Month: August 2024
Don’t get squishing on smishing that’s fishing for your info
Smishing is spam text phishing attempts that use social engineering to steal your previous info and more. Here’s how I combat it.
Smishing is probably the cutest name for a cybersecurity attack I’ve ever heard, but it doesn’t make it any less dangerous. It’s clear to me we’re not talking enough about this mashup of SMS texting and phishing or educating people on how to recognize and respond to it.
For the past few months, I’ve been the target of multiple, aggressive smishing attacks that might fall under the heading of “long-lost friend or acquaintance.”
These social engineering phishing attempts invariably come from various unknown phone numbers via standard green bubble SMS on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, usually with a short, friendly, and inquisitive message.
They arrive with names like Mia, Diana, and Alyssa. Usually, they claim we’ve met before. Mia told me she stumbled on my number in her address book, implying we had met, perhaps at an event, and exchanged contact info. I meet a lot of people in my line of work but rarely hand out my phone number. In fact, I don’t even carry business cards. I tell people to Google me, and they will quickly figure out how to contact me.
Sometimes, these smishers act as if we bumped into each other in a hallway, and, out of an abundance of politeness, they introduce themselves and want to know my name. That was Diana’s approach, who texted me, “My name is Diana. What’s your name?”
I see you coming
My Smishing examples (Image credit: Future)
My scam detection alert system is probably set higher than most people, so I don’t fall for these come-ons. That said, I am curious not so much about what they want (my personal details, including bank account and social security numbers) but how they plan to get it.
Still, my annoyance level is so high that I rarely reply in a way that leaves the door open for further communication. With Diana, I replied, “You texted me. If you don’t know, we got nothing to talk about.”
Undeterred, Diana told me she didn’t know either, writing, “I saw this number when I was sorting through my address book [as one does, I guess], but there was no name on it. Have we had business conversations before?”
Still in grumpy mode, I replied ” No idea. Don’t know who you are.” This led to the best part: a photo of Diana with the message “Now you know who I am.”
What’s especially comical about this is that if you string any of these people far enough along, they will all provide images that are in some ways strikingly similar: all feature young appropriately dressed Asian women in entirely banal settings.
The image of a woman of Asian descent appears to be a combination of a real person with an AI-generated head sitting in a non-descript and carefully cropped location. What’s especially comical about this is that if you string any of these people far enough along, they will all provide images that are in some ways strikingly similar: all feature young, appropriately dressed Asian women in entirely banal settings.
To Diana, I replied, “Nope, does not ring a bell.” Diana, though, was relentless: “What’s your name? Maybe you can share a photo with me.” When I didn’t respond, Diana sent a “Hello.” Days later, I responded with a photo sent to me by a different smisher. Diana took a while but eventually said I looked Chinese and called me a “beautiful lady.”
Eventually, she asked me in Chinese to add her as a WeChat contact. Another smisher who I strung along also eventually lapsed into Chinese while asking to see a picture of me.
A growing problem
While the whole thing seems comical, there are some fairly dire risks in engaging with these people. A 2022 FTC study found that text-based SPAM text attacks account for $330M in losses. Naturally, that number is likely far larger now. And while spam texts from fake banks, fake Social Security, fake FBI, and fake Aamzon may be easier to spot because of phone numbers that ask you to call and links they want you to follow, these new “connection smishes” might be more diabolical and ultimately dangerous. They play on people’s loneliness, faulty memories, politeness, and need for connection.
It’s not lost on me that all these smish attacks appear to come from women and that the images are of people who are young and relatively attractive. It’s almost a text form of catfishing. If one can break through and convince you to truly connect with a Diana, Mia, or Alyssa, they could soon have you wiring them money to help them pay bills, and you both make plans to “meet in person” at some point in the distant future.
What do do
Cellular service companies can help you block some spam texts, and, as Verizon notes, they automatically block billions of spam texts before you even see them. Still, they seem less effective at blocking these types of smishing activities. In the US, you can also report them to the Federal Trade Commission, but since they mostly use temporary or spoofed phone numbers, there’s little the FTC can do. Which means it’s up to you.
I get that it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between a true friend or contact randomly reaching out and one of these attackers. When Alyssa contacted me, the first message was a playful “Guess who I am😆.”
