Apple
Why did Indonesia ban Apple’s iPhone 16 series?
Indonesia has officially banned the sale and use of the iPhone 16 series.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry, Apple’s delayed contributions to local infrastructure and sourcing have prevented the tech giant from meeting essential regulatory requirements.
Indonesia’s Industry Minister, Gumiwang Kartasasmita, emphasized the ban: “If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, that means it is illegal. Do report it to us.” The warning underscores the government’s intent to ensure compliance from foreign tech firms operating in the country.
Apple initially committed to a $109 million (1.7 trillion rupiah) investment in Indonesia to boost infrastructure and support local sourcing initiatives. However, the Indonesian government reports that Apple has invested only 1.48 trillion rupiah ($95 million) to date, leaving a shortfall of 230 billion rupiah ($14.75 million). This shortfall has effectively blocked Apple from obtaining the crucial International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification, a mandatory requirement for legally selling devices in Indonesia.
Minister Kartasasmita explained, “We, the Ministry of Industry, are yet to issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must realize.”
Reports also indicate that Indonesia’s ban extends beyond the iPhone 16 to include the newly launched Watch Series 10, which debuted alongside Apple’s latest smartphone. Both devices currently lack approval for legal sale within Indonesian borders.
1 month ago
Apple set to introduce Truecaller-like ID service for businesses
Apple is gearing up to introduce a new feature, potentially named Business Caller ID, early next year, designed to improve both user experience and security. Similar to Truecaller, this service will allow businesses to display their verified name, logo, and department information during calls, helping users instantly identify who’s contacting them.
As part of the Apple Business Connect platform, this feature gives businesses more control over how they are presented across multiple Apple services like Maps, Messages, Siri, and Wallet. By registering their information, companies can ensure consistent branding and communication throughout the Apple ecosystem.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 could redefine budget smartphones
David Dorn, Apple’s Senior Director of Internet Software and Services Product, said that the feature was developed to provide relevant and accurate information to users, allowing businesses to showcase the correct details to enhance engagement and grow their presence across Apple’s services.
This move is seen as part of Apple’s continuous push to enhance both user security and the overall customer-business interaction experience. With this feature, businesses will gain a direct channel to deliver verified and trusted information to millions of Apple users globally, reinforcing brand trust and improving communication.
This caller ID feature could transform the way businesses connect with customers, much like Truecaller has done, but with Apple’s signature ecosystem integration.
1 month ago
Apple’s iOS 18: Top Features, Supported Devices, and Key Updates You Need to Know
Apple’s iOS 18 has arrived, setting a new benchmark for mobile operating systems with cutting-edge features and performance enhancements. Released in September 2024, iOS 18 delivers a host of improvements designed to enhance user experience, from new personalization options to enhanced security measures. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about iOS 18, including its standout features, device compatibility, and potential drawbacks.
New Features of Apple’s iOS 18
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Apple Intelligence (Coming with iOS 18.1)
One of the most anticipated features, Apple Intelligence, will debut in iOS 18.1, specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16. Apple Intelligence includes cutting-edge AI tools such as smarter Siri, text summarisation, writing assistance, and generative image creation.
While it is not yet part of the core iOS 18 release, users can experience it via the iOS 18.1 beta. This AI-driven toolset is designed to streamline tasks, make Siri more proactive, and enable users to create visuals effortlessly.
Redesigned Photos App
With iOS 18, the Photos app received its biggest-ever redesign. Apple has unified the layout into a single view combining a photo grid and a date grid, making it easier to navigate and locate photos.
Users can also filter photos by categories like screenshots or groups, significantly simplifying organization. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces a new ‘Recovered’ album, which stores photos or videos not in the main gallery and reduces risks of database corruption or issues with third-party apps.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: The Biggest and The Best of 2024
Advanced Home Screen Customisation
iOS 18 takes customisation to the next level with significant upgrades to the Home Screen. For the first time, users can rearrange app icons and widgets to the bottom or sides of the screen, offering more flexibility for personal layouts.
