Apple AR Glasses Are Reportedly Getting Canceled,
The virtual and augmented reality world is full of promises but still tough to crack a market. These technologies impress who ever witnesses them, but so far, companies are not able to build a strong and steady user base for this kind of hardware. Hope set high with Apple Vision Pro, which would revolutionize the industry and bring mainstream adoptions, but it seems that Apple’s ambitious device does not even meet those hopes. Apple Cancels AR-Glasses Project Apple was reportedly working on another augmented reality device—a pair of Mac-tethered AR glasses. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this device was intended to compete with Meta’s upcoming AR glasses. However, after internal testing, Apple decided to cancel the project, citing performance issues and an overall lack of market viability. The N107 is a project that would have had an in-built display with the need for a direct connection to a Mac to work. Obstacles such as poor battery life and performance issues locked it at a stage not suiable enough to market. Vision Pro on Unstable Ground The device itself, Vision Pro, also has not fared well in this regard. The product cannot be described as an appealing gadget because it carries a heavy price tag and large size. Not many can find themselves buying it. Some of its potential buyers thought that gaming enthusiasts would welcome it with open arms, but this is yet to be realized. In fact, Meta’s Quest 3, priced cheaper and focusing on gaming, has received immense traction. The Vision Pro is yet to develop a strong content ecosystem that might fuel long-term user engagement. What’s the future of AR strategy for Apple? Still, setbacks are not believed to cause the Vision Pro its ultimate demise: the company might simply polish and prepare it to enter mass releases with the further improvements of comfort and usability combined with a fall in costs for a higher choice of content to attract customers on daily usage basis. Its future remains uncertain as of now, for the novelty surrounding its launching has worn out. However, there is an opportunity for the company to gain better traction based on better price points, rich content, and a more streamlined design. And so, this remains to be seen: the Vision Pro-fade into the darkness or becomes the must-have device. Source
Google Launches Verified Badge For VPN Apps On Google Play
Finding a VPN to help protect online anonymity is very overwhelming. On Google Play, one finds many thousands of VPN applications. Most of the times, users end up asking how to tell whether they can be trusted or not. To solve this problem, Google is offering a “Verified” badge for VPN applications, ensuring a user will easily find safe, reliable services. Why is Verified Badge Important for VPN Users? The majority of users of VPNs use them to enjoy online privacy. This comprises hiding the IP address, location, and internet activity from people with intentions to pry eyes. Not all VPN apps, however, offer the security they say they do. The new Verified badge highlights apps meeting Google’s high security standards so that the user has every reason to trust them with data. Google defines the Verified badge as a move taken by the VPN developer to boost the security and privacy of users. Though this will not guarantee that it is protected fully, this is one step ahead of filtering unreliable or even destructive VPN apps. VPN Verification Requirements In order to have the Verified badge for a VPN app, several security-related moves have to be accomplished by the developer, among which are: 1. Aligning with Google Play’s safety and security policies. 2. Completing a Mobile Application Security Assessment validation as Level 2. 3. App listed on Google Play for at least 90 days. 4. Target API compliance and follows Google’s Provision of a Data Safety declaration in their app listing. These measures ensure that verified VPN apps are reviewed for privacy compliance and have security checks. How to identify a verified VPN app: If a user is browsing for a VPN on Google Play, now they will find a “Verified” badge at the top of an app’s page if it meets Google’s criteria. A data safety declaration would be displayed further into the listing, confirming that it passed an independent security review. It further helps users decide which VPN they can trust without depending on other unclear promises from developers they’ve never heard of about security. Which VPNs Are Verified? Google has stated in its announcement that several popular VPN providers have agreed to the verification process. NordVPN, hide.me, and Aloha Browser have completed the assessment, and their VPN will soon receive the badge of Verified. Other major VPN developers are likely to join the ranks soon, as a badge will become the new prerequisite for attracting users. Those who don’t pass the check will not be able to compete with the verified applications. Conclusion It’s great news for the user seeking to download a trusted VPN with Google’s new Verified badge. This means, from such a plethora of options, that this will weed out dodgy applications and draw attention to those which have passed through the tightest security scrutiny. Users are still required to research their VPN service, but this Verified badge serves as a great guide to help users make an informed decision regarding their online privacy and security. Source
