AllYouCanTech

iPhone 18: Expected Display Improvements, Design Alterations, and New Features

### Apple iPhone 18 Pro: Progress in Display Technology

A recent insight from Weibo user Digital Chat Station has highlighted Apple’s persistent endeavors to improve the display technology for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro. This speculation indicates that Apple is working on a novel method to reduce the size of the display cutout necessary for the front-facing camera.

#### Hole-in-Active-Area Technology

The crux of the rumor centers on Apple’s possible implementation of HIAA (hole-in-active-area) technology. This cutting-edge display fabrication technique involves laser-drilling a minuscule hole directly within the active pixel area of the OLED panel, allowing the front-facing camera to be situated behind the display. This strategy seeks to replace larger, more conspicuous cutouts like the Dynamic Island or classic notch.

For the iPhone 18 Pro, the report suggests that Apple is evaluating a smaller hole-punch design for the display, which could result in a more cohesive visual experience.

#### Face ID and Display Changes

While the rumor emphasizes modifications to the screen form factor, it remains unclear whether the iPhone 18 Pro will come equipped with under-display Face ID technology. Prior reports indicated that the device would feature just a small hole cutout in the upper-left corner for the front-facing camera, with Face ID components possibly shifted below the display. However, the current rumor lacks clarity regarding Face ID integration.

#### Camera Enhancements

In addition to display improvements, the rumor corroborates previous assertions about the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera capabilities. Specifically, it is anticipated to introduce a variable aperture main camera for the first time. The camera plateau design is expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro, while the glass MagSafe cutout may adopt a new “transparent design,” likely intended to enhance aesthetic cohesion with the device.

#### Battery Innovations

The report further notes that the iPhone 18 Pro will employ a “steel-cased battery” for the first occasion. However, this claim’s details remain ambiguous, particularly since the iPhone 17 Pro already utilizes a stainless steel vapor chamber.

#### Front-Facing Camera Specifications

In a separate report, JP Morgan analysts have suggested that the entire iPhone 18 lineup, including the anticipated iPhone Fold, will feature a 24MP front-facing camera, with the Fold model expected to incorporate an under-display camera.

#### Anticipated Launch

Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold in September 2026. As the launch date draws near, additional rumors and information are likely to surface, offering further insights into the new devices.

In conclusion, while the iPhone 18 Pro promises considerable advancements in display and camera technology, crucial details remain to be verified as Apple continues with its development efforts.

iOS 26.1 Brings New Functionality to Close Activity Rings Without Initiating a Workout

### Fitness App Introduces Manual Workout Entry in iOS 26.1

This week, iOS 26.1 was released, bringing a new feature to the Fitness app that enables users to log workouts manually. This enhancement tackles a prevalent challenge for Apple Watch users: the tendency to forget to start a workout session. With this added capability, users can now complete their Activity rings and gain credit for their efforts, even if they didn’t activate the workout on their Apple Watch.

#### The Challenge of Neglecting to Start a Workout

Numerous Apple Watch users have felt the annoyance of finishing a workout, only to discover later that they didn’t begin the tracking function. While certain activities, such as outdoor walks, prompt users to start tracking after a while, other workouts lack this automatic detection. For example, during a recent gym workout centered on strength training, one user carried out a 45-minute session without activating the tracking on their watch, resulting in no updates to their Activity rings despite the physical exertion.

#### The Fix in iOS 26.1

With the launch of iOS 26.1, Apple has offered a remedy to this issue. The Fitness app now permits users to manually log their workouts. To access this feature, users simply need to go to the Workout tab in the Fitness app and click on the icon in the upper-right corner to enter a new workout.

#### How to Log a Workout Manually

When logging a workout, users can choose from a range of workout types and manually enter several details, including:

– **Duration**: The complete time dedicated to the workout.
– **Start Time**: When the workout commenced.
– **Active Calories**: The calories burned throughout the workout.
– **Effort**: A personal assessment of how strenuous the workout felt.

