Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple’s Stock Target Increased Amid Memory Shortage Opportunities**

Today, BNP Paribas elevated Apple Inc.’s stock price target to $300, up from the prior target of $260. This revision reflects the bank’s trust in Apple’s capability to maneuver through the current memory shortages affecting the smartphone sector.

### Apple Could Transform Memory Shortage into an Advantage

Recent findings from various research agencies have underscored the implications of memory shortages on the smartphone industry. While Apple continues to thrive with the successful iPhone 17 series, lower-tier smartphone producers are facing difficulties due to tighter profit margins, constraining their ability to absorb escalating component expenses.

In its latest note to investors, BNP Paribas highlighted that Apple’s strong supply chain and scalability position it favorably to endure these issues and potentially capture market share. As a result, the bank upgraded Apple’s stock rating from ‘neutral’ to ‘outperform’ and established a new price target of $300, indicating a 15.3% increase.

Analyst David O’Connor stated, “With a memory crunch impacting the smaller players in the low/mid tier more significantly, we believe Apple can utilize its scale and exceptional supply chain to enhance iPhone market share, alongside a continued shift towards premium devices.” He observed that while Apple is also impacted by memory issues, it possesses greater options to manage revenue and costs compared to its rivals.

In the most recent earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh shared that the company concluded the December quarter with low iPhone inventory due to unexpected high demand, resulting in a “supply chase” to restock. They noted that the constraints were mainly linked to chip production rather than memory, which had a minimal impact during that quarter but was expected to influence margins in the approaching March quarter.

Cook remarked that Apple has “a range of options” to tackle rising memory costs, although he did not disclose specific information.

As of today, Apple’s stock closed at $270.23, reflecting a 2.59% rise. The stock has increased nearly 5% since the last quarterly results, even amid recent market volatility induced by geopolitical tensions.

### Conclusion

With the memory shortage posing challenges for many in the smartphone sector, Apple seems ready to exploit this scenario, leveraging its scale and supply chain strengths. The upgraded stock target from BNP Paribas emphasizes the market’s positivity regarding Apple’s future prospects in light of these industry-wide challenges.

### The Future of Cosmic Orange: iPhone 18 Pro Color Lineup

Earlier today, fresh insights surfaced about the color choices for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro, sparking speculation on the future of the well-loved cosmic orange shade that debuted with the iPhone 17 Pro.

#### Will iPhone 18 Pro Feature Cosmic Orange?

The iPhone 17 Pro is notable for various reasons, including its groundbreaking camera design and its unique two-tone rear finish. Nonetheless, the standout aspect remains the cosmic orange tint, which signifies a considerable shift from the typical color selections for “Pro” models, being the first to present such a lively, striking option.

Reports indicate that cosmic orange has garnered particular acclaim, especially in regions like China, where it is affectionately dubbed “Hermès orange.” This popularity prompts inquiries about whether Apple will maintain this eye-catching hue in the iPhone 18 Pro collection.

In February, industry analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg suggested that it would not be surprising if Apple decided to keep cosmic orange due to its popularity. Conversely, a recent report from Macworld hints that a new shade, “dark cherry,” will take the place of cosmic orange in the iPhone 18 Pro series.

> “While Dark Cherry color won’t be as bright and striking as Cosmic Orange in person, it will still be unique enough to distinguish it as the new iPhone 18 Pro. As always, Apple is expected to discontinue the current lineup of colors, including Cosmic Orange.”

According to Macworld, the iPhone 18 Pro will boast a color selection that includes light blue, dark cherry, silver, and dark gray.

#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

From a market standpoint, it seems reasonable for Apple to phase out cosmic orange with the iPhone 18 Pro. The company frequently aligns its color selections with fashion trends, which are inherently cyclical. The distinctiveness of cosmic orange added to its charm; keeping it across several generations might lessen its appeal.

Historically, Apple has unveiled a fresh standout color with each iPhone launch. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro first appeared in pacific blue, followed by sierra blue and alpine green for the iPhone 13 Pro, and deep purple for the iPhone 14 Pro.

