Philippines

Power Mac Center holds iPhone 16 midnight launch in 4 venues nationwide

iPhone 16 promos still available

Published

October 17, 2024

GadgetMatch

The latest iPhone 16 series is now available in all Power Mac Center (PMC) and The Loop stores nationwide.

This weekend, you can still score great deals at any of the over 120 PMC or The Loop branches nationwide. Meanwhile, those who pre-ordered can now pick up their devices from the branch they transacted with.

“Power Mac Center goes all-out with iPhone launch events to indulge our customers’ love for the technology. Their loyalty and support emboldened us to mount midnight launches in Cebu and Davao for the first time,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.

First midnight launch in VisMin

The new iPhone 16 series was launched at midnight of October 18 in four PMC locations: Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and SM Lanang in Davao. Each location welcomed droves of customers, who joined the countdown while enjoying interactive games wherein they won special prizes and spectacular musical performances.

From 9 PM, Greenbelt 3 had hip-hop dance group UPeepz, singers Barbie Almalbis and Dionela, and OPM band Sponge Cola performing, with the show hosted by Ai Dela Cruz and Sam YG. UPeepz then graced the SM MOA launch to join singer Jayda and band The Juans. The revelry, which started at 10 PM, was hosted by Show Suzuki and Aiyana Perlas.

Over at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, homegrown synth-pop duo Mandaue Nights entertained the crowd eagerly waiting for midnight. They were joined by Never the Strangers and the pop/alternative rock band Over October, which flew in for the fans. Debbie Then hosted the show.

And finally in SM Lanang, alternative hip-hop group PLAYERTWO performed in their native Davao City, joined by singer-songwriters Fern. and Rhodessa. The show was hosted by Jae Miranda.

Premium freebies

As in previous years, those who were first in line also got rewarded with premium accessories worth up to P30,000 and other exclusive perks! Casetify extended 10% discount vouchers on select iPhone 16 cases; Grab gave away promo codes for 15% off on select GrabCar bookings; and Klook is slashing P300 off on select flights, hotels, and activities that can be booked in its app or website.

On top of the four midnight launch locations, 26 PMC and The Loop stores nationwide also reopened at 12:01 AM on October 18, allowing customers who pre-ordered to be among the first to experience the latest iPhone in the country.

Partners ADAM elements, Anker, Before Anything Else, Belkin, Cygnett, PanzerGlass and Care by PanzerGlass joined the iPhone 16 pre-order and launch events. Participating major sponsors include LAUT and QDOS, and minor sponsors are AMAZINGTHING, Energea, Mophie, OtterBox, STM, Woosh!, and ZAGG.

Launch weekend perks to enjoy the iPhone 16 series

Customers buying any of the iPhone 16 devices can still get up to P10,000 off when paying via non-installment modes of payment or credit card installments of three months only. They can also take home the free Before Anything Else Dual Port 30W Wall Charger, and enjoy up to 50% discount on select Apple and non-Apple accessories when purchased with an iPhone 16. These offers are valid for iPhone 16 launch weekend purchases until October 20, 2024.

Partner banks and financial institutions also have ongoing offers, such as:

UnionBank: Enjoy up to P10,000 off on the iPhone 16 series and pay in 24 easy installments. Plus, have the option to pay up to two months later. Available until October 19, 2024.
BPI: Purchase an iPhone 16 in 6-, 12-, or 24-month installments and enjoy up to P4,000 off, plus Buy Now Pay Later. Available until October 20, 2024.
PNB: Enjoy up to P8,000 rebate with a minimum spend when you use your PNB Credit Card. Available until October 22, 2024.
Home Credit: Purchase an iPhone 16 for 12 months at 0% installment. Offer valid until January 31, 2025 at select Power Mac Center and The Loop stores.
BDO: Use your BDO credit card and get P2,000 off for a minimum single-receipt spend of P60,000 at 0% installment for 6, 12, and 24 months only or P3,000 cashback from BDO for a minimum single-receipt spend of P60,000 at 0% installment for 3, 6, 12, and 24 months only. Buy now and pay up to four months later. Available until October 20, 2024.

PMC UpTrade

Upgrading? There’s PMC’s UpTrade program that has ongoing offers until October 31, 2024. Trade in your previous iPhone 15 device. Get as much as P57,700 trade-in value. You can also receive up to P2,000 extra trade-in value for your previous iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 device when purchasing any iPhone 16 model.

All customers who purchased the iPhone 16 series at PMC are qualified to earn entries to the “Miles and Milestones: The 30th Anniversary Raffle” promo. Get a chance to win a brand-new BYD ATTO 3 Dynamic Electric Vehicle, business class trips via Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, and other exciting prizes! Sign up for membership to the 1 Infinite loyalty program in-store or via this link. Make a minimum single-receipt purchase of at least P30,000 until December 31, 2024.

The latest iPhone launch is part of PMC’s ongoing campaign dubbed “iPhone for All.” It comes with initiatives that help make the iPhone affordable, accessible, and possible for all. Stay tuned for further announcements in the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram.

This is a press release sent over by Power Mac Center.

Related Topics:iPhone 16 Power Mac Center

Philippines

Smart launches AI.Smart, an affordable AI workspace

Published

September 24, 2026

GadgetMatch

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has launched AI.Smart, an affordable, one-stop artificial intelligence (AI) workspace that gives more Filipinos access to advanced AI tools.

