News
Next iPhone SE is canceled, report says
Because of failing demand
Right before 2022 ended, a bombshell of a rumor hinted at the potential postponement and even cancelation of the iPhone SE series. Time certainly moves fast. Only a few days into 2023, the same source has changed course and pivoted towards outright cancelation of the affordable lineup.
According to a new post from Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s supply chain has received instructions to cancel any development for a future iPhone SE. The new report doesn’t go into details as to why the lineup was canceled. However, Kuo’s last report indicates that demand for lower-end iPhones was lower than expected.
For the past few years, Apple struggled to peddle its other devices outside of the Pro lineup. While the two Pro models always did well, the regular duo didn’t pull as much in sales. For example, the company changed strategies between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 series, changing from the iPhone 13 mini to the iPhone 14 Plus. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE series, despite enjoying a modicum of success, slowly followed in the same footsteps.
With December’s report, Apple was reportedly delaying the next iteration of the series to focus on more development. Apparently, the company was going to use the series to test a new in-house baseband chip. If the lineup is doomed, Qualcomm will likely remain as Apple’s main supplier for the component going forward.
It’s still the start of 2023, though. With 2024 miles away, anything can happen.
News
Lenovo launches global campaign with David Beckham
“Maximum David” global campaign to roll out across markets
Lenovo has officially launched “Maximum David”, its latest global campaign featuring football icon David Beckham. Just two months ago, the electronics month announced its partnership with the Inter Miami CF co-owner.
The campaign showcases AI-driven technology, and how it elevates the creativity, performance, and impact of one of the most influential figures in sports and entertainment.
The timing couldn’t have been better, as it is just one month before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Lenovo, of course, is also the Official Technology Partner of both the men’s World Cup this year and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
The campaign will roll out across global markets in a mix of film, digital, social, retail, experiential, and event-based activations.
It will show how Lenovo technology supports Beckham’s initiatives across sport, business, travel, creativity, and everyday productivity.
Those stories will also be connected to the broader impact of AI across consumers, small businesses, enterprises, creators, and gamers.
Xiaomi has officially launched its Mi.com online store in the Philippines. This standalone website offers a more direct and centralized shopping experience, as Xiaomi has shifted away from third-party marketplaces.
The dedicated platform serves as a one-stop destination for the entire Xiaomi ecosystem. This includes the brand’s smartphones, smart home devices, and even the POCO lineup.
For instance, there’s the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, Xiaomi Smart Band 10, and Xiaomi Sound Party, among others.
The move marks a significant transition for Xiaomi’s consumers in the market. The brand mentioned wanting to deliver a smarter, more rewarding digital shopping experience tailored for Filipino consumers.
Moreover, customers do not have to worry about the presence of discount vouchers or a reward system, as the Mi.com website has these integrated. That way, customers will still find a great value for direct purchases.
Here’s a quick rundown of Xiaomi’s exclusive offers to celebrate the announcement of a standalone site:
- Launch-Exclusive Vouchers: 10% off coupons on selected inventory, tiered discounts based on total purchase value
- Daily Flash Sales: Two high-traffic windows are scheduled daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Enhanced Loyalty Rewards: new Xiaomi Account sign-ups receive 50 Mi Points (1 Mi Point = PhP 1); during launch window, all purchases earn double points, which can be redeemed for future cashbacks
Apps
Netflix expands its cheaper ad-supported tier to Southeast Asia
This also includes more countries in Europe and South America.
If you don’t care about seeing a deluge of ads on your platforms, you’re an incredibly rare breed these days. That same skill will come in handy for those nicely priced subscription tiers that comes with ads. Netflix, for one, has one of those tiers, and it’s now coming out in more countries.
As is prevalent in other platforms today, an ad-supported subscription tier lowers the price you have to pay every month. The catch, however, is that there will be an occasional sprinkling of ads here and there.
Netflix offers this service, which allows subscribers to get the service for cheap at the expense of their time. Currently, it is limited to only a few major markets in the world. However, the platform is expanding the tier’s reach to more countries in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Starting in 2027, Netflix’s ad-supported tier will expand to 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Indonesia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Thailand.
Netflix says that the ad-supported tier is a popular option for subscribers. Currently, the tier has around 250 million subscribers worldwide. Since some of the new countries have a more budget-conscious attitude when it comes to purchasing services, this number will likely go up after the expansion in 2027.
SEE ALSO: Netflix does the unthinkable: Mayweather-Pacquiao II set for September
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