The dark mode is now available for app icons, and users can apply color tints to match or complement their wallpapers. This enhanced customisation allows for a more personalized and visually pleasing experience.
Control Center Upgrades
Apple has also made significant improvements to the Control Center in iOS 18. Users can now group controls into distinct function sets, such as Media and Home, and resize Control Center widgets to fit their preferences. For the first time, users can also decide which Control Center widgets will appear on the Lock Screen, adding more functionality at a glance.
Messages Upgrades
iOS 18 enhances the Messages app with several exciting new features. Users can now react to messages using any emoji, offering more expressive ways to communicate. Apple has also introduced text formatting options, allowing users to bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough text.
In addition, iOS 18 brings support for the RCS messaging standard, which provides a richer experience when communicating with non-Apple users. Another useful feature is the ability to schedule messages and make it easier to send important texts at the right time.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Does a Bigger Phone Come with Better Features?
New Passwords App
iOS 18 introduces a new app called Passwords, designed to be a secure vault for all your passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. The app not only stores this information but also alerts you if any of your passwords are weak or compromised in a data breach. As expected, all data is protected by end-to-end encryption, and the app can be locked using Face ID or Touch ID.
Wallet Upgrades
The Wallet app in iOS 18 comes with the new "tap to cash" feature, which simplifies peer-to-peer payments. This makes paying friends or splitting bills even easier. Dynamic event tickets also make their debut in the Wallet app which provide users with more interactive ticket designs and additional event information.
Messages via Satellite
For users with compatible iPhones, iOS 18 expands satellite capabilities, enabling them to send messages when Wi-Fi and cellular networks are unavailable. This feature is especially useful in remote areas and also adds a layer of communication safety for travelers and adventurers.
ID-Authenticated App Locks
A significant privacy upgrade in iOS 18 is the ability to lock any app, not just banking or Notes apps, behind Face ID or Touch ID. Users can also hide apps in a new Hidden Apps folder which provides more control over their privacy and security.
Math in Any Text Field
iOS 18 introduces a nifty feature that allows users to perform mathematical calculations directly in any text field. This small but powerful update means that you will not need to open the Calculator app to solve basic math problems—it can be done seamlessly while typing.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand?
Power Reserve with Time Display
The Power Reserve feature has been upgraded in iOS 18. Previously, Power Reserve allowed access to key features like cards and Find My iPhone when the battery was almost depleted. Now, it also displays the time, offering another useful function when your phone is low on power.
Shoot Videos without Pausing Audio
With iOS 18, users can record videos without interrupting any background audio, such as music or podcasts. This feature, though small, is a welcome change for those who enjoy capturing moments while listening to their favorite tunes.
Compatible Devices
iPhone ModelsiPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone SE (3rd generation)iPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone 11 seriesiPhone 12 seriesiPhone 13 seriesiPhone 14 seriesiPhone 15 seriesiPhone 16 seriesiPad ModelsiPad Pro (M4)iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd generation and later)iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation and later)iPad Air (M2) iPad Air (3rd generation and later)iPad (7th generation and later)iPad mini (5th generation and later).
Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024
Limitations of Apple’s iOS 18
Delayed Apple Intelligence Features
One significant limitation of iOS 18 is the absence of Apple Intelligence features at launch. These advanced AI capabilities, including enhanced Siri and text summarisation, will not be available until iOS 18.1. Users excited about these smart features will need to wait until a later update to fully experience the benefits of Apple’s AI integration.
Bugs and Performance Issues
Early adopters of iOS 18 have reported issues such as performance drops, particularly on older devices like the iPhone 12. Bugs include touchscreen unresponsiveness and camera freezing during specific tasks, like shooting videos in macro mode. As with many major updates, these issues are common in initial releases and are likely to be addressed in future patches.
Incompatibility with Older Devices
iOS 18 has also dropped support for several older iPads and iPhones, including models like the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) and iPhone XS Max, meaning not all users will be able to access the new software.
