Every iPhone 16 version got a higher-capacity battery. Every one. Apple says its new models will go longer without needing a recharge, and clearly that’s not hype.
Also, the conspiracy theory that Apple would reduce the size of the iPhone 16 Plus battery turned out to be bunk.
In several states, Apple’s digital ID initiative enables iPhones and Apple Watch to hold a digital copy of the user’s driver’s license, in the same way these devices store credit cards and airline tickets. Here’s what you need to know to add your driver’s license and ID to your Apple Wallet.
Rather than Apple Watch Ultra 3, we got the Ultra 2 in a “satin black” titanium finish. This might be more disappointing if early reviewers weren’t raving about the new color.
“It looks sick as hell,” said The Verge reviewer.
The European Commission intends to require iPhone and iPad to be more open to working with third-party smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets and other accessories. On Thursday, the EC began proceedings to “specify how Apple will provide effective interoperability with functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.”
Apple devices already work with a broad variety of accessories, but the company also says it has to balance connectivity with protecting user privacy.
Rolling Square’s new AirNotch Pro keyring tracker uses a robust, water-resistant design. It’s louder than Apple’s AirTag, and even glows in the dark. Plus it connects to Apple’s Find My network.
The accessory-maker also unveiled AirCard Pro, a slim version for wallets and passports, on Monday.
Apple temporarily stopped allowing access to the iPadOS 18 upgrade for the M3 iPad Pro. A bug apparently bricked some tablets during the installation process for the new version.
The problem only affects the iPad Pro M4. And if you already made it through the update process, there seems nothing to worry about.
When it comers to satisfaction, Apple sits at the top of the heap among computer makers. It beats HP, Samsung and others, according to the latest survey from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
And satisfaction with tablets improved to the point they’re essentially on par with desktops and laptops.
The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station is the first Thunderbolt 5 dock to get Intel certified. It boasts 11 ports and delivers data transfer speeds up to 120 Gbps (15,000 MBps).
The dock is intended for professionals and content creators.
The Plugable 15.6” USB-C Portable Display connects to MacBook or iPad to add more screen space and a hub: it includes a pair of high-speed USB-C ports.
It’s intended for those who need to get loads of work done while on the go, whether from a hotel room or a coffee shop.
Apple Sports 2.0 launched Monday, adding support for Live Activities so real-time game updates appear on the iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.
The free app also takes over displaying scores in the iPhone Dynamic Island.
The wait for Apple Watch SE 3 goes on, though a new version of the low-cost wearable supposedly won’t be out this year.
The next model is still expected to move to a plastic casing, and offer better performance, too.
The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well.
Early reviewers of the new wireless earbuds also had plenty to say about fit, sound quality and more.
iOS 18 will go out to iPhones everywhere on September 16, but you don’t have to wait. It’s possible to go ahead and install the final version this weekend when you have time to tinker with it.
And doing so doesn’t require doing anything dodgy or risky. You’ll be getting the final version of upgrade straight from Apple… just a little earlier than scheduled.
Update: This article is now moot, as iOS 18 is officially out.
It’s already too late to preorder an iPhone 16 Pro Max and have it delivered on its September 20 launch day. Three hours after preorders began today, the delivery window for iPhone 16 Pro Max slipped to mid-October.
It’s not just customers putting in orders who care. Analysts watch these delivery times to judge demand for Apple handsets.
Update: A day after preorders began, the wait for iPhone 16 Pro Max still stretches to mid-October, while delivery for iPhone 16 Pro models now begins in early October.
★★☆☆☆
Zagg offers an array of excellent accessories for Apple devices. Its Denali case for the latest iPad Pro models is not one of them. The case protects the tablet from drops of 6.5 feet and includes a snap-on screen protector and kickstand, but a couple of significant design problems make this a product to walk away from.
I (unfortunately) tested the Denali with my 13-inch iPad Pro so I’m well familiar with its issues.
The iPhone 16 series goes up for preorder on Friday, and Apple’s latest and greatest handsets might sell out quickly. You need do some early prep work to be sure to get your hands on the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the other models as soon as possible.
Here’s how to be completely ready to put in a preorder.
Update: Go order your iPhone 16 now!
Apple just got the approval it needs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make the latest AirPods Pro into medical-grade hearing aids.
Once Apple releases a software update for the wireless earbuds, they’ll be able to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Other World Computing’s Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD is for professionals needing the fastest data transfer rate available. The external solid state drive can move files at up to 6000 MBps or more, making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
Plus, the SSD is rugged and designed to be ready to go wherever needed.
September 12, 2012: The Lightning connector replaces Apple’s aging 30-pin interface, a proprietary data and power connector that debuted on the iPod Classic in 2003. The slender and capable new Lightning port debuts in the iPhone 5, bringing big improvements — and no small amount of controversy.
Apple soon will build the Lightning connector into many other products, including iPad, iPod and accessories. Lightning cables can charge the mobile devices as well as transfer data to a Mac or PC.
Apple’s switch from LCD to OLED in its MacBook line isn’t moving quickly. A pair of respected industry analysts agree that it won’t happen before 2026.
The change should improve the performance of the display, but might also drive up the price of macOS notebooks.
Tab groups, a feature of Google’s Chrome desktop browser for years, finally made its way to the iPhone and iPad version of the web browser.
The goal is to bring some order to the huge pile of tabs so many people keep open.
Apple ran out of appeals after a Tuesday ruling by the European Union’s highest court that the iPhone-maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in taxes it’s owed since 2016.
It’s the final result of a scheme in which Apple tried to lower its taxes by routing European revenues through Ireland, where it was charged a lower tax rate.
Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.
Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.
Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.
AirPods Pro 2 will soon go beyond providing music and podcasts as the wireless earbuds become genuine medical-grade hearing aids.
“We’re adding this groundbreaking capability to help more than 1 billion people living with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple.