Author: sparta

Apple Prolongs Complimentary Satellite Service for iPhone 14 and 15 Through 2024

press announcement outlining the latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models, which Apple introduced at its “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, September 9. Satellite capabilities such as messaging and emergency calls have been accessible to iPhone users for some time now, with Apple Watch also benefiting from satellite emergency SOS features.

Earlier this January, we witnessed SpaceX and Apple collaborating secretly to enhance satellite support for iPhones, with the feature beginning to be available to users alongside the iOS 18.3 release. This enabled users to receive messages and more without needing to direct their phone toward a satellite.

Satellite capabilities are advancing

Dwayne Johnson’s Neglected Action Movie Rises in Popularity on Tubi Rankings

As everyone prepares to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson take on the role of MMA fighter Mark Kerr next month in A24’s “The Smashing Machine,” he’s also dominating the streaming charts this week. Over 20 years post its release, The Rock’s 2003 action-comedy “The Rundown” (helmed by “Friday Night Lights'” Peter Berg) has unexpectedly returned to the limelight, soaring to #4 today on Tubi’s Top Movies list as of this moment.

“This is genuinely an enjoyable film and The Rock was fantastic in it,” one Reddit user praised in a recent post about the movie — which also is one of the first in The Rock’s career. “Unquestionably one of his top roles, if not his best imo.”

An interesting tidbit about “The Rundown,” in which The Rock portrays a bounty hunter sent to Brazil for a final assignment: It was released just a year after his debut lead role in a film, in 2002’s “The Scorpion King.”

The Rundown still delivers

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Summary of Apple’s Obsolete Products After the ‘Awe Dropping’ Event

Apple has officially phased out numerous products following its most recent event, during which it introduced new iterations of its iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches. This yearly practice enables Apple to refine its lineup and pave the way for the latest advancements in technology. Below is an exhaustive list of the products that have been phased out:

### Discontinued Products
– **iPhone 15**
– **iPhone 15 Plus**
– **iPhone 16 Pro**
– **iPhone 16 Pro Max**
– **Apple Watch Ultra 2**
– **Apple Watch Series 10**
– **Apple Watch SE 2**
– **AirPods Pro 2**

Despite these discontinuations, the products will remain accessible through third-party sellers, frequently at reduced rates. Nevertheless, as time elapses, these devices might be categorized as ‘vintage’ and eventually ‘obsolete,’ resulting in the cessation of official repair and parts support from Apple.

Shoppers interested in acquiring these now-discontinued products may discover enticing offers through various outlets. The discontinuation of these items often results in considerable price drops, rendering them attractive choices for budget-minded purchasers.

For more updates and in-depth coverage of the recent Apple event, check out the news hub linked in the article.

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Comparative Examination of Battery Longevity: Apple Watch Ultra 3 versus Series 11 and Ultra 2 Enhancements

# Battery Life Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 3, Ultra 2, and Series 11

Apple has recently introduced its newest smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, both of which showcase considerable advancements in battery longevity compared to their earlier versions. This article will explore the battery specifications of these new devices and how they compare to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

## Battery Life Estimates

Battery longevity has consistently been a highlighted feature of the Apple Watch Ultra series, and this year, Apple has made significant enhancements. Below are the battery life estimates for each model:

### Apple Watch Ultra 3
– **Normal Use**: Up to **42 hours**
– **Low Power Mode**: Up to **72 hours**

### Apple Watch Ultra 2
– **Normal Use**: Up to **36 hours**
– **Low Power Mode**: Up to **72 hours**

### Apple Watch Series 11
– **Normal Use**: Up to **24 hours**
– **Low Power Mode**: Up to **38 hours**

While the Ultra 3 features a considerable boost in battery life during standard use, the Series 11 also demonstrates enhancements, coming closer to the performance of the previous Ultra models.

