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iPhone 17: An Extensive Enhancement When Compared to iPhone 16

# iPhone 16: Reflecting on Disappointing Features and Looking Forward to iPhone 17

Apple introduced its iPhone 16 series a year ago, and it can be said that its key features have not met expectations for the company. Nevertheless, speculation regarding the iPhone 17 suggests it may mark a significant comeback worthy of an upgrade.

## iPhone 16: Three Underwhelming Key Features

Each year, Apple’s latest iPhone lineup includes a mix of major and minor enhancements. With the iPhone 16 series, Apple focused heavily on three specific features:

1. Camera Control
2. Apple Intelligence
3. Larger Pro Displays

Although there were numerous other enhancements in the iPhone 16 series, these took center stage in Apple’s marketing efforts.

### Marketing Highlights

Apple promoted the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus as designed for Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence framework intended to comprehend context and provide pertinent information while safeguarding user privacy. Camera Control was unveiled to improve memory capture and offer quick access to visual intelligence.

The Pro models highlighted larger display sizes, new creative possibilities with innovative camera functions, and enhanced graphics for gaming, all driven by the A18 Pro chip.

### Reality Check

In spite of the marketing buzz, the features of the iPhone 16 have not connected well with consumers. The most advanced capabilities of Apple Intelligence were postponed, with a rollout now anticipated in spring 2026. Camera Control, which was initially presented as a sophisticated feature, has largely been used as a basic capture button, sparking rumors of a more basic version for the iPhone 18. Users have also shown a tepid reaction to the larger Pro displays.

## Reasons Why iPhone 17 Should Represent a Strong Return to Form for Apple

There’s plenty of information available regarding Apple’s vision for the iPhone 17 lineup. While the precise features Apple will focus on remain unclear, three key features are expected:

1. Fresh designs with the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models
2. Battery life enhancements in the Pro series
3. Camera improvements across all models

### Expected Improvements

The ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to deliver an exciting new design, whereas the Pro models are expected to showcase considerable design revisions, including updated camera arrangements and a transition to aluminum materials. Significant battery life enhancements are also forecasted, possibly providing several additional hours of usage.

Furthermore, the complete iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a range of camera enhancements, potentially representing some of the most substantial in the device’s history.

## Wrap-Up

As a user of the iPhone 16 Pro, I consider it to be an excellent device, even though Apple made lofty claims and fell short in some crucial aspects. The iPhone 17 lineup, however, appears to be the update that users have been eagerly anticipating. Apart from the base model, every new iPhone 17 is poised to present upgrades that users will be keen to embrace.

What do you think about the iPhone 16? Do you foresee the iPhone 17 being a better alternative? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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New Publication Explores Legal Conflicts Surrounding Apple’s App Store Policies

**iWAR: Fortnite, Musk, Spotify and the Siege of Apple**

Enthusiastic followers of 9to5Mac know that conversations about lawsuits contesting Apple’s App Store regulations have surged in frequency. A forthcoming book, due out later this month, consolidates some of the most crucial conflicts against Apple into a unified narrative.

In *iWAR: Fortnite, Musk, Spotify and the Siege of Apple*, Wall Street Journal business columnist Tim Higgins details the rise of Apple to its position as the globe’s most valuable corporation. The book acts as a lens through which to observe the legislators and innovators aiming to unseat Apple from its throne. It traces Apple’s transformation from the pre-App Store period to its recent legal battles involving Fortnite and the Chinese super app WeChat.

### Spotify’s Global A/B Experiment to Challenge Apple

In a recent piece for the *WSJ*, titled “Inside Spotify’s Plan to Topple Apple,” Higgins shares a passage from the book that outlines the initial frictions between Apple and Spotify. This story features a significant meeting between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Margrethe Vestager, the former head of the European Commission’s antitrust division.

The article reveals how Spotify leveraged its Android application in a worldwide A/B testing initiative to gather proof intended to show that Apple’s business model obstructed the opportunities it purported to promote. This assertion is pivotal to Spotify’s argument against Apple’s App Store policies, which Apple has firmly denied.

