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We’ve long suspected that the iPhone 16 series will tear up the rulebook when it comes to iPhone screen sizes, and the latest set of leaked iPhone 16 case dummies shows how these rumored size changes could manifest in reality. Shared to X by Apple tipster Sonny Dickson (via PhoneArena), a new iPhone 16 dummy unit picture displays all four rumored iPhone 16 models – that’s the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max – side-by-side, in descending order of premium-ness. As you can see below, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is listed as being the largest phone of the lot, at 6.9 inches (up from last year’s 6.7-inch size), while the iPhone 16 Pro also gets a size bump, from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are listed as remaining at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively, which fits with all previous rumors we’ve heard so far regarding iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus screen sizes. pic.twitter.com/tVNl82VjYxApril 28, 2024 See more As well as screen sizes, these new iPhone 16 dummy units appear to corroborate the rumor that the cameras on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be arranged vertically, rather than diagonally (as on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus). Why might Apple be going back to this iPhone 12-style design? For our money, spatial video could be the reason: while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can capture spatial video (i.e. 3D-style content viewable on the Apple Vision Pro headset), the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus can’t. The theory is that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can use their two vertically-arranged lenses to shoot from two slightly different camera angles at the same time, but the same approach isn’t possible on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. So, by adding vertically-arranged camera lenses to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, Apple could open up the spatial video format to a larger audience, thus encouraging more Apple Vision Pro sales. Alternatively, the company might just prefer the iPhone 12 camera style, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the spatial video rumor is true. The iPhone 16 will reportedly look a lot like the iPhone 12 (Image credit: Apple) As for the cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, their arrangement is expected to be unchanged, and that rings true in this latest set of dummy images. However, the increased screen size of both models will reportedly allow for an ultrawide camera upgrade on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and an optical zoom range boost for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s worth noting that dummy units – despite being used by case makers to ensure that their cases fit upcoming phones – are not always 100% accurate, so we’d still take every iPhone 16 rumor listed in this article with a pinch of salt. Mind you, these latest dummies align with other leaked iPhone 16 dummies we’ve already seen, so we’re quietly confident that we know exactly what to expect from the iPhone 16 and its siblings. You might also like... More leaked iPhone 16 dummy units echo previous design leaksThe iPhone 16 could be sold in seven shadesBattery capacities for all four iPhone 16 models have leaked View the full article

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Ocushield to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an iPhone 15 and one of Ocushield's Blue Light Screen Protectors to go along with it. Ocushield has a range of medically rated screen protectors that are designed for for the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Ocushield specializes in blue light reduction, so all of its screen protectors cut down on the amount of blue light that you're exposed to when using your devices. Blue light can cause eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, fatigue, and blurry vision in some people, and it is hard to avoid between work on the computer and day-to-day iPhone and iPad usage. Blue light can also impact sleep because it affects the production of melatonin and your body doesn't naturally produce enough to tell you when to go to sleep. Ocushield's iPhone Screen Protector comes in sizes that fit all devices dating back to the ‌iPhone‌ 5. It comes with a kit for cleaning the ‌iPhone‌ and an applicator tray for alignment purposes, both of which make for a no-flaw application process. The iPad Screen Protector features a similar kit, and it is available for the ‌iPad‌, iPad mini, iPad Pro, and iPad Air. Each one comes with a screen cleaner, tray for application, sticker to remove dust, and a cleaning cloth. The blue light filters block up to 99 percent of UV and blue light emissions between 300-400nm, and up to 54 percent of harmful blue light between 400 to 470nm. Ocushield says that its ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ screen protectors are meant to preserve the natural colors of the device for a clear picture. The ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ Screen Protectors are both made of thin, tempered glass, which also offer screen protection. They come with an anti-bacterial coating, oil resistance, and an anti-reflection coating that cuts down on fingerprints. Ocushield says that the screen protectors are able to prevent eye strain, improve sleep, and protect the eyes and skin from harmful blue light. While the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ Screen Protectors are permanent and attach with no-damage adhesive, Ocushield's MacBook Anti-Blue Light Filter works a little differently. Apple does not recommend closing a MacBook with a screen protector attached, so the Blue Light Filter for Mac is removable. It adheres using silicone or magnets depending on your Mac model, and it can be put on when you're using your Mac and then taken off when you need to close the display. It offers the same blue light protection as the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ Screen Protectors, but it also has a built-in privacy filter. When attached, the display of a Mac viewed from the side is near black, preserving privacy. It also has an anti-bacterial coating and an anti-glare coating that cut down on glare and reflections. Ocushield recently acquired EyeJust, a company that creates blue light blocking glasses, so it is expanding its product lineup with stylish glasses that will work for all devices, and improving its presence in the United States (it is based in the UK). It is worth noting that Apple has added built-in blue light reduction features to the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac with Night Shift, but the functionality only works at night. It also has a greater impact on color accuracy because it uses display color temperature for blocking blue light. Ocushield also has a wider feature set, including anti-drop protection for the ‌iPhone‌ and side-angle viewing restrictions on the Mac, plus glare reduction across all devices. To celebrate spring, Ocushield has a 15 percent discount on all products right now with the promo code BLOOM2024. We have an ‌iPhone 15‌ and Ocushield Screen Protector for a MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page. Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected. Ocushield Giveaway The contest will run from today (April 26) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on May 3. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after May 3 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen. This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone 15 and Blue Light Screen Protector From Ocushield" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today sent an email to some iPhone Upgrade Program members to inform them that their previously-completed iPhone trade-in has been "canceled," but the email was almost certainly sent in error based on the circumstances. Apple told customers it never received their iPhone, even though they sent it in months ago. In many cases, the customers physically handed their iPhones to an Apple Store employee in person, so there is no possible way they could be at fault. "Because you didn't trade in your iPhone, we are unable to complete the trade-in process," the email says, according to a screenshot shared with us by reader Quinn Everett. "The associated loan on this iPhone will resume." Everett and others said the Apple Store app also shows their iPhone's trade-in status has changed to "canceled," suggesting that Apple's email is legitimate. The email has been widely shared across the MacRumors Forums, Reddit, and X, with many customers receiving it in the early hours of Thursday morning in the United States. Many customers who received the email completed their iPhone trade-in last September, when the iPhone 15 series launched, so the delayed timing of the email suggests that it was sent as a result of a system glitch. Apple did not immediately respond to our request for comment, but we will update this story if we receive an explanation. No but actually what is going on @Apple @AppleSupport? I got an email saying my trade-in from September was canceled and your Apple Store app is showing that too in one place, but not everywhere. Receipt of returned iPhone 14 Pro is below. I think there’s been a glitch. https://t.co/VXnpg5I13s pic.twitter.com/H2LtcHwijl — Quinn (@quinneverett) April 25, 2024 Tag: Apple Trade-In This article, "Apple Mistakenly Tells Customers Their iPhone Trade-Ins Are 'Canceled'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