“No idea,” I responded, wondering if this was a friend I simply hadn’t labeled with a name in my address book.
“I’m Alyssa, have you forgotten me?”
This gave me pause. I know an Alyssa whom I haven’t chatted with in ages. Could it be her?
“Alyssa? Alyssa who?” I interrogated. (Another telltale sign of these scams is how long it takes for the middle-aged, bloated dude sitting in a basement outside Beijing, China, to figure out the perfect text response).
In situations like these and other scam attempts, the best course of action is to keep engagement to a minimum.
The next message eventually showed up with a photo of a young Asian woman sitting beside a bouquet, “We had exchanged numbers before at the reception. Have you forgotten me?”
The hope on the scammer’s side is that I’ll think of some event I recently attended and then wrack my brains trying to remember who I talked to and if one of them was “Alyssa.”
In situations like these and other scam attempts, the best course of action is to keep engagement to a minimum. If they know you, it will be obvious to you; otherwise, every bit of the conversation will be missing crucial info as the scammer does their best to get you to spill all sorts of personal details. One of them asked me where I lived as if I was going to provide my home address.
The other action you can take is to click on the info button next to the phone number and block the caller. That will instantly end the conversation, or at least that conversation. Unfortunately, you’ll probably get other such smishing attempts. All I can tell you is to rinse and repeat on not engaging and call blocking, and maybe tell your friends and relatives to do the same.
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Borderlands 4 is coming in 2025
We’ve got our first big announcement of Gamescom: Borderlands is back. Borderlands 4 is the next entry in the franchise from Gearbox Software and 2K Games. It’s due to arrive in 2025.
There’s no gameplay in the announcement video released today. While that’s a touch disappointing, it isn’t much of a surprise for a teaser trailer or for a release that is still likely at least a year away. (And that’s assuming no delays.) But the Borderlands games are known for their polished first-person shooter experience, particularly in co-op, and for their sharp sense of humor. Hopefully both of those traits will be returning in full force with the new game.
What doesn’t seem to be returning is the cartoony art style that was a hallmark of the previous three titles. The teaser looks more like it’s advertising a prestige television science fiction series rather than the zany Borderlands world. But it’s early days yet and the studio will surely be sharing more updates as the game progresses through development.
Gearbox was likely hoping to springboard this announcement off a wave of renewed interest in the series after the blockbuster movie adaptation this summer. But since that project was a disastrous disappointment, hopefully a new game will give fans of the series something fresh to be excited about.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/borderlands-4-is-coming-in-2025-194227938.html?src=rss
We’ve got our first big announcement of Gamescom: Borderlands is back. Borderlands 4 is the next entry in the franchise from Gearbox Software and 2K Games. It’s due to arrive in 2025.
There’s no gameplay in the announcement video released today. While that’s a touch disappointing, it isn’t much of a surprise for a teaser trailer or for a release that is still likely at least a year away. (And that’s assuming no delays.) But the Borderlands games are known for their polished first-person shooter experience, particularly in co-op, and for their sharp sense of humor. Hopefully both of those traits will be returning in full force with the new game.
What doesn’t seem to be returning is the cartoony art style that was a hallmark of the previous three titles. The teaser looks more like it’s advertising a prestige television science fiction series rather than the zany Borderlands world. But it’s early days yet and the studio will surely be sharing more updates as the game progresses through development.
Gearbox was likely hoping to springboard this announcement off a wave of renewed interest in the series after the blockbuster movie adaptation this summer. But since that project was a disastrous disappointment, hopefully a new game will give fans of the series something fresh to be excited about.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/borderlands-4-is-coming-in-2025-194227938.html?src=rss
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 trailer shows off gorgeous open world and brutal combat at Opening Night Live
An all-new trailer for the upcoming Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has debuted at Gamescom 2024.
A brand new trailer for the upcoming sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, has just been shown at Gamescom 2024’s Opening Night Live presentation.
The trailer shows off the gorgeous open world, which now mixes the large, bustling city of Kuttenberg with the vast explorable countryside. You can also expect brutal and bloody combat as we’ve come to expect from this series. Henry, the first game’s protagonist, returns here and seems to find himself in parts unknown.
