Belkin returns with a new set of Apple-exclusive products, the most important of which is the BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand.
The little brother of the BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand that launched last year, this new model not only allows you to quickly charge iPhones and AirPod charging cases but also offer support for charging in landscape mode. It's a new feature that takes advantage of the new StandBy Mode coming to iOS 17.
StandBy Mode, as revealed at WWDC 2023, gives iPhones the ability to control smart home devices from smart light bulbs to door locks. Sitting on top of the BoostChargePro 2-in-1 stand, you can turn your smartphone into your very own smart home display. For those uninterested in having a smart home, people can still use the BoostCharge Pro and iPhone pairing as a side table assistant of sorts.
MagSafe and secure
The BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 shares a lot of the same features as the older model, including “MagSafe technology” for “up to 15W” fast wireless charging.
The first thing you will notice about this upgrade, however, is it loses the T-shaped arm from the previous installment. That's because Belkin has removed support for Apple Watches. But don't worry as it'll sport the same level of performance as before plus a cheaper price tag and the aforementioned compatibility for landscape mode.
It is secure enough for both portrait and landscape placements so you don’t have to worry about your device falling off. On the bottom is a Qi wireless charging base exclusively for AirPods. It is a bit smaller than Belkin’s 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, however, as it measures 4.72 x 4.72 x 6.22 inches (120 x 120 x 158 mm).
Available in white and black, you can purchase the BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand for $99.99 from Apple’s website with the shipping date is set for June 12. Do note that you will need to own an “iPhone 12 or newer” device to use the charger.
In terms of AirPods, the base is compatible with most models going as far back as the first generation. The one exception is the AirPods Max. Neither of Belkin’s products work with the headphones so you’ll have to stick with using the Lighting port for charging. A full list of compatible product can be found on the charger's product listing.
Vodafone and CK Hutchinson - the owner of Three - are about to announce a merger in the UK, according to a report from Reuters. The news agency said the deal could be announced either this Friday, or early next week.
Apparently, the deal will be in line with what was reported in October last year - namely that Vodafone would own the majority of the combined group (51%), with Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%.
It was also said that the new company would be valued at approximately $18.6 billion, debt included.
Shareholder pressure
The story of the Vodafone/CK Hutchinson merger has been ongoing for quite some time now, and triggered major moves in the market.
Some argue that former Vodafone CEO, Nick Read, stepped down due to not being able to consolidate the UK market, which was one of his major goals. This inability frustrated shareholders, which resulted in the change at the helm.
The new CEO, Margherita Della Valle, stepped in and has been feeling the pressure to improve the company’s performance. Less than a month ago, Della Valle announced the company would be cutting 11,000 jobs in an effort to become more agile on the market.
The deal also raised some concerns, as the regulators did not view the idea of reducing the number of network operators in a major market such as the UK kindly. The deal is still pending regulatory approval, Reuters added.
On the other hand, Hutchinson’s CFO, Frank John Sixt also said that finalizing the deal was “extremely difficult.”
If the deal does end up going through, the resulting group will become the biggest mobile operator in the UK, with some 27 million customers. That would place it above BT’s EE and VM O2, as well as Liberty Global, Reuters claims.
Despite recent rumors suggesting that Apple’s iPhone 16 line will bring more meaningful upgrades to the table than its upcoming iPhone 15 line, the latter could still prove a windfall release for the company, owing to the number of soon-to-be-outdated iPhones currently out in the wild.
According to analyst Dan Ives (via CNBC), “roughly 250 million iPhones have not been upgraded in over four years, [which] sets Apple up for a major installed base upgrade cycle heading into this anniversary 15 year release.”
The launch of the iPhone 15 and its siblings could prove a “trophy case moment” for Apple, Ives explained to CNBC, adding that a boost in revenue from Apple Services will put the company in a “massive position of strength” going into 2024.
It’s hard to verify Ives’ claim regarding the number of un-upgraded iPhones without delving into official carrier records, but back in 2019, researcher Toni Saccanoghi conducted a study which found that the average iPhone upgrade time had increased from three years to four. And it’s not hard to understand why.
