Category: iPhone

Apple’s iOS 18.3 update has enhanced the Visual Intelligence features for the latest iPhone 16 models. This update allows users to interact with their environment in new ways through the Camera Control button. Let’s explore what these new capabilities entail and how to use them. With the introduction of Visual Intelligence in iOS 18.2, iPhone 16 users can point their camera at various subjects and receive detailed information about locations, translations, website links, and more.

The iOS 18.3 update builds on this foundation, adding the ability to create calendar events directly from posters or flyers and identify various plants, animals, and insects. It’s important to note that Visual Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 16 models. Older iPhones do not support the Camera Control button found below the Side button on the device. To activate Visual Intelligence, press and hold the Camera Control button for a few seconds.

A simple click opens the camera but won’t activate Visual Intelligence. Make sure the Camera app isn’t already running, as this feature needs a fresh start to function. The Visual Intelligence interface presents a camera view along with a capture button and options to “Ask” or “Search.” The “Ask” feature engages with ChatGPT, while “Search” allows users to look up captured images on Google.

To utilize Visual Intelligence, take a photo of the object or scene of interest. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support live camera views or images from the photo library. One standout feature is the ability to create calendar events from posters. When viewing a poster with an event date, tapping the date when prompted in the Visual Intelligence interface will allow you to add it directly to your Calendar.

In addition, the new Camera Control provides real-time identification of pets, animals, and plants. When you point your camera at an object, you may see a tappable bubble with relevant information. If the identification isn’t accurate, you can provide feedback using thumbs up or down icons.

According to Apple analyst Jeff Pu, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a titanium frame. In a recent investor note with GF Securities, Pu mentioned that the other models in the iPhone 17 lineup—the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—will utilize aluminum frames. This makes the iPhone 17 Air the sole model to incorporate titanium. The choice of titanium for the iPhone 17 Air raises some questions, especially since aluminum is lighter, which aligns with the device’s anticipated ultra-thin and lightweight design.

Despite being heavier, titanium is known for its strength, which might be crucial for maintaining the durability of the iPhone 17 Air’s slender chassis. Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the frame of the iPhone 17 Air could include both titanium and aluminum, hinting at a hybrid approach. Apple will likely clarify its material choices in the upcoming iPhone 17 event scheduled for September. Notably, since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple’s top-tier iPhone models have predominantly featured either stainless steel or titanium frames.

The return to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models signifies a significant shift in Apple’s design strategy. In summary, here are the expected frame materials for the new models:
– iPhone 17: Aluminum frame
– iPhone 17 Air: Titanium frame
– iPhone 17 Pro: Aluminum frame
– iPhone 17 Pro Max: Aluminum frame

This marks a departure from the iPhone 16 lineup, which had varying materials used for each model. As the launch approaches, more details will likely emerge regarding these design choices.

Production of foldable OLED displays for Apple’s first foldable iPhone is now underway, with expectations for a launch next year, according to reports from Korea’s ETNews. Samsung Display is taking the lead in producing these displays by setting up a dedicated production line at its A3 factory located in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. This production line is designed to manufacture displays exclusively for the foldable iPhone and is currently nearing completion. Samsung Display plans to deliver up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually.

The first foldable iPhone is expected to come equipped with an inward-folding OLED display and will join next year’s iPhone lineup, which includes the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Like other models, it will receive upgrades each fall. For 2026, Apple is reportedly aiming to produce between six to eight million foldable iPhones. Samsung’s annual production capacity of 15 million displays will comfortably cover Apple’s projected needs while also allowing for the possibility of increasing sales in future models.

Samsung Display has also secured an agreement to be the sole supplier of foldable displays for Apple for several years. Although Apple typically seeks to diversify its supply chain, Samsung’s specialized technology in foldable OLED displays, honed through its experience in the market since 2019, makes them a vital partner. As a result, it is likely that Samsung will remain the exclusive supplier for Apple’s foldable iPhone displays for the foreseeable future. The first foldable iPhone is anticipated to showcase a sleek design at just 4.5mm, complemented by a 7-inch inner display, a durable hinge, a dual rear camera, and the A20 chip, with an estimated price exceeding $2,000.

Apple is gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone next year, according to various reporters and analysts. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared insights in his *Power On* newsletter, highlighting two significant advantages that the device is expected to offer over competing foldable smartphones.

The first advantage is a “nearly invisible” crease in the display when the phone is unfolded, which would provide users with a seamless viewing experience. This design feature is intended to enhance the aesthetic appeal and usability of the device, particularly given its anticipated inner display size of 7.8 inches to 8 inches.

