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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is building factories in Arizona to boost American manufacturing capability and reduce risk of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Taiwanese engineers are training American workers to build complex technologies. The move is seen as a shift in the global tech landscape.
Why it matters: This development has significant implications for the US tech industry and its reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Apple is reportedly rolling out a new system to prevent customers from returning iPhones with removed accessories or tampered with components. The system uses a device that scans the iPhone and runs diagnostics to verify its integrity. The device is being rolled out to Apple Stores this month.
Why it matters: This new system aims to reduce waste and streamline the return process for Apple.
Apple has made multiple staffing changes in key roles, with Wei Chen and John Zhong stepping back from leadership positions and becoming advisors after more than 30 years with the company. The company has also promoted three employees to vice president status in the internet connectivity department. These changes are part of a managed transition ahead of the executives' retirements.
Why it matters: These changes may impact the future direction of Apple's display technology and internet connectivity efforts.
Apple plans to upgrade the iMac and MacBook Air with OLED displays, but these upgrades are not expected to arrive soon. The company is currently testing new versions of the MacBook Air and iMac with OLED displays, but no launch dates have been confirmed. The OLED upgrade for the MacBook Pro is expected to be announced at Apple's upcoming 'Pro and Tell' event.
Why it matters: This news is relevant to readers who are considering purchasing a new Mac and want to know about upcoming display upgrades.
Apple will release a touchscreen MacBook Pro this week, marking the first time a MacBook has had a touchscreen. The new model will be priced at a premium, with the existing high-end models shifting to the middle of the lineup. The new OLED touch models will be significantly lighter and offer Dynamic Island, OLED, and potentially cellular support.
Why it matters: This change may impact consumers who are considering purchasing a new MacBook Pro, as the new touchscreen model will be priced at a premium.
The AirTag 2 has dropped to a new low price of $23 on Amazon, down from $29. The 1-Pack model is available at this price, and it's a record low. The 4-Pack model is also discounted to $89, down from $99.
Why it matters: This price drop makes the AirTag 2 more affordable for users who want to track items with Apple's Precision Finding feature.
Apple is expected to announce new iMac and 14-inch MacBook Pro models on Wednesday, featuring the M6 chip. The event will be held in Los Angeles. The M6 chip was previously introduced in the new Mac mini in August.
Why it matters: The upgrade is expected to provide improved performance for users of these Mac models.
Apple is reportedly announcing new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens on October 28. The laptops will feature a Dynamic Island and weigh less than current models. The new models will be powered by Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
Why it matters: The new MacBook Pro models may be more expensive due to the OLED display, with prices potentially up to $500 higher than the current models.
Some iPhone Duo owners are reporting that their inner screens have cracked and broken, with the cracks occurring along the center line of the hinge. The issue appears to be widespread, with multiple owners sharing similar experiences on social media. The exact cause of the problem is unclear, but a working theory suggests a defective hinge component may be to blame.
Why it matters: This issue may affect the durability and reliability of the iPhone Duo, and users should be aware of the potential problem when handling their device.
Apple is considering changes to Safari on the iPhone Duo to allow websites to occupy more of the outer display, but the company is still deciding on an approach. The current Safari 27.1 layout restricts webpages to the area beside the controls, limiting the width available for content. Apple is investigating alternative solutions that would give developers more control without obscuring content.
Why it matters: This change could improve the user experience for iPhone Duo users by allowing websites to make more efficient use of the device's unique screen layout.
Instagram has launched its app on Apple TV, allowing users to watch Reels, longer videos, and live shows on their TV. The app is available for download and lets users watch content from their favorite creators and discover new videos. The app also supports resume watching across devices.
Why it matters: This expansion allows users to access Instagram's video content on a larger screen, potentially changing how they consume and interact with the platform.
A federal appeals court upheld a jury verdict in favor of Apple and M. Night Shyamalan in a copyright lawsuit over the TV series 'Servant'. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that the show's first three episodes copied a 2013 film. The court rejected arguments that the jury instructions were inadequate.
Why it matters: This decision upholds the original verdict and ends the lawsuit, allowing Apple and Shyamalan to maintain control over the 'Servant' series.
An iPhone Duo owner shared a Touch ID tip on Reddit that involves registering the lowest part of the index finger for faster unlocking. The tip has been shared on the MacRumors forums and reported to work by another user. The method may not work for everyone due to varying grip styles.
Why it matters: This tip can potentially improve the speed and convenience of unlocking an iPhone Duo with Touch ID.
Nicole Nguyen reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, noting its heft and width make it difficult to use one-handed, even with design changes like a titanium frame and relocated controls.
Why it matters: This review highlights potential usability issues with the device that may affect some users.
Apple CEO Tim Cook's successor, Jeff Ternus, attended a store launch in Austin, Texas, where he interacted with customers. The event coincided with the Formula 1 US Grand Prix. Some reviewers found the new Duo device less practical for daily tasks.
Why it matters: The event highlights Apple's retail presence and marketing efforts for the new Duo device.
Belkin has released two new semi solid state batteries for iPhone, a 10,000mAh battery with a USB-C port and a 5,000mAh MagSafe battery with 15W Qi2 charging. Both batteries are significantly lighter than comparable models. The batteries have premium aluminum builds and offer up to 60W of charging.
