News on the sidelines week 6 - 12 September

all iPhone 16 Models Equipped with 8GB of RAM, all iPhone 16 models sold outside the US still have a physical SIM card tray, iOS 18 lets you adjust video speed in the Photos app, AirPods 4 have a hidden capacitive button, and other exciting news on the sidelines…

All iPhone 16 models support fast charging up to 45W via USB-C

According to new leaks, all iPhone 16 models support fast wired charging at up to 45W via USB-C, compared to 29W on the iPhone 15. This information was confirmed by a certificate submitted to the China Quality Certification Center, where tests showed that all iPhone 16 models operate at 5-15V and 3A, indicating their ability to charge at up to 45W.

Additionally, Apple revealed this week that the iPhone 16 models also support improved MagSafe charging, now able to charge at up to 25W using a 30W charger, a significant improvement over the previous limit of 15W. However, Apple did not mention any changes regarding wired fast charging.

iOS 18 update includes “Repair Assistant” to prepare original spare parts

Apple added a new feature called “Repair Assistant” in iOS 18, designed to help iPhone users prepare replacement parts after repairs. This assistant works only with genuine Apple components, and ensures that the iPhone is working properly. For example, a replacement display can be prepared using the Repair Assistant to ensure that features like True Tone, auto-brightness options, and more are available and working properly.

This feature is for use on iPhone 12 and later, and includes batteries, cameras, displays, and more. It can also be used to configure parts that were installed before iOS 18. After installing the new update, the configurable parts will appear under the “Parts and Service” section in the device’s settings.

As part of this update, Apple has decided to apply its own security system (Activation Lock) to the internal parts of the iPhone as well. This will make it more difficult for thieves to steal the devices and sell their parts, as these parts will be protected and cannot be easily used in other devices.

New iCloud Mail Features in iOS 18 Update

The new iOS 18 update brings several features to iCloud Mail users to make managing email easier. According to a list of features recently published by Apple, which includes more than 250 additions to the system, the new updates include the following:

◉ New iCloud Mail cleaning tools accessible from the Mail app, iCloud.com, and iCloud Mail settings.

◉ Ability to add time rules to delete old, unnecessary emails to save storage space.

◉Bullet unsubscribe feature from senders, with future messages from those senders sent directly to the trash.

iOS 18 is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 16, but the new iCloud Mail functionality may not be available until a later system update.

AirPods 4 have a hidden capacitive button for pairing

With the fourth-generation AirPods, Apple has removed the setup button on the back of the charging case from previous models, replacing it with a hidden capacitive button on the front of the case. According to Gear Patrol, pairing mode can be activated by opening the charging case and then double-tapping the front area where the hidden button is located.

This button is also used to perform a factory reset, either by triple-clicking or long-pressing. Additionally, the status light in the charging case has been made more subtle, only showing up under the white plastic when the case is opened or placed on the charger.

The AirPods 4 come in two versions, one with and one without ANC. They start at $129 and are available for pre-order now. The AirPods 4 are set to officially launch on Friday, September 20.

iOS 18 lets you adjust video speed in Photos app

The iOS 18 update introduces a new feature in the Photos app that allows users to control the playback speed of a video after it is shot. This feature, called “Playback Speed,” allows users to change the frame rate of the video, with options ranging from 240 to 24 fps. This feature can be accessed by opening the video editing interface and tapping on the timer icon in the top right corner. Although Apple announced this feature with the launch of the iPhone 16, it is also available for older devices running iOS 18.

This feature is particularly useful for iPhone 16 Pro models that support 4K video recording at 120fps in both slow motion and regular video modes. The feature offers multiple options for adjusting the playback speed, including quarter speed, half speed (which adds a cool dreamy effect), regular speed, and a 1/5 speed option that matches 24fps playback. iOS 18 with the playback speed control feature is scheduled to be released to the public on Monday, September 16.

iPhone 16 models get 50% stronger ceramic shield

Apple has announced that all iPhone 16 models will come with a new version of Ceramic Shield, a hybrid glass-ceramic material that protects the phone’s display. Apple says the new formulation is its most advanced yet, being 50 percent stronger than the first-generation Ceramic Shield and twice as strong as any other smartphone glass. Apple typically focuses on drop protection rather than scratch protection when marketing this material.

Apple first began using Ceramic Shield in 2020 with the iPhone 12 models, which was developed in collaboration with Corning, which makes Gorilla Glass that rivals like Samsung use, including the new “Gorilla Armor” in the S24 Ultra, but the ceramic-infused glass appears to be exclusive to Apple. We’re expected to see drop and scratch tests after the iPhone 16 models launch, which will provide more information on the benefits of the second-generation Ceramic Shield. Pre-orders start Friday, with an official launch on September 20.

Apple Watch Series 10 reduces wind noise during phone calls

The new Apple Watch Series 10, set to launch next week, introduces a Noise Isolation feature that will make you sound better on phone calls. The watch uses a neural engine to suppress background noise during phone calls or FaceTime audio calls, making your voice sound clearer and more crisp to the person receiving the call, even in noisy environments like outside on a windy day or inside a crowded restaurant.

Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 10 began yesterday, and it’s scheduled to arrive to customers on Friday, September 20. It’s worth noting that this feature isn’t available on the Apple Watch Series 9 or earlier, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 already features wind noise reduction. As for the iPhone, there’s already a noise cancellation setting available for phone calls, but all four iPhone 16 models already get an additional wind noise reduction feature.

Apple Watch Series 10 retains the same heart rate sensor as the Apple Watch Series 9.