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The iPhone 15 Pro could look something like this (Image credit: 9to5Mac)
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iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra renders obtained by 9to5Mac (Image credit: 9to5Mac)
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iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra renders obtained by 9to5Mac (Image credit: 9to5Mac)
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iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra renders obtained by 9to5Mac (Image credit: 9to5Mac)
Apple typically supports iPhones with major software updates for at least five years after their launch – the iPhone X (released in 2017) will be the youngest casualty of iOS 17 – meaning consumers can happily move through the world with a four or five-year-old iPhone without fear of being left behind when it comes to functionality and security.
What’s more, as iPhones have gotten more advanced over the years, the technological gap between new model releases has narrowed – particularly in the last few years. To the untrained eye, there’s little to differentiate between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14, for instance, and consumers evidently haven’t felt compelled to own the latest iPhone if their existing model remains in good working order.
After four years, though, iPhones can start to feel a little outdated. Apple’s 2019 iPhone, the iPhone 11, is still a great phone that’ll continue to be supported until 2025, but the iPhone 15 will be a markedly lighter, brighter and faster machine than its four-year-old sibling – and that’s before taking into account the iPhone 15 Pro and much-rumored iPhone 15 Ultra.
OnePlus is working on its first foldable phone and the latest reports claim that the device will be launching in August. The launch event is said to be taking place in New York.
Talk of a ‘OnePlus Fold’ August launch came as early as May, with tipster Max Jambor sharing as such. This latest report, however, comes from Yogesh Brar via Pricebaba. According to Brar, OnePlus will also try for a global rollout, aiming for key markets including the US and India. Both Jambor and Brar are fairly reliable tipsters, lending credence to their reports. It is still not clear if this first OnePlus foldable will be called the ‘OnePlus Fold’ or something else.
Confirming the upcoming foldable earlier in the year, OnePlus’ CEO Pete Lau said: “Our first foldable phone will have the signature OnePlus fast and smooth experience. It must be a flagship phone that doesn’t settle because of its folding form, in terms of industrial design, mechanical technology, and other aspects. We want to launch a device that aims to be at the pinnacle experience of today’s foldable market.”
A tipping point for foldables?
Far from being a Samsung-only pursuit at this point, the best foldables could soon be sourced from the likes of OnePlus or Google as more and more companies enter the fray. The form factor is still relatively novel and interesting, with a lot of potential for accessories and unique use cases.
At the same time, foldables have yet to take off. Price is often cited as a point of failure, but the best-selling smartphones remained expensive, classic slab smartphones, including the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Of course, it’s worth pointing out that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 did find a foothold among the top premium devices shared by Canalys, albeit a small one. Perhaps people, as a whole, just aren’t that into foldables? As I said above, with more and more companies turning their hands to foldables, the answer may become clearer sooner rather than later.
We’re not expecting the finished version of Android 14 to roll out for another two or three months, but the beta version has just had a big update, with Android 14 Beta 3 now here, complete with new lock screen customization options for Pixel phones.
These features – spotted in Beta 3 by Mishaal Rahman – were previously teased at Google I/O 2023, and they allow you to change the colors, size, and style of the lock screen clock, as well as choosing which shortcuts to display on the lock screen.
For the clock, you can choose from a number of digital options along with one analog one, while for the shortcuts, you have a choice of mute, device controls (for smart home devices), Google Wallet, camera, do not disturb, video call, flashlight, and a QR code scanner.
Here's a quick screen recording showing off the new lock screen clock options in Android 14 Beta 3. pic.twitter.com/L8cjWsVls0June 7, 2023
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You can place one in the bottom left corner and one in the bottom right, or choose not to display shortcuts. Disappointingly though you’re limited to those options, so you can’t have truly custom shortcuts.
Still, this should be a handy update, and bring the Pixel series more in line with what’s possible on the iPhone 14, along with the other best iPhones, especially since iOS 16 introduced a similar feature. And while this implementation isn’t currently supported by other Android handsets, some manufacturers have been offering similarly capable lock screen customization for a while, anyway.
Interface tweaks and a new tutorial
This isn’t the only new feature in the Android 14 Beta 3 though, as Rahman also reports that there’s a new tutorial for gesture navigation, and there are various small interface tweaks, such as a new charging indicator, themed icons now having more vibrant colors, and more rounded buttons in the screenshot preview.
