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News - page 25

Apple is already developing the iPhone replacement

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Concept art of Apple smart glasses that could serve as the iPhone replacement, with the words
Apple Vision Air could be the iPhone replacement. Eventually.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple makes the bestselling phone, smartwatch and wireless headphones, and is fantastically profitable as a result. But if it can’t develop the Next Big Thing, it could easily be out of business in 10 years. But there’s no cause for concern — Apple is already working on the product that’ll replace the iPhone: smart glasses.

Even better, Apple is taking two approaches for developing smart glasses, which should go a long way toward ensuring that it makes the definitive version of the must-have computer of the 2030s.

Hands-on video shows chunkier iPhone 17 Pro Max design

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iPhone 17 Pro Max rumors
Would you accept a thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max for better battery life?
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 17 Air should become Apple’s lightest and thinnest iPhone yet later this year. In contrast, the company will seemingly take the opposite direction with its Pro Max model, making it thicker and heavier.

A hands-on video of an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy unit reveals what could be its final, noticeably thicker design.

Apple might switch all OS version numbers to years

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Apple may switch all OS version numbers to years
So your OS names are going to seem to leap forward to 26 soon.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple might make a major change to the naming convention for all its operating systems this year, switching all OS version numbers to years, according to a new report. The switch, which Apple reportedly will roll out at WWDC25 on June 9, would bring consistency across all its operating systems for the first time.

iPhone dominates list of world’s bestselling smartphones

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iPhone Series 16 day in photos
More people around the world buy the iPhone 16 than any other model.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 16 is the bestselling smartphone in the world, according to a market research firm. In fact, the global list of the top five bestselling handsets in the first quarter of 2025 includes four iPhones and one Samsung model in the bottom slot.

According to the analysts, the iPhone 16 base model outsold either of the Pro variants in Q1.

New Satechi Find My accessories include eyeglasses case, wallet tracker

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Satechi expands FindAll accessories
Four new accessories, including eyeglasses case and wallet tracker, bring the FindAll lineup to five items.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi expanded its FindAll lineup Wednesday, adding four new trackable accessories that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s Find My network. The new items — an eyeglasses case, a wallet tracker, a luggage tag and a keychain — join Satechi’s passport holder.

Apple Card Savings interest rate drops again, now at 3.65%

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Apple Card Savings interest rate drop
The interest rate earned by Apple Card Savings accounts just slipped again.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The interest rate earned by cash stored in Apple Card Savings accounts dropped on Wednesday, continuing a series of such reductions begun in 2024 when the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate. Money in these accounts now earns 3.65% in annual interest.

Over the past two years, Apple and Goldman Sachs boosted and lowered in the rate multiple times. And the current rate is still well above what’s earned by typical savings accounts.

Logic Pro’s big beat-making upgrades: Enhanced Stem Splitter, new Flashback Capture

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Logic Pro updates
New beat-making and production updates enhance Apple's Logic Pro software.
Photo: Apple

Powerful new Logic Pro updates for Mac and iPad will transform how musicians create beats and produce electronic music, Apple said Wednesday. The updates bring enhanced audio processing capabilities, innovative recording recovery features and fresh sound libraries.

Loud and proud in the update mix are the improved AI-driven Stem Splitter, which can make multiple audio tracks from one recording, and the new Flashback Capture, for those times you make great sounds but forget to hit “record.”

Repair your iPad yourself with DIY parts from Apple

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iPad Repair
Fix your iPad with the same parts and manuals the pros use.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple just added iPad to its Self Service Repair program. All the tablets it introduced in 2024 and earlier this year are included.

The DIY program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and Mac.

Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused app

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Apple Games app rumors
An application highlighting games on iPhone and Mac is on the way.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of mac

A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV, according to an unconfirmed report from Tuesday.

It’ll replace the current Game Center, track users’ in-game achievements, give players a way to communicate with other gamers, and more.

Qualcomm study shows its modems outperform Apple’s C1 chip

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Qualcomm modem study
A new study funded by Qualcomm shows its modem chips topping C1 in real-world, New York City conditions.
Photo: Apple

A new Qualcomm study suggests the company’s modems outperform Apple’s first in-house modem chip, the C1 — particularly in challenging urban network conditions.

The research from Cellular Insights, funded by Qualcomm, tested the iPhone 16e — Apple’s first device to feature the company’s homegrown C1 modem — against Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm chips on T-Mobile’s 5G network in New York City.

Apple almost became a satellite internet provider

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Globalstar satellites
Today, your home internet might come from satellites and Apple, except the company changed its mind.
Photo: Globalstar

Your iPhone and home internet service could come beamed from satellites in orbit in a service provided by Apple — but no. The company reportedly spent millions investigating the idea before dropping it.

Instead, recent iPhones have limited access to satellite connectivity, and even that brought Apple into conflict with Elon Musk and Starlink.

The wait is over: WhatsApp launches on the iPad

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WhatsApp for iPad
WhatsApp for iPad is finally here.
Screenshot: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

After years of waiting, WhatsApp finally landed on the iPad on Tuesday. You can now use Meta’s popular messaging service on your iPad alongside other devices.

Like on the Mac, WhatsApp’s iPad app won’t let you register with a new number. It functions solely as a companion device linked to a primary phone.

App Store blocks over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024

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App Store blocks fraud
Apple said it blocks $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past five years.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed its App Store prevented more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone, contributing to over $9 billion in blocked fraudulent activity across the past five years. But as the App Store blocks fraud, the figures highlight the tech giant’s ongoing battle against increasingly sophisticated bad actors attempting to exploit users and developers on its platform.