Verdict
The Apple iOS 18 is a robust update packed with features that enhance customisation, privacy, and communication. While its initial release lacks the full power of Apple Intelligence, it is expected that the upcoming iOS 18.1 will address those issues. Early bugs and limited device compatibility may deter some users, but overall, the improvements in Photos, Messages, and Control Center make the iOS 18 a valuable upgrade, particularly for newer devices. Waiting for patches is advised for smoother performance.
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1 month ago
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: The Biggest and The Best of 2024
Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 16 series, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the show's biggest star. With a release set for September 20, 2024, the Pro Max model brings a blend of subtle but impactful updates, particularly in terms of display, battery life, and camera performance. Let's dive into what this phone has to offer and see if bigger truly means better.
Key Features and Specs of the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Design
The iPhone 16 Pro Max follows a similar design approach to its predecessor but with minor tweaks. It measures 163 mm by 77.6 mm by 8.3 mm and weighs a hefty 227 grams, making it a larger and slightly heavier device compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. It retains the premium titanium frame, offering increased durability without the bulk, and features Corning-made glass on both the front and back.
Like the other iPhone 16 models, the Pro Max is IP68-rated, meaning it’s resistant to dust and water (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes). It comes in four colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. Moreover, the inclusion of a USB-C port with USB 3 speeds, makes it more versatile for connectivity.
Display
One of the major highlights of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is its expansive 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 91.4%, ensuring an immersive experience with its thinner bezels. The display is protected by 2024 gen Ceramic Shield glass.
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With a resolution of 1320 by 2868 pixels (~460 ppi), everything looks sharp, vibrant, and fluid thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Brightness reaches up to 2000 nits in high-brightness mode, ensuring readability in outdoor conditions. Additionally, the Always-On display feature and Dynamic Island return, keep the phone’s design familiar while enhancing user interaction.
Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a versatile triple-camera system. The 48 MP wide camera, with an f/1.8 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and sensor-shift OIS, ensures sharp, stable images even in low light.
It also includes a 48 MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide lens for capturing broad scenes and a new 12 MP (f/2.8) periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom with enhanced stabilization, perfect for distant shots.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Does a Bigger Phone Come with Better Features?
The device excels in video with 4K recording at various frame rates, including 120 fps for smooth slow motion. Dolby Vision HDR and stereo sound recording further enhance the cinematic quality.
The front camera offers 12 MP (f/1.9) with PDAF and OIS, making it ideal for selfies and video calls. The TOF 3D LiDAR scanner adds advanced depth-sensing for photography and AR. It can capture a maximum of 4K footage with gyro-EIS support.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera system is designed for professional-level photography and videography.
2 months ago
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Does a Bigger Phone Come with Better Features?
Apple has launched its latest iPhone 16 series worldwide on 9th September 2024. With a few basic updates on its overall design, the latest iPhone series sticks to the norm in terms of variability. Besides the basic iPhone 16, it has launched Pro and Pro Max versions. Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 16 Pro to get a better grip on its updates and new features.
Key Features and Specs of the iPhone 16 Pro
Design
The iPhone 16 Pro features a sleek design with dimensions of 149.6 mm by 71.5 mm by 8.3 mm and weighs 199 grams, making it slightly larger than the iPhone 15 Pro but still compact. Its frame is made from strong grade 5 titanium, with Corning-made glass on both the front and back for durability.
It has a flat-edged design, continuing the signature iPhone look, and includes a camera island in the top left corner. The device is IP68 rated, meaning it can withstand dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The new Camera Control button is a standout feature, located below the power key.
This capacitive button allows for precise camera functions like zoom and background blur. The iPhone 16 Pro comes in four color options: Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium. Plus, it features a USB-C charging port with USB 3 speeds.
Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in September 2024: iPhone 16 and More
Display
The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, slightly larger than previous models, up from 6.1 inches on the 15 Pro. It sports a 1206 by 2622 pixels resolution, a 19.5:9 ratio, and about 460 ppi density. With a screen-to-body ratio of about 90.1%, the display feels expansive thanks to slimmer borders. It supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, providing vibrant visuals.
The screen also reaches 2000 nits brightness in high brightness mode, ideal for outdoor use, but lacks the anti-reflective coating seen on some competitors. One practical feature is the display’s ability to drop to just 1 nit, making it more comfortable for low-light use, especially at night.