After selecting a workout type and duration, the app automatically estimates the ‘Active Calories’ based on the user’s individual health information. Users can modify this estimate to represent the actual calories burned if they wish.

Once the workout entry is recorded, users will see their Move and Exercise rings refresh accordingly, allowing them to uphold their activity streaks and gain acknowledgment for their efforts.

#### Conclusion

Although not every user may frequently require this feature, it serves as a beneficial addition for those moments of oversight. The capability to log workouts without needing an Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3 allows iPhone users to better track their fitness activities. As the Fitness app continues to progress, this new manual logging feature improves the overall user experience, making sure that every effort is recognized.

Possible Siri Enhancement Could Target Essential Requirements for Apple and Its Users

Siri’s anticipated AI enhancements are still projected to arrive next spring in iOS 26.4, and a fresh report this week regarding Google’s technology driving these features might be precisely what Apple and its users require.

## Siri’s AI enhancements are on the way with Google’s assistance

Apple’s failure to release the Siri upgrades it pledged in iOS 18 has been a source of embarrassment for the company. However, all indications suggest those improvements are forthcoming, accompanied by enhancements that exceed earlier commitments.

This week, Bloomberg disclosed that Apple is wrapping up an agreement with Google to utilize a tailored Google LLM to power the upcoming Siri features.

Mark Gurman writes:

> Apple Inc. plans to implement a 1.2 trillion parameter artificial intelligence model created by Alphabet Inc.’s Google to assist in the much-anticipated revamping of the Siri voice assistant, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The iPhone manufacturer is relying on Google’s support to reconstruct Siri’s foundational technology, paving the way for a new array of features next year. The Google model’s 1.2 trillion parameters—a representation of the AI software’s intricacy—would significantly surpass the capacity of Apple’s existing models.

Reactions to this announcement have varied widely. Some are enthusiastic, others are apprehensive about privacy concerns, and some view this agreement as another indication of Apple’s weaknesses in AI.

Personally, I lean toward positivity.

While it would be ideal for Apple to deliver the most advanced AI-driven Siri independently, that’s evidently not the current reality.

Yet by finalizing this agreement, Apple could provide itself and its users with precisely what is required.

## The new Siri will benefit both Apple and its users

Whether you concur with the viewpoint or not, there is a prevalent belief that Apple lags in AI.

Tim Cook defended his company’s AI stance last year with a typical Apple saying: “Not first, but best.”

It’s not uncommon for Apple to invest additional time refining and perfecting its creations while competitors release mediocre products.

Clearly, however, Apple Intelligence hasn’t achieved that “best” benchmark thus far.

By securing this deal with Google, Apple has afforded itself more time.

The company has faced considerable pressure to launch its long-promised AI version of Siri. With Google’s assistance, it will accomplish this in just a few months.

The new Siri launch will be advantageous for Apple, enabling it to continue developing its own in-house models with reduced stakes. It will also benefit users, who simply desire the finest Siri experience.

Most users probably won’t realize that Google’s technology is powering the new Siri features—and they likely wouldn’t mind if they did.

Apple’s agreement with Google reportedly guarantees the company adheres to its stringent privacy standards. Thus, from a user perspective, what will truly matter is Siri becoming stronger and more dependable than ever.

Apple can deliver its significant AI overhaul for Siri, fulfilling a long-held desire among users, while simultaneously continuing to enhance its internal LLMs. Everyone benefits.

iOS 26.1 Improves Music App with Enhanced AirPlay Functionality

### AutoMix Now Integrates with AirPlay in iOS 26.1, Offering Smooth Song Transitions Anywhere

With the launch of iOS 26.1, Apple Music has unveiled an exciting upgrade to its AutoMix functionality, enabling users to experience seamless song transitions via AirPlay. This update follows the initial introduction of iOS 26, which already provided a range of new features for Apple Music, including the DJ-style AutoMix effect that revolutionizes how users engage with music playback.

