Author: sparta

Forthcoming Debut of Four New iPhones Next Year, Featuring a Nearby Introduction

Apple is probably finished launching new devices this year, but the company is planning many for 2026, which includes four new iPhone models—one of them is expected to be released very soon.

## iPhone 17e

The initial iPhone release from Apple for 2026 is rumored to occur quite early in the year. It’s the iPhone 17e—successor of iPhone 16e and the final member of the iPhone 17 series.

The iPhone 17e is said to include various upgrades compared to its predecessor, such as:

– A19 chip, an upgrade from the A18
– Dynamic Island instead of a notch
– Center Stage front camera
– Slimmer bezels for a contemporary look

The major drawbacks when compared to the standard iPhone 17 are that it will still feature just one rear camera, the screen will not offer ProMotion or always-on capabilities, and it will lack Camera Control.

However, with an anticipated price of $599, the iPhone 17e could be an attractive option for those looking for budget-friendly upgrades.

## iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to launch next fall, likely in September.

Apple’s premium new models are expected to enhance the features that have made the iPhone 17 Pro extremely popular. This includes:

While the new iPhone 18 Pro models may not see significant alterations, if this year’s success of the 17 Pro is any indication, the upcoming flagship devices might also gain a strong following.

## iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra

After years of speculation, Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone is finally set to debut in fall 2026.

The iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra is anticipated to launch at a price rumored to be around $2,000 or more.

It’s expected to have a design similar to the iPhone Air, featuring an exceptionally sleek titanium frame. The inner display is projected to be approximately 7.6 inches, while the outer display will measure about 5.4 inches. It will employ a book-style folding design, reportedly without any screen crease.

The iPhone Fold could potentially include the largest battery ever seen in an iPhone, although due to the new form factor, it’s uncertain if that would automatically guarantee the best battery life ever.

The foldable will also feature the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro. Regarding cameras, there are expected to be two rear cameras, alongside two front-facing cameras—one for each display.

Lastly, Apple is rumored to incorporate Touch ID rather than Face ID due to size limitations and the presence of two distinct displays.

## 2026 iPhones wrap-up: No iPhone 18?

A key model that Apple would typically reveal is no longer anticipated for 2026.

Generally, each year, a base model iPhone is introduced in the fall alongside Pro variants. However, rumors suggest that the base iPhone 18 is being postponed a few months into an early 2027 release timeframe.

That situation could certainly change. But according to the latest reports, Apple intends to release the premium iPhone 18 models in fall 2026. Then, in spring 2027, we can expect the more affordable base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and potentially the iPhone Air 2.

What insights do you have regarding Apple’s new iPhone lineup for 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Leaked Code Uncovers Apple’s Forthcoming Smart Home Hub and Additional Accessory

Apple’s forthcoming smart home hub, referred to as HomePad. This device will symbolize the company’s fresh initiative in the smart home sector, as it presently only markets Apple TV units and HomePod speakers. Although the launch of this item appears connected to Apple’s ability to introduce an entirely new Siri, it seems the firm may be preparing for an official launch early next year.

Leaked code uncovered by Macworld discloses additional information about Apple’s hidden smart home hub, while also indicating a brand-new accessory that might debut alongside the HomePad. Labeled “J229,” this device has the capability to identify alarm sounds similar to the HomePod, take pictures (presumably with an integrated camera), and is not classified as an independent product, but as an accessory, suggesting it may be part of Apple’s renewed focus on smart home technologies. That said, it’s possible we could witness Apple moving into the home security camera arena, as this accessory appears to align with that.

What we know regarding Apple’s smart home hub

Six Useful Applications for Your Raspberry Pi That You May Not Anticipate

Raspberry Pi 5 equipped with 16GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU, all for an attractive price of $120. While these machines are primarily utilized for educational functions, such as programming or robotics endeavors using the onboard GPIO pins, the potential applications of these micro workstations are nearly boundless, supported by a vibrant community committed to developing DIY projects.

If you possess a Raspberry Pi and are eager to explore these devices, we’ve curated a select range of applications that span from establishing a cloud server to eliminating network-wide advertisements and beyond. These concepts are cost-effective, practical, and will assist in daily tasks with minimal setup, requiring just a few accessories to enhance your project.

Establish Your Own Raspberry Pi-Driven Cloud

Data backup is crucial for all computer users, and lacking a copy of your important information could mean risking the loss of months or even years of effort. While storing a duplicate of your data online may be convenient, relying on third-party solutions such as Google Drive and iCloud+ isn’t always the best choice, and there are certain files you should avoid placing in cloud storage due to their vulnerability to data breaches and hacks.

