Apple has introduced its Apple Pay service in Morocco, and it is experimenting with the "Apple GPT" artificial intelligence tool. Additionally, Apple has begun manufacturing products using 3D printing technology. The AI-powered Specter app is now available for free. An original iPhone from 2007 was sold for $190,000. iPhone 15 might feature stacked battery technology and Other exciting news....
Apple Testing "Apple GPT" AI Tool
According to a new report, Apple is working on its own artificial intelligence project, similar to ChatGPT. Internally referred to as "Apple GPT," this AI project is being developed using a framework called "Ajax" for large language models like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google’s Bard. While there's no specific consumer product launch plan yet, Apple is concerned about falling behind in AI technology that could revolutionize smartphone interactions.
Apple's focus on privacy has made the development of AI features, including Siri, more cautious compared to competitors. Nevertheless, the company recognizes the importance of AI and aims to carefully integrate it into its products.
Though there's no confirmed release date for Apple's chatbot, the company continues to improve machine learning capabilities in its systems. An important AI announcement could be expected in 2024, led by John Giannandrea and Craig Federighi, who head Apple's AI efforts. However, internal disagreements exist within Apple about the development of a product in this field.
Unity Game Development Tools Now Available in Beta for Apple Vision Pro
.jpg)
Unity has released a new development platform called "PolySpatial" for Apple's Vision Pro glasses, now available in the beta stage. This platform enables developers to create 3D experiences like games for Apple's glasses. PolySpatial is developed in collaboration with Apple and was announced at WWDC.
The platform combines Unity and RealityKit tools, making it easier for developers familiar with Unity to create content for the VisionOS system. PolySpatial allows access to features like scrolling to view the real world while wearing the glasses and dynamic Foveated display to enhance performance and visual quality. It also integrates with other Apple experiences, such as augmented reality apps and games.
Excitingly, PolySpatial can be used to adapt existing games to the VisionOS system, for example, "What the Golf?" game from Apple Arcade, already adapted to work on Vision Pro glasses using PolySpatial.
While an official release date for PolySpatial is yet to be announced, developers who have subscribed to the beta version will gradually receive early access. For more information about PolySpatial, developers can visit the Unity website.
iPhone 16 Pro Max May Come with Periscope Super Telephoto Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to feature an advanced periscope zoom camera with significantly improved optical zoom capabilities. This new camera system, with a focal length of over 300mm, will allow users to capture distant subjects and create smooth backgrounds, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography. Integrating the periscope zoom camera has become easier and more feasible, and it's expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max. Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is also rumored to have a 12% larger camera sensor, enhancing dynamic range, bokeh effect, and low-light photography capabilities.
YouTube Premium Raises Subscription Prices in the United States
.jpg)
Google has increased the subscription prices for YouTube Premium for new subscribers in the United States. The individual subscription now costs $13.99 per month, an increase of $2 from the previous price. Annual plans have increased by $20, now priced at $139.99. The student plan is now $7.99 per month. The family plan remains unchanged at $22.99 per month. Current subscribers will be informed of the price hike upon their renewal dates. Prices in other regions, including the UK, remain unchanged for now.
Apple Pay Service Launched in Morocco
.jpg)
The CIH Bank became the first bank in the country to support Apple Pay service. CIH Bank customers can add their Mastercard credit and debit cards to the digital wallet app by tapping the "+" sign in the upper corner. Other banks in Morocco are expected to join the service in the future. Apple Pay was initially launched in the United States in 2014 and has gradually expanded to include many countries and financial institutions worldwide. It allows users to make contactless payments with their iPhones or compatible Apple Watches at various payment terminals and is also accepted through selected apps and websites.
Court Allows Apple to Continue Delaying App Store Rule Changes
Apple has been granted a 90-day extension to implement changes to the "anti-steering" rules in the App Store. These changes will allow developers to direct customers to payment options outside the App Store. The issue arose during the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, where the court mostly sided with Apple but requested updates to the "anti-steering" rules. Apple claims that implementing these changes could upset the balance between developers and customers, causing irreparable harm. The company will now ask the Supreme Court to review the case, and if the court decides to hear it, Apple won't need to make changes to the App Store until a final ruling is reached. Otherwise, the changes will be required.
