Apple is once again facing supply chain challenges as BOE struggles with OLED production for iPhones, according to OLED-info . The Chinese manufacturer has failed to meet Apple's quality standards, delivering far fewer panels than expected. With BOE unable to fulfill orders, Apple is reportedly considering shifting more supply to Samsung Display, while LG Display remains focused on Pro models. This isn’t BOE’s first setback, previous issues with Dynamic Island cutouts already led to reduced orders. As BOE works to fix production flaws, Apple’s reliance on Samsung and LG for OLED panels continues to strengthen.

Apple is gearing up for its first major product releases of the year, with new devices expected to be unveiled in just a few days. While speculation has been swirling around what’s in store, the latest reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate that the company has some highly anticipated upgrades lined up, along with a few surprises that could shake up its product lineup. New iPhone SE 4 One of the most awaited reveals is the fourth-generation iPhone SE. The last iteration of Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone arrived in 2022, and since then, users have been eager for a refresh. This new version is expected to take a huge leap forward, borrowing design and hardware elements from Apple’s flagship models. Among the biggest changes rumored to be coming is a transition to an OLED display, an upgrade from the LCD panel used in the previous model. This shift not only enhances the viewing experience but also brings the SE in line with Apple’s more premium iPhones. Additionally, the adoption of Face ID, a more advanced processor, and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem signal a significant performance boost. There’s also chatter about improved camera capabilities, suggesting that the new SE could be a much more compelling option for those looking for top-tier features at a lower price point. Read more New Powerbeats Pro Meanwhile, Apple is also set to refresh its audio lineup with the introduction of the Powerbeats Pro 2. The first-generation Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019 and gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts for their secure fit and powerful sound. This successor is expected to introduce a redesigned form factor with a sleeker build while maintaining the ear hook design that keeps them in place during workouts. Another major addition could be a built-in heart rate sensor, a feature that may later make its way to future AirPods models. Leaked details suggest new color options, including bold shades like purple and orange, catering to users who want a more expressive aesthetic. Possibilities: Beyond these confirmed releases, there is growing speculation that Apple might also take this opportunity to roll out updates to its Mac and iPad lineups. The MacBook Air, a staple in Apple’s notebook range, is rumored to be receiving an M4 chip refresh, which would mark the beginning of Apple’s next-generation silicon. Inventory shortages for current models at Apple Stores suggest that a new version could be imminent. Similarly, stock levels for the existing iPad Air and entry-level iPad have reportedly been running low, fueling expectations that new iterations could be on the way. If the timing aligns, Apple may introduce an M3-powered iPad Air and an upgraded standard iPad with refreshed internals. While Apple has not officially announced these products yet, the company’s typical release patterns and recent supply chain movements suggest that the wait won’t be long.

T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink-powered satellite service, offering off-the-grid connectivity to compatible smartphones across the U.S. Unlike Apple’s emergency satellite features, this service enables regular messaging without the need for cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Beta testers can use the feature for free until July, after which T-Mobile customers on select plans will continue to have access at no extra cost, while others can subscribe for a monthly fee. The service works automatically in areas without signal, with support for voice calls and mobile data expected later. Apple confirms that iPhones using carrier-backed satellite services like T-Mobile Starlink will display "SAT" in the status bar. While iPhones already support satellite messaging through Globalstar, Starlink’s expansive satellite network aims to provide broader coverage and seamless connectivity.

If you've been holding out for a great deal on AirPods Pro 2, now’s the time to grab them. Amazon is currently offering the second-generation AirPods Pro for just $169, a steep drop from their original $249 price. This is one of the biggest discounts yet on Apple's top-tier wireless earbuds, which come with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, and a MagSafe charging case. Whether you're upgrading from older AirPods or diving into Apple’s ecosystem for the first time, this deal is hard to beat. At this price, stock may not last long. Check out the deal on Amazon now before it’s gone!