While this first snippet of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 gameplay was just a brief teaser, a full gameplay reveal is expected to be shown off tomorrow (August 21) which will likely provide a substantial deep dive into the upcoming game’s unique systems and potential improvements to combat.
Narrative and voice acting also seems to be as strong as ever in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, with this brief teaser trailer showing off plenty of cutscenes and voice acting, and it’s all very high quality stuff.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was delayed from its initial 2024 release window. It’s now scheduled to launched on February 11, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.
This story is developing, more information will follow…
Civilization 7 launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch in February, 2025
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2025.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2025.
Firaxis Games made the announcement during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024 alongside the first gameplay reveal trailer which, you guessed it, showcases civilizations being built across the globe throughout generations of history.
“In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire,” the game description reads. “Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
“Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.”
Pre-orders are currently available on Steam alongside the digital-only Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Founder’s Edition, only available until February 28, 2025, as well as the Deluxe Edition.
You can take a look at what comes in each edition below, including advanced early access on February 6 for both editions.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Founders Edition:
Full base gameAdvanced Access – play the game up to 5 days early on February 6, 2025Tecumseh and Shawnee PackCrossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and moreRight to Rule Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!*Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 alternate scout skinFounders Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 fog of war tile set
– 1 Founders palace skin
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition:
• Full base gameAdvanced Access – play the game early on February 6, 2025Tecumseh and Shawnee PackCrossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 alternate scout skin
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OpenAI will now use content from Wired, Vogue and The New Yorker in ChatGPT’s responses
Condé Nast, the media conglomerate that owns publications like The New Yorker, Vogue and Wired, has announced a multi-year partnership OpenAI to display content from Condé Nast titles in ChatGPT as well as SearchGPT, the company’s prototype AI-powered search engine. The partnership comes amid growing concerns over the unauthorized use of publishers’ content by AI companies. Last month, Condé Nast sent a cease-and-desist letter to AI search startup Perplexity, accusing it of plagiarism for using its content to generate answers.
“Over the last decade, news and digital media have faced steep challenges as many technology companies eroded publishers’ ability to monetize content, most recently with traditional search,” Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch wrote to employees in a memo that was first reported by Semafor’s Max Tani. “Our partnership with OpenAI begins to make up for some of that revenue, allowing us to continue to protect and invest in our journalism and creative endeavors.” It’s not clear how much money OpenAI will pay Condé Nast for the partnership.
The move makes Condé Nast the latest in a growing line of publishers who have struck deals with OpenAI. These include News Corp, Vox, The Atlantic, TIME and Axel Springer among others. But not everyone is on board with the idea. Last year, the New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for using information from the publisher’s articles in ChatGPT’s responses.
Lynch has been vocal about these concerns. In January, he warned that “many” media companies could face financial ruin by the time it would take for litigations against AI companies to conclude and called upon Congress to take “immediate action” to take “immediate action” and clarify that publishers must be compensated by AI companies for both training and output if they use their content. Earlier this month, three senators introduced the COPIED ACT, a bill that aims to protect journalists and artists from having their content scraped by AI companies without their permission.
Perplexity, which was recently accused by Forbes and Wired of stealing content, now plans to share a portion of potential advertising revenues with publishers who sign up for a newly-launched Publishers’ Program.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-will-now-use-content-from-wired-vogue-and-the-new-yorker-in-chatgpts-responses-193057432.html?src=rss
Condé Nast, the media conglomerate that owns publications like The New Yorker, Vogue and Wired, has announced a multi-year partnership OpenAI to display content from Condé Nast titles in ChatGPT as well as SearchGPT, the company’s prototype AI-powered search engine. The partnership comes amid growing concerns over the unauthorized use of publishers’ content by AI companies. Last month, Condé Nast sent a cease-and-desist letter to AI search startup Perplexity, accusing it of plagiarism for using its content to generate answers.
“Over the last decade, news and digital media have faced steep challenges as many technology companies eroded publishers’ ability to monetize content, most recently with traditional search,” Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch wrote to employees in a memo that was first reported by Semafor’s Max Tani. “Our partnership with OpenAI begins to make up for some of that revenue, allowing us to continue to protect and invest in our journalism and creative endeavors.” It’s not clear how much money OpenAI will pay Condé Nast for the partnership.
