Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### iPhone Ultra: Speculations Regarding Apple’s Foldable Smartphone

This past week has been quite eventful for speculations surrounding Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, commonly dubbed the ‘iPhone Ultra.’ Recent disclosures have provided insights into the possible name, release schedule, and supply strategies for this groundbreaking device.

#### The ‘iPhone Ultra’ Title and Release Timing

Reports have emerged suggesting that Apple might actually name its foldable device the ‘iPhone Ultra.’ Leaker Instant Digital has supported this assertion, enumerating the forthcoming models as iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, with the latter set aside for the foldable version. Although naming conventions are subject to change as the release nears, the support from several credible sources indicates that ‘iPhone Ultra’ is a strong possibility.

Regarding release timing, there are varying reports about potential delays. While some sources initially indicated that the foldable could be pushed back, a more trustworthy report from Bloomberg confirms that the device remains slated for a September launch. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital has reiterated this perspective, mentioning that production lines are close to completion and suggesting that the foldable will probably be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 series. Even if there is a delay, it is anticipated to be minimal, potentially just a month.

#### Supply Strategies for the iPhone Ultra

Alongside naming and timing, details about the supply chain have also come to light. Fixed Focus Digital reported that Apple has boosted its inventory of foldable displays by 20%, starting with an initial stock of 11 million units. This increase counters earlier claims that Apple was being excessively cautious with its launch supply. The increase in inventory signifies that Apple is gearing up for a major launch, reflecting confidence in the demand for the iPhone Ultra.

#### Conclusion

As the release date draws near, excitement continues to mount around the iPhone Ultra. With verified reports about its name and a September launch, coupled with enhanced supply strategies, Apple appears ready to make a noteworthy impact in the foldable smartphone arena. For real-time updates and further information on the iPhone Fold/Ultra, interested readers can consult specialized tech news outlets.

### Lexus Set to Introduce Apple Wallet Car Key Compatibility This Year, Initiating with 2026 ES

Apple Wallet’s car key functionality is gaining popularity, as numerous prominent automotive brands have recently begun offering support or are gearing up to do so. Lexus is the newest brand to participate in this trend, having been integrated into Apple’s backend code for car keys, signaling that support is imminent.

#### Latest Updates on Apple Wallet Car Key Functionality

The incorporation of car keys into Apple Wallet has been a gradual evolution, but a recent influx of automakers embracing this innovation has generated enthusiasm among users. Lexus is officially confirmed to be developing support for Apple Wallet car keys, specifically commencing with the 2026 Lexus ES model. This development follows a report from Carscoops, which detailed that the 2026 ES would join the Toyota RAV4 in utilizing what Toyota describes as “enhanced digital key” technology.

While it is still unknown if other Lexus models will gain this support or if existing cars will be upgraded via software, Lexus’s inclusion is significant. Previously, Lexus was absent from the list of 13 new vehicle brands that Apple declared would soon support car keys in Apple Wallet.

#### Consequences for Apple Wallet Users

The addition of Lexus to the Apple Wallet car key framework is a remarkable progression, particularly given the brand’s previous exclusion from earlier announcements. Usually, once a prominent brand starts to support car keys in Apple Wallet for one model, it’s expected that additional models will follow in due course.

For consumers, using Apple Wallet as a car key can increase convenience and simplify vehicle access. As more brands implement this technology, it might become an essential consideration for buyers when choosing their next automobile.

#### Final Thoughts

As Lexus gears up to launch Apple Wallet car key support, it marks a rising trend among automakers to adopt digital solutions for vehicle access. The integration of such features not only modernizes the driving experience but also corresponds with the growing dependence on smartphones for daily activities. For those in the market for a new vehicle, the availability of Apple Wallet car key support could significantly influence their purchasing decisions.

Google is raising the prices for YouTube Premium subscriptions in the US, with increases of up to $4 each month. The updated pricing for new users is as follows:

– **Individual:** $15.99/month, increased from $13.99
– **Family:** $26.99/month, increased from $22.99
– **Lite:** $8.99/month, increased from $7.99
– **Music Premium:** $11.99/month, increased from $10.99

This is the first price elevation in a number of years, coming after previous increases in 2022 and 2023. Current subscribers are being informed of these changes through email, although Google has not issued a broad announcement. The updated prices will go into effect during the billing period of June 2026.

According to the notification email, the price increase is essential for maintaining high-quality service and support for creators. Subscribers have the option to cancel or pause their memberships via YouTube Memberships, and those with individual plans can receive a 15% discount by choosing an annual payment option.

