Apple has assembled $14 billion (roughly Rs. 1,16,442 crore) worth of iPhones in India in fiscal 2024, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

Apple now makes as much as 14 percent or about 1 in 7 of its marquee devices from India, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Foxconn assembled nearly 67 percent while Pegatron made about 17 percent of the India-made iPhones, the Bloomberg report added. Wistron Corp’s plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, which the Tata Group took over last year, made the remaining.

Apple declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.

Apple is increasingly looking to diversify its supply chain beyond China amid geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, even as China remains the largest iPhone-making hub in the world.

Reuters reported on Monday that Pegatron is in advanced talks to hand over control of its only iPhone manufacturing facility, located near Chennai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, to the Tata Group.

Under the deal, which has received the backing of Apple, Tata plans to hold at least a 65 percent stake in a joint venture that will operate the Pegatron plant near Chennai, with the Taiwanese firm providing technical support and holding the rest, one of the sources said.

The Indian consumer goods conglomerate is also building another plant in Hosur in Tamil Nadu, with Pegatron likely to emerge as its joint venture partner.

In January, the Indian government cut the import duty on some parts used in making mobile phones to 10 percent from 15 percent, a move benefiting companies like Apple and Xiaomi that manufacture in Asia’s third-largest economy.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Apple Watch Series 10 will be launched later this year with an upgraded display that delivers improved battery life, according to a report. According to South Korean publication The Elec, the iPhone maker is reportedly changing the way the OLED screen on the Apple Watch Series 10 will be manufactures, which could in turn improve the efficiency of the wearable. The successor to the company’s Apple Watch Series 9, is expected to arrive in the second half of 2024, alongside the upcoming iPhone 16 series.

The Elec reports (in Korean) that the Apple Watch Series 10 will sport a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED screen along with thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. With the current generation Watch Series 9, the company reportedly equips all but two of its switching transistors with low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) technology, which is said to deliver less battery efficiency.

This year, the company will reportedly reduce the number of transistors using LTPS technology. As a result, Apple will use the less efficient technology only for circuits outside the Pixel area and a few remaining switching TFTs, according to the report. This means the Apple Watch Series 10 could offer better battery life compared to its predecessor.

Last month, Bloomberg reported that Apple was abandoning its plans to develop in-house screens with microLED technology. Some teams that were working on display engineering were said to have been reorganised, while other employees were laid off by the company. The move came shortly after Apple reportedly shut down its project to build a self-driving car, which was in development for nearly a decade.

While Apple’s future smartwatches might not be equipped with microLED screens, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to arrive with the improved display technology in the second half of 2024. The smartwatches could arrive alongside the iPhone 16 series of smartphones, which is expected to comprise four models — the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

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The pre-print version of the research paper has been published on arXiv, an open-access online repository of scholarly papers. The paper is titled “Ferret-UI: Grounded Mobile UI Understanding with Multimodal LLMs” and focuses on expanding the use case of MLLMs. It highlights that most language models with multimodal capabilities cannot understand beyond natural images and are functionality “restricted”. It also states the need for AI models to understand complex and dynamic interfaces such as those on a smartphone.

As per the paper, Ferret UI is “designed to execute precise referring and grounding tasks specific to UI screens, while adeptly interpreting and acting upon open-ended language instructions.” In simple terms, the vision language model can not only process a smartphone screen with multiple elements representing different information but it can also tell a user about them when prompted with a query.

How Ferret UI processes information on a screen
Photo Credit: Apple

Based on an image shared in the paper, the model can understand and classify widgets and recognise icons. It can also answer questions such as “Where is the launch icon”, and “How do I open the Reminders app”. This shows that the AI is not only capable of explaining the screen it sees, but can also navigate to different parts of an iPhone based on a prompt.

To train Ferret UI, the Apple researchers created data of varying complexities themselves. This helped the model in learning basic tasks and understanding single-step processes. “For advanced tasks, we use GPT-4 [40] to generate data, including detailed description, conversation perception, conversation interaction, and function inference. These advanced tasks prepare the model to engage in more nuanced discussions about visual components, formulate action plans with specific goals in mind, and interpret the general purpose of a screen,” the paper explained.

