Tech

iPhone 16: What to expect

With all the latest reports, rumours, and leaks, we now have a clearer picture of what the iPhone 16 lineup is going to look like. We previously covered everything we know about the potential new features of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. A significant highlight is Apple‘s emphasis on its in-device AI processing, distinguishing itself by not relying on cloud computing, which ensures faster and more secure functionality. So let’s delve into how the upcoming device will integrate artificial intelligence features into its system. iPhone 16: What to expect.

Apple Intelligence: The Core of iOS 18

Apple’s proprietary AI, termed “Apple Intelligence,” is woven into nearly every aspect of iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series. This will be an epic upgrade to Siri, which to date has lacked many features found in rival brands.

This integration enhances various functionalities including Siri, Apple applications like Safari and Mail, photo enhancement, generative text and images, proofreading, and more.

Siri’s Major Overhaul

Siri receives a much-needed overhaul, offering a more modern and subtle interface with a colourful glow around the display’s borders when activated, according to a report in Phone Arena.

This version of Siri is designed to understand and engage in natural conversation, making interactions more intuitive and less reliant on precise speech.

Siri can now access information from photos, messages, mail, and other applications, allowing for more personalised responses to queries.

Siri’s enhanced memory allows for follow-up questions, making it easier to carry on a continuous dialogue. Additionally, users can now interact with Siri via text by double-tapping at the bottom of the screen to reveal the keyboard.

Advanced Messaging and Email

Apple Intelligence acts as a personal editor, capable of rewriting emails in different tones, proofreading text, summarising content, highlighting key points, and even inserting tables.

Users can provide specific instructions for text modifications, and the AI will adjust accordingly.

This could reduce the need for other websites that help with such features.

The AI also offers the ability to summarise long messages and entire email threads, helping users quickly catch up on important points. So will it be a goodbye to ChatGPT?

Custom Emoji Creation

The new “Genmoji” feature allows users to create personalised emojis via text prompts, maintaining the same style as standard emojis.

This adds a fun, creative aspect to messaging that was previously limited to custom stickers on platforms like WhatsApp.

Generative Images

According to the report in Phone Arena, the new Image Playground app will allow users to create custom images using Apple Intelligence, similar to apps like Midjourney.

AI-Powered Safari Enhancements

If true, the enhancements in Safari will be game-changing.

The Apple browser will reportedly introduce Intelligent Search, which uses AI to analyze webpages and highlight key points or phrases, providing summaries to save reading time.

The new Web Eraser tool will let users remove unwanted elements from websites, such as ads, ensuring these elements remain hidden during future visits.

Enhanced Photos App

Apple’s new tool for the Photos app, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser, allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos with greater precision.

The AI ensures that only the intended elements are removed, maintaining the integrity of the remaining image.

Additionally, the Photos app now supports more intuitive searches and can create memories from typed descriptions, transforming photos and videos into personalised movies.

Battery and Charging Enhancements

As Apple gears up to release the iPhone 16 this fall, significant changes are on the horizon, including a solution to battery life.

The upcoming models will support faster charging speeds, surpassing any previous iPhone by a considerable margin, as per a report in Forbes.

While some Android users might remain unimpressed, citing models like the OnePlus 12 with even faster charging, the iPhone 16 series will still mark a notable upgrade.

The battery capacities of these new iPhones will influence their charging performance, particularly the iPhone 16 Plus.

Despite a report by Britta O’Boyle at T3 suggesting a reduction in battery size by 8.6 per cent compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, the improved charging speeds could make the iPhone 16 Plus the fastest-charging model in the lineup.

Additional Enhancements

Enhancements to the iPhone 16 series extend beyond battery life. Anticipated updates include varied displays across models, wider use of the tetraprism camera, advanced camera lenses, more efficient OLED displays, a new thermal design to prevent overheating, and a revamped main camera sensor. However, the spotlight remains on the battery and charging improvements.