The move makes Condé Nast the latest in a growing line of publishers who have struck deals with OpenAI. These include News Corp, Vox, The Atlantic, TIME and Axel Springer among others. But not everyone is on board with the idea. Last year, the New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for using information from the publisher’s articles in ChatGPT’s responses.
Lynch has been vocal about these concerns. In January, he warned that “many” media companies could face financial ruin by the time it would take for litigations against AI companies to conclude and called upon Congress to take “immediate action” to take “immediate action” and clarify that publishers must be compensated by AI companies for both training and output if they use their content. Earlier this month, three senators introduced the COPIED ACT, a bill that aims to protect journalists and artists from having their content scraped by AI companies without their permission.
Perplexity, which was recently accused by Forbes and Wired of stealing content, now plans to share a portion of potential advertising revenues with publishers who sign up for a newly-launched Publishers’ Program.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-will-now-use-content-from-wired-vogue-and-the-new-yorker-in-chatgpts-responses-193057432.html?src=rss
Tech Life: AI helps doctors detect lung cancer
AI is acting as a second pair of eyes for radiologists examining X-rays.
AI is acting as a second pair of eyes for radiologists examining X-rays.
This innovative air-powered computer enhances safety in medical device monitoring — but could be used across manufacturing, robotics, and more
Prevent stroke and blood clots with this tiny device that blows a whistle when a medical device is broken.
Researchers at UC Riverside have unveiled an air-powered computer which offers a novel approach to monitoring lifesaving medical devices.
The technology eliminates the need for electronic sensors, providing a more reliable and cost-effective method to prevent blood clots and strokes.
The air-powered computer is roughly the size of a matchbox, yet it replaces multiple sensors and a computer, reducing the overall complexity of medical monitoring systems.
Air-powered computer for device monitoring
This technology was developed by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, and utilizes microfluidic valves to create a low-cost, efficient method for identifying failures in pneumatic systems, which are prevalent in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and robotics
Detailed in the Journal Device, the device operates solely on air, and issues warnings when devices malfunction. Pneumatic control systems are vital in many mechanical applications, from train brakes to medical devices like Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) devices, which are commonly used to prevent blood clots by periodically inflating leg sleeves that enhance blood circulation. These devices are crucial in preventing serious conditions such as strokes and pulmonary embolisms.
Typically, IPC devices rely on electronic components to function and monitor their performance. However, electronics can make these devices expensive and less reliable in certain conditions. The new air-powered device replaces these electronic elements, making IPC devices safer, more affordable, and easier to maintain.
William Grover, an associate professor of bioengineering at UC Riverside and one of the authors of the study, explained the computer uses pneumatic logic to operate similarly to how electronic circuits function.
The device counts binary messages—ones and zeroes—using air pressure differences that flow through 21 small valves. This system ensures the IPC machine is functioning correctly. If the computer detects an error, it triggers a whistle, signaling that the device requires immediate attention.
In a demonstration video, Grover and his students intentionally damaged an IPC device to show the computer’s effectiveness. Within seconds, the whistle blew, alerting them to the malfunction.
The potential applications of air-powered computing extend beyond medical device monitoring. Grover envisions using this technology in other hazardous environments where traditional electronic devices might pose risks.
For instance, he is interested in developing air-powered robots that could work inside grain silos. Grover said, “A remarkable number of deaths occur because the grain shifts and the person gets trapped. A robot could do this job instead of a person. However, these silos are explosive, and a single electric spark could blow a silo apart, so an electronic robot may not be the best choice…I want to make an air-powered robot that could work in this explosive environment, not generate any sparks, and take humans out of danger.”
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Apple event rumor roundup: What to expect at the iPhone 16 keynote
The biggest day of the tech world’s fall calendar is nearly here: Apple’s iPhone 16 event will take place sometime in September. The company typically does it on a Tuesday during the first half of the month, so September 10 is a safe bet. No matter when it happens, we’ll be live-blogging the news, and you can watch it live via the company’s website or on YouTube. The biggest news from the event will almost definitely involve the forthcoming lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. Past as prologue, we’ll also get a new Apple Watch or two.
