Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including WWDC 2024 dates, leaked iPhone 15 Pro specs, iPhone 16’s AI problem, folding iPhone delayed, MacBook Pro’s important fix, a new iPad camera, surprise iPhone 12 upgrade, and $100,000 for a 4 GB iPhone.
Apple is under pressure this year to deliver a meaningful AI-based product. With its smartphone rivals almost a year ahead of Tim Cook and his team, the Worldwide Developer will be the public launch of their AI move. Now we know what that will be.
“WWDC is a week later than usual, running Monday, June 10, to the following Friday, June 14… It will kick off with the keynote as usual. Apple hasn’t revealed the time just yet but it’s always at 10 a.m. local, in this case Pacific Daylight Time. Like last year, it’s going to be online, but there’ll be a special event in person on the Monday.”
AI may be the next big buzzword, but as we’ve discussed before, it’s not going to be a Kilelr app that sells phones on its own. There’s something more powerful than that… the color of the phone. This week, the colorway of the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models came to light… Rose Gold, Natural Titanium, and Space Black:
“If you’re disappointed by how discreet these colors are going to be, remember that the current Pro crop is also demurely understated, and the (slightly) brighter colors are kept for the iPhone 15 range. Perhaps this year’s phones will mirror that.
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We also have details on the vanilla iPhone 16 range. Apple has worked hard to create a generational gap between them, with the iPhone 15 sporting the A16 and the iPhone 15 Pro the A17 Pro. But if Apple is going to go all-in on AI, then the iPhone 16 is going to need a lot more power. Which looks to be the case:
“The first comes from well-known leaker @Tech_Reve (via TechRadar) who claims the iPhone 16 will have additional RAM and storage capacity to give the AI more room to do its thing. Analyst Jeff Pu also believes that the A18 Pro chipset will also power the phone’s on-device AI. ”
AI is not the only area Apple is falling behind in. The other is foldable smartphones, and its plans to try and match the likes of Samsung and Honor have been delayed for at least three more years… even if Apple is still stockpiling parts:
“Apple higher-ups said after considering the preparation for various items, including foldable display supply, the launch of the foldable iPhone was adjusted from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027. Despite the delay, major component manufacturers such as display suppliers are expected to proceed according to the original schedule.”
Following the critical bugs found in macOS 14.4, Apple has pushed out an interim 14.4.1 release. With users asked to hold back on upgrading the 14.4 version, this minor update should take care of the isues introduced earlier this month:
“MacOS 14.4… users reported that some USB devices stopped working after the update, requiring changes to the privacy and security settings to allow a connection; under some circumstances, older versions of files backed up to iCloud were deleted; and Java processes were crashing unexpectedly on Apple Silicon powered Macs.”
While the next iPad release looks to be pushed back to May, there is good news for those waiting. Apple may finally allow a more comfortable landscape experience and put a forward-facing camera along the long edge:
the ipad has this already. Now it’s time for the iPad Pro to join the revolution:
“Currently, the front-facing camera of both the iPad Air and iPad Pro resides on the top of the device, which means that the camera is positioned to the left when the device is being used in landscape, such as with a Magic Keyboard. Apple relocated the front-facing camera of the 10th-generation iPad to the side of the device to provide a better experience in landscape and the company has not launched a new iPad since then.”
Apple has a surprise for iPhone 12 owners. The 2020 phone has always been able to charge at 15W with MagSafe wirelessly, but it was limited to the slower 7.5W using the open Qi standard. With the release of iOS 17.4, the 15W Qi2 standard is now available, and faster charging from all wireless chargers is now available for all.
“Although it hasn’t officially been announced by Apple, iOS 17.4 appears to have unlocked Qi2 support for the iPhone 12. A series of tests and feedback from Macworld readers prove that the iPhone 12 now works at full 15W wireless charging speed when magnetically connected to a non-MagSafe Qi2 charger.”
How much would you spend on an iPhone? How about the first iPhone? How about the first iPhone with far too little memory? SOmebody decided that $100,00 was the right amount this week:
“In mid-March, a 4GB original-release iPhone hit the auction block at LCG Auctions. The model was noted to be in fantastic condition, with seven of the eight corners sharp, no fading, and no dings around the edges. LCG expected the model to bring in over $100,000 — and it did. The final sales price was $130,027.20. The main reason for the high sale price is rarity. Apple discontinued the 4GB model on September 5, 2007, just over two months after its release.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