New iPhone activations are down to a low not seen in the U.S. smartphone market for the last six years, according to a new Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) report. While CIRP notes that Apple's installed smartphone base is higher than recorded activations, the figures show its share of new iPhone activations fell from 40% to 33% over the past year, suggesting a shift away from the higher market shares Apple enjoyed in previous years. Historically, around the time when competitors like Blackberry and Windows phones were more prevalent, iPhone's activation share hovered around one-third. This increased steadily until the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when various factors contributed to a spike in activations. However, Apple's iPhone share appears to have reverted to its long-term average, with two out of three new smartphone activations now from Android devices. CIRP suggests the decline is due to the increased price of modern smartphones as well as better durability. While innovation has slowed, there has been a shift from two-year subsidized purchases to more transparent buying plans, which has prompted consumers to hold onto their devices for longer. This trend appears to impact iPhone sales more significantly than those of Android devices, suggesting Apple may need to adjust its strategy to regain market momentum. The report covers a 12-month period ending each quarter and includes data from CIRP's quarterly survey of mobile phone customers. The aim of this approach is to remove the seasonal spikes typically associated with new device launches and holiday sales, providing a clearer view of ongoing trends, according to the firm.Tag: CIRP This article, "Android Bosses iPhone in Smartphone Activation Market Share" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple’s apparent indecision over the transition to capacitive (i.e. non-physical) iPhone buttons has been the subject of much speculation over the last few years, but it looks like the technology could finally be coming to the iPhone 16. Prior to its release, the iPhone 15 Pro was widely tipped to get capacitive volume and power buttons, before Apple reportedly u-turned on its decision to include capacitive buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro due to time constraints. Then, we heard that the iPhone 16 might feature an all-new capacitive button, known internally as the "Capture" button, while the rest of the phone’s buttons remain physical. Now, the latest intelligence suggests that all four iPhone 16 buttons – that’s the Action button, Power button, both volume buttons and the mysterious "Capture" button – on all four iPhone 16 models will be capacitive, with Apple ready to abandon traditional physical buttons across the board. This tip comes from Chinese outlet Economic Daily (via AppleInsider), which reports that long-time Apple supply chain partner Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) has been awarded a huge production order for a number of capacitive iPhone 16 components. AppleInsider notes that Apple’s internal codename for the capacitive transformation of all iPhone 16 buttons is "Project Bongo". Previously, "Project Atlas" had referred to the capacitive transformation of the Action button, exclusively, so it seems as though the company is finally moving ahead with a full-scale move to solid-state buttons. Temper expectations The iPhone 16 will reportedly feature a new button below the power button (Image credit: Apple) We’d still take this rumor with a pinch of salt, mind. The Economic Daily claims that ASE is “expected to enter a phase of heavy shipments in the third quarter,” but the iPhone 16 line is tipped to launch in September (i.e. at the very beginning of the fourth quarter), so that information is either wrong, or only applicable to a specific capacitive component (like the "Capture" button, for instance). We’re almost certain, then, that the iPhone 16 will feature some kind of capacitive button, but we’re not yet ready to commit to the notion that every single button will be solid-state. It may happen. It may not. At this point, only Apple knows. We are, however, more confident that we know how these capacitive buttons will work. The Economic Daily reports that the iPhone 16 will feature two Taptic Engine motors that deliver vibration feedback when any capacitive button is pressed, presumably in a similar manner to the Home button on the iPhone SE (2022) or the trackpads on the best MacBooks. Previously, rumors had hinted at a single Taptic Engine motor powering the iPhone’s capacitive buttons, but irrespective of whether it’s one or two, it seems certain that the level of feedback triggered by these buttons will feel familiar to long-time Apple fans. You might also like... The iPhone 16 Plus could be the last Plus model of its kindMore leaked iPhone 16 dummy units echo previous design leaksBattery capacities for all four iPhone 16 models have leaked View the full article

Apple has ordered a large number of capacitative button components from a Taiwan supplier that are allegedly for use in the upcoming iPhone 16 series, claims a new report out of Asia. Image credit: Unbox Therapy According to the Economic Daily News, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering won the order, which is said to include system-in-a-package (SIP) modules that will be used to integrate capcative components with two Taptic Engine motors, one on either side of the iPhone. The claim in the report is that Apple will replace the existing physical buttons on both sides of the iPhone 15 with capacitive versions that will provide ‌iPhone 16‌ users with haptic feedback. The latter type of button detects pressure and emulates the press of a physical button via a haptic (or Taptic) engine which generates vibrations. Apple may well have ordered the buttons in preparation for future production plans, but this does not necessarily mean that they are destined for use in this year's ‌iPhone 16‌ models. The earliest known prototypes of the ‌‌iPhone 16‌‌ were thought to include haptic power and volume buttons. Project Bongo, as it was known internally, was a redesign of the volume and power buttons on the ‌iPhone 15‌. However, it was scrapped in 2023 following unresolved technical issues, according to MacRumors' sources. After the cancelation of the Bongo project, Apple moved back to mechanical buttons for the ‌‌iPhone 16‌‌. As a result, most rumors suggest that ‌iPhone 16‌ models will have all-mechanical buttons, and this includes the rumored addition of a fourth button. According to The Information, Apple will add a new "Capture Button" to all ‌iPhone 16‌ models, but the button is expected to be mechanical rather than capacitive, and yet it will be able to respond to pressure and touch. The button will be used for taking photos and videos, and ‌iPhone‌ users will reportedly be able to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, focus with a light press, and activate a recording with a more forceful press. Today's report claims the capacitive components will enter volume production in the third quarter of this year, which is unusually late in terms of Apple's typical initial ‌iPhone‌ production run, so the order may be for the ‌iPhone‌ 17 lineup rather than this year's upcoming models. That said, as we saw with the ‌‌iPhone 15‌‌ series, things can change fairly far into the process, so watch this space.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Economic Daily News This article, "Apple Orders Capacitive Button Components Allegedly for iPhone 16" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

It’s no secret that Apple has been biding its time on the AI front, and the latest intelligence surrounding iOS 18 suggests that the company’s upcoming generative AI features could differ from those already available on Samsung and Google Pixel devices in one key way. According to Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert Mark Gurman (via MacRumors), Apple's generative AI features will be underpinned by a proprietary large language model (LLM) that runs entirely on-device, rather than via the cloud. This approach would prioritize speed and privacy, since an on-device LLM doesn’t require an internet connection to function, though Apple's AI tools may be slightly less powerful than those available from cloud-based rivals (like Galaxy AI) as a result. To combat the latter point, Gurman hints that Apple could “fill in the gaps” by licensing technology from Google and other AI service providers. The tipster has previously reported that Apple is in “active negotiations” with Google to license Google Gemini for certain iOS 18 features, so a Google-assisted Apple LLM is looking increasingly likely, despite our initial skepticism. As above, on-device processing delivers quicker response times and superior privacy over cloud-based solutions, which fits with Apple’s traditional commitment to style, simplicity and security. Indeed, according to Gurman, this is how Apple will market its AI features – as reliable, usable tools that enhance users’ daily lives, rather than all-powerful creative ones. Superior Siri (Image credit: Apple) There’s still no word on what Apple's AI features will be, exactly, but the likes of Siri, Messages, Apple Music and Pages are expected to receive significant AI-based improvements in iOS 18, with the former reportedly in line for a ChatGPT-style makeover. Rumors suggest that Siri, specifically, will also harness generative AI to understand not just your vocal requests, but also the context behind them, which will presumably make the once-pioneering voice assistant a much more useful feature of the best iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, as well as, we hope, Apple’s long-awaited HomePod with a touchscreen. In any case, Apple’s suite of AI features are reportedly on track for a grand unveiling at WWDC 2024, so we don’t have too long to wait before we find out how the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro Max and other iOS 18-compatible devices will challenge the current best phones on the market in the AI department. You might also like... More leaked iPhone 16 dummy units echo previous design leaksThe iPhone 16 could be sold in seven shadesBattery capacities for all four iPhone 16 models have leaked View the full article