Gurman stated that “Apple looks to stand out from the competition by making the crease less noticeable,” which could set the company apart in the foldable market. The second notable feature is the foldable iPhone’s “much higher-quality hinge” compared to other foldable devices.

Although specific details were not provided, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously indicated that the hinge will utilize a unique blend of titanium and stainless steel for enhanced durability. Kuo also shared more specifications, including a 5.5-inch outer display, dual rear cameras, a front camera, and a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID.

The device is expected to be as thin as 4.5mm when unfolded and range from 9mm to 9.5mm when folded. Amid these developments, whispers about upcoming Apple products, including a new Apple TV and the iPhone 17 series, have also surfaced, hinting at a busy year ahead for the tech giant.

As the company prepares to release these innovations, anticipation continues to build among consumers and industry observers alike.

The newly announced iPhone 16 models come with an exciting upgrade for MagSafe charging. These devices can now charge at speeds of up to 25W using a 30W charger, an enhancement from the previous 15W limit. This marks a significant change for users who rely on MagSafe for their charging needs.

For the first time, the iPhone 16 models feature fast charging capabilities via MagSafe. With a compatible 30W or higher adapter paired with the new MagSafe chargers, users can expect to achieve up to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes. Additionally, fast charging is also available using a 20W or higher adapter with a standard USB-C cable.

While Qi2 wireless charging is supported, it is capped at 15W, meaning that optimal charging speeds will be achieved with official MagSafe chargers. Potential buyers should note that the 30W power adapter is sold separately, as Apple no longer includes power adapters in the box with new iPhone purchases. However, a USB-C cable is included.

The iPhone 16 models will be available for pre-order starting Friday, September 13, and will officially launch on Friday, September 20. Two new MagSafe charger sizes, 1 meter and 2 meters, will also be available. In other news, there is speculation regarding new features for Apple’s upcoming devices, including a new Apple TV and the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in the coming months, with a redesigned Dynamic Island and other enhancements. Overall, Apple continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, creating anticipation among consumers.

A recent preliminary ruling by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) suggests that certain iPhone models, including the 15, 16, and 17 series, might face a ban in the U.S. due to allegations of trade secret infringement by the Chinese display manufacturer BOE. This ruling stems from a complaint by Samsung Display, which claims BOE misappropriated proprietary OLED technology.

The ITC’s findings indicate that BOE and its subsidiaries have violated the U.S. Tariff Act by unlawfully using Samsung’s confidential OLED trade secrets.

As a result, the ruling recommends a restricted exclusion order that would block the import of infringing OLED panels and modules into the U.S., along with a cease and desist order preventing BOE from selling its existing inventories or supplying future products to U.S. assemblers. The potential implications of this ruling are significant for Apple, particularly as some of the iPhone models currently sold in the U.S. utilize OLED displays supplied by BOE.

If the ruling is upheld, Apple may have to redirect affected products to other markets and find alternative display suppliers for its U.S. sales. For the upcoming iPhone 17 series, which is expected to feature advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology, the situation could complicate Apple’s supply chain.

As of now, BOE only provides Apple with displays that do not incorporate this advanced technology. Samsung’s allegations originated from a legal complaint filed in October 2023, and further legal action was taken in April 2025 with a civil suit seeking damages for lost profits and other claims.

A final decision from the ITC is anticipated in November 2025, after which the U.S. President will have the authority to approve or veto the ruling. In the meantime, Apple may need to consider sourcing OLED panels from its current suppliers, Samsung and LG, to mitigate the risks associated with the ruling.

Chinese display manufacturer BOE is significantly increasing its OLED production capacity to secure a pivotal role in Apple’s supply chain for upcoming iPhone models. Following a setback in May 2022, when Apple removed BOE from the iPhone 13 supply chain due to unauthorized design changes, BOE has been working to mend its relationship with Apple. The crisis began when BOE, facing component shortages and yield issues, altered the circuit width of its thin-film transistors without Apple’s permission.

Upon discovering this, Apple mandated BOE to cease production. Since then, the company has been making strides to regain Apple’s trust, eventually receiving approval to supply OLED panels for the iPhone 14, albeit in limited quantities. As reported in UBI Research’s China Display Trend Report, BOE aims to expand its role in the iPhone production process and capture a greater share of Apple’s competitive display supply chain.

The company has centralized its iPhone panel production at its B11 fabrication plant in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This facility has been undergoing continuous expansion and now features 26 OLED module lines dedicated exclusively to Apple. Of these lines, 11 are currently in mass production while three are reserved for development.

