New data from Counterpoint Research shows that demand is still weak across China. Government subsidies introduced in January have not done much to change that, making individuals hold back on spending, and phone makers are feeling it.

Apple, however, managed to push ahead, discounts on e-commerce platforms helped, and the base model of the iPhone 17 qualified for state subsidies. That combination made its devices more attractive at a time when buyers are prudent.

There is also the question of cost, with memory chip prices surging and putting pressure on manufacturers.

While others are reacting by raising prices, Apple is taking a different route. Its control over its supply chain gives it room to absorb some of the extra cost instead of passing it on to customers.

Counterpoint explained, “Apple is unlikely to follow suit, instead absorbing part of the margin pressure and using the situation to potentially expand its market share.”

Competitors are not in the same position. OPPO and vivo have already increased prices on some existing models this month. The adjustments are not just covering costs, but are also testing how much consumers are willing to pay before new devices arrive later in the year.

Meanwhile, Huawei is leaning on domestic suppliers who tend to charge less than international chipmakers, giving Huawei some breathing space.

That advantage could help it compete more aggressively, especially in the low- and mid-range segments.

The pressure is not going away soon. Memory costs are still high, and manufacturers are being forced to choose between protecting margins, keeping prices stable, or pushing shipments.

Hence, the Chinese market is expected to stay soft through March, April and May. There may be some lift in early June when the country’s “618” shopping festival begins.

That period usually brings heavy discounts and a spike in sales, although any rebound may be temporary.

As it stands, most brands are adjusting to a tougher market, while Apple is using the moment to hold its ground in the China smartphone market, and possibly take more share, while sales grow.

The post Apple’s China Sales Surge 23% Despite Smartphone Market Decline appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Apple’s surge came after its stock reached an all-time high of $269.20 before settling around $268.60, briefly pushing its market cap beyond $4 trillion. 

The company’s growth has been commendable, hitting $1 trillion in 2018, $2 trillion in 2020, and $3 trillion in 2022. 

Its latest increase was driven largely by strong sales of the iPhone 17 range, which analysts say is outselling previous models, particularly in China and India. 

The firm is also expected to report solid fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, with notable growth anticipated in services revenue, such as App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music, and wearables, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Vision Pro.

Microsoft, which had briefly slipped below the mark earlier this year, rebounded strongly following its renewed agreement with OpenAI. The deal has deepened the integration of OpenAI’s GPT models across Microsoft’s Azure and Copilot tools. 

According to the company, its 27% stake in OpenAI is now valued at approximately $135 billion, highlighting the scale of investor trust in the AI sector. 

Azure continues to be a central driver of Microsoft’s earnings, with enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and its Microsoft 365 Copilot suite pushing growth to new levels. The company will release its quarterly report on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Nvidia continues to lead the trillion-dollar race. The chipmaker was the first to reach the $4 trillion milestone in July 2025 and is now nearing $5 trillion in valuation. 

Its performance has been driven by global demand for its H100 and B200 GPUs, key components in training large-scale AI models. Nvidia’s place in the AI hardware market has made it the fastest-growing tech stock of the year.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is not far behind, trading at a market capitalisation of around $3.25 trillion. If the current growth in AI and cloud services continues, it could soon join Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and others in the $4 trillion valuation club.

The post Apple, Microsoft Each Hit $4 Trillion Valuation, Joining Nvidia appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The iPhone 17 lineup overtook last year’s iPhone 16 series by 14% in early sales across the United States and China, as the base model nearly doubled sales in China. 

Analysts say that promotional discounts and coupons from retail channels in China further spurred demand.

Apple stock climbed 4.5% to $263.70, lifting its market capitalisation to $3.91 trillion and placing it just behind Nvidia, which currently holds the top spot with a valuation of over $4 trillion. The company is now set to become the third in history to reach that level, alongside Microsoft and Nvidia.

