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With iOS 18, Apple overhauled the Photos app, introducing a new, unified design that did away with the navigation bar and merged everything into a single screen. It marked the single biggest change to image management since the launch of the ‌Photos‌ app, and it’s been controversial with some users.

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There’s no returning to what the ‌Photos‌ app used to be unless Apple decides to roll back the changes, but there are a few tweaks that can be made to make it easier to get used to the new layout.

First, if you haven’t done so already, scroll down to the bottom of the ‌Photos‌ app and tap on Edit. From there, make sure all your most used ‌Photos‌ features are at the top of the app. In this section, you’ll find Recent Days, Albums, People and Pets, Memories, and Pinned Collections.

Pinned Collections is a little confusing because it’s a second customizable interface that has many of the same options as the main app, but think of it as a folder in a folder. It can be useful to put up top and add your most accessed utilities to, such as screenshots or specific albums.

You can rearrange the sections of your ‌Photos‌ app by dragging and dropping to reorder, plus you can hide any of the collections. If you don’t want to see Featured ‌Photos‌, Wallpaper Suggestions, or Trips, for example, you can uncheck those so they won’t be listed in the app. If you don’t like that redundant Pinned Collections section, you can hide that too.

If you haven’t spent a lot of time fussing with the ‌Photos‌ app, you might not know about the filters. In the full Library view, which you get to by swiping down, tapping on the arrows will show you the filters option. You can filter for photos, videos, edited images, screenshots, and favorites, or sort by recently added or date captured. There are also options to weed out screenshots and Shared With You images from your main photo library.

The new ‌Photos‌ app isn’t all bad. Search has improved quite a bit, and you can search for really specific parameters like “plants in Florida” or “Eric in a blue shirt.”

What do you think of the ‌iOS 18‌ ‌Photos‌ app? Are you getting used to it? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Tag: Photos

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

This article, “How to Make the iOS 18 Photos App Suck Less” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

With iOS 18, Apple overhauled the Photos app, introducing a new, unified design that did away with the navigation bar and merged everything into a single screen. It marked the single biggest change to image management since the launch of the ‌Photos‌ app, and it’s been controversial with some users.

There’s no returning to what the ‌Photos‌ app used to be unless Apple decides to roll back the changes, but there are a few tweaks that can be made to make it easier to get used to the new layout.

First, if you haven’t done so already, scroll down to the bottom of the ‌Photos‌ app and tap on Edit. From there, make sure all your most used ‌Photos‌ features are at the top of the app. In this section, you’ll find Recent Days, Albums, People and Pets, Memories, and Pinned Collections.

Pinned Collections is a little confusing because it’s a second customizable interface that has many of the same options as the main app, but think of it as a folder in a folder. It can be useful to put up top and add your most accessed utilities to, such as screenshots or specific albums.

You can rearrange the sections of your ‌Photos‌ app by dragging and dropping to reorder, plus you can hide any of the collections. If you don’t want to see Featured ‌Photos‌, Wallpaper Suggestions, or Trips, for example, you can uncheck those so they won’t be listed in the app. If you don’t like that redundant Pinned Collections section, you can hide that too.

If you haven’t spent a lot of time fussing with the ‌Photos‌ app, you might not know about the filters. In the full Library view, which you get to by swiping down, tapping on the arrows will show you the filters option. You can filter for photos, videos, edited images, screenshots, and favorites, or sort by recently added or date captured. There are also options to weed out screenshots and Shared With You images from your main photo library.

The new ‌Photos‌ app isn’t all bad. Search has improved quite a bit, and you can search for really specific parameters like “plants in Florida” or “Eric in a blue shirt.”

What do you think of the ‌iOS 18‌ ‌Photos‌ app? Are you getting used to it? Let us know in the comments below.

This article, “How to Make the iOS 18 Photos App Suck Less” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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iOS 19 is not expected to be announced until June 2025, but information about the software update is already starting to surface.

Below, we recap the biggest iOS 19 rumors so far.

More ChatGPT-Like Siri
iOS 19 will introduce a “more conversational Siri” powered by “more advanced large language models,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He said this upgrade will make Siri more like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, allowing the assistant to “handle more sophisticated requests.”

Apple will likely unveil the revamped Siri when it unveils iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 next June, but Gurman said it will not be available until as early as spring 2026. That suggests the feature will be released as part of an iOS 19.4 update.

