hidden flaws.

UICoder was also trained under carefully controlled conditions, and its success in wider settings is not guaranteed.

Via9to5mac

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