A person was saved from drowning thanks to the Apple Watch, ChatGPT remembers previous conversations, voice mode is coming to Cloud, Bank of America warns of a 245% tariff hike on Chinese imports, a foldable iPhone with an under-display camera, Apple leads the global smartphone market in the first quarter, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple activates Clean Charging feature on iPhones offered in stores
Apple announced in its 2025 Environmental Report that it will expand the use of its "Clean Power Charging" feature to iPhones and iPads offered for trial in its stores and other retail locations in the United States. This feature, which debuted in 2022 with the iOS 16.1 update, allows users to charge their devices during times when electricity is less environmentally harmful, helping to reduce the environmental impact of charging.
Clean Power Charging will be automatically enabled on all iPhones and iPads offered in US stores, reducing the environmental impact of these devices. To ensure that devices remain ready for use by customers, devices will resume charging immediately if their battery drops below 50%. The feature is also available to customers by default and can be controlled in the battery settings on devices running iOS 16.1 or later. It is currently limited to the US.
OpenAI launches smarter AI models
OpenAI has announced the launch of its new AI models, o3 and o4-mini, describing them as the smartest yet. These models are capable of using all of ChatGPT's tools, such as searching the internet, analyzing files and data, and reasoning and creating images. The models have been trained to understand when and how to use these tools to provide accurate and detailed answers. They can also handle complex questions and "reason" using both images and text.
The o3 model excels at programming, math, science, and image processing, and is ideal for complex questions that require deep analysis, such as reading graphs. The o4-mini model is smaller and designed to be fast and cost-effective, and is suitable for tasks such as programming, math, and image processing, with greater user support than o3. Both models feature natural dialogue and useful, verifiable answers. The models are now available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, and free users can try o4-mini via the "Think" option when submitting a question.
A new leak reveals details of the foldable iPhone's external display camera.
New leaks have revealed camera details for the foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year. The foldable iPhone will be designed in a book-like shape with a large, crease-free 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it will feature a dual-lens rear camera and front-facing cameras that can be used whether the phone is unfolded or folded, ensuring the camera will work in any position.
Information from a Korean source indicates that Apple will use a front-facing camera with a "punchhole" design on the outer display, similar to the design of current foldable phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It is not yet clear whether the hole will be visible during use or integrated into a design similar to the Dynamic Island. Apple is expected to use a fingerprint technology in the side button instead of Face ID to save internal space. Mass production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with a price tag ranging between $2000 and $2300.
OpenAI is working on a social network with image generation features.
OpenAI is developing a social network focused on image generation features using ChatGPT technology. A beta version is currently being tested that includes an image generation tool with a social feed, and CEO Sam Altman has asked for public feedback on the project. It remains unclear whether the network will be part of ChatGPT or a separate application, and there is a possibility that it will never be fully launched.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is also planning to launch a social feed for its AI assistant app, potentially competing with OpenAI and Meta. OpenAI will also face competition from Platform X, which already integrates the Grok chatbot. Grok's integration with Platform X is said to have been a source of envy, particularly due to its ability to generate viral content. If OpenAI develops a social network, it will be able to collect real-time data to improve its AI models, something Meta and Platform X already do to train their systems and provide up-to-date responses.
Trump plans to impose tariffs on semiconductors that will affect Apple and others.
US President Donald Trump announced that Apple will not be exempt from new tariffs targeting semiconductors, which will inevitably affect its devices, as well as chips from companies like Nvidia and other electronics companies. Late last week, the US Customs and Border Protection agency released a list of devices temporarily exempt from the current tariffs, including Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, but it appears this exemption will not last.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that "nobody will be exempt" from the tariffs, and that Apple and other tech companies will move to a "different tariff tier," with the 20% tariff known as the "fentanyl tariff" remaining, and new tariffs coming. He indicated that his administration would examine the electronics and semiconductor supply chain as part of national security investigations, emphasizing the need to manufacture products in the United States. However, manufacturing the iPhone in America would be extremely expensive, and Apple would likely struggle to find enough skilled workers, which would significantly raise device prices.
iPhone 16e helps Apple lead the global smartphone market in the first quarter.