In the meantime, iOS 18.2 added ChatGPT integration to Siri, and Gurman expects an integration with Google’s Gemini to follow in a later update. And with iOS 18.4, Siri will gain on-screen awareness, deeper per-app controls, and a few other enhancements, but it will still not offer fully-fledged ChatGPT-like conversational abilities directly.

Delayed Features
Gurman revealed that some other features have been “postponed” until iOS 19.4.

“I’m told that a larger-than-usual number of features scheduled for iOS 19 (beyond the new Siri) are already postponed until spring 2026 (when iOS 19.4 debuts),” he said.

He did not provide any specific details about the features that are pushed back.

Gurman attributed the delay to the gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence features between iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.4, which is preventing some Apple software engineers from moving on to iOS 19 development. In line with this information, an unnamed source within Apple told French website iPhoneSoft.fr that they are still working on iOS 18 development.

Compatible iPhones
According to French website iPhoneSoft.fr, iOS 19 will be compatible with any iPhone that is capable of running iOS 18, which would mean the following models:

iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
The oldest devices in that list are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, all of which were released in September 2018.

Of course, some iOS 19 features will be unavailable on older iPhone models.

If this report is accurate, it would be the second year in a row in which Apple did not drop support for any iPhone models with its major annual iOS release. iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is.

iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

Timing
The first iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 betas should be released during WWDC 2025 next June, and the updates are likely to be released in September.Related Roundup: iOS 19

This article, “What to Expect From iOS 19: All the Rumors So Far” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

iOS 19 is not expected to be announced until June 2025, but information about the software update is already starting to surface.

Below, we recap the biggest iOS 19 rumors so far.

More ChatGPT-Like Siri

iOS 19 will introduce a “more conversational Siri” powered by “more advanced large language models,” according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. He said this upgrade will make Siri more like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, allowing the assistant to “handle more sophisticated requests.”

Apple will likely unveil the revamped Siri when it unveils iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 next June, but Gurman said it will not be available until as early as spring 2026. That suggests the feature will be released as part of an iOS 19.4 update.

In the meantime, iOS 18.2 added ChatGPT integration to Siri, and Gurman expects an integration with Google’s Gemini to follow in a later update. And with iOS 18.4, Siri will gain on-screen awareness, deeper per-app controls, and a few other enhancements, but it will still not offer fully-fledged ChatGPT-like conversational abilities directly.

Delayed Features

Gurman revealed that some other features have been “postponed” until iOS 19.4.

“I’m told that a larger-than-usual number of features scheduled for iOS 19 (beyond the new Siri) are already postponed until spring 2026 (when iOS 19.4 debuts),” he said.

He did not provide any specific details about the features that are pushed back.

Gurman attributed the delay to the gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence features between iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.4, which is preventing some Apple software engineers from moving on to iOS 19 development. In line with this information, an unnamed source within Apple told French website iPhoneSoft.fr that they are still working on iOS 18 development.

Compatible iPhones

According to French website iPhoneSoft.fr, iOS 19 will be compatible with any iPhone that is capable of running iOS 18, which would mean the following models:

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

The oldest devices in that list are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, all of which were released in September 2018.

Of course, some iOS 19 features will be unavailable on older iPhone models.

If this report is accurate, it would be the second year in a row in which Apple did not drop support for any iPhone models with its major annual iOS release. iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is.

iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

Timing

The first iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 betas should be released during WWDC 2025 next June, and the updates are likely to be released in September.

This article, “What to Expect From iOS 19: All the Rumors So Far” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Read More 

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today outlined mass production timing for the M5 series of chips, which he expects to be used in both future Macs and Apple Intelligence servers. The rollout will likely begin next year.

Kuo expects the standard M5 chip to enter mass production in the first half of 2025, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the second half of the year. Then, he expects the M5 Ultra chip to enter mass production in 2026.

So, nothing too surprising.

The timeframes suggest that M5 Macs will launch in a similar order as M4 Macs. Apple will likely update the MacBook Pro lineup with M5 series chips in October next year, and the MacBook Air should receive the M5 chip in the first half of 2026. Apple is likely to update the Mac Studio and Mac Pro later in 2026, or in 2027. It is unclear if the iMac and Mac mini will be updated next year, as those models are not always updated annually.

M4 Macs have rolled out in a similar manner so far. Apple updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with the M4 series of chips in October, and the MacBook Air is expected to be updated by the end of March next year. Mac Studio and Mac Pro models with M4 Max and/or M4 Ultra chips are expected to launch in mid-to-late 2025.

