Author: Richard

Apple Unveils Crossbody Strap: A Functional Addition for Daily Activities

### Grasping Apple’s Innovative Crossbody Strap: An Answer to a Long-Standing Fashion Challenge

Apple’s launch of a fresh crossbody strap for the iPhone has ignited a blend of confusion and critique among users, with numerous individuals branding the accessory as “strange.” Nevertheless, a deeper look uncovers that this groundbreaking item fills a key void in women’s fashion: the absence of functional pockets.

#### The Pocket Conundrum

The joke asserting that women want only two things—equality and pockets—underscores a recurring problem in women’s apparel. Historically, fashion creators began to reduce or remove pockets in the late 1940s to accentuate the form-hugging silhouettes that were trendy, especially those made famous by Christian Dior’s “New Look.” Consequently, bags and purses became the primary method for women to transport their belongings.

In today’s digital world, smartphones fulfill many functions, enabling users to make payments, check their appearance, read, and even open doors. Although the necessity for bags has decreased for some, the requirement to carry a phone remains essential. The crossbody strap presents a sensible solution for those who opt not to use a conventional bag.

#### A Worldwide Outlook

While the crossbody strap might appear novel to numerous individuals in the United States, it is a widespread accessory in various European and Asian nations. This style has existed for at least a decade, with many alternatives accessible on platforms like Amazon, where numerous items have garnered thousands of favorable reviews. This indicates a distinct demand for such accessories, particularly among those who value convenience and style.

#### Reception and Interest

Curiously, during its launch at Apple Park, the crossbody strap garnered applause from the audience, suggesting that there is indeed a market for this type of product. Although it may seem unfamiliar to some, the enthusiastic response highlights a growing acceptance and appreciation for functional fashion accessories that meet contemporary demands.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s crossbody strap is more than merely a fashionable accessory; it embodies a considerate response to the persistent issue of practicality in women’s fashion. By recognizing the necessity for functional solutions in daily life, Apple engages with a market that treasures both style and functionality. As consumer preferences progress, items like the crossbody strap could lead the way for more inventive solutions that connect the divide between fashion and practicality.

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iPhone 17 Variants Include Dual Capture Video Recording in Apple Camera Application

### Dual Capture: An Innovative Feature in the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air Series

Apple has unveiled an intriguing new feature known as Dual Capture, now present in the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air series. This groundbreaking capability permits users to simultaneously record video from both the front and rear cameras, elevating the way moments are documented.

#### Functionality

The Dual Capture mode is accessible via a specific button within the Apple Camera application. When users select Video mode on their iPhone 17, they can seamlessly enable this feature. The outcome is a unified video that displays the primary rear camera perspective alongside a picture-in-picture thumbnail from the front camera. This feature creates a more vibrant recording experience, allowing users to capture events like concerts while also recording their reactions in real-time.

#### An Anticipated Feature

The idea of multi-camera recording was initially presented by Apple during the iPhone 11 Pro launch in 2019. At that point, it necessitated third-party applications such as Filmic Pro to leverage this capability. While many Android manufacturers promptly incorporated dual-camera recording into their standard camera applications, Apple chose to maintain it as an API for developers within the App Store ecosystem.

Now, five years later, Apple has ultimately incorporated a foundational version of this feature directly into the default Camera app, enhancing accessibility for users.

#### Constraints

Although the hardware capacity for dual-camera recording has been available in all iPhones since 2019, Apple has not revealed intentions to extend the Dual Capture mode to earlier iPhone models operating on iOS 26. Currently, this feature remains exclusive to the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air line.

#### Summary

The launch of Dual Capture signifies a major improvement in video recording functionality for iPhone users, facilitating more creative and engaging content creation. As Apple persists in its innovation, this feature demonstrates the company’s dedication to enhancing user experience and broadening the capabilities of its devices.

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Grasping RCS: Revolutionizing Green Text Bubble Conversations

iPhone users have often been frustrated by the Android green bubble — Apple’s indication that a message was transmitted as an SMS or MMS rather than an iMessage. SMS messaging dates back to 1992, and these texts generally miss out on the contemporary features that iMessage offers, like emoji reactions, typing alerts, and delivery confirmations. Up until 2019, Android devices solely communicated with iPhones using SMS or MMS. In such cases, media is compressed, leading to poorer video and image quality, and texts appear in a green bubble rather than a blue one.

Currently, Android employs a different messaging standard known as Rich Communication Services, or RCS. RCS enables Android users to exchange high-resolution images and videos and to enjoy modern features like read receipts and typing indicators. It has been the norm for Android devices since 2019. However, messaging between Android and iPhone users still wasn’t ideal until Apple introduced iOS 18 in 2024, which added RCS support to iPhones. Here’s how it has transformed messaging between iPhones and Androids.