Beyond that, rumors have been swirling about a refresh of the standard AirPod earbuds. Until Tim Cook takes the (virtual) stage, however, everything is pure speculation. With that said, let’s get into the most likely leaks and rumors ahead of the event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
No matter what else happens, these new handsets will take center stage during the Apple iPhone 16 event. That’s good news for people ready for an upgrade. The bad (ish) news? The vast majority of leaks and rumors indicate that this will be another year of iterative improvements, so don’t expect a game-changing new hardware feature.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
There’s likely to be four new models announced at the event, which is similar to what Apple did last year. The new phones will allegedly be called the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman. This is the exact same naming convention as last year’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Ultra” moniker seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
Even if Apple doesn’t use the Ultra naming, the Pro models might be getting slightly larger screens, which is always nice (if you like big phones, that is). The regular Pro is likely to move to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max should hit 6.9 inches, an increase from 6.7 inches. Finally, there will likely be a new color or two, as always. Bloomberg’s Gurman suggests that Apple is ready to ditch the blue model in favor of the return of rose gold.
On the hardware side of things, look for a new chipset that takes advantage of the company’s recent push toward AI, also known as Apple Intelligence. Beyond that, the upgraded A18 chip will be an iterative improvement, specs-wise. As is typical, the Pro and Pro Max will likely get a more powerful chip than the standard models. It looks like the base amount of RAM here will be 8GB, so as to handle those aforementioned AI tasks.
It’s also been rumored that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Action Button, a feature introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct replacement for the mute switch, by default, but can be adjusted to control a bunch of different things. The Action Button can be used to to change ringer settings, turn on the flashlight, launch the camera and more.
Cherlynn Low/Engadget
There’s also talk of another new button, this one on the right side of the phone. This will control camera features, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting indicates that a soft press will trigger autofocus and a harder press will take a photo. Consumers may also be able to swipe along the button to zoom in and out while shooting photos or taking videos. It’s been reported that this camera button will only come with the Pro and Pro Max, which makes sense since the high-end models typically offer a more robust camera experience.
To that end, new iPhones always get a camera spec bump, but we don’t know exactly what that will look like this time. It’s been reported, however, that the iPhone 16’s camera module could be getting a design refresh. Apple might be ditching the square and going with a vertical orientation. This might only apply to the base iPhone 16 and maybe the Plus, as the Pro and Pro Max phones tend to place a much higher emphasis on photos and videos.
Apple
We already know what’s coming on the software side of things, thanks to the recent WWDC event. Based on previous years, iOS 18 should be available within the week following the event. The software update features a more customizable Control Center and Home Screen. It’ll also finally bring RCS support to iPhones.
As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to wait a bit. It was announced as part of iOS 18, but it’s been delayed until iOS 18.1. This isn’t a huge deal, as that OS refresh is expected in October, but does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 won’t be able to fool around with AI right away.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone events have also included a deep dive on the latest Apple Watch. This year looks to be no different. As a matter of fact, this is a big year for the Apple Watch. We are coming up on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the next entry will be called the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Series X.
No matter what it ends up being called, Apple’s next standard smartwatch is reported to have a bigger screen that’s more in line with the Ultra. It’s expected that the company will ditch the 41mm form factor and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have also suggested that Apple has completely redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This will likely make these straps easier to adjust, but there’s a downside. This move could make it so all of those old bands no longer work.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Of course, there’s going to be a new chip to power these watches, but we don’t have any specifics. It’s been suggested that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s recent foray into AI, but that integration is likely to happen later on. For now, Apple Intelligence will be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
There are likely to be two watches revealed at the event, which are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s possible one of these will be the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch won’t get a major redesign this time out. It’ll likely be an iterative refresh.
On the software front, it looks like Apple has run into some snags while developing long-anticipated health tracking tools. Health monitoring is one of the key features of the Apple Watch, so the company has been working on new sensors to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. However, the tech will likely not be ready for this year’s smartwatch. Apple’s also been developing a glucose sensor for almost a decade so, who knows, maybe it’ll finally show up with the Series X.