As anticipation grows for the iPhone 18 Pro, the lingering question is: will cosmic orange return, or will it give way to the new dark cherry? The choice will likely mirror Apple’s strategy to ensure novelty and excitement within its product lineup.

**Xthings Ulticam IQ V2: The Pioneer Matter-Certified AI Surveillance Camera**

Xthings has introduced the Ulticam IQ V2, touted as the first Matter-certified AI surveillance camera. This device is equipped with state-of-the-art features including Power over Ethernet (PoE), 4K resolution, and collaboration with Google Gemini AI. This article explores the functionalities of the Ulticam IQ V2 and assesses its prospects for future software upgrades.

### Integrating Google Gemini into Your Surveillance Camera

A key feature of the Ulticam IQ V2 is its connection with Google Gemini. Conventional security cameras often inundate users with alerts. Xthings seeks to solve this challenge by merging local edge processing with cloud AI.

The camera is capable of executing fundamental recognition tasks locally, detecting individuals, packages, or vehicles. It then leverages Google Gemini in the cloud to contextualize these occurrences. Rather than sorting through numerous fragmented clips, the AI crafts succinct daily summaries, connecting related footage to narrate a clear sequence of events, such as a delivery driver arriving and departing with a package.

An especially captivating feature is the natural language search functionality. Users can effortlessly input queries like, “Show me when the UPS driver came yesterday,” and Gemini will pull the pertinent footage. If this feature operates as intended, it would greatly improve user engagement with camera archives, establishing a new benchmark for enterprise surveillance systems.

However, depending on cloud AI for video streams requires trust in the provider. Xthings assures customers that it uses AES-256 encryption and offers a complimentary rolling 7-day cloud storage plan without a subscription, making it an appealing choice.

### Matter 1.5 and Anticipation for Apple Home

The Ulticam IQ V2 is Matter-certified, compatible with Matter 1.5, which has brought camera support to the ecosystem. Nevertheless, a significant drawback exists: Apple has not yet updated the Home app to include Matter cameras. While it’s generally cautioned against acquiring hardware based on prospective software upgrades, Apple has historically been a major supporter of the Matter standard. It’s likely that camera support will be enabled in a forthcoming iOS update, particularly with WWDC 2026 on the horizon, where announcements regarding expanded Matter support are anticipated.

### Technical Specifications

– **Resolution:** 4K UHD video with HDR and a broad 160-degree field of view, able to capture an entire driveway or yard.
– **Connectivity:** Incorporates an Ethernet port for Power over Ethernet, in addition to standard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi as a backup.
– **Continuous Video Capture:** Employs an ultra-low-power state to constantly capture key frames, eliminating the lags of traditional passive infrared sensors.
– **AI Processing:** Performs basic identification of individuals, vehicles, pets, and packages locally, while delegating complex tasks like daily summaries and natural language inquiries to Google Gemini in the cloud.
– **Storage Alternatives:** Accommodates local microSD cards up to 512 GB for redundancy and provides a lifetime rolling 7-day cloud storage plan at no monthly charge.
– **Smart Home Integration:** Certified with Matter 1.5, compatible with ONVIF, and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

### Conclusion

Until Apple officially rolls out Matter 1.5 support, the Ulticam IQ V2 still presents numerous fallback options. Its compatibility with standard protocols like ONVIF enables users to incorporate the video stream into local systems such as Home Assistant or a Network Video Recorder (NVR).

The Ulticam IQ V2 is available for purchase on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/47oUijL) or directly from [Ulticam](https://ulticam.com/products/iq-matter?srsltid=AfmBOopElGMF5xevSQc2YOlNLff5Tj4EweogiHnfAPyTp3yc-Hg0JSqa).

**India Retreats from Controversial Plan to Enforce State Security App on Mobile Devices**

Late last year, the Indian government mandated that smartphone producers, such as Apple and Samsung, pre-install an undeletable state-owned security application known as Sanchar Saathi on their devices. This app sparked considerable privacy worries among users and industry experts.

