Samsung’s latest flagship phones have debuted to strong reviews, with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra winning particular raves for its responsive S Pen, powerful zoom lens and its dynamic 120Hz display. It sets a pretty high bar for the other flagship phones coming out in the second half of 2020 — particularly for the new iPhone 12 lineup.
So will the initial success of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cause any sleepless nights in Cupertino, as Apple executives wrestle with how to make the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro standout from rival devices? Not exactly, tech analysts say.
“While the Galaxy Note20 Ultra is extremely impressive, the iPhone ecosystem is quite sticky,” said Avi Greengart, lead analyst at Techsponential. “There is not as much cross-shopping as you might think.”
Still, while the iPhone 12 should still do very well for itself, thank you very much, there’s more than a little pride at stake. None of the major smartphone makers like to cede any amount of buzz about their new devices, even if they’re confident that fans will flock to the new versions. And with the iPhone 12 expected to ship later than usual — Apple has indicated we won’t see the new iPhone in September — there might be some pressure to make up for the Note 20’s head start.
But ultimately, the challenge facing Apple and the iPhone 12 is the same one that faces any device maker a dozen years after the original iPhone reinvented the smartphone market. How do you keep something fresh that’s so familiar?
Apple unveils the iPhone 11 at last year’s launch event. (Image credit: Josh Edelson/Getty Images)
“Smartphones are a mature category,” Greengart said. “Aside from new form factors like dual-screen or foldables, all updates are iterative.”
These days, Apple may not be able to revolutionize phones the way it did more than a decade ago. But there are plenty of ways that the iPhone 12 can still stand out in a crowded market and maybe even push rivals like the Galaxy Note 20 off to the side.
iPhone 12: The first 5G iPhone
Let’s start with the obvious thing missing from the iPhone, and one of the features Apple is most likely to add. While other phone makers have been putting out 5G phones since 2019 — Samsung released the Galaxy S10 5G more than a year ago — Apple has sat on the sidelines. It’s not like Apple has missed much: 5G networks are still being built out, and consumers have yet to reap the full benefits of faster network speeds and lower latency.
Now that Apple’s throwing its hat into the 5G ring, it’s expected to do so in a big way. All four rumored iPhone 12 models are likely to feature 5G connectivity, so if you buy a new iPhone, you’ll be able to connect to a 5G network.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has been available since the spring. The iPhone 12 will have some catching up to do. (Image credit: Future)
Or at least, you should be able to. A leak from earlier this year suggested both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max would only be able to connect to the sub-6Hz flavor of 5G; higher-speed mmWave connectivity used primarily by Verizon would be reserved for the iPhone 12 Pro models. Subsequent rumors have suggested that all iPhone models will support both kinds of 5G. And that’s a smart decision — if Apple’s 5G debut is to be a success, it needs to make those phones available to the widest audience possible.
Early 5G phones were very expensive, with prices regularly topping $1,000. That’s come down a bit in recent months, especially as Android phone makers have been able to take advantage of the less expensive Snapdragon 765 mobile processor and its built-in 5G modem to release 5G that cost $600 or less.
The iPhone 12 likely won’t be that inexpensive. But the fact that Apple will apparently release four different 5G iPhones means that there will be models available at a wide range of prices.
iPhone 12: Getting the price — and size — right
Speaking of price, if there’s one lesson Apple’s learned in the past year, it’s that people rarely pass up an opportunity to buy a cheaper iPhone. Apple actually saw a modest increase in iPhone sales during its June quarter in spite of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic closing the company’s retailer stores and would-be upgraders likely holding out for new iPhones in the fall. Much of the credit for that growth goes to the iPhone SE 2020, Apple’s $399 device, which proves that people still like an iPhone with a low price and a compact size.
The iPhone SE proves there’s still an audience for compact phones. (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
It’s not just the iPhone SE. Since the $699 iPhone 11 made its debut last fall, it’s been Apple’s most popular model, as shoppers look for a viable alternative to a $999 iPhone.
That’s likely to continue with the iPhone 12, at least based on rumors about the new iPhone’s prices. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are expected to keep the respective $999 and $1,099 price tags of their predecessors. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max will be the low-cost alternatives, with rumored price tags of $649 and $749, respectively. That not only gives people a way to save money from the iPhone 12 Pro, it’s also hundreds of dollars less than the flagships Samsung has put out this year.
If Apple releases a 5.4-inch iPhone, as has been widely rumored, that will fill a niche that nobody else is targeting for small premium phones.