We write about the best phones on a daily basis here at TechRadar, but rarely do we take a moment to consider the accessories – think cases, chargers and adapters – that make these products even better. I’ve made no secret of my preference for iPhone over Android, so in this article, I thought I’d share the three iPhone accessories I use alongside my iPhone 15 Pro to get the best out of what is, for me, the best iPhone Apple has ever released (in the coming weeks, we’ll post an Android-equivalent version of this same format). Incidentally, all three products in the below list are available to purchase from Apple directly, but where possible, you’ll also see links to cheaper, third-party retailers in the US, UK and Australia underneath each listing. Apple MagSafe Charger (Image credit: Apple / Future) I was skeptical about the benefits of MagSafe charging at first – after all, having a magnetic charger clipped to the back of your phone effectively makes the whole 'wireless' thing redundant – but Apple’s official MagSafe Charger is absolutely worth the $39 / £45 / AU$69 outlay, for convenience alone. If you’ve got an iPhone 12 or later, this neat-looking disc will charge your device up to 15W, and you’ll never need to worry about owning the correct charging cable again (if you move from a Lightning-equipped iPhone 12 to a USB-C-equipped iPhone 15, for instance, you won’t have to reinvest in a new charger). What’s more, Apple’s MagSafe Charger can juice up the wireless charging case used to power AirPods, so if, like me, you own an iPhone 15 (USB-C) and the old-generation AirPods (Lightning), this is still a one-fits-all charging solution. For the latest Apple MagSafe Charger prices in your region, check out the price comparison block below. And if you’re still not convinced about the benefits of MagSafe, head over to our best iPhone chargers guide for a look at the alternative options. Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe (Image credit: Apple) Sticking with the MagSafe theme, Apple’s MagSafe wallet is another of the best MagSafe accessories available in 2024. I actually own the now-discontinued leather version of this product, which has held up remarkably well despite its age, but since that MagSafe wallet was replaced by a FineWoven version in 2023, this is your best bet if you’re looking for a way to keep your cards safe and sound without needing to lug around an actual wallet. Yes, it’s true that Apple’s new FineWoven material hasn’t gone down well with customers who bought its FineWoven phone cases, but the FineWoven MagSafe Wallet is at least compatible with the company’s Find My network (the first-generation leather version wasn’t, and only a few third-party MagSafe wallets are Find My-compatible in 2024). Essentially, that means you’ll be able to track and locate your wallet, should you misplace it. The FineWoven MagSafe Wallet supports up to three cards, and can be stacked on top of a MagSafe-compatible iPhone case, so you needn't sacrifice protection for convenience. Again, some third-party alternatives also offer this functionality, but I haven’t tried them out for myself, so I can only attest to the practicality of Apple’s version. For the latest Apple FineWoven MagSafe Wallet prices in your region, check out the price comparison block below. Apple AirTag (Image credit: Apple) Okay, this one isn’t strictly an iPhone accessory, per se, but if you haven’t yet invested in an Apple AirTag, you’re missing out on some serious peace of mind. In today’s mile-a-minute world, it can be easy to lose track of the small things – and I mean that literally, as well as metaphorically. Apple AirTags are a great way to keep tabs on the whereabouts of your seemingly anthropomorphic keys, wallet or suitcase from the convenience of your iPhone, and although their $29 / £35 / AU$49 asking price seems steep, you’ll be thankful for the investment when you realize that your baggage did not, in fact, make it onto the plane at Doha airport. If you're partial to losing multiple important things at any one time (and let's face it, who isn't?), Apple (and indeed most third-party retailers) also offers an AirTag four-pack for $99 / £119 / AU$165, which is slightly better value. For the latest Apple AirTag prices in your region, check out the price comparison block below. You might also like... More leaked iPhone 16 dummy units echo previous design leaksThe iPhone 16 could be sold in seven shadesBattery capacities for all four iPhone 16 models have leaked View the full article

It was a big week for retro gaming fans, as iPhone users are starting to reap the rewards of Apple's recent change to allow retro game emulators on the App Store. This week also saw a new iOS 17.5 beta that will support web-based app distribution in the EU, the debut of the first hotels to allow for direct AirPlay streaming to room TVs, a fresh rumor about the impending iPad Air update, and more details on the sequence of Apple's M4-based Mac updates starting later this year, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more! Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone A few weeks after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to allow retro game console emulator apps, the popular Nintendo emulator Delta is now available in the App Store. Delta can emulate games released for many older Nintendo consoles, including the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, and all Game Boy models. We published an article explaining key facts about emulators in the App Store and the legality of downloading games. New iOS 17.5 Beta Lets EU iPhone Users Download Apps Directly From Websites Starting with the second beta of iOS 17.5, released this week, large developers in the EU can now distribute apps directly on the web instead of through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace. To be eligible for this new Web Distribution feature, Apple says a developer must meet several requirements, including having an app that had more than one million annual installs on iOS in the EU in the prior calendar year. iOS 17's New AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Begins Rolling Out Apple has announced that AirPlay is now available at around 60 hotels operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. At hotels that offer the feature, guests can scan a unique QR code on their room's TV to establish an AirPlay connection, allowing them to wirelessly stream content from their iPhone or iPad. For example, they could stream Apple TV+ or Netflix shows, listen to music on Apple Music or Spotify, play games on Apple Arcade, or work out with Apple Fitness+. iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: 30 Rumored Upgrades Compared While the iPhone 16 lineup is still months away from being announced, there are already many rumors about the four devices that have been circulating for months. If you own an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max model, and will be considering upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro family, check out our new comparison chart that outlines over 30 rumored new features and changes for the iPhone 16 Pro models, and if you're an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus user, we're tracking over 15 changes expected for the iPhone 16 models. 12.9-Inch iPad Air Now Rumored to Feature Mini-LED Display The rumored 12.9-inch iPad Air that is expected to be announced in May will be equipped with a mini-LED display like the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to info shared this week by Ross Young, CEO of research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. The existing 10.9-inch iPad Air is equipped with a standard LCD panel, and the move to mini-LED technology for the 12.9-inch model would provide increased brightness for HDR content, deeper blacks, and more. M4 Macs Are Expected to Launch in This Order Starting Later This Year In his Power On newsletter this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined the order in which he expects Macs with the M4 family of chips to be released. Gurman said the entire Mac lineup will be updated with the M4 chip or higher-end variants, starting with the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini between late 2024 and early 2025, followed by the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro between the spring and end of 2025. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories This article, "Top Stories: Nintendo Emulators on App Store, Two New iOS 17 Features, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

