iPhone Air - first bend test makes its debut.
Courtesy of a Tom’s Guide interview with Joz and John Ternus in collaboration with Lance Ulanoff from Tech Radar. See it for yourself.
Courtesy of a Tom’s Guide interview with Joz and John Ternus in collaboration with Lance Ulanoff from Tech Radar. See it for yourself.
iPhone Air is the Goldilocks of iPhones.
Just a few hours before Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, I expressed my true emotions about the iPhone Air and what it would take for me to buy one:
I can deal with the lack of ultra wide and telephoto cameras.
I can deal with the lack of reverse wireless charging.
I can deal with a binned A19 Pro or standard A19 chip.
I can deal with worse battery life.
But please Apple, for the love of God, give us a truly immersive, gorgeous display.
The display is a 1:1, uncompromised panel matching the iPhone 17 Pro, and the 6.5 inch display is not too big and not too small.
It is just right.
Love is in the Air.
Just a few hours before Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, I expressed my true emotions about the iPhone Air and what it would take for me to buy one:
I can deal with the lack of ultra wide and telephoto cameras.
I can deal with the lack of reverse wireless charging.
I can deal with a binned A19 Pro or standard A19 chip.
I can deal with worse battery life.
But please Apple, for the love of God, give us a truly immersive, gorgeous display.
The display is a 1:1, uncompromised panel matching the iPhone 17 Pro, and the 6.5 inch display is not too big and not too small.
It is just right.
Love is in the Air.
The displays on iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro are all equally great this year - financially it makes the most sense.
Besides the size, every minute spec of the display is identical across the board with the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro devices. I compared every bullet point and there is no difference. Quite surprising, and really blurs the line whether or not most people should even consider the Pro lineup.
Yesterday I wrote about how the iPhone Air should have the same display as the 17 Pro in order to fit the premium narrative, and Apple definitely delivered.
Kudos to Apple, but it also makes financial sense. Last year the iPhone 16 Pro jumped to 6.3 inches and the regular 16 was still 6.1 inches, requiring two separate production lines. Now that both phones have the same screen size, why engineer an inferior 6.3 inch display for the regular iPhone 17, when you can just use the same display across the board and save time and engineering costs?
Besides the size, every minute spec of the display is identical across the board with the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro devices. I compared every bullet point and there is no difference. Quite surprising, and really blurs the line whether or not most people should even consider the Pro lineup.
Yesterday I wrote about how the iPhone Air should have the same display as the 17 Pro in order to fit the premium narrative, and Apple definitely delivered.
Kudos to Apple, but it also makes financial sense. Last year the iPhone 16 Pro jumped to 6.3 inches and the regular 16 was still 6.1 inches, requiring two separate production lines. Now that both phones have the same screen size, why engineer an inferior 6.3 inch display for the regular iPhone 17, when you can just use the same display across the board and save time and engineering costs?
iPhone 17 Air’s display really needs to match the iPhone 17 Pro to give it that futuristic, “invisible device with a full edge to edge screen,” feeling.
The iPhone 17 Air is really in a weird position. It’s more premium and less premium in many ways, and we’re just a few moments away from finding out the narrative behind the iPhone 17 Air (if that’s even the real name).
The one thing that really would make me stay away from it is an inferior screen compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. It should have at least the following features:
Same thin bezels as the iPhone 17 Pro.
Same Dynamic Island as the iPhone 17 Pro.
Always On Display.
It would be icing on the cake if it had the following (alleged improvements):
Improved anti-reflective display.
Higher peak brightness.
The rumored smaller Dynamic Island is being touted as a Pro only feature, but I would argue if there is a smaller Dynamic Island, it has to be on the 17 Air since Apple is already tight for space.
I can deal with the lack of ultra wide and telephoto cameras.
I can deal with the lack of reverse wireless charging.
I can deal with a binned A19 Pro or standard A19 chip.
I can deal with worse battery life.
But please Apple, for the love of God, give us a truly immersive, gorgeous display.
The iPhone 17 Air is really in a weird position. It’s more premium and less premium in many ways, and we’re just a few moments away from finding out the narrative behind the iPhone 17 Air (if that’s even the real name).
The one thing that really would make me stay away from it is an inferior screen compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. It should have at least the following features:
Same thin bezels as the iPhone 17 Pro.
Same Dynamic Island as the iPhone 17 Pro.
Always On Display.
It would be icing on the cake if it had the following (alleged improvements):
Improved anti-reflective display.
Higher peak brightness.
The rumored smaller Dynamic Island is being touted as a Pro only feature, but I would argue if there is a smaller Dynamic Island, it has to be on the 17 Air since Apple is already tight for space.
I can deal with the lack of ultra wide and telephoto cameras.
I can deal with the lack of reverse wireless charging.
I can deal with a binned A19 Pro or standard A19 chip.
I can deal with worse battery life.
