Apple Loop revisited the major news and highlights from Apple this week, covering various topics such as the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera upgrades to combat lens flare, the addition of a capture button on the iPhone 16 models, a new Notes app rumored to be included in iOS 18, details on an upcoming iPad Air with a MiniLED display, leaks on the iPhone SE 4 design for 2025, an accelerated Mac release schedule with the M4 generation expected sooner than usual, and a guide to retro emulation on the iPhone.
One of the key upgrades coming to the next iPhone, likely the iPhone 16 family, is a new coating using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process that will combat the lens flare issues commonly faced by smartphone cameras. This technology, which deposits coatings in layers that are just a single atom thick, provides more precise control and is especially effective on curved surfaces like iPhone camera lenses.
In addition to camera upgrades, the new iPhone 16 models are expected to feature a capture button, as revealed in machined mock-ups of the devices. The presence of this button on all four iPhone 16 models indicates a standardized feature across the line, providing developers with a consistent user experience. The button is likely to be a capacitive one, offering a tactile feedback through Apple’s Taptic Engine.
Rumors suggest that iOS 18 will introduce a new Notes app with audio recording support integrated at the application level. This feature, similar to the existing Voice Memos app, is expected to enhance the user experience for note-taking and organizing information. The new app is reportedly in development for iOS 18 and macOS 15, with plans to expand to the new version of iPadOS.
Display Supply Chain Consultants’ Ross Young hinted at a forthcoming design change for the iPad Air, revealing that the 12.9-inch model will feature a MiniLED display. This technology, leveraging leftover panels from the 12.9-inch MiniLED iPad Pro, offers lower power consumption compared to edge-lit LCD displays, delivering improved brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
Details on the iPhone SE 4 for 2025 have surfaced, suggesting a design with front and rear glass similar to the iPhone 13, but with a single camera reminiscent of the iPhone XR. The mid-range smartphone is expected to feature a bill of materials optimized for cost efficiency while providing essential functionality and performance. The iPhone SE lineup continues to bridge the gap between budget and premium iOS devices.
Apple’s Mac release schedule is set to be accelerated with the upcoming M4 generation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) hardware. Following recent updates to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with M3 technology, the M4 family is expected to focus on enhancing AI capabilities across various Mac models. This shift indicates a faster pace of innovation and iteration in Apple’s Mac lineup.
In a significant policy change, Apple now allows retro game emulators on the App Store, leading to the arrival of the Delta emulator app. This development opens up new possibilities for retro gaming enthusiasts to enjoy classic titles on their iOS devices. The emulation process, as demonstrated by Retro Game Corps on YouTube, offers a detailed walkthrough of setting up and using the Delta app on the App Store.