So the enhanced lock screen customization is definitely the headline feature, but there are a few other things that users might appreciate too.
Notably though, this beta has been released on the schedule Google previously set, which means we should be on target for a finished release, likely in August or September. As such, there shouldn’t be too long to go now, and we’d recommend most users wait until the final version is ready, since betas always have bugs.
That said, if you really want the latest Android 14 beta now and you have a compatible phone, you can head to our how to download the Android 14 beta guide for full step-by-step instructions.
Big, bold and brash could be three terms used to describe it; it is hefty (weighs more than 500g) and bulky. At 23.5mm, it is almost twice the thickness of the just-announced 15-inch Apple MacBook Air. It is powered by a Mediatek CPU (Helio G99) and comes with 12GB RAM (expandable to 22GB using some onboard wizardry).
Add in 256GB storage, a 6.8-inch FHD+ display, Android 13, a quartet of camera sensors (32-megapixel front facing, 108-megapixel, 64-megapixel night vision and 16-megapixel wide camera) and a huge 15.5Ah battery and you have a pretty compelling rugged smartphone already.
A mobile projector
It’s its unique selling point though that seals the deal: its laser projector. Don’t expect miracles though; Unihertz claims it has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 (i.e. HD) and a brightness of 40 lumens. Its throw and contrast ratios of 1.2:1 and 80000:1 respectively means that it will barely be usable for a large audience. So, yes, it is a great portable projector, but no, it can’t be used as a business projector (saved from boring Powerpoint presentations)
But then, how many underwater projector do you know of (the Tank 2 is IP68/IP69K certified, so I’d expect it to be waterproof). At less than $340 (excluding taxes) at Chinese online retailer, Aliexpress, it is not as expensive as I’d expect, especially given the projector feature. Just be aware of its limitations: there’s no 5G, no wireless charging, the processor is a bit slow and aftersales is likely to be a challenge.
Let’s just hope that it doesn’t get the same lukewarm reception as the Lenovo Smartcast smartphone, the Blackview Max 1 and the Voga V. Can’t wait to see what Unihertz has next in store for us? Our money is on a 2024 take on the iconic, yet underappreciated, Samsung Galaxy Camera.
Big, bold and brash could be three terms used to describe it; it is hefty (weighs more than 500g) and bulky. At 23.5mm, it is almost twice the thickness of the just-announced 15-inch Apple MacBook Air. It is powered by a Mediatek CPU (Helio G99) and comes with 12GB RAM (expandable to 22GB using some onboard wizardry).
Add in 256GB storage, a 6.8-inch FHD+ display, Android 13, a quartet of camera sensors (32-megapixel front facing, 108-megapixel, 64-megapixel night vision and 16-megapixel wide camera) and a huge 15.5Ah battery and you have a pretty compelling rugged smartphone already.
A mobile projector
It’s its unique selling point though that seals the deal: its laser projector. Don’t expect miracles though; Unihertz claims it has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 (i.e. HD) and a brightness of 40 lumens. Its throw and contrast ratios of 1.2:1 and 80000:1 respectively means that it will barely be usable for a large audience. So, yes, it is a great portable projector, but no, it can’t be used as a business projector (saved from boring Powerpoint presentations)
But then, how many underwater projector do you know of (the Tank 2 is IP68/IP69K certified, so I’d expect it to be waterproof). At less than $340 (excluding taxes) at Chinese online retailer, Aliexpress, it is not as expensive as I’d expect, especially given the projector feature. Just be aware of its limitations: there’s no 5G, no wireless charging, the processor is a bit slow and aftersales is likely to be a challenge.
Let’s just hope that it doesn’t get the same lukewarm reception as the Lenovo Smartcast smartphone, the Blackview Max 1 and the Voga V. Can’t wait to see what Unihertz has next in store for us? Our money is on a 2024 take on the iconic, yet underappreciated, Samsung Galaxy Camera.
We recently reported on a suite of rumored iOS 17 Apple Maps upgrades that might finally make you switch from Google Maps, but Apple’s navigation app is now confirmed to be getting a feature that Google’s platform has had for years.
