A LEGO fan creates an amazing reimagining of the iMac G3, the iPhone 17 may come without a SIM card slot in new countries, a leaked transparent case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple files a patent for a more powerful and durable vibration motor, Instagram finally comes to the iPad, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Garmin beats Apple to the punch with a satellite-connected smartwatch
Garmin has launched a new smartwatch called the Fenix 8 Pro, which connects to satellites, days before Apple announces its Ultra 3, which will also support the same feature. The watch allows you to send text messages and locate your location via satellite using the Garmin app, as well as make calls and send voice messages when a cell phone network is available. The watch includes location tracking for family and friends, and an emergency button that alerts the Garmin Response Center for assistance in emergency situations. It also features a very bright display, water-resistant metal buttons, a flashlight, and the ability to monitor health and suggest daily exercises. The watch is available in two sizes and designs, with prices starting at $1200, and will be available on September 8, 2025. Satellite services require a monthly subscription starting at $7.99.
Instagram finally comes to iPad
Instagram has launched its first iPad app, which is now available. The app focuses on Reels, opening directly to the Reels page, with the ability to watch Stories at the top and chat with others. The app features a “Following” section with various options: “All” displays suggested posts and videos from the accounts you follow; “Friends” displays content from the accounts you follow and who follow you; and “Recent” displays posts chronologically. The app is designed to take advantage of the iPad’s larger screen, making access to features easier and faster. It also allows you to view messages and notifications together, and expand comments while watching full-size Reels. The app is now available for iPad running iPadOS 15.1 or later.
Google to launch Gemini smart home solution on October 1
Google announced that it will launch “Gemini for Home” on October 22st, a new AI-powered system that will replace Google Assistant on Nest smart home devices. This update will enable users to speak naturally without specific phrases, and will execute complex commands such as “Dim the lights and set the thermostat to 2026 degrees,” or exceptions such as “Turn off the lights in all rooms except the bedroom.” It will also add practical features such as creating shopping lists, suggesting recipes, helping solve problems, and even providing travel tips. With “Gemini Live,” users will no longer have to repeat “Hey Google” during conversations. The launch of this service puts pressure on Apple, which is planning a major Siri update in XNUMX but has yet to provide similar capabilities.
Apple files a patent for a more powerful and durable vibration motor.
Apple has been granted a new patent for an improved version of the Taptic Engine used in the iPhone and Apple Watch, making it more resistant to shocks and drops. The new design relies on a system of flexible springs of varying thicknesses and shapes to absorb shocks and better distribute the force of impact, protecting delicate internal components from damage. The idea aims to reduce the size and weight of the engine while increasing its durability, and may appear in future Apple phones and watches. While the patents don't necessarily indicate an imminent product launch, they reveal the company's plans to improve the durability of its devices.
Court allows Google-Apple search engine agreement to continue, subject to conditions
A US court has decided to allow Google to continue its agreement with Apple to make its search engine the default option on iPhones, provided that these contracts are not exclusive. This means that Google can still pay Apple billions of dollars (about $20 billion annually) for its search engine on its devices, but it must also share some search data with competitors such as other search engines. The court rejected the US Department of Justice's request to force Google to sell its Chrome browser or Android operating system, deeming it excessive. The decision preserves the lucrative partnership between the two companies, but at the same time places restrictions on Google to prevent it from monopolizing the market entirely.
Apple plans to launch a lighter, cheaper version of the Vision Pro glasses in 2027.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple is working on a new version of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, called the Vision Air. It will be more than 40% lighter than the current version, weighing less than half a kilogram. It is also expected to be priced more than 50% lower, at around $1750 instead of $3499, putting it closer to the price of a high-end Mac or even the anticipated foldable iPhone. The new design will feature a titanium internal chassis to reduce weight, along with an improved battery and a thinner body. Apple is expected to sell 2027 million Vision Air units in 400, compared to XNUMX Vision Pro units.
Apple releases update to reduce iPhone 12 radiation in Europe
Apple announced that it will release a software update for iPhone 12 users in European Union countries to reduce the device's radiation levels in line with European health safety standards. The decision comes after France halted sales of the model in 2023 due to it exceeding permitted limits, forcing Apple to modify existing devices. The update will be available in all EU countries in the coming weeks. Although Apple still believes the French testing method is inaccurate, it has confirmed its respect for the European Commission's decision and clarified that users can continue using their devices with confidence and safety.
