There is now a "low" chance that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with solid-state volume and mute buttons, according to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities. Pu shared this prediction in a research note today alongside some details about the more imminent iPhone 15 lineup. Solid-state buttons were initially rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models, but Apple reportedly faced "unresolved technical issues before mass production" and had to revert to mechanical buttons. Pu previously said the solid-state buttons would be postponed until iPhone 16 Pro models, but he now believes even those devices are unlikely to have them. Apple supplier Cirrus Logic hinted at the solid-state…

The much-awaited Apple TV+ adaptation of webcomic "Strange Planet" will begin streaming a 10-episode series in August.First announced in 2021, the TV version is co-created by "Strange Planet" comic author Nathan W. Pyle, and "Community" creator Dan Harmon."Based on the 'New York Times' no. 1 bestselling graphic novel and social media phenomenon of the same name, 'Strange Planet' is a hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own," says Apple. "Set in a whimsical world of cotton candy pinks and purples, relatable blue beings explore the absurdity of everyday human traditions." Read more...

The latest door and window sensor developed by Aqara is the company's first to be compatible with the Matter network standard out of the box and seamlessly integrates with HomeKit to enhance home security.Aqara sensor for doors and windowsThe company has unveiled its latest offering, the Door and Window Sensor P2, which uses the latest Thread protocol. Serving as an upgraded version of Aqara's renowned contact sensor, the Door and Window Sensor P2 encompasses all the advanced automation and security capabilities that made the original Aqara Door and Window Sensor popular. Read more...

Most of Apple's work on the Apple Car has been concerned with construction and design, but the company is inventing a whole new stereo system for the vehicle.If countless Apple patent applications over the years have hidden how they were really to do with Apple Vision Pro, doubtlessly so many have actually been about the Apple Car. Yet now it's as if Apple has given up trying to be secretive, because despite still not confirming a car is coming, it's filed five new patent applications that are all about audio in the car.Apple does seem to have adopted the phrase "enclosed environment" as a euphemism for car. Each of the five new patent applications uses that term and most do…

Apple's next-generation iPhone 15 Pro Max will likely be more expensive than the previous Pro Max model, according to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities. In his latest research note, Pu predicted Apple's larger of the two upcoming Pro models will see a price increase higher than the $1,099 staring price of the current iPhone 14 Pro Max. Pu has previously suggested price increases for the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ models, but this is the first time he has singled out the Pro Max as costing more. Pu doesn't specify why, but apart from a larger batter and display, the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max is widely expected to feature one major difference compared to…

Supply chain checks suggest that the iPhone 15 production schedule is on track, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max is rumored to be more expensive than ever.In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research has chimed in on the iPhone 15 production schedule, predicted volumes of assembly, and the potential for a price hike. Starting off, Pu expects mass production to begin in earnest in August.This is essentially on schedule, discounting the years where the iPhone assemblies were grossly impacted by COVID restrictions. IT also suggests that early low-volume construction has already begun, and is going fine — but he did not go into detail on that matter. Read more...