The administration presented the app as a means to help users retrieve lost or stolen smartphones. Nevertheless, detractors highlighted that it would also permit the government to monitor all smartphones, raising serious concerns regarding user privacy. Following this mandate, Apple publicly declared its unwillingness to comply, a position it has maintained in light of similar demands in the past.

Recently, Reuters disclosed that the Indian government has chosen to retract this initiative. This choice followed discussions with stakeholders from the electronics sector, during which the Ministry of Information Technology conveyed its opposition to requiring the pre-installation of the Aadhaar app on mobile devices.

This action is part of a wider pattern, as the Indian government has tried to compel smartphone manufacturers to pre-install state applications multiple times over the last two years. All such endeavors have met resistance from the industry. The request related to Aadhaar was noted as the sixth such attempt, according to communications examined by Reuters.

Regardless of the government’s decision, the Sanchar Saathi app continues to be accessible for download on the App Store for those users who choose to install it voluntarily. However, the mandate for it to be pre-installed on new devices or to be distributed to existing iPhones via an iOS update has been revoked.

# Enhancements in Apple Maps for iOS 26 and Anticipated Features in iOS 26.5

Apple Maps has experienced notable advancements with the introduction of iOS 26, improving user interaction and functionality. With the forthcoming iOS 26.5, additional features are planned to further enhance the app. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the main upgrades and what users can look forward to.

## Major Upgrades in iOS 26

iOS 26 brought forth several significant features that have increased the user-friendliness and efficiency of Apple Maps:

1. **Visited Locations**: This feature keeps a private, on-device record of the places users have been. It acts as a personal log of movements and enhances search capabilities by highlighting previously visited locations in search results.

2. **Preferred Routes**: Apple Maps can now identify which routes are important to users. It proactively informs users about possible delays on these routes, assisting them in circumventing unexpected traffic problems.

3. **AI-Enhanced Search**: The search function has been upgraded with AI technology, enabling users to locate places with natural language queries. For instance, users can search for “nearby coffee shops with free Wi-Fi and restrooms,” making the search experience more intuitive.

These upgrades have established Apple Maps as a more powerful choice compared to other mapping solutions, enhancing navigation and search experiences.

## New Feature in iOS 26.5: Suggested Locations

With the rollout of iOS 26.5, Apple Maps will unveil the **Suggested Locations** feature. This enhancement will present users with two recommended locations in the search popup immediately upon tapping into the search field, without the need for any typing. The suggestions will be derived from trending locations in proximity, past searches, and other individualized elements.

Early users of the beta version have reported favorable experiences, mentioning that the recommendations frequently showcase excellent spots. While there are worries about the possible future introduction of advertisements, the Suggested Locations feature is anticipated to be a valuable addition, integrating smoothly into the search interface without creating clutter.

## User Opinions and Future Anticipations

While the Suggested Locations feature is a much-appreciated upgrade, some users have communicated a preference for more than two suggestions at once. A horizontally scrolling feature could improve the user experience by presenting additional recommendations.

As the official release of iOS 26.5 draws near, users are excited to discover how effectively Apple’s recommendations will work and how they will enhance the overall functionality of Apple Maps.

In summary, Apple Maps continues to progress with significant updates that improve usability and personalization. The blend of features launched in iOS 26 along with the impending Suggested Locations in iOS 26.5 positions Apple Maps as a strong contender for navigation and location-based searches.

Apple is among the sponsors of this year’s International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), happening from April 23 to 27 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The organization will showcase nearly 60 research projects, highlighting its progress in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

A key feature of Apple’s presentation will be a technical demonstration of the SHARP model, which has attracted interest due to its proficiency in reconstructing photorealistic 3D environments from a single image in less than a second. This demo will take place on an iPad Pro powered by the M5 chip, exemplifying the capability of Apple’s hardware in executing intricate AI operations.

The SHARP model has been acknowledged for its groundbreaking method in monocular view synthesis, as mentioned in a recent publication by Apple researchers. The model produces remarkable 3D Gaussian representations from 2D images, revealing the potential for real-time usage across various sectors, including gaming, virtual reality, and design.

