Category: Apple

The upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected to launch in 2025, may feature a notable change in its design: the front camera could be moved to the left side of the device. This alteration diverges from the traditional right-side placement seen in earlier models, such as the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, indicating a strategic pivot by Apple to redefine the user experience.

The speculation is supported by observations of screen protectors suggesting a different camera hole position for the iPhone 17 Air. This left-side placement could significantly enhance video call and selfie experiences by providing new angles and interaction styles.

In contrast to other models that keep the camera on the right, the Air’s unique design reflects its slimmer profile, which may have necessitated this shift. This design change likely arises from the need to accommodate the Face ID module while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.

With a larger screen, the iPhone 17 Air requires an internal rearrangement of components that could make the left-side camera position the most viable option. Furthermore, this decision could serve as a precursor for Apple’s intention to refine the Dynamic Island feature into a single hole located in the upper left corner in future models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to maintain the same dimensions as the current series.

The repositioning of the front camera also carries implications for consumers who favor a larger screen within a slimmer design, offering a refreshed user experience. As Apple moves forward with this strategy, it could encourage other manufacturers to explore similar design innovations aimed at optimizing internal space.

While the decision may face scrutiny during the prototyping phase, it is unlikely that Apple will revert to conventional placements. The strategic direction aims to streamline the Dynamic Island into a more compact form, hinting at a significant evolution in Apple’s design philosophy as we approach the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

This move not only combines practicality with strategic vision but also sets the stage for industry-wide innovation.

Apple has officially introduced its next-generation CarPlay platform, now called “CarPlay Ultra,” and the rollout begins today with new Aston Martin vehicles. This advanced version of CarPlay will initially be available for orders in the U.S. and Canada, with existing Aston Martin models receiving a software update to support it in the coming weeks.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, emphasized the transformation that CarPlay has brought to the driving experience. He stated that with CarPlay Ultra, the integration between iPhone and vehicle systems is more seamless, enhancing safety and usability.

The collaboration with automakers like Aston Martin marks the beginning of a wider rollout of this innovative platform. CarPlay Ultra aims to provide a consistent interface throughout the vehicle, integrating deeply with the car’s systems.

It will display real-time information on various screens, such as the instrument cluster, showing metrics like speed and fuel levels along with data from the iPhone, including maps and media. In addition to streamlined information access, drivers will benefit from new controls, including physical buttons and Siri voice commands, allowing users to manage vehicle functions, climate settings, and sound systems via the CarPlay Ultra interface.

The platform also includes customizable iPhone-style widgets, enabling users to view information like calendar events or weather updates at a glance. Automakers can create themes that reflect their brand identity, and drivers can personalize the appearance to suit their tastes.

Aston Martin expressed enthusiasm about being the first to launch CarPlay Ultra, noting that it enhances their existing infotainment technology and demonstrates their commitment to providing unique in-car experiences. While available now for Aston Martin, CarPlay Ultra will be rolled out to various automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, in the future.

The system is compatible with iPhone 12 and later models running iOS 18.5 or newer.

This week, display analyst Ross Young from Counterpoint Research sparked renewed interest in the anticipated display changes for the iPhone 18 Pro, as well as broader developments expected for the 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027. These discussions also extend to Apple’s flagship device trajectory for the remainder of the decade. Young challenges a previous report from *The Information* that suggested the iPhone 18 Pro models would feature a small hole in the top-left corner for the front-facing camera.

Instead, he asserts that these high-end models will have a narrower Dynamic Island. This change is reportedly due to Apple’s plan to relocate some Face ID components beneath the display. Supporting Young’s claim, *Bloomberg*’s Mark Gurman has also indicated that Apple will reduce the size of the Dynamic Island for at least some models next year, reinforcing the notion that the iPhone 18 will not adopt a front camera hole layout.

Looking ahead to 2027, Young projects that the 20th-anniversary iPhone will maintain the smaller Dynamic Island. This position contradicts Gurman’s assertions that the device might feature a completely uninterrupted display without any cutouts. To add further speculation, Young predicts that by 2028, all Face ID components may be positioned under the screen, with only the selfie camera using a punch-hole design similar to what *The Information* suggested for the upcoming models.