Apple Is Developing visionOS Version For Smart Glasses
Apple is reportedly working on a new version of its visionOS, the operating system designed for the Apple Vision Pro, to support smart glasses. The move would make Apple’s augmented reality offerings more accessible, and practical than the headgear-like Vision Pro. Vision Pro Fails to Impress Apple Vision Pro, launched at an ambitious price of $3,500, has not lived up to the expectations of Apple. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg says the device is considered too heavy for extended use, overheats, and is prohibitively expensive. This has made it appeal to niche audiences only. Interest in the headset reportedly has cooled off since it shipped, with sales coming in short of projections. Smart Glasses: The Future of AR Now, Apple’s Vision Products Group is thinking beyond the Vision Pro, weighing a release of smart glasses that could pit it against Meta’s collaboration on Ray-Ban Stories. That, though, may be as far away as three years because of ongoing research and development, according to Gurman. The effort encompasses broad user research at Apple’s facilities, while the studies have internally been dubbed “Atlas.” Product Systems Quality is at the helm-a part of Apple’s hardware engineering division. The group is currently testing potential features along with interfaces for the glasses and is already working on a version of visionOS customized for the new device. Development at Apple’s Secretive Facility Apple’s AR work is anchored at a low-key campus in Santa Clara, not far from its Cupertino headquarters. Though the site saw layoffs last year, remaining employees are still working on AR. The facility also includes a manufacturing unit for testing future display technologies. Plans for a More Affordable Vision Pro Alongside working on smart glasses, Apple is redesigning the Vision Pro headset in the hope of making it more appealing to more people. It is working on a more affordable model with cheaper components. The model will cost as much as a high-end iPhone, or about $1,600. The release was initially set for the end of 2024, but Apple continues to work on locking in a prototype. Gaming Features in Collaboration with Sony On the other hand, Apple is still working on making the Vision Pro a more capable gaming tool. The company reportedly cooperates with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers. The cooperation has been going on for a few months already, and the addition of VR controller support could make the device look even more promising for gamers. Conclusion Apple’s push to develop a visionOS version for smart glasses shows the company’s commitment to refining and expanding its AR product lineup. Though the Vision Pro has faced challenges, these new initiatives-from smart glasses to more affordable headsets-point to Apple’s determination to make AR technology more practical and appealing to a wider audience. Source
DeepSeek Faces Cyber Attacks After Challenging ChatGPT
Silicon Valley was caught off guard when Chinese AI startup DeepSeek topped Apple’s App Store in the artificial intelligence assistant category. Beating OpenAI’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek’s popularity has created a big stir in the tech world. But this new found success has put the company in a tough spot as it’s being hit with non-stop cyber attacks that’s affecting its daily operations. Cyber attacks Force Registration Limits Because of these attacks, DeepSeek has temporarily stopped new user sign-ups to keep its platform stable. While the limits are in place, existing users can continue to use the service as usual. In a statement, the company addressed its users while trying to sort out the security issues. Timing is everything, especially since the attacks came after reports that DeepSeek’s rise has taken $384 billion off NVIDIA’s valuation. If that’s not enough, things got even more complicated with the Chinese government announcing a one trillion yuan investment to strengthen its AI industry. A New Player in the AI Space DeepSeek, founded in 2023, just released its first model, the R1, last week and it’s already a big player to industry giants like OpenAI and Google. The rapid growth of this startup is sending shockwaves across the tech world with established