Protection is provided by the new generation of Ceramic Shield glass, which improves durability. The iPhone 16 Pro also maintains the Always-On display feature and the Dynamic Island for Face ID, keeping familiar elements while upgrading in size and performance.
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Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro comes with significant camera upgrades. Its triple-camera system includes a new 48MP (f/2.2, 13mm and .7 micron sensor) ultra-wide sensor, up from the previous 12MP, enabling quad-pixel binning for better low-light photos and the option to shoot at the full 48MP resolution.
The 12 MP (f/2.8, 120mm, 1/3.06", and 1.12µm sensor) periscope telephoto camera now supports 5x optical zoom, an improvement over the previous 3x, using the same tetraprism lens as the Pro Max, perfect for capturing distant subjects. The main 48MP (f/1.8, 24mm, 1/1.28-inch, and 1.22µm) wide camera remains, delivering sharp and detailed shots.
Photographic Styles have been redesigned, allowing you to change the style of an image after capture, with more control over tone, color, and palette.
Its selfie shooter is a 12 MP, camera (f/1.9, 23mm wide, and 1/3.6-inch lens).
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For video, the iPhone 16 Pro’s back and front cameras support 4K footage at maximum with different fps ranges. The quality of videos is much crisper than its ancestor 15 Pro.
A new "Clean up" tool in iOS 18.1 lets you easily remove unwanted objects from photos. Altogether, these improvements make the camera system more versatile for both photos and videos.
2 months ago
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand?
Apple launched its latest iPhone 16 worldwide on 9th September 2024. With a few basic updates on its overall design, the latest iPhone is better than the past versions, maintaining the brand's standard. Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 16 to get a better understanding of its updates and new features.
Key Features and Specs of the Apple iPhone 16
Design
The iPhone 16 brings subtle yet functional design updates, continuing Apple's gradual evolution trend. One key change is the vertical arrangement of the rear cameras, giving the phone a slightly different look from its predecessor.
Introducing an Action button and a capacitive Camera Control button adds more utility to the design, allowing users to control camera functions and other features more easily. These additions align the iPhone 16 more closely with the Pro models in terms of functionality, including the ability to capture spatial photos and videos for viewing in 3D on devices like the Apple Vision Pro.
With dimensions of about 147.6 mm by 71.6 mm by 7.8 mm, the iPhone 16 weighs 170 gm.
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In terms of build, the iPhone 16 retains a familiar design, with a glass front and back, both made from Corning glass and an aluminum frame that contributes to its lightweight feel. The phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, which means it can survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Display
The iPhone 16’s display sticks to Apple’s Super Retina XDR OLED technology, maintaining a 6.1-inch screen size. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, offering a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits.
However, whether it can consistently reach that level in practical use remains uncertain. The phone has an 1179 by 2556 pixel resolution, with a density of about 460 ppi, ensuring detailed visuals.
The design includes the familiar pill-shaped cutout for Dynamic Island, which integrates notifications and controls into the display. Protection comes from the latest generation of Ceramic Shield glass, enhancing durability.
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Although the iPhone 16’s display looks sharp and vibrant, Apple still limits the refresh rate to 60Hz, which feels outdated compared to many modern devices offering higher refresh rates.
Despite these updates, the screen size, Dynamic Island, and the 60Hz refresh rate remain unchanged from previous models.
Cameras
The iPhone 16 features a dual-camera system on the back with a 48 MP wide camera and a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens. The wide camera has an f/1.6 aperture and uses sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) to reduce motion blur. On the other hand, the ultrawide camera has a 120° field of view for capturing more in each shot. Both cameras support dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for faster focusing.
The camera setup offers a maximum of 4K video recording at various frame rates with HDR and Dolby Vision.
Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in September 2024: iPhone 16 and More
On the front, there’s a 12 MP selfie camera with an f/1.9 aperture, 3D depth, and a biometrics sensor for Face ID.
The design retains familiar features like dual-LED flash and HDR photo capabilities. The front camera also supports 4K video recording with gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother footage.
