Strong Q2025 100 earnings for Apple, 17% tariffs, leaked iPhone 18.8 Pro battery images, Apple working on an XNUMX-inch foldable device, advanced tandem OLED display technology for the iPhone, new WhatsApp guest chat feature, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple announces strong earnings for the third quarter of 2025.
Apple reported revenue of $94 billion for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2025, with net profit of $23.4 billion, an increase over the same quarter last year. Gross profit margin rose to 46.5%, and earnings per share reached $1.57. These results are the highest ever for the June quarter, driven by strong performance in iPhone, Mac, and services sales, particularly in international markets.
iPhone sales reached approximately $44.6 billion, a 13% increase, boosted by the iPhone 16 series. Mac sales rose 15% to $8 billion, while iPad revenue declined 8% to $6.58 billion. The services category, which includes the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music, set a new record with revenue of $27.42 billion, underscoring the growing shift toward stable revenue from digital services.
Despite the strong results, Apple faces challenges due to rising US tariffs, which cost it $800 million this quarter and are expected to increase to $1.1 billion next quarter. Tim Cook noted significant user growth as the company continues to develop artificial intelligence features and improve the performance of its Siri voice assistant, amid fierce competition from Google and Samsung. Despite regulatory pressures, Apple remains in a strong position thanks to its diverse revenue streams and customer loyalty.
Trump announces 100% tariffs on microchips
US President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on imported microchips, but exempted companies that manufacture their products in the US or commit to building factories there. This means that Apple, which has pledged to invest $600 billion in US manufacturing, will not pay the tariffs. Trump said that companies that promise to build factories in the US but fail to deliver will pay the tariffs later. He added that devices like the iPhone will not be affected by similar tariffs in countries like China and India. Trump announced this decision during a press conference with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who announced additional investments in US manufacturing. A date for the tariffs to go into effect has not yet been set.
Apple improves AirPods charging in iOS 26
Apple announced new improvements to charging AirPods in the fifth beta of iOS 26. The charging case now displays the charging status more clearly, reminding users when it's time to recharge. A message appears on the iPhone screen explaining the meaning of the lights on the charging case: green means charging is complete, while orange indicates that the case or the earbuds need to be charged. Previously, the lights only appeared when the case was open, but it appears that the new update will make the orange light appear even when the case is closed if it needs to be charged. Apple has also added a notification on the iPhone that alerts users when the battery is low on the earbuds, even when they're not in use, so you can charge them before you need to.
Will the iPhone 17 Pro start with 256GB storage?
Leaks from Weibo indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro may come with a base storage capacity of 256GB, with a $50 price increase for all iPhone 17 models. According to a source known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 series is expected to be announced on September 9, with prices starting at $849 for the iPhone 17, $949 for the iPhone 17 Air, $1049 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and $1249 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Currently, the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro start at 128GB, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB. Increasing the base storage capacity of the iPhone 17 Pro to 256GB could justify the price increase, especially with the addition of new features and designs, making the increase seem more logical to users than simply being tied to component costs or customs duties.
Microsoft beats Apple to launch 5G computer
Apple plans to add cellular connectivity to Macs by 2026, but Microsoft beat it to it with the launch of the Surface Laptop 5G in August 2025. Designed for business as part of the Copilot+ PC lineup, this computer features a 13.8-inch display and Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, with six smart antennas that adapt to user experience to ensure a strong connection. The computer supports Nano SIM and eSIM, and can act as a wireless hotspot for other devices. Shipping will begin on August 26th, starting at $1700, and it's compatible with over 100 carriers worldwide. Note that 5G support could be available as soon as 2025. Apple uses the C1 chip for 5G in the iPhone 16e and plans to use the faster C2 chip in the iPhone 18 Pro and Macs by 2026. Despite Apple's previous experiments with 3G connectivity in MacBooks dating back to 2007, it has yet to launch a cellular Mac, but 2026 could be the year.