Using information from Spotify, the European Commission estimated that Apple’s limitations resulted in a 20% decrease in Spotify’s in-app user upgrades. This equated to millions of users who were unable to finalize their subscriptions and many others who faced a subpar user experience.

*iWAR: Fortnite, Musk, Spotify and the Siege of Apple* is available for preorder and is scheduled for release on September 16.

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Apple Set to Introduce Two New Home Devices Shortly: Information Within

Apple is set to unveil a bustling assortment of hardware releases shortly, featuring two entirely new Home products: an updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. Here’s what is anticipated.

## Updated Apple TV 4K

It has been almost three years since new Apple TV hardware was launched, but that wait is soon coming to an end. A completely revamped Apple TV 4K is expected this fall with numerous rumored enhancements.

The A15 Bionic chip in the existing model is likely to be superseded by an A17 Pro chip. A significant motivation for this chip upgrade is to facilitate Apple Intelligence, which demands more processing power than the current Apple TV chip provides. While Apple has yet to reveal any specific Apple Intelligence features for tvOS 26, it could unveil them alongside the introduction of the new Apple TV 4K model.

Another speculated addition to the new Apple TV 4K is a built-in camera, and clues in tvOS 26 seem to bolster that notion. Making video calls via FaceTime and other services would become far more user-friendly without the need to rely on your iPhone.

Additionally, Apple’s first proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip will be introduced with the new Apple TV. While this may not seem thrilling at first glance, Apple’s 5G modem wasn’t particularly exciting until the C1 was revealed with significant advantages. Mark Gurman observes: “With a homegrown wireless chip in Apple’s smart home products, the devices will collaborate more seamlessly and may synchronize data more efficiently.”

## HomePod mini 2

The HomePod mini made its debut nearly five years ago, in November 2020. Speculation suggests that we are finally on the verge of seeing the first hardware update. A recent Bloomberg article indicates that substantial upgrades are on the way, including new features such as:

– Replacement chip for the current S5
– Compatibility with Apple Intelligence and the new Siri
– Enhanced ultra-wideband chip
– Superior audio quality
– New color options, including a potential red
– Apple’s latest in-house Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip

Apple’s updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip may enhance cross-device connectivity and is likely to support a more advanced Wi-Fi standard than the previous version—possibly Wi-Fi 6E or 7.

## Conclusion on New Apple TV and HomePod Products

This was initially anticipated to be a significant year for Apple’s smart home ambitions, but setbacks with the ‘HomePad’ product (which might be named HomePod Touch) derailed those intentions. However, if Apple can successfully launch robust updates for the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, followed by the new HomePod Touch in the spring, we could be on track for a stronger Apple Home ecosystem than ever before.

Are you excited about the new Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Examination of the Possible Effects of F1 Streaming Rights on Apple’s Approaching Event

**Apple’s Possible Purchase of Formula 1 Streaming Rights: What We Know**

Recently, Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang alluded to a major agreement with Apple regarding the U.S. streaming rights to Formula 1. This news has ignited extensive speculation about when Apple will make an official announcement.

### The Context of the Deal

Following the debut of *F1: The Movie*, reports have surfaced suggesting that Apple has been negotiating with Liberty Media to obtain the broadcasting rights for the 2026 Formula 1 season on Apple TV+ in the United States. Prominent publications like the *Financial Times*, *Business Insider*, and *Puck* have highlighted the growing likelihood of this deal materializing.

At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference, Chang mentioned, “I think it’s been pretty well-documented in terms of the negotiations, we are pretty far along, and we’re pretty happy and comfortable with sort of where we’re going to end up. (…) Hopefully we’ll have something to talk about relatively soon.” Although Chang did not explicitly name Apple, the context implies that Apple is the leading candidate for acquiring these rights, particularly considering its status as a frontrunner after ESPN.