What changed for green bubble messages on iPhone

Samsung Anticipated to Unveil Two Galaxy Z Fold Variants in 2026, Featuring a ‘Wide’ Edition

This speculation suggests that Samsung’s Wide-Fold might effectively blur the lines of the tablet experience.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
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What you should be aware of

  • A report from a South Korean source states that Samsung plans to introduce a second Galaxy Z Fold next year, featuring an expanded display experience.
  • It is said that the device may showcase an 18:18 screen ratio on its internal display, emphasizing a more horizontal orientation rather than vertical.
  • Samsung released a “second” Fold in 2024, known as the Fold Special Edition, although that device was limited to the South Korean market.

There are indications that Samsung is considering a second Galaxy Z Fold model within its 2026 timeline.

According to a report by The Elec (South Korean), Samsung

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Leak Indicates Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Include Reduced Zoom Camera

New Leak Indicates Samsung Might Reduce Its New 12MP Telephoto Sensor to 10MP

What You Should Know:
– Galaxy S26 Ultra could lower its 3x telephoto zoom camera compared to S25 Ultra.
– Leak indicates the new 12MP sensor will be trimmed down to 10MP for telephoto images.
– The S26 Ultra sensor might feature smaller 1.0μm pixels, allowing less light overall.
– This could result in poorer 3x photo quality in dim environments compared to the S25 Ultra.

It has only been a day since the iPhone 17 lineup was officially announced, and news about Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, has already emerged. Unfortunately, this isn’t the kind of announcement one would hope for, as a recent leak points to the Galaxy S26 Ultra possibly regressing with its 3x telephoto zoom camera.

Previous reports suggested that Samsung might transition to a new 12MP sensor for the 3x telephoto zoom on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Many believed this would result in sharper zoom and close-up images. However, according to reputable source Ice Universe, Samsung will reduce the 12MP to just 10MP on the new sensor.

The leaker states that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will utilize only 10MP (out of the 12MP available) with an f/2.4 aperture, a 1/3.94″ sensor size, and 1.0μm pixels. While this may appear similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which also had a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, it could lead to an overall diminished experience.

Smaller Pixels Could Impact Low-Light Performance

To clarify, the Galaxy S25 Ultra featured a 1/3.53″ 10MP sensor with 1.12μm pixel size. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may employ a larger sensor, but with smaller 1.0μm pixels. For context, the pixel size affects how much light is captured — larger numbers capture more light and generally produce better photos.

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra moving to smaller pixels, the new sensor may allow less light than its predecessor, resulting in weaker 3x images in lower light scenarios.

Certainly, Samsung could counteract this with software improvements and a better ISP, but based solely on hardware, it appears we might be facing a minor downgrade with the upcoming Ultra flagship.

Previous speculation regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra implies that the device will retain the S Pen, feature a sleeker design, and support quicker 60W charging.

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Google’s Pixel 9 Catapults Brand to Quickest-Evolving Premium Smartphone Status in 2025

Recent findings indicate that Google’s revenue surged by 105% during the first half of 2025.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
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Essential information

  • Google has emerged as the fastest expanding premium smartphone brand with a 105% YoY increase in early 2025.
  • Apple dominates the premium segment with a 62% market share, even though it experienced only a 3% YoY rise.
  • While foldable smartphones continue to occupy a niche market, 80% of premium sales are concentrated on GenAI features.

New information indicates that consumer spending on premium smartphones is on the rise, as their sales have increased by 8% YoY in the first half of 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest report.

The research organization states that this

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9to5Mac Daily: Summary of the iPhone 17 Event held on September 9, 2025

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Destination for Daily Apple Updates

**Introduction**

In the bustling realm of technology, being in the know with the latest news and advancements is vital, particularly for Apple fans. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast provides a convenient mechanism to keep up with the most important stories affecting the Apple ecosystem. This article delves into the podcast’s features, how to access it, and what listeners can anticipate.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that summarizes the leading stories from the Apple universe. Hosted by Chance Miller, the podcast delivers a brief overview of the most recent news, product launches, software updates, and more. The episodes are crafted to keep Apple aficionados informed and engaged with the continuously changing tech scene.

**How to Listen**

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily through multiple platforms, making it simple to listen from anywhere. The podcast is accessible on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications

New episodes are recorded every weekday, ensuring that subscribers receive the freshest updates as soon as they’re ready.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

The podcast is sponsored by iMazing, a utility that enables users to back up, transfer, and manage their iPhone and iPad data independently of cloud services. Listeners can benefit from a special discount by using the code 9to5mac-20off for 20% off their purchase at [iMazing.com/9to5mac](http://imazing.com/9to5mac).

