Apple may be making a larger version of the iPhone SE 2/iPhone 9, according to code found in iOS 14 by 9to5Mac.
This is the first indication we’ve had that Apple is open to the idea of expanding the rumored iPhone SE 2 range, and snippets from the code are hinting at an iPhone with a 5.5-inch display. Past rumors have focused on a model with a 4.7-inch LCD display and upgraded internals, based fairly closely on the design of the iPhone 8. With that in mind, a 5.5-inch display makes it clear we’re looking at a design based on the iPhone 8 Plus, with upgraded hardware to match its smaller sibling.
Since the design is likely to be based on the iPhone 8 range, expect to say goodbye to Face ID unlocking and a welcome return to the hardware-based home button with a fingerprint scanner. While it’s likely to seem a step back for those on the cutting edge of tech, the retro look will appeal to anyone who misses the classic iPhone look. However, the new phones are expected to come with Apple’s latest hardware, including the A13 Bionic processor. We assume the new phones will come with the same number of camera lenses as the iPhone 8 range, but expect Apple to have tuned up the hardware for the new entry-level machines. Also rumored is the inclusion of Apple’s new background NFC reading feature, and support for Apple Pay Express Transit.
We’ve been waiting for Apple to make a new version of its wildly sucessful (and well priced) iPhone SE for years, and 2020 is looking like its year. We heard earlier this month it had entered the final stages before launch, and while we don’t know what price an iPhone SE 2 Plus/iPhone 9 Plus might be sold at, rumors say the 4.7-inch version will start from $400. Apple has kept the potential naming scheme for the new phones close to its chest, with both “iPhone SE 2” and “iPhone 9” in the running for consideration. To us, “iPhone 9” seems too inconsistent with Apple’s currently numbering system, but it wouldn’t be the first time the Cupertino, California company has defied expectations. We’ll let you know more as we hear more.
Two new highly requested iCloud plugins just got added to ChatGPT, giving people who rely on Apple’s Mail and Calendar services a way to search emails, check appointments, and manage their schedules directly through the chatbot.
The integration is rolling out to all ChatGPT plans, including the free tier. You can access it on the web, desktop, and iOS.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.