Apple is considering partnering with OpenAI or Anthropic to improve Siri, Meta is adding direct messaging to Threads for the first time, you can now sync Apple Photos with Xiaomi's cloud, iPhone satellite connectivity saves a climber in the Denver mountains, Apple is developing a revolutionary camera technology to mimic human vision, and other exciting news on the sidelines...
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Launches This Year with Two Major Improvements
Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 soon this year, and it will come with two important features: satellite connectivity and 5G support. The watch will allow you to send text messages even when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are unavailable, and it will work without an iPhone. The watch will also support a special version of the XNUMXG network designed for smartwatches, while current models only support XNUMXG.
Other potential improvements include an S10 or newer processor, faster charging, and a brighter, wider-angle OLED display with a higher refresh rate for the Always-On Display mode. It's not yet clear whether a blood pressure monitoring feature will also be available, as Apple faces some challenges in developing it.
Apple stops work on foldable iPad
Apple has been actively developing a foldable iPhone, but has temporarily halted work on a larger-screen foldable iPad. There were rumors of a tablet-sized foldable Apple device, described by some as a foldable iPad and by others as a full-screen MacBook. However, it appears that Apple has now halted development to focus on the foldable iPhone. The reason for the halt is due to manufacturing difficulties, the high cost of producing foldable displays, and weak demand for large foldable devices.
If this information is correct, Apple may return to developing a foldable iPad or MacBook in the future when display technology becomes cheaper. The device was expected to be between 18.8 and 20.2 inches in size, feature an OLED display, and have a crease-free design, with a potential release date between 2026 and 2028, but that could be delayed further. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Apple develops revolutionary camera technology to mimic human vision.
Apple is developing a new iPhone camera technology that could bring photos and videos closer to the human eye in detail under different lighting conditions. According to a new patent, Apple is designing an image sensor with advanced technology that combines two layers: an upper layer for light capture and a lower layer for image processing, reducing noise and improving light control. This sensor can capture up to 20 stops of dynamic range, which is close to the 20-30 stops of the human eye, surpassing the 10-13 stops of current phone cameras and even some professional cinema cameras.
The new sensor features a system called LOFIC, which allows each pixel to store different amounts of light depending on the brightness of the scene. This allows for clear images in varying lighting conditions, such as a person standing in front of a bright window, without losing detail in shadows or bright areas. The sensor also contains an integrated circuit for each pixel that reduces noise caused by heat during imaging, resulting in clearer images. While the patents don't necessarily indicate an imminent product launch, they demonstrate Apple's interest in developing this technology for its future devices.
New Magsafe design for iPhone 17 Pro revealed in leaked image
A leaked image shows a new MagSafe design for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the magnet arrangement slightly different from current models. While the MagSafe magnets on the current iPhone form a complete circle, the new design features a notch. According to sources, the Apple logo on the back of the device has been lowered due to the larger camera, and the new MagSafe design ensures that the logo remains fully visible when using a MagSafe case. Existing MagSafe cases and accessories will remain compatible, meaning the change is merely a visual improvement with no performance change. However, rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro may support faster MagSafe charging with an updated version of Apple's charger.
iPhone satellite communication feature saves climber in Denver mountains
The iPhone's satellite messaging feature saved the life of an injured mountaineer in Colorado. The 53-year-old man was climbing Snowmass, which is over 10 feet high, when he injured his wrist while descending using a snowshoeing technique, preventing him from continuing.
With no phone signal in the area, he used his iPhone's satellite messaging feature to contact a family member, who notified police and the Aspen Mountain Rescue Team. The climber was found near Snowmass Lake, eight miles from the parking lot, and it took 17 rescuers to safely extricate him from the area by 5:30 p.m.
This feature, available on iPhone 14 and later, allows for emergency communication when there is no cell network or Wi-Fi, and the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office has recommended that adventurers learn to use it to speed up rescue operations.