The paper is promising, and if it passes the peer-review stage, Apple might be able to utilise this capability to add powerful tools to the iPhone that can perform complex UI navigation tasks with simple text or verbal prompts. This capability appears to be ideal for Siri.

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Apple is expected to launch new iPad Pro models equipped with OLED screens for the first time, according to recent reports. While the Cupertino company is yet to announce any plans for an upgrade to its Pro models that were introduced nearly a year and a half ago, the latest iPadOS 17.5 developer beta reportedly contains firmware that suggests the company’s upcoming iPad Pro models will feature a new display technology, while a new Apple Pencil model could also be on the way.

9to5Mac spotted references to a few unidentified tablet models in the code for the recently released iPadOS 17.5 developer beta. The firmware for four of these devices — identified as iPad16,3; iPad16,4; iPad16,5; and iPad16,6 — suggests that they will sport OLED screens, while also revealing some details of the suppliers for these models, according to the publication.

The clues to these devices in the latest iPadOS 17.5 beta update suggest that the launch of new iPad Pro models and a new Apple Pencil is imminent. Apple is yet to announce a new launch event, but a recent report suggests that the company is planning to introduce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in at the start of May, after the company missed the previously tipped March-end launch window.

Two of the four unreleased models reportedly refer to the successors to the 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) models with Wi-Fi connectivity, while the other two could arrive as their cellular variants. The report also states that the firmware for these models found on iPadOS 17.5 beta suggests that LG and Samsung will manufacture the OLED panels for smaller variant, while only LG will supply panels for the 12.9-inch model.

iPadOS 17.5 beta also includes code that points to three different Apple Pencil gestures — squeeze, long squeeze, and double squeeze. This suggests that a new Apple Pencil model could soon be launched by the firm, the first to be offer pressure sensors on its sides.

Previous reports have also suggested that the company’s next generation Apple Pencil will also let owners track the device via the company’s Find My network, similar to the second generation AirPods Pro. We can expect to hear more about the company’s plans in the coming days or weeks, ahead of the expected debut of these devices. 

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eBay, the popular US-based ecommerce platform, has added a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based feature for iOS app users. The feature, dubbed ‘Shop the Look’ allows users to check outfit inspirations and shop for similar items through generative AI capabilities. The company said the feature will be personalised based on the user’s on-platform behaviour and help them shop for particular looks and understand how different items complement each other. The feature is currently only available in the US and the UK.

In a community post, eBay announced the new feature on Tuesday. Announcing the AI-powered Shop the Look feature, the post stated, “Shop the Look is an immersive carousel of looks, tailored to our customers’ shopping history, complete with interactive hotspots that reveal similar items and outfit inspirations.”

An iOS user residing in the US or the UK can open the app and find the Shop the Look carousel on the home page as well as the fashion landing page. The section is a simple carousel where users will see models wearing different outfits categorised into different styles and themes. When clicking on an outfit, users will see interactive hotspot buttons for different outfit items. For instance, a woman wearing a top, skirt and boots will show three hotspots corresponding to the item. Clicking on any of the buttons will then open a panel with similar items. eBay says the options will include both luxury items as well as pre-owned items.

The feature also uses the ecommerce platform’s recommendation engine and suggests outfits in the carousel based on a user’s shopping and in-app behaviour. An algorithm analyses this behaviour and identifies other outfits that they might like which is then shown in the carousel. “With this approach, we offer a shopping experience that not only understands our customers’ preferences, but also evolves with them over time,” the post added.

eBay also highlighted that the feature can be helpful for users to identify the latest trends and develop an understanding of how to integrate fashion items naturally with a particular wardrobe. The feature will show up for users who have viewed at least 10 fashion items in the past 180 days. The ecommerce platform also said that an Android app is in the works and could launch later this year. However, it did not share any plans to expand the feature in other regions.

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The company has warned users in 92 countries that their iPhone might have been targeted with mercenary spyware. “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” the company says in the email sent out to users on April 10 at 12pm PT (12:30am IST on Thursday) viewed by Gadgets 360.