Regarding the highly anticipated all-screen iPhone, Young believes Apple may not realize this design until 2030, a full three years later than some expectations. Young expresses confidence in his display roadmap for the iPhone through 2030, with developer Filip Vabroušek visualizing this evolution. Vabroušek’s images combine various rumors, including Gurman’s claim of curved glass edges and thin bezels for the anniversary model.

Young’s approval of the image does not indicate agreement with Gurman’s claims, as he has no specific information on that aspect. What are your thoughts on the iPhone’s predicted evolution leading to 2030? Are you confused, disillusioned, or indifferent?

Share your opinions in the comments.

I have a preference for the silver variant, whether it’s stainless steel or natural titanium. To me, this choice is timeless and versatile, allowing it to pair well with any strap I might choose. What about you? Do you have a favorite color that you consistently choose, or do you like to switch things up from time to time?

Wishing you all the best!

I’ve been searching for posts about issues with Apple Mail and haven’t come across one that matches my experience. After updating to MacOS Sequoia, I’ve noticed that Apple Mail has become quite slow at loading new messages, and the problem seems to be worsening.

Initially, after opening Mail, it would take about a minute to download my new messages. However, over the past few days, this delay has stretched to over five minutes, making it increasingly frustrating to use.

I want to clarify that I am not using a VPN or Private Relay, and my internet connection is fast, so I don’t believe those factors are contributing to the issue. If anyone has experienced similar problems and has suggestions for resolving this, I’d greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I recently decided to upgrade to a new Mac Mini M4 over the weekend, and I’ve mostly set it up, aside from sorting out my virtualization rig. I found that memory pressure was not an issue; I used 24GB of physical memory, with 19.48GB in use and 4.88GB cached.

This was while running multiple applications, including VirtualBox, PHP Storm, VS Code, SOAP UI, and Firefox. I’m certain that if I had stuck with 16GB, I would have struggled, so opting for 24GB was definitely the right choice.

Now, I have a question regarding my 2018 Mac Mini. Its AppleCare coverage is set to renew at the beginning of July, probably around the 5th or 6th.

Since it’s already considered vintage, I’m unsure if renewing the coverage would be worthwhile. I did upgrade this machine to 32GB, but I suspect Apple might not be inclined to offer service for such an old device.

Meanwhile, my new machine comes with three years of coverage already included. Additionally, my old Mini was classified as vintage about two months ago, which means it’s on its way to becoming obsolete and no longer serviceable.

I believe I have about a year left before that happens. However, I’m curious about what occurs if Apple were to classify it as obsolete while I’m still within the coverage period.

Would they cancel the contract and issue a refund? I’d appreciate any thoughts or guidance on these points!

Best,
Gumbaloom

Apple has announced updates to its App Store linking rules and fees for developers in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes will allow apps distributed through EU storefronts to communicate information about alternative purchasing options for digital goods, such as deals available through websites or other app marketplaces.

Developers can direct customers to access these options either externally or via a web view within the app. Additionally, developers will have the flexibility to create and implement promotional offers within their apps, providing information about subscription pricing and other deals.

Links can be actionable, allowing users to tap, click, or scan them, with no restrictions on the URLs they can use. However, developers opting to promote these offers will need to agree to updated business terms, which include an initial acquisition fee and store services fees.

By January 1, 2026, Apple plans to standardize its business model for all developers in the EU, transitioning from a Core Technology Fee (CTF) to a new Core Technology Commission (CTC). Until then, some developers will be paying the CTC while others continue with the CTF.

Apps that communicate and promote offers for digital goods will be subject to new business terms that impose various fees, depending on the app’s features and the links provided. Additionally, Apple introduced a two-tier store services fee system that differentiates between basic app delivery capabilities and optional advanced features.

Developers using the new External Purchase Link Entitlement will incur specific fees accordingly. They will have to report external transactions for proper commission calculations.

As Apple implements these complex new rules, developers in the EU are urged to familiarize themselves with the updated compliance information. In response to these regulatory changes, Apple indicated its intent to appeal the European Commission’s requirements.

