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Apple iPhone X’s camera lens breaks too easily, users report

So much for expensive sapphire glass…

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For US$ 999, you can expect a smartphone that should last well over a few years. However, multiple complaints have revealed that the world’s most popular US$ 999 smartphone has a camera lens that breaks easier than a plate at a Jewish wedding.

To recap, Apple launched the incredibly premium iPhone X late last year. Besides sporting specs that edge out most flagships, it also boasts of an extremely durable sapphire glass lens cover. Usually found in watch faces, sapphire glass supposedly endures just as much pressure as a diamond.

With that in mind, the iPhone X’s durability should eclipse that of other phones. However, iPhone X users are piling on complaints that the sapphire glass isn’t as durable as it claims.

According to multiple posts on Reddit and on Apple support forums, cracks are suddenly appearing on the iPhone X’s camera lens without any significant contact. More interestingly, some cracks are appearing underneath the glass — indicating that external contact couldn’t have caused it.

While the camera itself remains relatively untouched, a huge gash on the glass ruins every chance of taking pristine photos. The cracks range from almost imperceptible hairline cracks to full-on gashes.

Despite the abundance of reports, users are still scratching their heads as to what caused these cracks. However, some reports claim that extreme temperatures can cause the fractures. These examples include humid locations like Hawaii and Malaysia.

Currently, Apple has not acknowledged the issue yet. Quite possibly, the company is still investigating the list of suspects.

Regardless, Apple has done nothing to alleviate the current cases. Affected users are reporting that Apple repair centers have demanded up to US$ 594 (more than half the iPhone X’s price!) just to repair the damage.

While these cases still remain unverified, the abundance of breakages still puts a dent on the iPhone X’s credibility as a durable phone.

SEE ALSO: Apple might launch an iPhone with triple-lens rear cameras next year

Accessories

Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States

It will come with the special acrylic stand.

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Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.

In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.

Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.

Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.

Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.

SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle

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TNT earns honors at 2025 International Business Awards

TNT Petmaloop campaign earns Gold Stevie

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Philippines network provider TNT, the value brand of PLDT’s mobile wireless subsidiary Smart, earned multiple honors at the recent 2025 International Business Awards.

At the 22nd edition of the IBA, TNT bagged a Gold Stevie for Brand Experience of the Year – Consumer. This was for the groundbreaking TNT Petmaloop Challenge.

The campaign gathered content creators nationwide to feature highlights of their hometowns that give them “saya” (joy) using TikTok.

It culminated in an uninterrupted stream that earned a Guinness World Records title for the Longest Travel Livestream after running for 26 hours, 15 minutes, and 29 seconds.

Moreover, TNT also received a Silver Stevie for Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year for its SIM Registration campaign. This blended creativity and humor in urging subscribers to register their SIMs on time.

TNT’s awards form part of the broader recognition received by the PLDT Group and Smart at the same awards, also known as The Stevies.

These reflect the integrated telecommunications provider’s continued investments in network development, innovation, and customer-focused initiatives.

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Apps

Apple gives up on making AI, inks a deal with Gemini to power Siri

Gemini gets another feather in its cap.

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In the not-too-long-ago past, the biggest names of the tech industry competed to build their own AI software. Now, though some brands are still on the hunt, it’s easier to name certain software that have more successfully drowned users in a flood of AI-powered features. Today, Google gets another win by adding Apple’s Siri to its Gemini cap.

In the past, Apple peddled Apple Intelligence, an upcoming AI-powered system to compete against the giants of the industry. However, much like other features from other brands, Apple Intelligence came out half baked with features still lacking months after the initial launch.

Now, Apple has signed a deal with Google to use Gemini for a revamped Siri. The former plans to launch a new version of Siri later this year. Because of the deal, the voice assistant will start using Gemini as a foundation for its own services. Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy AI already uses Gemini.

Formerly a battleground between so many competing brands, it’s now looking like a battle between two major companies: Google and OpenAI. Google now has a huge grip, though. Both Samsung and Apple are no slouches when it comes to owning market share in the world’s smartphones.

Now, as consumers, Apple’s deal probably doesn’t mean much besides the continued influx of features that add little to no value to a smartphone.

SEE ALSO: Google paid Samsung a lot of money to install Gemini on Galaxy

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