## Fast Charging Performance

Beyond battery longevity, charging speed is another vital aspect for users. All three models come equipped with fast charging capability, but their performance varies:

### Charging Specifications
– **Ultra 3**: Achieves up to 80% charge in around **45 minutes**; 15 minutes delivers 12 hours of normal use, and 5 minutes offers 8 hours of sleep tracking.
– **Ultra 2**: 0–80% in roughly **1 hour**.
– **Series 11**: Reaches up to 80% charge in about **30 minutes**; 15 minutes provides 8 hours of normal use, and 5 minutes gives 8 hours of sleep tracking.

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 feature competitive fast charging capabilities, whereas the Ultra 2 lags in this area.

## Conclusion

The enhancements in battery life for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 signify substantial upgrades for users, particularly for those who depend on their watches for extended durations without the need for frequent charging. As Apple continues to innovate, these enhancements may impact many users’ choices to upgrade their devices.

What are your thoughts on the battery life enhancements? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Consequences of Detaching a USB Drive Without Ejecting It

valuable (and occasionally unusual) USB devices. Frequently, these ports are utilized for a short duration, enabling users to insert a USB drive and swiftly move data. We transfer information onto the USB from one location and then connect it to another gadget for the transfer process. It is a streamlined and portable way to share files, and this effectiveness often encourages us to take shortcuts when employing it.

After utilizing the USB drive, many of us skip the step of ejecting it correctly. More often than not, we simply disconnect it from the computer and stow it away. Is this practice detrimental? Is there any real benefit to manually ejecting it?

As it turns out, there is. Detaching the USB before it has been ejected can corrupt the files either momentarily or permanently. It’s always inadvisable to do so, regardless of whether you are pressed for time or not. The silver lining is that safely ejecting the USB is a simple task that ensures all data is secure and completely transferred.

Reasons to avoid removing a USB stick without prior ejection

Key Highlights of the Seven iPhone Air Features Unveiled in Yesterday’s Keynote

### Apple Launches the Sleek iPhone Air: Key Highlights

Yesterday, Apple rolled out its newest creation, the sleek iPhone Air. Although the keynote showcased numerous features, many additional specifics are accessible only through a deeper dive into Apple’s website. Below, we highlight the crucial elements of the innovative device.

#### Binned A19 Pro Chip

The iPhone Air houses a binned variant of the A19 Pro chip, akin to the one utilized in the iPhone 17 Pro. Nevertheless, there are differences: the iPhone 17 Pro is outfitted with a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone Air is equipped with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. In contrast, the standard A19 chip present in the iPhone 17 also contains a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. Importantly, the A19 Pro featured in the iPhone Air is crafted to be marginally more efficient and boasts 12GB of memory, exceeding the 8GB available in the standard A19.

#### Slower USB-C Port

The iPhone Air features a USB-C port that functions at USB 2 speeds, similar to the base iPhone 17 and earlier non-pro models. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro allows for USB 3 speeds, facilitating data transfer rates of up to 10Gb/s. Moreover, the USB-C port on the iPhone Air is not perfectly aligned, a design decision reminiscent of earlier iterations such as the iPhone XR and 11.

#### Enhanced Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone Air extends further into the display compared to other devices. This design modification was essential to house critical components situated at the top of the device.

#### Mono Speaker

The iPhone Air comes with a single speaker positioned in the earpiece. The speaker openings at the bottom of the device are, in fact, microphones. For stereo sound, users will need to pair AirPods or an external speaker.

#### Slower Wired Charging

While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro can reach 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W power adapter, the iPhone Air is restricted to achieving 50% in 30 minutes with a slower 20W adapter. However, all iPhone models enable 50% charging in 30 minutes via MagSafe, rendering this a non-issue for those who prefer wireless charging.

#### Connectivity

The iPhone Air showcases an enhanced version of Apple’s proprietary modem, the C1X, which does not support mmWave 5G in the US. This is regarded as a minor limitation. Additionally, it features Apple’s inaugural in-house networking chip, the N1, which is compatible with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

#### Camera Limitations

The iPhone Air offers only a single rear camera, meaning users will forgo several advanced camera functionalities that necessitate dual-camera arrangements. These comprise:

– Cinematic mode
– Spatial video
– Macro photography
– Spatial photos
– Macro video

Furthermore, users will lack access to Pro-exclusive features such as studio-quality microphones, ProRAW photos, ProRes video, and LOG recording.