players like Gemini from Google already feeling the heat from other AI tools. The popularity also puts a spotlight on the bigger picture for the global AI market. While some say U.S. investors and big tech companies will start to feel the heat from DeepSeek’s rise, all of these will be seen in due time in the next few weeks. Speculations and Geopolitics The cyber attacks on DeepSeek have spawned a lot of speculations as to its origin but none are based on facts. Whether these attacks are coordinated or not, they show the risks of playing in this competitive and political sensitive industry. The world is also waiting to see what the U.S. government under Donald Trump will do with DeepSeek’s success. Analysts say it’s likely to be part of a bigger move to counter China’s rise in the AI space. Future of DeepSeek DeepSeek’s meteoric rise shows the changing landscape of the global AI industry. Whether it will sustain the growth and become a long term player to the giants remains to be seen as it faces cybersecurity threats and geopolitics. “Due to large-scale malicious attacks on DeepSeek’s services, registration may be busy. Please wait and try again. Registered users can log in normally. Thank you for your understanding and support.” Source: DeepSeek
There’s One More Thing : Galaxy S25 Edge
Recently, Samsung introduced its new Galaxy S25 series: major internal refreshes but largely similar external designs. However, the star of the show wasn’t one of its flagship models but rather the tease for the supposedly upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge. This slim-profile and innovative-features device will, once again, drive the competition between Samsung and Apple with its iPhone 17 Air. Here is everything we know about the Galaxy S25 Edge. A Slimmer Galaxy S25: Meet the Edge Samsung managed to give a view of the Galaxy S25 Edge, much more slender than their flagships. While Samsung kept the prototype under lock and key—media could only view but not use the device. Design and Build The Galaxy S25 Edge might just be about 6mm to 6.4mm thick, Samsung’s thinnest smartphone yet. It has a similar display size as the Galaxy S25 Plus with a 6.7-inch display, not compromising screen size into being quite portable. Around the back, it’s equipped with a dual-camera setup. This design follows Apple’s minimalist philosophy but includes an additional sensor for added functionality. However, the camera module protrudes quite a bit from the sleek chassis-a compromise to keep the device slim. But How Does It Compare to the Competition? Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge isn’t going to hit the market without its competitors. Apple’s iPhone 17 Air, due later this year, is rumored to be even thinner, less than 6mm. However, Apple is reportedly struggling with some battery technology issues that may delay it or reduce its capabilities. While the S25 Edge sports a triple-camera setup, the iPhone 17 Air reportedly uses only a single lens; hence, Samsung might have the upper hand when it comes to photography capabilities. Features and Expectations While the Galaxy S25 Edge has not been fully revealed, there are a number of features that stand out: High-Quality Display: Samsung is known for its superior displays, and the S25 Edge is expected to feature a high-refresh-rate screen for smoother visuals. Enhanced Camera System: With the dual-camera setup, the speculation goes in favor of improved photography options, possibly targeted at content creators. Thinner Design: The ultra-slim profile may be what users who prefer aesthetics with portability. With these features, the S25 Edge is going to be quite the competitor in the premium category, standing against Apple’s offering. Release Timeline According to sources within Samsung, the S25 Edge will arrive in April 2025, per previous rumors pointing to an April-May timeline. This will provide Samsung with an excellent head start, considering how Apple may release the iPhone 17 Air later in the year. Conclusion The S25 Edge represents Samsung’s leap of faith into ultra-slim smartphone designs. With its sleek form factor, better camera capabilities, and high-resolution display, it will most likely go toe-to-toe with Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. Until we hear more about this phone, the release in April may be a preamble to an interesting year in mobile technology. Stay tuned as more information about the Galaxy S25 Edge rolls in. Source & Images: 9to5Google
Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy S25 Offers 37 Percent Faster CPU And 30 Percent Faster GPU