“The recent launch of online orders in China may be a positive tailwind for the Dec-qtr, as initial delivery time data reflects stronger initial demand relative to other regions at launch,” Evercore ISI analysts wrote in a note. 

The brokerage recently added Apple to its Tactical Outperform List, pointing to expectations that the company will surpass Wall Street forecasts for its current quarter and deliver optimistic guidance for the next.

Apple has been working to recover ground in China after a slow start earlier this year. The tech giant had faced competition from Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro and rising nationalist opinion that favoured local brands.

But the decision to open direct online orders in China, combined with faster delivery times, appears to have reignited momentum in the region.

Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, said, “They rolled out the latest version of their iPhone and it’s doing much better than anticipated … the demand trends for the company’s iPhones are now on the front foot.”

In September, Apple unveiled its latest product range, including the thinner iPhone Air, while maintaining prices despite concerns over potential U.S. tariffs.

Earlier in the year, the company’s stock had been weighed down by trade issues and high import duties on goods from Asian manufacturing hubs such as China and India.

However, trust began to return in August after Apple announced a $100 billion investment plan in the United States, a move seen as both a strategic buffer against tariff risks and a reassurance to investors about its long-term outlook.

The rally in Apple’s shares also boosted suppliers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Hon Hai Precision, and LG Innotek.

Apple’s strong performance comes with a rally in the technology sector, driven by growing demand for AI chips, resilient consumer spending, and a change by investors towards mega-cap stocks. If the growth continues, Apple could soon join Nvidia and Microsoft in the elite $4 trillion club.

The company is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings on October 30.

The post Apple Nears $4 Trillion Valuation as iPhone 17 Sales Outpace Expectations appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The data shows that the base model iPhone 17 nearly doubled its sales in China compared to the iPhone 16 during the same launch period. Overall, the model recorded a 31% sales increase across both countries.

“The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money,” said Mengmeng Zhang, senior analyst at Counterpoint. “A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade – all for the same price as last year’s iPhone 16.”

What’s Behind the Surge

Counterpoint attributes the outstanding start to a series of hardware upgrades that give the iPhone 17 more value without a higher price. 

The device comes with a new A19 Bionic chip, a brighter OLED display, 256GB base storage, and an upgraded 12MP front camera with enhanced low-light performance.

These improvements appear to have struck a chord with users who skipped upgrading last year, with many seeing the iPhone 17 as a stronger, longer-lasting option. 

Analysts also noted that carrier subsidies and trade-in offers boosted early adoption, especially among younger buyers and urban professionals.

Earlier in 2025, Apple faced weak demand in China as competition from Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro and other homegrown brands heated up. The iPhone 17’s strong early showing now shows a potential rebound in market share.

Stores in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen reportedly saw long queues and sell-outs for the base and Pro Max models after the global launch in September 2025. Within a month, Apple had rolled out the series in over 40 countries, marking one of its fastest international expansions.

In short, the iPhone 17’s combination of noticeable performance upgrades, unchanged pricing, and a more consumer-friendly purchase model has given Apple the boost it needed to regain its footing in key markets.

The post Apple’s iPhone 17 Sells 14% Better Than iPhone 16 in China, U.S. | Here’s Why appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Back then, these phones were mostly seen as cheaper options for people who couldn’t stretch for premium models. But a lot has changed.

Today, mid-range phones have improved so much that they’ve become the smart choice for many buyers. They give the right balance between performance and price, and honestly, that’s what most people care about now.

This change didn’t just happen by accident. It grew out of tough competition between phone makers who realised that not everyone wants to pay for brand prestige. Some just want reliable phones that work well and last long, and that’s exactly what mid-range phones have become.

In 2025, we’ve seen plenty of new launches in this category. Many of these phones now come with strong chipsets, high refresh rate screens, and camera setups that used to be found only on premium devices.

It’s now common to see someone using a ₦200,000 phone that performs just as smoothly as one that costs three times more.

Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, and OnePlus have been at the heart of this change. Samsung’s Galaxy A series, for instance, comes with AMOLED screens and multiple cameras, things that used to define its flagship models. Google’s Pixel “a” series has also blurred the line between high-end and mid-range by offering great cameras at reasonable prices.

Chipsets like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 series and MediaTek’s Dimensity 8000 have pushed this category even further.

Thanks to these, phone makers are now building mid-range devices that can handle gaming, content creation, and multitasking with ease.

Price and Performance

The balance between price and performance has always been a big deal, but in 2025 it’s more apparent than ever. Flagship phones may look better and sound more premium, but when it comes down to everyday use, the difference isn’t as wide as people think.

If you use your phone mostly for social media, emails, or video calls, you’ll barely notice any performance gap between a ₦200,000 phone and one worth ₦800,000. Both will handle your daily routine smoothly.

Xiaomi Redmi 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Let’s take the Xiaomi Redmi 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 as an example. The Redmi 15, which launched in August 2025, comes surprisingly close to the Galaxy S25, and costs less than a third of its price.

Both phones have similar screen refresh rates, and the Redmi even has a slightly larger display. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip and an Adreno 619 GPU. While that’s a step below the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25, it still delivers impressive performance.

Both phones also run Android 15, with Xiaomi using its HyperOS interface and Samsung its familiar OneUI. In real life, both systems feel equally smooth.

For less than ₦360,000, you can get the Redmi 15, which offers solid performance, bright display quality, and decent storage, features that, not too long ago, were limited to flagship devices.

• Price of Xiaomi Redmi 15: ₦140,000 – ₦380,000
• Price of Samsung Galaxy S25: ₦850,000 – ₦1,300,000
• Price of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,200,000

Camera and Display Quality

Cameras used to be the main reason people paid extra for flagship phones, but that’s no longer true. Mid-range devices now take great pictures too.

Phones like Samsung’s A16 5G and A06 both come with 50MP main cameras and AI-powered image optimisation. They adjust lighting and focus automatically, helping users take better pictures without any editing skills.

Displays have also come a long way. OLED screens, high refresh rates, and better colour contrast are now common in mid-range phones. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, gaming, or watching videos, the difference in experience is much smaller than before.

Samsung Galaxy A16 vs iPhone 17

The Samsung Galaxy A16 is one of the most impressive mid-range phones right now. It stands close to the iPhone 17, which says a lot.

It comes with a triple camera setup, a 50MP wide lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro. The iPhone 17, on the other hand, features an 18MP main camera. Despite that, the A16 holds its own, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

The A16’s AMOLED display (1080 x 2340 pixels) offers crisp visuals and a pixel density of about 385ppi — not far from the iPhone’s 460ppi. But where Samsung wins big is battery life. Its 5000mAh battery lasts much longer, even under heavy use.

Price of Samsung Galaxy A16: ₦214,000 – ₦258,000
Price of iPhone 17 Series: ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,150,000

Battery Life and Software Support

Battery life has always been a deal breaker, especially in regions where constant power supply isn’t guaranteed. This is one reason mid-range phones dominate markets like Africa — they simply last longer on a single charge.

Most mid-range phones released in 2025 now come with at least a 5000mAh battery and fast-charging technology. Many can power a full day’s use without needing to be plugged in again, which is exactly what users want.

Realme P3 vs Google Pixel 9

When you compare Realme’s P3 to Google’s Pixel 9, you can see how much value mid-range phones now offer.

The Realme P3 packs a huge 6000mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 has a smaller 4900mAh one. The Pixel still wins in camera quality and software optimisation, but in terms of hardware and battery, the Realme P3 gives more for the money.

Realme P3 Battery Life: 6000 mAh
Google Pixel 9 Battery Life: ~4700 mAh

Price of Realme P3: ₦110,000 – ₦200,000 (approx. “box price” listings in Nigeria)
Price of Google Pixel 9: ₦900,000 – ₦1,200,000 (estimated based on listings)

Buying a mid-range smartphone in 2025 is simply the smarter choice. It lets you save money for other tech needs, like wearables or streaming subscriptions, without feeling like you’re missing out on premium features.