Although these changes are relatively small compared to other streaming platforms, they might not sit well with subscribers.

**Amazon Unveils Prime Video Ultra: A Fresh Ad-Free Streaming Option**

Last month, Amazon revealed the introduction of Prime Video Ultra, a new subscription level that promises to enhance the streaming experience for users in the US. Currently, the service is officially launched, and here are the main details and features of this new offering.

### What is Prime Video Ultra?

Prime Video Ultra is Amazon’s newest ad-free subscription option, intended to replace the former ad-free tier for US users. At a cost of $4.99 each month, it signifies a considerable increase from the earlier ad-free plan, which was priced at $2.99 per month. Despite the price increase, Prime Video Ultra offers several new features that boost its value.

### Key Features of Prime Video Ultra

1. **4K/UHD Streaming**: A standout feature of Prime Video Ultra is its exclusive availability of 4K and UHD streaming. For viewers who value high-quality visuals, this upgrade is a significant benefit.

2. **Increased Simultaneous Streams**: Ultra subscribers can take advantage of up to five simultaneous streams, which is an enhancement over the previous plan that permitted only three. This feature is especially advantageous for families or households with several viewers.

3. **Expanded Offline Downloads**: Users of Prime Video Ultra can download as many as 100 titles for offline watching, a remarkable increase from the previous cap of 25. This improvement provides greater flexibility, notably for users who travel often or have limited internet connectivity.

4. **Ad-Free Experience**: The main attraction of Prime Video Ultra for many users will be the total elimination of ads during streaming. This feature guarantees an uninterrupted viewing experience, making it an appealing choice for dedicated binge-watchers.

### How to Sign Up

To enroll in Prime Video Ultra, users can navigate to the specified Amazon page and select the option labeled “Go ad free with Ultra.” Existing Prime subscribers can easily shift to this new plan to access the enhanced features.

### Conclusion

With the debut of Prime Video Ultra, Amazon seeks to deliver a more premium streaming experience that meets the demands of its users. The combination of 4K streaming, more simultaneous streams, and a higher cap on offline downloads renders this new tier a compelling option for those eager to invest a little more for an ad-free experience. Whether you decide to upgrade to Prime Video Ultra or remain with the ad-supported version, the decision ultimately relies on your streaming preferences and viewing habits.

### Tribit StormBox Micro 3: An Upgrade Worth Evaluating

The Tribit StormBox Micro 3 has made its debut, taking the place of the well-regarded Micro 2 model that has been a go-to for many users, myself included, over the years. Although the modifications may appear subtle, they deliver noteworthy improvements that could affect your purchasing choice.

#### Design and Portability

The Micro 3 preserves the small and portable design of its forerunner, measuring just a little over four inches square and under two inches in thickness. Weighing roughly the same as a soda can, it’s convenient to pack in a bag for travel. The black mesh design showcases large buttons for volume adjustment and playback, ensuring user-friendliness. Furthermore, it comes with a stretchable rubber strap suitable for securing to bicycles or backpacks, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

#### Key Features and Enhancements

1. **Audio Performance**: The sound output has grown from 10W to 13W, delivering a 30% increase in audio power. While this might not be critical for every user, it can enhance the auditory experience in larger or more chaotic settings.

2. **Battery Life**: One of the key enhancements is the upgraded 4800 mAh battery, which extends playtime from 12 hours to an impressive 24 hours. This means you can relish your music for more extended periods without the need for recharging.

3. **Waterproofing**: The Micro 3 has boosted its waterproof rating from IP67 to IP68, granting improved protection against water submersion. This upgrade brings peace of mind for those who may utilize the speaker in damp environments.

4. **Bluetooth Connectivity**: The Bluetooth version has been enhanced to 6.0, enabling a connection range that exceeds 140 feet. While this range might not be required by all, it does ensure a more reliable connection.

5. **Flexible Attachment Options**: A new magnetic attachment feature supplements the current strap, allowing users to conveniently stick the speaker to metal surfaces like refrigerators, adding to its versatility.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Tribit StormBox Micro 3 is available for $65, a slight increase from the Micro 2’s retail price of $60. However, an introductory price of $45.49 is offered until April 12th, presenting an excellent opportunity for those looking to upgrade or buy their first portable Bluetooth speaker.

#### Conclusion

Although the Tribit StormBox Micro 3 might not signify a revolutionary leap from its predecessor, the improvements in audio output, battery duration, waterproof features, and connectivity render it an appealing option for both new customers and current Micro 2 users. With the current introductory pricing, it stands as an enticing choice for anyone searching for a dependable and portable Bluetooth speaker.