— Avi Greengart, Techsponential
Just as important as price, though, is size. While phone screens are getting ever larger — you can’t get a Galaxy S20 or Note 20 that’s smaller than 6.2 inches — there’s still a segment of the phone-buying population that covets compact devices. The $649 iPhone 12 is rumored to be addressing that demand with a 5.4-inch screen, which could wind up on our best small phone list. And that will help Apple’s new phone stand out, Greengart said.
“If Apple releases a 5.4-inch iPhone, as has been widely rumored, that will fill a niche that nobody else is targeting for small premium phones,” he added.
iPhone 12 display: Embracing 120Hz
Apple may boast the fastest phones, thanks to its A13 Bionic chipset. (The even faster A14 is all but certain to power the iPhone 12.) But some Android phones have gotten in another area where Apple has stood still — they feature displays with faster refresh rates.
All three Samsung Galaxy S20 models released earlier this year feature displays that refresh at 120Hz; the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra does that spec one better by dynamically adjusting its refresh rate based on how you’re using the phone. And those aren’t the only Android devices with faster refreshing screens — the Pixel 4 lineup boasts a 90Hz refresh rate while both the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro have faster refresh rates, too.
The dynamic 120Hz display on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has proven to be one of that phone’s most distinctive features. (Image credit: Future)
Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhones are stuck at 60Hz refresh rates, the standard for smartphones these days. That means while owners of other phones are enjoying more immersive experiences like smoother scrolling and better gameplay.
“High refresh rate displays are becoming a feature consumers look for at the high end of the market,” Greengart said. “Apple has plenty of experience with this. The iPad Pro has offered one for years.”
But will the iPhone 12? Of the new models coming out this fall, it would seem like the iPhone 12 Pro were the most likely to adopt 120Hz refresh rates, though more recent rumors have thrown cold water on that speculation. It seems like something Apple will need to add sooner rather than later or risk having the iPhone fall behind the competition, at least when it comes to displays.
iPhone 12 cameras: What else is new?
The iPhone has long been considered one of the best camera phones, and that’s unlikely to change with the iPhone 12. Still, other phone makers have stepped up their game, both in terms of camera hardware and software. On the hardware front, we’re particularly impressed by the Space Zoom lens on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and its ability to produce some pretty clear images with its 50x zoom. On the software side of things, it’s Google that often sets the standard for computational photography.
So how does Apple respond? Based on the rumors we’ve heard about the camera arrays on the various iPhone 12 models, we’re unlikely to see advances like a dramatically improved telephoto lens. Apple’s software innovations have a way of sneaking up on us — who knew about Smart HDR and Deep Fusion until Apple explained how those features make for better, more detailed photos? So we could be surprised by some similar innovation when Apple shows off its new phones in a month or so.
The iPhone 12 Pro may get a LiDAR sensor to join its other rear cameras. (Image credit: svetapple)
One possible new feature headed to the iPhone 12 Pro phones will be a LiDAR sensor similar to the one on the iPad Pro. This extra lens will be able to gauge distances more quickly and accurately than time-of-flight sensors, which should improve portrait shots taken by the iPhone 12 Pro. But a more compelling use would be with augmented reality and iPhone AR apps that could tap into the LiDAR sensor to more accurately measure the distance of real-world objects.
Expect Apple to spend a lot of time explaining the benefits of LiDAR at its iPhone 12 launch event, and maybe even invite some app makers on stage to show how their software takes advantage of the new hardware.
iPhone 12 outlook
Apple rarely takes notice of what other phone makers are doing, opting to go in its own direction. Given the volume iPhones Apple has sold to date, you’d have a hard time arguing with that strategy.
“The reason to buy an iPhone 12 will be the same reason people bought an iPhone XS or iPhone 11 — it’s an iPhone,” Greengart said. “Apple’s processors outperform the competition. Apple’s imaging, networking, and displays should be competitive. But the iOS ecosystem and user experience is unique.”
Still, the iPhone 12 arrives at a unique time. Apple’s new phones will debut later than usual — perhaps even after Google’s upcoming Pixel 5 if rumors of a Sept. 30 release for that phone pan out. The economic fallout from coronavirus may make people resistant to shelling out big bucks for a new phone, even one from Apple. And Android phones — the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, in particular — have upped their game in an effort to challenge Apple.
There are plenty of ways Apple can raise the bar for smartphones yet again with the iPhone 12. We’ll find out exactly how when Apple is ready to unveil its latest phones.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