But please Apple, for the love of God, give us a truly immersive, gorgeous display.
The iPhone 17 ‘Air’ reveal needs to have Phil Schiller levels of nerdery during its presentation.
iPhone 17 Air is not only a thin iPhone, but it is a sign of things to come. I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s foldable device (said to launch next year) is essentially two iPhone Airs attached to a hinge (to put it crudely). The engineering of this device is going to carry over in a lot of ways to the next generation of devices, be they iPhones or iPads.
It won’t be a traditional “One more thing” event for the masses, but it sure as heck will be for engineers and designers. It needs to be talked about with a level of nerdery that just screams authenticity and excitement. A scripted performance just isn’t the same.
Hopefully we get this enthusiasm and excitement in post-event interviews.
iPhone 17 Air is not only a thin iPhone, but it is a sign of things to come. I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s foldable device (said to launch next year) is essentially two iPhone Airs attached to a hinge (to put it crudely). The engineering of this device is going to carry over in a lot of ways to the next generation of devices, be they iPhones or iPads.
It won’t be a traditional “One more thing” event for the masses, but it sure as heck will be for engineers and designers. It needs to be talked about with a level of nerdery that just screams authenticity and excitement. A scripted performance just isn’t the same.
Hopefully we get this enthusiasm and excitement in post-event interviews.
iPhone 13 mini - what does a typical day with 77% battery health look like?
How long does an iPhone 13 mini with 77% battery health last on iOS 26?
Let’s just say it needs a trusty companion, the MagSafe Battery Pack.
Here is my (typical) log from a few days ago, with less than normal usage:
5:30am - 100% battery
6:32am - 77% battery
12:18pm - 20% battery
12:19pm - Dropped to 15%…attached MagSafe Battery Pack
1:05pm - charged to 76%…detached MagSafe Battery Pack
4:55pm - 17% battery
4:56pm - 9% battery right after connecting MagSafe battery pack.
6:00pm - 50% battery with MagSafe Battery Pack drained.
9:07pm - 23%
9:08pm - 14%
9:09pm - 2%
10:00pm - Dead iPhone, right before I was about to cast something to my Chromecast.
Apps used: Safari, YouTube, Messages, X, WhatsApp, Files, News.
Nothing taxing. The phone does run smoothly most of the time, but it does start to hiccup and slow down as the charge level drops. Other times, it will hiccup even when the battery is nearly full, probably because the phone is a bit warm from charging.
Again nothing taxing, just basic apps. No gaming, no 3D rendering, and no camera usage.
The main issue with poor battery health is predicting how long it will last when it is low on battery. My battery collapsed from 23% to 2% in less than two minutes, but it lasted almost an hour.
In the end, I am able to get a full days use out of it from 5:30am to 10pm when I go to work with a fully charged MagSafe Battery Pack. On a vacation day, I would need to keep a charger close by. It’s time for a Genius Bar appointment to get the battery replaced.
How long does an iPhone 13 mini with 77% battery health last on iOS 26?
Let’s just say it needs a trusty companion, the MagSafe Battery Pack.
Here is my (typical) log from a few days ago, with less than normal usage:
5:30am - 100% battery
6:32am - 77% battery
12:18pm - 20% battery
12:19pm - Dropped to 15%…attached MagSafe Battery Pack
1:05pm - charged to 76%…detached MagSafe Battery Pack
4:55pm - 17% battery
4:56pm - 9% battery right after connecting MagSafe battery pack.
6:00pm - 50% battery with MagSafe Battery Pack drained.
9:07pm - 23%
9:08pm - 14%
9:09pm - 2%
10:00pm - Dead iPhone, right before I was about to cast something to my Chromecast.
Apps used: Safari, YouTube, Messages, X, WhatsApp, Files, News.
Nothing taxing. The phone does run smoothly most of the time, but it does start to hiccup and slow down as the charge level drops. Other times, it will hiccup even when the battery is nearly full, probably because the phone is a bit warm from charging.
Again nothing taxing, just basic apps. No gaming, no 3D rendering, and no camera usage.
The main issue with poor battery health is predicting how long it will last when it is low on battery. My battery collapsed from 23% to 2% in less than two minutes, but it lasted almost an hour.
In the end, I am able to get a full days use out of it from 5:30am to 10pm when I go to work with a fully charged MagSafe Battery Pack. On a vacation day, I would need to keep a charger close by. It’s time for a Genius Bar appointment to get the battery replaced.
Wireless MagSafe charging is better for your iPhone’s battery health than wired charging.
I have had my iPhone 16 Pro Max since October 2024, and I have been using wireless charging I would say, at least 90% of the time. I have a combination of MagSafe and Qi2 chargers in my bedroom, spare room, and kitchen.
With 270 cycles, I still have 100% battery health, even with installing and running iOS 26 betas. I use a standard MagSafe puck in the kitchen, and I use the Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) at night. Every time I use a cable to charge my device, I do notice it charges faster, but it also makes the device hotter since it’s fast charging. Most people will fall in this scenario because they’ll probably use their laptop chargers to charge their device, which provides the fastest speeds, and also the most heat.