Macintosh HD icon gets a new look
Apple updated the Macintosh HD internal storage icon in the fifth beta of macOS Tahoe, much to the dismay of some Mac users who prefer the old design. The previous icon resembled a traditional hard drive, while the new icon reflects the look of modern SSDs, which have been used in Macs for more than a decade. The last Mac to use a traditional hard drive was the 21.5-inch iMac with Fusion Drive technology.
If you don't like the new icon, you can hide the Macintosh HD from the desktop via the Finder settings by deselecting the "Hard disks" option. Apple also updated the Disk Utility and Finder icons in previous beta releases, but the Finder icon's color change sparked controversy, prompting Apple to return to the classic color scheme.
Apple releases an early preview of a ChatGPT-like intelligent support assistant.
Apple has begun testing a smart assistant feature in the Apple Support app, making it available to some iPhone users as part of an early preview. This assistant can be accessed via the new Chat button in the app's navigation bar, but this option is currently only available to a limited number of users. Tapping the button reveals the smart assistant, which answers questions about Apple products and services, such as troubleshooting technical issues or explaining device features. The assistant is intended solely for Apple product support and does not answer questions outside of this scope, such as inquiries about future products. If the assistant is unable to resolve the issue, the conversation can be transferred to an Apple support representative. Apple warns that this feature is experimental and may encounter errors, and advises users to double-check important information. Apple has not specified the duration of this early preview or when the assistant will be available to everyone.
Guest Chat Feature Coming to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to communicate with people who don't have an account. According to WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android contains references to "Guest Chats," where a user can send a chat link to someone who doesn't have the app. Upon opening the link, the guest can chat with the sender via an encrypted interface similar to WhatsApp Web. However, these chats will be limited to text only, with no ability to send photos, videos, or voice messages. They will also be limited to one-on-one conversations and will not include group chats.
This feature is part of Meta, WhatsApp's parent company,'s efforts to comply with European Union regulations on cross-platform compatibility. WhatsApp is also working on integrating chats from apps like iMessage and Telegram. An official launch date for the feature has not been announced, but it is expected in an upcoming update for Android and iOS.
OpenAI Adds Rest Reminders and Mental Health Features to ChatGPT
OpenAI has announced new updates to ChatGPT aimed at making its use healthier and more beneficial. Starting today, ChatGPT will send gentle reminders to users about how long they've been using the app, with suggestions for taking a break. The goal isn't to keep users around for too long, but rather to help them complete their tasks and get back to their lives. OpenAI will also work to improve ChatGPT's responses to sensitive questions, such as important personal decisions like "Should I end my relationship?" The program will offer advice that helps users consider the pros and cons rather than direct answers.
OpenAI is also working to improve ChatGPT's ability to detect signs of psychological or emotional distress, directing users to reliable sources. The company consulted with more than 90 doctors from 30 countries and experts in mental health and human-computer interaction to develop these features and ensure their safety.
Apple is developing its own image sensor for the iPhone.
Leaks from Weibo indicate that Apple is developing a new image sensor for the iPhone whose performance closely matches the human eye's ability to see detail in varying lighting conditions. A recent Apple patent, titled "Stacked Pixel Image Sensor with High Dynamic Range and Low Noise," reveals an advanced design that uses two layers: an upper layer for light capture and a lower layer for image processing and noise reduction.
This sensor can handle varying lighting conditions, such as a person standing in front of a bright window, without losing detail in shadows or bright areas, thanks to technology that allows each pixel to store different amounts of light. It also has built-in circuitry that reduces noise caused by heat during shooting. Apple currently uses sensors from Sony, but the new sensor could give it complete control over image quality and reduce its reliance on third-party manufacturers. Leaks indicate that Apple has begun testing this sensor, which could mean it could appear in future iPhones.
The future iPhone may adopt advanced tandem OLED screen technology.