2 months ago
Apple’s 2024 Line-up: A leap into the future with Vision Pro, OLED iPad Pro, and more
As 2024 dawns, Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike are on the cusp of excitement, eagerly awaiting the tech giant’s annual product unveilings. In recent years, Apple has dramatically reshaped its product line, from transitioning Macs to in-house processors to launching the robust Apple Watch Ultra and hinting at an exciting new product category with the Vision Pro. As we navigate through 2024, let's delve into the rumored launches and innovative trends that could mark another significant chapter in Apple's illustrious history.
Innovative Apple Products Releasing in 2024
Vision Pro: A Leap into Mixed Reality
The Vision Pro, debuting on February 2 at $3,499, is poised to redefine mixed-reality technology. Powered by visionOS, this groundbreaking headset features a three-dimensional interface navigable through eye, hand, and voice controls. Its ultra-high-resolution displays offer an immersive visual journey, complemented by robust spatial computing that allows for multitasking in infinite virtual workspaces.
FaceTime enters a new dimension, becoming spatial and more immersive, while the EyeSight feature facilitates transparent user interactions. With its modular design, advanced eye tracking, and a focus on privacy, the Vision Pro stands at the forefront of spatial computing, promising a transformative experience for users.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
OLED iPad Pro: Revolutionizing the Tablet Experience
The iPad Pro lineup is expected to receive a significant upgrade with the integration of OLED technology. Slated for release in 2024, these models – an 11.1-inch and a larger 13.1-inch, with talks of a potential 15-inch variant – promise to elevate the user experience.
OLED technology will bring deeper blacks, faster refresh rates, and improved contrast, surpassing the current mini-LED displays. The incorporation of the M3 chip is set to offer unparalleled CPU and GPU performance, enhancing the tablet's capabilities. This transition to OLED, while likely increasing battery efficiency, might also contribute to a higher price point.
Additional features may include MagSafe charging, expansive storage options up to 4TB, a redesigned Magic Keyboard, and a third-generation Apple Pencil with interchangeable magnetic tips. The new iPad Pro is speculated to launch in March, with prices starting at $1,500 for the 11-inch model and $1,800 for the 13-inch model.
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iPad Air: The Perfect Balance of Affordability and Innovation
The anticipated 2024 iPad Air aims to redefine the mid-range tablet experience, offering a harmonious blend of performance and features. Expected to launch with a powerful M1 chip, this 10.9-inch tablet will feature a stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color support. Enhancements such as Touch ID integration into the power button and 5G capabilities promise to elevate its appeal.
Additionally, a 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage functionality and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard position the iPad Air as a versatile device for both creativity and productivity. Rumored to debut in March at around $599, this tablet is poised to capture a wide range of users.
10 months ago
Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
For almost ten years, there have been rumours about Apple stepping into virtual and augmented reality. Finally, at WWDC 2023, they unveiled Vision Pro. The first device with visionOS will be available on February 2nd, and you can start placing pre-orders on January 19th at 8 AM ET / 5 AM PT. Even though Apple never officially admitted to developing the headset, numerous rumours circulated over the years speculating about its features. Now, the reality is revealed with Vision Pro, a mixed-reality device that can deliver both virtual and augmented reality experiences.
All Revealed Features and Specifications of Apple Vision Pro
Global Release Date
Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC in June 2023, mentioning it would be out 'early next year.' Surprisingly, it arrived in January 2024, a bit earlier than expected, but the announcement just before CES was strategic for grabbing attention.
Initially, the headset is only available in the U.S., with Apple stating that other countries would have to wait until 'later next year,' as mentioned during the unveiling in 2023. Speculations in July 2023 by Gurman hinted that the U.K. and Canada might see the launch shortly after the U.S., while Asia and other parts of Europe might have to wait until later in 2024 or even 2025.
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Design
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a design that prioritises wearability and user customization. Crafted from a bespoke aluminium alloy, its frame gracefully contours around the user's face. The modular design allows for a tailored fit, ensuring optimal comfort.