Next-Generation iPad Air Development with Enhanced Specs Underway
.jpg)
Apple is actively working on the sixth generation of iPad Air. However, the precise release date for the next model remains uncertain. Mark Gurman expects the first Mac devices with the M3 chip to be announced in early October, but he doesn't anticipate significant upgrades across the iPad lineup for this year. This suggests that iPad Air may not see a major update until the following year.
The latest update for iPad Air was in March 2022, featuring the M1 chip, improved front camera with Center Stage support, a faster USB-C port, 5G support for cellular models, and new color options. The upcoming iPad Air may bring new features like the M2 chip, a Thunderbolt port similar to the iPad Pro, a horizontal front camera like the 10th-gen iPad, and additional color options. Further details about the new model have not been revealed yet.
MacBook Pro with 3nm Chip Launching Later This Year
Apple is reportedly planning to release a new MacBook Pro later this year with a custom chip manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process. This chip is likely to be the next-generation M3 chip, offering significant performance and energy efficiency improvements compared to the current 5nm-based M2 chip. The first Mac devices equipped with the M3 chip are expected to launch in October, with the 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iMac likely to receive the update initially. Other Mac models, along with the iPad Pro featuring an OLED display, may receive the M3 chip in the future.
iPhone 15 May Feature Stacked Battery Technology
The latest rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 lineup may feature stacked battery technology, increasing energy density and extending battery life. Stacked battery cells use laminated technology, allowing for the inclusion of more active materials, resulting in greater overall capacity and higher energy density compared to conventional batteries. This technology is already widespread in electric vehicles and other industries due to its benefits in power output, fast charging, and energy storage. The rumors also hint at Apple exploring 40-watt wireless charging and 20-watt MagSafe charging for future iPhone models, though the credibility of the source remains uncertain.
Original Rare iPhone Sold for $190,000
An original iPhone from 2007, factory-sealed, was sold at an auction for $190,373, significantly surpassing previous records. Apple sold the original iPhone with 4GB capacity for a limited time, making it one of the rarest first-generation iPhone models. While it was expected to reach $100,000, it fetched a much higher price.
The individual who sold the iPhone was part of the original engineering team when the iPhone was launched, according to LCG Auctions. The 4GB model was initially sold for $499, while the 8GB version was priced at $599.
In this year alone, an original iPhone with 8GB capacity was sold for $63,000 in February, and a second original 8GB model sold for $54,000 in March.
Miscellaneous News
◉The AI-powered Specter app, owned by Halide for photography, is now free. Specter uses computational shutter to capture multiple shots in a short time, resulting in long exposure shots of up to 3 seconds without the need for a tripod. The app is compatible with iPhone 6S and newer devices running iOS 15 or later.
◉ Apple released a new humorous video titled "Swiped," highlighting the security features available for its products in the workplace. The team attempts to recover a stolen MacBook before an important presentation, using features like Notify When Left Behind, Find My, Touch ID, and more.
◉ The Threadz app received a major update, introducing several new features. This includes a "Followers" tab to see who follows you, the ability to subscribe to users who haven't followed you back, and translation options for posts in various languages, among others.
◉ Apple has released candidate versions for the final release of iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6, tvOS 16.6, and macOS Ventura 13.5.
◉ The AppleDB website has been launched, providing a comprehensive database for Apple devices and updates, including macOS systems and various devices like headphones. The website contains over 4000 software versions and firmware for a wide range of products.
◉ Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that the second generation of Apple Ultra Watch is expected to be launched later this year. Some of its parts, made of titanium, will be manufactured using 3D printing technology. These parts may include the digital crown, side button, and action button. If successful, the adoption of 3D printing technology may lead to faster production and reduced costs. If Apple Ultra Watch is released, it is likely to be announced alongside Apple Watch Series 9 models.
◉ Please note that this is not all the news on the margin, but we have brought you the most important. It is not necessary for non-specialists to be preoccupied with every detail. Focus on more important aspects of your life, as technology is there to make your life easier and assist you, not to consume and distract you from your duties. Know that technology is a tool to be used for your benefit, and if it steals your life or occupies you excessively, it is unnecessary.