Samsung officially announced the new Galaxy S25 series with a major AI update, combined with increased performance. Mostly, in terms of design, it’s just the same as the previous series; however, there is one vast difference in speed from the previous version, namely the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Powering the core of new speeds in the Galaxy S25 series is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a processor exclusively designed for the Galaxy S25 lineup by Qualcomm. But it is a tweaked version of the normal Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with higher CPU and GPU performance. Snapdragon 8 Elite: Performance Powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite is a big leap in the performance department of smartphones. The chip offers much better computation and graphics compared to previous Qualcomm chips. Samsung’s customized variant has been overclocked for the maximum potential of the chip, with Qualcomm confirming the peak CPU speed to be 4.46GHz, some 150MHz above the standard variant. While these might not be very perceivable during actual use, the demonstrations done by Samsung on stage seemed impressive. The CPU is 37% faster than before, and the GPU performance has improved by 30% over its predecessor. Meanwhile, the Neural Processing Unit is a full 40% faster for those AI-dependent applications, another clear centerpiece in the Galaxy S25 series. Year-Over-Year Gains The partnership with Qualcomm has managed to grant Samsung a customized chipset for the hardware of the Galaxy S25. This Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is a lot better compared to the chip used last year, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which only had a humble increase in performance by 20%. This year, though, the jump in performance is a lot higher, considering the NPU gains are the same as the previous version. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip also boosts the Galaxy S25’s exclusive display features. Qualcomm and Samsung teamed up to bring in advanced technologies such as the ProScaler image scaling solution and mDNIe tech, which enhance efficiency and visual quality. Cutting-Edge Camera and Efficiency Another remarkable feature of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is its contribution to the camera capability of the Galaxy S25. The chip integrates STF technology into the image signal processor for better low-light video recording, and now, users can shoot 8K video at 30fps with increased sharpness, although this feature is also available on other variants of the chip. Built on Qualcomm’s 3nm process, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is both faster and more energy-efficient. Translated into battery life, the Galaxy S25 series will use its juice more efficiently to provide users with more seamless and continuous interaction with the device. A Top Dog The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip positions the Galaxy S25 series for the top slots regarding performance and AI capabilities. With huge year-over-year gains and a host of bleeding-edge features, Samsung isn’t slowing down in the mobile world. Watch this space for more updates on the Galaxy S25 and its cutting-edge chipset. Source
Samsung Galaxy S25 And Galaxy S25 Plus Comes With Snapdragon 8 Elite
The newly-launched Samsung flagship phones, Galaxy S25 series, take a leap toward some exciting advanced design and AI capability enhancements. Its array consists of two smartphones, Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus, now sharing most features from its ultra line Galaxy S25 Ultra. Therefore, these include ultra-premium features, along with fine-tuned design aspects. Design: More Box-like in Appeal and Premium Design-wise, both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus introduce an evolution in design language with boxier frames and rounder corners, as opposed to their predecessors. Overall, the design language is familiar; however, such subtlety pushes them further up a notch in terms of premium feel and look. The Galaxy S25 will have a compact 6.2-inch display, while the Galaxy S25 Plus will boast a 6.7-inch screen. Colors will include Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, and some online exclusives: Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold. Camera and Battery: Solid Hardware with Incremental Upgrades In both models, Samsung has put in a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens that supports 2x optical zoom. These cameras promise to handle versatile photography needs for both casual and advanced users. In terms of battery life, there’s a modest set of upgrades: the Galaxy S25 has a 4,000 mAh battery, and the S25 Plus has a 4,900 mAh one. Wired charging remains the same, topping out at 25W for the S25 and 45W for the S25 Plus, which is relatively fast recharging. Software: One UI 7 and Android 15 Integration The Galaxy S25 series runs on One UI 7, based on Android 15, out of the box for seamless and intuitive usability. Samsung claims seven years of OS and security updates for its smartphones-a new