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Blog Posts

Apple’s Strategy for the Cosmic Orange iPhone Hue in 2023: Information on Discontinuation

### The Future of Cosmic Orange: iPhone 18 Pro Color Lineup

Earlier today, fresh insights surfaced about the color choices for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro, sparking speculation on the future of the well-loved cosmic orange shade that debuted with the iPhone 17 Pro.

#### Will iPhone 18 Pro Feature Cosmic Orange?

The iPhone 17 Pro is notable for various reasons, including its groundbreaking camera design and its unique two-tone rear finish. Nonetheless, the standout aspect remains the cosmic orange tint, which signifies a considerable shift from the typical color selections for “Pro” models, being the first to present such a lively, striking option.

Reports indicate that cosmic orange has garnered particular acclaim, especially in regions like China, where it is affectionately dubbed “Hermès orange.” This popularity prompts inquiries about whether Apple will maintain this eye-catching hue in the iPhone 18 Pro collection.

In February, industry analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg suggested that it would not be surprising if Apple decided to keep cosmic orange due to its popularity. Conversely, a recent report from Macworld hints that a new shade, “dark cherry,” will take the place of cosmic orange in the iPhone 18 Pro series.

> “While Dark Cherry color won’t be as bright and striking as Cosmic Orange in person, it will still be unique enough to distinguish it as the new iPhone 18 Pro. As always, Apple is expected to discontinue the current lineup of colors, including Cosmic Orange.”

According to Macworld, the iPhone 18 Pro will boast a color selection that includes light blue, dark cherry, silver, and dark gray.

#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

From a market standpoint, it seems reasonable for Apple to phase out cosmic orange with the iPhone 18 Pro. The company frequently aligns its color selections with fashion trends, which are inherently cyclical. The distinctiveness of cosmic orange added to its charm; keeping it across several generations might lessen its appeal.

Historically, Apple has unveiled a fresh standout color with each iPhone launch. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro first appeared in pacific blue, followed by sierra blue and alpine green for the iPhone 13 Pro, and deep purple for the iPhone 14 Pro.

As anticipation grows for the iPhone 18 Pro, the lingering question is: will cosmic orange return, or will it give way to the new dark cherry? The choice will likely mirror Apple’s strategy to ensure novelty and excitement within its product lineup.

HomeKit Weekly: Ulticam IQ Launches PoE and Gemini AI Capabilities in Matter-Certified Smart Camera

**Xthings Ulticam IQ V2: The Pioneer Matter-Certified AI Surveillance Camera**

Xthings has introduced the Ulticam IQ V2, touted as the first Matter-certified AI surveillance camera. This device is equipped with state-of-the-art features including Power over Ethernet (PoE), 4K resolution, and collaboration with Google Gemini AI. This article explores the functionalities of the Ulticam IQ V2 and assesses its prospects for future software upgrades.

### Integrating Google Gemini into Your Surveillance Camera

A key feature of the Ulticam IQ V2 is its connection with Google Gemini. Conventional security cameras often inundate users with alerts. Xthings seeks to solve this challenge by merging local edge processing with cloud AI.

The camera is capable of executing fundamental recognition tasks locally, detecting individuals, packages, or vehicles. It then leverages Google Gemini in the cloud to contextualize these occurrences. Rather than sorting through numerous fragmented clips, the AI crafts succinct daily summaries, connecting related footage to narrate a clear sequence of events, such as a delivery driver arriving and departing with a package.

An especially captivating feature is the natural language search functionality. Users can effortlessly input queries like, “Show me when the UPS driver came yesterday,” and Gemini will pull the pertinent footage. If this feature operates as intended, it would greatly improve user engagement with camera archives, establishing a new benchmark for enterprise surveillance systems.

However, depending on cloud AI for video streams requires trust in the provider. Xthings assures customers that it uses AES-256 encryption and offers a complimentary rolling 7-day cloud storage plan without a subscription, making it an appealing choice.

### Matter 1.5 and Anticipation for Apple Home

The Ulticam IQ V2 is Matter-certified, compatible with Matter 1.5, which has brought camera support to the ecosystem. Nevertheless, a significant drawback exists: Apple has not yet updated the Home app to include Matter cameras. While it’s generally cautioned against acquiring hardware based on prospective software upgrades, Apple has historically been a major supporter of the Matter standard. It’s likely that camera support will be enabled in a forthcoming iOS update, particularly with WWDC 2026 on the horizon, where announcements regarding expanded Matter support are anticipated.

### Technical Specifications

– **Resolution:** 4K UHD video with HDR and a broad 160-degree field of view, able to capture an entire driveway or yard.
– **Connectivity:** Incorporates an Ethernet port for Power over Ethernet, in addition to standard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi as a backup.
– **Continuous Video Capture:** Employs an ultra-low-power state to constantly capture key frames, eliminating the lags of traditional passive infrared sensors.
– **AI Processing:** Performs basic identification of individuals, vehicles, pets, and packages locally, while delegating complex tasks like daily summaries and natural language inquiries to Google Gemini in the cloud.
– **Storage Alternatives:** Accommodates local microSD cards up to 512 GB for redundancy and provides a lifetime rolling 7-day cloud storage plan at no monthly charge.
– **Smart Home Integration:** Certified with Matter 1.5, compatible with ONVIF, and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

### Conclusion

Until Apple officially rolls out Matter 1.5 support, the Ulticam IQ V2 still presents numerous fallback options. Its compatibility with standard protocols like ONVIF enables users to incorporate the video stream into local systems such as Home Assistant or a Network Video Recorder (NVR).