**Subscription Options**

For those who wish to elevate their listening experience, 9to5Mac Daily provides a subscription option. By subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus, listeners can enjoy:

– Ad-free versions of every episode
– Bonus content exclusive to subscribers

**Engagement and Feedback**

The 9to5Mac Daily team promotes listener interaction. Fans can share their opinions by emailing

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Comparison between Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5: Identifying the Better Foldable

Now is the perfect moment to transition to a foldable device.

Disclaimer

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Compatibility of Previous Apple Watch Versions with Updated Sleep Score Functionality

### Apple Watch Sleep Score Feature: Compatibility and Functionality

If you tuned into Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, you may have thought that the newly introduced Sleep Score feature would be limited to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. Thankfully, that’s not the situation. Here’s the complete compatibility list.

#### How Sleep Score Functions

The Sleep Score feature assesses your sleep based on multiple factors, such as:

– Duration of sleep
– Consistency of bedtime
– Frequency and length of awakenings
– Time spent in each sleep phase (deep, core, and REM)

After the score is computed, Apple categorizes the outcomes and contrasts them with the user’s average data, facilitating the identification of areas needing enhancement.

As per Apple, this new watchOS 26 feature was created using more than 5 million nights of sleep data derived from the Apple Heart and Movement Study. It was also guided by insights from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, and the World Sleep Society.

#### Sleep Score Accessibility

If you assumed the new feature was reserved for the most recent Apple Watch models, you’re in good company. Nonetheless, Apple has confirmed that:

> “Sleep score is available with watchOS 26 for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or later, and all Apple Watch Ultra models, paired with iPhone 11 or later, running iOS 26.”

This indicates that every Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 26 will have access to the feature. However, users of older devices might need to modify their charging routines to ensure their watches maintain sufficient battery life for both daytime and nighttime usage.

For additional information, make sure to review the complete coverage of the “Awe Dropping” event.

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Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Boasting 120 FPS Screen, A19 Processor, and Improved Camera Setup

**Apple Reveals iPhone 17: A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation**

Apple has officially unveiled its newest smartphone, the iPhone 17, which is set to offer a range of enhancements while keeping the same introductory price of $799 as the iPhone 16. This updated model aims to elevate user experience with substantial upgrades in display, camera features, and overall functionality.

**Improved Display Features**

A key highlight of the iPhone 17 is its expanded 6.3-inch display, now equipped with ProMotion technology for high-refresh rate support, marking a first for the iPhone lineup. This enhancement allows for increased fluidity in scrolling and touch responsiveness. Furthermore, the display includes an always-on feature, permitting users to view their lock screen in a subdued manner without fully waking the device.

The brightness of the iPhone 17’s display has experienced a noteworthy improvement, reaching up to 3,000 nits. This upgrade, along with a new anti-reflective coating, allows for exceptional visibility even in demanding lighting environments, whether indoors or outdoors. To safeguard the device from daily wear and tear, Apple has introduced the new Ceramic Shield 2 cover glass.

**Robust Performance with the A19 Chip**

At the core of the iPhone 17 is the newly designed A19 chip, featuring a six-core CPU architecture that notably enhances performance. Apple asserts that the GPU is now 20% faster than the A18 chip present in the iPhone 16, offering a more robust gaming and multitasking experience for users. The efficiency of the ProMotion display also contributes to an admirable battery life, enabling up to 8 hours of video playback on a single charge.

**Overhauled Camera System**

The iPhone 17 features a newly designed camera system, especially for the front-facing selfie camera, which now incorporates a sensor nearly twice as large as its predecessor. This advancement boosts the quality of selfies, rendering them more vivid and detailed. Importantly, the new sensor is tailored for capturing selfies in any position, allowing users to take landscape selfies without rotating their devices. The Center Stage feature automatically adjusts the aspect ratio when more individuals enter the frame, ensuring everyone is captured in the photo.

On the back, the iPhone 17 maintains its dual-camera configuration but enhances the ultra-wide lens to a superior 48-megapixel sensor, improving the overall photography experience.

**Color Varieties and Storage**

The iPhone 17 comes in five fresh colors: black, white, mist blue, sage, and lavender. Additionally, Apple has raised the baseline storage option to 256 GB, offering users more room for applications, photos, and videos without needing extra purchases.

In conclusion, the iPhone 17 signifies a meaningful advancement in Apple’s smartphone technology, providing users with a combination of improved performance, better camera functionalities, and an impressive display, all while retaining the same price point as its predecessor.

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