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The article discusses the potential improvements and features of Apple's upcoming A18 Pro chip, which is expected to be used in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The A18 Pro chip is anticipated to have enhanced AI performance, with improvements in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine capabilities. The chip will likely be manufactured using a 3nm process and may have a larger size and increased transistor count compared to its predecessor. Other potential upgrades include faster RAM, a Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem for improved 5G connectivity, and features such as Ultra Wideband, Bluetooth, and NFC. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has released the new iPad Pro for 2024, featuring the M4 chip and improved display technology. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes, 11 inch and 13 inch, and is described as the thinnest Apple product ever. It includes updated cameras, improved audio, and supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 connectivity. The M4 chip offers faster CPU performance, advanced AI capabilities, and enhanced power efficiency. The iPad Pro is available for purchase now, with prices starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the release of the M4 chip in the new iPad Pro and its implications for future Apple devices. The M4 chip is a redesign that utilizes a second-generation 3nm chip technology. It is speculated that the next-generation iPhones will also feature the M4 chip, while the Mac lineup will transition to the M4 by the end of next year. The article highlights that the M4 chip may not offer a significant performance boost compared to the previous M3 chip. [Extracted from the article]

Apple's approach to opening up the iPhone is causing problems for consumers, developers, the EU, and Apple itself. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Apple to comply with regulations targeting its business practices. However, Apple's compliance seems to focus on satisfying the letter of the law rather than the spirit, which has led to criticism from European regulators. Apple's strategy appears to be incremental compliance, making minimal changes and waiting for further guidance from regulators. This approach carries risks, as Apple needs to maintain a good relationship with regulators to avoid punishment. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's decision to stick with their 2019 Intel Mac Pro instead of upgrading to the new Apple silicon Mac Pro. The author praises the 2019 Mac Pro for its upgradability and unique features, such as the ability to add more RAM and upgrade the graphics card. They also highlight the advantage of being able to expand storage internally, which is not offered by the newer Mac Studio. However, the article acknowledges that the 2019 Mac Pro has its drawbacks, such as limited support for future macOS updates and lower power efficiency compared to Apple silicon Macs. Overall, the author suggests that while the 2019 Mac Pro still has life left in it, the new Apple silicon Macs are becoming increasingly attractive options. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the future prospects of the iPad in Apple's product lineup. While the new iPad Pro and iPad Air have impressive hardware, the software has not kept up with its potential. The article explores the possibility of smartphones, particularly larger iPhones, encroaching on the iPad market, as well as the potential for MacBooks to offer similar features as the iPad Pro. Additionally, the article mentions the Apple Vision Pro as a potential competitor to the iPad. The author suggests that Apple's slow development of the iPad's software may hinder its future success. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Apple's decision to continue selling the 2020 MacBook Air at the same price of $999, despite it being three years old and no longer worth that price. The M1 MacBook Air uses a design from 2018 and has limitations in functionality compared to the newer M2 model. The M2 MacBook Air is priced at $1,099 and offers a 20% boost in performance compared to the M1 model. The article suggests that Apple should lower the price of the M1 MacBook Air to $899 to make it more competitive and boost sales. However, it is uncertain if Apple will take this approach, as they may discontinue the M1 model when the M3 MacBook Air is introduced. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides an overview of the updated iMac M3, which offers improved performance compared to previous models. The design remains the same, with vibrant colors and a slim body. The 23.5-inch Retina display provides excellent image quality, although it lacks the SDR brightness boost found in the new MacBook Pro models. Priced at $1,699, the iMac M3 is available in a 24-inch size. The article highlights features such as the six-speaker system with Spatial Audio support, the three-mic array for online meetings, and options for upgrading the keyboard and mouse. It also discusses ports, connectivity options, camera quality, and the availability of the iMac. The article suggests that users of the M1 iMac may not need to upgrade yet, but for those with Intel-based iMacs, the M3 is a worthwhile choice. It also mentions the possibility of a 27-inch Studio Display or an iMac Pro with a 32-inch display in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Apple's recent financial results show a 34 percent drop in Mac sales compared to the previous year. Apple executives, Tim Cook and Luca Maestri, attributed this decline to challenging market conditions and supply disruptions caused by factory shutdowns during the pandemic. However, despite the drop in sales, Mac revenue for fiscal 2023 was still up 2.6 percent from fiscal 2020, indicating that the Mac is back to pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, Apple's Services line continues to perform well, with a 16 percent increase in revenue and a profit margin of 70.9 percent. Apple executives did not provide specific details about the reasons behind the growth in Services revenue. Additionally, Cook expressed satisfaction with Apple's transition to Apple silicon and stated that he does not see the company going back to using third-party chip suppliers. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Justice, along with 16 state and district attorneys general, has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple for alleged monopolization or attempted monopolization of smartphone markets. The government claims that Apple used contractual and technological restrictions to limit competition from developers and make it harder for iPhone users to switch to Android. The suit focuses on five main complaints, including blocking innovative apps, suppressing mobile cloud streaming services, excluding cross-platform messaging apps, diminishing the functionality of non-Apple smartwatches, and limiting the capabilities of third-party digital wallets. Apple has responded by stating that the lawsuit threatens their ability to innovate and create technology that people expect from them. The outcome of the case is unlikely to have an immediate impact on users, as these cases can take years to resolve. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of PC Welt Plus is the property of IDG Communications, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