Apple claimed the top spot in global smartphone sales during the first quarter of 2025, according to data from research firm Counterpoint. This is the first time Apple has topped the list in a quarter, capturing 19% of the global market. This success came despite economic challenges, thanks to the launch of the iPhone 16e starting at $599 in March, which replaced the iPhone SE as the cheapest device in the company's lineup, as well as strong performance in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia.
Samsung held onto second place with 18% of the market, down slightly from 21% in Q2023 25, due to the delayed launch of the S14 series. Xiaomi maintained its growth to occupy third place with 3%, buoyed by its expansion in the Chinese market and its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) space. Vivo and Oppo held onto fourth and fifth place. The global smartphone market grew XNUMX% year-on-year, but Counterpoint expects a slight decline in annual sales due to new US tariffs that could cause consumers to delay purchases and impact supply chains.
Apple CEO 'very determined' to launch AR glasses before Meta
Apple CEO Tim Cook is pushing hard to launch a true augmented reality headset before Meta does, according to Mark Gurman. Gurman sees Apple's current work as a preliminary step toward Cook's decade-long goal of lightweight, all-day wearable AR headsets that project graphics onto the real world.
This project is a top priority for Tim Cook, with a source familiar with the matter saying he has "nothing else on his mind" and is focusing all of his time on developing the glasses. Meta is also working on augmented reality glasses and has developed a prototype called Orion. But Gurman notes that these glasses will take years to complete, due to the need to refine technologies such as high-resolution displays, powerful chips, and small batteries that last all day. Meta's non-AR Ray-Ban glasses, used for taking photos and interacting with a smart assistant, have also been successful, prompting Apple to consider producing similar smart glasses as a step toward future AR glasses.
Leak: Foldable iPhone will come with an under-screen camera
A new leak from the Digital Chat Station account on Weibo has revealed details about the screen resolution of the foldable iPhone, which features a book-like design with two displays. The inner screen, measuring approximately 7.76 inches, will have a resolution of 2713 x 1920 pixels and will feature an under-display camera. The outer screen, measuring 5.49 inches, will have a resolution of 2088 x 1422 pixels and will feature a tiny hole-punch camera.
This leak account previously reported that the internal display would have a 4:3 aspect ratio, and renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed these dimensions, noting that the internal display is "crease-free." However, the idea of using an under-display camera is new information. There are also rumors that Apple is working on a foldable iPad with under-display Face ID, which could mean that Apple is seeking to unify the design between the two devices. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year with a starting price of around $2000, with mass production beginning in the second half of 2026.
Bank of America: Manufacturing iPhones in the US could raise costs by 90%
Bank of America analysts warned that moving iPhone production from China to the United States could increase manufacturing costs by up to 90%. The analysts explained that while this shift is technically feasible, it would significantly increase expenses and create logistical complications. They noted that labor costs in the US alone could increase the cost of an iPhone by 25%, and with a significant portion of components still imported from China, reciprocal tariffs could push the total cost up by 90% or more.
This analysis comes after President Trump's statements describing Apple's manufacturing in China as "unsustainable," asserting that America has the labor and resources to manufacture iPhones domestically. However, the trade war between the United States and China, which has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 245% at the time of writing, is further complicating the situation. As a result, Apple's shares have fallen 14% since the tariffs were announced on April 2, wiping approximately $479 billion off its market value. Apple will not move its manufacturing to the US unless it is exempt from tariffs on imported components, and the company is expected to continue diversifying its supply chain and increasing production in countries like India, which is subject to lower tariffs of 10%.
Samsung is launching the AI-powered "Ballie" robot this summer.
Samsung is preparing to launch its smart robot, Bali, this summer. It's an AI-powered home assistant that has been in development since 2020. Bali made its debut at CES 2020, where it was showcased as a robotic ball capable of moving around the home, recording video, and responding to voice commands. Now, the robot has become even more sophisticated through a partnership with Google to add advanced AI features powered by Google Cloud technology.