#### What is AutoMix?

AutoMix is intended to create an uninterrupted listening experience by smoothly transitioning from one song to the next, emulating the techniques employed by DJs. The feature utilizes time stretching and beatmatching to guarantee that tracks blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall enjoyment of music. While some users may notice that AutoMix sometimes concludes a track earlier than expected, many value its ability to sustain a vibrant and captivating listening environment.

#### AirPlay Compatibility

Before the iOS 26.1 update, AutoMix was mainly accessible through personal devices like AirPods or integrated speakers. Users with home speaker systems, like HomePods, were left desiring this feature. However, with the new update, AutoMix is now available for streaming music via AirPlay to compatible speakers, including HomePods and other AirPlay devices. This expansion allows users to relish the AutoMix experience throughout their homes, making it a flexible addition to any music arrangement.

#### Enhancements and User Experience

The integration of AutoMix with AirPlay is a notable enhancement for those who love listening to music in larger areas. Users can now benefit from the feature while hosting events or simply unwinding at home, without being restricted to personal audio devices. The recent HomePod software update also introduced Crossfade, further improving the listening pleasure for users of Apple’s intelligent speakers.

For those unfamiliar with AutoMix, Apple characterizes it as a feature that transitions songs like a DJ, delivering a continuous playback experience that amplifies the enjoyment of music.

#### Additional Features in iOS 26.1

Alongside the AutoMix enhancement, iOS 26.1 brings a new swipe gesture for Apple Music, enabling users to swiftly change tracks effortlessly. These updates showcase Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience and broadening the functionalities of its music service.

#### Conclusion

The addition of AutoMix support for AirPlay in iOS 26.1 signifies a considerable advancement for Apple Music, allowing users to experience seamless song transitions across various listening settings. Whether through AirPods, integrated device speakers, or home audio systems, AutoMix enriches the music experience, making it more pleasurable and engaging. As Apple continues to innovate and enhance its music offerings, users can anticipate even more thrilling features in the future.

Debut of New Sci-Fi Show by Breaking Bad Creator Today on Apple TV

**Vince Gilligan’s Latest Series “Pluribus” Launches on Apple TV**

Vince Gilligan, famous for his iconic series “Breaking Bad,” has made a much-anticipated comeback to television with his new sci-fi drama “Pluribus,” which debuted today on Apple TV. The show features Rhea Seehorn in the role of Carol, a romance author who faces an unusual predicament: she is the solitary unhappy individual in a world taken over by a contagion that has turned the rest of humanity into a collective consciousness filled with unending joy.

**Synopsis**

While specific details about the plot have been kept secret, the concept of “Pluribus” is captivating. Carol, played by Seehorn, occupies a distinct role as the only person defying the overpowering tide of happiness that has engulfed the planet. The scenario intensifies to the extent that even the President contacts her, encouraging her to embrace the joyful community. Nevertheless, Carol’s path is not one of conformity; rather, she sets out on a quest to resist this imposed happiness, implying that excess in any form can result in severe repercussions.

**Locale and Relationships**

The series is predominantly set in Albuquerque, a well-known setting for fans of Gilligan’s earlier projects, including “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Although it shares the same location and features Seehorn, “Pluribus” serves as a distinct storyline, separate from the “Breaking Bad” realm. This new narrative permits Gilligan to delve into fresh themes while still keeping a link to his origins.

**Cast and Production Team**

Rhea Seehorn is at the heart of “Pluribus,” with her portrayal bearing much of the comedic and dramatic essence of the show. The ensemble cast includes prominent actors like Carlos Manuel Vesga, Karolina Wydra, and Miriam Shor, who enhance the show’s vibrancy. Gilligan’s transition from crime drama to sci-fi marks a return to his earlier days, when he earned acclaim for his involvement in “The X-Files.” Initial reviews suggest that this shift has been a triumph, with critics reacting favorably to the series.