The email informs users asks users to take the warning seriously, adding that that Apple has “high confidence” in the warning — even though it is never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks. Apple’s email also states that it has notified users in 150 countries to date, and the company does not attribute these targeted spyware attacks — including those using software like Pegasus developed by NSO Group — to specific attackers or geographic regions.

Apple has advised users who received the threat notification email to enable Lockdown Mode on their iPhone — a special mode that reduces the avenues for spyware attacks by disabling several features. Users are also advised to update to iOS 17.4.1 and keep other devices, messaging, and cloud apps updated. Users targeted by mercenary spyware are also advised by Apple to enlist expert guidance.

An example of the threat notification displayed on the Apple ID website
Photo Credit: Apple

The company also updated its support document related to threat notifications on Wednesday, explaining how these mercenary spyware attacks work. Once the company detects activity that appears to be consistent with a mercenary attack, it sends an email and iMessage notification to users on their Apple ID-associated email and phone numbers, respectively. Users who sign in to the Apple ID website will also see a Threat Notification banner at the top of the page, according to the support document.

Apple’s threat notifications support page also informs users that Apple threat notifications never ask users to click links, open files, install apps, and send their Apple ID password or verification code over the phone or via email, to protect them from fraudulent emails pretending to originate from Apple — the latest threat notification doesn’t include clickable links and asks users to type in addresses that are separated by spaces.

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iOS 18 is expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2024 on June 10, months before Apple rolls out its next major software update to eligible iPhone models. While the company is yet to offer any details related to iOS 18, analysis of backend code on Apple’s servers has revealed that the company could be working on two new AI features that could arrive with the upcoming update. These include an AI-powered ‘browsing assistant’ for Safari that could bring Apple’s browser on par with competing applications.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) developer Nicolás Álvarez (@nicolas09F9) states that he discovered references to two features on Apple’s backend code. The first one — Safari browsing assistant — that sounds similar to generative AI assistants that are capable of analysing and summarising web pages, like Copilot on Microsoft Edge, or Arc Browser.

The second feature spotted by the developer is called Encrypted visual search, which is already a feature offered by Spotlight, as the developer points out. It is currently unclear whether iOS 18 will include a more advanced (and secure) version of the Visual Look Up feature that can automatically identify plants, pet breeds, and landmarks in Camera Roll images.

Álvarez explains that both these features will use an Oblivious HTTP gateway (a privacy protocol for forwarding encrypted HTTP messages) that will stop the company from identifying multiple requests as arriving from the same IP address. The developer previously speculated that Apple would use its iCloud Private Relay feature, which requires a monthly subscription to iCloud+ or Apple One.

Apple is yet to reveal details of these purported AI features expected to arrive on its upcoming operating system update for eligible iPhone models. The company is expected to unveiled iOS 18 alongside macOS 15 and other operating system updates for various Apple products at WWDC 2024, which begins on June 10, and we can expect to learn more about these AI features during the WWDC keynote event in a couple of months.

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Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to debut later this year with a few design changes, such as a new vertically aligned camera layout and the Action button that arrived last year on the iPhone 15 Pro. A tipster now claims that Apple will introduce its next iPhone models in two additional colour options this year. An earlier report suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro models will swap two existing colourways on the iPhone 15 Pro models with new ones.

According to a post by tipster Fixed Focus Digital (translated from Chinese) on Weibo, the upcoming iPhone 16 Plus (as well as the regular iPhone 16) will be available in Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, White, and Yellow colourways. The Purple and White options are new additions, while the others will be the same from the standard iPhone 15 models.

While five of the seven rumoured colour options are the same as the iPhone 15 models, Apple could still launch its upcoming handsets different shades. The current generation iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus colour options are more muted with a matte finish on the rear panel — especially the Blue variant — compared to their predecessors, while this year’s models might be more vibrant.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be launched in new grey and gold finishes. These two are expected to replace two existing ones from the iPhone 15 Pro lineup — Apple only introduces its Pro models in four colourways every year. This year’s iPhone 16 Pro models could arrive in new Desert Titanium and Titanium Grey colourways.

The upcoming iPhone 16 series is likely to debut in the second half of 2024, based on Apple’s previous release timelines. Before these phones are unveiled, Apple is also expected to show off new software features coming to users as part of iOS 18, macOS 15, and other software updates at its upcoming WWDC 2024 event that begins on June 10.

