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- Apple to drastically change product launch schedule — will hold iPhone launch events twice a year
Apple to drastically change product launch schedule — will hold iPhone launch events twice a year
Technology Insights Daily
May 21, 2025
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Apple is reportedly planning a significant shift in its iPhone release strategy starting in 2026. Instead of unveiling all models simultaneously in the fall, the company intends to adopt a biannual launch schedule. The premium iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a new foldable iPhone are expected to debut in fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and a budget-friendly iPhone 18e are slated for release in spring 2027 .
This staggered approach aims to maintain consumer interest throughout the year and better manage production workloads. By separating the launches, Apple can allocate resources more efficiently and potentially boost sales by targeting different market segments at distinct times. However, some analysts express concerns that delaying the base models might confuse consumers and impact the overall sales dynamics .
Apple is reportedly testing under-display Face ID technology for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, aiming for a cleaner, more immersive display by eliminating the current Dynamic Island design. According to sources like MacRumors and The Information, the new design would feature a single punch-hole camera in the top-left corner of the screen, with all Face ID components hidden beneath the display.
This advancement presents significant engineering challenges, as Apple must ensure that the under-display sensors maintain the accuracy and reliability of the current Face ID system. If successful, this would mark a major step toward an uninterrupted, edge-to-edge screen experience. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in 2026, with these design changes potentially setting the stage for a fully bezel-less iPhone in the future.
While the Dynamic Island may be removed in this iteration, it's unclear whether Apple will retain its functionality through software adaptations. The move to under-display Face ID aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and device aesthetics.
OpenAI has agreed to acquire AI coding assistant startup Windsurf (formerly Codeium) for approximately $3 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. This strategic move aims to bolster OpenAI's position in the competitive AI-driven coding tools market, enhancing its offerings like ChatGPT and Codex.
Windsurf's advanced features, including its "flow-aware" system and support for over 70 programming languages, complement OpenAI's existing technologies. The acquisition also underscores OpenAI's commitment to expanding its developer ecosystem and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to Windows 11's Start menu this month, introducing a more spacious and customizable layout. The redesigned menu combines pinned apps and the full app list into a single scrollable interface, enhancing accessibility and user experience. Users now have the option to disable the "Recommended" section, allowing for a cleaner view focused solely on their chosen applications.
Additionally, the update integrates a collapsible Phone Link panel directly into the Start menu, providing quick access to messages, calls, and battery status from synced smartphones. This feature aims to streamline the interaction between Windows PCs and mobile devices, offering a more unified digital
These enhancements are part of Microsoft's broader initiative to refine Windows 11's interface, making it more intuitive and aligned with user preferences. The updated Start menu is currently available to Windows Insiders and will be gradually rolled out to all users in the coming weeks.
Apple's iOS 18.5 update brings satellite messaging capabilities to the entire iPhone 13 lineup, including the Mini, Pro, and Pro Max models. This feature allows users to send text messages via satellite when cellular coverage is unavailable, provided they are subscribed to a compatible carrier service. Currently, T-Mobile in the U.S. offers such a service through its partnership with Starlink, enabling users to stay connected even in remote areas.
It's important to note that this update does not include Apple's native Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which remains exclusive to iPhone 14 and newer models due to specific hardware requirements. Instead, the iPhone 13 relies on carrier-provided satellite services, which function similarly to traditional cellular networks but utilize satellite connections.
To utilize this feature, iPhone 13 users should update their devices to iOS 18.5 and ensure they have a carrier plan that supports satellite connectivity. This advancement enhances communication options for users in areas with limited or no cellular service, offering a valuable tool for staying connected during emergencies or in remote locations.
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