Recent reports indicate that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will support 40W wired charging speeds, potentially extending to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus as well.

This is a significant leap from the current 27W charging speeds of the iPhone 15 series, which can charge to 50 per cent in about 30 minutes.

With 40W support, the iPhone 16 could reach 50 per cent in just over 15 minutes, though larger batteries might slightly extend this time to around 20 minutes.

Wireless charging is also expected to see an upgrade from 15W to 20W, further enhancing convenience.

More details about the iPhone 16 series will emerge as the upcoming device nears its release date which is likely to be in mid-September.

New Apple iPhone devices have traditionally been unveiled in the month of September.

Presuming the same for Apple iPhone 16, we’re just two months away from the launch, just two months away from queuing up for long hours at official Apple stores in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Rumoured Features

The iPhone 16 will feature a new power-efficient display, better zoom lenses, an action button, and several new AI-powered features. Ahead of the highly anticipated launch, let’s delve into these rumours and leaks that will help us understand what to expect from the upcoming iPhone.

Increase in Size

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will have larger display sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a 6.3 and 6.9 inches display, respectively.

The dimensions of the iPhone’s body will naturally increase, with both models expected to be taller and wider than their predecessors, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The bezels are also likely to be slimmer.

As for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, they will remain the same with the current 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively.

New Buttons?

Reports suggest that Apple plans to add two new buttons to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. One button will replace the Mute/Switch and another is entirely new. The Action button, currently on iPhone 15 Pro models, will be used across all iPhone 16 models.

It replaces the traditional mute and switch button, and can be set to perform multiple functions depending on the user.

A new Capture Button will reportedly be located on the same side of the iPhone’s power button. According to The Information, the button will be able to respond to pressure and touch. Users will be able to zoom in and out by swiping on the button among other features. It will be available on all four iPhone 16 models.

Camera and Zoom

Earlier this year, a collection of photographs published by AppleInsider showed 3D-printed dummy models of the rumoured iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro.

The images showed that the iPhone 16 has a vertical camera stack as opposed to a diagonal one which is found in current base iPhone models.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that a tetraprism lens will be featured in both upcoming Pro models, as opposed to just the Pro Max model.

That means both Pro models will have 5x optical zoom cameras.

New Colours?

There will be various colours of the upcoming iPhone 16 models. Ming-Chi in May shared his colour predictions for the lineup.

On micro-blogging site X, he said that the blue colour option of the iPhone 15 Pro will be discontinued and replaced with a new rose model, which will be available for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

He also predicted that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in white, replacing the yellow model.

iPhone 16 Processors

Speaking of performance, all four iPhone 16 models will get a next-generation Apple chip.

According to reports by Jeff Pu, an executive analyst for Haitong International Securities, all four models will have an A18 series chip with Pro iPhone models getting an A18 Bionic Pro and base models getting a regular A18.

More AI Features?

AI is the talk of the town this year and Apple has jumped on the bandwagon to integrate AI into its flagship devices.

During the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple Intelligence made its debut, bringing ChatGPT and other tools for proofreading and rewriting text in a different tone into play.

Release Date

Apple holds its iPhone event every September and we can expect Apple to follow the same for the iPhone 16. We can expect iPhone 16 to go on sale at the end of September.

For more detailed insights and updates on the latest tech trends, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Related Topics:16 2024 AI Apple iphone uae

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What’s Special About iOS 18.2? Apple’s Latest Features Unveiled

With the December 2024 release on the horizon, iOS 18.2 is set to bring Apple users a host of new features, upgrades, and customisation options. This latest update focuses on making Apple’s intelligence and user interface more versatile, efficient, and personal.

1. Apple Intelligence Enhancements: Siri Gets Smarter

Apple’s AI capabilities see major improvements, branded as “Apple Intelligence.” This includes:

Image Playground: A new tool for creating and editing visuals with AI support, transforming sketches into finished images, perfect for content creators and casual users alike.