According to a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to release several new iPad models in 2024. The report suggests that all four iPad lines (standard, mini, Air, and Pro) will receive updates, which is a first for Apple in a single calendar year. The most significant changes are expected in the Air category, with the introduction of a new 10.9-inch model and a completely new 12.9-inch model. The iPad Pro is also set to receive an upgrade, with the current LED and mini-LED displays being replaced by OLED. The new models are likely to feature Apple's new M3 processor and may come with a price increase. The report also mentions that the 7th-gen iPad mini has been delayed, while the 9th-gen iPad will be phased out by the end of 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has announced that it will bring RCS (Rich Communication Services) to the iPhone, improving the messaging experience between iPhones and most Android phones. RCS is a messaging standard promoted by Google and adopted by the GSM Association, aiming to replace SMS and MMS with a more modern and interoperable solution. Apple's decision to support RCS comes amidst regulatory pressure and user demand for better interoperability with non-Apple products. While iMessage will still offer more features and security, the inclusion of RCS will greatly enhance messaging between iPhone and Android users. [Extracted from the article]

Apple's MacBook Pro is being criticized for its lack of memory, with the cheapest model only offering 8GB of RAM. This is seen as insufficient for a "Pro" computer in 2023-2024, especially considering the high price tag. While Apple's M-series memory management may mitigate some of the issues associated with 8GB of RAM, it is still not enough for many users. Other laptops in a similar price range offer at least 16GB of RAM as standard, making Apple's RAM offerings seem inadequate. Additionally, Apple charges a significant amount for RAM upgrades, despite the actual cost being much lower. Overall, this has led to accusations of corporate greed and dissatisfaction among Apple customers. [Extracted from the article]

It's the misfit of Apple's Mac lineup, but if there's any doubt that Apple is truly behind this MacBook model, that doubt can be laid to rest should an M3 update see the light of day. OLD DESIGN Apple considers the 13-inch MacBook Pro part of the pro lineup with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but if you put the three laptops side by side, you wouldn't think they were part of the same family. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of PC Welt Plus is the property of IDG Communications, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of CIO: IT Leadership & Best Practice is the property of IDG Communications, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Apple has made a change to its packaging for the new iPad Pros and iPad Airs, removing the small sheet with two Apple logo stickers that were traditionally included. This change is part of Apple's environmental push to eliminate plastic from its packaging. While Apple stores will have stickers available upon request, it is unclear if third-party retailers will have them. This change may go unnoticed by many, but it marks the end of another benefit that Apple customers have enjoyed. [Extracted from the article]

So we haven't reached that scale yet, but still, it's been a long time for the iMac.) There was a time when the iMac was Apple's most cherished machine, the Mac that set the tone and turned heads. MAC USER Now that the transition to Apple silicon is in full swing, we're seeing some regularity with the Mac release cycle. [Extracted from the article]

Do note, however, that the monitor lacks a USB-B upstream port, which means its USB hub capabilities are only available when the USB-C port is connected. It's a very noticeable improvement over a standard IPS display, yet still quite far behind Mini-LED monitors, like the Acer Predator X32 FP (fave.co/42Ifxc4), and OLED monitors, like the Asus ProArt PG32DC (fave.co/3Ws4fVF). DEPARTMENTS Want Apple's a 6K Pro monitor? The Dell U3224KB does fall behind some alternatives, like the ProArt PG32DC, but the level of color error produced by these displays is so small that it's unlikely to be a problem for even the most discerning users. [Extracted from the article]

CPU PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES ARM launched its v9 architecture in 2021 (fave.co/3mbVOl2), and we thought the A16 might be Apple's first chip to support the new v9 instruction set. Apple designs its own CPU cores, and many of the performance benefits promised by the v9 architecture are already realized in Apple's designs and ARM extensions. IOS CENTRAL Every year, Apple introduces a new A-series processor with its iPhone upgrades in the fall. [Extracted from the article]

(The 12-inch MacBook, meanwhile, was just over 2 pounds!) With the advantages that Apple silicon has brought to the company's current Macs, it would be truly impressive to see what it could do for a smaller, lighter notebook. Alas, only the good die young, and the 11-inch Air was discontinued in 2019, the same year that Apple discontinued its other small laptop (and putative Air replacement), the 12-inch MacBook. [Extracted from the article]