### WhatsApp Status Updates Coming to Chats Tab

The newest WhatsApp version on TestFlight reveals a forthcoming feature that will incorporate Status updates into the Chats tab. This modification aims to increase the prominence of Status updates, akin to the Stories format made famous by Instagram.

#### Upcoming Feature Insights

Though WhatsApp Status has not enjoyed the same visibility as Stories in other Meta platforms, the company seems to be redirecting its efforts to bolster this feature within its messaging service. Recent findings from WABetaInfo pointed out that the beta iteration for Android hinted at this integration, and now comparable indications have emerged in the TestFlight version for iOS.

Once this feature is officially rolled out, users will see a carousel at the upper part of their chat list showcasing Status updates from their contacts. However, in contrast to Instagram, the Status update tray will not be inherently visible. Users will have to swipe down from the top of the chat list to reveal it, similar to the way Stories operate in Telegram.

#### User Interface and Functionality

The design for the new Status feature will closely mirror Instagram’s Stories carousel. The initial option in the tray will permit users to create their own Status updates, followed by updates from their contacts. Per WABetaInfo, the tray will prioritize updates according to contact importance, making sure that the most relevant updates are shown first. Moreover, users will be able to view hidden Status updates from contacts they have silenced.

WhatsApp’s Status updates will still vanish after 24 hours, and users will have access to a variety of creative tools, such as stickers and music, to embellish their posts.

#### Conclusion

Although there is no definite launch date for this feature, references in both iOS and Android versions suggest that its introduction may be on the horizon. As WhatsApp continues to advance, the incorporation of Status updates into the Chats tab could substantially boost user involvement within the app.

**Cronos: The New Dawn Set to Debut on Apple Silicon Macs**

Bloober Team has declared that its widely praised survival horror title, *Cronos: The New Dawn*, will be accessible on Apple silicon Macs with native compatibility starting April 28. This represents a significant enhancement to the expanding catalog of prominent games on the Mac platform.

Initially released in September across multiple platforms—including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, and Linux—*Cronos: The New Dawn* provides players with a distinct adventure in a post-apocalyptic setting. The game pushes players to endure in a harsh wasteland, battle nightmarish creatures, and employ time travel to unveil the secrets of humanity’s demise.

The forthcoming Mac edition will utilize Apple’s cutting-edge graphics technologies, such as MetalFX Upscaling, which boosts visual performance and quality. This feature was introduced with macOS 26 Tahoe, underscoring Apple’s dedication to enhancing gaming across its devices.

The announcement of *Cronos: The New Dawn* for Mac comes after the triumphant day-one release of *Crimson Desert*, another AAA game, on the platform. This pattern emphasizes Apple’s persistent initiatives to position the Mac as a legitimate gaming device, appealing to a wider demographic of gamers.

For those interested, a launch trailer for *Cronos: The New Dawn* on Mac is available for viewing, offering a sneak peek into the game’s immersive atmosphere and gameplay features.

Gamers can find *Cronos: The New Dawn* up for purchase on Steam, further broadening the choices for players eager to delve into this captivating title on their Macs.

As the gaming landscape keeps evolving, the arrival of high-profile releases like *Cronos: The New Dawn* on Mac indicates a bright outlook for gaming on Apple devices.

### Apple’s Expansion in the PC Sector Despite Component Shortages

A recent IDC report sheds light on the trends within the PC sector during the first quarter of 2026, indicating that although the overall market saw slight year-over-year growth in shipments, Apple stood out with considerable advancements.

#### Effects of Component Shortages on the PC Sector

As per the IDC report, Apple dispatched 6.2 million Macs in Q1 2026, representing a 9.1% rise compared to the previous year, which boosted its market share to 9.5%, up from 8.9%. In comparison, ASUS experienced the most significant rise among rivals, achieving a 17.1% growth in shipments and seizing a 7.2% market share.

Nevertheless, Apple and ASUS ranked fourth and fifth in IDC’s global traditional PC shipments, falling behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Lenovo topped the market with 16.5 million shipments and an 8.6% growth rate, trailed by HP with 12.1 million shipments, which experienced a 4.9% drop, and Dell with 10.3 million shipments, showing a 7.7% increase.