The Light Seal, composed of a soft textile, offers a precise fit with various sizes and shapes to accommodate individual preferences. Adjustable flexible straps secure the device on the head, positioning the Audio Pods conveniently near the ears. The cushioned headband, available in different sizes and styles, further enhances the personalised experience.
As of Apple's press release in January 2023, each Vision Pro package includes two Light Seal cushions and is available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes. The package also encompasses an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the device's front, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter.
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10 months ago
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max sets a new standard for smartphones, boasting innovative materials and top-tier camera capabilities. While it comes at a slightly higher price and lacks true fast charging, these are minor issues in an otherwise exceptional device. It was unveiled alongside its siblings on September 12, 2023, with pre-orders starting on September 15 and shipping on September 22. This article will dive into its impressive features and specifications.
Key Features of Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Design
The 2023 Pro-level iPhone from Apple showcases significant design changes and specifications. It replaces the stainless steel frame with a brushed titanium one, offering toughness, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight.
Notable design alterations include contoured edges, making the phone more comfortable to hold and a thinner bezel that enhances the appearance of the Super Retina XDR display.
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In terms of dimensions, the iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 76.7 x 159.9 x 8.25mm, slightly smaller and thicker than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which measured 77.6 x 160.7 x 7.85mm. It is worth mentioning that the new model is almost a millimeter thicker.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is 19 grams lighter than its predecessor, weighing 221g compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 240g. This weight reduction is attributed to the use of a titanium body and a new recycled aluminum frame.
A significant functional change is the adoption of a USB-C port, which, while slightly larger than the previous Lightning port, enables 10 Gbps high-speed data transfers (note that the included cable is not high-speed).
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a selection of stylish color options, including Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium.
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Display
The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with some noteworthy improvements. Apple reduced the bezel size surrounding the display, creating a visually larger screen and making the Dynamic Island appear smaller. The display maintains the same resolution as its predecessor, at 2796 x 1290 pixels and a pixel density of 460ppi. Essentially, it offers the same pixel count but with a more immersive feel.
The screen is both beautiful and bright, featuring a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its wide color gamut delivers rich visuals, and the impressive 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio allows for deep blacks, enhancing the viewing experience for various content, including photos, games, apps, websites, and videos.
With ProMotion support, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers smooth scrolling for web pages and impeccable performance in video playback and gaming. Its adaptive refresh rate, which can go as low as 1Hz when power conservation is required, makes it suitable for always-on functionality while maintaining energy efficiency.
The device also features an Always-On display mode, which remains visible but conserves power. This mode is especially handy for quickly checking the time during the night.
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Performance and Software
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features the A17 Pro chip, a substantial improvement over the A16 Bionic found in its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Built on a more efficient 3nm process, the A17 Pro offers enhanced performance and potential battery life gains. Its CPU delivers a 10% speed boost, while the six-core GPU is not only 20% faster but also introduces support for on-hardware Ray Tracing.
Benchmark results affirm Apple's performance claims, with the A17 Pro clocked at 3.78GHz, surpassing the A16 Bionic (3.46GHz) and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (3.36GHz).
Gaming on the iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrates its prowess, providing console-quality gaming experiences. Resident Evil: Village, for example, delivers impressive visuals on the 6.7-inch display, though on-screen controls for console games may feel cramped, necessitating a physical controller. Despite minor pixelation issues in some areas, the gaming experience remains smooth and responsive.
In everyday tasks, the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels, maintaining a highly responsive user experience. It handles activities like editing multiple 4K 60fps clips in iMovie without performance hiccups.
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In terms of software, the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs iOS 17, which, while relatively light on updates, introduces quality-of-life enhancements. StandBy mode transforms the device into an efficient bedside clock and information hub. Features like Contact Posters and Name Drop enhance convenience. iOS 17 also enhances FaceTime interactions with new gestures for added interactivity during calls.
1 year ago
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Review: What are the major upgrades?
Apple recently announced their much-awaited iPhone 15 series in the “Wanderlust” event held at Apple Park, California on September 12. The event introduced a revamped Pro series with some interesting upgrades all across the board, especially the standard 15 and the 15 Plus. With a large display and a new front design. There’s a lot that the iPhone 15 Plus brings to the table. Let’s have a detailed look at what’s changed and what’s improved.