### Conclusion

The iPhone Air is an appealing choice for those in search of a lightweight and efficient smartphone. Nonetheless, prospective buyers should weigh the compromises in performance, connectivity, and camera features against the premium models in Apple’s portfolio.

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iPhone 17 Brings Remedy for OLED Display Flickering Problem

**Comprehending PWM and Its Effect on iPhone Users: The iPhone 17 Resolution**

Have you come across PWM (pulse width modulation)? Even if you’re not familiar, this screen flickering dilemma might still affect you. The forthcoming iPhone 17 appears set to deliver a long-awaited solution for PWM.

### PWM Can Be Turned Off on iPhone 17 Models

Pulse width modulation is a strategy utilized by smartphones when lowering brightness. In essence, the phone’s OLED display keeps all pixels illuminated at full brightness, yet at reduced brightness levels, it swiftly toggles them on and off in a manner that most users cannot perceive. However, for some users, PWM can create a flickering screen effect that could result in eye strain and intense headaches.

A recent finding by Aaron Perris uncovered that the iPhone 17 Pro, along with possibly other models, will offer a novel option to disable PWM. This option intends to allow an alternative way to dim the OLED display, resulting in a more seamless display output at lower brightness settings. Although turning off PWM might influence the performance of low brightness display, it provides a considerable advantage for those sensitive to flickering.

Perris verified that this innovative option is arriving for the entire iPhone 17 series, as mentioned by MacRumors. The limitation of the PWM setting to iPhone 17 models may relate to advancements in the A19 and A19 Pro chips, which might facilitate this new capability.

For users who face challenges with PWM, Apple’s rollout of this settings toggle could serve as a persuasive motivation to upgrade to the iPhone 17. The capacity to turn off PWM could drastically improve the viewing experience for individuals impacted by screen flicker.

In summary, if you are sensitive to PWM, the iPhone 17’s fresh feature could be transformative. It remains to be determined how crucial this toggle will be for users, but it undeniably signifies progress in tackling a persistent problem in smartphone displays.

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Best Techniques for Selling Your Used iPhone

With the reveal of the iPhone 17 lineup now in the past, numerous readers are curious about the potential worth of their existing iPhone when considering an upgrade. Here’s what you should be aware of.

## If you aim to trade in your previous iPhone, numerous options are available

### 9to5Mac partner MyPhones Unlimited

For the first time, 9to5Mac is collaborating with [MyPhones Unlimited](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/) to assist readers in trading in their old iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and even various other accessories, to help them get up to $1,000 closer to acquiring a new iPhone.

The [trade-in process](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/) is simple and shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes. For your old iPhone, for example, here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose your device;
2. Choose your carrier (if applicable);
3. Choose your capacity;
4. Receive your quote.

In the last step, you can specify whether your device is damaged, has minor imperfections, is in “good” or “mint” condition, and then you’re finished.

Your quote will remain valid for 14 days, and once you opt to [send your device in](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/), you won’t even need to cover shipping costs. [MyPhones Unlimited](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/) manages everything, and you can track the status via their website.

[MyPhones Unlimited](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/) states that most clients receive the payment email within a week after sending their devices, and further information can be found in their [FAQ](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/).

### Apple’s trade-in program

Apple has maintained a [trade-in program](https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in) since 2013 and has consistently promoted it as an environmentally friendly option for users wanting a hassle-free way to dispose of their old devices while receiving credit in return.

Depending on the condition and model of your old device, Apple’s revised price chart presents discounts ranging from $40 to $700 for trade-ins done either in-store or online. The latter includes mailing in the old iPhone or dropping it off following email instructions.

### Retail and carrier-specific trade-in programs

Based on your mobile plan, you may prefer to receive credit through your carrier. [AT&T](https://tradein.att.com/), [Verizon](https://www.verizon.com/trade-in/), and [T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/phone-trade-in) all provide trade-in programs, and depending on the provider, the value can be utilized towards a new device, gift cards, or bill credits.