IDC mentioned that while the first quarter revealed positive growth, component shortages and challenging economic conditions are starting to influence the PC market, resulting in a slowdown of growth trends across all regions. The organization predicts further declines in PC shipments as system prices keep escalating. The report underscores that the robustness of each vendor’s supply chain and access to essential components, especially memory, will be vital in overcoming these obstacles.

#### Consequences for Apple

For Apple, the repercussions of component shortages have been noticeable, particularly concerning the availability of Macs with enhanced RAM configurations or custom options. Certain Mac Studio configurations are presently back-ordered for up to five months, indicating severe supply limitations.

During its latest earnings conference call, Apple expressed optimism regarding the shortages but admitted that the effect on its margins would be more significant in the March quarter. The company’s upcoming earnings report is set for April 30, where component shortages are anticipated to be a central theme in the post-earnings dialogue.

For those wishing to explore the data further, the complete IDC report can be found [here](https://www.idc.com/resource-center/press-releases/1q26-pc-top5/).

### ‘Outcome’ Now Accessible on Apple TV

Apple TV subscribers can now enjoy streaming the platform’s latest comedy film, [Outcome](https://apple.co/4c6UlSI), featuring Keanu Reeves and co-written and directed by Jonah Hill. The film boasts a prominent cast that includes Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer, generating considerable buzz since it was announced.

In February, Apple TV hosted a comprehensive media event where it presented a range of films and series set to be released throughout the year. Among them was [Outcome](https://apple.co/4c6UlSI), which is now ready for viewing.

#### Plot Overview

According to Apple’s plot description, *Outcome* is a dark comedy that centers around Reef Hawk (played by Reeves), a much-loved Hollywood actor who confronts a crisis when he finds himself being extorted with a compromising video that threatens to derail his career. With the support of his lifelong friends Kyle (Diaz) and Xander (Bomer), as well as his crisis attorney Ira (Hill), Reef embarks on an introspective journey and seeks to make amends with those he may have harmed, all while trying to discover the identity of the extortionist.

#### Reception

Since its release, the film has garnered mixed reviews, currently holding a mere 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have referred to it as a “desperate and unamusing comedy regarding the agony of public perception.” Nevertheless, while Jonah Hill’s role as co-writer and director has faced critique, Keanu Reeves has received more positive feedback, with certain reviewers highlighting his dedication to the character.

#### Watch the Trailer

The trailer for [Outcome](https://apple.co/4c6UlSI) can be viewed below:

[Trailer Embed]

#### Subscription Details

Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month and includes a diverse array of popular TV shows and films, such as *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.

For those keen on streaming *Outcome*, it is now available to all Apple TV subscribers.

**Adobe’s Project Indigo Update: Initial iPad Compatibility and New Features**

Adobe has recently rolled out an update to its experimental camera application, Project Indigo, which now includes initial compatibility for iPads equipped with a minimum of 6GB of RAM and the new iPhone 17e. This enhancement is part of Adobe’s continuous initiative to refine the app based on user suggestions and broaden its operational compatibility with different devices.

**What is Project Indigo?**

Launched in June, Project Indigo is designed to utilize a bespoke computational photography pipeline to provide a natural image appearance along with extensive camera controls. The app employs computational photography and AI technology to generate images that closely resemble those captured with a DSLR camera, offering subtle enhancements for subjects and skies. This processing occurs on JPEG images and is embedded as rendering suggestions in raw DNG files, ensuring that the original raw data remains untouched.

**New Features in the Latest Update**

The most recent update to Project Indigo introduces several new functionalities aimed at enhancing the user experience:

– A fresh grid view in the filmstrip for streamlined photo management, featuring multi-selection capabilities for sharing or deletion.
– The capability to import multiple images into the Lightroom mobile app simultaneously through the multi-selection feature.
– Options for photo filtering within the filmstrip and grid, allowing users to select from All Photos, Indigo Album, and Favorites.
– A new feature to show the 35mm equivalent focal length for rear cameras, which can be activated in the Capture settings.
– Compatibility with the iPhone 17e, broadening the app’s usability.

**iPad Compatibility**

This update signifies the launch of “initial support” for iPads, particularly those with at least 6GB of RAM. This includes iPad Pro models starting from 2020, newer iPad Air models (M1 and later), the latest iPad mini, and the 11th-generation iPad. However, Adobe has mentioned that the app is not yet fully optimized for iPads, suggesting that additional improvements may be on the way.

**Conclusion**

Adobe’s Project Indigo continues to develop, with this latest update offering thrilling new features and enhanced device compatibility. Users eager to explore the functionalities of this experimental camera application can find more information through Adobe Labs’ official channels.