Finally, it’s highly possible that Apple announces a new version of the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was last updated in 2022, so a refresh is overdue. There has been some reporting that Apple will be swapping out the aluminum exterior with a rigid plastic shell. This should help get costs down even further. As it stands, the Apple Watch SE is $250, but Samsung’s cheapest wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple may want to compete closer to that price range.
AirPods 4
Billy Steele/Engadget
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. The AirPods 4 could feature both an entry-level model and a mid-tier version, which would effectively replace AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The big news here is that both AirPods 4 versions are likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Pro. It’s been suggested that the cheaper of the two forthcoming models would lack wireless charging, but that the mid-tier version would support this technology. This is the same strategy Apple followed with previous generations, so it makes sense.
Both versions should feature similar designs, though the mid-tier variant is likely to support active noise cancellation like the Pro model. Speaking of, there will likely be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Pro earbuds at this event. There’s also some mystery surrounding the company’s over-ear headphones, AirPods Max. It’s been four whole years since these premium cans hit store shelves (and they’re still stuck using a Lightning port for charging), so a refresh is long overdue.
Surprises and software
The iPhone event doesn’t typically have a “one last thing” moment, but there’s one piece of hardware that could get a surprise shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini. Analysts have suggested that this will be the company’s smallest ever desktop computer and could be around the same size of an Apple TV streaming box.
There will reportedly be two versions of the upcoming Mac Mini, one with the standard M4 chip and another with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is rumored to start shipping from suppliers this month, so it’s possible Apple will spend a few minutes on the computer at the iPhone event. However, don’t count on it. This is an event for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop could feel out of place. And, just like it did last fall, Apple could easily hold a Mac-specific event later this year.
Beyond that, a whole bunch of software updates are about to drop. There’s iOS 18, which we’ve written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 is also coming out sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, but the upcoming iPhone event would be a good time to announce official release dates.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-event-rumor-roundup-what-to-expect-at-the-iphone-16-keynote-192347591.html?src=rss
The biggest day of the tech world’s fall calendar is nearly here: Apple’s iPhone 16 event will take place sometime in September. The company typically does it on a Tuesday during the first half of the month, so September 10 is a safe bet. No matter when it happens, we’ll be live-blogging the news, and you can watch it live via the company’s website or on YouTube. The biggest news from the event will almost definitely involve the forthcoming lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. Past as prologue, we’ll also get a new Apple Watch or two.
Beyond that, rumors have been swirling about a refresh of the standard AirPod earbuds. Until Tim Cook takes the (virtual) stage, however, everything is pure speculation. With that said, let’s get into the most likely leaks and rumors ahead of the event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
No matter what else happens, these new handsets will take center stage during the Apple iPhone 16 event. That’s good news for people ready for an upgrade. The bad (ish) news? The vast majority of leaks and rumors indicate that this will be another year of iterative improvements, so don’t expect a game-changing new hardware feature.
There’s likely to be four new models announced at the event, which is similar to what Apple did last year. The new phones will allegedly be called the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman. This is the exact same naming convention as last year’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Ultra” moniker seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
Even if Apple doesn’t use the Ultra naming, the Pro models might be getting slightly larger screens, which is always nice (if you like big phones, that is). The regular Pro is likely to move to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max should hit 6.9 inches, an increase from 6.7 inches. Finally, there will likely be a new color or two, as always. Bloomberg’s Gurman suggests that Apple is ready to ditch the blue model in favor of the return of rose gold.
On the hardware side of things, look for a new chipset that takes advantage of the company’s recent push toward AI, also known as Apple Intelligence. Beyond that, the upgraded A18 chip will be an iterative improvement, specs-wise. As is typical, the Pro and Pro Max will likely get a more powerful chip than the standard models. It looks like the base amount of RAM here will be 8GB, so as to handle those aforementioned AI tasks.
It’s also been rumored that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Action Button, a feature introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct replacement for the mute switch, by default, but can be adjusted to control a bunch of different things. The Action Button can be used to to change ringer settings, turn on the flashlight, launch the camera and more.