Apple requires its suppliers to rely on robots in manufacturing.
A new report indicates that Apple has significantly accelerated its adoption of robots in its production lines, now requiring its suppliers to use automation as a prerequisite for manufacturing contracts. The goal is to reduce reliance on human labor, improve product quality and consistency across factories, and reduce costs in the long run, especially as the company seeks to diversify its supply chain away from China. This policy applies to all Apple products, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Suppliers will bear the costs of introducing robots themselves, which has begun to squeeze profits for some due to high upfront costs. Despite this, Apple continues to support sustainability and the environment, as part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
70% of iPhone users plan to upgrade to the iPhone 17
A new survey shows that nearly 70% of US iPhone users intend to purchase the iPhone 17 when it launches on September 9, a significant increase from last year's iPhone 16. The most in-demand models will be the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, followed by the regular iPhone 17 and the ultra-thin iPhone 2026 Air. The top reason for upgrading is improved battery life, followed by the new design, display, camera, and AI-powered features. Despite the enthusiasm, price remains a major obstacle for many. The survey also revealed that user loyalty to Apple remains strong, but some may turn to foldable phones from Samsung or Google if Apple doesn't release a similar version by XNUMX.
Analyst denies rumor of under-display fingerprint in foldable iPhone
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has confirmed that Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026, will use a fingerprint sensor built into the side button rather than an under-display fingerprint sensor as recently rumored. Kuo explained that the design will be similar to the iPad Air and iPad mini, which use the same technology, and that Luxshare will supply the fingerprint module. The expected phone will feature a book-like design with a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display, with a price tag ranging between $2000 and $2500. It will likely ditch Face ID to free up internal space. It will also feature a dual rear camera and a front-facing camera for both the folded and unfolded states, with mass production expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
Miscellaneous news
◉ A new leak has emerged purporting to show images of the clear protective case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The images reveal three key changes compared to the iPhone 16 Pro case: First, the rear camera notch runs the width of the device; second, a new design for the MagSafe area, a white circular rectangle instead of the usual circle; and third, support for a new accessory, the magnetic strap, that can be worn casually. The leaks also indicate that Apple has been testing special colored versions of this case, which may be released later.
◉ New leaks indicate that the iPhone 17 series may come without a SIM card slot in several additional countries this year, after the adoption of digital eSIM technology became standard in the United States since the iPhone 14. While the iPhone 17 Air is almost certain to be without a SIM card slot due to its ultra-thin design, there's a strong possibility this change will also include other models like the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max. Apple is promoting eSIM as more secure than traditional chips and easier to use, especially while traveling.
◉ A LEGO fan has created an amazing re-creation of the 3 iMac G1998 in its distinctive translucent Bondi Blue color. The model consists of approximately 700 pieces and includes the all-in-one computer, the circular mouse known as the "Hockey Puck," and the keyboard, with transparent cables just like the original. Even the internal details are represented. The proposal has already received around 4500 votes on the LEGO Ideas website, and if it reaches 10,000 votes, LEGO will review it for possible release as an official product, although Apple approval may be required. For LEGO and Apple fans, this project could be a great opportunity to recreate a classic piece of tech history in a fun way.
◉ Anthropic announced an update to its terms of service and privacy policy, whereby it will begin using user conversations to train its Claude AI model. New users can opt out during signup, while existing users will see a notification allowing them to unsubscribe from the "You can help improve Claude" option before September 28, 2025, to continue using the service. They can also opt out later via Settings > Privacy. The new policy applies to the Claude Free, Pro, and Max plans, excluding the Business and Education plans. Under the new policy, the company will retain data for five years for users who opt in, while users who opt out will only have 30 days to do so. Anthropic says this step aims to improve its models and increase security against malicious use, while relying on tools and techniques to filter sensitive data without sharing it with third parties.
◉ Apple has taken a major step forward by reserving nearly half of TSMC's initial production capacity for its latest 2-nanometer processors, designated for the A20 processor that will power the iPhone 18. This new technology represents a leap forward over current 3-nanometer processors, offering up to 15% faster speeds and 30% better power efficiency, resulting in stronger performance and longer battery life. Despite the high cost of production, Apple, along with companies like Qualcomm, has been quick to secure their share of this advanced generation. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro models in the fall of 2026, while the regular versions and the iPhone 18e will be released in March of the following year.
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