Launching the second version of Apple Vision glasses on this date, new colors for the iPhone 16, temporarily stopping the development of the foldable iPhone, a template showing the new iPhone 16 camera layout, Apple launching a new application, and other exciting news on the sidelines...

News on the sidelines Week Mar 5 - Mar 11


Insight Timer developer upset by Apple's sudden enforcement of App Store rules

Insight Timer, a meditation app with a $60 annual subscription fee, allows users to tip teachers in exchange for advice and guidance. Apple initially approved this feature but later considered these tips as purchases subject to its 30% fee. Despite negotiations, Apple only agreed to exclude tips from teachers' profiles, not those from live events or reflections, on the grounds that they include digital content. Insight Timer complied with Apple's rules for updating its app, and removed tipping except for teacher profiles. CEO Plowman disagrees with Apple's position, arguing that these interactions are not digital content and teachers should not pay such fees. The CEO hopes Apple will listen and change its policy in the future and urges people to support his cause constructively.


The Food and Drug Administration warns against using smart watches or rings that measure blood sugar levels

From iPhoneIslam.com, Blood Glucose Monitoring Watch, February.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using smart watches or rings that claim to measure blood sugar levels without piercing the skin, because they can lead to dangerous errors in diabetes management. Such devices have not been licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. Although Apple is working on such a feature for the Apple Watch, it is still in the early stages and has not been approved yet. Many low-cost smart watches and rings claim to measure glucose non-invasively, but patients should avoid them because they are not authorized. The US Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on unauthorized devices and stresses the importance of FDA approval of any such product. If Apple or other companies develop such technology, they must obtain FDA approval before selling it. Currently, there is no proven non-invasive method for monitoring blood sugar levels on the market.


Apple launches the new “Apple Sports” application

From iPhoneIslam.com, a screenshot of a phone showing some important news.

Apple has launched a new sports application for the iPhone, which provides users with scores, statistics, standings and upcoming matches for various leagues such as MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL, Premier League and NFL when the season begins. The app also provides real-time information of ongoing matches. It features a simple interface with scoreboards that users can customize by following their favorite teams and leagues. Apple aims to provide quick access to sports information without making users spend too much time in the app. Although the app doesn't yet support live activities on the lock screen or dynamic island, Apple TV is offering this feature for select leagues. Although the app may evolve in the future, Apple intends to keep it simple for now. The Apple Sports app is available for free in the App Store in the US, UK and Canada.

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The top 7 best-selling smartphones of last year are all iPhones

From iPhoneIslam.com, Samsung's share of the top 10 best-selling smartphones globally in February 2021.

In 2023, for the first time, Apple occupied the top seven spots in the global list of the 10 best-selling smartphones. The iPhone 14 series emerged as the best-selling smartphone of the year, with significant sales in the United States and China. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 models were also included in the list, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max topping sales despite its late launch. Apple's total sales remained steady, supported by strong performance in emerging markets such as India, the Middle East and Africa. India, in particular, has surpassed 10 million iPhone sales in just one year. On the other hand, Samsung's A-series devices occupied the eighth, ninth and tenth positions, while none of the flagship Galaxy phones made it to the list. This data is consistent with previous reports, which indicate that Apple will overtake Samsung as the largest global smartphone manufacturer in 2023.


Apple is working to increase the battery life of iPhone 15 models

From iPhoneIslam.com, Apple's new smartphones, including the iPhone 11 Pro, are on display

Apple announced that it has retested the batteries in all iPhone 15 models, and found that they can retain 80% of their original capacity after 1000 full charging cycles, under ideal conditions. This is an improvement over older iPhone models, which retain 80% capacity after 500 charging cycles. Apple conducted rigorous testing that included 1000 charge and discharge cycles, but did not provide specific details. The company continues to improve the iPhone's battery components and power management systems. While this means that the battery capacity of iPhone 15 models may decrease more slowly than older models, Apple is also investigating the battery life of older iPhones. Battery life ultimately depends on how you use and charge the device. Users can check their iPhone battery capacity through Settings. In iOS 17.4, the menu is now called Battery Health and displays more information.

From iPhoneIslam.com, screenshot of a phone with news.


iPhone 16 features improved microphones

From iPhoneIslam.com, a white cell phone with a purple logo and number in the corner.