It’s also worth noting that [Target](https://tradein.target.com/), [Walmart](https://walmart.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails), and [Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/trade-in) have trade-in programs offering gift certificates and gift cards in return. More details regarding each specific process can be found on their respective websites.

And if you’re feeling particularly fortunate, you can also consider eBay, although in recent years, the platform’s fees and negotiation dynamics have become less appealing for users seeking a [more streamlined method](https://9to5mac.myphonesunlimited.com/faq/) for trading in their devices.

### Accessory deals on Amazon

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Apple Tackles the Intricacies of iPhone Camera Management in Next iOS 26 Release

### Camera Control on iPhone: A Move Towards Ease with iOS 26

The Camera Control functionality on the iPhone has been a significant point of interest among users, many of whom have sought more intuitive and user-friendly controls. With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has made a notable advancement in addressing these wishes by streamlining the Camera Control experience.

#### An Anticipated Feature

Since the debut of the iPhone 4 in 2010, there has been a demand for physical camera buttons to elevate the photography experience. Apple responded by permitting the use of volume buttons as a shutter release, a feature that has remained favored. Recently, the Action button from the Apple Watch Ultra was incorporated into the iPhone, offering a customizable launcher that could act as a camera shutter as well. However, the positioning of this button often felt inconvenient, particularly when the device was used in landscape orientation.

The charm of Camera Control lies in its layout, placing the shutter button where users instinctively expect it, facilitating quick access and one-handed usability.

#### The Call for Simplification

In spite of its benefits, the default configuration of Camera Control can complicate the photography experience. The dependence on swipe gestures and pressure-sensitive menus can result in unintentional misfires, hampering the user experience. Many users, myself included, favor a more straightforward version of Camera Control that enables simple functionality: launching the Camera app with a single click, even when the screen is off, and taking photos or videos with minimal hassle.

Although the iPhone 17 didn’t bring changes to Camera Control, there are signs that Apple is contemplating a more user-friendly version for upcoming models.

#### Updates in iOS 26

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has responded to user insights by adding a new toggle during the setup process for new devices. This toggle enables users to turn off the advanced features of Camera Control without needing to go through the Settings app. While the intricate features remain activated by default, the introduction of this toggle indicates Apple’s acknowledgment of the demand for a more user-friendly experience.

For many users, myself included, this toggle enriches the Camera Control experience. It provides quick access to the Camera app while reducing the likelihood of inadvertent interruptions during shooting. Users can still personalize their settings to allow the Camera app to launch with a click, ensuring a blend of functionality and ease.

### Conclusion

The advancement of Camera Control on the iPhone showcases Apple’s attentiveness to user desires and feedback. With the implementation of a simple toggle in iOS 26, the company is taking measures to make photography more accessible and enjoyable for all users. As Apple continues to enhance this feature, it remains to be seen how future versions will further improve the iPhone photography journey.

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Spotify Unveils ‘Lossless Listening’ for Premium Users to Boost Audio Quality

Spotify has at last started to implement its eagerly awaited Lossless Listening feature, which provides a richer and more intricate sound quality for Premium users. This new functionality is being launched across more than 50 markets and is anticipated to be fully accessible by October. Lossless Listening enables users to stream music in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC, delivering enhanced detail for each track on the platform. It accommodates private playlists, Liked Songs, DJ, Jam, Mix, AI Playlists, and Daylists.

To enable Lossless Listening, users must go to their Profile > Settings & Privacy > Media Quality and choose where to activate Lossless: Wi-Fi, Cellular, or Downloads. Spotify suggests utilizing wired headphones or speakers for optimal quality, as Bluetooth connections might not accommodate the high-fidelity audio.

The rollout is currently in progress in various countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, Japan, and Sweden, among others. Lossless Listening will be accessible on mobile, desktop, tablets, and devices that support Spotify Connect, with compatibility for Sonos and Amazon devices expected next month. This feature uses approximately 1GB of data per hour, and users can oversee data consumption by modifying the audio quality settings.

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