When iOS 17 arrives later this year, the update will introduce offline functionality in Apple Maps for the first time. Per Apple’s own description, “users [will be able to] easily select an area on their device and download it with just a tap. While offline, [they] will be able to access turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, transit, and cycling; see their estimated time of arrival; find places in Maps; and more.”
In other words, you’ll soon be able to download directions and information for entire areas prior to hitting the road, sparing you the frustration of losing connection – or using up precious cellular data – when you’re out and about.
(Image credit: Apple)
Also arriving in iOS 17 is the ability to see real-time electric vehicle charging availability in Maps (above). Apple says the app will filter by charging network and plug type, and users with compatible vehicles will be able to designate their preferred options.
Apple is making it easier to discover park trails across the US, too, with iOS 17 introducing place cards in Maps that will include details like trail length and type, difficulty, and elevation gain. Presumably, this feature will roll out to other regions shortly after debuting on the US version of the app.
Leaked images of Apple Maps' ‘Live Activity’ interface upgrade (Image credit: Future / @analyst941)
We haven’t yet seen Apple confirm the ‘Live Activity’ lock screen feature that serial Apple tipster @analyst941 teased back in May (above), so this may be something that the company holds for future iterations of iOS 17.
Given the handful of confirmed upgrades coming to Apple’s navigation software later this year, though, the Apple Maps vs. Google Maps debate looks set for a shake-up.
Tens of thousands of Android applications were recently discovered pushing adware on the devices for months.
This is according to a new report from cybersecurity researchers Bitdefender. After deploying an anomaly detection feature to its mobile security solution last month, the company found 60,000 unique apps that pretended to be various security, utility, and entertainment apps but were in reality just pushing adware.
The apps were being distributed through third-party websites, propped up solely for the distribution of malicious apps. None of the apps were found on the Play Store, it seems. Bitdefender says that it’s likely that the 60,000 number is not final and that the number of malicious software is probably a lot bigger.
Fake uninstall
The threat actors would create these websites and then get them as high on Google’s search engine results pages (SERP) as possible, probably also utilizing other distribution channels, such as social media sites, instant communications apps, email, and more.
Once the victim installs the app on their endpoint, it would tell them it is unavailable in their region, and offer a quick way to uninstall it. However, the uninstallation process would never happen, and the apps would simply remain on the device.
The developers also deployed a couple of other obfuscation methods to make sure the adware remains hidden on Android devices for as long as possible.
Firstly, the apps don’t automatically run once downloaded, as that would require additional privileges which would likely raise suspicion among the targets. Instead, they go the route all other apps take and wait for the users to run them.
Secondly, after the “uninstall” process, the apps go to sleep for a few hours, after which they would register two “intents” that make the app launch upon reboot or device unlock. The intents themselves are “asleep” for the first two days.
As usual, the best way to protect against such threats is to make sure to only download software from legitimate sources.
The functionality and exclusivity of iMessage has been touted as a key reason why Android fans are switching to iPhones in record numbers, and it looks as though iOS 17 will further widen the gap between Apple’s proprietary messaging service and SMS/RCS.
Apple lifted the lid on its next major software update – iOS 17 – at WWDC 2023, and among the 10 best iOS 17 features heading to iPhones in September are a suite of iMessage-related upgrades that will materially worsen the experience of communicating with iPhone users from Android phones.
As first spotted by XDA Developers, the iOS 17 beta gives iPhone users the ability to edit texts, reply in threads and send iMessage-quality videos in group chats containing iPhone users and Android users – but that improved functionality could leave the latter camp unable to make sense of what’s being said.
For instance, where iMessage chats would previously default to traditional SMS chats if an Android user joined the conversation, the first iOS 17 beta allows iPhone users to retain the ability to edit texts even if Android users are present in the group chat. Those Android users still aren’t able to edit texts, but shockingly, they also aren’t able to see the edits iPhone users make, meaning both parties could conceivably see different messages in the same group chat.