As previously rumored, Kuo said M5 series chips will be manufactured with TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, known as N3P. That will result in the usual year-over-year performance and power efficiency improvements over the M4 series of chips.

Apple Intelligence servers are currently powered by the M2 Ultra chip, and they are expected to start using M4 series chips next year. Beyond that, Kuo said Apple will eventually switch to high-end, server-grade M5 chips that are better suited for artificial intelligence inferencing. He said these chips will also be manufactured with the N3P process, offer improved thermal performance, and have a separated CPU and GPU design. Related Roundups: MacBook Air, Mac Pro

Tags: M5, Ming-Chi Kuo

Buyer’s Guide: 13″ MacBook Air (Caution), Mac Pro (Neutral)

Related Forums: MacBook Air, Mac Pro

This article, “Macs With M5 Chips Expected to Launch in This Order” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today outlined mass production timing for the M5 series of chips, which he expects to be used in both future Macs and Apple Intelligence servers. The rollout will likely begin next year.

Kuo expects the standard M5 chip to enter mass production in the first half of 2025, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the second half of the year. Then, he expects the M5 Ultra chip to enter mass production in 2026.

So, nothing too surprising.

The timeframes suggest that M5 Macs will launch in a similar order as M4 Macs. Apple will likely update the MacBook Pro lineup with M5 series chips in October next year, and the MacBook Air should receive the M5 chip in the first half of 2026. Apple is likely to update the Mac Studio and Mac Pro later in 2026, or in 2027. It is unclear if the iMac and Mac mini will be updated next year, as those models are not always updated annually.

M4 Macs have rolled out in a similar manner so far. Apple updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with the M4 series of chips in October, and the MacBook Air is expected to be updated by the end of March next year. Mac Studio and Mac Pro models with M4 Max and/or M4 Ultra chips are expected to launch in mid-to-late 2025.

As previously rumored, Kuo said M5 series chips will be manufactured with TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, known as N3P. That will result in the usual year-over-year performance and power efficiency improvements over the M4 series of chips.

Apple Intelligence servers are currently powered by the M2 Ultra chip, and they are expected to start using M4 series chips next year. Beyond that, Kuo said Apple will eventually switch to high-end, server-grade M5 chips that are better suited for artificial intelligence inferencing. He said these chips will also be manufactured with the N3P process, offer improved thermal performance, and have a separated CPU and GPU design.

This article, “Macs With M5 Chips Expected to Launch in This Order” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Read More 

This year, Apple tweaked iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes to make them bigger than 2023’s iPhone 15 Pro models, and next year we are also expecting a change in the size of the displays in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s what we know.

Standard iPhone 17
Apple could introduce a new display size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 could measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches, which would make it the same size as the current iPhone 16 Pro. At 6.3 inches, it would be in between the size of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. However, next year there may be only one non-Pro model in Apple’s lineup (see below).

iPhone 17 Plus – iPhone 17 Air
Rumors suggest that Apple plans to eliminate the Plus model in 2025 due to subpar sales and replace it with a slimmed down iPhone 17 that could come with an “iPhone Air” moniker. While the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to fall somewhere between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in size. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but larger than the 17 Pro.

iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
Apple is currently not expected to change the size of its Pro models next year, having already tweaked them this year in the iPhone 16 series. That means the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should measure roughly 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. However, according to The Information, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have “significant design changes” that go beyond display size. These changes are said to include the use of aluminum for the frame instead of titanium, a half-aluminum, half-glass backing rather than an all-glass back, and a rectangular camera bump.

iPhone 16 Models (2024)
iPhone 17 Models (2025)

iPhone 16: 6.1 inches

iPhone 17: 6.3 inches

iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches

iPhone 17 Air: 6.5-6.6 inches

iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches

iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches

iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

New Display Technology

120Hz ProMotion Across the Lineup
Apple intends to expand ProMotion to all iPhone models in 2025, allowing all models to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Previously, only “Pro” models in Apple’s iPhone lineup have had the feature. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 “Air” to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen’s clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.

More Power-Efficient Screens
A recent unconfirmed rumor suggests that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models may feature a new display technology known as Low-Dielectric TEE (Transmission Electrically Enhanced). The term likely refers to the use of materials with a low dielectric constant in the display’s thin-film encapsulation (TFE). While it’s not yet clear what this specific innovation offers, incorporating low-dielectric materials can in general reduce signal interference and energy loss, leading to more efficient power usage and potentially longer battery life.

Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Display
The iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple’s Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to one rumor. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 is said to have a “super-hard anti-reflective layer” that is “more scratch-resistant.” It’s not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning’s latest technology matches the rumor. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that the new iPhone 16 Pro models have the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has an advanced formulation that is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone, according to Apple.

Smaller Dynamic Island
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a significantly narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to the device’s adoption of a smaller “metalens” for the Face ID system, claims Haitong’s Jeff Pu. While a traditional iPhone camera has curved lenses that redirect light towards the image sensor, a metalens is a thin and flat lens with microscopic patterns etched onto it that can focus light more precisely. Assuming this results in a narrowed Dynamic Island, it would be the first time that Apple has changed the feature since it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.

iPhone Models Past: Notable Size Changes

The Original iPhone to iPhone 4S (2007-2011): The first iPhone, launched in 2007, featured a 3.5-inch screen, a size that Apple maintained up to the iPhone 4S. This screen size was considered quite large at the time compared to many contemporary phones.

iPhone 5 to iPhone 5S/SE (2012-2016): With the iPhone 5, Apple increased the screen size to 4 inches. This change addressed the growing consumer trend towards larger screens, allowing for an improved viewing experience while maintaining a comfortable grip.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014): A significant change came with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, featuring screen sizes of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches respectively. This move was a response to the burgeoning market of larger smartphones or “phablets.” It marked Apple’s foray into a segment that competitors like Samsung had been capitalizing on.

iPhone X (2017): With the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple shifted to a new design paradigm, reducing bezels and introducing notch-based displays. The iPhone X had a 5.8-inch screen, which was a middle ground between the two previous sizes.

iPhone XR (2018): The iPhone XR retained the new design profile as the iPhone X but upped the display size to 6.1 inches.

iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019): The iPhone 11 Pro Max was the first “Max” model Apple released, featuring a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it larger than any previous iPhone model.

iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020): The iPhone 12 Pro Max featured a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it once again the largest iPhone ever at the time of its release.

iPhone 12 mini & iPhone 13 mini (2020-2021): The iPhone 12 mini was introduced in 2020, and marked the first time since the original iPhone SE that Apple released a new model specifically designed to be smaller and more compact. Featuring a 5.4-inch screen, it catered to users who preferred smaller, more manageable phones that could be easily used with one hand. The iPhone 13 mini continued the trend, however reports and market analysis indicated that the overall demand for such a device was relatively low compared to Apple’s larger models, and Apple has not replicated the option in iPhone lineups since.

iPhone 15 Pro to iPhone 16 Pro (2023-2024): Apple this year introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger displays of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Up from the 6.1 and 6.7-inch respective sizes of the previous iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max models, the current devices also boast thinner bezels, enhancing the viewing experience without significantly increasing the device’s overall size.
What do you think about Apple’s expected iPhone 17 size changes? Share your thoughts in the comments.Related Roundup: iPhone 17

This article, “iPhone Sizes Change Next Year: What to Know” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

This year, Apple tweaked iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes to make them bigger than 2023’s iPhone 15 Pro models, and next year we are also expecting a change in the size of the displays in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s what we know.

Standard iPhone 17

Apple could introduce a new display size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 could measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches, which would make it the same size as the current iPhone 16 Pro. At 6.3 inches, it would be in between the size of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. However, next year there may be only one non-Pro model in Apple’s lineup (see below).

iPhone 17 Plus – iPhone 17 Air

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to eliminate the Plus model in 2025 due to subpar sales and replace it with a slimmed down iPhone 17 that could come with an “iPhone Air” moniker. While the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to fall somewhere between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in size. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but larger than the 17 Pro.

iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max

Apple is currently not expected to change the size of its Pro models next year, having already tweaked them this year in the iPhone 16 series. That means the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should measure roughly 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. However, according to The Information, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have “significant design changes” that go beyond display size. These changes are said to include the use of aluminum for the frame instead of titanium, a half-aluminum, half-glass backing rather than an all-glass back, and a rectangular camera bump.

iPhone 16 Models (2024)

iPhone 17 Models (2025)

iPhone 16: 6.1 inches

iPhone 17: 6.3 inches

iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches

iPhone 17 Air: 6.5-6.6 inches

iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches

iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches

iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

New Display Technology

120Hz ProMotion Across the Lineup

Apple intends to expand ProMotion to all iPhone models in 2025, allowing all models to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Previously, only “Pro” models in Apple’s iPhone lineup have had the feature. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 “Air” to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen’s clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.