### Timing of the Announcement

The term “relatively soon” raises inquiries about when precisely Apple will unveil the news. Some speculate it may occur as early as tomorrow during Apple’s eagerly awaited “Awe Dropping” event, which is one of the company’s most important platforms for announcements annually.

In light of the successful promotional efforts surrounding *F1: The Movie*, an announcement regarding streaming rights would seamlessly align with the momentum created by the film’s theatrical release. Fans are keen for Apple to reveal a streaming date, especially since the film has been available for on-demand purchase and rental for several weeks.

### Apple TV+ and Its Offerings

Apple TV+ is currently priced at $12.99 per month and offers a variety of popular shows and films, including *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*. The inclusion of Formula 1 streaming rights would enhance Apple TV+’s offerings and draw a wider audience of motorsport enthusiasts.

### Conclusion

As talks progress and anticipation heightens, Apple’s potential acquisition of Formula 1 streaming rights signifies a considerable shift in the realm of sports broadcasting. With Derek Chang’s recent remarks, all attention is on Apple for an announcement that could transform how fans in the U.S. interact with Formula 1 racing.

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9to5Mac Daily: September 8, 2025 – Summary of Recent Speculations for Imminent Apple Event

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest updates is vital, especially for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a key resource, offering listeners a summary of the most significant stories in the Apple universe each weekday.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

**9to5Mac Daily** is a podcast dedicated to providing brief and insightful updates regarding Apple-centric news, products, and developments. Each episode is crafted to keep listeners aware of the most recent events in the tech sector, especially those related to Apple’s advancements, software enhancements, and market dynamics.

#### Where to Listen

Audiences can tune into **9to5Mac Daily** across multiple platforms, making it convenient to incorporate into their daily activities. The podcast can be found 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)
– Via a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications.

#### Special Features and Sponsorship

The podcast is backed by **iMazing**, a robust tool enabling users to back up, transfer, and manage their iPhone and iPad data without needing cloud services. Fans can utilize a special discount code, **9to5mac-20off**, to receive a 20% discount on their purchases at [iMazing.com/9to5mac](http://imazing.com/9to5mac).

#### Subscription Options

For those seeking to elevate their listening experience, there is an opportunity to subscribe to **9to5Mac Daily Plus**. This subscription offers:

– Ad-free versions of every episode
– Additional content that provides more in-depth exploration of discussed topics

#### Engaging with the Community

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can contact via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave reviews on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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5 Attributes in iOS 26 That Are Already Present on Android

iOS 26 will roll out in a few weeks as a complimentary update for all eligible iPhones, with the iPhone 17 series being among the initial devices to utilize the new operating system. As with every fresh mobile OS, iOS 26 unveils numerous new functionalities that competitors might seek to incorporate. This continues the familiar cat-and-mouse dynamic we have observed over the years between Apple and Google, the two powerhouses behind the leading mobile platforms.

While both firms continue to draw inspiration from each other, Android users have already experienced various features that iPhone users will find once they upgrade to iOS 26. This includes dynamic wallpapers, Visual Intelligence support, Call Screening and Hold Assist, spam detection and filter for unknown senders, as well as Live Translation assistance in Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone application.

Dynamic wallpapers in Liquid Glass design

iOS 26 arguably presents the most significant design transformation since iOS 7. Known as Liquid Glass, the new aesthetics introduce translucent features to every menu and button, giving the user interface a rejuvenated appearance. One of the prime locations to exhibit the glass and light effects is on the lock screen — enhanced by the new dynamic wallpapers.

Post-update, users will notice new effects when changing their wallpapers. Initially, the San Francisco font showing the time will automatically resize based on the background elements. The typeface will also adjust its size with incoming notifications. Furthermore, the software employs AI to convert 2D visuals into 3D experiences. Google’s Pixel phones debuted Cinematic wallpapers in June 2023, enabling users to transform their 2D images into 3D visuals. Additionally, the new clock design paired with dynamic wallpapers bears a striking resemblance to Xiaomi’s design on HyperOS 2.0, which began its rollout in early 2025.

