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iPhone 17 Variants with Improved Charging Features: Advice for Maximum Charging Efficiency

Apple has recently launched four new iPhone 17 variants, encompassing the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone Air, along with the premier iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These models boast enhanced battery performance compared to the earlier versions, although the iPhone Air, owing to its sleek design, falls short in this aspect. A notable upgrade in these devices is their quicker charging capability. To take advantage of this feature, users may require a new charger with a higher wattage output. Apple has rolled out a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, capable of reaching 60W Max, retailing at $39, which is compatible with the iPhone 17 lineup and other gadgets that demand up to 60W, including a MacBook.

The iPhone 17 series facilitates remarkable charging speeds, allowing a 20-minute charge to achieve up to 50% power. As stated by Apple, a 10-minute charge can deliver up to eight hours of video playback. The technical specifications indicate that the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max can handle fast charging up to 40W. However, the iPhone Air retains the charging rate from the previous iPhone 16 series, reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter.

For maximum charging efficiency, users are advised to utilize an adapter that produces at least 40W. Apple’s new 40W adapter is an ideal option and is also capable of charging larger devices like laptops. Alternatively, third-party brands such as Spigen, Anker, and Belkin provide GaN adapters offering various power outputs and multiple ports, enabling users to charge several devices concurrently.

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The iPhone Air: Expected to Exceed Anticipations in Appeal, Even for Apple

### The Completely New iPhone Air: A Fusion of Style and Functionality

The iPhone Air has garnered considerable attention since its unveiling, with numerous accolades for its elegant design and groundbreaking features. While Apple’s Pro variants have historically been the center of attention, this year, the iPhone Air is stealing the limelight, presenting a stunning aesthetic that has surpassed expectations.

#### Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The design of the iPhone Air exemplifies Apple’s dedication to crafting visually captivating technology. Initial responses highlight the device’s breathtaking look, with many users voicing their admiration for its sleek silhouette. The incorporation of the camera plateau—a feature that accommodates most of the phone’s components—permits an exceptionally slender design while ensuring functionality. This ingenious engineering not only amplifies the device’s visual appeal but also acts as a launchpad for future advancements, like the much-anticipated iPhone Fold.

The minimalist design approach is apparent in the seamless transitions from the body to the camera plateau, which many feel aligns perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the device. This meticulous attention to detail has earned accolades from both reviewers and users alike.

#### Battery Performance

A major concern regarding the iPhone Air was its battery performance. However, initial findings suggest that the device exceeds expectations. Apple has rolled out a specialized MagSafe battery pack, reflecting their recognition of possible battery challenges. Nevertheless, the iPhone Air reportedly rivals the battery life of last year’s iPhone 16 Pro, featuring 22 hours of streaming video playback. This performance eclipses that of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16, with only the iPhone 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max providing superior battery longevity.

#### Consumer Reception

In spite of its price tag of $999 for the base 256GB variant—comparable to the Pro models—the iPhone Air has not dissuaded potential customers. Reports suggest that numerous consumers who were initially aloof are now looking at the iPhone Air as a feasible choice. Apple has designated around 10% of its manufacturing capacity to the iPhone Air, but given the enthusiastic feedback, it might need to boost this allocation to satisfy demand.

#### Final Thoughts

The iPhone Air distinguishes itself not only through its aesthetic charm but also through its remarkable performance attributes. As consumers continue to show interest in this latest model, it is evident that Apple has effectively developed a device that resonates with both design aficionados and tech-savvy individuals. With its blend of elegance and practicality, the iPhone Air is set to create a substantial impact in the smartphone arena.

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Google’s ‘AI Quests’ Initiative Boosts Literacy for Young Learners and Teachers

These tasks are crafted to guide students through the journey of an actual researcher and the challenges they encounter in order to achieve outcomes.

(Image credit: Google)
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Essential information

  • Google introduced AI Quests, which provide a “fun new method” for students to explore AI across various disciplines and learn how to apply it effectively to produce results.
  • The inaugural quest will guide students (ages 11 to 14) on an engaging journey into Flood Forecasting research.
  • AI Quests are currently accessible (Sep 9) for educators and organizations, with additional quests planned “in the coming months.”
  • Google also emphasized its collaboration with Stanford Accelerator Learning, which is incorporating AI Quests into CRAFT.

Google unveiled a new education-oriented feature, aimed at utilizing its AI to support educators and their pupils.

In a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-quests/" data-url="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-quests/" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no

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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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TCL Unveils NXTPAPER Display Technology in a Sleek Tablet Device

TCL’s NXTPAPER technology, recognized for its paper-like display, is transitioning to a more compact iteration with the launch of the TCL Tab 8 NXTPAPER 5G. Previously found in smartphones and larger tablets, this cutting-edge display is now being repurposed for an 8-inch tablet, signifying its arrival in a smaller format. A recent leak indicates that this new tablet will be offered by Verizon, showcasing a simple design with functional features like USB-C connectivity and stereo speakers. An interesting aspect of the device is a specific NXTPAPER button, enabling users to effortlessly toggle between color and monochrome E Ink-style display settings.