Hence, you can establish a personal cloud affordably using a Raspberry Pi, keeping your sensitive data off the web. This cloud storage system can be managed autonomously around the clock with total control and at no ongoing expense, as it requires only a one-time investment. For this setup, USB 3.0 and sufficient RAM are advisable, available from a Raspberry Pi 4 or newer. Additionally, you will need storage device(s), a case for their protection, a power adapter, an SD card to install the operating system, and an Ethernet cable.

<a href="https://pimylifeup.com/

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Apple’s Case Against App Store Age Verification Exposes Its Weaknesses

**Apple’s Campaign Against the App Store Age Verification Proposal: A Privacy Dilemma**

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently made a trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate against a suggested App Store age verification measure called the App Store Accountability Act. This proposed law recommends that app stores, like Apple’s and Google’s, should bear the legal responsibility for confirming the ages of users instead of individual developers. The initiative seeks to simplify the age verification process, necessitating that users verify their age just once to the app store, which would subsequently oversee age-gating for applications accordingly.

### The App Store Age Verification Measure

The App Store Accountability Act has gained momentum as a potential answer to the tedious age verification procedure. At present, users are required to provide age verification to multiple developers each time they download an application with a minimum age limit. The suggested legislation would transfer this duty to the app stores, permitting a more centralized and efficient verification process.

### Apple’s Rejection

Apple has actively opposed the notion, with Cook’s recent lobbying endeavors emphasizing the company’s position. Hilary Ware, Apple’s chief of privacy, expressed the company’s apprehensions in a correspondence to Congress, contending that the suggested law could endanger user privacy by compelling adults to reveal personal details for app downloads.

### The Privacy Discussion

While Apple positions the proposal as a privacy risk, the actual scenario may be rather the reverse. The fundamental concern isn’t whether users are required to supply personal information to verify their age, but rather the frequency of such requirements. Mandating users to present sensitive information to numerous developers introduces a considerable privacy threat. Conversely, permitting a reliable entity like Apple to manage age verification once could improve user privacy and security.

This proposal could enhance the user experience, as individuals would only need to confirm their age a single time instead of repeatedly for each new application download. This centralized system could lessen the risks tied to disclosing personal information to several developers.

### The Future of Age Confirmation

Although it is reasonable for Apple to hesitate before accepting legal responsibility for age verification, embracing this transition could enable the company to emerge as a leader in privacy-conscious solutions. By championing a streamlined approach that emphasizes user privacy, Apple could bolster its reputation and credibility among consumers.

In summary, the App Store age verification proposal offers Apple a chance to showcase its dedication to user privacy while easing the app download process. As conversations regarding this legislation progress, the equilibrium between privacy and responsibility will be a pivotal element in determining the future of app store guidelines.

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Five Obsolete Devices That Have Become Obsolete

vinyl turntables equipped with contemporary enhancements are gaining more popularity. Similarly, a sense of nostalgia is prompting millennials and Gen Z to gravitate towards disposable cameras. Nevertheless, the fascination with these devices caters to a specific segment of purchasers, and it’s improbable that outdated technology will reclaim its former status in the mainstream market. Here are five gadgets that were once trendy and deemed necessary, but are now rarely utilized.

Numeric keypad phones

Reasons the iPad 12 May Become the Preferred Option for Consumers in 2026

MacWorld uncovered details about some of Apple’s iPads slated for 2026 within an internal pre-release version of iOS 26, suggesting that the iPad 12 tablet will be equipped with the A19 chip that currently drives the standard iPhone 17 model. 

The iPad 11, which launched earlier this year, is powered by an A16 chip; the same processor Apple debuted with the iPhone 14 series in 2022. Apple has typically utilized an older iPhone chip in its most economical iPad, resulting in the tablet trailing behind the latest iPhones in performance. This approach is not necessarily unwise for a basic tablet that starts at $349 and is frequently used mainly for consuming content.

The iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro serve as superior options compared to the base iPad for tasks and productivity, particularly following the iPadOS 26 update that enhances the iPad’s functionality to resemble that of a Mac. An A19-equipped iPad 12 could emerge as the preferred choice next year rather than one of the pricier iPad models. It’s not solely about the 50% performance increase that the A19 chip offers over the A16 chip in the iPad 11. The addition of 8GB of RAM and the more efficient N1 wireless chip may yield a more significant impact.

What makes the iPhone 17 unique?

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Reasons Your Upcoming Smartphone Will Cost More and the Effects on Affordable Phones

All of it is linked to the expenses of components.

(Image credit: Future)

Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly feature that delves into the devices we utilize and their functionality. We aim to simplify things so that everyone can grasp how and why the device in your hand operates as it does.

Occasionally, topics may get somewhat technical, as technology inherently involves complexity and detail. However, we will work together to simplify it and make it comprehensible!