**Release Timeline and Future Outlook**

“Pluribus” begins with a two-episode launch, with a total of nine episodes scheduled for the inaugural season. New episodes will be released weekly, leading up to a season finale on December 26. Apple TV has expressed confidence in the series by committing to two seasons in advance, with a considerable budget reportedly around $15 million per episode, signaling high hopes for its success.

For those keen to experience this distinctive blend of humor and science fiction, “Pluribus” is currently available on Apple TV, where new subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial. As the series develops, audiences can anticipate an engaging exploration of happiness, individuality, and the human condition through Gilligan’s unique narrative style.

Apple Lowers Maximum Trade-In Values for Every Product

Apple has recently updated its trade-in value chart for a variety of devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. This change has led to maximum payments falling by as much as $145, with an average reduction of around 20% across most items. Here are the specifics of the new trade-in values.

### MacBook No Longer Available for Trade-In
In this update, Apple has announced that the MacBook is no longer a candidate for trade-in. This modification is part of Apple’s routine revisions to trade-in values for its offerings, which also encompasses certain Android smartphones.

### Updated Trade-In Values
The tables below present the revised trade-in values for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches:

#### iPhone Trade-In Values
| iPhone Model | New Trade-In Value (up to) | Previous Trade-In Value (up to) | Variation (%) | Variation ($) |
|—————————-|—————————–|———————————-|—————|—————-|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $670 | $700 | -4.29% | -$30 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $550 | $580 | -5.17% | -$30 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | $450 | $470 | -4.26% | -$20 |
| iPhone 16 | $430 | $450 | -4.44% | -$20 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $470 | $630 | -25.40% | -$160 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $400 | $500 | -20% | -$100 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | $330 | $440 | -25% | -$110 |
| iPhone 15 | $310 | $400 | -22.50% | -$90 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $370 | $455 | -18.68% | -$85 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $300 | $380 | -21.05% | -$80 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $240 | $300 | -20% | -$60 |
| iPhone 14 | $220 | $290 | -24.14% | -$70 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | $80 | $100 | -20% | -$20 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $300 | $370 | -18.92% | -$70 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $230 | $300 | -23.33% | -$70 |
| iPhone 13 | $180 | $250 | -28% | -$70 |
| iPhone 13 mini | $150 | $200 | -25% | -$50 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $220 | $280 | -21.43% | -$60 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $160 | $220 | -27.27% | -$60 |
| iPhone 12 | $130 | $170 | -23.53% | -$40 |
| iPhone 12 mini | $90 | $120 | -25% | -$30 |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | $50 | $50 | 0% | $0 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | $150 | $180 | -16.67% | -$30 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | $130 | $150 | -13.33% | -$20 |
| iPhone 11 | $100 | $130 | -23.08% | -$30 |
| iPhone XS Max | $100 | $120 | -16.67% | -$20 |
| iPhone XS | $70 | $90 | -22.22% | -$20 |
| iPhone XR | $80 | $100 | -20% | -$20 |
| iPhone X | $60 | $60 | 0% | $0 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | $50 | $60 | -16.67% | -$10 |

Apple Arcade Grows Collection with Three New Titles: MySims and Toca Boca Jr Classics Included in Additions

After the launch of [Football Manager 26 Touch](https://apple.co/47Zkv97) a few days back, [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe) introduced three more titles today. Here are the specifics.

Each month, and sometimes multiple times within a month, Apple enriches [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe), its subscription platform that now features over 270 ad-free games from both independent and major developers.

