Apple adds a feature that allows you to transfer eSIM cards between iPhone and Android and vice versa, Facebook supports passkeys, YouTube slows down video playback for users of ad blockers, old iPhone components are transformed into unique murals, iPhone sales rise and it regains the lead in China, Google mocks iOS 26 for copying features from Android, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Foldable iPhone production to begin this fall
Apple supplier Foxconn is expected to begin production of a foldable iPhone in late Q2025 or early Q2026 18, with a target launch in fall 5.5 as part of the iPhone 7.8 lineup, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device will feature a foldable display measuring 4.5 inches when closed and 9 inches when unfolded, with a book-like design. It will be 9.5 mm thick when open and 2000 to 2500 mm thick when closed, with a hinge carefully designed to minimize creases on the display, which will be manufactured by Samsung. The device will use under-display cameras and potentially rely on Touch ID instead of Face ID. It is expected to be priced between $7 and $8, with production of 2026 to 15 million foldable displays in 20 and total demand of XNUMX to XNUMX million units. However, demand may be limited due to the high cost, with Apple's plans likely to change before official production begins.
Class Action Lawsuit Against Apple Over iCloud's Monopoly on iPhone Backups
Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit in California federal court accusing iCloud of illegally monopolizing access to iPhone users' essential backups, after the court denied the company's request to dismiss the case.
The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, accuses Apple of forcing users to use iCloud for backups while restricting third-party cloud services from offering similar functionality, making wired backup the only alternative. Apple prevents third-party services from accessing system elements such as settings and app configurations, pushing users to subscribe to paid iCloud plans starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB after exhausting the free 5GB. The plaintiffs seek to establish a nationwide class action involving millions of subscribers, alleging that Apple's restrictions violate US competition laws. Apple argues that these restrictions are imposed to protect users' privacy and security. Apple must formally respond by July 7, 2025.
Apple's new transcription APIs outperform Whisper in speed tests
The new transcription APIs in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe demonstrate blazing speeds compared to tools like OpenAI's Whisper, processing a 34-minute, 7GB video file in just 45 seconds using Yap, 55% faster than the MacWhisper Large V3 Turbo model, which took 41 minute and 2 seconds. Other tools like VidCap and MacWhisper Large V3 took up to 55:XNUMX minutes, with no noticeable difference in transcription quality.
Apple relies on local processing to avoid the latency of cloud services, providing significant efficiency for processing multiple or long files, and expects to replace Whisper as the primary solution for copying apps on Mac.
Apple plans to use energy-efficient LTPO3 displays in the 2027 iPhone.
New reports indicate that Apple plans to use energy-efficient LTPO3 OLED displays in iPhones starting in 2027, specifically in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model. The technology relies on the use of oxide semiconductors in both the switching and control transistors, significantly reducing battery consumption, especially when the screen is operating at a low refresh rate, such as in the Always-On Display mode.
Although these transistors are more efficient, they are slower, requiring Apple to strike a balance between performance and power savings. It's worth noting that Apple previously tested this technology in the Apple Watch Series 10, giving it the confidence to expand it to iPhones. Samsung and LG are expected to manufacture these displays, with Apple preparing to make a final decision on whether to adopt them in a 2027 iPhone model by the third quarter of 2025.
iOS 26 update allows you to set custom ringtones without the need for GarageBand
In iOS 26, Apple added a simple but useful feature that allows users to easily set custom ringtones without having to use GarageBand, Apple's free app for creating and editing music and audio.
You can now select an MP3 or M4A audio file no longer than 30 seconds from the Files app, tap the Share button, and select "Use as Ringtone." It will then be added directly to your device's sound settings. This feature is also available in some other apps, such as Voice Memos, but Apple Music songs cannot be used as ringtones.
Google mocks iOS 26 for copying features from Android
In a new satirical ad in its #BestPhonesForever series, Google claims that iOS 26 has copied three Pixel features that have been around for years: live translation, call waiting assistant, and call filtering. The ad depicts a funny dialogue between an iPhone Pro and a Pixel 9, with the iPhone bragging about the features, while the Pixel replies that it's been around for a long time.
Live translation was introduced in the Pixel 6 in 2021, assistant waiting in the Pixel 3 in 2020, and call filtering has been around since 2018. While Google has a valid point, the "quote" between Apple and Android is nothing new... and it's often a two-way street!
iPhone sales rise 15% as Apple regains top spot in China
Apple achieved a 15% year-over-year growth in iPhone sales during April and May 2025, marking its strongest performance during this period since the pandemic, according to preliminary data from Counterpoint Research. This growth was driven primarily by the US and Chinese markets, where Apple regained the top spot after a period of decline to Huawei and local manufacturers.
In Japan, the iPhone 16e gained popularity thanks to its small size and affordable price, while strong sales of entry-level and even older models like the iPhone 14 continued. Apple also continued to expand in India, benefiting from increased local manufacturing. Experts noted that artificial intelligence (AI) still doesn't significantly influence phone purchasing decisions, giving Apple an opportunity to enhance its AI technologies in the coming period.
New smart glasses from Meta in collaboration with Oakley coming soon
Oakley is preparing to announce a new product in collaboration with Meta, the parent company of Facebook. These are likely to be Oakley-branded smart glasses, similar to Meta's popular Ray-Ban sunglasses. These glasses are expected to include built-in cameras for taking photos and video, as well as integrated artificial intelligence technologies to respond to user inquiries about their surroundings, and speakers for calls and music playback.