Alongside the SHARP model, Apple will also showcase on-device large language model (LLM) inference utilizing its MLX framework on a MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip. MLX serves as an open-source framework tailored for AI inference on Apple silicon, enabling developers to execute quantized frontier coding models locally within Xcode’s development platform.

Conference attendees are invited to visit the Apple Booth (#204) during exhibition hours to witness these demos in person. For those curious about the broader array of Apple’s offerings at ICLR 2026, a comprehensive list of posters, oral presentations, workshops, and technical demonstrations can be accessed through the company’s dedicated link.

In summary, Apple’s involvement in ICLR 2026 reflects its dedication to advancing machine learning technologies and showcases its inventive capacities in AI research and development.

Apple TV has revealed thrilling new entries to its film collection, further enriching its already substantial lineup for the year. Among the new offerings is a fresh movie from John Travolta and a full-length Peanuts film.

**New Film from John Travolta: Propeller One-Way Night Coach**

John Travolta is prepared to make his directorial debut with *Propeller One-Way Night Coach*, which will be available exclusively on Apple TV starting **May 29**. Travolta not only directs but also pens, narrates, and produces the film, which draws inspiration from his previously released book of the same title.

The storyline follows a young aviation enthusiast named Jeff, portrayed by newcomer Clark Shotwell, alongside his mother as they undertake a life-changing cross-country expedition to Hollywood. The film guarantees a blend of enchanting moments and unforeseen escapades, highlighting the allure of air travel during the heyday of aviation.

**Feature-Length Peanuts Film: Snoopy Unleashed**

Alongside Travolta’s project, Apple TV has revealed *Snoopy Unleashed*, a feature-length animated movie that broadens its assortment of Peanuts offerings. This film marks only the second feature ever produced for the cherished franchise, succeeding the acclaim of *The Peanuts Movie* in 2015.

Although a release date for *Snoopy Unleashed* has not been announced yet, it is anticipated to debut directly on Apple TV. The narrative centers around Snoopy’s escapade after he flees from home, leading Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew on an emotional expedition to locate him in the lively Big City.

As Apple TV continues to expand its film offerings, these new releases are poised to provide captivating content for audiences of all ages. For additional details on forthcoming releases, Apple TV is accessible by subscription for **$12.99 per month**, with savings available through the Apple One package.

Apple is set to introduce its upcoming flagship iPhone 18 Pro along with its companion variants this fall, adhering to the company’s longstanding tradition. Here’s the timeline for the iPhone 18 Pro announcement, release date, and insights into the product lineup.

### Anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Launch Event in September, but with a Twist

The iPhone stands as Apple’s most crucial offering, accounting for the majority of the company’s revenue. By introducing new flagship versions annually, generally in September, Apple has sustained the vitality of its iPhone segment.

Recent iPhone unveiling dates comprised:
– **2025**: Tuesday, September 9
– **2024**: Monday, September 9
– **2023**: Tuesday, September 12

Apple’s timeline for iPhone announcements is quite consistent, typically taking place during the second week of September. However, this year’s date might be influenced by Labor Day, which occurs on September 7. Historically, Apple launches the iPhone the week following Labor Day, hinting at a possible announcement on **Monday, September 14**. An earlier unveiling on **Wednesday, September 9** is also feasible, as evidenced in 2022.

This year, a noteworthy shift is anticipated: the standard iPhone 18 model may not debut until early 2027. Instead, the September lineup is speculated to feature:
– iPhone 18 Pro
– iPhone 18 Pro Max
– iPhone Ultra
– Possibly a new iPhone Air

### Anticipated Official Release Date for iPhone 18 Pro

Following the announcement, Apple usually releases new models on a standard day: the Friday of the week succeeding the event. If the iPhone 18 series is unveiled on Monday, September 14, pre-orders would likely commence on **Friday, September 18**, with models expected to ship for delivery on **Friday, September 25**. Conversely, if revealed on Wednesday, September 9, pre-orders would kick off on September 11, with new devices arriving on **Friday, September 18**.