Dbrand is shaking up the Apple Vision Pro accessory market with the launch of its latest creation, the Aperture Faceplate. Designed to shield the front of Apple’s mixed-reality headset, this protective cover takes a unique approach with an intricate, perforated design that balances durability with lightweight functionality. Unlike Apple’s official cover, which is meant for storage, Dbrand’s version stays on during use, offering continuous protection for those who want extra peace of mind while navigating virtual environments. The idea for the Aperture Faceplate stemmed from a community-driven concept, originally pioneered by Kyle Goodrich, a former AR designer at Snap. His 3D-printed version caught Dbrand’s attention, leading the company to refine the idea with premium materials and a sleek, high-tech aesthetic. Crafted from polyurethane, the faceplate absorbs impact while ensuring that all external cameras, sensors, and buttons remain unobstructed. Dbrand isn’t stopping with just the faceplate. The company is also rolling out an Aperture Battery Holster, an accessory that provides a practical way to carry the Vision Pro’s battery pack. Instead of letting the battery dangle from your pocket, this clip-on attachment keeps it secure and accessible, preventing unnecessary movement or cable strain. Both the faceplate and holster are available in a striking orange or a more understated black. For those looking to step up their Vision Pro protection, the Aperture Faceplate is available for $49, while a bundle that includes the battery holster is priced at $69. The collection is available now on Dbrand’s website , giving Vision Pro users a stylish and functional way to safeguard their investment.

OpenAI has made a significant move in expanding access to AI-driven search, allowing anyone to use ChatGPT Search without the need for an account. This update, announced on X, removes barriers to entry, letting users access AI-powered web search without signing in or sharing personal information. ChatGPT Search functions as a powerful alternative to traditional search engines, offering in-depth summaries alongside direct links to sources. Unlike conventional searches that return a list of results, ChatGPT’s approach provides contextualized answers, streamlining the process of finding relevant information. OpenAI emphasizes that the AI determines when to search the web based on user queries, but users can also manually enable web searches by selecting the designated icon within ChatGPT. This enhancement comes as OpenAI continues refining how its AI interacts with real-time information. ChatGPT itself has been free to use without an account for some time, but integrating search into the experience marks a pivotal step toward making AI-powered information retrieval more accessible. As more users explore alternatives to Google Search, the introduction of ChatGPT Search without account restrictions signals a growing shift in how people seek and process online information.

Google is doubling down on AI innovation with a series of major updates to its Gemini models, including the debut of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking. This advanced reasoning AI, now integrated into the Gemini app, enhances problem-solving by breaking down complex queries into logical steps. Alongside it, Google is introducing a more interactive version designed to engage with services like YouTube, Search, and Maps. The company is also ramping up its AI investments, planning to spend $75 billion on infrastructure and development this year—more than doubling its 2023 expenditure. With competition from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta intensifying, Google aims to strengthen its AI portfolio with Gemini 2.0 Pro, which promises improved factual accuracy and stronger performance in coding and mathematics. Developers can now access Gemini 2.0 Flash, a high-efficiency AI model available in AI Studio and Vertex AI. Additionally, Google is launching Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite, a cost-effective alternative that matches its predecessor in speed while outperforming it on key benchmarks. These updates mark a strategic push to refine AI reasoning, efficiency, and accessibility as Google races to lead in the AI space.

Apple may soon find itself facing another regulatory battle, as Bloomberg reports that Chinese authorities are intensifying their scrutiny of the company’s App Store policies. According to sources familiar with the matter, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has been in discussions with Apple for over a year regarding its 30% commission on in-app purchases and restrictions on third-party payment systems. While no formal antitrust investigation has been launched yet, the report suggests that regulators are evaluating whether Apple’s policies unfairly disadvantage Chinese developers and limit consumer choice. The growing regulatory attention comes at a pivotal time for Apple in China. The report notes that the company has already seen an 11% drop in revenue from the region over the holiday quarter, as competition from local smartphone makers like Huawei intensifies. Additionally, Apple is grappling with geopolitical challenges, as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate. Apple’s App Store policies have long been a point of contention worldwide, and the report highlights how Chinese developers, including industry giants like Tencent and ByteDance, have pushed back against Apple’s strict payment rules. Last year, Apple reportedly pressured these companies to eliminate workarounds that allowed them to bypass the standard commission fee, further fueling discontent. Regulators are now examining whether such enforcement tactics constitute anti-competitive behavior. This isn’t the first time Apple has faced regulatory scrutiny over its App Store. In the European Union, the company has already had to implement sweeping changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act, allowing alternative app stores and payment methods. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Department of Justice recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of monopolistic practices. If China follows through with a full investigation, Apple could be forced to adjust its policies yet again—this time in one of its most critical markets. For now, the Chinese regulators are still in the deliberation phase. But if Apple resists making changes, a formal probe could be imminent, potentially reshaping how the company does business in the world’s second-largest economy.

Apple is gearing up to introduce its latest addition to the iPhone lineup, with reports suggesting that a new iPhone SE could be unveiled in the coming days. Rather than hosting a flashy event, Apple is expected to reveal the device through a simple press announcement, keeping the focus on the product itself. This next-generation iPhone SE is set to mark a turning point for Apple's budget-friendly series, abandoning the aging design of its predecessors in favor of a sleeker, more modern look inspired by the iPhone 14. With this shift, Apple will fully retire Touch ID from its smartphone lineup, moving all current models to Face ID. Alongside the design refresh, Apple is introducing a new element under the hood, its first in-house modem chip. While it may not yet surpass Qualcomm’s modems in performance, it represents Apple’s move toward greater control over its hardware ecosystem. Beyond connectivity, the device is expected to feature substantial performance upgrades. Apple is reportedly equipping it with the same A18 chip set to power the upcoming iPhone 16 models, paired with 8GB of RAM for improved speed and efficiency. It will also support Apple Intelligence, integrating more advanced AI-powered features into the experience. The transition to USB-C ensures compliance with European regulations, while a 48-megapixel camera could bring a significant leap in photography capabilities compared to previous SE models. As Apple upgrades the iPhone SE with more advanced hardware and features, pricing is expected to shift slightly upward. However, it will likely remain below the $500 mark, keeping it competitive against other mid-range smartphones from rivals.

Apple has long been known for blending technology with design, but its latest research suggests a future where robots could be just as expressive as they are functional. A recently published research paper and accompanying video offer a rare look at Apple's robotics experiments, revealing a prototype that prioritizes movement and interaction over traditional mechanical efficiency. The prototype in question is a robotic lamp, reminiscent of the playful motion seen in Pixar’s Luxo, but designed with an emphasis on expressiveness rather than mere utility. The research explores how nonverbal behaviors like posture and gestures can create a more natural and engaging interaction between humans and machines. By focusing on movement that conveys attention, intention, and even emotion, Apple’s team has built a device that doesn’t just illuminate a space but responds in a way that feels intuitive and almost lifelike. Apple’s foray into robotics may come as a surprise, but reports have suggested that the company has been working on home-focused robots for some time. A previous report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman hinted at mobile robots that could follow users around their homes, as well as a tabletop device with a robotic display. What stands out most in Apple’s approach is the emphasis on aesthetics and interaction rather than the cold, mechanical efficiency often associated with robotics. By making technology feel more natural and engaging, Apple could be setting the stage for a future where our homes are not just smart, but filled with machines that respond in ways that feel almost human. With AI and robotics advancing rapidly, it may not be long before devices like this transition from research labs to everyday life.

Losing baggage at the airport can be a frustrating experience, but Apple’s latest enhancement to the Find My app is making it easier for travelers to locate their missing items. With the rollout of iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a feature that allows users to temporarily share the location of their AirTag-equipped belongings with airline staff, improving the chances of quickly recovering lost or delayed baggage. More airlines are now integrating this functionality, expanding the list of carriers that support it. Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings have recently joined the ranks of Delta, United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand in adopting the system. This growing adoption signals a shift toward a more tech-driven approach to baggage handling, reducing the stress of misplaced luggage for both passengers and airline employees. The feature enables iPhone, iPad, and Mac users running the latest software to generate a secure link within the Find My app, granting temporary access to an item’s location. Airline personnel can then view real-time updates on a web-based map, making it easier to assist passengers in retrieving their belongings. Apple has implemented privacy safeguards to ensure that shared location data remains accessible only to authorized airline staff, with access automatically expiring after a set period or once the item is recovered. Apple has been working closely with airlines to integrate this system, emphasizing security and ease of use. With more airlines expected to roll out support in the coming months, this development marks a significant step in using technology to enhance the travel experience.

Apple Music has launched a major promotion, offering new subscribers six months for just $2.99 instead of the usual $10.99 per month. The deal, described as one of Apple Music’s biggest ever, is available for a limited time to new and eligible users, though it’s unclear if it extends beyond the U.S. The announcement comes as Apple Music prepares for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar. On February 6, hosts Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis will interview Lamar, streaming live across multiple platforms. The performance itself takes place during the Super Bowl on February 9. This move highlights Apple’s push to attract more users amid growing competition in the streaming industry.