iPad & iPhone User 166

Qualcomm has announced what it claims is the first 10 gigabit 5G modem, the Snapdragon X65. Or more accurately, ‘Modem-RF System’, as it includes the modem, RF transceivers, RF front-end, antenna module... it’s a matched set. If you’re excited about the prospect of this sort of speed in Apple’s autumn iPhone release (iPhone 12S? iPhone 13?), don’t hold your breath. It’s likely headed to next year’s iPhone, due to be released in the autumn of 2022. When it arrives, you can expect better peak performance and a host of other benefits, but some of it will require carriers to upgrade their networks. BENEFITS Qualcomm lists a host of improvements in its new modem. As usual, you should take any manufacturer’s claims of performance with a grain of salt. The Snapdragon X65 is the first…

When Apple unveiled its new MagSafe magnetic accessory system for the iPhone 12, we were all thinking one thing: a smart battery pack. Instead, we got a wallet and an underwhelming portable charger. Now, a new report says the battery pack Apple is working on might never arrive at all. Bloomberg reveals that Apple is indeed working on a “magnetically attached battery pack” that would wirelessly charge the iPhone 12 throughout the day. The description of the product suggests it would look similar to the leather wallet and not cover the whole back of the phone like the previous Smart Battery Case. However, as the iPhone 12 enters its fourth month of availability, the question remains whether the accessory will actually reach shelves. According to the report, development has been beset with…

The iPhone may be the top-selling smartphone with 5G, but a new job posting discovered by Bloomberg suggests that Apple is already looking ahead to the next generation of wireless networks. Apple has posted ads looking for “wireless system research engineers for current and next-generation networks” at its offices in California. According to the ad, candidates “will be at the centre of a cutting-edge research group responsible for creating next-generation disruptive radio access technologies over the next decade”. The job description states that hires “will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to craft next-generation wireless technology that will have a deep impact on future Apple products”, and specifically lists “next-generation 6G wireless communication systems” as a focus. With 5G only just beginning to roll out, 6G is likely a decade…

While a new Apple Car is still likely many years away (see page 13), that’s not the only new product Apple is reportedly working on. A flurry of new rumours point to a possible release of an AR/VR headset early next year. While it’s not quite the sleek Apple Glasses that were recently rumoured, two reports say that Apple may launch an augmented- and virtual-reality headset in 2022 with seriously high-end specs. According to JP Morgan (via iMore), the headset will feature six cameras and an optical LiDAR scanner like the iPhone 12. The firm says the design of the unit is somewhat similar to HTC and Oculus with a head strap and enclosed front. That report was followed by tech news site The Information, which adds a few more details…

Just when we thought the fabled Apple Car had driven off into the sunset, a flurry of recent rumours has given new life to the project. But despite some promising signs, we’re still likely many years away from driving one. The most recent rumour comes from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), who writes that Apple is collaborating with several automakers on the Apple Car project, including Hyundai, GM and Peugeot manufacturer PSA. According to Kuo, “Apple will leverage current automakers’ resources and focus on self-driving hardware and software, semiconductors, battery-related technologies, form factor and internal space designs, innovative user experience and the integration with Apple’s existing ecosystem.” Specifically, he says Apple will be using Hyundai’s E-GMP battery electric vehicle platform for the foundation of the Apple Car. This isn’t the first…

Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone 12 or 12 Pro – or even the 12 Pro Max? Is the iPhone SE or the 12 mini the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss price, specs and features, and you should leave feeling much more confident about your buying decision. Here’s Apple’s current range: iPhone 12 Pro Max: 128GB, £1,099; 256GB, £1,199; 512GB, £1,399 iPhone 12 Pro: 128GB, £999; 256GB, £1,099; 512GB,…