Despite rumors that the Apple Watch Series 10 might get a new heart rate sensor and ECG, that didn’t happen. According to the technical specifications, the Apple Watch Series 10 is equipped with a third-generation optical heart sensor, the same sensor used in the previous generation Apple Watch Series 9. Apple didn’t mention any update to the heart rate sensor during the launch event, and there is no information about any upgrade on the Apple Watch Series 10 product page.

The main focus of the Apple Watch Series 10 is the new design, which is thinner and lighter than previous Apple Watch models. The watch features a new water temperature sensor, depth sensor, Oceanic+ app for snorkeling, and a tide app, bringing it closer in functionality to the Apple Watch Series 2 Ultra. However, Apple hasn’t updated the Apple Watch Series 10’s water resistance, as it still retains a water resistance rating of 50 meters.

AirPods Max still lack H2 chip

The AirPods Max received a minor update, but some fans of the earbuds were disappointed that there weren’t any major changes. The update is limited to just two changes: a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning, and the addition of new colors including blue, orange, purple, midnight black, and starlight. The earbuds also lack the H2 chip that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2 a few years ago, which means they’ll still miss out on the adaptive audio features, and there’s no improvement to active noise cancellation.

The AirPods Max first launched in December 2020, so the earbuds are now nearly four years old and still feature the H1 chip from 2019. The updated AirPods Max are available to pre-order now and will launch on Friday, September 20, with the US price remaining at $549.

Apple loses major tax dispute in Europe and must pay €13 billion to Ireland

The European Union’s highest court has ruled that Apple must pay €13 billion, or about $14 billion, to Ireland. That’s because the court found that Apple paid far less tax in Ireland than it should have between 1991 and 2014. The court says this amounted to illegal aid from the Irish government to Apple, which is not permitted under EU law.

Apple expressed disappointment with the ruling and said it did not receive any special treatment. But the Irish government said it would accept the court’s decision and take the money from Apple. The money had been set aside in an escrow account for years awaiting a final decision. As a result, Apple expects to pay about $10 billion in additional taxes in the coming months. The ruling is a major victory for the European Union in its efforts to ensure that large companies pay fair taxes.

iOS 18 update adds new option to pause video recording

The iOS 18 update brings an interesting feature to iPhone users, which allows them to pause video recording while filming. This feature allows users to capture multiple shots in a single video, instead of having to start and stop new videos each time. When you start recording a video in iOS 18, a new pause button will appear on the left side of the screen, which you can tap to pause the recording, and then tap again to resume recording.

This new feature was added in the pre-release version of iOS 18. The video pause and record feature will likely be part of the camera control button included in all iPhone 16 models. iOS 18 is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 16, while the iPhone 16 will be available on Friday, September 20.

Apple discontinues iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 13

With the launch of the new iPhone 16 series, Apple has discontinued some older iPhone models. Apple no longer sells the iPhone 13, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been replaced by the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, respectively.

The iPhone SE remains Apple's cheapest device, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have been cut by $100 to replace the iPhone 13 models. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also available for $100 less than the equivalent iPhone 16 models, starting at $699.

Prices for current models range from $429 for the iPhone SE to $1199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Although the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro models have been discontinued by Apple, they may still be available in the refurbished store until stock runs out, and third-party retailers will also have some stock available until it runs out.

All iPhone 16 models sold outside the US still have a physical SIM card tray.

All iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, continue to use a physical SIM tray outside the US. The technical specifications on Apple’s website confirm that all of these models are compatible with nano-SIM cards in several countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Singapore, and more. In most countries, the devices also support eSIM, allowing for dual-SIM functionality with cellular networks.

Apple removed the SIM tray from all iPhone 14 models in the US two years ago, forcing customers to use an eSIM, a digital SIM card that lets users activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM. Apple has promoted the eSIM as a more secure option than a physical SIM card because it can’t be removed from a lost or stolen iPhone. As eSIM availability expands, the SIM tray may eventually be removed from iPhones sold outside the US, but for now, it’s here to stay for another year.

Miscellaneous news

◉ Apple has released a firmware update for the Apple Pencil Pro and AirPods Pro 2. There’s no word on what features, fixes, or updates might be included in this new firmware. You’ll just need to connect the ‌Pencil‌ to your iPad and the AirPods Pro to your iPhone to start the update.

◉ Two analysts predict that the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will continue to use mini-LED displays through 2025, with a possible switch to OLED technology in 2026. OLED displays feature increased brightness, a higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency, which could contribute to a thinner design for future MacBook Pros. The new models with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips are expected to be announced in October, with no design changes.

◉ Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 to be released in 2025. As we know, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 wasn’t announced this year, and the Apple Watch Series 10 was the only new watch announced, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a new satin black color and the SE didn’t get an update. It looks like customers will have to wait until next year to get their hands on the new Ultra and SE models.

◉ Apple has announced the expansion of its satellite calling services to the UK and Canada with the release of iOS 18. These new features include the ability to send and receive text messages and emoji via iMessage and SMS outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, as well as satellite roadside assistance in the UK in partnership with Green Flag. Live video emergency calling will also be launched, which will allow users to share live video or photos with participating emergency services. These services will be available for free for two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.

◉ Apple has confirmed that all iPhone 16 models will come with 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s “intelligence” technology. This is a 2GB increase for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models compared to their predecessors, while the Pro models will maintain the same capacity. This information was revealed through Apple’s Xcode 16 development tool.

◉ After 12 years since Apple introduced its wired EarPods with the iPhone 5, it may finally be discontinuing the $19 pair. US retailer Target has listed all three EarPods (Lightning, 3.5mm, and USB-C) as “discontinued,” suggesting they will soon be discontinued. EarPods were first introduced in 2012 as the standard headphones that came with iPhones and iPods, and were later updated to include Lightning and USB-C connectors. Despite their recent surge in popularity thanks to their excellent microphone and low price, their discontinuation may disappoint many fans.

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