With the advent of increased third-party support on iOS, video game emulators have rushed to the App Store to fill in the gap. The first bunch has been primarily for old Commodore 64 and GameBoy titles. However, this could soon change as we may see an emulator capable of running Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn games. The app in question is called Provenance EMU. In an email to news site iMore, project lead Joseph Mattiello said his team is working on launching their software to the App Store. Provenance, if you’re not familiar, can run titles from a variety of consoles, including famous ones such as the Super Nintendo and more obscure machines. It’s unknown when the emulator will make its debut. Mattiello states they also need to make some quality-of-life fixes first and he wants to “investigate” the new rules. The report doesn’t explain what he’s referring to, but Mattiello may be talking about the recent changes Apple made to the App Review Guidelines. Lines were added in early April stating “developers are responsible for all the software inside their apps”. Plus, emulators need to “comply with all applicable laws”. WarningPlease note the use of emulators may be in violation of the game developer and publisher terms and conditions as well as applicable intellectual property laws. These will vary so please check these. Emulators should only ever be used with your own purchased game copy. TechRadar does not condone or encourage the illegal downloading of games or actions infringing copyright. This could put third-party developers under deep scrutiny by gaming publishers. Nintendo, for example, is not afraid to sic its lawyers after developers it claims are violating the law. Look at what happened with Yuzu. Game emulation currently exists in a legally gray area. Despite this, they have been allowed to exist, but one wrong move could bring the hammer down. So, Mattiello wants to ensure his team won’t be stepping on any landmines at launch. If all goes well, we could see a new era of mobile gaming; one where the titles aren’t just sidescrollers with sprites, but games featuring fleshed-out 3D models and environments. What to play We don’t recommend downloading random ROMs of games off the internet. Not only could they violate intellectual property laws, but they can also hold malware. These digital libraries aren’t the most secure. So if and when Provenance is released on the App Store, what can people play? At the moment, it seems users will have to try out homebrew games. They’re independently made titles that copy certain graphical styles for emulators. iMore recommends PSX Place, a website where hobbyists come together to share their homebrewed PlayStation games. Itch.io is another great resource. If you ever wanted to play a fan adaptation of Twin Peaks, Itch.io has one available. For GameBoy-style titles, Homebrew Hub has tons of fan-made projects. Personally, we would love to see publishers like Sony and Nintendo release their games on iOS. That way, people can enjoy the classics without skirting the law. For those looking to upgrade, check out TechRadar's guide for the best iPhone for 2024. You might also like Want a retro gaming emulator on your iPhone? Apple just clarified the state of play on iOSThe first third-party iOS app store is live in the EU – and another Nintendo emulator just showed upThe latest iOS 17.5 beta gives iPhone users in the EU a new way to download apps View the full article

The lead developer of the multi-emulator app Provenance has told iMore that his team is working towards releasing the app on the App Store, but he did not provide a timeframe. Provenance is a frontend for many existing emulators, and it would allow iPhone and Apple TV users to emulate games released for a wide variety of classic game consoles, including the original PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, SEGA Genesis, Atari 2600, and others. Apple has so far approved emulators on the App Store for older Nintendo consoles and the Commodore 64. For example, Riley Testut's popular Delta emulator is now in the App Store in many countries, and it can emulate games released for the Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64, and Nintendo DS. Provenance would bring the first Sony, SEGA, and Atari emulators to the App Store if approved. Provenance has been in development since 2016, and it can already be sideloaded on the iPhone and the Apple TV outside of the App Store. Apple updated its App Review Guidelines earlier this month to allow "retro game console emulator apps" on the App Store for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. Earlier this week, Apple told us that emulators that can load games (ROMs) are permitted on the App Store, so long as the apps are emulating "retro console games" only. It is unclear if Apple will consider consoles like the GameCube and Wii to be "retro." While a U.S. court ruled that emulators are legal, downloading copyrighted ROMs is typically against the law in the country. On its customer support website for the U.S., Nintendo says that downloading pirated copies of its games is illegal. A wide collection of public-domain "homebrew" games are available to play legally.Tags: App Store, Emulator This article, "PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, and SEGA Emulator for iPhone and Apple TV Coming to App Store" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

After over a year of reports, there are now more than a dozen specific rumors about the features and improvements set to be offered by the two non-Pro iPhone 16 models later in 2024. All of the changes the ‌iPhone 16‌ models are expected to feature compared to their direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a range of reliable sources that we have previously covered. We will update this article as more rumors emerge in the coming months. This guide focuses on the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 16‌, but to learn about how we are expecting the iPhone 16 Pro to improve on the iPhone 15 Pro, see our other comparison article. Design The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors, meaning that they will have the same dimensions. The most noticeable alteration that will denote the new models is said to be a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture, but the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year's Pro models and the introduction of an all-new "Capture" button will also be important changes. ‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ Diagonally arranged rear camera array Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture Ring/Silent switch Action Button "Capture Button" to trigger photography and videography features iPhone 15: 171g weight iPhone 15 Plus: 201g weight iPhone 16: 173g weight (+1%) iPhone 16 Plus: 203g weight (+1%) Chip, Memory, and Connectivity The ‌iPhone 16‌ models are rumored to benefit from a moderate improvement in processing power thanks to an all-new A18 chip with a more powerful Neural Engine to support exclusive generative AI capabilities. We are also expecting 33% more memory and Wi-Fi 6E support. ‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ A16 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N4P" enhanced 5nm process) A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process) 16-core Neural Engine Enhanced Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support new AI features 6GB memory 8GB memory (+33%) Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Batteries and Charging The ‌iPhone 16‌ models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessor, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life. ‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ Single-layer battery technology Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh battery iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh battery iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery (+6%) iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery (-9%) Up to 27W wired charging Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster) 15W charging via MagSafe 20W charging via ‌MagSafe‌ (33% faster) Other Features and Changes The ‌iPhone 16‌ models are likely to receive several camera enhancements, such as spatial video capture for the Apple Vision Pro. While many of Apple's devices are rumored to receive a series of new AI-based features via software updates later this year, the ‌iPhone 16‌ models are expected to take these further with exclusive capabilities facilitated by a more powerful Neural Engine in the A18 chip and an upgraded microphone for voice commands. ‌iPhone 15‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology Spatial video capture Upcoming support for new AI features in iOS 18 Upcoming support for new AI features in ‌iOS 18‌, plus a suite of device-exclusive AI features Microphone Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Black Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Black, White, and Purple Release Date The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to launch in the fall. Apple usually hosts an event every September to unveil new iPhone models, with launch following just over a week later. For more information about the ‌iPhone 16‌ models, see our comprehensive roundup. Will It Be Worth Upgrading? The ‌iPhone 15‌ was a significant upgrade over 2023's iPhone 14, introducing a new design with a the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and more. The ‌iPhone 16‌'s upgrades will likely not be as substantial as those offered by its predecessor. As a result, most ‌iPhone 15‌ users will have little reason to upgrade, but some who would appreciate AI features, improved performance, spatial video capture, and a dedicated button for photography and videography features may find it worthwhile.Related Roundups: iPhone 15, iPhone 16Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhone This article, "iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 15+ Rumored Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has announced that iPhone and iPad users can wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos from their device to their hotel room TV via AirPlay at select IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting today, including select Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, and InterContinental locations. Apple says IHG has made AirPlay available at more than 60 hotels so far, and additional hotels will support the feature "in the coming months." The feature allows you to scan a unique QR code on the hotel room TV to establish an AirPlay connection, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone or iPad to the TV. After the pairing process, your device will also automatically be connected to the hotel's Wi-Fi network. The device must be updated to iOS 17.3 or iPadOS 17.3 or later. In addition to services like Apple TV+ and Apple Music, AirPlay on hotel room TVs works with Apple Arcade for gaming and Apple Fitness+ for workouts. Apple emphasized the privacy and security of the AirPlay feature. When a guest checks out of the hotel, the company says their connection to the TV is erased, preventing future guests and hotel staff from accessing the user's activity. Apple first announced this feature at WWDC 2023 last June, in partnership with LG. Google already offers a similar Chromecast streaming feature on many hotel TVs that works with both iPhones and Android devices, so Apple has a lot of catching up to do on this front, but AirPlay support is certainly a useful addition for iPhone users.Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Tag: AirPlayRelated Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17 This article, "iPhone's New AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Begins Rolling Out" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

As anticipation builds for Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 series, the rumor mill has highlighted some potential camera upgrades that could change how we use our iPhones for photography. The camera system has always been a cornerstone of Apple's iPhone, and this year Apple appears set to push the envelope even further. As the iPhone 16 launch in September approaches, all eyes will be on how the following changes might maintain Apple's competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market. 1. Vertical Camera Layout iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus Apple's iPhone 16 base models will feature a vertical camera arrangement with a pill-shaped raised surface, instead of a diagonal camera arrangement like the iPhone 15. The new camera bump features two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultrawide cameras. The vertical camera layout is expected to enable Spatial Video recording, which is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models. 2. Ultra Wide Lens Upgrade iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera lens, which would allow it to capture more light, resulting in improved photos when shooting in 0.5× mode, especially in low-light environments. This also means that iPhone 16 Pro models should be able to shoot 48-megapixel ProRAW photos in Ultra Wide mode. These photos retain more detail in the image file for more editing flexibility, and can be printed at large sizes. 3. Super Telephoto Camera iPhone 16 Pro Max The iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the first iPhone to feature a super telephoto periscope camera for dramatically increased optical zoom. "Super" or "ultra" telephoto usually describes cameras with a focal length of over 300mm. The current telephoto lens is equivalent to a 77mm lens, so if accurate, there could be a notable increase in zoom capabilities. Super telephoto cameras are often used for sports and wild animal photography, but the extremely soft backgrounds they create also make them useful for portrait photography, providing there is enough distance between the subject and the photographer. 4. Tetraprism Lens iPhone 16 Pro Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature 5x optical zoom, which is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple's tetraprism lens system has a "folded" design that allows it to fit inside the smartphone, enabling up to 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom. In contrast, the current smaller iPhone 15 Pro is limited to up to 3x optical zoom, which is in line with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. 5. Reduced Lens Flare All iPhone 16 Models Apple is said to be testing a new anti-reflective optical coating technology for its iPhone cameras that could improve the quality of photos by reducing artifacts like lens flare and ghosting. Apple plans to bring new atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment into the iPhone camera lens manufacturing process to apply the coating. ALD-applied materials can also protect against environmental damage to the camera lens system without affecting the sensor's ability to capture light effectively. 6. Capture Button All iPhone 16 Models All iPhone 16 models will have a new camera-based "Capture Button" dedicated to quickly triggering image or video capture. The button will add features like the ability to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, focus on a subject with a light press, and activate a recording with a more forceful press. The Capture Button will be located on the bottom right side of the ‌iPhone 16, and will take the place of the mmWave antenna on U.S. ‌iPhone‌ models, with the antenna relocating to the left side of the device below the volume and Action buttons.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Photography This article, "Six Rumored iPhone 16 Camera Upgrades Coming This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, another rumor has already surfaced about the two-generations-away iPhone 17 lineup. In a post shared today on social media platform X, oft-accurate display industry expert Ross Young said he heard that the "iPhone 17 Plus" will be equipped with a smaller screen than the current-generation iPhone 15 Plus, which has a 6.7-inch display. However, he did not reveal the exact screen size planned for the iPhone 17 Plus. Currently, the iPhone 15 Plus has the same screen size as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If this rumor is accurate, a smaller screen would further differentiate the Plus model from the Pro Max model, starting with the iPhone 17 lineup. Meanwhile, it has been rumored that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will have larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, which would be a 0.2-inch increase over each of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. A summary of what to expect follows, but given the iPhone 17 lineup is still a year and a half away, keep in mind that details could change. iPhone 15 iPhone 15: 6.1-inch display iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7-inch display iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1-inch display iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7-inch display iPhone 16 iPhone 16: 6.1-inch display iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch display iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display iPhone 17 iPhone 17: 6.1-inch display iPhone 17 Plus: A smaller-than-6.7-inch display iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayTags: Ross Young, iPhone 17 This article, "iPhone 17 Plus Rumored to Feature Smaller Screen Than iPhone 15 Plus" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

One of the first alternative app marketplaces went live in the European Union today, with developer Riley Testut introducing AltStore PAL, a version of his AltStore that can be accessed in EU countries. AltStore PAL is an open-source app that is designed to distribute apps from independent developers. At launch, it features two apps, including Testut's Delta game emulator and clipboard manager app Clip. Delta is also being simultaneously released in the App Store outside of the European Union, but it looks like EU customers will need to download it from AltStore. Testut says that once AltStore PAL is "running smoothly," third-party app developers will be able to submit their apps for distribution outside of the App Store. The app marketplace is designed to be decentralized with no directory, so developers will need to self-promote their apps and direct users to their websites to install an app through AltStore. Distributing apps through AltStore is free of charge, but it is worth noting that apps that see more than one million first annual installs will need to pay Apple an 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee. App marketplaces have to pay the fee for every install with no free allowance, so AltStore is charged 0.50 euros each time it is installed. To afford the fee, Testut is charging 1.50 euros per year for AltStore PAL access. Testut has been working on AltStore PAL since Apple announced plans to support alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4. It is open to all apps, but Testut says that it makes the most sense for "smaller, indie apps that otherwise couldn't exist due to ‌App Store‌ rules." AltStore PAL is equipped with Patreon integration to allow developers to monetize their apps. Developers can offer their apps to just their patrons, and this method of distribution also allows for a sub-1 million cap on those who can subscribe to use an app. iPhone users in the European Union can download AltStore PAL from the AltStore website. Alternative app marketplaces are not available outside of the European Union.Tag: European Union This article, "AltStore PAL Alternative App Marketplace Launches on iPhone in EU" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Game emulator apps have come and gone since Apple announced App Store support for them on April 5, but now popular game emulator Delta from developer Riley Testut is available for download. Testut is known as the developer behind GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator that was available on the App