With each production line capable of yielding 350,000 panels monthly, BOE’s output capacity for iPhone displays reaches about 8 million units per month. This would translate to an annual output of over 100 million panels at optimal utilization rates. Currently, Apple primarily sources OLED panels from South Korean companies Samsung Display and LG Display.

The inclusion of BOE in Apple’s iPhone production is likely to pressure the pricing strategies of Samsung and LG, enhancing Apple’s negotiation leverage. However, BOE’s sustained presence in Apple’s supply chain is contingent on consistently meeting strict quality standards. While BOE has gradually increased its market share across iPhone generations, its participation in the launch phases of new iPhone models remains limited.

Hence, significant increases in supply share may not happen until future models, such as the iPhone 18.

Apple is reportedly set to launch the iPhone 17 Air in four distinct colors: Black, Silver, Light Gold, and Light Blue. This information comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who claims to have confirmed the details through reliable sources.

The addition of a lighter blue shade was first mentioned by Fixed Focus Digital, a popular Weibo account, further adding credibility to these claims. The specific marketing names for Light Gold and Light Blue are still uncertain, and potential buyers may see different labels upon release.

The Light Blue option is suggested to resemble the Sky Blue finish available for the current MacBook Air, leading to speculation that Apple might use the Sky Blue name for the iPhone 17 Air as well. In terms of design, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be the thinnest iPhone ever produced.

However, it may come with trade-offs compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models. These compromises might include reduced battery life, a single rear camera, only one speaker, and the possibility of being powered by either an A19 chip or a slightly modified version of the A19 Pro chip.

Users can also expect features such as a 6.6-inch OLED display, MagSafe capability, and 12GB of RAM. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 Air in September, and while Majin Bu’s track record with Apple leaks is mixed, he recently provided accurate information about forthcoming iPadOS features.

In the meantime, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation for additional updates and features across various Apple devices, including the upcoming Apple TV and iterations of the Apple Watch.

In 2020, Apple introduced a digital car key feature within its Wallet app, enabling users to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles using their iPhones or Apple Watches. This innovative feature is available from select automakers, including brands like Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, among others, with plans for broader availability in the future. Apple has a webpage listing vehicle models that support the iPhone car key function; however, this list has not been updated recently. Our compilation provides the latest information on compatible vehicles across various manufacturers.

The digital car key feature offers three levels of functionality, as detailed in Apple’s support documents. The options include:
1. Passive entry to lock, unlock, and start the car. 2.

Proximity-based locking and unlocking. 3. Remote locking and unlocking. With Express Mode, users can operate their Wallet app key without needing to unlock their iPhones or authenticate through Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

To use this feature, an iPhone XS or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer, is required, while passive entry specifically demands an iPhone 11 or newer or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. As for existing compatible models, brands like Audi and BMW have numerous offerings ranging from the 2025 and newer A5 and Q5 to 2021 and newer models across various BMW series. Moreover, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have also embraced this technology, with specific model years supporting the feature. Looking ahead, Apple announced at WWDC 2025 that additional manufacturers, such as Acura, Chevrolet, and Porsche, will soon introduce models compatible with iPhone car keys, further expanding the feature’s availability.

This week, we have an exciting giveaway for *MacRumors* readers! We’ve partnered with GRID Studio to offer a chance to win one of Apple’s latest models, the iPhone 16. GRID Studio specializes in transforming old, discarded Apple products into creative art pieces that appeal to Apple enthusiasts.

In addition to the giveaway, GRID Studio is hosting a special sale this week. Customers can enjoy discounts on select products, including the iPhone 2G and iPhone 5. By using the promo code PD15 at checkout, shoppers can receive a 15 percent discount on their entire order.

The GRID 2G is currently priced at $299, a reduction from the standard $399. This piece elegantly showcases the components of the original iPhone released in 2007, capturing its signature design and key features. The GRID 5, featuring the iconic iPhone 5, is available for just $109, down from $169.

This model represents a pivotal moment in Apple’s history, as it introduced a taller display and the Lightning port. Each of GRID Studio’s deconstructed Apple devices is beautifully presented, with components meticulously displayed within a sleek black frame, complemented by detailed descriptions. For your chance to win a 128GB iPhone 16, simply enter your email address in the widget below.

Rest assured, the information will only be used for contacting the winner. Additional entries can be earned by following us on our social media channels or subscribing to our newsletters. Please note that the giveaway is open only to U.S. residents aged 18 and older, as well as residents of the UK and Canada who meet their respective age requirements.

All associated taxes and fees will be the winner’s responsibility. If you have questions or want to discuss the giveaway rules, please refer to our designated feedback section.