Powered by Avtica, AI.Smart gives Smart and TNT subscribers access to multiple AI models through a single browser-based platform. These include AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines.

AI.Smart automatically selects the appropriate AI model based on a user’s prompt. Subscribers can generate content and images, create documents and presentations, and analyze data in English, Filipino, or Taglish.

Smart says each subscriber’s workspace keeps uploaded files private. The platform does not use these files to train AI models or retain subscriber data. It also encrypts data and handles it in accordance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act.

Bringing AI to more Filipinos

“AI should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford premium AI services,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and OIC.

“With AI.Smart, we are making AI more inclusive by bringing powerful AI models and tools together in one affordable platform, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to use AI to learn, create, work smarter, and achieve more,” Manaloto added.

Smart and TNT subscribers can sign up for AI.Smart using their mobile numbers and verify their accounts via SMS.

The platform offers several credit packs to suit different needs. Access starts at PHP 49 for seven days. Subscribers who need more credits can opt for the PHP 499 plan, which remains valid for 30 days and allows up to 10 users to share a pool of credits.

Subscribers can purchase additional credits through AI.Smart. Payment options include prepaid load, postpaid billing, credit and debit cards, and select e-wallets.

Free AI.Smart access

As a launch offer, Smart and TNT subscribers who sign up for AI.Smart can get a chance to enjoy seven days of free access.

Smart and TNT subscribers can also use AI.Smart with Smart 5G for mobile activities such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time social media sharing.

Smart recently received recognition from global connectivity intelligence leader Ookla for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026. The company earned a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among mobile operators in the country.

For more information about AI.Smart, visit the official AI.Smart website.

News

Power Mac Center SM Aura is now an Apple Premium Partner store

With a new protection plan dubbed as “1Protect” for your precious new iPhones

Published

September 23, 2026

Vincenz

Photos and graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Power Mac Center has upgraded its SM Aura branch into an Apple Premium Partner (APP) store. The “APP” designation is the highest tier for reseller stores worldwide.

Originally opened in 2014, the redesigned store now houses its retail space, training center, and a service center in one.

The new space also puts more emphasis on learning. Free group demos will be held every Friday to Sunday. These will cover topics such as iPad creativity, or camera features, personalization, and Continuity for the latest iPhone series.

To celebrate the opening, customers can also score discounts on select Apple devices and accessories until September 27, 2026.

Deals include up to:

₱PhP 36,000 off MacBook Pros
PhP 19,500 off iPads
PhP 3000 off Apple Watches; and
PhP 11,000 off iPhone models

There are also service discounts until September 25. Plus, new iPhones purchases here are also covered with 1Protect coverage options.

ICYMI, it’s a partnership between PMC and Bolttech. It’s basically a new way to protect your precious new iPhones.

Your regular one-year warranty does not cover accidental drops and water damage. Purchasing this new coverage plan (good for one year) gives you an unlimited dose of that.

Parts are guaranteed original and is an official part of AppleCare Services.

This protection program also covers one-time unwarranted exchanges (or change of mind returns) from micro scratches to color options. It will even replace your iPhone (of the same model and configuration) if it was stolen once.

There’s also the 1 Infinite loyalty program. Members can earn points from purchases and redeem them for devices, accessories, services, and training.

The Power Mac Center SM Aura APP store is located on Level 2 and is open daily from 10AM to 10PM.

Apps

Smart launches LiveSmart App for exclusive deals

Exclusive deals, cashback, and bill payments in one app.

Published

September 18, 2026

GadgetMatch

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and TNT have launched the LiveSmart App, a new platform that combines loading, bill payments, exclusive offers, and other everyday transactions in one app.

The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is open to Smart, TNT, and subscribers of other mobile networks.

The LiveSmart App gives users access to exclusive deals and savings. These include cashback offers, discounted Smart and TNT data packages, and limited-time access to AI.Smart.

“Filipinos are becoming more deliberate about where they spend and how they can get more value from every peso,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC for Smart. “The LiveSmart App is designed to help make those everyday decisions a little smarter, by giving users convenient ways to load, pay bills, and access exclusive savings and offers in one place.”

Exclusive deals and perks

Smart and TNT are rolling out several offers on the LiveSmart App starting September 18.

Smart and TNT subscribers can get 5% cashback when they purchase load or pay their Smart Postpaid bill through the app.

The app also offers data packages at exclusive prices. Smart Prepaid subscribers can get Power All 109 for PHP 105, while TNT subscribers can get Saya All 109 for PHP 105.

Users who download the LiveSmart App may also receive limited-time free access to AI.Smart.

AI.Smart combines multiple AI models, including AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines, in one workspace. Users can use it to generate images, create presentations, draft documents and spreadsheets, and get help with schoolwork, content creation, and other projects.

To claim the free AI.Smart credits, users need to tap the AI.Smart banner in the LiveSmart App. They then need to create an AI.Smart account using their Smart or TNT number.

Smart says users can also expect more exclusive deals and perks from lifestyle partners as it expands the LiveSmart App.

Powered by Smart 5G

The LiveSmart App runs on Smart’s network. Smart 5G supports activities such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time social media sharing.

The company said Ookla recently recognized its network for the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026. Smart recorded a Video Score of 72.82, which it said was the highest among mobile operators in the country.

The LiveSmart App is now available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can learn more about the app through Smart’s website.