Store for a brief time more than a decade ago. GBA4iOS led to Delta, an emulator that has been available outside of the ‌App Store‌, but is now sanctioned by Apple. Delta is an all-in-one emulator that supports game systems including NES, SNES, N64, Nintendo DS, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance. It works with popular game controllers, and supports cheats, save states, backups, syncing, and more. As this is Testut's longtime project, it is more polished and feature rich than other emulators that have popped up. Other features include custom controller skins, an option to fast forward, a "hold" button for games where a button needs to be consistently held, support for Haptic Touch, and appropriate box art for imported games. Local multiplayer gaming is available, and up to four players can participate. Earlier this week, Apple approved iGBA, a direct copy of Testut's original GBA4iOS app. iGBA made it to the top of the ‌App Store‌ charges, but Apple pulled it after learning that it was a knockoff. Delta can be downloaded from the ‌App Store‌ for free, and it does not collect information or include ads. The app is available in the United States and other countries, but it is not available in the European Union where it is instead being offered through an alternative app marketplace. [Direct Link] This article, "Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any NES games available for download online, such as Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. Nintendo released the NES game console in 1985, so some of these games are nearly 40 years old. On its website, Nintendo says "downloading of pirate copies of Nintendo games is illegal." The release of Bimmy comes after Apple removed Game Boy emulator iGBA from the App Store for ripping off another emulator known as GBA4iOS, which was distributed outside the App Store. Apple said it had approved of iGBA's functionality prior to learning that the app was a knockoff, suggesting that emulators for older Nintendo game consoles are permitted on the App Store, and Bimmy seems to be the first proof of that. Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators earlier this month. Apple says developers of emulators are "responsible for all such software" offered in the app, including compliance with "all applicable laws."Tags: App Store, Emulator This article, "NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

With the second beta of iOS 17.5 that's available today, iPhone users located in the European Union are able to download apps directly from the websites of Apple app developers without going through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace. Since March, Apple has been working on support for downloading apps from websites, and the feature is finally ready for testing. Apple started letting developers offer their apps through alternative app marketplaces in the EU in iOS 17.4, but the website option adds a new method for acquiring apps. App developers that want to offer iOS apps from their websites in the European Union need to meet specific criteria to ensure the safety of ‌iPhone‌ users. Apps must undergo Apple's Notarization process, and developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more. Only apps that have had one million annual first installs or more on iOS in the EU in the prior year are eligible for download from a website. Developers that meet these terms will be able to use an API for web-based app downloads. Apps downloaded through the web using the API can be backed up, restored, and updated as standard apps can. When an ‌iPhone‌ user in the EU visits a website to install an app, users will need to grant express permission for that developer to install apps to Settings. A system sheet will display the app name, developer name, app description, screenshots, and more. Developers are only able to offer apps from their developer account, and are required to publish transparent data collection policies so users are aware of how data is collected and used. Apps distributed outside of the ‌App Store‌ need to provide customer support, refunds, and offer a way to manage apps. While developers do not have to pay a cut of app sales to Apple for apps distributed through websites, there is a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each annual install over one million in the past 12 months. The fee is waived for nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities. Downloading apps outside of the ‌App Store‌ is limited to ‌iPhone‌ users who are located in the European Union, and Apple has implemented these options to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. The functionality is not available on the iPad, nor is it open to ‌iPhone‌ users in other countries.Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17 This article, "New iOS 17.5 Beta Lets EU iPhone Users Download Apps Directly From Websites" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Last September, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models debuted with a new customizable Action button, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models, so we asked iPhone 15 Pro users what their experience has been with the additional button so far. The Action button replaces the switch that activates Ring and Silent on Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models, while the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models retain the traditional Ring/Silent switch. By default, the Action button still activates these two functions via a long press, but users can also make it activate a range of other functions, including quickly opening the camera app or enabling the flashlight, activating Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier. Of around 7,000 MacRumors readers who responded to our poll on social media, just over half (50.6%) said they often forgot the Action button is even there, while over a quarter of respondents (26.8%) said they use the Action button "occasionally." Based on readers who commented, most occasional users assigned the camera or flashlight to the Action button – functions that are also easily accessible via the Lock screen. A subsection of users in the same category said they have the Action button set to activate/deactivate Mute, to mimic the physical Mute switch it replaced. iPhone 15 Pro: How to Customize the Action Button Some respondents (12.6%) agreed with the description that the Action button is a "game changer." Most users in this category used it to activate custom Shortcuts, which allowed for novel uses like skipping forward in podcasts, adding to-dos, prompting ChatGPT, activating smart lights, or opening a folder. Some in this category simply appreciated the fact that it saved them time accessing more standard functions that would otherwise involve navigating through onscreen menus. The rest of our poll respondents (10%) agreed that the Action button was something of a "volume decoy," implying that they often pressed it by accident when they intended to adjust audio levels via the volume buttons, usually when their iPhone was in a pocket or purse. With the Action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro set to expand to all models later this year, we want to hear from current users: Does it make your iPhone life easier? — MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) April 15, 2024 Our social media poll represents a small, self-selecting cohort of iPhone 15 Pro users. It is also an example of convenience sampling, and by no means statistically sound. Even so, it seems the case could be made that many people have had trouble finding a dedicated use case for the Action button. Assigning the button to the camera appears to be the most popular way to increase the likelihood that it gets used. Launching the camera app like this avoids having to press or swipe the Lock Screen or select the Camera app from the Home screen. However, Apple is rumored to be adding a "Capture button" to the iPhone 16 for video recording, so the Action button might get less useful for those who use it for this purpose. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence suggests there is a fair amount of frustration among "power users" that Apple has not added more flexibility to the way the Action button works. Currently the button only responds to a long press, but more sophisticated iPhone users want a built-in ability to set different customizations for short presses, double-presses, and triple presses. How to Assign Two Functions to the Action Button So what do you think of the Action button? Is it a hit or miss for Apple? Let us know your thoughts and any favorite use cases in the comments.Related Roundups: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Action ButtonBuyer's Guide: iPhone 15 Pro (Neutral) This article, "All iPhone 16 Models to Feature Action Button, But Usefulness Debated" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple will allegedly offer both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with a minimum 256GB of storage, doing away with the 128GB starting option on its smaller Pro model for the first time. Currently, Apple's 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 and comes with the minimum 128GB of storage, while the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 with a minimum 256GB of storage. However, according to The Mac Observer, Apple will bump up the base storage of the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro to 256GB to match the minimum capacity of the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the starting price of Apple's smaller Pro model will remain at $999. The source of the alleged "leak" has no recent track record for accurate Apple rumors, so we are filing