There’s also talk of another new button, this one on the right side of the phone. This will control camera features, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting indicates that a soft press will trigger autofocus and a harder press will take a photo. Consumers may also be able to swipe along the button to zoom in and out while shooting photos or taking videos. It’s been reported that this camera button will only come with the Pro and Pro Max, which makes sense since the high-end models typically offer a more robust camera experience.
To that end, new iPhones always get a camera spec bump, but we don’t know exactly what that will look like this time. It’s been reported, however, that the iPhone 16’s camera module could be getting a design refresh. Apple might be ditching the square and going with a vertical orientation. This might only apply to the base iPhone 16 and maybe the Plus, as the Pro and Pro Max phones tend to place a much higher emphasis on photos and videos.
We already know what’s coming on the software side of things, thanks to the recent WWDC event. Based on previous years, iOS 18 should be available within the week following the event. The software update features a more customizable Control Center and Home Screen. It’ll also finally bring RCS support to iPhones.
As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to wait a bit. It was announced as part of iOS 18, but it’s been delayed until iOS 18.1. This isn’t a huge deal, as that OS refresh is expected in October, but does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 won’t be able to fool around with AI right away.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone events have also included a deep dive on the latest Apple Watch. This year looks to be no different. As a matter of fact, this is a big year for the Apple Watch. We are coming up on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the next entry will be called the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Series X.
No matter what it ends up being called, Apple’s next standard smartwatch is reported to have a bigger screen that’s more in line with the Ultra. It’s expected that the company will ditch the 41mm form factor and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have also suggested that Apple has completely redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This will likely make these straps easier to adjust, but there’s a downside. This move could make it so all of those old bands no longer work.
Of course, there’s going to be a new chip to power these watches, but we don’t have any specifics. It’s been suggested that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s recent foray into AI, but that integration is likely to happen later on. For now, Apple Intelligence will be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
There are likely to be two watches revealed at the event, which are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s possible one of these will be the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch won’t get a major redesign this time out. It’ll likely be an iterative refresh.
On the software front, it looks like Apple has run into some snags while developing long-anticipated health tracking tools. Health monitoring is one of the key features of the Apple Watch, so the company has been working on new sensors to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. However, the tech will likely not be ready for this year’s smartwatch. Apple’s also been developing a glucose sensor for almost a decade so, who knows, maybe it’ll finally show up with the Series X.
Finally, it’s highly possible that Apple announces a new version of the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was last updated in 2022, so a refresh is overdue. There has been some reporting that Apple will be swapping out the aluminum exterior with a rigid plastic shell. This should help get costs down even further. As it stands, the Apple Watch SE is $250, but Samsung’s cheapest wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple may want to compete closer to that price range.
AirPods 4
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. The AirPods 4 could feature both an entry-level model and a mid-tier version, which would effectively replace AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The big news here is that both AirPods 4 versions are likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Pro. It’s been suggested that the cheaper of the two forthcoming models would lack wireless charging, but that the mid-tier version would support this technology. This is the same strategy Apple followed with previous generations, so it makes sense.
Both versions should feature similar designs, though the mid-tier variant is likely to support active noise cancellation like the Pro model. Speaking of, there will likely be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Pro earbuds at this event. There’s also some mystery surrounding the company’s over-ear headphones, AirPods Max. It’s been four whole years since these premium cans hit store shelves (and they’re still stuck using a Lightning port for charging), so a refresh is long overdue.
Surprises and software
The iPhone event doesn’t typically have a “one last thing” moment, but there’s one piece of hardware that could get a surprise shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini. Analysts have suggested that this will be the company’s smallest ever desktop computer and could be around the same size of an Apple TV streaming box.
There will reportedly be two versions of the upcoming Mac Mini, one with the standard M4 chip and another with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is rumored to start shipping from suppliers this month, so it’s possible Apple will spend a few minutes on the computer at the iPhone event. However, don’t count on it. This is an event for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop could feel out of place. And, just like it did last fall, Apple could easily hold a Mac-specific event later this year.
Beyond that, a whole bunch of software updates are about to drop. There’s iOS 18, which we’ve written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 is also coming out sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, but the upcoming iPhone event would be a good time to announce official release dates.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-event-rumor-roundup-what-to-expect-at-the-iphone-16-keynote-192347591.html?src=rss