Key Specifications of iPhone 15 Plus
Design and Build Quality
The external design of the new iPhone 15 Plus has been slightly changed from the previous generation. It has much to do with the sharp edges, which have now been replaced with a more rounded one. Apple is calling it their “Contoured” design, which is a fancy way to describe a minor upgrade.
The next thing that’s apparent is the USB Type C port on the bottom. Apple has finally made the switch to Type C meaning the days of the lightning cable on iPhones are finally over. That is at least, for the iPhone 15 series and onwards. However, the Type C is still 2.0 on the 15 Plus, meaning reading and writing speeds would be much slower compared to the newer 3.0 found on the Pro model.
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The display has also been upgraded from the last generation. This year, users will get the Dynamic Island display first introduced in last year’s pro model. The change has much to do with the design itself as the 15 Plus is not getting the same specs as the Pro model.
Dimension-wise, the 15 Plus comes in at 160.9 mm by 77.8 mm by 7.8 mm with 201 gm weight. Apple is using Corning-made glasses for both the front and back of the device. The front glass comes with Ceramic Shield protection. The back glass now has a color-infused design which gives it a very light and toned-down look. Other than the black, the blue, green, yellow, and pink color variant looks like a lighter shade of their original color.
The 15 Plus will come with a nano sim and e-sim support for international release. The USA model will have dual e-sim support with the Chinese variant coming with dual nano-sim support. The device also has IP68 water and dust resistance. Apple claims that the device can survive up to 6m underwater for 30 minutes.
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The Display
Similar to last year’s 14 Plus, the 15 Plus comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display. The panel supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for HD-quality content streaming. The HBM mode goes up to 1000 nits with the peak hitting at 2000 nits. That is a massive 800 nits upgrade from the 14 Plus.
The 6.7-inch display with an 88% screen-to-body ratio has a flat symmetrical design on the front which gives it an aesthetic look. The display has a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels which makes for an uncommon 19.5:9 aspect ratio and 460 ppi. The glass front is protected by Ceramic Shield glass.
The performance of the display is as usual stellar here. The colors look sharp with great contrast all around. The upgraded peak brightness makes it even better than the already amazing outdoor legibility seen on the iPhone 14 series. The Dynamic Island also makes for a useful upgrade over the last generation. Apple has included a lot of useful features over the last year on the Dynamic Island like turn-by-turn map direction, active timers, Uber waiting time, and many more. It's great that non-Pro users will be able to experience these perks as well.
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However, the major drawback with this otherwise stellar display is the refresh rate. The 15 and the 15 Plus still come with a 60 Hz refresh rate which is a massive letdown by 2023 standards. Apple has kept the high refresh rate only for the Pro models this year too.
The Camera
Like last year, there’s a dual diagonal camera on the back. The main sensor has been upgraded to 48 MP from last year’s 12 MP. The sensor has an f/1.6 aperture with sensor-shift OIS and 100% focus pixels.
The main sensor is complemented by a 12 MP 2 times telephoto lens with the same f/1.6 aperture. It enables the sensor to achieve lossless optical zoom of up to 4 times and digital zoom of up to 10 times.
The front side has the same 12 MP f/1.9 aperture sensor from last year.
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This year, Apple has infused a lot of cutting-edge camera tech on the 15 Plus, owing to the upgraded sensor that is now on par with the main sensor on the Pro model. Users will be getting true tone flash, a photonic engine, smart HDR 5, next-generation portraits and depth controls, photographic styles, and many more.
The camera samples from the launch event looked right on par with the flagships out there. The real-world performance remains to be seen.
The videography on the 15 Plus remains the same as last year. There’s 4K at 24,25,30 and 60 fps. The cinematic mode is also here with 4K HDR at 30 fps. The action mode which can shoot hyper-stabilized videos at 2.8K is also here. The sensor shifting OIS coupled with an improved main sensor will provide some excellent videography, probably the best among any smartphones of 2023.
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1 year ago