Apple plans to use tandem OLED displays in iPhones in the coming years, a technology currently found in iPad Pros with the M4 processor. According to a report from The Elec, Apple has a two-year production plan for these advanced displays, but has not yet determined whether it will partner with Samsung Display or LG Display, meaning the technology may not appear in an iPhone before 2028.
Tandem OLED displays consist of two luminous layers, increasing brightness, improving power efficiency, and extending screen life compared to the single-layer OLED displays currently used in iPhones. The report indicates that Apple is considering a simplified type of tandem that uses two layers for blue pixels only, while keeping the red and green pixels on a single layer.
LG Display proposed this technology, and it is ahead of Samsung in this area, which already uses tandem technology in iPad Pro displays and some automotive displays. Apple will likely rely on multiple suppliers, including China's BOE, to ensure production and competitive pricing, but plans may change over time.
Miscellaneous news
◉ A rumor suggests that Apple is planning to launch new “liquid silicone” cases for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. These cases feature a distinctive wave-effect design near the magnetic charging area (MagSafe), with holes for attaching a lanyard that can be purchased separately. The cases align with the “liquid glass” design of iOS 26, but the intended meaning of this effect is unclear. Some of the cases in leaked images appear bulky and low-quality, raising doubts that they are Apple-designed. Source “Majin Bu” has a mixed record of accurate leaks, but he was recently correct about a feature in iPadOS 26.
◉ Taiwanese authorities have arrested three people, including a current engineer and a former employee at TSMC, Apple's main chip manufacturing partner, on charges of attempting to steal confidential information related to its 2-nanometer chip technology. This advanced technology will be used in the A20 processor that will appear in the iPhone 18 series next year. TSMC discovered the security breach after observing "unusual access patterns" in its internal systems related to chip development and production. TSMC says its 2-nanometer technology offers significant improvements, offering 10-15% faster speeds and 25-30% lower power consumption compared to 3-nanometer chips, with similar or better density. The company notified authorities, and the suspects have been arrested. Further details are under investigation.
◉ Apple is working on an 18.8-inch foldable device, potentially a MacBook-iPad hybrid, but a new report suggests its production could be delayed beyond 2026, possibly as late as 2027 or 2028. While analysts expect the foldable iPhone 18 to launch in 2026, there's still uncertainty over whether the larger device will run on iPad or Mac operating systems, or a hybrid. Apple's recent iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe updates could support the idea of a hybrid touchscreen device.
◉ Apple is hiring engineers for the Answers, Knowledge, and Information team to improve Siri, Spotlight, and Safari, with a focus on developing AI models that answer users' questions based on their personal data while preserving privacy. According to analyst Mark Gurman, the team is working on a ChatGPT-like "Answer Engine" that browses the web to answer general questions. This could be launched as a standalone app or integrated into future updates to Siri and other apps. While Siri's personalized features, which will better understand user context, have been delayed until 2026, reports indicate that Apple aims to deliver a smarter, more conversational search experience by iOS 27.
◉ Leaker Majin Bu has revealed images of a battery intended for the iPhone 17 Pro, not the iPhone 17 Air as previously claimed. The battery will feature a metal design to help dissipate heat and a capacity ranging between 2800 and 3000 mAh. The battery, which will come in two versions (with and without a SIM tray), uses an adhesive that is removed with a low amperage, making it easier to replace. The efficiency of the A19 processor and Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26 could compensate for the lower capacity. However, battery life may be shorter compared to previous models, with reports indicating that only 60-70% of users will be able to use the device for a full day without recharging, with Apple planning to release a battery case as an optional accessory.
◉ Apple has warned investors that its profits could decline if its lucrative agreement with Google, which allows Google to be the default search engine on Safari on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, ends. Apple's chief financial officer revealed that its earnings forecast for the next quarter depends on the continuation of this agreement, which generates billions of dollars annually for Apple. This comes amid legal concerns following a US court ruling that the deal may violate competition laws, potentially altering the future of cooperation between the two companies.
Sources:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15 | 16
3 comment