The glasses could be specifically targeted at athletes such as cyclists and could be based on the Oakley Sphaera design with a camera in the center of the frame. The product is scheduled to be unveiled on June 20. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Apple is developing similar smart glasses with camera technology and artificial intelligence, in a heated race toward augmented reality glasses that could see the light of day by 2027.
Transform old iPhone components into unique wall murals
Leaker Sonny Dickson launched Collectible Phones, a website that focuses on transforming used iPhones that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled into stunning pieces of wall art.
Devices are collected from recycling facilities, where the best-condition ones are selected for disassembly and their components, such as the screen, battery, and motherboard, are mounted on a board and placed in a high-quality 30 x 42.3 cm frame.
Each component is accompanied by details and specifications, including the release date and price. Currently, the site is offering a "Collectible 2G" for $349. It features the components of the original 2007 iPhone along with a screenshot of the first iOS. It's available in black or silver with free worldwide shipping, with plans to add more devices in the future.
YouTube slows down video playback for ad blockers
YouTube has begun deliberately slowing down videos for people using ad blockers, as part of a new crackdown on these programs. Some users have noticed that the video doesn't start immediately, but instead displays a black screen for the duration of the removed ad, with a message alerting them and directing them to an instructions page on how to disable the blockers.
This new approach doesn't completely block the video as before, but rather imposes an ad-like delay, meaning you'll still have to wait whether you watch the ad or not. YouTube appears to be targeting specific accounts that have previously been identified using blocking software, even if the software attempts to evade detection. The company aims to pressure users to subscribe to its paid YouTube Premium service, which offers an ad-free experience with additional features.
It also recently launched a lower-priced “Premium Lite” plan, which removes most ads except for some types of content like music and Shorts.
Miscellaneous news
◉ The White House announced that US President Donald Trump will extend the TikTok ban for an additional 90 days, the third extension since taking office in January. Although the law that took effect in January requires TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese company or banned, the extensions approved by Trump prevent the ban from actually being implemented and keep the app available in the United States. Negotiations remain stalled due to trade tensions with China, which has so far refused to approve any sale.
◉ WhatsApp announced the start of displaying ads within its app, but this will not affect private conversations or the use of its encrypted content. Ads will only appear in the "Updates" tab, and will include "Status" statuses, promoted channels, and paid content within channels.
WhatsApp confirmed that it will only use general data such as location, language, and the channels a user follows to display relevant ads. Despite WhatsApp founders' previous opposition to advertising, Meta appears to have identified an opportunity to monetize this section from its more than 1.5 billion daily users, while maintaining the privacy of chats so far.
◉ Apple is considering using generative AI to speed up the design process for Apple Silicon processors, according to statements by Johnny Srouji, the company's head of hardware. Srouji believes this technology could significantly speed up design and increase productivity, especially with the support of specialized companies like Cadence and Synopsys. This move comes amid Apple's focus on leveraging AI rather than focusing solely on user-visible features, indicating a broader strategy in developing its products.
◉ Although Apple will maintain the same 18- and 6.3-inch screen sizes for the iPhone 6.9 Pro and Pro Max, the design will change significantly. The Face ID will be hidden under the display, with only a small hole for the front camera. Leaks indicate significant improvements, including a 48-megapixel camera with a variable aperture, a new 20-nanometer A2 Pro processor, 12GB of RAM, and a faster modem for connectivity.
◉ Meta announced support for the Passkeys feature on Facebook, allowing users to easily and securely log in without passwords, using Face ID or a fingerprint. The feature is compatible with all Apple devices and will soon be enabled on iOS, with a later release for Messenger. Currently, Passkeys is only available on mobile devices, while logging in from a computer still requires a password. This technology is considered more secure than traditional passwords, as it prevents phishing and hacking, is securely stored within the Passwords app on Apple devices, and automatically syncs between your devices.
◉ Apple added a version history feature to the Passwords app in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. The app now saves all changes to stored passwords, helping recover a password that was accidentally changed. Users can tap the "View History" button to view each previous version of their password, along with the creation date and the option to delete older versions. This is a useful addition for those who frequently change their passwords or have trouble saving new data.
◉ Apple has classified the iPhone XS as an obsolete product five years after it was officially discontinued in September 2018. Repairs are available at Apple Stores and authorized service centers, subject to parts availability. However, it will be classified as an "obsolete" device after two years, meaning official support will cease.
◉ Apple announced that iOS 26 can automatically reserve storage space to ensure successful download and installation of automatic iPhone updates, based on available space, according to the first beta release notes. This change helps users who enable automatic updates through their device settings, but Apple has not yet explained in detail how this feature works.
◉ In iOS 26, Apple added a feature that allows users to easily transfer their eSIM between iPhone and Android devices, and vice versa, making it easier for users to change their numbers between the two platforms without having to contact their service provider. The "Move to Android" and "Move from Android" options appear in the cellular network settings, where a QR code can be scanned to complete the transfer. This feature, developed in collaboration with Google, simplifies a process that previously required service provider intervention, making the transition between iPhone and Android more seamless for many.
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