GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple currently allows iPhone and iPad users to change Siri's voice and accent through Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Voice, with new options downloading over WiFi or cellular. Users can also adjust how Siri communicates—aloud, quietly, or via on-screen text—through separate settings menus, ahead of a more comprehensive Siri redesign expected with iOS 27 in September.
Apple's Certified Refurbished program provides devices with new shells, new batteries, full Apple testing, complete accessory sets, and a full one-year warranty at roughly 15% off, typically appearing about three months after a product's launch. By contrast, Amazon Renewed items are inspected by third-party sellers, may include used shells and batteries rated to at least 80% capacity, possibly non-Apple accessories, and only a 90-day warranty, with cosmetic condition split into three tiers. Walmart Restored offers less transparency about condition standards compared to both Apple and Amazon.
Apple is holding its 'Surprise and Shine' fall event, where the company is expected to reveal its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, updated Apple Watches, and new AirPods. Gizmodo is live-covering the announcements as they happen.
Because Windows runs across countless third-party manufacturers rather than one vertically integrated maker like Apple, laptop quality and battery life vary widely depending on the model chosen. Budget Windows machines often use plastic builds and x86 chips with weaker battery life, while premium options like the Dell XPS 13 or Asus Zenbook A16 rival MacBooks in build quality, and ARM-based Windows laptops from Qualcomm and MediaTek now close the battery gap, though at the cost of software compatibility.
Apple's September event this Wednesday is expected to introduce three new high-end iPhones: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a first-ever foldable model dubbed iPhone Ultra priced above $2,000. The base iPhone 18 and an Air successor are reportedly being delayed until early 2027, leaving this year's lineup focused entirely on premium devices.
A CNET reviewer used an iPhone 17 Pro Max caseless for nearly a year, enduring drops and pocket wear, and found the Cosmic Orange finish largely intact aside from minor chipping and dents. Comparing it to a similarly used iPhone 16 Pro, the newer model's screen showed noticeably fewer scratches, suggesting Apple's Ceramic Shield 2 coating delivers a real durability improvement.
Users running the iOS 27 beta have reported that Apple's Digital ID passport feature in the Wallet app suddenly disappears, disrupting airport check-in plans. The issue appears to be a software bug limited to the beta build, and affected users can fix it by re-adding their passport to the Wallet app.
Reports say Apple is developing a privacy-focused home security and monitoring device that uses AI rather than video footage, tied to a new subscription service. Separately, executives including Eddy Cue are reportedly exploring ways to raise App Store margins and extract more recurring revenue from developers.
Apple will hold its annual September product event on September 9 at 10 am Pacific, streamed via its website, YouTube, and Apple TV. It marks the first such event since Tim Cook stepped down as CEO, with John Ternus now leading the company. Leaks point to Pro-level iPhones, updated Apple Watches, and possibly Apple's first foldable phone.
A long-time foldable phone user argues that Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra, expected to launch September 9, will likely carry over many of the same compromises seen in Android foldables. These include a soft plastic folding display prone to scratches, a factory-applied screen protector users typically cannot remove, and other durability and design tradeoffs common to the foldable category.
Apple TV won 20 Creative Arts Emmy awards this weekend ahead of the September 14th Primetime ceremony, putting it in third place behind HBO Max's 16 and Netflix's 13. Comedy Widows Bay accounted for 8 of Apple's wins, including Outstanding Guest Actress for Betty Gilpin, with Pluribus, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Palm Royale and Mr Scorsese also contributing wins.
Apple's upcoming iPhone launch is expected to carry higher prices, driven by a persistent global shortage of memory chips. Industry data shows hundreds of companies flagging memory costs and shortages last quarter, reversing decades of falling memory prices that once let devices grow more powerful without becoming pricier.