The NXTPAPER screen is engineered to be gentle on the eyes, providing low blue light emission and no flicker, which makes it suitable for prolonged usage. For models that come with a stylus, the display replicates the sensation of writing on actual paper, enhancing the experience for note-taking and artistic endeavors.

This new tablet seeks to bridge the divide between smartphones and larger tablets, providing a mid-sized alternative that has been deficient in the market. The Tab 8 NXTPAPER 5G is anticipated to merge its distinctive display technology with a budget-friendly price, potentially attracting a wider audience beyond its existing niche.

The leaked visuals showcase a design featuring narrow side bezels and slightly bulkier top and bottom bezels. The tablet will come with stereo speakers, a dedicated audio jack, and a combined SIM and microSD tray, which is customary for 5G devices. The right side of the unit will accommodate the NXTPAPER shortcut key along with additional buttons.

Nevertheless, performance remains a concern, as TCL’s inclination to utilize modest hardware constrains the device’s capabilities. With the revival of compact Android tablets, there lies a chance for TCL to boost the hardware to render the NXTPAPER 5G a more versatile and competitive choice in the marketplace.

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OnePlus Unveils Two Fresh AI Functions with ‘AI PlayLab’ Debut

The company is launching its AI lab for users globally.

OnePlus has been making significant moves recently that are grabbing attention. From severing ties with its long-time camera collaborator to now opening its AI space to the public.

In a recent community announcement, the company stated that it is introducing its inaugural OnePlus AI PlayLab, which essentially enables individuals to “test, explore, and influence the future of AI features” within the OnePlus ecosystem.

This means that if you can devise a creative AI feature that could assist users at large in accomplishing tasks more swiftly or effortlessly, “from generating article summaries and audio to crafting unique social media content, the opportunities are extensive, and your input will directly shape future developments,” OnePlus remarked.

But that’s not all; OnePlus users who register by completing a brief questionnaire will also have early access to try out new features prior to their official release. Furthermore, “Early testers” can provide feedback to aid OnePlus in refining or even modifying certain AI features for improved functionality.

New AI features are on the horizon!

Moreover, OnePlus previewed two new AI functionalities currently under testing: YumSee and Party Up. YumSee is a text translation AI that translates menus on the fly. Picture yourself on vacation struggling to comprehend the menu.

YumSee steps in. Simply upload or capture a photo of the menu, then choose your desired language and currency. YumSee employs its AI to clean up and translate the text, effectively reformatting the restaurant’s menu into a language you can comprehend. Quite impressive, right?

As for Party Up, it essentially animates still images, transforming them into “live party-themed” videos. OnePlus states that Party Up utilizes AI to bring static photos to life, adding “movement, music, and magical effects.” Rather than editing manually, you can select one of its templates to convert images into short videos.

“We created stylish, vibe-oriented templates based on the most popular celebration moments,” the announcement noted.

Start by selecting an image, and pick a template that suits your mood, such as “Party Dance,” “Party Cheers,” or “Birthday Party.” The AI will detect subjects, introduce natural motion, and layer effects to generate a video, which can then be shared on various platforms. Users can experiment with both features through OnePlus’ AI PlayLab.

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Availability of iPhone 17 Pro Models Featuring Enhanced Battery Life Differs by Region

**Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Series: An In-Depth Examination of Battery Life Differences**

During the latest Apple presentation, attention was drawn to the remarkable battery longevity of the iPhone 17 Pro series. Apple proclaimed considerable enhancements, asserting up to 30 hours of video streaming for the iPhone 17 Pro and 35 hours for the iPhone 17 Pro Max in the United States. Nevertheless, users in the UK, Europe, and various other regions may discover that these models exhibit slightly reduced battery performance, with ratings of 28 hours and 33 hours respectively.

### The eSIM Influence

The variation in battery life can be linked to the launch of eSIM-only versions. In markets where eSIM models are accessible, Apple has taken advantage of the additional internal space to fit larger batteries. Regrettably, eSIM-only versions are not available across all international markets. For example, in Europe, Australia, and China, consumers can solely acquire the iPhone 17 Pro with a physical SIM card tray, leading to diminished battery capacities and thus, lesser battery life.

### Performance Assessment

Regardless of the letdown concerning the access to eSIM-only versions, the iPhone 17 Pro equipped with a physical SIM card still demonstrates a significant enhancement over its predecessor. The iPhone 16 Pro provided 22 hours of video streaming playback, while the iPhone 17 Pro with a physical SIM card claims 28 hours, representing a 27% boost in battery performance year-over-year. Likewise, the iPhone 17 Pro Max reveals an upgrade from 29 hours in the 16 Pro Max to 33 hours in the new variant, which is nearly a 13% rise.

### Regional Distribution of eSIM Models

Apple has opted to market eSIM-only variants of the iPhone 17 Pro in specific regions, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These models take advantage of the larger battery capacity, offering users the complete capabilities of the device’s battery life specifications.

### Conclusion

While the iPhone 17 Pro series presents notable progress in battery longevity, the disparities in availability and specifications among regions underscore the intricacies of contemporary smartphone technology. Buyers should consider these differences when making their purchases, particularly if battery life is a pivotal aspect of their decision-making criteria.

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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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