More Power-Efficient Screens

A recent unconfirmed rumor suggests that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models may feature a new display technology known as Low-Dielectric TEE (Transmission Electrically Enhanced). The term likely refers to the use of materials with a low dielectric constant in the display’s thin-film encapsulation (TFE). While it’s not yet clear what this specific innovation offers, incorporating low-dielectric materials can in general reduce signal interference and energy loss, leading to more efficient power usage and potentially longer battery life.

Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Display

The iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple’s Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to one rumor. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 is said to have a “super-hard anti-reflective layer” that is “more scratch-resistant.” It’s not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning’s latest technology matches the rumor. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that the new iPhone 16 Pro models have the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has an advanced formulation that is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone, according to Apple.

Smaller Dynamic Island

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a significantly narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to the device’s adoption of a smaller “metalens” for the Face ID system, claims Haitong’s Jeff Pu. While a traditional iPhone camera has curved lenses that redirect light towards the image sensor, a metalens is a thin and flat lens with microscopic patterns etched onto it that can focus light more precisely. Assuming this results in a narrowed Dynamic Island, it would be the first time that Apple has changed the feature since it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.

iPhone Models Past: Notable Size Changes

The Original iPhone to iPhone 4S (2007-2011): The first iPhone, launched in 2007, featured a 3.5-inch screen, a size that Apple maintained up to the iPhone 4S. This screen size was considered quite large at the time compared to many contemporary phones.

iPhone 5 to iPhone 5S/SE (2012-2016): With the iPhone 5, Apple increased the screen size to 4 inches. This change addressed the growing consumer trend towards larger screens, allowing for an improved viewing experience while maintaining a comfortable grip.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014): A significant change came with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, featuring screen sizes of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches respectively. This move was a response to the burgeoning market of larger smartphones or “phablets.” It marked Apple’s foray into a segment that competitors like Samsung had been capitalizing on.

iPhone X (2017): With the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple shifted to a new design paradigm, reducing bezels and introducing notch-based displays. The iPhone X had a 5.8-inch screen, which was a middle ground between the two previous sizes.

iPhone XR (2018): The iPhone XR retained the new design profile as the iPhone X but upped the display size to 6.1 inches.

iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019): The iPhone 11 Pro Max was the first “Max” model Apple released, featuring a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it larger than any previous iPhone model.

iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020): The iPhone 12 Pro Max featured a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, making it once again the largest iPhone ever at the time of its release.

iPhone 12 mini & iPhone 13 mini (2020-2021): The iPhone 12 mini was introduced in 2020, and marked the first time since the original iPhone SE that Apple released a new model specifically designed to be smaller and more compact. Featuring a 5.4-inch screen, it catered to users who preferred smaller, more manageable phones that could be easily used with one hand. The iPhone 13 mini continued the trend, however reports and market analysis indicated that the overall demand for such a device was relatively low compared to Apple’s larger models, and Apple has not replicated the option in iPhone lineups since.

iPhone 15 Pro to iPhone 16 Pro (2023-2024): Apple this year introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger displays of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Up from the 6.1 and 6.7-inch respective sizes of the previous iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max models, the current devices also boast thinner bezels, enhancing the viewing experience without significantly increasing the device’s overall size.

What do you think about Apple’s expected iPhone 17 size changes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This article, “iPhone Sizes Change Next Year: What to Know” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Read More 

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still nearly two years away from launching, a new feature has already been rumored for the devices.

In a blog post today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The main camera refers to the 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which was also known as the Main or Wide camera on older iPhone models.

With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera’s lens and reaches the sensor. The main camera on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor.

Variable aperture is typically a capability seen on professional DSLR/mirrorless cameras from the likes of Sony and Canon.

Kuo first made this claim last month. Today, he added that Dutch manufacturer BE Semiconductor will supply assembly equipment for the aperture blades, which is the mechanical part that would control how much light passes through the lens.

A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that smartphones have smaller image sensors due to physical size restraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.

This rumor will likely evolve over time. Kuo did not say if iPhone 18 Pro models will be getting a larger sensor, but such an upgrade would pave the way for meaningful improvements to depth of field. Apple already offers Portrait mode, which artificially makes the background look more blurry behind a person or other subject in a photo. A larger image sensor would enable that “bokeh” effect more naturally on iPhone 18 Pro models.