Manufacturers have also adjusted to this trend. They’re now building phones that serve different types of users: professionals who need reliable battery life, students who want affordability, and casual users who just need something that works.

At the end of the day, choosing a mid-range phone isn’t a downgrade. It’s a practical decision that balances performance, price, and purpose, proof that innovation doesn’t always have to come with a premium price tag.

The post Why Mid-Range Smartphones Are the Best Value for Money in 2025 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company shipped 10.8 million iPhones in the third quarter of 2025, up 0.6% from a year earlier, securing a 15.8% share of the Chinese smartphone market.

In the overall market, however, total smartphone shipments in China fell by 0.6% year-on-year to 68.4 million units, though the decline was less steep than the 4% drop recorded in the second quarter. This reveals a gradual recovery in the world’s largest smartphone market.

Apple ranked second during the period, behind Vivo, which led with 11.8 million shipments, a 7.8% decline compared to last year. Huawei followed closely with 10.4 million units, down 1%, while Xiaomi shipped 10 million, a 1.7% drop. Again, Apple was the only brand among the top three to record any shipment growth.

Will Wong, senior Smartphone Analyst at IDC, attributed Apple’s resilience to the success of its latest model. “Apple’s value-for-money base model iPhone 17 successfully captured value-seeking customers, helping it to achieve slight growth and a higher ranking than the previous quarter,” he said.

The strong performance of the iPhone 17 base model shows Apple’s ability to appeal to both premium and budget-conscious consumers. In a price-sensitive market where buyers are cautious with spending, Apple’s strategy of offering a more affordable variant without compromising quality has paid off.

The launch of the iPhone Air in October, following regulatory approval for SIM support, is expected to provide an additional lift to Apple’s sales in the fourth quarter. Analysts also predict an overall improvement in China’s smartphone market, driven by the release of new flagship devices and renewed consumer demand.

Globally, smartphone shipments grew 2.6% year-on-year in the third quarter, supported by strong demand for foldable and AI-powered devices. Apple’s global shipments reached 58.6 million units, representing 18.2% of the worldwide market, bolstered by record iPhone 17 pre-orders.

Apple is steadily gaining back its ground in China, despite economic challenges and fierce competition, revealing the company’s ability to adapt its product strategy and maintain strong consumer loyalty in one of its most important markets, thereby improving smartphone shipment.

The post Apple Defies China Smartphone Slump with iPhone 17 Sales Growth appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

These attacks pose significant risks including personal data theft and financial loss.

One of the scams involves counterfeit websites which mimic Apple’s official store, luring users with preorders for the iPhone 17 “before it sells out”, only to capture bank card details upon checkout.

“Cybercriminals thrive on the excitement of major product launches, turning consumer enthusiasm into a gateway for data breaches. We’ve seen these tactics evolve from crude phishing to highly polished sites that can look authentic. Users must prioritise verification over impulse to stay safe and avoid falling victim to these opportunistic threats,” comments Tatyana Shcherbakova, Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.

To be protected amid this new wave of iPhone-related scams, Kaspersky recommends users:

• Purchase exclusively from official sources: Only buy the iPhone 17 through Apple’s website, authorised retailers, or verified carriers to avoid counterfeit sites.
• Verify URLs and avoid unsolicited offers, ignore any unsolicited emails, texts, or ads promising deals or prizes.
• Never share personal data for “freebies”: Legitimate contests rarely require sensitive information upfront, treat any request for your name, card details, or addresses as a red flag.
• Enable multi-factor authentication and monitor accounts: Activate 2FA on Apple ID and financial apps and regularly review statements for unauthorised activity.