this one under sketchy. Having said that, the claim is not outside the realm of possibility. If Apple drops 128GB as the base on the iPhone 16 Pro, that will leave three Pro storage options across the board: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Is 128GB Enough iPhone Storage? In 2018, Apple's iPhone X came with 64GB, an entry-level storage tier that persisted in successive premium device generations until the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020, when Apple adopted 128GB as the new baseline. The next year saw all iPhone 13 models offered with a minimum 128GB. If Apple makes 256GB the new minimum across its premium devices this year, we could well see it reach all models in 2025. At the other end of the scale, a rumor in January out of Korea claimed that both iPhone 16 Pro models will be available with double the maximum storage capacity as the iPhone 15 Pro devices, increasing from 1TB to 2TB. The maximum storage increase is said to be a result of Apple's switch to higher-density Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash for higher storage models. Apple's use of QLC NAND could allow Apple to fit more storage into a smaller space and it is less expensive than Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND, which current iPhones use. Every iPhone 16 Rumor We've Covered So Far This year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to be getting bigger display sizes, increasing to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. The new display sizes will be the largest ever for the iPhone, and should also increase the physical space for internal components and parts. Article corrected to reflect iPhone 12 Pro jump to 128GB base storage. Apologies for the original error.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro This article, "Both iPhone 16 Pro Models to Feature 256GB Base Storage, Claims Sketchy Rumor" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

After over a year of rumors, there are now 30 changes and improvements expected to be offered by the iPhone 16 Pro models later this year. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. All of the changes the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are expected to feature compared to their direct forerunners are listed below, using information from reliable sources that we have previously covered. We will update this article as more rumors emerge in the coming months. Displays Both ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are expected to feature larger displays than their predecessors, pushing the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max to be the biggest iPhone ever offered. There are also reportedly improvements to the underlying OLED technology in store. iPhone 15 Pro ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ 6.1- or 6.7-inch display 6.3- or 6.9-inch display Thinner borders around the display More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology Chip, Thermals, and Connectivity Under the hood, the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are rumored to bring notable improvements in processing power, thermal management, and connectivity. From a more powerful "A18 Pro" chip to advanced thermal designs and enhanced connectivity options including the latest Wi-Fi standards, these changes promise to further update the ‌iPhone‌'s basic specifications. ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ A17 Pro chip (TSMC's "N3B" 3nm process) A18 Pro chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced ‌3nm‌ process) 16-core Neural Engine Enhanced neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support new AI features Thermal design with copper heatsink and black foil battery casing New thermal design with graphene heatsink and metal battery casing Snapdragon X70 5G modem Snapdragon X75 5G modem Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Wi-Fi 7 connectivity Cameras The ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are slated to receive a range of substantial camera enhancements, such as a larger main camera sensor, a 48-megapixel sensor on the ultra wide camera, and a dedicated hardware button for photography and videography on the side of the device. ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ "Capture Button" to trigger photography and videography features 1/1.28-inch main camera sensor iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max: 1/1.14-inch main camera sensor (12% larger) Sony IMX-803 main camera sensor iPhone 16 Pro Max: Sony IMX-903 main camera sensor with stacked design for better performance, a 14-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for high-quality image data conversion, and Digital Gain Control (DCG) for better dynamic range and noise control 7P main camera lens 8P main camera lens iPhone 15 Pro: Telephoto camera with second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization iPhone 15 Pro Max: Telephoto camera with larger sensor, folded tetraprism design, optical image stabilization, and autofocus 3D sensor-shift module Telephoto camera with larger sensor, folded tetraprism design, optical image stabilization, and autofocus 3D sensor-shift module iPhone 15 Pro: 77mm maximum focal length iPhone 15 Pro Max: 120mm maximum focal length iPhone 16 Pro: 120mm maximum focal length iPhone 16 Pro Max: "Super" telephoto camera with focal length above 300mm iPhone 15 Pro: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 3x optical zoom iPhone 15 Pro Max: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, and 5x optical zoom (5x on Pro Max only) 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x optical zoom 4P telephoto camera lens 5P telephoto camera lens 12-megapixel ultra wide camera 48-megapixel ultra wide camera 5P ultra wide camera lens 6P ultra wide camera lens Batteries and Charging The ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting bigger, denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Single-layer battery technology Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan iPhone 15 Pro: 3,274 mAh battery iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,422 mAh battery iPhone 16 Pro: 3,355 mAh mAh battery (+2.5%) iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676 mAh battery (+5%) Up to 27W wired charging Up to 40W wired charging 15W charging via MagSafe 20W charging via ‌MagSafe‌ Other Features and Changes While many of Apple's devices are rumored to receive a series of new AI-based features via software updates later this year, the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are expected to take these further with exclusive capabilities and an upgraded microphone. ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Support for new AI features in iOS 18 Support for new AI features in ‌iOS 18‌, plus a suite of device-exclusive AI features Microphone Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features Up to 1TB of storage Up to 2TB of storage Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium color options Black Titanium/Space Black, White Titanium, Desert Titanium, Titanium Gray, and potentially Rose Gold color options Brushed titanium frame Glossy titanium frame Dimensions To accommodate the devices' larger displays, both ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models are rumored to grow in height and width, but no changes to the depth are anticipated. ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ iPhone 15 Pro: 146.6mm height iPhone 15 Pro Max: 159.9mm height iPhone 16 Pro: 149.6mm height iPhone 16 Pro Max: 163.0mm height iPhone 15 Pro: 70.60mm width iPhone 15 Pro Max: 76.70mm width iPhone 16 Pro: 71.45mm width iPhone 16 Pro Max: 77.58mm width iPhone 15 Pro: 187g weight iPhone 15 Pro Max: 221g weight iPhone 16 Pro: 194g weight iPhone 16 Pro Max: 225g weight Release Date The ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max are expected to launch in the fall. Apple usually hosts an event every September to unveil new ‌iPhone‌ models, with launch following just over a week later. For more information about the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models, see our comprehensive roundup. Will It Be Worth Upgrading? The ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ was a fairly significant upgrade over the iPhone 14 Pro in 2023, introducing a new design with a titanium frame, slimmer bezels, the Action button, a USB-C port, and more. The ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌'s upgrades will likely not be as substantial as those offered by its predecessor. As a result, most ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ users will have little reason to upgrade, but some who would appreciate a larger display, better cameras, and a dedicated button for photography and videography features may find it worthwhile.Related Roundups: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 ProBuyer's Guide: iPhone 15 Pro (Neutral) This article, "iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: 30 Rumored Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's iPhone shipments decreased by nearly 10% globally in the first quarter of 2024, hit by rapid growth in shipments by rival Chinese vendors, based on data provided by the International Data Corporation (IDC). According to the IDC report, Apple's shipments fell 9.6% to 50.1 million units in the first quarter, down from 55.4 million units in the same quarter the previous year. Apple experienced the most significant annual decline among the top five smartphone brands covered in the report. Samsung reclaimed its position as the market leader, which it had lost to Apple the previous year, by capturing a 20.8% market share with shipments of about 60.1 million units, roughly the same as