Variable aperture was previously rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but Kuo believes the feature is slated for iPhone 18 Pro models instead.

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026.Tags: iPhone 18, Ming-Chi Kuo

This article, “iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still nearly two years away from launching, a new feature has already been rumored for the devices.

In a blog post today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The main camera refers to the 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which was also known as the Main or Wide camera on older iPhone models.

With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera’s lens and reaches the sensor. The main camera on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor.

Variable aperture is typically a capability seen on professional DSLR/mirrorless cameras from the likes of Sony and Canon.

Kuo first made this claim last month. Today, he added that Dutch manufacturer BE Semiconductor will supply assembly equipment for the aperture blades, which is the mechanical part that would control how much light passes through the lens.

A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that smartphones have smaller image sensors due to physical size restraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.

This rumor will likely evolve over time. Kuo did not say if iPhone 18 Pro models will be getting a larger sensor, but such an upgrade would pave the way for meaningful improvements to depth of field. Apple already offers Portrait mode, which artificially makes the background look more blurry behind a person or other subject in a photo. A larger image sensor would enable that “bokeh” effect more naturally on iPhone 18 Pro models.

Variable aperture was previously rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but Kuo believes the feature is slated for iPhone 18 Pro models instead.

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026.

This article, “iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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X (Twitter) has announced a big jump in pricing for its Premium Plus subscription tier, with monthly rates in the US jumping from $16 to $22, representing a 37.5% increase. The annual subscription cost will also rise from $168 to $229.

The price changes took effect on December 21, 2024, with new subscribers paying the higher rates immediately. Existing Premium Plus subscribers will maintain their current pricing until January 20, 2025, after which the new rates will apply on their next billing cycle.

The price hikes vary significantly by region, with some markets seeing particularly steep increases. In Nigeria, the monthly subscription cost has surged by over 365%, while Turkish users face a 156% increase. European subscribers will see their monthly rates rise from €16 to €21, and Australian users will need to pay $35 AUD, up from $26 AUD. A full list of new pricing by country is available here.

X justified the price increase by highlighting several Premium Plus features, including a completely ad-free experience and enhanced access to the platform’s Grok AI capabilities. The company also emphasized that the higher subscription fees will support its creator revenue sharing program, which now focuses on rewarding content quality and engagement rather than ad views.

The basic X subscription tier remains unchanged at $3 per month. It’s the largest price increase for US subscribers on Premium Plus since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022.Tag: Twitter

This article, “X Announces Major Price Increases for Ad-Free Premium Plus Tier” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

X (Twitter) has announced a big jump in pricing for its Premium Plus subscription tier, with monthly rates in the US jumping from $16 to $22, representing a 37.5% increase. The annual subscription cost will also rise from $168 to $229.

The price changes took effect on December 21, 2024, with new subscribers paying the higher rates immediately. Existing Premium Plus subscribers will maintain their current pricing until January 20, 2025, after which the new rates will apply on their next billing cycle.

The price hikes vary significantly by region, with some markets seeing particularly steep increases. In Nigeria, the monthly subscription cost has surged by over 365%, while Turkish users face a 156% increase. European subscribers will see their monthly rates rise from €16 to €21, and Australian users will need to pay $35 AUD, up from $26 AUD. A full list of new pricing by country is available here.

X justified the price increase by highlighting several Premium Plus features, including a completely ad-free experience and enhanced access to the platform’s Grok AI capabilities. The company also emphasized that the higher subscription fees will support its creator revenue sharing program, which now focuses on rewarding content quality and engagement rather than ad views.

The basic X subscription tier remains unchanged at $3 per month. It’s the largest price increase for US subscribers on Premium Plus since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022.

This article, “X Announces Major Price Increases for Ad-Free Premium Plus Tier” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to release an entry-level iPad 11 in the spring and iPadOS 18.3 will be pre-installed on the shipped devices, according to a source with a proven track record for upcoming Apple software updates.

Several reports in the last few months have suggested Apple is developing an 11th-generation iPad that is scheduled to be released around the same time as a new iPhone SE 4 and iPad Air in the spring.

Today’s source adds weight to the evidence. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 in late January or early February, which would be time enough for the company to get the latest software on new devices for shipping around March.