Last Tuesday, [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe) welcomed Football Manager 26 Touch, reviving the title after its 2024 edition. Today, they have added three additional titles:

### MySims

Discover a new universe with MySims™—it’s your realm to reshape in this nostalgic re-release with enhanced visuals! Relocate to a town that has been having difficulties recently. With some imagination and assistance from the locals, you can help this place prosper. Enhance the town to draw in characters, including Chef Gino Delicioso and DJ Candy Supergroove, along with arcade owner Vic Vector and Cap’n Ginny, the town pirate. Find out what the citizens desire and require, so you can make their lives enjoyable in your Sim’s new community. Create a hot tub or jukebox from the ground up, construct homes and businesses from roof to entrance. Reveal special decorations and designs as you navigate the expanding town. From the furniture and items to the buildings and the town as a whole—each of your inventions is distinct. In MySims™, your creations… are what truly matter!

[Play MySims on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/43NyAUI)

### MySims Kingdom

Set off on a quest of exploration to investigate and personalize the MySims™ Kingdom in this retro re-release with upgraded visuals! MySims™ Kingdom places you on a mission to assist King Roland and his subjects in breathing new life into the Kingdom. During this grand adventure, you will team up with friends, uncover intriguing landscapes, face challenges, and construct incredible inventions. And in classic MySims™ style, nearly everything is customizable, ensuring that every creation in your environment has a distinctive appearance! MySims™ Kingdom… start your own adventure of exploration and discovery!

[Play MySims Kingdom on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4oCl7Yj)

### Toca Boca Jr Classics

Presenting 9 games in one app, Toca Boca Jr Classics offers “a compilation of Toca Boca Jr’s favorite games,” including:

– **KITCHEN 2:** Step into the shoes of a top chef and let your culinary creativity flow!
– **PET DOCTOR:** Assist your animal pals in feeling their best.
– **BUILDERS:** Bring your wildest imaginations to life with builder buddies!
– **MINI:** Dive into self-expression and craft your own characters.
– **HAIR SALON:** Cut, color, style, and experiment with hair!
– **KITCHEN SUSHI:** Prepare signature sushi dishes for your clientele.
– **DANCE:** Dress up, groove, and create music videos!
– **BLOCKS:** Build your own communities from scratch.
– **LAB: ELEMENTS:** Conduct experiments, play with tools, and make discoveries!

[Play Toca Boca Jr Classics on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4qDxTXU)

Apple Arcade is offered as a

Apple Showcases Third-Party Applications Leveraging Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and Future Versions

# Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass Aesthetic

In September, Apple debuted iOS 26, presenting its groundbreaking Liquid Glass aesthetic. This fresh design philosophy has motivated third-party developers to upgrade their applications, aligning with Apple’s newest design principles.

## New Visual Showcase for Developers

To assist with this transition, Apple has launched a new section on the [Apple Developer website](https://developer.apple.com/design/new-design-gallery/). This visual showcase acts as a guide for developers, demonstrating how various-sized teams are utilizing the Liquid Glass design to craft engaging and adaptive experiences across Apple’s platforms.

The showcase includes side-by-side displays of popular applications before and after their redesign for iOS 26. This initiative not only underscores the aesthetic enhancements but also highlights the functional improvements that accompany the new design language.

## Highlighted Applications

Among the applications featured in the showcase are:

– Crumbl
– Tide Guide
– GrowPal
– Lumy
– Sky Guide
– Linearity
– LTK
– CardPointers
– American Airlines
– Lowe’s
– Photoroom
– OmniFocus 4
– CNN
– Essayist
– Lucid Motors

### Case Studies

**Linearity**: This vector-graphics design tool has been harmonized across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, enriching the iPad experience with a new two-column Inspector that enables users to browse and modify designs side-by-side. The app adjusts fluidly to window sizes, making intricate designs more approachable. On iPhone, enhancements in touch targets and gestures enable smoother interactions, even with one hand.

**Crumbl**: The Crumbl app employs the Liquid Glass design to highlight its brand photography. The recognizable pink branding has been woven into the content layer, allowing the visuals to dominate while preserving user-friendly controls.