The Ulticam IQ V2 is available for purchase on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/47oUijL) or directly from [Ulticam](https://ulticam.com/products/iq-matter?srsltid=AfmBOopElGMF5xevSQc2YOlNLff5Tj4EweogiHnfAPyTp3yc-Hg0JSqa).

India Discontinues Plan to Require Preinstallation of Government-Owned App on iPhones

**India Retreats from Controversial Plan to Enforce State Security App on Mobile Devices**

Late last year, the Indian government mandated that smartphone producers, such as Apple and Samsung, pre-install an undeletable state-owned security application known as Sanchar Saathi on their devices. This app sparked considerable privacy worries among users and industry experts.

The administration presented the app as a means to help users retrieve lost or stolen smartphones. Nevertheless, detractors highlighted that it would also permit the government to monitor all smartphones, raising serious concerns regarding user privacy. Following this mandate, Apple publicly declared its unwillingness to comply, a position it has maintained in light of similar demands in the past.

Recently, Reuters disclosed that the Indian government has chosen to retract this initiative. This choice followed discussions with stakeholders from the electronics sector, during which the Ministry of Information Technology conveyed its opposition to requiring the pre-installation of the Aadhaar app on mobile devices.

This action is part of a wider pattern, as the Indian government has tried to compel smartphone manufacturers to pre-install state applications multiple times over the last two years. All such endeavors have met resistance from the industry. The request related to Aadhaar was noted as the sixth such attempt, according to communications examined by Reuters.

Regardless of the government’s decision, the Sanchar Saathi app continues to be accessible for download on the App Store for those users who choose to install it voluntarily. However, the mandate for it to be pre-installed on new devices or to be distributed to existing iPhones via an iOS update has been revoked.

Is it wise to gaze into Sam Altman’s orb before your next date?

Tinder users who prove they’re a real person by visiting an identity-verifying orb will soon be able to get five free boosts in the app – and it’s just the latest service to embrace the orb. World, which was co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, initially tested Tinder verification using its facial scanning orbs through […]

OpenAI’s Former Sora Executive Departs

Last month, OpenAI gave up on its Sora video generation tool, and on Friday, the Sora team’s leader, Bill Peebles, announced that he is leaving the company. OpenAI has been shifting its priorities as part of an effort to avoid “side quests,” and Peebles’ departure is just one of many recent changes as the company […]

Apple Maps Improvements: Newly Added Features in iOS 26.5

# Enhancements in Apple Maps for iOS 26 and Anticipated Features in iOS 26.5

Apple Maps has experienced notable advancements with the introduction of iOS 26, improving user interaction and functionality. With the forthcoming iOS 26.5, additional features are planned to further enhance the app. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the main upgrades and what users can look forward to.

## Major Upgrades in iOS 26

iOS 26 brought forth several significant features that have increased the user-friendliness and efficiency of Apple Maps:

1. **Visited Locations**: This feature keeps a private, on-device record of the places users have been. It acts as a personal log of movements and enhances search capabilities by highlighting previously visited locations in search results.

2. **Preferred Routes**: Apple Maps can now identify which routes are important to users. It proactively informs users about possible delays on these routes, assisting them in circumventing unexpected traffic problems.

3. **AI-Enhanced Search**: The search function has been upgraded with AI technology, enabling users to locate places with natural language queries. For instance, users can search for “nearby coffee shops with free Wi-Fi and restrooms,” making the search experience more intuitive.

These upgrades have established Apple Maps as a more powerful choice compared to other mapping solutions, enhancing navigation and search experiences.

## New Feature in iOS 26.5: Suggested Locations

With the rollout of iOS 26.5, Apple Maps will unveil the **Suggested Locations** feature. This enhancement will present users with two recommended locations in the search popup immediately upon tapping into the search field, without the need for any typing. The suggestions will be derived from trending locations in proximity, past searches, and other individualized elements.

Early users of the beta version have reported favorable experiences, mentioning that the recommendations frequently showcase excellent spots. While there are worries about the possible future introduction of advertisements, the Suggested Locations feature is anticipated to be a valuable addition, integrating smoothly into the search interface without creating clutter.

## User Opinions and Future Anticipations

While the Suggested Locations feature is a much-appreciated upgrade, some users have communicated a preference for more than two suggestions at once. A horizontally scrolling feature could improve the user experience by presenting additional recommendations.

As the official release of iOS 26.5 draws near, users are excited to discover how effectively Apple’s recommendations will work and how they will enhance the overall functionality of Apple Maps.

In summary, Apple Maps continues to progress with significant updates that improve usability and personalization. The blend of features launched in iOS 26 along with the impending Suggested Locations in iOS 26.5 positions Apple Maps as a strong contender for navigation and location-based searches.