According to analyst Jeff Poe, the iPhone 16 models will feature upgraded microphones with a higher signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing voice clarity. This upgrade is expected to improve Siri's accuracy, especially with the introduction of generative AI features in iOS 18. Bo points out that some of these advanced AI features may be exclusive to iPhone 16 models due to the upgraded microphones and larger neural engine in A18 and A18 Pro chipsets. Ming-Chi Kuo also noted that improved microphones could greatly enhance the Siri experience and provide better water resistance. Tim Cook emphasized the company's focus on generative AI, hinting at upcoming details. iOS 18 is rumored to bring creative AI capabilities to various aspects of the system, including Siri, Spotlight search, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iOS 18 update at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) next June.


Apple is adopting the RCS messaging standard to comply with Chinese law

From iPhoneIslam.com, rcs text messages are displayed on the phone.

A recent report claims that Apple's decision to introduce RCS (Rich Communications Services) support for its messaging app for the iPhone later this year was not due to impending EU legislation, but rather due to pressure from China. In November 2023, Apple announced its plan to integrate RCS support alongside iMessage, an unexpected move given its previous resistance to pressure from Google and Samsung. While some have speculated that the EU Digital Markets Act prompted this change, this is unlikely. Support for RCS in Messages is expected to improve messaging between iPhone and Android devices with features like high-resolution photos and improved group chats. This may be implemented in the iOS 18 update.


iPhone 16 renders showing a vertical camera layout

From iPhoneIslam.com, a silver phone on a green surface.

An image has emerged purporting to be a mock-up of the upcoming standard model iPhone 16, showing a vertical arrangement of cameras. Apple is said to be experimenting with different camera bump designs for the standard iPhone 16 models, all of which feature a vertical camera arrangement inspired by the iPhone With this design, Apple is expected to introduce spatial video recording to the standard iPhone models, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Recent prototypes also feature a smaller action button and a pressure-sensitive capture button for horizontal video shooting. However, these designs are sourced from pre-production information and may not reflect the final product. The presence of capmaker's templates does not confirm the final design, as they may have been based on early sketches and leaks. While the source of the images, Majin Bu, has a mixed record, previous leaks are consistent with information coming from the supply chain. More details may emerge as the devices progress through development.


Development of the foldable iPhone was temporarily halted due to screen failure

From iPhoneIslam.com, Two iPhones lie next to each other on a white surface.

A new rumor from China suggests that Apple has halted development of the foldable iPhone due to a supplier's demo failing during rigorous testing. According to the report, Apple has been looking into introducing foldable devices since 2016 and is conducting rigorous tests to do so. At least one of these foldable devices, which uses a Samsung display, reportedly failed Apple's internal testing after a few days, putting the project on hold until a suitable display is developed. Previous reports indicated that Apple was building prototypes of two foldable iPhones, which fold crosswise like a clamshell, but these are not expected to be part of Apple's 2024 or 2025 product lineup and could be canceled if they don't meet Apple's standards. While skepticism about the accuracy of this rumor is justified given the unknown source, it is unclear how this comment might impact Apple's work on a foldable iPad, which is rumored to be in development. Previous reports indicated that Apple may launch a foldable device in the next few years, potentially replacing the iPad mini.


Miscellaneous news

◉ The US Supreme Court has refused to hear the VirnetX patent case against Apple, thus ending a 14-year legal battle that saved Apple $502.8 million. VirnetX's attempt to go to the Supreme Court was rejected. VirnetX, a patent holding company, generates revenue by suing technology companies for patent infringement. While Apple will not pay $503 million from this case, it did pay $440 million in 2019 for infringing VirnetX patents.

◉ Apple has begun offering refurbished versions of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, offering the devices at a discount for the first time since their release in October 2023. Pricing for the latest refurbished MacBook Pro models starts at $1699 for the M3 Pro model The 14-inch model with an 11-core CPU and 14-core GPU is $300 off the original price of $1999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2119 for the M3 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, a discount of $380 compared to $2499 new.

◉ In a new rumor, the iPhone 16 Pro models could come in new color options, which are “Desert Titanium Yellow” and “Cement Gray or Titanium Gray,” which are shades of space gray similar to those used in the iPhone 6. , according to the leaker known as “Majin Bu.”

From iPhoneIslam.com, a silver iPhone with dual camera lenses.

◉ Apple will likely launch the second version of the Apple Vision Pro glasses after at least a year and a half, that is, in late August 2025 at the earliest.


This is not all the news that is on the sidelines, but we have brought you the most important of them, and it is not necessary for the non-specialist to occupy himself with all the incoming and outgoing. And help you with it, and if it robbed you of your life and got busy with it, there is no need for it.

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