Genmoji: Personalise your emoji with AI-generated options, letting users add their personal touch to emojis across messaging and social media.
ChatGPT-Enabled Siri: Integrating ChatGPT’s language model makes Siri’s responses more detailed and contextual, catering better to individual user questions.

Visual Intelligence: Available on iPhone 16 models, the camera now recognises objects and scenes more accurately for added depth to your photography experience.

2. Revamped Mail App

The Mail app has been completely redesigned, enhancing functionality with an on-device categorisation feature that auto-sorts emails into Primary, Updates, Promotions, and more. Bigger contact images and a digest view for business emails improve the overall look and make it easier to organise and find messages at a glance.

3. New Customisation: Default Apps

With iOS 18.2, Apple introduces more flexibility with the option to set default apps for messaging, email, and calling. This customisation means users can choose their favourite apps as default, streamlining access to frequently used services.

4. Volume Limit Control for Safer Listening

In the Sound and Haptics settings, users can now set a volume limit, restricting maximum playback levels for headphones and speakers to help protect hearing and manage sound levels for a safer, healthier listening experience.

5. Regional-Specific Updates for the EU

To meet recent EU regulations, iOS 18.2 allows EU-based users to delete core apps such as the App Store, Safari, Messages, and Camera. Third-party browsers can also now create web apps for iPhone’s Home screen with their own engines, making iOS more adaptable to new regional requirements.

6. Enhanced Voice Memos Functionality

The Voice Memos app now allows layering of two audio tracks for editing, making it ideal for recording and mixing, whether for business, education, or personal projects.

Final Thoughts on iOS 18.2

iOS 18.2 is a feature-rich update, bringing personalised customisation, advanced AI integration, and EU-specific flexibility. Expect these updates to enhance the overall Apple experience, giving users new ways to make their iPhones smarter, safer, and even more versatile.

Tech

Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production

In an intriguing shift, Apple has reportedly scaled back production of its first-generation Vision Pro spatial computer only months after its launch. Originally priced at a hefty AED 12,856 ($3,499), the Vision Pro’s high cost has deterred many potential buyers, despite being Apple’s flagship mixed reality device. This strategic adjustment is seen as Apple’s response to market dynamics, with plans potentially underway for a more affordable mixed reality headset aimed at competing with companies like Meta, which offers lower-priced AR/VR devices. Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production is big news.

Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production

Scaling Back Production: Vision Pro’s Revised Output

A recent report from The Information reveals that Apple’s Vision Products Group has “sharply scaled back” production of the Vision Pro. Sources within Apple’s supply chain have disclosed that production output may even be cut in half by the end of the year. Components for up to 600,000 headsets were initially manufactured, but dwindling demand has led to reduced production levels. As a result, “tens of thousands of undelivered parts” are reportedly sitting in warehouses, reflecting a notable shift from Apple’s initial production ambitions.

This move follows an initial surge in component manufacturing, with a volume that has now exceeded current demand levels. Apple’s choice to limit production while satisfying the present market demand underscores its strategic pivot toward a more diversified product lineup within the mixed reality category.

Vision Pro’s Price Barrier and Market Position

At AED 12,856 ($3,499), the Vision Pro’s steep price has positioned it within a niche segment, accessible primarily to enterprise users or tech enthusiasts. By contrast, many AR/VR competitors, such as Meta’s Quest series, provide mixed reality experiences at significantly lower price points, making them more accessible to a broader consumer base. Apple’s high-end approach has established the Vision Pro as a premium option with robust capabilities, but the lack of mass-market adoption suggests a shift in Apple’s focus towards affordability.

Apple’s Vision for a More Affordable Headset

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is now developing a new mixed reality device with a reduced price tag expected to be around AED 7,350 ($2,000). Scheduled for release as early as next year, this affordable version will likely lack certain high-end features—such as the Vision Pro’s unique EyeSight capability—allowing Apple to achieve the lower cost. The device is anticipated to balance high-quality features with cost-effective design choices, positioning it as a competitive option in the expanding AR/VR market.