The post How iPhone 17 Launch Ignited Scam Campaigns Worldwide appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

For many readers that will read as “same again”, and for some, it will be exactly what they want. For others it will feel like paying for a polish rather than a reinvention. 

My aim below is to look past the marketing and show, precisely, what has changed between the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 17 series, and whether those changes matter enough for an upgrade.

Design & form

Apple did not try to shock anyone. The 17 keeps the familiar flat edges, IP68 protection and the camera island that has become the brand’s visual shorthand. The differences are in proportion and finish rather than in shape.

• The standard iPhone 17 grows to a 6.3-inch display (up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16). The increase seems small, but in the hand it gives the 17 a slightly larger presence. 
• The Pro variant is a touch thicker and heavier: iPhone 17 Pro ≈ 206 g (7.27 oz) versus iPhone 16 Pro ≈ 199 g (7.03 oz). That weight gain is the trade-off for beefed-up batteries and camera hardware.
• New finishes arrive with the 17: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White and Black for the base model, while the Pro line adds its own premium tones. Colour is the easiest visible change, and the cheapest way to make a phone feel new.

Bottom line: the iPhone 17 is refinement, and if you like the 16’s feel, expect continuity. If you wanted a lighter phone, the 17 Pro is a step away from that.

Display & visual experience

This is one of the clearest practical upgrades.

• For the first time, the non-Pro iPhone gets ProMotion. The iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports adaptive refresh up to 120Hz; the iPhone 16 (standard model) retained the 60Hz panel. That change alone transforms scrolling, animations and high-frame-rate gaming on the base model. 
• Peak outdoor brightness jumps to 3,000 nits on the 17 family, Apple calls this the highest outdoor peak on iPhone. It improves visibility under bright sun and reduces glare. 
• Resolution and pixel density sit at roughly the same mark (the 17’s 2622×1206 at ~460 ppi on Pro models). In short: the 17’s screen is brighter and smoother; sharpness differences are marginal. 

If your phone life is heavy on motion, including gaming, long websites, and fast feeds, the 17’s display is noticeably better. For passive, low-motion use the improvement is welcome but not essential.

Processing, storage & day-to-day speed

Apple’s silicon leverage continues, and it matters more than you might think for sustained performance.

• The iPhone 17 runs on the A19 chip; the 16 runs on A18. The A19 brings better sustained performance and efficiency, which is where you feel gains during long gaming sessions or when editing large video files. 
• Apple has bumped the entry storage: the iPhone 17 base starts at 256GB, where the iPhone 16 started at 128GB. That is a straightforward practical upgrade for anyone who shoots lots of video or keeps large app libraries. 
• RAM figures are similar across the non-Pro line; the real change is how the A19 manages tasks and thermals over time, reducing throttling under continuous load. 

The 16 is already fast, but 17 is better for users who use their phones heavily for daily tasks, but for light or moderate users, 16 still works.

Cameras & imaging — where creators win

Apple’s camera work this year is less about new megapixel counts on the main sensor and more about useful features that change how you shoot.

• The core rear setup is still 48MP sensors, but Apple calls the system Dual Fusion on some models and has refined ultrawide performance. The result is better detail and more consistent results across focal lengths. 
• The front camera is a genuine upgrade for creators: an 18MP Center Stage front camera replaces the older 12MP selfie unit on the base 17. That improves selfie detail and video-call framing. 
• New recording features include Dual Capture, which can record from front and back simultaneously, a good one for social creators and mobile journalists. Pro telephoto and zoom performance receive meaningful boosts in the Pro models.

If your phone is your camera, the 17 is a big step up. If you take a few photos now and then, the 16 remains a very capable shooter.

Battery, charging & connectivity

Apple tightened a few loose ends and made one notable future-proofing move.