Wireless technology has gotten so advanced, that even if it technically is less efficient, the device doesn’t reach higher temperatures, still giving you better battery health in the long run. Of course I stand by this claim only for MagSafe and certified Qi2 chargers. I’m not the only one as Brandon Butch goes a bit deeper in his video explaining his wireless charging experience during some of his testing. He found wired charging to be 4 degrees hotter than MagSafe charging on his iPhone 16 Pro.
Brandon also used a 90% charging limit, and I have been using an 80% charging limit on my 16 Pro Max. If I was on the regular 16 Pro (I’m leaning heavily towards the 17 Pro), I would also bump it up to 90% to give me that extra juice.
Check out his video for more tips on how to maximize your iPhone’s battery health.
I have had my iPhone 16 Pro Max since October 2024, and I have been using wireless charging I would say, at least 90% of the time. I have a combination of MagSafe and Qi2 chargers in my bedroom, spare room, and kitchen.
With 270 cycles, I still have 100% battery health, even with installing and running iOS 26 betas. I use a standard MagSafe puck in the kitchen, and I use the Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) at night. Every time I use a cable to charge my device, I do notice it charges faster, but it also makes the device hotter since it’s fast charging. Most people will fall in this scenario because they’ll probably use their laptop chargers to charge their device, which provides the fastest speeds, and also the most heat.
Wireless technology has gotten so advanced, that even if it technically is less efficient, the device doesn’t reach higher temperatures, still giving you better battery health in the long run. Of course I stand by this claim only for MagSafe and certified Qi2 chargers. I’m not the only one as Brandon Butch goes a bit deeper in his video explaining his wireless charging experience during some of his testing. He found wired charging to be 4 degrees hotter than MagSafe charging on his iPhone 16 Pro.
Brandon also used a 90% charging limit, and I have been using an 80% charging limit on my 16 Pro Max. If I was on the regular 16 Pro (I’m leaning heavily towards the 17 Pro), I would also bump it up to 90% to give me that extra juice.
Check out his video for more tips on how to maximize your iPhone’s battery health.
How to disable headphone safety notifications on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Normally this isn’t good advice, but I had to get rid of these safety notifications for my sanity. My background noise sleep setup coupled with earplugs is my ultimate sound proofing system for working the graveyard shift, and there’s nothing worse than your speaker warning you about loud volumes along with your watch vibrating with the same notification during a deep sleep session.
These can be disabled only in certain regions, but thankfully the US is one of them. 📓
Normally this isn’t good advice, but I had to get rid of these safety notifications for my sanity. My background noise sleep setup coupled with earplugs is my ultimate sound proofing system for working the graveyard shift, and there’s nothing worse than your speaker warning you about loud volumes along with your watch vibrating with the same notification during a deep sleep session.
These can be disabled only in certain regions, but thankfully the US is one of them. The settings are buried, but on iPhone:
Go to Settings.
Accessibility.
Audio & Visual.
Headphone Notifications.
Toggle OFF.
On Apple Watch (or your iPhone’s Watch app):
Go to Settings.
Accessibility.
Headphone Notifications.
Toggle OFF.
If you’re in a region that doesn’t allow you to toggle Headphone Notifications off, and you are in a similar situation where you need loud white noise and use ear plugs at the same time, you can try and re-categorize your Bluetooth speaker:
Go to Bluetooth.
Select your device’s settings by clicking on the blue “i” logo.
Click on Device Type.
Select Other.
I think this will work. Logic would say, since your devices are technically no longer connected to headphones, you shouldn’t get any Headphone Notifications, right?
I don’t know exactly what the “other” category does, but audio still plays through my Bluetooth speaker.
For my hardwired devices such as my Bose SoundDock XT, I was able to change the settings so the audio levels are not recorded under the Health app.
Toggling this feature OFF should not give you Headphone notifications.
If you have a lightning to headphone jack or USB-C to headphone jack adapter connected to an external speaker, you can change the settings to (hopefully) avoid getting headphone notifications:
Go to Settings.
Sound & Haptics.
Headphone Safety.
If you have an iPhone with a lightning port, you will see the words Lightning Adapters on the bottom. If you have a USB-C iPhone you will see the words USB-C Audio Accessories on the bottom.
Click your option, and toggle OFF Connected To Headphones.
Will AppleCare One cover a non-US iPhone, even if you live in the US?
If you have a non-US iPhone set to the US region and live in the US, you will have to call Apple Support in order to get AppleCare One coverage. My Canadian iPhone 16 Pro Max tells me I need to contact Apple for an in-store or remote assessment in order to determine eligibility. I already have AppleCare+ on the device and my other devices that have AppleCare+ can be transferred to AppleCare One, so my gut tells me the error is because my model is not a US model. As for my iPhone 13 mini, the battery health is at 79%, so that doesn’t qualify.
Instead of calling Apple, I decided to go to my nearest Apple Store to do an in-store assessment, but the Genius (not trying to be sarcastic) wasn’t able to do the right diagnostic test to make it AppleCare One eligible. I wasn’t going to switch from my current AppleCare+ to AppleCare One, but I just wanted to see if it would even be possible to do on a non-US device.
They told me to call Apple Support since they have more robust remote diagnostic tools, so we will see how that goes in the future.
If you have a non-US iPhone set to the US region and live in the US, you will have to call Apple Support in order to get AppleCare One coverage. My Canadian iPhone 16 Pro Max tells me I need to contact Apple for an in-store or remote assessment in order to determine eligibility. I already have AppleCare+ on the device and my other devices that have AppleCare+ can be transferred to AppleCare One, so my gut tells me the error is because my model is not a US model. As for my iPhone 13 mini, the battery health is at 79%, so that doesn’t qualify.
Instead of calling Apple, I decided to go to my nearest Apple Store to do an in-store assessment, but the Genius (not trying to be sarcastic) wasn’t able to do the right diagnostic test to make it AppleCare One eligible. I wasn’t going to switch from my current AppleCare+ to AppleCare One, but I just wanted to see if it would even be possible to do on a non-US device.
They told me to call Apple Support since they have more robust remote diagnostic tools, so we will see how that goes in the future.
Is choosing an iPhone getting too complicated?
I like reading other people’s iPhone stories, and Imthaz over at Volatile Inputs tells his iPhone journey over the years. I’ll have a more in-depth post later on about my journey, but for now, he brings up a good point at the end:
People have long said the iPad line-up is confusing, with too many overlapping options. I feel the iPhone is heading the same way. But perhaps that’s the nature of a maturing product line – what started as a simple choice has evolved into something that can truly fit different needs and preferences. For someone like me who’s been upgrading annually for years, maybe it’s time to embrace the complexity rather than long for the simplicity of the past. After all, having options means there’s likely a perfect iPhone out there for everyone – even if finding it requires a bit more thought than just picking a colour.
I like reading other people’s iPhone stories, and Imthaz over at Volatile Inputs tells his iPhone journey over the years. I’ll have a more in-depth post later on about my journey, but for now, he brings up a good point at the end:
People have long said the iPad line-up is confusing, with too many overlapping options. I feel the iPhone is heading the same way. But perhaps that’s the nature of a maturing product line – what started as a simple choice has evolved into something that can truly fit different needs and preferences. For someone like me who’s been upgrading annually for years, maybe it’s time to embrace the complexity rather than long for the simplicity of the past. After all, having options means there’s likely a perfect iPhone out there for everyone – even if finding it requires a bit more thought than just picking a colour.
REEVUS water bottle is great for workouts
I was too lazy to go upstairs and try to find my iPad for working out, so I decided to just use my iPhone and prop it up with the MagSafe compatible lid on the REEVUS water bottle and get the job done. I knew I would get side tracked if I went upstairs so I just had to grind it out on the small screen. 📓
I was too lazy to go upstairs and try to find my iPad for working out, so I decided to just use my iPhone and prop it up with the MagSafe compatible lid on the REEVUS water bottle and get the job done. I knew I would get side tracked if I went upstairs so I just had to grind it out on the small screen.
Quick access to water without having to open a lid.
Cap stays clean + phone stays in place = happy runner.
Amazon’s app lets you save your returns to the Wallet app.
Not sure when this update was rolled out, but it’s a heck of a lot easier now to keep track of your Amazon returns. I started two returns recently, and I was given the option to add the barcode into the Wallet app.
No more random screenshots with barcodes scattered in my Photo Library.
Not sure when this update was rolled out, but it’s a heck of a lot easier now to keep track of your Amazon returns. I started two returns recently, and I was given the option to add the barcode into the Wallet app.
No more random screenshots with barcodes scattered in my Photo Library.
iPhone 17 leak theory.
We are about 40-ish days from new iPhones being announced, and we got presumably our first look at a test unit out in the wild. From what is visible, the hardware matches what the rumors have mentioned for months, with an elongated camera bump with the flash and LiDAR sensor further away from the camera lenses.
A recent tip given to MacRumors also suggests a new Camera Control button which I didn’t believe initially, but could still be a feature:
The tipster claimed to be familiar with an iPhone 17 Pro commercial that is allegedly being produced by a film company that has publicly listed Apple as one of its clients. […]
The tipster revealed three alleged iPhone 17 Pro features that have not been rumored previously:
• An upgraded Telephoto lens with up to 8× optical zoom, compared to up to 5× optical zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The lens can apparently move, allowing for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths.
• An all-new pro camera app from Apple for both photos and videos. This app would compete with the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro. It is unclear if the app would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
• An additional Camera Control button on the top edge of the devices, for quickly accessing the camera and related settings. This would complement the Camera Control button on the bottom-right edge of all iPhone 16 models.
