Apple has been busy! Instead of grand events, they've opted for a steady stream of announcements, delivering updates across their entire product line. From a surprisingly repairable iPhone to powerful new Macs and iPads, here's a breakdown of everything Apple has unveiled recently.
iPhone 16e: Repairability and a New Modem
The iPhone 16e marks a departure for Apple, focusing on repairability. Thanks to recent "Right to Repair" laws, the 16e is designed to be easier to fix, even without a trip to the Apple Store. iFixit gave it a provisional 7/10 rating.
A key feature is the repair guide for the USB-C port, unique even amongst the iPhone 16 series. While the process still involves removing numerous components to access the logic board, the guide offers clear instructions. The 16e also features an electrically released battery adhesive, a welcome improvement over previous designs.
Perhaps most interestingly, the iPhone 16e is the first to feature Apple's custom C1 modem, a decade in the making. iFixit's teardown confirmed the absence of any Qualcomm technology. Despite these innovations, the iPhone 16e, with its A18 chip and iPhone 14-esque design, doesn't feel like a steal at $549, but it's an intriguing step for Apple.
MacBook Air and Beyond: The M4 Era Begins
Apple's M4 chip is making its way into a range of devices. The MacBook Air now boasts the M4, starting at a lower price of $999 for the 13-inch model. It also features an improved 12MP Center Stage webcam and a new "Sky Blue" color. A welcome update indeed.
The Mac Studio received a spec bump, offering either an M4 Max or the new M3 Ultra chip. The M3 Ultra, a powerhouse with up to an 80-core GPU and 512GB of unified memory, is currently exclusive to the Mac Studio. "The M3 Ultra is over two times as powerful as the M1 Ultra," Apple claims.
Even the iPad Air received the M3 treatment, along with an updated Magic Keyboard. The entry-level iPad also saw a bump to the A16 chip and increased base storage to 128GB.
More Mini, More iMac, More Pro
The M4 Mac mini sports a new design, resembling a taller Apple TV with front-facing ports, starting at $599. The M4 iMac received minor updates, including new colors and a 12MP webcam. Finally, the M4 MacBook Pros were released, showcasing the M4 family of chips, boasting more RAM, Thunderbolt ports, and a brighter screen.
This wave of updates highlights Apple's focus on internal improvements and AI capabilities, with the M4 chip featuring a larger Neural Engine. While some may miss the fanfare of traditional Apple events, the company is clearly committed to delivering consistent upgrades across its product ecosystem.
What About iMessage?
While Apple has been busy with hardware, some are calling for improvements to their software. One popular request is the addition of disappearing messages to iMessage, further enhancing user privacy.