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Apple is planning to launch the first iPhone equipped with a processor built on a 2nm process in 2025, according to a report. The Cupertino company will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with a next generation chipset from TSMC. The iPhone 15 Pro models were the first phones from Apple to be equipped with a 3nm A17 Pro chip, while the standard iPhone models still run on the 4nm A16 Bionic chipset that previously powered the Pro models launched in 2022.

According to a DigiTimes report (via Apple Insider) citing supply chain sources, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is preparing a new chip manufactured on its 2nm process for the iPhone 17 Pro models that are expected to launch in the second half of 2024. Apple is also expected to introduce Mac models with 2nm chips in the future, but the report does not specify a timeline for these processors.

With TSMC on track to produce the 2nm chips that will be built on its “N2” process technology, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are likely to be the first smartphones to feature the next generation chips, while the standard iPhone 17 models could be equipped with a previous generation chipset, a process Apple has followed since the iPhone 14, which featured the same chip as the iPhone 13 Pro.

While the Taiwanese chip firm will start production of 2nm chip designs next year, it is also working on a more advanced version of the “N2” process technology for even better 2nm chips that will be ready by 2026-end, according to the report. This suggests that the first iPhone models with chips built on the “N2P” process technology could be from the iPhone 19 series that could debut a year later in 2027.

TSMC is also working on its more advanced “A14” process technology, which will allow it to produce 1.4nm chipsets, according to the report. However, there’s currently no word on a timeline for production of chips on the advanced process technology, which means it could be years before an iPhone model is launched with a 1.4nm processor.

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Apple Vision Pro has been available for purchase in the US for nearly two weeks now, and many users have shared opinions about the company’s first mixed-reality headset. Some have been impressed while others say they are apprehensive about the technology. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has his own mixed-reality headset Meta Quest 3 competing with it, has now posted his video review after testing the Vision Pro. Sharing his opinions, he said, “Quest is the better product, period.”

The review was posted on the Meta CEO’s Instagram profile. In the 3-minute long video, he goes over the features he liked in Apple Vision Pro and highlights where the Meta Quest 3 has the advantage. He started the review by saying, “Before this, I expected that Quest would be a better value for most people since it’s really good and it is seven times less expensive.” He goes on to say that after experiencing the headset, he now believes that Quest 3 is the overall better product.

The opinion is not surprising given Zuckerberg had reservations about the Apple Vision Pro ever since it was first unveiled at the iPhone maker’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023. At the time, he said that Meta’s vision for the metaverse was fundamentally social and he was not a fan of how every demo by Apple showed a person “sitting on a couch by themself”.

Reviewing the mixed-reality headset, Zuckerberg praised the high-resolution display on Vision Pro, and pointed out that the eye tracking was “really nice”. However, he was quick to highlight that he was surprised by the number of trade-offs Apple made with the quality, comfort, and ergonomics of the headset and its other aspects in order to get to that.

Zuckerberg also did not miss out on the opportunity to compare the Apple headset with the Meta Quest 3 and explained that the mixed-reality headset was made 120g lighter compared to the predecessor in order to be more comfortable. He also pointed out that there are no wires in the Quest 3 that get in the way when a user moves around, unlike Vision Pro. Additionally, he said the field of vision and screen brightness was better on Meta’s wearable.

“When I look around, I see a lot of people who assumed that Vision Pro would be higher quality because it’s Apple and it costs $3000 more. But honestly, I’m pretty surprised that Quest is so much better for a vast majority of things that people use these headsets for with that price differential,” he added.

The Meta CEO also compared the content libraries of both headsets and highlighted that Quest had a larger immersive content library. While this is true, Apple is also working with studios such as Disney and gaming publisher, in addition to its Apple TV+ streaming service to create its own content library.

“The reality is every generation of computing has an open and closed model. In mobile, Apple’s closed model won but it’s not always that way. If you go back to the PC era, Microsoft’s open model was the winner. In the next generation, Meta is going to be the open model and I really want to make sure that the open model wins out again,” Zuckerberg concluded.

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