last year. In 2023, its market share was 22.5% during the same period. In contrast, after having last year overtaken Samsung to become the top smartphone manufacturer for the first time, Apple experienced a decline in market share from 20.7% to 17.3%. "While IDC expects these two companies to maintain their hold on the high end of the market, the resurgence of Huawei in China, as well as notable gains from Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO/OnePlus, and vivo will likely have both OEMs looking for areas to expand and diversify," said Ryan Reith, group vice president at IDC Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers.Apple has struggled to sustain interest in its flagship smartphone lineup in China since the company released its iPhone 15 series in September, which came just weeks after Huawei debuted its highly popular Mate 60 series. Interest in iPhones has also been impacted by a Beijing-backed ban from the offices of a huge number of state-owned enterprises in power generation, seaport construction, mining, manufacturing, education, and investment markets. Apple's drop in shipments came during a time when global first-quarter smartphone shipments actually rose 7.8% year-on-year to 289.4 million units. It was the third consecutive quarter of shipment growth across the worldwide market, according to IDC.Tags: IDC, China This article, "Samsung Regains Top Spot as Apple's iPhone Shipments Fall in Q1 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is testing a new anti-reflective optical coating technology for future iPhone cameras that could improve the quality of photos by reducing artifacts like lens flare and ghosting, claims a rumor out of Korea. According to the news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Naver blog, citing a company source within Apple's supply chain, Apple is looking at introducing new atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment into the iPhone camera lens manufacturing process. ALD involves depositing materials one atomic layer at a time onto a substrate, allowing for extremely precise control over thickness and composition. Its use allows manufacturers to apply very thin layers of materials onto semiconductor devices, including camera components. In terms of camera lenses, ALD can be used to apply anti-reflective coatings, which can help to reduce photographic artifacts like streaks of light and halos that can occur in the final image when a bright light source such as the sun shines directly into the lens. iPhone 16 Pro Expected Later This Year With These 12 New Features ALD can also reduce ghosting, a type of image distortion where faint, secondary images appear in the photo, typically opposite a bright light source. This happens when light reflects back and forth between the surfaces of the lens elements and the camera sensor. In addition, ALD-applied materials can protect against environmental damage to the camera lens system without affecting the sensor's ability to capture light effectively. The Naver blog claims that the manufacturing process will be applied to a "Pro model" in Apple's "next-generation" iPhone lineup, which sounds like a reference to one or both premium models in the iPhone 16 series, although given the timing of the rumor, the possibility that this method is being tested for next year's iPhone 17 Pro models should not be discounted. Seven Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17 Both upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to include a tetraprism lens with up to 5x optical zoom – a feature that is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Apple's smartphone lineup. Apple usually launches its new-generation iPhones around mid-September.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 ProTag: Naver This article, "iPhone 16 Pro Camera May Be Less Prone to Lens Flare and Ghosting" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

My iPhone is one of the best cameras I've ever owned, but it's also incredibly boring compared to a Leica M11 – and that feeling has been rammed home by the arrival of Leica's new Leitz Phone 3, its third and most interesting smartphone so far. The Leitz Phone 3's allure has, I admit, been enhanced by its Leica red dot and the fact that it's also only available in Japan. This has naturally made me want it more, but even from a distance, I can see it's packed with little touches that make me wish smartphones weren't all functional, grey rectangles that take technically 'perfect' photos. (Image credit: Leica) For a start, there's its design. The Leitz Phone 3 is probably a rebranded Sharp Aquos R8 Pro (another Japan-only phone), but it's also the closest thing to a cross between a phone and a Leica M-series camera. Leica's given the phone a lovely textured finish and, yes, a lens cap. It's ridiculous, and I'd lose it in ten minutes – but it's also a lot of fun. On a more practical level, the Leitz Phone 3 also has a lot of new software touches. You get an exclusive Golden Hour widget, to tell you when to dash out and get that landscape shot. As much as I love Photopills and its iPhone widget, Leica's one looks particularly classy and it's great that it's built-in. The feature I really like the sound of, though, is the lens simulations. Glass master The Leitz Phone 3's best, and most interesting, new feature is the virtual camera lenses in its Leitz Looks camera mode. These simulate the various aperture stops of three of Leica's most popular lenses; the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2, the Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4, and Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4. The combined cost of those three lenses is $21,085 / £18,220 / AU$35,070. The Leitz Phone 3 doesn't have a hope of getting anywhere close to the image quality they can produce – its lenses are likely mostly made from plastic. But I find the concept of software-simulated lenses fascinating, and it'd be great to have the character of Leica-tuned bokeh and vignetting, plus color simulation, in my phone by default. Image 1 of 4 A sample photo shot taken with a Leica Leitz Phone 3 (Image credit: Leica)Image 2 of 4 A sample photo shot taken with a Leica Leitz Phone 3 (Image credit: Leica)Image 3 of 4 A sample photo shot taken with a Leica Leitz Phone 3 (Image credit: Leica)Image 4 of 4 A sample photo shot taken with a Leica Leitz Phone 3 (Image credit: Leica) It wasn't long ago that smartphone portrait modes were artifact-ridden nightmares, but according to Leica, the Leitz Phone 3 can simulate the look of those three classic lenses at each aperture stop, from f/1.2 to f/8. Film simulations, like those on Fujifilm cameras, are now pretty common (in this phone they're called Leica Tones), but software that can simulate the character of specific lenses is something else. That doesn't mean the Leitz Phone 3 is a replacement for an M11, but it does make it way more interesting than my iPhone's Camera app. What about the actual cameras? As you'd hope from a Leica-branded camera, the camera hardware itself is pretty strong too – on paper. Like the Leitz Phone 2, which landed in 2022, you get a main camera with a 47.2MP 1-inch sensor that's combined with a 19mm f/1.9 lens. Hardware-wise, that's comparable to the iPhone 15's 48MP 1/1.28-inch sensor. You also get a fairly standard front-facing 12.6MP camera with an f/2.3 aperture, which isn't much to write home about. But like a 'proper' camera, you do get a microSD card slot to help boost the 512GB of onboard memory, and there's also the rare inclusion of a headphone/microphone jack. (Image credit: Leica) This is all backed up by some other interesting software features, too. For the first time on a phone, the Leitz Phone 3 has a feature called 'Leica Perspective Control' which comes from its cameras. This is particularly handy for architectural photography and helps you make sure buildings are standing up straight. While it's possible to do this in post-production in apps like Lightroom (or by using tilt-shift lenses, if you have them) the benefit of Leica's software is that it shows you where in the photo it'll need to crop to correct the vertical lines. It does this by combining gyroscopic measurements and algorithms, making it another handy feature that I don't have on my iPhone (without third-party apps, at least). These kinds of touches, combined with the LFU widget which cycles through images from the Leica Fotografie International Gallery, make the Leitz Phone 3 look like a proper photography tool with a distinct character. But this also comes with big downsides. Reality check Just as with the Leica M11, I'm likely romanticizing the Leitz Phone 3 and overlooking the practical annoyances that, outside of photography, probably don't make it a fun phone to live with. It runs on Android 14 and it isn't clear how many years of software updates it's likely to get. More importantly, it's only on sale in Japan and seems unlikely to launch outside of that region, given that neither the Leitz Phone 1 or 2 ever got an international release. (Image credit: Leica) I've also never really seriously entertained getting a Sony Xperia 1 V (which new leaks suggest will get a Sony Xperia 1 VI successor soon), even though it also offers some very interesting camera features and software touches. The reality is that the iPhone 16 Pro, which I'll probably upgrade to this year, will almost certainly be the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A7 IV of the phone world when it comes to smartphone photography. In other words, the solid, sensible choice – but I'm still glad that phones like the Leitz Phone 3 exist and hope to see more of its kind arrive outside of the Japan. 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