Bali will be able to conduct natural conversations, such as adjusting lighting, controlling smart home devices, greeting visitors at the door, and reminding you of appointments based on your personal schedule. In a promotional video, Bali is seen choosing a fun video of a child, suggesting styling tips, or reminding someone to wear a coat because of the cold. Thanks to Google's Gemini AI technology, Bali can understand voices, analyze images from its camera, sense its surroundings, and offer tips for improving health and well-being. Samsung has not yet announced a price or exact launch date, but customers can pre-register to purchase Bali via Her website.
Miscellaneous news
Anthropic, the developer of the AI model "Cloud," is preparing to launch a "Voice Mode" feature this month, allowing users to converse with Claude just like with ChatGPT. The new feature will be available in the Claude app on iPhone and will include three different voice tones with a British accent. While the company has not officially announced a release date, the feature was revealed in the app code. Additionally, the company recently introduced a "Search" feature, which helps provide accurate, source-backed answers. Claude has also added support for Google services like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Docs, making it easier for users to manage tasks and access information faster and more easily.
◉ Apple has updated its "legacy" list to include the iPhone 6s and the 2018 Mac mini, meaning these devices will only receive limited repairs if parts are available. The iPhone 6s was released in 2015 but remained on the market until 2018 as a lower-cost option. It featured an A9 processor and a stronger chassis to address the bending issue of the iPhone 6. It was the first device to support 3D Touch and the last flagship iPhone to feature a traditional headphone jack. The 2018 Mac mini was the last model to run on Intel processors before Apple switched to its own. It included options with 4- or 6-core processors and Intel UHD 630 graphics. Apple classifies devices as "legacy" five years after they are no longer sold, and they become "vintage" after seven years, when Apple typically stops supporting them completely.
◉ Taiwanese airlines China Airlines and Air India have added support for tracking baggage with AirTag devices. Now, travelers can temporarily share their baggage location with airline staff to help locate it if it gets lost. The feature is available in the iOS 18.2 update and works securely; the link expires after seven days and can be revoked at any time.
◉ This year's watchOS 12 update for the Apple Watch is expected to feature some UI tweaks, but they won't be as significant as the changes coming in iOS 19. The changes will be minor, such as new icons and buttons, while iOS 19 is inspired by the visionOS design, which features transparency and visual effects. Apple is also working on introducing new AI-powered features, but the watch will rely on the iPhone to power these features due to its high storage requirements. Updates are typically released in the fall with new devices.
◉ The upcoming iPadOS 19 update will bring the iPad closer to Macs, with changes focused on improving productivity, multitasking, and app window management, something iPad users have been asking for for years. Full details will be revealed during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025.
◉ Razer has launched "PC Remote Play," a service that allows you to stream PC games to your iPhone and iPad in high definition and smoothly, with support for controllers and input devices. To run it, you'll need the appropriate Razer apps for iOS 18 and Windows 11.
◉ OpenAI has added an enhanced memory feature to ChatGPT that allows it to remember your previous conversations to provide more accurate responses tailored to your interests. You can also ask it to remember a specific piece of information. Activating this feature is optional, and you can manage or delete what it remembers in Settings. The feature is available to Plus and Pro subscribers, but it is currently unavailable in the EU, the UK, and some other countries.
◉ Instagram is testing a new feature that allows content creators to post "Reels" that can only be viewed by entering a password or pin. This feature could be used to share exclusive content with close followers or to increase engagement. Currently, there's no official word from Instagram on when it will be available to everyone.
◉ Apple has updated its Apple Maps support document to clarify that the service now works on iPhone, after previously being limited to Mac, iPad, and PC. Map links can now be opened directly in the browser instead of being redirected to the app. The expansion may be linked to the iOS 18.4 update, which allows European Union users to choose a different default map app.
◉ Apple shared a video telling the story of an Australian man who was rescued after being swept away from the beach. The man used the emergency feature on his Apple Watch to contact rescue services and stayed on the line for an hour until he was located and rescued by helicopter. This feature can be activated by long-pressing the side button on the watch.
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