Apple is reportedly working on a deal with OpenAI's ChatGPT to bring generative AI to iPhones and Siri. The deal may also extend to other generative AI services, such as Google Gemini. Apple's challenge will be to maintain user privacy and security while supporting third-party chatbots. The company hopes to improve Siri's contextual understanding and is exploring various strands of AI development, including on-device genAI, cloud-powered AI, and chatbot services. Apple sees the use of genAI as a way to protect its iPhone kingdom and potentially supplant iOS as the primary operating system. The company is also developing its own AI solutions and new silicon for data centers. The frequency of reports on Apple's AI plans suggests that new components will be introduced at the WWDC event. [Extracted from the article]

MAC USER Apple's most recent financial quarter (fave.co/3ietFaI) has come and gone, and the company posted (yet again) record revenues, pulling in a zillion dollars and ending its latest fiscal year with just shy of $100 billion in profit alone. Tim Cook loves to trot out the customer satisfaction numbers for Apple's products as though they're the company's north star, but that's a trailing indicator: In many cases, you don't know when you've burned through your customer trust until it's too late. Even with record profits, Apple can't buy our trust. [Extracted from the article]

The Mac mini was one of three Macs to get the first Apple silicon M1 processor. MAC USER As a Mac enthusiast, the news that 2022 will end with no new Mac announcements (fave.co/3UcAZ3W) was disappointing. [Extracted from the article]

You can find the trade-in value for your device using Apple's trade-in program (fave.co/3Rwq1q6). IOS CENTRAL Apple on Thursday increased the maximum value of trade-ins for iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to update its entire Mac lineup with the next-generation M4 chip. This would be the first time that every Mac model is on the same generation of chip. The rollout of the M4 chip is expected to begin later this year and continue throughout 2025, with different models being released at different times. Apple is aiming to establish an annual update pattern for the Mac, similar to its update cycles for the iPhone and Apple Watch. The M4 chip is rumored to have an AI focus, and some features of macOS 15 may require a Mac with an M4 chip. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has released a new budget model of the MacBook Air, replacing the previous M1 model with the M2 model for the same price of $999. The M2 MacBook Air offers significant upgrades, including a newer design with slimmer bezels, a larger and brighter display, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and spatial audio support. It is available in four colors and offers two processor options, with the option to upgrade to a 10-core GPU for an additional $100. While the M1 MacBook Air is still available at a discounted price, the M2 model is recommended for its improved features. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has warned against using rice to dry out wet iPhones, stating that it could potentially cause further damage. Instead, Apple recommends tapping the iPhone gently to remove excess liquid and then leaving it in a dry area with airflow for at least 30 minutes. If the liquid alert persists, the iPhone should be left to dry for up to 24 hours. Apple also advises against using external heat sources, compressed air, or foreign objects to dry the iPhone. [Extracted from the article]

The 2012 13-inch MacBook Pro, which was the last Apple laptop to have an optical drive, is no longer supported by the company. Apple has officially declared it as obsolete, meaning that all hardware service has ceased and parts cannot be ordered for it. This model remained in Apple's lineup until October 2016 and was replaced by an optical drive-free model. Apple still sells an external USB SuperDrive for those who need an optical drive. [Extracted from the article]

According to journalist Walt Mossberg, former Apple design guru Jony Ive wanted to simplify the MacBook lineup by having only one model, the MacBook Pro, instead of having both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Ive believed that the MacBook Pro could be made as light and thin as the MacBook Air, and that it would be a higher-priced machine that people would buy even if they didn't need the extra power. Mossberg acknowledges that this information comes from a single high-level source at Apple and may not meet journalistic standards. Ultimately, the product team prevailed and a new MacBook Air was released, but Ive left Apple the following year. It is unclear if this disagreement played a role in his departure. [Extracted from the article]

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has announced that the first wireless chargers supporting the Qi v.2.0 standard and Apple's MagSafe technology are about to be released. These chargers will be compatible with Apple's iPhone 15, and they will provide smoother, faster, and more energy-efficient charging. Android users need not worry, as some Android manufacturers may eventually support the Qi2 standard as well. The introduction of Qi2 devices is expected to open up the market for new types of accessories that couldn't be wirelessly charged before. [Extracted from the article]

Finnish VR/AR hardware company Varjo has released its latest mixed-reality headset, the XR-4 series, which offers high levels of realism and is priced similarly to Apple's upcoming Vision Pro. The base model is priced at €3,990 ($4,350), making it more affordable than previous models and allowing for wider deployment in businesses. The XR-4 Focal Edition, priced at €9,990 ($10,940), offers improved augmented reality performance and is suitable for training simulations. The XR-4 devices have enhancements such as a larger field of view, higher display panel resolution, and improved passthrough capabilities. [Extracted from the article]