The massive fraud prevention effort protects the App Store’s 813 million weekly visitors across 175 regions worldwide. Since its 2008 launch, Apple’s marketplace has grown into one of the world’s most trusted digital storefronts, Apple said. But maintaining that reputation requires constant vigilance against evolving threats ranging from data theft apps to payment scams.

Future iPhone might go ultra high-res with 200MP camera

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera array, pictured in front of a green plant.
Do you want an iPhone with a 200MP main camera?
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple might finally catch up to Samsung and use a 200MP primary camera on future iPhones. A new rumor hints that the company is experimenting with a 200MP main camera sensor.

Current iPhone models ship with a 48MP primary shooter, while the Pro models also use a 48MP ultrawide.

iPadOS 19 rumors: What to expect at WWDC25

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iPadOS 19 rumors
iPadOS 19 rumors indicate it’ll bring iPad closer to the Mac.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.

With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.

tvOS 12 and watchOS 12 to get a visionOS glow-up

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Apple Watch 10 review
watchOS 12 might feature a glassy design.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iOS 19 design overhaul will extend to Apple Watch, Apple TV and even the Vision Pro headset that inspired the glossy refresh, according to a new report. This will help the company deliver a more consistent experience across all its devices.

“tvOS and watchOS will both be redesigned to match their more popular siblings [iOS, macOS and iPadOS], while visionOS will get some adjustments — in cases where the changes make sense for a headset,” wrote Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman in Sunday’s Power On newsletter. “While iOS 7 in 2013 was the biggest-ever visual change to the iPhone’s software, the latest overhaul will be much more widely felt.”

Apple analyst warns political pressure may outweigh tariff impact

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Apple logo with White House in the background.
Apple should take the 25% tariff hit instead of making iPhones in the U.S.
Illustration: ChatGPT

President Donald Trump wants Apple to make iPhones in the United States. Otherwise, he threatens to impose a 25% tariff on the company.

A well-connected supply chain analyst thinks that, from a profitability standpoint, it’s better for Apple to absorb the 25% tariff on iPhones. But the bigger concern is the growing political pressure from the U.S. president.

Apple temporarily boosts iPhone trade-in values

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Apple raises iPhone trade in values
Now's the time to trade in your old iPhone at Apple. Maybe get a nice iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16e?
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

iPhone trade-in values get a boost from now through June 18 when you turn over your old iPhone online or in an Apple Store, the Cupertino tech giant said Friday. The monetary increases are modest, but hey, every dollar counts. So now, or anytime Apple raises iPhone trade-in values, is the time to refresh your handset with a shiny new one from the iPhone 16 lineup.

Fountain of Youth explodes onto Apple TV+ [Now playing!]

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Fountain of Youth movie poster
Don’t head for a theater — Fountain of Youth is now on Apple TV+!
Image: Apple TV+

The adventure film Fountain of Youth just hit Apple TV+. It stars John Krasinski and Natalie Portman in a dangerous hunt for the legendary spring with the power to restore the lost youth of anyone who drinks from it. The adventure borrows from classics such as Indiana Jones and National Treasure.

It’s one of summer 2025’s most-anticipated films. Watch the two trailers to get a taste of the excitement, or dive in and watch now!

Trump threatens 25% tariff on iPhones not made in US

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President Donald Trump and Apple CEO Tim Cook
President Trump threatened Apple CEO Tim Cook with an iPhone-specific tariff.
Illustration: ChatGPT

President Donald Trump renewed his call on Friday that the iPhone be made in the United States, and threatened Apple with a special 25% tariff if the device gets assembled anywhere else.

Previously, Apple seemed caught up in Trump’s trade war with China, as so many of its products are assembled there. But now Trump’s ire turned specifically on Apple, causing him to threaten import taxes on its products alone.

What to expect in iOS 19: Rumors point to design overhaul

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What to expect in iOS 19
It amounts to a big update.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Rumors swirling ahead of WWDC25 give us a decent idea about what to expect in iOS 19. The new operating system, which Apple will showcase when its annual developer conference kicks off June 9, shapes up as one of the more significant iPhone software updates lately.

The iOS 19 overhaul promises to transform how users interact with their devices through big design changes, enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration.

Apple fast-tracks its smart glasses for 2026 launch

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Apple Smart Glasses concept
Apple smart glasses will surely be more stylish than this concept.
AI Concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple wants to release its first entry in the emerging smart glasses category in 2026, according to information leaking out of the company Thursday. That’s a more aggressive launch window than previously rumored.

The AI-powered device reportedly will be able to handle many of the tasks people turn to an iPhone for now, and compete with the popular Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.

Cherry next-gen keyboard switches target battery efficiency

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Cherry next-gen keyboard switches
Cherry unveiled four new keyboard switch products this week.
Photo: Cherry

Keyboard manufacturer Cherry makes a significant push into smart switch technology with four new products debuting at Computex 2025 this week. The new switches for keyboards offer particular appeal to Apple users who prioritize wireless connectivity and battery efficiency in their peripherals.

New details leak about Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s coming ‘AI companions’

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Ben Geskin rendering of OpenAI-io device
Ben Geskin posted this image of a possible AI companion device on X.com in response to Ming Chi-Kuo's post.
Photo: BenGeskin/X.com

In an OpenAI meeting Wednesday, CEO Sam Altman revealed ambitious plans to develop AI-powered devices in partnership with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, targeting the release of 100 million “AI companion” devices that could reshape how users interact with artificial intelligence, according to a new report.

Altman described it to employees as a “chance to do the biggest thing we’ve ever done as a company.” OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive’s io startup is the company’s boldest hardware venture yet, potentially creating the first major alternative to smartphone and computer dominance.

And on Thursday, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo weighed in with possible details about OpenAI’s wearable device.