benchmark in the longevity of smartphones. Prolonged support will enable users to use their devices for many years without being worried about having outdated software. AI-Powered Performance: A Game-Changer Another feature that makes the Galaxy S25 lineup stand out is the inclusion of Galaxy AI. It seems Samsung has gone all guns blazing to enhance its AI, collaborating with Google to offer Gemini 2.0 features. These are sure to improve the user experience with better photography, productivity, and gaming. Additional information regarding the phone’s AI capabilities will be shared in subsequent updates. Hardware and Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite All the Galaxy S25 series devices will pack Qualcomm’s very latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. The phone maker has customized the processor, which makes it a bit quicker compared to the standard one. An improved vapor chamber allows for better heat dissipation – up to 15% more efficient cooling will keep the phones cool while performing in resource-intensive tasks. Despite the rumors, no models boast 16GB of RAM, which might disappoint some power users. However, the optimized internals promise smooth multitasking and top-tier performance for most users. Charging and Storage: New Standards with Some Trade-offs The Galaxy S25 series does feature Qi2 wireless charging standard-a step toward industry-wide compatibility, sure-but even Samsung’s official accessories have magnets in their cases to allow seamless charging and power transfer. The fact that the actual devices don’t have those built-in puts them a step behind from Apple’s MagSafe technology. On the storage front, the base Galaxy S25 starts at 128GB, a limitation that raises questions about the industry’s reliance on lower storage tiers. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts at 256GB, providing more room for apps and media. Pricing and Availability: Competitive Options Prices for the Galaxy S25 series are competitive, starting at $799 for the base model and $999 as the base price for the Galaxy S25 Plus. Such pricing places them well against immediate rivals, such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Currently, pre-orders open on Samsung.com, with wider sales set to begin imminently. Conclusion: A Solid Step Ahead The Samsung Galaxy S25 series sets a high bar for flagships with AI-powered features, heavy-duty performance, and long-term software support. While room for improvement exists in several aspects, including charging and storage, the overall package keeps the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ in the bracket of formidable flagships. With top-of-the-line AI, swanky design, or reliable performance, the Galaxy S25 series simply checks all boxes. Source: Samsung
Samsung Announces S25 Ultra With New Ai Features
At long last, Samsung has officially taken the wraps off of its much-rumored new flagship phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event. After months of speculation, leaks, and rumors, the device has now seen the light of day, thus meeting expectations caused by that hype. The S25 Ultra features significant design upgrades, state-of-the-art features, and AI-driven improvements to further its case as one of the most advanced smartphones on the market. Sleek Titanium Build and Improved Design Design-wise, though, the Galaxy S25 Ultra did take a rather bold leap in the direction that where S24 Ultra had sharper edges with a flat frame, the Ultra version of the S25 rounds those off for a titanium build that would give more modernity as well as badly-needed ergonomics, users beg them to give this update to a design language now a couple years stale. At just 218 grams and a thickness of only 8.2 mm, the S25 Ultra is even more lightweight than before. The phone is fitted with a titanium frame that provides extra solidity to it without losing that premium feel-a marriage of form and function. Improved Display Technology While the S24 Ultra had a 6.8-inch display, the S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The WQHD+ resolution goes up to 3120 x 1440, with a refresh rate of 120Hz, bringing brilliant colors and butter-smooth action. More importantly, a highlight feature is the second-generation Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, which will make its debut on this device. This addition brings screen durability and introduces the first anti-reflective display in the industry for better visibility in all lighting conditions. With all these improvements, bezels have been significantly reduced, allowing for a near edge-to-edge display that makes the experience much better. The S-Pen bundled with the S25 Ultra does not feature Bluetooth connectivity, which restricts features such as gesture controls and remote functionality. Camera Improvements with AI Integration The camera