Rumors of new features are thin on the ground, but today’s source believes rumors that the low-cost iPad will include Apple’s upcoming custom 5G modem. which will also be introduced in the iPhone SE and iPhone 17 Air in 2025. Apple’s modem chip will be capable of theoretical 5G download speeds of up to 4Gb/s, which is slower than Qualcomm’s modems in current phones. The chip will not support the fastest mmWave 5G, and will instead be limited to sub-6GHz 5G.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said that the device will likely support Apple Intelligence, which suggests the iPad 11 will have a newer A-series chip compared to the iPad 10, and at least 8GB of RAM. Apple released the iPad 10 in October 2022 with the A14 Bionic chip. Gurman has also said Apple is working on a new Magic Keyboard accessory for the low-cost ‌iPad‌ and/or the iPad Air which is expected to come out by the middle of 2025.

Apple has seeded the first betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, but there’s no word yet on what’s included. What we do know is that Apple is still working to roll out Apple Intelligence features. iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 include Image Playground, Genmoji, and Siri ChatGPT integration, but there are still new ‌Siri‌ functions that are slated for release next year.

We could see updates to ‌Siri‌ with iOS 18.3, and the features Apple has in development include personal context, on-screen awareness, and the ability to do more in and between apps.Related Roundup: iPad

Buyer’s Guide: iPad (Caution)

Related Forum: iPad

This article, “New iPad Expected to Ship With iPadOS 18.3 in Spring 2025” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple plans to release an entry-level iPad 11 in the spring and iPadOS 18.3 will be pre-installed on the shipped devices, according to a source with a proven track record for upcoming Apple software updates.

Several reports in the last few months have suggested Apple is developing an 11th-generation iPad that is scheduled to be released around the same time as a new iPhone SE 4 and iPad Air in the spring.

Today’s source adds weight to the evidence. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 in late January or early February, which would be time enough for the company to get the latest software on new devices for shipping around March.

Rumors of new features are thin on the ground, but today’s source believes rumors that the low-cost iPad will include Apple’s upcoming custom 5G modem. which will also be introduced in the iPhone SE and iPhone 17 Air in 2025. Apple’s modem chip will be capable of theoretical 5G download speeds of up to 4Gb/s, which is slower than Qualcomm’s modems in current phones. The chip will not support the fastest mmWave 5G, and will instead be limited to sub-6GHz 5G.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has said that the device will likely support Apple Intelligence, which suggests the iPad 11 will have a newer A-series chip compared to the iPad 10, and at least 8GB of RAM. Apple released the iPad 10 in October 2022 with the A14 Bionic chip. Gurman has also said Apple is working on a new Magic Keyboard accessory for the low-cost ‌iPad‌ and/or the iPad Air which is expected to come out by the middle of 2025.

Apple has seeded the first betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, but there’s no word yet on what’s included. What we do know is that Apple is still working to roll out Apple Intelligence features. iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 include Image Playground, Genmoji, and Siri ChatGPT integration, but there are still new ‌Siri‌ functions that are slated for release next year.

We could see updates to ‌Siri‌ with iOS 18.3, and the features Apple has in development include personal context, on-screen awareness, and the ability to do more in and between apps.

This article, “New iPad Expected to Ship With iPadOS 18.3 in Spring 2025” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 19 will not drop support for any iPhone models, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. The report cites a source within Apple.

The report said that iOS 19 will be compatible with any iPhone that is capable of running iOS 18, which would mean the following models:

iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
The oldest devices in that list are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, all of which were released in September 2018.

Of course, some iOS 19 features will be unavailable on older iPhone models.

If this report is accurate, it would be the second year in a row in which Apple did not drop support for any iPhone models with its major annual iOS release. iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is.

iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

There is slightly worse news for iPadOS 19, as the report said that update will drop support for the iPad 7 from 2019. Fortunately, the report said all other iPad models that can run iPadOS 18 will be compatible with iPadOS 19 next year.

The first iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 betas should be released during WWDC 2025 next June, and the updates are likely to be released in September. Not many iOS 19 features have been rumored yet, but Siri is expected to become more conversational like ChatGPT in a later iOS 19.4 update, which is likely to be released around March 2026.Related Roundup: iOS 19

Tag: iPhoneSoft

This article, “iOS 19 Rumored to Be Compatible With These iPhones” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

iOS 19 will not drop support for any iPhone models, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. The report cites a source within Apple.

The report said that iOS 19 will be compatible with any iPhone that is capable of running iOS 18, which would mean the following models:

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

The oldest devices in that list are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS, and iPhone XR, all of which were released in September 2018.

Of course, some iOS 19 features will be unavailable on older iPhone models.

