College Football Conferences Favor iPad Instead of Surface as Fourth League Partners with Apple

### The Ascendancy of iPads in College Football: A Transformational Shift for Coaching

The realm of college football is experiencing a notable evolution with the recent integration of iPads on the sidelines. Following a crucial rule alteration by the NCAA in April 2024, which allowed for the utilization of technology for sideline video analysis, college football teams are progressively opting for Apple’s iPad as their preferred device. This change signifies a break from the NFL’s traditional dependence on Microsoft Surface tablets.

#### NCAA Rule Modification and Its Effects

For many years, NCAA policies restricted the use of technology during matches, preventing teams from employing devices that could offer real-time information. Nonetheless, the 2024 rule modification permitted each team to utilize up to 18 tablets during games, allowing coaches and players to access up-to-date game footage from broadcast and team cameras. The purpose of this change was to modernize coaching methods while ensuring fairness among teams.

#### Apple’s Tactical Shift into College Football

In response to the newly established NCAA regulations, Apple quickly positioned itself to provide iPads to college football programs. By the commencement of the 2024 season, three major conferences—SEC, ACC, and Big Ten—had already formed alliances with Apple to integrate iPad Pro and iPad Air models into their coaching methodologies. This trend signifies an increasing acceptance of cutting-edge technology in sports, especially in situations where rapid decision-making is vital.

#### The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Embraces the Change

In a landmark announcement, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) recently revealed its partnership with Apple, becoming the first conference outside the Power 4 to furnish all 13 member institutions with iPads. This collaboration highlights the MAC’s dedication to utilizing technology for boosting coaching efficiency and player performance. The iPads will feature DVSport’s Rewind software, which includes functionalities such as instant multi-angle video replay, play tagging, and telestration tools. These features enable coaches and players to scrutinize footage almost immediately, allowing for swift adjustments during matches.

MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, “Real-time access to video delivers immediate insights, sharpens decision-making, and enhances performance.” This perspective reflects a wider trend in college football, where technology is becoming essential to strategy and gameplay.

#### The Horizon of Technology in College Football

The MAC’s implementation of iPads indicates a significant transformation in how college football teams manage coaching and game strategy. As more conferences adopt this technology, it is probable that the iPad will emerge as the standard platform for teams aiming to achieve a competitive advantage. This trend not only enriches the coaching experience but also positions Apple as a key player in the sports technology landscape, sharply contrasting with the NFL’s ongoing reliance on Microsoft Surface devices.

In summary, the incorporation of iPads into college football marks a critical juncture in the sport’s progression. As technology continues to evolve, teams that effectively harness these tools will likely witness enhanced performance on the field, making the adoption of iPads a transformative element for college football coaching.

News regarding the ‘iPhone 20’ and iPhone Fold Speculations

## Apple Product Speculations: iPhone Fold and iPhone 20

This article provides an overview of the latest speculations regarding Apple’s forthcoming iPhone models, particularly the iPhone Fold and the iPhone 20, as detailed by 9to5Mac’s Rumor Replay.

### iPhone Fold’s Aesthetic Influenced by iPhone Air

Following the recent introduction of the iPhone 17, focus has turned to the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, set to launch next year. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that the iPhone Fold will boast a design similar to the newly unveiled iPhone Air, marked by a sleek and slender form.

According to Gurman, the foldable iPhone may resemble two titanium iPhone Airs side by side, highlighting its thinness and design creativity. Current estimates suggest that the iPhone Fold could be considerably thinner than the iPhone Air, with an unfolded measurement of around 4.5 to 4.8mm, in contrast to the iPhone Air’s thickness of 5.6mm.

### iPhone 20: A New Frontier in Display Innovation

Looking toward 2027, Apple is reportedly gearing up to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 20. A recent report from ETNews indicates that Apple may integrate a new display technology termed Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) into the iPhone 20.

This innovation, crafted by Samsung, combines light-emitting and color filter capabilities into a single glass panel, resulting in displays that are not only thinner but also more luminous. The possibility of an all-glass design that envelops the device’s edges could signify a major breakthrough in iPhone aesthetics, echoing the transformative change witnessed with the iPhone X in 2017.

### Conclusion

The speculations surrounding the iPhone Fold and iPhone 20 indicate that Apple is on track to unveil revolutionary designs and technologies in the upcoming years. The iPhone Fold’s streamlined titanium aesthetics and the iPhone 20’s cutting-edge display technology have the potential to transform user experiences and establish new benchmarks within the smartphone industry. As these advancements take shape, both enthusiasts and consumers are keen to observe how Apple will persist in its innovative journey in the smartphone arena.

Next Year’s iPhone Fold Anticipated to Be Slimmer than iPhone Air

Apple’s latest iPhone Air is the slimmest iPhone to date. However, speculation suggests it won’t maintain that distinction for long. Here’s what to anticipate with next year’s even sleeker iPhone Fold.