setup on the Galaxy S25 Ultra retains a lot of the S24 Ultra’s layout but introduces some key AI-powered improvements. The phone sports: 1. A 200MP primary sensor 2. A 10MP 3x telephoto lens 3. A 50MP 5x periscope zoom lens 4. A newly upgraded 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, quite a jump from the previous 12MP sensor The ultra-wide lens now carries 4-in-1 pixel binning to shoot brighter and more detailed 12.5MP photos. It also boasts a wider-angle 23.2mm equivalent focal length with an f/1.7 aperture, aided by EIS for better results in most scenarios. The telephoto lens also brings variable zoom into the equation, which means smoother transitions and overall better video. While the changes in hardware seem minor, the inclusion of AI in image processing and video stabilization elevates camera performance to the next level. Performance Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which brings a serious boost in performance compared to its predecessor. It boasts up to 16GB of RAM for better multitasking and more complex on-device AI capabilities. Storage goes up to 1TB for users who need that much storage. This hardware combination will easily see phones through the most resource-intensive applications and future-proof them for AI-driven tasks. Battery and Charging: A Familiar Story The S25 Ultra still houses a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, which may come as a disappointment to those who expected something much better. The phone, however, features next-generation Qi12 wireless charging technology for improved speeds and efficiency. Another drawback is that the accessories do not have inbuilt magnets but instead use magnetized external accessories to attach. These minor drawbacks notwithstanding, the wireless charging features are an advancement in terms of convenience. Software: One UI 7 and Advanced Galaxy AI The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes running One UI 7, based on Android 15, and will also get seven years of software updates. The new UI is all about bringing personalization and intuitiveness at every turn, with the inclusion of Samsung’s Galaxy AI. Notable AI enhancements include a generative AI-powered Bixby personal assistant, which features enhanced contextual awareness and support for multiple simultaneous commands to enrich both productivity and convenience. Buyers also get a one-year Gemini Advanced subscription, which unlocks premium features for even better AI-driven capabilities on the device. Color Options and Pricing The Galaxy S25 Ultra will come in four titanium-inspired colors, including Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium White Silver. Exclusive colors will include Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, and Titanium Pink Gold, only available on Samsung’s website. It starts at $1,299 for the base 256GB model. Pre-orders open now, while the phone launches officially on February 7th, 2025. Final Thoughts: A Worthy Upgrade? The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings meaningful upgrades in design, display, and AI capabilities while retaining a familiar battery and camera setup. Inside, this comes with a titanium build, improved ergonomics, and state-of-the-art software-oh, this is something no flagship enthusiast would be willing to say no to. It might disappoint some in regards to expectation in certain hardware changes like charging and cameras, but the overall package should keep the Galaxy S25 Ultra at the top tier of flagship smartphones. Source: Samsung
iOS 19 leak To Introduce Major Camera App Redesign
Perhaps the most anticipated tech event of the year is the annual iOS update from Apple. Normally, iOS versions first debut at WWDC in June and are released in September after months of beta testing. As we count down to iOS 19, rumors and leaks hint it’s going to be a huge update, just like where iOS 18 left off. Here’s the breakdown:. Release Date Apple’s latest iOS launch cycle is very revealing about when the iOS 19 will arrive. Typically, every new iOS hits the market the following Monday of the annual iPhone launching event. Let’s consider previous release dates for a comparison. iOS 18: September 16, 2024 iOS 17: September 18, 2023 iOS 16: September 12, 2022 With that in mind, iOS 19 is set to release on either Monday, September 15, 2025, or Monday, September 22, 2025. Awesome Features Expected in iOS 19 1. LLM Upgrade of Siri The biggest rumor circulating in the tech airwaves pertaining to iOS 19 is indeed its LLM upgrade of Siri. This would make Siri a lot more conversational and instinctive-just like ChatGPT’s high-order voice assistant interactions. Siri’s upgraded functionality will leverage on-device data and app integration, offering seamless interaction with Apple services. Developers can expand Siri’s capabilities further using App Intents, which allow actions within third-party apps. However, the full realization of this Siri transformation might not arrive until iOS 19.4, projected for 2026, mirroring the staggered rollout of major Siri updates in iOS 18. 