Apple promotes camera control in Snap-A-Mall ad
Apple has launched a new ad titled "Snap-a-Mole" in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to showcase the iPhone 16 Pro's camera control feature. The ad shows a photographer quickly snapping photos using gestures to zoom in and easily change shooting modes. This feature, a staple of the iPhone 16 series, allows quick access to the camera and adjust settings like zoom and lighting. The ad ends with the tagline, "Snap with ease."
Now you can sync Apple Photos to Xiaomi Cloud
Apple users can now save their photos from iPhone and iPad directly to Xiaomi Cloud thanks to a new update to the Xiaomi iOS app. Version 1.7.2 of the Xiaomi Interconnectivity app enables syncing of the entire photo library to Xiaomi Cloud for devices running iOS 14.0 or later. Users can upload, browse, and manage photos via the cloud, and access them from other Xiaomi devices. This feature, which is similar to the Cloud Album experience on Xiaomi devices, offers automatic backups and high-quality photos, and is now available on the App Store.
Miscellaneous news
◉ Apple has joined the social media platform Threads, two years after its launch with an official account called @appleBut she hasn't posted any content yet. The account has 4.8 million followers due to Apple's Instagram followers. The reason behind Apple's joining Threads remains unclear, and we don't know if it will actually use the account. Apple has an account on the X platform under the same name, but it only uses it for advertising, and it also has an inactive Facebook account. On the other hand, Apple regularly posts "iPhone" videos on its Instagram account and shares product tips on its TikTok account.
◉ Apple is expected to launch the first MacBook Pro with OLED displays in 2026, featuring higher brightness, more vivid colors, and longer battery life than the current models. The MacBook Pro is also expected to receive its first major design update since 2021, with a thinner design and new M6 series processors. According to rumors, Apple may replace the notch with a small camera hole at the top of the display.
◉ Meta has finally added a direct messaging feature to Threads for the first time since its launch two years ago. This feature is only available between Instagram followers or mutual followers for users over the age of 18. The app also added a "highlight" feature, which aims to highlight unique content and trending topics. The company promises to add more messaging features in the future, such as group messaging and message filters, with a focus on security and positive interactions.
◉ Apple accuses a former engineer named Di Leo of stealing confidential information related to the design and development of the Vision Pro glasses and transferring it to Snap Inc., according to a lawsuit filed in California. Leo, a seven-year employee at Apple, allegedly uploaded thousands of internal files to his personal cloud account before resigning, claiming he was leaving for health and family reasons. He had actually accepted a job at Snap, the parent company of Snapchat and maker of Spectacles smart glasses. Apple accuses Leo of copying files related to the product design, testing, and undisclosed features of the Vision Pro, and deleting some files to conceal his actions. Apple is seeking the return of the stolen materials and an examination of Leo's devices, as well as monetary damages.
◉ Google has discontinued the Google Keep note-taking app for Apple Watch, while launching the Google Calendar app for the watch for the first time. The new version of Google Keep removes the watchOS app without significant changes to the iPhone or iPad apps, while remaining available for Wear OS watches. Google Keep for Apple Watch hasn't received major updates in years and doesn't support core features like on-screen complication. Meanwhile, Apple will add its Notes app to the Apple Watch with watchOS 26. Currently, Google apps on watchOS are limited to Google Maps, YouTube Music, and Google Calendar.
◉ Apple is considering partnering with OpenAI or Anthropic, the maker of Cloud, to improve the capabilities of its smart assistant Siri. Apple is in talks with both companies to use their AI models to power Siri, and has found Anthropic's models to be the most suitable so far, but has not made a final decision. Apple faces challenges in developing Siri, as new features announced for the iPhone 16 have been delayed until 2026, much to customer dissatisfaction. Partnering with one of these companies would allow Apple to offer advanced AI features while continuing to develop its own Siri model, expected to launch with iOS 27 in fall 2026.
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