## Anticipated iPhone Fold to Be 20% Thinner Than iPhone Air When Opened

It’s never too soon to begin contemplating next year’s iPhones. The highly anticipated feature of the fall 2026 lineup will be Apple’s debut foldable model.

Tentatively named the ‘iPhone Fold,’ this could be the most fundamentally innovative iPhone design that Apple has produced.

Among the speculated upgrades, it is expected to be considerably thinner than the new iPhone Air.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

– **iPhone Air:** 5.6mm
– **iPhone Fold:** **4.5-4.8mm** when opened, 9-9.5mm when closed

This 4.5-4.8mm estimation was shared by analyst Ming Chi-Kuo earlier this year. While Apple has likely finalized the specifications since then, Kuo’s projections remain a reliable point of reference.

According to Kuo’s analysis, the iPhone Fold will be approximately one full millimeter slimmer than the iPhone Air when in operation and opened up. That represents a significant 20% reduction compared to an already extremely slim iPhone Air.

## iPhone Series: Thickness Comparisons

For some context, here’s how the other models in the current iPhone series stack up:

| Model | Depth |
|———————-|———–|
| iPhone 17 | 7.95mm |
| iPhone Air | 5.64mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 8.75mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 8.75mm |
| iPhone Fold (opened) | 4.5-4.8mm |
| iPhone Fold (closed) | 9-9.5mm |

Reducing about 20% off the dimensions of the already very slim iPhone Air will be remarkable. Additionally, Apple managing to give the iPhone Fold a thickness similar to the iPhone 17 Pro when folded will also be notable.

Essentially, you’ll have an iPhone that feels very similar to current Pro models when stored in your pocket, and exceedingly slim when opened and in use.

I have many positive remarks about this year’s iPhone series. However, I am already quite eager to discover what Apple has planned for users with its long-awaited foldable device.

Are you excited about the iPhone Fold? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Summary of iOS 26.1 Beta, Perspectives on iPhone Air, and Durability Evaluation of the iPhone 17 Pro

### The Progression of Apple’s Unibody Design and Recent iPhone Innovations

Apple has been widely acknowledged for its groundbreaking designs and engineering prowess, especially with its unibody structure, which has become a defining feature of the iPhone range. This article examines the importance of the unibody design in the iPhone’s legacy, shares firsthand experiences with the latest iPhone Air, and discusses new advancements in durability tests, battery efficiency, and software enhancements.

#### Unibody Design in iPhone Legacy

The unibody design, initially launched with the MacBook series, transformed Apple’s approach to product creation. This design principle focuses on a single piece of material, usually aluminum, which improves durability while offering a sleek and integrated look. Over time, this method has been integrated into various iPhone models, adding to their upscale feel and sturdiness.

#### Initial Thoughts on the iPhone Air

Benjamin Mayo recently recounted his experiences from the first week of using the iPhone Air. Initial impressions highlight the device’s lightweight construction, outstanding performance, and improved battery longevity. Users have reported that the iPhone Air feels more agile and fluid than earlier models, making it an attractive option for both casual users and technology aficionados.

#### Durability and Battery Evaluations

Recent online assessments have revealed that the new iPhone series, including the iPhone Air, has excelled in terms of durability and battery performance. These evaluations show that the devices can endure daily wear and tear while providing longer usage periods between charges. This blend of resilience and efficiency is essential for users who depend on their devices throughout the day.

#### Tackling ‘ScratchGate’

In spite of the favorable reviews, Apple has been criticized regarding the iPhone 17 Pro, which has been labeled ‘ScratchGate’ due to allegations of scratches appearing on the device’s exterior. In response, Apple has released statements addressing these issues, reiterating their dedication to quality and customer contentment. The company is expected to further investigate these claims to ensure their products fulfill the high expectations of consumers.

#### New Features in iOS 26.1 Beta

The initial beta of iOS 26.1 has presented new swipe gestures in the Music app, improving user experience and navigation. These features are designed to streamline interactions and facilitate easier access to users’ preferred music and playlists. As Apple continues to enhance its software, users can anticipate further updates that augment functionality and ease of use.

#### Engaging Experiences in visionOS 26

In the most recent episode of 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, Chance Miller examined the new Jupiter environment in visionOS 26. Apple is also showcasing a variety of new third-party immersive video content, signaling a robust effort towards boosting user engagement through innovative technologies. This progression reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to broadening its ecosystem and delivering unique experiences to users.

#### Conclusion

As Apple advances its product line and software capabilities, the unibody design continues to play a vital role in its identity. The recent experiences with the iPhone Air, along with improvements in durability and battery life, highlight Apple’s commitment to quality. While challenges like ‘ScratchGate’ emerge, the company’s proactive stance on addressing issues reveals its dedication to customer satisfaction. With exciting new functionalities on the way, Apple fans have plenty to anticipate in the upcoming months.