## Discover the Showcase

Even for those who aren’t developers, the

Apple Celebrated in Forbes’ 2025 Compilation of America’s Top Employers for Veterans

Every year, *Forbes* and *Statista* survey almost 20,000 veterans employed by major U.S. companies to evaluate their employers. The rankings for 2025 were disclosed today, showing a notable rise for Apple in comparison to last year.

## Apple secures 18th place, significantly better than previous years

As per *Forbes*:

> “Veterans of our nation are recognized as some of the most capable and adaptable personnel in the United States. With their leadership abilities, proficiency in high-pressure environments, and skill in innovative problem-solving, U.S. veterans are generally essential assets to any organization. However, veterans may face challenges when transitioning into civilian careers. Aligning their distinct capabilities with corporate roles can often be tough. Additionally, veterans might need to navigate the stigma that can sometimes accompany service-related injuries or disabilities.”

This is why, for the last six years, *Forbes* and *Statista* have analyzed companies that successfully attract and retain veterans, with programs focused on skills advancement, health care benefits, housing support, and more.

Upon gathering insights from veterans, *Forbes* and *Statista* evaluate current and previous data to compile the final rankings, which comprise “the 150 companies that received the highest ratings.”

Last year, Apple was placed 36th, a significant jump from its 68th position in 2022.

In the 2025 rankings, Apple achieved 18th place, surpassing IBM (27th), Meta (28th), and Amazon (82nd), but trailing behind Google (2nd) and Microsoft (5th).

Apple provides a Veterans and Military Purchase Program, granting a 10% discount to “current and Veteran members of the US Military, National Guard and Reserve” and their immediate family. Additional details can be found [here](https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/veterans_military).

For this year’s Forbes’ America’s Best Employers For Veterans list,

Apple TV Unveils Trailers for Two Upcoming Series Launches

Apple TV is nearing the conclusion of its most prosperous year to date, and today the platform unveiled trailers for two of its concluding premieres of 2025: the docuseries *Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age* and the thriller *The Hunt*.

## Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age

*Prehistoric Planet* is a documentary-style series that previously focused on dinosaurs, but with its latest ‘Ice Age’ edition, it is branching out in an innovative direction. As in prior seasons, Apple employs CGI to present a docuseries featuring ancient creatures that once inhabited the earth. This new version is narrated by Tom Hiddleston and is being promoted by Apple as a fresh series given its altered focus.

*Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age* will debut on **Wednesday, November 26** on Apple TV, featuring the complete five-episode season.

Here’s Apple’s description of the show:

> “Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age” marks a grand new chapter of the acclaimed natural history series from executive producers Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton, crafted by BBC Studios Natural History Unit (“Planet Earth”), and narrated by Golden Globe and Olivier Award recipient Tom Hiddleston (“Earthsounds”), with an original soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman, and Kara Talve from Bleeding Fingers Music. The five-part docuseries transports viewers into a striking new era of prehistoric existence, millions of years following the dinosaurs’ extinction — an epoch defined by ice, the fierce struggle for survival, and the emergence of a fresh assembly of giants: the legendary megafauna.

## The Hunt

*The Hunt* is an ‘intense’ new thriller debuting on Apple TV on **Wednesday, December 3**. Apple’s latest series is the newest addition to a burgeoning collection of French-language content.

Here’s Apple’s official description of *The Hunt*:

> Franck (Benoît Magimel) and his lifelong friends relish their weekends spent hunting together, yet one Sunday, they encounter another group of hunters who begin targeting them for no apparent reason. When one member of their group is shot, Franck’s friends retaliate, taking down an assailant. Just managing to flee, the four friends decide to keep the incident under wraps. Franck attempts to return to his normal life with his wife Krystel (Mélanie Laurent), but in the following days, he begins to feel as though he and his friends are being monitored, or worse, pursued by hunters who are now determined to exact vengeance.

Apple TV is accessible for $12.99 a month and showcases hit TV series and films like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Morning Show*, *Silo*, and *Shrinking*.