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iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max bring bold redesign, 8x zoom, and more

Including Apple’s fastest chip yet

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iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple just pulled the wraps off its most advanced iPhones yet: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both models feature a bold new design, a powerful new A19 Pro chip, and Apple’s biggest-ever leap in battery life.

A new design built for power

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup comes in a brushed aluminum unibody that’s light but strong. It’s crafted with aerospace-grade alloy and built around a vapor chamber for better cooling. That means the A19 Pro chip can push harder for gaming, video editing, and Apple Intelligence, all while staying cool to the touch.

The design also makes room for a larger battery. Apple says the Pro Max offers its longest-lasting battery ever, and both phones can charge to 50% in just 20 minutes with the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.

A brighter, tougher display

The 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR displays are brighter than ever, hitting 3000 nits outdoors. ProMotion is here, up to 120Hz, with Always-On support. Ceramic Shield 2 now protects both the front and back, offering 3x better scratch resistance and 4x better crack resistance compared to older models.

The most powerful iPhone chip yet

A19 Pro is Apple’s fastest iPhone chip to date. It’s built with a 6-core CPU, a redesigned 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The chip delivers 40% better sustained performance than the last generation, making room for AAA gaming titles with ray tracing and higher frame rates.

Networking also gets a boost with the new N1 chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and more reliable AirDrop and Personal Hotspot connections.

Pro cameras with up to 8x zoom

The new camera system brings three 48MP Fusion lenses: Main, Ultra Wide, and a brand-new Telephoto. Together, they give users the equivalent of eight pro lenses.

The Telephoto camera now supports 4x optical zoom at 100mm and an incredible 8x optical zoom at 200mm — the longest ever on iPhone. The improved Photonic Engine enhances color accuracy, low-light shots, and detail. Digital zoom also goes up to 40x.

Up front, the new 18MP Center Stage camera automatically adjusts the frame to fit everyone in selfies, shoots ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video, and even allows simultaneous Dual Capture with the rear cameras.

Pro video features for creators

For filmmakers, iPhone 17 Pro is the first smartphone to support ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock. That means smoother workflows, pro-level synchronization across cameras, and more flexibility when editing.

iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence

Out of the box, the new Pros run iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence baked in. Live Translation works across Messages, FaceTime, and calls. Visual intelligence lets you search and act on anything you capture in a screenshot. Plus, apps across music, maps, and even gaming get meaningful upgrades.

Price and availability

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup comes in deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver. Storage starts at 256GB, going all the way up to 2TB on the Pro Max.

Pricing starts at $1,099 for iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for iPhone 17 Pro Max. Pre-orders open September 12, with availability beginning September 19.

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Dreame enters smartphones with AURORA debut

Modular imaging, AI-native OS, and luxury design lead new “perception-first” push

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DREAME AURORA

Dreame has officially stepped into the smartphone space with the debut of its AURORA lineup in Silicon Valley, positioning itself beyond appliances and into next-generation intelligent devices.

Unveiled on April 29, the new AURORA brand introduces what Dreame calls three core breakthroughs: imaging, communication, and an AI-native operating system — all built around a “human-centric” approach to technology.

A new take on smartphones

At launch, Dreame showcased three key directions under the AURORA lineup.

Leading the charge is the AURORA NEX, a modular imaging flagship designed to unlock more advanced, flexible photography setups. The idea is to move beyond typical camera upgrades and give users more control over how they capture content.

Alongside it is the AURORA LUX, a luxury-focused series that leans into premium materials and craftsmanship. Dreame positions this as “heirloom-grade” tech — less gadget, more statement piece.

Completing the lineup is a new flagship range aimed at balancing performance, design, and everyday usability for high-end users.

Moving past spec wars

Dreame isn’t framing this as another specs race. Instead, it’s calling this shift a “perception revolution.”

The pitch is simple:

  • Better imaging should feel like creating, not just capturing
  • Connectivity should be stable and seamless everywhere
  • AI should be invisible but proactive, not something users have to manage

To get there, Dreame says it’s addressing familiar industry pain points — from camera hardware stacking to inconsistent signal performance and surface-level AI features.

Its solution is a full-stack approach:

  • A dedicated imaging system built with input from professional photographers
  • A “full-time signal” communication system for more stable connectivity
  • An AI-native OS designed to flip the model from users adapting to devices → devices adapting to users

From tools to partners

The bigger ambition here is clear. Dreame wants devices to evolve from passive tools into what it calls “proactive service partners.”

That means:

  • Devices anticipate needs
  • AI operates in the background
  • Hardware and software feel like a single system

It’s a familiar direction across the industry, but Dreame is betting on tighter integration and a stronger design identity to stand out.

A broader ecosystem play

The AURORA launch also signals something bigger: Dreame is expanding fast beyond its roots in home and personal care tech.

From hair tools to now smartphones, the company is building toward a full ecosystem anchored on AI and connected experiences.

Whether that vision lands will depend on execution — especially in a category as competitive as smartphones.

For now, AURORA marks Dreame’s most ambitious move yet, and a clear statement that it wants to compete not just on devices, but on how those devices fit into everyday life.

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MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand

New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.

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It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”

Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.

Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.

Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.

Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.

Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center

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Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

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When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade

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