Recent trends in iPhone launches reinforce this:
– **2025: iPhone 17**
– Announced: Tuesday, September 9
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 12
– Release date: Friday, September 19

– **2024: iPhone 16**
– Announced: Monday, September 9
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 13
– Release date: Friday, September 20

– **2023: iPhone 15**
– Announced: Tuesday, September 12
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 15
– Release date: Friday, September 22

### Summary of iPhone 18 Pro Release Date

In conclusion, here’s what we anticipate regarding the unveiling and release date for the iPhone 18 line, referencing Apple’s past patterns:
– **2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Ultra, and potentially iPhone Air 2**
– Announced: Wednesday, September 9 OR Monday, September 14
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 11 OR 18
– Release date: Friday, September 18 OR 25

Which new iPhone 18 variant are you intending to purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments.

**Claude Design: Anthropic’s Latest Research Preview**

Anthropic has introduced Claude Design, a fresh addition to its suite of Mac tools, which encompasses Claude Cowork and Claude Code. This product, powered by Opus 4.7, signifies the latest research preview from the Anthropic Labs team.

**Functionality and Features**

Claude Design aims to optimize the design workflow for teams. During the onboarding process, it assembles a design system customized to the specific requirements of a team by examining their codebase and design files. This system guarantees that all future projects automatically apply the specified colors, typography, and components. Teams are able to refine their design systems over time and manage multiple systems as necessary.

Users can commence projects by inputting a text prompt, uploading assorted file types (including DOCX, PPTX, and XLSX), or guiding Claude to their codebase. Moreover, a web capture tool enables users to obtain elements directly from their websites, assuring that prototypes closely match the final outcome.

Claude Design also promotes collaboration among team members and offers features for refining design tasks and exporting files. Importantly, work completed in Claude Design can be effortlessly transferred to Claude Code, boosting workflow efficiency.

**Integration and Availability**

Anthropic intends to bolster integration functionalities with Claude Design in the upcoming weeks, permitting users to link it with additional tools currently utilized by their teams. At present, Claude Design is accessible to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, though it is turned off by default for Enterprise accounts and can be activated by administrators.

The rollout of Claude Design is anticipated to take place progressively throughout the day.

For more information about Claude Design, visit [Anthropic’s official website](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-design-anthropic-labs). Claude for Mac can be downloaded [here](https://claude.com/download).

**Recent Updates from Anthropic**

Earlier this week, Anthropic also revamped Claude Code and launched the new Opus 4.7 model, which features enhanced design functionalities.

### iOS 26.4: Redesign of Apple Account Menus

iOS 26.4 has rolled out several new features and modifications, featuring a major redesign for Apple Account interfaces throughout various system applications. This update improves organization, consistency, and aesthetic appeal, signifying a noteworthy transformation in how users engage with their Apple Accounts.

#### Shift from Apple ID to Apple Account

Recently, Apple has transitioned from branding Apple IDs to Apple Accounts. Although this modification might have initially gone unnoticed by many, iOS 26.4 introduces the first major updates regarding the presentation of Apple Account information on iPhones. Users can discover these updates by launching apps like Music, Podcasts, TV, and the App Store, and selecting their profile image located in the upper-right corner to enter the Apple Account menu.

#### Updated Design Elements

The redesigned Apple Account pages boast a more organized layout, as observed within the Music, Podcasts, and App Store applications. The revised menus consolidate related options, facilitating easier and more intuitive navigation. New features, such as ‘Add Money’ and ‘Send Gift,’ have also been added, enriching the overall user experience.

Conversely, the Apple Books app continues to employ the previous design, which suffers from a lack of organization and presents options in a more disordered fashion. This disparity emphasizes the necessity for additional updates across all applications to guarantee a cohesive experience.

#### Final Thoughts

Although the modifications in iOS 26.4 may not represent a total redesign, they greatly enhance the usability and uniformity of Apple Account centers. The design alterations highlight Apple’s dedication to improving user experience throughout its ecosystem. Users are invited to share their feedback regarding the new Apple Account page designs in the comments.