Monthly Archives: July 2024

During the announcement of the MacBook Pro M3, it was known that the laptop couldn’t connect to two external displays. This was despite the fact that a similar capability is available on the MacBook Air M3.

In macOS 14.6, the issue has finally been resolved. The release notes state that the MB Pro M3 now supports up to two external monitors.

However, there’s a catch. Multiple monitors can only be used when the MacBook’s lid is closed. [9to5]

Apple has reduced iPhone prices in India after the country’s government cut import duties on smartphones from 20% to 15%.

Prices have dropped by 3-4% depending on the model. The iPhone 13, 14, and 15, which are manufactured in India, are now at least 300 rupees ($3.6) cheaper.

The iPhone SE has become 2300 rupees ($27.5) cheaper, while the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max have seen a price drop of 6000 rupees ($72). These models are imported by Apple to India from China.

This is the first time Apple has lowered prices on the latest iPhones in India. While this is good news, smartphones remain expensive in the country. For example, the base iPhone 15 Pro costs $1550 in India, whereas it can be bought for $999 in the USA. [TechCrunch]

Apple may start using Samsung cameras in iPhones as early as 2026, reports Ming-Chi Kuo.

Specifically, this concerns a 48 MP 1/2.6-inch ultra-wide sensor that Samsung will supply to Apple in 2026. To this end, Samsung has created a special team to serve Apple.

Usually, Apple does not disclose its camera suppliers. However, in 2022, the company’s head, Tim Cook, stated that Sony has been the supplier of cameras for the iPhone for over 10 years.

Switching to Samsung does not mean that the iPhone will start capturing images like Korean flagship models. In modern cameras, software plays a major role, and it determines the final image quality.

Moreover, switching to 48 MP could significantly improve the quality of spatial video, which can currently only be recorded on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

In this mode, video is recorded simultaneously by two cameras (main and ultra-wide). Currently, the videos are very blurry, so the switch to 48 MP could greatly enhance their sharpness. [The Verge]

Insider Ice Universe published the main characteristics of the iPhone 17 on Weibo.

According to the information, in September 2025, Apple will unveil four iPhones:

▪️ iPhone 17
▪️ iPhone 17 Slim
▪️ iPhone 17 Pro
▪️ iPhone 17 Pro Max

All of them will feature screens with 120 Hz support. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro will have a 6.27-inch display, the 17 Slim will have a 6.65-inch diagonal, and the 17 Pro Max will have a 6.86-inch display.

The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim will be powered by the A19 processor with 8 GB of RAM, while the Pro versions will offer the A19 Pro chip and 12 GB of RAM.

The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be much thinner than the other iPhones. It may feature a design that will differ from the other models. In any case, it must have some very significant features because it will be priced at $1299, which is $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Also, next March, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone SE 4. It will feature a bezel-less 6.06-inch screen, Face ID, an A18 chip, a 48 MP single camera, and USB-C. [9to5Mac]

The main news of the WWDC 2024 presentation was the announcement of the new Apple AI – Apple Intelligence. The system, based on ChatGPT, will appear in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this year.

What’s wrong with Apple Intelligence? During the presentation, Apple was unable to explain

Apple Intelligence will initially only work in English, and some features will have to wait until 2025.

Which devices will support Apple Intelligence

Due to the complex computational processes, Apple Intelligence will only be compatible with the most powerful devices. The preliminary list looks like this:

• iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Most likely, AI will be added to all iPhone 16 models.
• iPads with M1, M2, or M4 chips.
• Mac computers with M1, M2, or M3 processors.

Now, let’s look at the new features that will appear on these devices.

Apple Intelligence tools for working with text

The new features are presented with their original English names; their localized versions are yet to be determined.

1. Writing Tools: AI will proofread and edit text even in third-party applications. It can correct errors and change the style upon request, for example, making the text more formal or more conversational. Useful for writing emails, articles, and social media communication.
2. Priority Notifications: AI identifies the most important notifications based on context and displays them first. Data processing is done locally on the device, ensuring privacy.
3. Priority Messages in Mail: Similarly, AI sorts emails by importance.
4. Smart Reply: AI generates responses to emails for user approval, useful for standard replies.
5. Reduce Interruptions: A new focus mode, similar to “Do Not Disturb,” where AI allows priority notifications through.
6. Summaries of Content: AI summarizes texts, highlighting key points for quick reading of news or articles.

Apple Intelligence tools for working with photos

7. Image Creation: Generates images based on text prompts, including creating pictures from photos of loved ones.
8. Genmoji: Generates custom emojis for various occasions.
9. Clean Up: AI removes unwanted objects from photos quickly.
   
   
10. Powerful Search: AI finds images in the Photos app based on descriptions without needing pre-tagged or labeled images.
11. Image Wand: Analyzes stylus-drawn sketches in notes and creates images based on them.
12. Create Memories Movies: AI creates new memory videos in the Photos app based on descriptions of people, places, or objects.

New Siri capabilities with Apple Intelligence

New AI features will be available for the voice assistant Siri. Some analysts believe these features will be released in spring 2025 with iOS 18.4.

13. Deep Understanding of Requests: Siri can understand complex requests, even if the user changes the task midway. “Siri, set an alarm. No, better set a timer for 10 minutes. No, let’s make it 5.”
14. Personalized Approach: Siri processes requests based on personal content analysis, such as messages and emails. “Siri, play the song my wife sent a week ago.”
15. Screen Awareness: Siri understands which app is open and can perform actions like finding and adding contacts or addresses.
16. Cross-App Tasks: Siri can perform actions across multiple apps. “Siri, add this contact’s address to the travel note.”
17. New Design: When activated, Siri will show a perimeter glow on the screen.
18. Quick Text Input: Double-tapping at the bottom of the screen brings up a keyboard for typing requests to Siri.
19. Deep Knowledge of Apple Products: Siri can answer questions about any Apple device or function.

Integrated ChatGPT and other chatbots

20. Apple officially collaborates with OpenAI to deeply integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, maintaining privacy standards and ensuring personal data security. Users won’t need an OpenAI account, and most data processing will happen locally on the device. Other third-party chatbots, such as Google’s Gemini, may also appear in iOS 18.

Now you know what innovations to expect with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. We’ll soon see how well they perform in reality.