Could this additional Camera Control button exist exclusively as an iPhone 17 Pro Case? The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a case with extended battery capabilities for days when you just need that extra power, so why not a more Pro-oriented case for days when you’re expected to really push the camera to its limits?
It doesn’t seem out of the blue to have a dedicated case that has additional camera controls. Apple did have a battery case for the iPhone 11 models that included a Camera button.
We are about 40-ish days from new iPhones being announced, and we got presumably our first look at a test unit out in the wild. From what is visible, the hardware matches what the rumors have mentioned for months, with an elongated camera bump with the flash and LiDAR sensor further away from the camera lenses.
A recent tip given to MacRumors also suggests a new Camera Control button which I didn’t believe initially, but could still be a feature:
The tipster claimed to be familiar with an iPhone 17 Pro commercial that is allegedly being produced by a film company that has publicly listed Apple as one of its clients. […]
The tipster revealed three alleged iPhone 17 Pro features that have not been rumored previously:
• An upgraded Telephoto lens with up to 8× optical zoom, compared to up to 5× optical zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The lens can apparently move, allowing for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths.
• An all-new pro camera app from Apple for both photos and videos. This app would compete with the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro. It is unclear if the app would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
• An additional Camera Control button on the top edge of the devices, for quickly accessing the camera and related settings. This would complement the Camera Control button on the bottom-right edge of all iPhone 16 models.
Could this additional Camera Control button exist exclusively as an iPhone 17 Pro Case? The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a case with extended battery capabilities for days when you just need that extra power, so why not a more Pro-oriented case for days when you’re expected to really push the camera to its limits?
It doesn’t seem out of the blue to have a dedicated case that has additional camera controls. Apple did have a battery case for the iPhone 11 models that included a Camera button.
iPhone 11 Smart Battery Case.
iPhone 17 Pro devices might get their own dedicated Pro Camera app and new Camera Control button?
Joe Rossignol via MacRumors who got an anonymous tip from a film company:
The tipster claimed to be familiar with an iPhone 17 Pro commercial that is allegedly being produced by a film company that has publicly listed Apple as one of its clients. MacRumors has not independently confirmed any of the information shared by the tipster, so skepticism is obviously warranted for now.
The tipster revealed three alleged iPhone 17 Pro features that have not been rumored previously:
• An upgraded Telephoto lens with up to 8× optical zoom, compared to up to 5× optical zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The lens can apparently move, allowing for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths.
• An all-new pro camera app from Apple for both photos and videos. This app would compete with the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro. It is unclear if the app would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
• An additional Camera Control button on the top edge of the devices, for quickly accessing the camera and related settings. This would complement the Camera Control button on the bottom-right edge of all iPhone 16 models.
For the pro camera app, the tipster warned there is a chance Apple is planning a major update to its existing Final Cut Camera app instead of an all-new app.
The film company’s name was removed per their request, but I did see it earlier (and of course I can’t remember their name). Apple does give professionals a preview of their new iPhones to showcase camera features in their keynotes and videos, so I would think this information is pretty solid.
What surprises me the most is another Camera Control button. I hope this got mistranslated and what actually happens is the current Camera Control button juts out more and mimics the pill-shaped Touch ID button found on the iPad.
The Final Cut Camera app allows you to truly select which lens you want for recording, but we need the same option for photos. I want to take detailed telephoto shots in darker environments without the iPhone selecting the standard 1x lens and digitally destroying my image, like this example here (zoom into the window screen).
Joe Rossignol via MacRumors who got an anonymous tip from a film company:
The tipster claimed to be familiar with an iPhone 17 Pro commercial that is allegedly being produced by a film company that has publicly listed Apple as one of its clients. MacRumors has not independently confirmed any of the information shared by the tipster, so skepticism is obviously warranted for now.
The tipster revealed three alleged iPhone 17 Pro features that have not been rumored previously:
• An upgraded Telephoto lens with up to 8× optical zoom, compared to up to 5× optical zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The lens can apparently move, allowing for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths.
• An all-new pro camera app from Apple for both photos and videos. This app would compete with the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro. It is unclear if the app would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
• An additional Camera Control button on the top edge of the devices, for quickly accessing the camera and related settings. This would complement the Camera Control button on the bottom-right edge of all iPhone 16 models.
For the pro camera app, the tipster warned there is a chance Apple is planning a major update to its existing Final Cut Camera app instead of an all-new app.
The film company’s name was removed per their request, but I did see it earlier (and of course I can’t remember their name). Apple does give professionals a preview of their new iPhones to showcase camera features in their keynotes and videos, so I would think this information is pretty solid.
What surprises me the most is another Camera Control button. I hope this got mistranslated and what actually happens is the current Camera Control button juts out more and mimics the pill-shaped Touch ID button found on the iPad.