In iOS 16, group chats containing Android users (left) default to SMS formatting (Image credit: Future / Apple)
We’d expect Apple to act in good faith and reverse that change in iOS 17 proper – with editing powers still reserved for iPhone users, but edits visible to all group members – although there’s a chance that the company could pull a Google and deliberately make life worse for users of the rival messaging service.
As mentioned, the first iOS 17 beta also gives iPhone users the ability to reply in message threads, even when Android users are present in the group chat. Android users, however, won’t see those threads as threads, and will instead see messages in the traditional stacked view (which is a recipe for even more confusion).
And lastly, where iOS 16 forced all group chat members to see the same compressed image and video files, iOS 17 will let iPhone users view uncompressed (read: higher-quality) image and video files. Android users – you guessed it! – will be stuck with the existing file size limitations.
In other words, iOS 17 will improve the group chat experience for iPhone users by making iMessage features available in more situations – a change that will conversely make the experience of using group chats worse for those with Android phones.
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 17 proper alongside the iPhone 15 line in September, but we'll be reporting on the features introduced with each new beta version of the update that goes live between now and then.
The number of apps built for the Apple ecosystem which try to obtain too much sensitive user information, or violate user privacy in another way, is growing exponentially year after year.
This is according to a new report from Atlas VPN, which states that between 2020 and 2022, Apple declined almost a million apps from appearing on the App Store (958,000).
Atlas VPN based its conclusions on numbers obtained straight from Apple’s annual reports. Apparently, apple blocked 215,000 applications in 2020, and 400,000 in 2020, up by almost 100%.
Preying on careless users
In most cases, the apps were declined access to the famed app repository due to user privacy concerns. They were often found looking to collect more data than was necessary, or sharing it with third parties without proper disclosure, or even user consent.
But sometimes, the apps would also look to damage the users financially. Apple said it prevented more than $5 billion in fraudulent transactions since 2020, and blocked millions of stolen credit cards from transacting.
Hackers are preying on Apple users because many users fully understand the impact certain apps might have on their privacy, the researchers said. Many apps are asking for permissions they don’t really need, and users are sometimes so annoyed with the constant prompts for permissions that they just accept all.
Consequently, they give app developers access to sensitive information even if they didn’t want to do it, regardless of whether their intentions are malicious or not.
Apps generate a treasure trove of important data that can easily be monetized by developers. Unlike Google’s Android ecosystem, which welcomes third-party app stores as well, Apple insists on its walled-garden approach, arguing that it’s the best way to protect its customers from malicious developers.
Apple also takes a 30% commission on most app purchases, Atlas VPN reminded.
We’d heard rumors that Samsung would hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event in late July, and now that’s been confirmed, as the company accidentally posted a press release saying as much on its Australian site.
We assume accidentally, because the press release has since been removed, but at the time of writing a cached version of the press release is still accessible, as spotted by leaker @sondesix.
The press release tells us that this Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event will be held in Seoul in late July, but doesn’t provide an exact date. It also states that this is where the company will “unveil its next generation foldable devices.”
The press release (archived): pic.twitter.com/85cq1lgU2mJune 7, 2023
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While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 aren’t mentioned by name, that’s almost certainly what we’ll see, as they’re both widely expected to land at the next Galaxy Unpacked, and Samsung mentions "devices" plural, so we’ll see more than one foldable.
There isn’t really much else to take from the press release, beyond a vague claim that the company will “showcase technologies and experiences that will captivate worldwide audiences.” However, we can take a good guess at the exact date of Galaxy Unpacked, as a leak previously pointed to July 26, which lines up nicely with the late July timing mentioned here.
New hinges, new chipsets, and a bigger screen
We also have a good idea of what to expect from the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, thanks to various leaks and rumors. The gist being that they’ll probably have a new hinge design that allows the two halves to sit flat when folded, plus the same chipset as the Samsung Galaxy S23 series.
There might also be camera improvements, and in the case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, we’ll likely see big upgrades to the cover screen, which could be 3.4 inches, compared to 1.9 inches on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Of course, while this press release is focused on foldables, it’s likely that we’ll see other things at this event too, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 lines also expected to be unveiled at this next Galaxy Unpacked.
Without any sort of formal announcement or tease, OnePlus recently revealed its next mid-range device for the US: the Nord N30 5G, a direct successor to the Nord N20 5G.