Why it matters: These batteries may be a good option for iPhone users looking for a lightweight and portable power solution.
The first folding iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has launched and some users have reported broken screens, specifically around the hinge area, after minimal use. The issue appears to be consistent across multiple units. Apple has not commented on the matter.
Why it matters: This issue may indicate a design or manufacturing flaw in the iPhone Duo's hinge mechanism.
Marques Brownlee reviewed the Duo, noting its polished edges but rough middle, and criticized third-party apps for not being optimized for the device.
Why it matters: Readers may want to consider the limitations of third-party app compatibility when considering the Duo as an option.
Flipcorder is an iPhone app that allows users to record video in a retro style, with footage saved to a virtual 'tape' that can hold up to 30 minutes. The app is available for iPhone Duo and other iPhone models, and offers a nostalgic UI and the option to record in high-quality video. The app is a one-time purchase of $4.99 with no ads or in-app purchases.
Why it matters: This app offers a unique way for users to capture and record video on their iPhone, with a retro aesthetic and a simple, easy-to-use interface.
Tim Pan's review of the iPhone Duo is a 24-minute video review with high production values, including stress-testing the hinge with an industrial robot. The review is available in both English and Chinese, with a separate cut of the video for the Chinese version. The reviewer's company, Mediastorm, offers new iPhones to every employee each year, with the iPhone Duo being the most popular choice.
Why it matters: This review provides a detailed and thorough assessment of the iPhone Duo's durability and features, which may be helpful for potential buyers considering the device.
Verizon has apologized to customers who pre-ordered the iPhone Duo through the carrier due to unexpected shipping delays, offering a $100 gift card to make up for the inconvenience. The delays have pushed delivery dates to between October 31 and November 14 for some customers. Verizon assures that orders are secure and that the company is working to fulfill them as soon as possible.
Why it matters: This development is significant for customers who pre-ordered the iPhone Duo through Verizon, as it affects their expected delivery dates and may impact their ability to receive the device on launch day.
iPhone Duo allows users to unlock their device with their Apple Watch instead of the Touch ID sensor on the side button. This feature, called Unlock with Apple Watch, requires an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Ultra 2 or later, or SE 3. Users can enable the feature and skip the Touch ID scan.
Why it matters: This feature provides an alternative authentication method for iPhone Duo users who wear an Apple Watch.
Apple's iPhone Duo failed JerryRigEverything's durability test, with dust entering through the hinge and causing damage to the inner display. The phone's outer screen scratched at level 7 on the Mohs scale, while the inner screen scratched at level 2. The bend test left a permanent green line on the inner display.
Why it matters: This test highlights potential durability concerns for the iPhone Duo's design and materials.
The author has spent a day with the iPhone Duo and shares their initial impressions, highlighting both the device's quirks and their own experiences with it. They note that while the phone has some compromises, such as an under-display FaceTime camera and limited app support, they do not find these features to be major drawbacks. The author also mentions two areas for potential improvement: iOS navigation and Apple Watch unlock functionality.
Why it matters: This article provides a firsthand account of the iPhone Duo's usability and potential areas for improvement, which may be helpful for readers considering purchasing the device.
Amazon is offering a $200 discount on 1TB 13-inch MacBook Air models, with prices starting at $1,399. The discount applies to two configurations with Apple's 10-core M5 chip and 16GB or 24GB of RAM. The deals match previous Prime Big Deal Days offers and are available for immediate shipping.
Why it matters: This sale provides a significant price drop for customers looking to purchase a high-capacity MacBook Air model.
The iPhone Duo has a feature that allows users to remap the volume buttons to always be in the same position relative to the screen, regardless of the device's orientation. This can be enabled or disabled in the Settings app. The feature is not enabled by default on some iPhone Duo units.
Why it matters: This feature can help prevent accidental volume button presses when using the iPhone Duo's foldable design.
Data brokers collect and sell personal information without consent, including location history, phone numbers, and addresses, which can be used for phishing and identity theft. Apple's tools to limit tracking do not remove existing data. Individuals can request removal of their data from databases, but the process is time-consuming and difficult.
Why it matters: Knowing how to remove personal data from the internet is crucial for protecting against identity theft and reducing spam.
Apple created a functional, photo-realistic replica of the original iPod for Apple Music's 404 error page to commemorate the device's 25th anniversary.
Why it matters: This Easter egg showcases Apple's attention to detail and commitment to nostalgia.
Apple designer Chan Karunamuni discussed the open/close transition on the iPhone Duo, describing it as a seamless experience that bends the focal plane. The transition is designed to make the two displays feel like one. Karunamuni thanked several engineers for their work on the feature.
Why it matters: The design aims to improve the user experience of the iPhone Duo's dual-screen functionality.
iPhone Duo teardown videos have been shared by REWA Technology and Phone Repair Guru, revealing two battery cells and internal components. The device has a larger battery with a 2,962 mAh capacity and a smaller one with a 1,921 mAh capacity. The logic board contains Apple's A20 Pro chip and C2 cellular modem.
Why it matters: This information can help users understand the repairability and potential upgrade options for the iPhone Duo.