Tech Talk

(Image credit: Future)

How it functions, detailed in a manner that everyone can grasp. Your weekly insight into what drives your gadgets.

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Samsung Health to Drop Well-Liked Fitness Initiatives During Significant Overhaul

Samsung Health is discontinuing outdated workout programs starting this month. Samsung Health is eliminating a significant number of its older, downloadable fitness programs as it prepares to launch a revamped app. Any workout content uploaded prior to December 31, 2022, will be removed in a significant data purge. Your real-time streaming workouts are secure and will still be available.

Samsung Health is set to lose a portion of its integrated wellness content services. Several longstanding fitness programs are being withdrawn as Samsung gears up to introduce a new app version. As initially reported by SamMobile, the tech giant plans to release a new update this December that not only brings additional features but also removes some current ones. The company has begun informing Samsung Health users that specific content within the Fitness tab is slated for removal.

The company hasn’t provided a detailed explanation, but this action coincides with Samsung’s gradual shift towards more streamlined Health integrations across Galaxy phones and Galaxy Watches, along with forthcoming AI-powered features.

Consequently, much of the content being removed consists of older material and downloadable files. User notifications indicate that the new Samsung Health app, arriving this month, will cease offering “programs available through downloads” in the Fitness Program section. Additionally, any programs uploaded before December 31, 2022, will be eliminated from the service. This indicates a significant cleanup, as Samsung clears out outdated data to create room for new, likely cloud-driven features.

There’s no need to worry about losing all your preferred routines. The notice clarifies that content available for real-time streaming will remain intact. If you utilize the newer streaming classes from Samsung’s partners, those will still be available.

Why this is happening now

This update is occurring in conjunction with the release of One UI 8.5, Samsung’s latest software version. While some older fitness programs will disappear, you will receive new and more sophisticated tools in their place. Recent leaks suggest the new Samsung Health version will include enhanced features, such as improved weekly summaries as part of One UI 8.5 that provide better insights into your health trends rather than just presenting raw data.

If you are still utilizing an older version of the app, you may face errors when attempting to access these discontinued programs after the server-side switch occurs. The update is set for a December rollout, which means time is running out.

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42 Attorneys General Alert Apple and Other Firms to Tackle Detrimental AI Conduct

The National Association of Attorneys General has sent a letter to 13 technology firms, including Apple, advocating for enhanced measures and protections against the dangers that AI can inflict, especially on at-risk groups. The correspondence, signed by Attorneys General from 42 states in the U.S., articulates significant worries regarding the emergence of “sycophantic and delusional outputs” generated by AI software, underlining the necessity for improved child safety and operational protections.

The letter outlines troubling incidents associated with AI engagements, which include violence, suicides, and mental health emergencies. It references specific cases, such as Allan Brooks, who became convinced he had uncovered a novel form of mathematics following an exchange with ChatGPT, and Sewell Setzer III, a teenager whose suicide is said to have been affected by a Character.AI chatbot.

The Attorneys General stress the risks that generative AI presents to children, the elderly, and those with mental health challenges. They highlight worrying interactions between AI chatbots and minors, including inappropriate relationships, promotion of drug usage, and harmful advice regarding medications.

To tackle these concerns, the letter urges companies to adopt various safety protocols, including:

– Establishing policies to thwart harmful outputs.
– Undertaking stringent safety evaluations prior to launching AI models.
– Offering clear warnings regarding potential hazards.
– Distinguishing revenue generation from safety choices.
– Appointing executives accountable for AI safety.
– Permitting independent evaluations and child safety reviews.
– Disclosing incident logs and response timelines for detrimental outputs.
– Alerting users who might have encountered risky material.
– Guaranteeing that chatbots cannot produce illegal outputs for minors.
– Enforcing age-appropriate protections to curtail minors’ access to harmful material.

The companies are asked to affirm their dedication to these protections by January 16, 2026, and to engage with the Attorneys General for further discussions on these matters. The letter mirrors escalating apprehensions about the effects of AI technology on society and the necessity for accountability from tech firms.

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9to5Mac Daily: December 10, 2025 – An Overview of the Best iPhone Applications and Games of the Year

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, remaining informed about the newest updates and breakthroughs is essential, particularly for Apple fans. **9to5Mac Daily** functions as a vital resource for individuals wanting to stay attuned to Apple-centric news. This daily podcast aims to summarize the most noteworthy news of the day, keeping listeners alert and engaged.

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Audiences can tune into **9to5Mac Daily** on multiple platforms, such as:

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New episodes are released every weekday, ensuring subscribers receive new content consistently.

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For those interested in directly supporting the podcast, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** unlocks several perks, including:

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This subscription model enriches the listening experience while backing the creators behind the show.

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Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback. You can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, rating the podcast on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or recommending it on

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