Apple Daily | Rumored iPhone 17 "Slim" Could Be Branded as iPhone "Air" for Thinner Design and Higher Sales
Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024 4:00 am ET
**iPhone**
Apple's rumored iPhone 17 "Slim" may be branded as iPhone "Air" to boost sales. This model aims to offer a thinner design, positioned between the standard and Pro models, similar to the original MacBook Air's placement in the lineup. The iPhone "Air" is expected to be more popular than previous mini and Plus models and will eventually aim to match the Pro model's performance in a smaller form factor, though not before 2027.
**iPad**
Apple is beta testing iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 concurrently. iOS 18.1 includes updates to Photos and Safari, while iOS 18 finalizes features for launch. The Photos app has been streamlined, and Safari now includes a Distraction Control feature to hide distracting elements on webpages. Apple Intelligence has new localized versions of English and is available in the second 18.1 beta.
The second betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 are available for developers, focusing on Apple Intelligence features. These include Writing Tools, a new Siri design, smart replies in Messages and Mail, and more. Some features like Image Playground and Genmoji will come later in 2024 and 2025.
Apple has released the sixth betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, with separate tracks for iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1. These updates introduce Apple Intelligence, customizable Home screen apps, a dedicated Passwords app, and other features. The public release is expected this fall.
Apple Intelligence may take three years to develop into a product worth charging for. Future plans might include a subscription model similar to iCloud+. The first Apple Intelligence features are partially available in the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 betas, with full features expected by 2025.
**Mac**
The macOS Sequoia 15 and 15.1 betas include new animated wallpapers featuring sequoia trees. These wallpapers will be available to all macOS Sequoia users when the operating system is released this fall.
**Apple Watch**
Apple has released the sixth beta of watchOS 11 to developers. This update introduces a new Vitals app, a Training Load feature, updated Smart Stack widgets, customizable Activity Rings, and new maps features.
LG seeks compensation from Apple for the canceled microLED Apple Watch project. LG invested heavily in preparation, purchasing patents and relocating equipment, but Apple's concerns about microLED's economic viability led to the project's termination.
**Vision Pro**
Apple has released the sixth beta of visionOS 2 to developers. This update allows 2D photos to be turned into 3D photos, introduces new hand gestures, customizable Home View, Travel Mode support for trains, and higher resolution Mac Virtual Display support. The Vision Pro can now serve as an AirPlay receiver, and the Mindfulness app can track breathing patterns.
**Others**
Apple has released a new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2. This update includes features like head gestures for Siri control, Voice Isolation, and Personalized Spatial Audio for gaming. The firmware requires iOS 18 and will be available to the public this fall.
Apple Maps is preparing to expand its "Look Around" feature to more areas, including major highways, smaller cities, rural areas, and new countries like Morocco, Egypt, and China. This expansion aims to compete more aggressively with Google's Street View.
Apple's rumored iPhone 17 "Slim" may be branded as iPhone "Air" to boost sales. This model aims to offer a thinner design, positioned between the standard and Pro models, similar to the original MacBook Air's placement in the lineup. The iPhone "Air" is expected to be more popular than previous mini and Plus models and will eventually aim to match the Pro model's performance in a smaller form factor, though not before 2027.
**iPad**
Apple is beta testing iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 concurrently. iOS 18.1 includes updates to Photos and Safari, while iOS 18 finalizes features for launch. The Photos app has been streamlined, and Safari now includes a Distraction Control feature to hide distracting elements on webpages. Apple Intelligence has new localized versions of English and is available in the second 18.1 beta.
The second betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 are available for developers, focusing on Apple Intelligence features. These include Writing Tools, a new Siri design, smart replies in Messages and Mail, and more. Some features like Image Playground and Genmoji will come later in 2024 and 2025.
Apple has released the sixth betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, with separate tracks for iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1. These updates introduce Apple Intelligence, customizable Home screen apps, a dedicated Passwords app, and other features. The public release is expected this fall.
Apple Intelligence may take three years to develop into a product worth charging for. Future plans might include a subscription model similar to iCloud+. The first Apple Intelligence features are partially available in the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 betas, with full features expected by 2025.
**Mac**
The macOS Sequoia 15 and 15.1 betas include new animated wallpapers featuring sequoia trees. These wallpapers will be available to all macOS Sequoia users when the operating system is released this fall.
**Apple Watch**
Apple has released the sixth beta of watchOS 11 to developers. This update introduces a new Vitals app, a Training Load feature, updated Smart Stack widgets, customizable Activity Rings, and new maps features.
LG seeks compensation from Apple for the canceled microLED Apple Watch project. LG invested heavily in preparation, purchasing patents and relocating equipment, but Apple's concerns about microLED's economic viability led to the project's termination.
**Vision Pro**
Apple has released the sixth beta of visionOS 2 to developers. This update allows 2D photos to be turned into 3D photos, introduces new hand gestures, customizable Home View, Travel Mode support for trains, and higher resolution Mac Virtual Display support. The Vision Pro can now serve as an AirPlay receiver, and the Mindfulness app can track breathing patterns.
**Others**
Apple has released a new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2. This update includes features like head gestures for Siri control, Voice Isolation, and Personalized Spatial Audio for gaming. The firmware requires iOS 18 and will be available to the public this fall.
Apple Maps is preparing to expand its "Look Around" feature to more areas, including major highways, smaller cities, rural areas, and new countries like Morocco, Egypt, and China. This expansion aims to compete more aggressively with Google's Street View.