A new Chinese breakthrough: optical chips and processors; Trump's phone launch delayed until 2026; an issue with iPhone 17 Pro speakers while charging; a cyberattack targeting an Apple supplier in China; Apple launches its "Never Give Up" campaign with the Apple Watch; Apple classifies MacBook Air and Apple Watch Series 5 as "legacy" devices; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
A new Apple ad highlights the power of the iPhone 17 Pro camera.
Apple released a short ad titled “Shot on iPhone” to highlight the new optical zoom feature in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The ad showcases quick shots demonstrating the phone's ability to zoom up to 8x in high quality, equivalent to a 200mm lens, making it the longest optical zoom in iPhone history. This exclusive feature allows users to get significantly closer to details, whereas the previous iPhone 16 Pro was limited to 5x optical zoom.
Apple classifies MacBook Air and Apple Watch 5 as “legacy” devices.
Apple has announced that the last Intel-powered MacBook Air, along with the Apple Watch Series 5, is now considered "vintage." The iPhone 11 Pro has also been added to the list, following the earlier inclusion of the Pro Max. According to Apple's policy, a device is considered "vintage" after more than five years since its discontinuation and can only be repaired if replacement parts are available. Devices that have been out of sale for more than seven years are considered "end of life" and are not typically eligible for repair services, with the exception of Mac laptop batteries, which can be repaired up to ten years after their discontinuation date.
Problem with iPhone 17 Pro speakers while charging
Several iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max users have reported a persistent buzzing or humming sound, similar to an old radio, while charging their phones. Some noticed the sound when playing audio at low volume, while others confirmed it was audible even without headphones, and sometimes even while browsing web pages. The issue occurs with all types of chargers, including official Apple chargers, although the sound is less noticeable when using MagSafe charging. Disconnecting the phone from the charger immediately stops the noise, but replacing the device hasn't resolved the problem for some users. Reports from Apple's support forums and community indicate that the company is aware of the issue and its engineers are working on a fix, but recent iOS updates have not yet resolved the problem.
Apple launches “Never Give Up” campaign with Apple Watch
With 2026 approaching and New Year's resolutions upon us, Apple has begun running new social media ads highlighting the Apple Watch as a motivational tool. The campaign, titled "Quit Quitting," shows users getting away from their beds, chairs, or bar stools, while the watch displays the Workout app and sends encouraging messages such as tracking pace or closing activity rings. All the ads end with the phrase "Don't give up," referencing the fact that most people quit their resolutions by January 9th.
Apple avoids Chinese chip fees until 2027
Apple has been granted an extension before new tariffs on semiconductors imported from China take effect. The tariffs will remain at zero until June 2027, after which they will increase, with the announcement made at least 30 days in advance. This decision mitigates the short-term risks for Apple, as the company relies on Chinese suppliers for a number of components, such as power management chips, display processors, and communication modules, even though its flagship A- and M-series processors are manufactured in Taiwan. The measure is considered a postponement, not a cancellation, giving Apple greater clarity in its supply chain decisions, particularly given its ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on China. It's worth noting that Apple committed $600 billion to support domestic manufacturing and infrastructure last August.
Cyberattack targets one of Apple's suppliers in China
One of Apple's partners in China suffered a major cyberattack this month, potentially compromising sensitive data related to its production and manufacturing lines. While the company has not disclosed its identity, reports indicate the issue has been partially addressed, and internal assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the losses and impact. Apple typically conducts risk assessments to determine the severity of such breaches, the type of data exposed, and whether corrective actions are sufficient. Given the complexity of supply chains, companies like Apple often prefer to require suppliers to strengthen their cybersecurity systems and enhance internal controls rather than immediately relocating production.
Trump's phone launch postponed until 2026
Despite promises of a $500 phone launch in 2025, the Trump Mobile T1 remains unavailable, with recent reports suggesting its release has been pushed back to 2026 due to the impact of the US government shutdown. The phone's final design is still shrouded in mystery, with previous images showing various forms resembling iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Although the company has abandoned the idea of manufacturing the phone entirely in the US, it continues to accept $100 pre-orders for the device, which is marketed under the slogan "Proudly American." Specifications include a 6.25-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of storage with an expansion slot, and a 50MP camera. Meanwhile, the company's website is offering refurbished Apple and Samsung phones for sale, such as the iPhone 15 for $629 and the Galaxy S24 for $459.
New Chinese breakthrough: Optical chips and processors
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have announced the development of the first optical chip capable of running large-scale generative models for artificial intelligence, a feat published in the journal Science. Optical computing relies on using light instead of electrons within chips, resulting in significantly faster speeds and greater energy efficiency. The new chip, dubbed LightGen, represents a major breakthrough thanks to three key innovations: the integration of millions of "optical neurons" within the chip, fully optical dimensionality transformation, and the development of an optical training algorithm that does not require reference data. These advancements have made it possible to perform complex generative tasks such as creating high-resolution images, generating 3D models, producing high-quality videos, and performing semantic manipulation. The researchers assert that this achievement paves the way for faster and more efficient chips to support future artificial intelligence.
Apple hints at a major announcement in early 2026
Apple posted a short Instagram video hinting that something “big” is coming to its Fitness+ service in early 2026. The cryptic 15-second ad featured titles like “The countdown begins” and “2026 plans are still a secret,” with hints of new content and major moves coming soon. Apple typically unveils new Fitness+ programs in January, such as strength, yoga, and walking classes, as well as integration with the Strava app. Previous reports have indicated that the service is undergoing an internal review due to low engagement, and rumors have circulated about a new service called Health+ that would combine medical experts with Apple’s AI to provide diagnostic advice. It remains unclear whether the upcoming announcement pertains to an expansion of Fitness+ or the launch of new content. The service is available for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, is included in Apple One plans, and works on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
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