• Apple’s EU energy labels (published alongside the launch) show modest but real battery increases: iPhone 17 ≈ 3,692 mAh (+≈3.7% on the 16); the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max see larger percentage gains. Those rises, combined with efficiency gains from the A19, translate to better real-world endurance for many users. 
• Charging is faster: Apple quotes up to 50% charge in around 20 minutes with the right wired adapter, and wireless charging (MagSafe / Qi2) gets performance improvements.
• Importantly, Apple introduced its N1 networking chip across the 17 family — enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. That means better hotspot performance, faster network handshakes and a more robust wireless experience as routers and accessories update.

Net effect: battery life edges forward and connectivity is more future-proof. Heavy 5G users and frequent streamers will notice the difference first.

Pricing & value

Apple’s headline price positioning is neat and strategic.

• The iPhone 17 launches from $799, but that model now starts at 256GB, doubling the entry storage compared with the iPhone 16’s 128GB base. That change improves the perceived value of the base SKU.
• Pro variants carry higher premiums, particularly on larger capacities. Apple’s approach this year is to shift what “base price” buys rather than to simply raise the sticker across the board.

You get more for the same starting price. Whether that matters to you depends on how much storage, camera and display improvements you actually use.

Finally, who should upgrade?

Here’s the practical, unvarnished take.

Skip the upgrade (for now) if:

• You own an iPhone 16 and use your phone for everyday tasks, messaging, social media, streaming and casual photos. The 16 remains fast, capable and well balanced. 

Consider the upgrade if one or more of these apply:

• You want a smoother interface (the base model’s 120Hz ProMotion is a major tactile upgrade).
• You create lots of video or selfie content; the 18MP front camera and Dual Capture are practical, not gimmicky. 
• You store many apps, high-res photos or video locally, the 256GB base is simply more sensible today than 128GB. 
• You need longer battery life for heavy 5G or camera usage, or you want the latest wireless tech like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 (N1 chip). 

For Pro users: the 17 Pro’s camera, battery and sustained performance improvements make a stronger case to upgrade, especially if you edit on the phone or rely on advanced zoom and low-light capability.

The iPhone 17 is a precise set of sensible adjustments that collectively matter more than any single spec. Apple has traded spectacle for steady engineering: brighter screens, smoother motion, better front cameras, more base storage and more resilient wireless internals.

If your phone is a workhorse and you push it hard, the iPhone 17 is a real upgrade. If your 16 already meets your needs, hold your nerve: the 16 stays as a very good device. 

Either way, the upgrade decision now depends on use case more than brand loyalty. That makes this year, unusually, a buyer’s market for thoughtful choices.

The post iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Series: Should You Upgrade? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The software is one of the biggest overhauls to the iPhone experience in years, with a striking new “Liquid Glass” design, stronger communication tools, and updates across music, maps, gaming and productivity apps.

Unlike last year’s motivation on artificial intelligence, this version takes a different path: it leans on design, usability, and small but practical changes that directly affect daily use.

Why the Jump to iOS 26?

Apple skipped from iOS 18 to iOS 26, a decision tied to two goals. First, to bring all operating systems, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS, into alignment. Second, to reflect the calendar year most people will be using the software. The company wants a unified numbering system across platforms rather than staggered versions.

Liquid Glass: The Visual Overhaul

The most noticeable change is the Liquid Glass interface. Borrowed from the design language of Vision Pro, the new look uses translucent, layered elements that mimic glass. Buttons, menus and icons appear to float, responding subtly to device movement.

During beta testing, users complained about legibility. Apple responded by improving contrast and clarity, though it admits further tweaks may follow. Some users may need time to adapt, as the new layout alters the way apps and menus appear on screen.

Communication and Phone Tools

The Phone app has been redesigned with a cleaner card-style layout. Favourites, recent calls and voicemails are accessible in one view, though users can still switch back to the classic interface if preferred.

Spam calls are less intrusive under iOS 26. The new call-screening assistant asks unknown callers to state their name and purpose before the phone rings, giving the user a choice on whether to answer. The system also includes a hold assist that notifies users when an operator returns to the line.