The Final Cut Camera app allows you to truly select which lens you want for recording, but we need the same option for photos. I want to take detailed telephoto shots in darker environments without the iPhone selecting the standard 1x lens and digitally destroying my image, like this example here (zoom into the window screen).
Someone I know finally upgraded from their iPhone 5S, to this...
I had a family member do some sleuthing for me when they were away on vacation. There is this legendary guy who is completely antithetical to me (from a tech perspective at least), and he’s been carrying an iPhone 5S for as long as I can remember.
He couldn’t care less about technology, but begrudgingly uses it because he has to. He was rocking a gold iPhone 5S, and yes, it was a 5S because it had the shiny chamfered edges and not the matte ones. Matte chamfered edges were only on the iPhone SE 1st generation.
If you know, you know.
I wanted some photos of that device just out of curiosity to see its condition over the years, but he upgraded (gasp)!
iPhone 5S, a device that came out in September 2013, almost 12 years ago, has finally been retired for a new generation of iPhone, and as Tim Cook said, “I am thrilled to show you the newest iPhones…”
And here it is…📓
I had a family member do some sleuthing for me when they were away on vacation. There is this legendary guy who is completely antithetical to me (from a tech perspective at least), and he’s been carrying an iPhone 5S for as long as I can remember.
He couldn’t care less about technology, but begrudgingly uses it because he has to. He was rocking a gold iPhone 5S, and yes, it was a 5S because it had the shiny chamfered edges and not the matte ones. Matte chamfered edges were only on the iPhone SE 1st generation.
If you know, you know.
I wanted some photos of that device just out of curiosity to see its condition over the years, but he upgraded (gasp)!
iPhone 5S, a device that came out in September 2013, almost 12 years ago, has finally been retired for a new generation of iPhone, and as Tim Cook said, “I am thrilled to show you the newest iPhones…”
And here it is…
wait for it…
iPhone…
6S Plus!
Talk about a historical upgrade, with one of the biggest performance upgrades (not being sarcastic):
Last flagship iPhone with a headphone jack.
First iPhone in Rose Gold.
Last iPhone with a Home Button that was actually a button.
The introduction of 3D Touch, a truly under appreciated feature.
New aluminum alloy ended the bendgate controversy.
Huge performance upgrade - the first iPhone with a whopping 2GB of RAM, a 100% increase from the previous generation!
Let’s see how long the iPhone 6S can keep chugging. With 2GB of RAM, there are still many years left, but it really comes down to Battery Health limiting performance.
How to properly backup your iPhone before installing iOS 26.
Before you install iOS 26 on your iPhone, follow this procedure to backup your device:
1. Update all your apps to the latest version in the App Store.
2. Force quit all your apps in the app switcher.
3. Restart your iPhone to remove any software gremlins running in the background.
4. On bootup, backup your iPhone to iCloud.
5. Install the most current version of iOS 18 on your device. This is in case iOS 26 becomes a problem for you and you need to revert back to iOS 18.
6. Once the latest version of iOS 18 is installed on your device, repeat steps 1 thru 4, and then finally install the iOS 26 public beta.
There is no 100% failsafe solution, but this method has always worked for me and gave me a reliable backup to go back to, even though I never needed it.
Before you install iOS 26 on your iPhone, follow this procedure to backup your device:
1. Update all your apps to the latest version in the App Store.
2. Force quit all your apps in the app switcher.
3. Restart your iPhone to remove any software gremlins running in the background.
4. On bootup, backup your iPhone to iCloud.
5. Install the most current version of iOS 18 on your device. This is in case iOS 26 becomes a problem for you and you need to revert back to iOS 18.
6. Once the latest version of iOS 18 is installed on your device, repeat steps 1 thru 4, and then finally install the iOS 26 public beta.
There is no 100% failsafe solution, but this method has always worked for me and gave me a reliable backup to go back to, even though I never needed it.
iOS 26 alarm for people who actually want to wake up.
Couldn’t have made it better myself. The current version is not foolproof. 📓
Couldn’t have made it better myself. The current version is not foolproof.
Source: Soren Iverson
The Apple logo on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro might go lower.
Apple is planning a significant change in the design of its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, repositioning the Apple logo. Currently located slightly off-center and below the camera module since the iPhone X, the Apple logo will be moved lower, toward the center bottom of the phone. This recent discovery, reported by direct sources among case manufacturers, marks an evolution in Apple’s aesthetic language. An company we collaborate with, specialized in producing cases for the iPhone 17 Pro line, has confirmed they are already working to start production of cases with the updated design. Let’s explore the details of this recent finding, the reasons behind this choice, and the solutions the industry is developing. […]
This move toward the center bottom could alter the traditional symmetry of Apple devices, paving the way for further innovations. Specifically, the MagSafe system, essential for magnetic charging and accessory attachment, requires precise alignment with the back of the device.