Although the new model still runs on a Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Nord N30 5G introduces a variety of hardware upgrades. The processing unit is paired up with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. It runs on the company’s proprietary OxygenOS software which, itself, is “based on Android 13”.
On the front is a 6.72-inch (about 170 millimeters) LCD display with Full HD Plus resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, there’s a punch hole at the top center of the screen for the 16MP (megapixel) selfie lens.
Slight differences
Looking in the back, you’ll find the three-camera system led by a 108MP lens with f/1.7 aperture, backed up by a two-megapixel depth lens and a two-megapixel macro lens. Users will be able to shoot videos up to 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels) at 30 FPS. It is good to see the rear camera system getting an upgrade. If you read our review of the Nord N20 5G, you’ll find that while we liked the phone, the camera left a lot to be desired.
Other notable features include a 5000mAh battery supporting 50W SuperVOOC for fast charging, a fingerprint scanner on the side, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The last entry may not seem like a big deal, but with so many smartphones nowadays eschewing a physical audio jack, we thought it was worth pointing out.
Availability
If any of this rings a bell, that's because the Nord N30 5G is nearly identical to the Nord CE 3 Lite with a few differences.
For example, the Nord CE 3 Lite comes with noise cancellation whereas the Nord N30 doesn’t. The battery on the Nord CE 3 Lite supports 67W SuperVOOC meaning its fast charging capabilities are a bit better. The Nord N30, however, does come with a few extra features not present on its cousin such as Screen Flash for better-illuminated selfies and Face Unlock allowing facial recognition on the device.
You can pre-order the Nord N30 5G right now for $299 – the exact same price point as the N20 5G – on OnePlus’ website. It will only be available in one color: Chromatic Gray. No word if there will ever be a Pastel Lime green like with Nord CE 3 Lite. We reached out to OnePlus asking if there are plans to increase the color options and for clarification on software patches. Another online report states the Nord N30 5G will get just “one major Android update.”
Apple will now automatically block nudes sent over AirDrop in iOS 17, the company shared. The feature comes as a package aimed at enhancing communication safety, even as Apple makes it easier to share photos, contact details, and more among iPhone owners.
The company lists the new change under privacy in a press release it issued following WWDC 2023, noting that it was an expansion of the communication safety features it had previously billed as aimed at protecting children. Now, people who try to send explicit images either over AirDrop or by the new Contact Posters and FaceTime messages will find their images blurred by default. Based on how it currently works in the Messages app, users will be able to block the offending contact or message someone they trust for support.
According to the research cited by the UK government, 76% of girls aged 12-18 have been sent unsolicited nude images from men and boys in a practice dubbed ‘cyber-flashing’. The government notes that this is done most often by AirDrop, due to the feature’s ease of use.
“It is unacceptable that women and girls traveling on public transport, or just going about their day-to-day lives, are being subjected to this despicable practice,” UK Justice Minister Victoria Atkins said in a 2022 press release, explicitly criminalizing the practice.
Apple also introduced a new “Check In” feature for Messages, during the iOS 17 segment of its opening-day keynote at WWDC 2023. It’s a feature that streamlines the process behind the common practice of sending a “let me know when you get home” text. iPhone users will be able to quickly check in with their friends and family, automatically notifying the recipient when the sender’s home address is reached. As with the AirDrop feature, it addresses another issue that has been linked to women’s safety, in particular.
Subtle, useful changes
Though Apple’s iOS 17 can’t be accused of being ostentatious, the more subtle, everyday features are the ones that you’ll likely get the most mileage out of. Looking at the features highlighted in this story, for example, whenever I leave a social event or a family gathering, I’m often urged to text my friends and family, and notify them when I get home, so I can directly recognize the feature’s value. I, thankfully, have never been flashed via AirDrop, but I can imagine how distressing it would be, so again, appreciate Apple’s considered approach to adding this feature.
With the company making it easier to share content with other Apple devices in iOS 17, it is great that they’re also proactively addressing these issues, which sits in stark contrast to how it initially handled concerns over misuse of AirTags. Now, Apple has teamed up with Google to address stalking as well, showing a company that’s taking its social responsibilities more seriously than ever before.
iOS 17 will be made available this September to all of the best iPhones. The new privacy features can also be found on macOS Sonoma and iPadOS 17 as well.