Messages has caught up with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram by adding conversation backgrounds, polls, typing indicators in groups, and improved spam filtering. Messages from unknown numbers now go directly into a separate folder.

Apps and Productivity

Several Apple apps have received notable changes:

• Games App: Play history, achievements, friend activity and Apple Arcade titles are grouped in one space, with personalised recommendations included.
• Preview App: Arriving on iPhone for the first time, Preview enables easier editing, signing and annotation of PDFs.
• Music: A new AutoMix feature blends songs seamlessly, lyrics can be translated in real time, and users can pin their favourite playlists.
• Maps: Customised routes can now be saved, and the app alerts users if traffic or accidents disrupt their preferred paths. A “Places Library” collects recently visited spots.
• Camera and Photos: The Camera app is simplified to highlight only Photo and Video by default, with other modes hidden but still accessible. The Photos app brings back its old tab structure after user complaints about the previous design.

Smarter Features and AI Integration

Apple has scaled back its AI drive compared with the fanfare of Apple Intelligence in 2024. iOS 26 focuses on smaller but functional uses:

• In-app Translation: Built into Messages, FaceTime and Phone, supporting English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.
• AirPods Live Translation: Works with AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4.
• Visual Intelligence: By pressing Power and Volume Down, users can analyse content on screen, create calendar events, or search context using “Highlight” — Apple’s version of Circle to Search.

Notably, this update creates a small annoyance: the shortcut for visual intelligence overlaps with the screenshot function, forcing users into extra steps to save captures.

Smaller Yet Useful Additions

• Snooze times for alarms can now be customised between one and 15 minutes.
• Wallet supports digital IDs linked to passports, with a redesigned boarding pass screen.
• Voice recording offers voice isolation and source selection, helpful for podcasters.
• Reminders can auto-generate grocery lists from online recipes.
• The App Store now carries “Accessibility Nutrition Labels” to show which apps support VoiceOver, captions, and other features.
• Parental controls block communication from unknown contacts and enforce age limits on third-party apps.

Device Support

The update is available for iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later models, including the iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air. Older devices such as the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are no longer supported, nudging users toward newer hardware.

iOS 26 is available for download globally from today via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple says some features — particularly translation and visual intelligence — may require additional downloads or be restricted by region.

The post Apple Releases iOS 26 Update for All Supported iPhones appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Apple’s Chinese website now states that release information for the iPhone Air will be “updated later,” pointing to the hold-up. All three state-owned carriers, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, plan to support the phone’s eSIM, but final regulatory clearance is still pending.

A post by China Mobile on Weibo confirmed the network has enabled eSIM services for mobile phones, though no launch date was given. Meanwhile, China Telecom briefly announced a September 19 launch on RedNote before removing the post, highlighting ongoing regulatory uncertainty.

Apple told local media it is working with authorities to bring the device to China “as soon as possible.”

The iPhone Air, at just 5.6mm, is Apple’s thinnest phone ever and entirely removes the physical SIM tray. While eSIM adoption is common in markets such as the U.S., Japan, and Gulf countries, China has traditionally been cautious, noting security and identity verification concerns. 

Previously, Apple partnered only with China Unicom, requiring in-store manual activation. Now, the company has agreements with all three major carriers, but each awaits final government approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which oversees telecom infrastructure and data security.

China is Apple’s second-largest market, and any postponement in flagship models could affect quarterly performance. IDC estimates the iPhone Air will account for 5–7% of global shipments of Apple’s larger models. Consumers who purchase the device abroad may face compatibility issues since local carriers will not support foreign eSIM profiles.

Globally, the iPhone Air is available for preorder in over 60 countries, including India, where it starts at ₹1,19,900. The delay in China reveals the challenges of a uniform global rollout, even as Apple phases out physical SIMs to enable slimmer designs and larger batteries.

The post Apple Delays iPhone Air Launch in China Over eSIM Approval appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.