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Count of Software Updates for Google Pixel Watch 4 Disclosed

The latest Pixel Watch 4 continues to receive the same frequency of software updates as its predecessor.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

What is the number of software updates expected for the Google Pixel Watch 4?

Pixel Watch 4 retains a very similar appearance to the Watch 3. The display’s bezels are narrower, giving the screen a more expansive look, and the gently curved display aligns closely with the outer glass, enhancing the user interface experience. Wear OS 6 appears lively and updated, while the new Material 3 Expressive design brings a playful element to interactions.

The performance enhancement in the Pixel Watch 4 is advantageous, courtesy of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 SoC. Features like on-device Gemini Nano enable smart replies to texts and a Raise-to-Talk functionality. Moreover, the Watch 4 is the first consumer smartwatch to offer satellite SOS connectivity. The quicker charging and notable battery improvement also make a compelling case for upgrading to the Pixel Watch.

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Daily Usage Restrictions of Google Gemini’s Free Plan

revised Google support documentation, Gemini users can now effectively strategize their engagement with the AI-driven chatbot by understanding their limits. This signifies that those ambiguous “limited access” remarks are no longer our sole reference, and you won’t need to rely on the community’s input to gauge how much they have utilized Gemini through their calculations and insights.

Rather than ambiguous language, Google explicitly states that non-paying users — anyone who doesn’t subscribe to any of Google’s AI services — will have access to Gemini 2.5 Pro for up to five prompts daily. Additionally, free accounts are restricted to five Deep Research reports using Gemini 2.5 Flash each month. Lastly, free users can anticipate utilizing up to 100 image creations (including edits and remixes) each day. The context window for users on the free plan is also capped at 32,000 tokens. Google categorizes 2.5 Flash as “general access” for all users, with no particular mentions regarding usage caps. Every plan will be permitted to produce up to 20 audio summaries daily.

Details on the benefits of paying for Gemini

Top 5 Starlink Add-ons Available on Amazon

One well-known name in the satellite internet sector is Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX. Starlink offers several receivers specifically engineered to capture internet signals from thousands of satellites deployed in low Earth orbit. However, to optimize the signal for your smartphones, tablets, and laptops, you will require mounts, cables, and other essential accessories. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this compilation of the top five Starlink accessories available on Amazon.

Foboull Starlink Pivot Roof Mount

If you plan to install a Starlink receiver on a sloped roof, it’s wise to choose equipment that will resist rusting and deterioration over time. Introducing the Foboull Starlink Pivot Roof Mount, one of our preferred selections for Starlink mounting equipment priced at just $27.99. This mount is compatible with Starlink’s Standard Gen 3 and Starlink Enterprise models and includes all the necessary components to secure the receiver to your roof, such as screws, nails, wrenches, and wall anchors.

With its simple swivel mechanism, you can effortlessly adjust your Starlink receiver to the optimal height and angle that’s

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Comparison of OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Assessing Top Android Flagships

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL highlights AI capabilities, whereas the OnePlus 13 focuses on power and longevity. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, available for £1,199, is a smartphone centered around AI and incorporates the Tensor G5 chipset, Qi2 MagSafe-like wireless charging, and a substantial battery. It operates on Android 16, features sophisticated AI tools like Camera Coach and Magic Cue, and guarantees extended software updates. However, it suffers from slower charging rates and is bulkier.

Conversely, the OnePlus 13, starting at £649.99, prioritizes performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 6,000 mAh battery. It offers quicker charging rates, a robust design with IP68 + IP69 certifications, and a brilliant AMOLED screen. Although it has limited software updates and a heavier build, it provides outstanding value through its superior performance and endurance.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is perfect for those looking for AI advancements and long-term support, while the OnePlus 13 is tailored for individuals who value performance and battery longevity. Both devices meet distinct user preferences, rendering them attractive options in the smartphone industry.

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