Apple is set to release the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in a new Yellow color this spring, as reported by Japanese blog Mac Otakara on Weibo. However, the reliability of the Weibo account remains unverified. Additionally, sources have informed MacRumors about an upcoming product briefing by Apple’s PR team next week. Last year, Apple unveiled new Green colors for the iPhone 13 series on March 8, suggesting this briefing may also pertain to a new iPhone color, although specifics have yet to be confirmed.

Previously, Apple featured a Yellow option for the iPhone 11 in 2019 and the iPhone XR in 2018. It remains uncertain whether a new color will be introduced for the iPhone 14 Pro models, as Yellow may be too similar to the existing Gold. In terms of wearable technology, analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities has indicated that we can expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to launch this year. This device is anticipated alongside the Apple Watch Series 11, likely coinciding with the anticipated iPhone 17 lineup.

Challenges are emerging for Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra. A Financial Times report notes that several automakers, including luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi, are reconsidering their support for this updated software system. In the software realm, Apple has rolled out the second beta of iOS 26, introducing several initial updates since its debut at WWDC. Users can expect a host of tweaks as beta testing progresses.

On another note, Chase has recently introduced new perks for its Sapphire Reserve credit card, including complimentary annual subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music. Overall, Apple continues to innovate and expand its offerings as we look forward to new launches in the coming months.

Apple is making a significant push to promote its latest film, “F1: The Movie,” now playing in theaters. The company has ramped up marketing efforts by placing advertisements across numerous iPhone apps in the lead-up to the film’s release. Notable apps involved include the App Store, Apple Wallet, Apple Sports, Apple Podcasts, iTunes Store, and the Apple TV app. While advertising in various apps seems reasonable, many users expressed frustration over the ads within the Wallet app.

Recently, Apple sent a notification promoting discounted tickets, raising eyebrows among users who felt that their digital wallets, which many have transitioned to for convenience, were being repurposed for advertisement without their consent. This sentiment was echoed by John Gruber of Daring Fireball, who highlighted the discomfort surrounding this advertising tactic. On another note, Apple’s newly introduced Sports app, designed to cater to sports fans with a focus on simplicity, seems to be at odds with the increased advertising presence. Apple’s services chief, Eddy Cue, had positioned this app as a way to enhance the user experience, but fans are likely yearning for less advertisement rather than more.

As for the film itself, early box office results and positive reviews suggest that “F1: The Movie” has the potential to become a summer blockbuster and possibly Apple’s most successful film to date. While it seems Apple has a hit on its hands, the aggressive promotional tactics may leave some customers hoping that this does not become a standard approach moving forward.

Apple Original Films, in collaboration with Warner Bros., achieved an impressive $10 million in preview earnings this week with their Formula One movie featuring Brad Pitt. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this film marks a significant milestone as Apple’s first major theatrical release. It surpassed preview grosses of notable Apple films like Ridley Scott’s *Napoleon* ($3 million) and Martin Scorsese’s *Killers of the Flower Moon* ($2.6 million).

Notably, it also outperformed the previews of *Ford v Ferrari*, which garnered $2.1 million in previews. Breaking down the figures, the Formula One film raked in $7 million from showings that began at 3 PM and an additional $3 million from earlier IMAX previews. With strong early results, projections indicate a potential opening weekend gross of over $50 million.

Warner Bros. contributed 50 percent toward the film’s global print and advertising expenditure. The production budget has been cited as $200 million, although some sources suggest it might be as high as $300 million. Regardless, the film is expected to earn approximately $115 million globally at its opening.

The audience score stands at an impressive 97%, with 84% of critics labeling it as “certified fresh.” On the other hand, the preview earnings for *M3GAN 2.0* were notably lower than those of the original, which earned $2.75 million. The sequel will be hard-pressed to reach $20 million this weekend, having grossed $1.5 million in previews.

Critics have given mixed reviews, with a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a decline in enthusiasm for the franchise’s gimmick. The movie, which reportedly cost $25 million to produce before marketing, is being positioned as counterprogramming for the summer box office. In additional box office news, *Lilo & Stitch* is set to surpass the $400 million mark this weekend, becoming the second film to achieve this milestone this year, following the success of *A Minecraft Movie*.