2026-01-30 21:11:16
Google Maps now lets you talk to Gemini while following walking or cycling directions. The latest update is an extension to the AI chatbot's existing conversational navigation feature in driving mode that rolled out in November.
You can now ask Gemini hands-free questions without leaving the navigation screen. While walking, for example, you can ask things like "Tell me more about this neighborhood" or "Are there cafes with a bathroom along my route?" Cyclists can also check their ETA without taking their hands off the handlebars.
The embedded video below gives you an idea of how Gemini already works during driving navigation.
Google says the feature addresses the practical problem of typing while moving, which is awkward at best and dangerous at worst. The Gemini integration also supports follow-up questions, so you could, for example, ask for a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options, then follow up with questions about parking.
Beyond discovery queries, users can also issue navigation commands like "Add stop," "Show alternative routes," or "Mute guidance." You can also ask practical questions such as "What's my next turn?" or "What's the weather like at my destination?"
2026-01-30 21:08:05
Apple has discontinued the iPhone Upgrade Program in the United Kingdom, moving to a more traditional financing system.
The change appears to be related to Apple ending its partnership with Barclays bank, which supported the iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK. The iPhone Upgrade Program webpage in the country now says:
The iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end, but we think you'll love what's next.
You don't need to do anything right now, just keep making your remaining payments. When it's time for your next iPhone, the Flexible Finance Account will offer you a new, more flexible way to upgrade.
The Flexible Finance Account provided by Creation is a line of credit that lets you spread the cost of your next Apple device, and it's available exclusively at the Apple Store. The good news is, it gives you even more options when it's time for the latest iPhone. Whether applying in-store or online, choose a plan that works for you and get ready to upgrade.
2026-01-30 20:41:37
Apple's rumored plan to split its iPhone launch cycle beginning this year has gained additional credibility, with a new report from Nikkei Asia corroborating earlier claims from The Information, Bloomberg, and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
According to Nikkei's sources, Apple will prioritize its first foldable iPhone along with iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models for the second half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 will ship in the first half of 2027.
An updated iPhone 18e is also expected to appear in the first half of 2027. Nikkei's report does not mention this. It does note however that a second-generation iPhone Air is in Apple's pipeline, though it is not expected this year.
The staggered approach aims to both optimize resources and maximize Apple's revenue from premium models amid rising memory chip costs and supply chain pressures, according to the report.
One supplier executive told Nikkei that a smoothly functioning supply chain is "one of the key challenges" this year, adding that a marketing strategy change also factored into Apple's decision to prioritize its premium devices.
The report also notes that Apple is facing additional pressure as some of its suppliers have shifted resources toward AI companies like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon. Notably, Apple explicitly mentioned iPhone supply constraints during its recent earnings call on Thursday.
The pressure comes at a key time for Apple's ambitious new device: mass producing a foldable iPhone requires more complicated manufacturing techniques and new materials, so it's crucial for Apple to minimize production issues leading up to and during its expected launch in the fall.
For Apple's part, it has not officially confirmed any changes to its traditional annual fall iPhone release schedule.
2026-01-30 06:56:40
AirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after the earbuds launched in September that their popularity reportedly "caught Apple off guard."
"AirPods Pro 3 were supply-constrained during the quarter, and we think we would have grown year over year if we would not have been constrained," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Reuters, in a report published alongside Apple's record-breaking earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year.
Cook was referring to Apple's Wearable, Home, and Accessories segment, which saw around a 2% drop in revenue year-over-year. His comment implies that if Apple had realized AirPods Pro 3 were going to be such a hit, the company could have had more inventory ready to ship and might have actually had revenue growth in this segment.
AirPods Pro 3 no longer have any extended delivery delays on Apple's online store, so it would appear that Apple has caught up on supply by now.
AirPods Pro 3 feature increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved fit for many users, increased water resistance, a new XXS ear tip size, and more.
2026-01-30 06:40:59
On an earnings call with equity analysts today, Apple CEO Tim Cook responded to fast-rising RAM and SSD storage chip prices in the supply chain.
Cook said that rising memory chip prices had a "minimal impact" on Apple's gross margin in the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year, but he does expect a "bit more of an impact" on the company's gross margin in the current quarter.
Cook added that Apple is aware of the rising prices and "will look at a range of options to deal with that" over the long term, if necessary.
Apple reported record-breaking revenue of $143.8 billion last quarter, up 16% year-over-year, and it is predicting similar 13% to 16% year-over-year growth and gross margin of 48% to 49% in the current quarter, so the company is still reporting impressive earnings results despite concerns surrounding memory chip prices.
This article, "Apple Responds to Skyrocketing RAM and Storage Chip Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
2026-01-30 06:02:09
There are now more than 2.5 billion active Apple devices, the company announced today.
"We are also excited to announce that our installed base now has more than 2.5 billion active devices, which is a testament to incredible customer satisfaction for the very best products and services in the world," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release announcing the company's record-breaking earnings results.
Apple said it had more than 2.35 billion active devices in the year-ago quarter, and the number continues to rise. It shows that Apple has a massive opportunity to sell services, ranging from Apple Music subscriptions to iCloud+ storage plans to the all-new Apple Creator Studio bundle with Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and more apps.
This article, "Apple Reaches 2.5 Billion Active Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