While this lower-priced model aims to capture a wider audience, Apple remains committed to its premium segment with plans for a Vision Pro successor in 2026. This future version will likely feature a more advanced chip, enhancing performance while retaining its position as Apple’s flagship AR/VR offering.

Strategic Response to AR/VR Market Trends

Apple’s shift comes in response to a growing competitive landscape, with companies like Meta dominating the more affordable AR/VR headset market. While the Vision Pro introduced Apple’s cutting-edge approach to spatial computing, the industry’s competitive pricing has prompted Apple to adjust its product line to cater to a broader range of consumers. By introducing a mid-tier headset, Apple aims to secure a greater share of the rapidly evolving AR/VR market, making mixed reality experiences more accessible without sacrificing quality.

The shift to diversify its product range highlights Apple’s pragmatic approach to balancing technological innovation with market realities. With Meta’s Quest 3 expected to retail at around AED 1,650 ($449), Apple’s price adjustments reflect a strategic move to compete more effectively against lower-cost AR/VR headsets, while also reinforcing its premium status with plans for an advanced Vision Pro update in 2026.

Production and Component Adjustments

Feedback from three Apple suppliers indicates that while components for hundreds of thousands of Vision Pro units were initially produced, the company has scaled back due to decreasing demand. The current production output is aligned with the anticipated sales volume, with ample inventory to meet immediate demand without surplus manufacturing. This balance allows Apple to avoid overproduction while preparing for future expansions with newer, more competitively priced models.

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Tech

Google Tackles Explicit Deepfakes

In response to the growing issue of nonconsensual deepfake imagery, particularly targeting female celebrities, Google Tackles Explicit Deepfakes in new measures to address this problem. Over the past year, the proliferation of explicit deepfake content online has become a significant challenge for search engines, as users may come across such material even when not actively seeking it.

To tackle this, Google has implemented an update to its ranking systems, aiming to reduce the visibility of fake explicit images and videos in search results. In a blog post, Google product manager Emma Higham announced that the ranking updates are intended to lower the amount of explicit fake content that appears during searches.

New Ranking System to Combat Deepfake Content

Google’s new approach focuses on how the search engine responds when users search for terms that could yield nonconsensual deepfakes of specific individuals. Instead of showing pages with explicit fake content, the updated ranking system will prioritise high-quality, non-explicit content, such as news articles, where available.

Higham explained that this change allows users to learn about the societal impact of deepfakes rather than encounter the harmful content itself. According to Higham, these updates have already reduced exposure to explicit image results on deepfake-related searches by 70 percent.

Addressing the Complexity of Distinguishing Real from Fake

One of the key challenges Google faces is differentiating between real, consensual content—such as actors in nude scenes—and AI-generated deepfake imagery without consent. To address this, Google has begun factoring in whether a site has had pages removed under Google’s policies on nonconsensual deepfakes. Sites with a high volume of removals for this kind of content will be downranked in search results, making it harder for explicit deepfakes to reach a wide audience.

Easier Removal Requests for Victims of Deepfakes

In addition to improving search rankings, Google is also enhancing the process for victims of nonconsensual deepfakes to request removals. These updates are aimed at making the request process simpler and more efficient. Once a deepfake is removed from Google Search, the company’s systems will try to filter out similar results and remove any duplicate images.

Higham acknowledged that there is “more work to do” in addressing the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes but affirmed that Google will continue developing new solutions to support victims. We’re seeing in real time how Google tackles explicit deepfakes.

Google’s Response to Wider Tech Industry Pressure

Google’s announcement comes just two months after the White House called on tech companies to take stronger action against the spread of explicit deepfake imagery. As the issue continues to grow, Google’s updated tactics are a step toward protecting individuals from the harmful effects of AI-generated fake content.