If this report is accurate, it would be the second year in a row in which Apple did not drop support for any iPhone models with its major annual iOS release. iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is.

iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

There is slightly worse news for iPadOS 19, as the report said that update will drop support for the iPad 7 from 2019. Fortunately, the report said all other iPad models that can run iPadOS 18 will be compatible with iPadOS 19 next year.

The first iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 betas should be released during WWDC 2025 next June, and the updates are likely to be released in September. Not many iOS 19 features have been rumored yet, but Siri is expected to become more conversational like ChatGPT in a later iOS 19.4 update, which is likely to be released around March 2026.

This article, “iOS 19 Rumored to Be Compatible With These iPhones” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models next year. The report led to hopes that Apple might also use the chip to revive its line of AirPort routers, which were discontinued in 2018, but those dreams have been dashed by Gurman himself.

In his Power On newsletter today, the well-connected journalist said that Apple is “not” currently working on new AirPort routers.

Gurman did offer a glimmer of hope. He said that Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip is “so sophisticated” that it could “theoretically” turn a home device like a future Apple TV or HomePod into a wireless access point. However, he did not confirm if Apple will actually follow through with that idea, so keep your expectations low for the time being.

Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip could still have other benefits for the next Apple TV and HomePod mini models, including Wi-Fi 6E support.Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod

Tag: Mark Gurman

Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Don’t Buy), HomePod (Neutral)

Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

This article, “Apple ‘Not’ Working on New AirPort, But Apple TV and HomePod Provide Glimmer of Hope” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models next year. The report led to hopes that Apple might also use the chip to revive its line of AirPort routers, which were discontinued in 2018, but those dreams have been dashed by Gurman himself.

In his Power On newsletter today, the well-connected journalist said that Apple is “not” currently working on new AirPort routers.

Gurman did offer a glimmer of hope. He said that Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip is “so sophisticated” that it could “theoretically” turn a home device like a future Apple TV or HomePod into a wireless access point. However, he did not confirm if Apple will actually follow through with that idea, so keep your expectations low for the time being.

Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip could still have other benefits for the next Apple TV and HomePod mini models, including Wi-Fi 6E support.

This article, “Apple ‘Not’ Working on New AirPort, But Apple TV and HomePod Provide Glimmer of Hope” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is working on a variety of health features for future AirPods, including heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the heart rate technology could be ready for the AirPods Pro 3, which are in “early development” within the company.

AirPods getting heart rate monitoring would allow more customers to access this capability for health and fitness purposes, without needing to wear an Apple Watch. In internal testing, Apple has found that heart rate data is “more accurate” on the Apple Watch compared to AirPods, but he said the AirPods “aren’t terribly far off.”

Apple’s upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 will also offer heart rate monitoring during workouts. Based on our iOS 18 code findings, you will be able to connect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to gym equipment like a treadmill to measure heart rate, and the data will be visible in the Health app and other supported apps on the iPhone.

Apple previously announced that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will be released in 2025, but it is not entirely clear when the AirPods Pro 3 will launch.

As a longer-term goal, Gurman reiterated that Apple plans to add small cameras to future AirPods to enable unspecified AI-powered features. This project is now a “priority” for Apple, but likely still a few years away from completion, he said.Related Roundup: AirPods Pro

Tag: Mark Gurman

Buyer’s Guide: AirPods Pro (Caution)

Related Forum: AirPods

This article, “Apple Reportedly Working on AirPods Pro 3 With Heart Rate Feature” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple is working on a variety of health features for future AirPods, including heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.

In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the heart rate technology could be ready for the AirPods Pro 3, which are in “early development” within the company.

AirPods getting heart rate monitoring would allow more customers to access this capability for health and fitness purposes, without needing to wear an Apple Watch. In internal testing, Apple has found that heart rate data is “more accurate” on the Apple Watch compared to AirPods, but he said the AirPods “aren’t terribly far off.”

Apple’s upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 will also offer heart rate monitoring during workouts. Based on our iOS 18 code findings, you will be able to connect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to gym equipment like a treadmill to measure heart rate, and the data will be visible in the Health app and other supported apps on the iPhone.

Apple previously announced that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will be released in 2025, but it is not entirely clear when the AirPods Pro 3 will launch.

As a longer-term goal, Gurman reiterated that Apple plans to add small cameras to future AirPods to enable unspecified AI-powered features. This project is now a “priority” for Apple, but likely still a few years away from completion, he said.

This article, “Apple Reportedly Working on AirPods Pro 3 With Heart Rate Feature” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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