Are you looking forward to the new age of mobile app insecurity? Shoppers will be able to choose to use third-party apps, payment services, and stores, and some big app developers will attempt to force them to take that choice. Every day, Apple's online and physical stores handle thousands of inquiries that relate to issues with third-party products. [Extracted from the article]

IOS CENTRAL Apple's at the top of the world - and from this standpoint, it's hard to see how the company could be anything other than the market leader and taste maker it's been in recent memories. Apple is quietly preparing for a future without the iPhone - or another big thing PHOTO (COLOR): It's hard to fathom, but there will be a time in the future when the iPhone will not be Apple's number one revenue generator. [Extracted from the article]

Since the biggest benefit of Wi-Fi 7 is its ability to send and receive data from a single client across multiple frequencies and channels at once, the greatest benefit is only going to be obvious once you have multiple Wi-Fi 7-enabled products in your home. WI-FI 7: MORE SPEED, LOWER LATENCY Every new Wi-Fi standard seems to offer faster speeds and lower latency, and Wi-Fi 7 is no different. [Extracted from the article]

APPLE BENEFITS… EVENTUALLY In the long run, it's clear that Apple is going to want to stop building SIM slots into any iPhone models. Apple's real strength is crushing the iPhone features we don't need Apple would bring the iPhone to the company that agreed to keep its paws off the phone's Apple-built interface, AT&T (then Cingular) agreed, and the rest is history. [Extracted from the article]

EXTERNAL DISPLAYS With iPadOS 16, Apple finally offers proper external display support for M1 and M2 iPad Pros via Stage Manager, but we're thinking it could be practical for iPhones to have it, too. IOS CENTRAL The latest on iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and App Store If you own an iPad and an iPhone, this has happened to you at some point, maybe even all the time: You find yourself using functions and features specific to your tablet, and then you switch to the iPhone and find that you can't do those things anymore. [Extracted from the article]

Users can turn off Find My Mac in the Apple ID settings of the Mac, but that also shuts off the ability to locate it. This feature associates a device with an Apple ID and is automatically turned on when you activate Find My Mac within the Apple ID settings on your Mac. [Extracted from the article]

Only now are Mac webcams getting to be on par with the USB webcam I've used for a decade! MAC USER There was a time when Apple really cared about Macs having better video chat quality than any other computer you could buy. [Extracted from the article]

MAC USER MACUSER News and analysis about Macs, macOS, and Apple We live in a wonderful era for Apple laptops. ALL LAPTOPS GREAT AND SMALL That's why I'm encouraged by reports that Apple is considering not one but two new laptops that would appeal to buyers in the sub-$1,999 Mac laptop market. The last time Apple specifically broke out desktop and laptop Mac sales figures, laptops were well over two-thirds of Mac sales and headed upward toward three-quarters. [Extracted from the article]

Clearly, the M2 is superior to the M1 (fave. co/3OYkQgb), but it now begs the question: Is it worth buying a Mac with the M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra anymore? M2 VS. M1 MAX If the M1 Pro is faster than the M2 in most ways, the M1 Max certainly will be. M2 VS. M1 ULTRA The M1 Ultra is essentially two M1 Max chips sewn together with a super-fast interconnection, so you can take everything about the M1 Max and double it. [Extracted from the article]

Notes on employee choice, Apple, and the enterprise As it always does, Apple shared a few insights into the impact of employee choice on enterprise IT. Apple's latest earnings results, released Tuesday, show three bright spots that helped keep Apple's business buoyant in the last quarter: accessories, services, and investments in emerging markets. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has made its Diagnostic troubleshooting suites available to users as part of its Self Service Repair program. This tool allows users to test their iPhone and Mac devices for optimal functionality and performance, as well as identify any parts that may need repair. The tool requires iOS 17 or macOS Sonoma 14.1 and later, and is currently available in the U.S. with plans to expand to Europe in 2024. Users can put their device into diagnostics mode and enter its serial number to access the diagnostic suites. [Extracted from the article]

Microsoft has released a limited preview version of its Windows App, which allows users to access Windows resources on Apple devices. The app can be used to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and remote PCs. It is available for iPhones, iPads, and Macs through Apple's TestFlight program, but there is a capacity limit for users. The app offers features such as customizable home screens, multiple account support, and Microsoft Teams optimizations. It is unclear if consumer access will be allowed in the future. The app suggests that Microsoft is aiming to bring Windows to the cloud and make it easily accessible on Apple devices without virtualization software. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has extended its Find My feature to include tracking for lost audio hardware such as AirPods and Beats earbuds. The feature allows users to track their devices using nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs that have an internet connection. Users can play a sound on their earbuds or charging case to help locate them, and some models even offer precision location tracking. However, if the earbuds are separated from each other, only one can be tracked at a time unless they are placed in the charging case. [Extracted from the article]