We saw a landslide of updates, additions, and launches at WWDC 2023. Still, one of the more compelling lifestyle additions to iOS 17 is what kept me up last night.
Journal, to me, is the epitome of Apple's genius on full display, meshing everyday phone usage with wellness, creating seamless connections between apps – and perhaps, even tapping into humanity's near-desperate urge to share in our social media-driven world.
Currently, there's been no mention of the app allowing you to share or publish your Journal entries; in fact, Apple was far more interested in reassuring us of how private and personal Journal will be thanks to end-to-end encryption and on-device processing.
In my view, though, Apple has a momentous opportunity here to completely disrupt the microblogging space; if not, at least, it might inspire somebody else to.
(Image credit: Apple)
If the shoe fits, wear it
This new Journal app also isn't a massive surprise, with rumors abuzz since April, and journaling apps are by no means unique to app stores, whether on Apple devices or some of the other best phones and best tablets.
Having an app like this built-in to the iPhone, however, may inspire more people to take up journaling as an outlet, which was found to reduce stress in a 2018 study from The Pennsylvania State University. Plus, the app genuinely does look unique, certainly in how it stands to capitalize on Apple's other applications and features. Journal, it seems, could finally marry the gap between pen-and-paper journaling and digital software alternatives.
In addition to logging your thoughts and activities per all forms of journalling, the app will use on-device machine learning to create personalized prompts, referring to recent activity on your iPhone from photos to workouts and location data – fantastic for those of us that struggle with writer's block. It's also a smart addition to Apple's growing health and wellness app library, offering the opportunity to add commentary to your well-being tracking.
(Image credit: Apple)
With this wealth of features, a visually appealing aesthetic, and the current state of the social media landscape, it feels like the only thing missing is the ability to share content – even if only with friends and family, for now.
Sites like Twitter and Tumblr thrived in years gone by for providing people the platform to express their day-to-day thoughts, interests, and feelings, often in bite-size or multimedia posts. Much like some of the best blogging sites, the popularity of the medium has fizzled over time, and many platforms have transitioned to focusing on very specific audiences and use cases.
Whether it's nostalgia or the fact that my handwriting is too bad for pen-and-paper journaling, I miss the old days of blogging. All I could think while watching WWDC's Journal showcase was how cool it would be if someday, I could quickly pull together a shareable journal or blog entry using photos and user data visualized into beautiful graphics, express my thoughts, and then share to my Instagram story a neat little package of content.
Apple might even make it a gated service only for those using Apple devices a la iMessage, which capitalizes on software FOMO (fear of missing out) to drive up sales – though of course, my preference would be it creates something non-exclusive.
If you smell what The Fruit is cooking
Day One is the journal app of choice for many people. (Image credit: Day One)
There's a perfectly legitimate argument that what Apple is really doing here is another example of the "Sherlocking" phenomenon it's become pretty notorious for over the years, where Apple launches features that obviate the presence of popular third-party apps or add-ons, highlighted by the DoJ escalating an antitrust probe against the company following fears of anti-competitive behavior.
Personally, I love the fact Journal will integrate so seamlessly with other iOS apps and the Apple aesthetic, but it speaks to a potentially bleak future for apps such as Day One, which recently addressed the rumors of Apple Journal in a blog post.
The app's founder, Paul Mayne, highlights the news as an opportunity for Day One to differentiate itself – and interestingly enough, mentions shareable journals as one way the team hopes to do so.
This is the kind of competition we should be vying for, realistically; but Apple has ringfenced so many of its own apps in a way that makes it nigh-on impossible for anyone but them to do what they're doing with Journal.
It's worth mentioning Apple did say it'll be offering an API for developers that will allow them to leverage Journal's personalized writing suggestions in their own apps, but it's unclear what the scope of this is as of yet.
For better or for worst, if the key features in Journal are appealing to you, you'll be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else, and despite my better judgment and fears of anti-competition, I can see an exciting future ahead for modern-day journaling if Apple gets this right.