Of course this is speculation, but it begs the question if Apple is revamping MagSafe to make it more versatile as I mentioned in a previous post:
The charging coil diameter will probably not change since it is part of the Qi2 standard, but more magnets can be added in the bottom two-thirds of the iPhone to give accessories more stability, using the 6.3 inch iPhone as the new lower limit.
This can lead to a whole slew of new accessories, such as iPad-like folio cases, ultra-sturdy car mounts, and thinner battery packs.
Lowering the MagSafe ring would throw off its overall symmetry, but maybe Apple will compensate with corner magnets top and bottom.
Apple is planning a significant change in the design of its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, repositioning the Apple logo. Currently located slightly off-center and below the camera module since the iPhone X, the Apple logo will be moved lower, toward the center bottom of the phone. This recent discovery, reported by direct sources among case manufacturers, marks an evolution in Apple’s aesthetic language. An company we collaborate with, specialized in producing cases for the iPhone 17 Pro line, has confirmed they are already working to start production of cases with the updated design. Let’s explore the details of this recent finding, the reasons behind this choice, and the solutions the industry is developing. […]
This move toward the center bottom could alter the traditional symmetry of Apple devices, paving the way for further innovations. Specifically, the MagSafe system, essential for magnetic charging and accessory attachment, requires precise alignment with the back of the device.
Of course this is speculation, but it begs the question if Apple is revamping MagSafe to make it more versatile as I mentioned in a previous post:
The charging coil diameter will probably not change since it is part of the Qi2 standard, but more magnets can be added in the bottom two-thirds of the iPhone to give accessories more stability, using the 6.3 inch iPhone as the new lower limit.
This can lead to a whole slew of new accessories, such as iPad-like folio cases, ultra-sturdy car mounts, and thinner battery packs.
Lowering the MagSafe ring would throw off its overall symmetry, but maybe Apple will compensate with corner magnets top and bottom.
The vivo X Fold5 - tell me you want an iPhone, without telling me you want an iPhone.
Hadlee Simmons from Android Authority about the vivo X Fold5:
For starters, the company says it’s the first Android phone that can connect to the Apple Watch, supporting phone calls, texts, notification mirroring, synchronization of health/fitness data, and more. However, there are a couple of caveats to this integration. Your Apple Watch needs to be paired with an iPhone first. Furthermore, vivo says this functionality will come via a system update.
Let’s look at the fine print translation at the bottom of Vivo’s main landing page referring to the Apple Watch:
The relevant functions may change due to third-party services. vivo will update the description on the function publicity page according to the actual situation. Please refer to the actual use.
Looks like vivo is taking one out of Apple’s own playbook, but at least they’re letting you know in advance they might change the information on the product page website “according to the actual situation,” because these features might not work as intended and won’t ship out of the box.
Once again, don’t buy a device with the promise of new features that are not already baked into the device.
Let’s continue.
Seamless AirPods compatibility with - shoddy translation - “full-link native experience?” Let’s read the fine print once again:
All native function experiences of AirPods pairing with iPhone are not supported for the time being. Please refer to actual use.
I wouldn’t bet on getting all the advanced AirPods functions such as Adaptive Audio and Hearing Aid functionality.
Of course, there’s also “full-compatibility” with the iPhone, with chatGPT translating this quote from this image with two alternate translations:
"Perfectly in sync with Apple, Seamlessly across ecosystems."
"Works flawlessly with Apple, Smooth across ecosystems."
"In perfect harmony with Apple, Effortless cross-ecosystem experience."
In order for your iPhone to work properly, you must do the following “effortless” work (from the same landing page):
It means that the phone on the iPhone can be answered on vivo X Fold5, and the information and notifications on the iPhone can be transferred to vivo X Fold5 for viewing. The conditions of use are as follows:
(1) Download the "vivo mutual transmission" application on the iPhone (iOS system needs to be version 15.0 or above; "vivo mutual transmission" on the iOS terminal needs to be version 5.2.30 or above);
(2) vivo X Fold5 You need to log in to the same vivo account as the iPhone, and there are no other devices at both ends;
(3) The dual-end Bluetooth needs to be paired, and the distance requirement is within 10 meters;
(4) The notification flow needs to turn on the three-party application notification permission and the notification flow switch. iOS needs to turn off the [Filter Unknown Contacts] switch to experience the flow of verification codes.
The interface UI is for reference only, please refer to the actual use. This function needs to be implemented with third-party services. The relevant functions may change due to third-party services. vivo will update the description on the function publicity page according to the actual situation. Please refer to the actual use.
I think I now how to solve all these compatibility issues and how to avoid all these hoops and hurdles:
Get an iPhone.
Hadlee Simmons from Android Authority about the vivo X Fold5:
For starters, the company says it’s the first Android phone that can connect to the Apple Watch, supporting phone calls, texts, notification mirroring, synchronization of health/fitness data, and more. However, there are a couple of caveats to this integration. Your Apple Watch needs to be paired with an iPhone first. Furthermore, vivo says this functionality will come via a system update.