2. Redesigned Camera App Renowned leaker Jon Prosser has dropped a major hint about a major overhaul of the Camera app. Said to take inspiration from Apple Vision Pro, the new design will be centered around a more transparent layout, condensed controls, and a larger viewfinder. 3. Home App Improvements This isn’t confirmed through any specific leaks, but the apparent focus on home smart products by Apple is evident. There are new smart home hubs and Face ID-enabled security cameras coming along, and deeper integration with the Home app will be needed for that. It could all come together in one more improved interface and features to serve these new devices. Beta Testing Timeline Apple will likely continue with the same pace for testing iOS 19 betas: Developer Beta: It always launches right after WWDC, which would be Monday, June 9, 2025. Public Beta:Arrives 4–6 weeks later. Final Release: September 2025. If you want to try out iOS 19 early, you can sign up for Apple’s beta program so you get the test builds as they are released. Device Compatibility iOS 19 will work on all iOS 18 compatible devices, including the following series of iPhones: iPhone 16 series iPhone 15 series iPhone 14 series iPhone 13 series iPhone 12 series iPhone 11 series iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR iPhone SE (2nd generation) Additionally, iOS 19 will debut alongside the new iPhone 17 models and iPhone SE 4 (possibly named iPhone 16E). Some features, such as Siri’s LLM upgrades, may be exclusive to newer models due to hardware requirements. Final Thoughts iOS 19 seems to be in a revolutionary stage of update, setting a new platform from the solid foundation laid down by iOS 18. A smarter Siri, a refreshed Camera application, and potential smart home integrations all speak volumes about Apple’s continuous innovation in an effort to further enhance user experience. In fact, even before the formal announcement at WWDC 2025, expectations for iOS 19 have begun building up. Source
Snapdragon 8s Elite To Feature An Advanced CPU Architecture
Qualcomm Product Line Expansion Qualcomm is expanding its chipset offerings to address more market segments and create new tiers. A recent report says they are working on the Snapdragon 8s Elite, a high end processor to fill the gap between the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This will help them to cater to users who want near flagship performance at a lower price point, to fill the space between the Snapdragon 7 series and the premium Snapdragon 8 series. New Market Segments The Snapdragon 8s Elite is a new tier in Qualcomm’s lineup, high end performance at a more affordable price. According to Digital Chat Station, the chip with code name Qualcomm SM8735 is for niche markets and flexible for OEMs to target a wider audience. With this new SoC in the “s” category, Qualcomm is giving users who want performance but are budget conscious an option. Snapdragon 8s Elite The Elite chipset has the most advanced CPU design to find the perfect balance between performance and power consumption. The key specs are: *A single Cortex-X4 core for extreme performance, 3.21 GHz. *Three Cortex-A720 performance cores, 3.01 GHz. *Two Cortex-A720 efficiency cores, 2.80 GHz. *Two efficiency cores, 2.02 GHz for lighter jobs. This structured design allows the chip to do heavy tasks with best power efficiency on daily usage. Snapdragon 8s Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite with two Oryon cores at 4.32 GHz and six performance cores at 3.53 GHz, the Snapdragon 8s Elite is a slight slowdown. So it’s a good option for users who want good performance without the flagship price or power consumption. Potential Partners and Market Impact According to the report this could be the first time Redmi or iQOO will launch with the Snapdragon 8s Elite and it could be a great option in the high end mid range smartphone segment. With this chip, the brands mentioned above can offer powerful devices at affordable price to performance ratio which could attract users who want value for money. Expected Launch Timeline No official release date for the 8s Elite yet but based on Qualcomm’s history this chip is coming. Its arrival will shake up the mid range and high end smartphone market with a more affordable yet powerful alternative to flagship chips. Conclusion The Snapdragon 8s Elite is an embodiment of innovation and market flexibility by Qualcomm. With this new chip they are filling a big gap in their product lineup – near flagship performance at more affordable price. This will further expand Qualcomm’s market share and also allow OEMs to produce devices for a wider audience. Source