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iPhone SE saves Apple’s sales in the second quarter of 2020

Most come from iPhone 6s upgrades and Android switches

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Though it doesn’t seem like it, we’re already well into the third quarter of 2020. The world is looking into the new normal after the pandemic. That said, it’s also time to look back at what happened in the past quarter. Against all odds, Apple has managed to turn back a significant slide down in year-on-year second quarter sales, thanks to the recently launched iPhone SE. What’s more, a huge chunk of iPhone SE users come from former Android users.

According to a new Counterpoint Research report, all of smartphone sales in the US fell into the red in the last quarter. Most critically, OnePlus, Motorola, and ZTE sales plummeted drastically — -60, -62, and -68 percent, respectively. However, amidst the slide, Samsung and Apple withstood a huge drop. Samsung dropped by only 10 percent. Apple, on the other hand, dropped by 23 percent.

Though still in the red, Apple’s less significant drop draws from the success of the iPhone SE’s launch back in April. Further, the iPhone SE grabbed most of its sales from interesting sources.

Apparently, more than 30 percent of the sales came from existing Apple users upgrading from the iPhone 6s. This mostly means that the iPhone SE is not stealing its sales from the current iPhone 11 flagship series.

More importantly, more than 25 percent of iPhone SE users came from former Android users. As such, the iPhone SE did what it exactly sought out to do: offer a brilliant Apple experience for a considerably cheaper price. Especially with today’s more budget-conscious market, the iPhone SE’s attractive price tag hopes to capture a huge part of sales going forward.

SEE ALSO: iPhone SE most searched during lockdown

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Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras

References to the wearable were spotted inside a new macOS beta.

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The launch of operating system betas is a cause of celebration for those digging into what’s next for a brand. No other company does that better than Apple. Today, Apple released a new release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7. As expected, the release has a treasure trove of references to unreleased devices, including a new type of AirPods with built-in cameras.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. The references include a slew of unreleased iPads, Macs, and HomePods. Since these devices are already expected to come out, they’re hardly worth nothing. This includes the iPhone 18 series. If anything, the references confirm the iPhone Ultra, the rumored entry into the foldable market, but that’s it.

Now, the more interesting inclusion is a pair of AirPods with cameras. Despite the controversies surrounding cameras on smart glasses, Apple is reportedly building audio-based wearables with cameras themselves.

In a short demo video (also obtained from the macOS beta via MacRumors), the AirPods can apparently “save” things that it sees, including a book you might want to search for later. In that way, the built-in camera acts more like a voice assistant, rather than a recording device.

Though the references don’t confirm a launch date, it’s likely that the camera-based AirPods will come out sometime soon. After all, why would a blatant reference be inside a publicly available beta?

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 18 might sell out for an unexpected reason

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Samsung might be working on an even wider foldable

The success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 is pushing Samsung to its next steps.

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The passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold8 might be one of the best ideas for a foldable ever. Hardly anyone thinks that Samsung’s latest foldable type was a misstep for the brand. Other companies are even rumored to bring out their own passport-sized foldable soon. Now, Samsung is reportedly going further in the same direction by working on an even wider foldable.

Compared to traditional book-style foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has a more squarish shape when folded. Naturally, the phone’s unfolded state is more rectangular, allowing for more screen real estate for full-screen content. It feels much more immersive to watch movies and shows on the foldable.

Now, according to ETNews, Samsung is working on an even wider foldable, potentially for next year. Though sparse on more technical details, the report hints that the next iteration will focus on better video playback, which does indicate a better aspect ratio.

Though foldables have been under the spotlight for a while now, this year might be the moment that the segment reaches its maturity. A lot of brands today have worthy alternatives for foldables. Some are also working on passport-style ones. Apple, the last holdout among the big names of the industry, is rumored to launch its first foldable later this year. There is no better time to try a foldable than this year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review

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realme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee

Power and endurance designed to last for years

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The upcoming realme 16T will have an 8,000mAh Titan Battery and a 7-Year Battery Health Guarantee for power and endurance designed to last for years.

The brand credits this to its Titan AI Deep Power and Extended Use Care, which work to slow down battery wear over time.

Moreover, the device is also backed by a 6-year Guaranteed Smooth Performance with AI Boost to help keep thing running steadily even after years of daily use.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The realme 16T’s battery supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charge, along with Bypass Charge and Reverse Charge.

These features come handy for keeping the phone cool while plugged in, and for topping up other devices when needed.

Furthermore, the device comes with All-Around Water & Drop Protection, carrying an IP69 Pro rating and Military-Grade Shock Resistance. This way, it can withstand daily bumps, spills, and dust exposure.

Alongside long-term durability, realme is offering added value to early buyers.

Customers who blind pre-order the realme 16T from August 17 to 27 and claim their reserved unit on the First Selling Day on September 4 can enjoy freebies and discounts worth PhP 8,097.

The exclusive offer includes a free TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 3, free Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer, a Privilege Card with six-mnth extended warranty and six-month screen damage protection. To top it all off, there will be a PhP 2,000 off discount.

More details about the realme 16T like its price, full specs, and launch date will be revealed soon.

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