Let’s look at the fine print translation at the bottom of Vivo’s main landing page referring to the Apple Watch:
The relevant functions may change due to third-party services. vivo will update the description on the function publicity page according to the actual situation. Please refer to the actual use.
Looks like vivo is taking one out of Apple’s own playbook, but at least they’re letting you know in advance they might change the information on the product page website “according to the actual situation,” because these features might not work as intended and won’t ship out of the box.
Once again, don’t buy a device with the promise of new features that are not already baked into the device.
Let’s continue.
Seamless AirPods compatibility with - shoddy translation - “full-link native experience?” Let’s read the fine print once again:
All native function experiences of AirPods pairing with iPhone are not supported for the time being. Please refer to actual use.
I wouldn’t bet on getting all the advanced AirPods functions such as Adaptive Audio and Hearing Aid functionality.
Of course, there’s also “full-compatibility” with the iPhone, with chatGPT translating this quote from this image with two alternate translations:
"Perfectly in sync with Apple, Seamlessly across ecosystems."
"Works flawlessly with Apple, Smooth across ecosystems."
"In perfect harmony with Apple, Effortless cross-ecosystem experience."
In order for your iPhone to work properly, you must do the following “effortless” work (from the same landing page):
It means that the phone on the iPhone can be answered on vivo X Fold5, and the information and notifications on the iPhone can be transferred to vivo X Fold5 for viewing. The conditions of use are as follows:
(1) Download the "vivo mutual transmission" application on the iPhone (iOS system needs to be version 15.0 or above; "vivo mutual transmission" on the iOS terminal needs to be version 5.2.30 or above);
(2) vivo X Fold5 You need to log in to the same vivo account as the iPhone, and there are no other devices at both ends;
(3) The dual-end Bluetooth needs to be paired, and the distance requirement is within 10 meters;
(4) The notification flow needs to turn on the three-party application notification permission and the notification flow switch. iOS needs to turn off the [Filter Unknown Contacts] switch to experience the flow of verification codes.
The interface UI is for reference only, please refer to the actual use. This function needs to be implemented with third-party services. The relevant functions may change due to third-party services. vivo will update the description on the function publicity page according to the actual situation. Please refer to the actual use.
I think I now how to solve all these compatibility issues and how to avoid all these hoops and hurdles:
Get an iPhone.
Cure your smartphone addiction with the methaphone.
Arielle Pardes from WIRED (also News+ link):
Eric Antonow was in a coffee shop with his family when he felt the familiar, twitchy urge to reach for his phone. He patted his pockets for relief—the cool, thin slab was still there. He joked to his family that, like an addict jonesing for a hit, he would one day need a medical-grade solution to detox from his phone. Opioid addicts had methadone. iPhone addicts would need … methaphones.
“It was a joke, but I got two laughs from my two teenagers, which is gold,” Antonow says. “I was like, ‘I’m going to commit to the bit.’”
Here’s a description from the product page at Mindless Toys:
For 60 years, heroin addicts have used methadone to help break their addiction. Now you can step down your dependency on your mobile device with this: methaphone.
Leave your phone without the cravings or withdrawalWe carry our phones everywhere. It feels strange and unsettling when we can't feel them. We twitch, worried we've lost something.
methaphone can help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can fill that hole in your back pocket. It can fill that hole in your hand. Opioid addicts have used methadone to help step down from dependency, and now you have this.
The product does look impressive.
Liquid Glass to the next level.
Although the website is obviously a gag like rentahitman.com, I would say the analogy is more like:
smartphone is to methaphone as an antidepressant is to placebo.
Arielle Pardes from WIRED (also News+ link):
Eric Antonow was in a coffee shop with his family when he felt the familiar, twitchy urge to reach for his phone. He patted his pockets for relief—the cool, thin slab was still there. He joked to his family that, like an addict jonesing for a hit, he would one day need a medical-grade solution to detox from his phone. Opioid addicts had methadone. iPhone addicts would need … methaphones.
“It was a joke, but I got two laughs from my two teenagers, which is gold,” Antonow says. “I was like, ‘I’m going to commit to the bit.’”
Here’s a description from the product page at Mindless Toys:
For 60 years, heroin addicts have used methadone to help break their addiction. Now you can step down your dependency on your mobile device with this: methaphone.
Leave your phone without the cravings or withdrawalWe carry our phones everywhere. It feels strange and unsettling when we can't feel them. We twitch, worried we've lost something.
methaphone can help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can fill that hole in your back pocket. It can fill that hole in your hand. Opioid addicts have used methadone to help step down from dependency, and now you have this.
The product does look impressive.
Liquid Glass to the next level.
Although the website is obviously a gag like rentahitman.com, I would say the analogy is more like:
smartphone is to methaphone as an antidepressant is to placebo.