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CarPlay in GM Trucks
GM made the decision to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone casting from its newer EVs, and it’s one we’ve been pretty critical of. Although the automaker told us it made that decision in order to offer a better, more unified experience to its customers, that may well have changed: here, customers still have the choice to just cast their phone to the center screen.
And it has done a better job of integrating CarPlay and Android Auto into the experience, putting the casting apps in a large window or tile that takes up most but not all of the infotainment screen. To the left is another card that allows you to access other native apps, like towing or music (although you can still have CarPlay as the source for that native music app, should you start feeling a little Inceptionish). Porsche took a similar approach to working with, rather than against, users who enjoy CarPlay, and this looks like a welcome step from GM.
GM’s spokesperson wouldn’t be drawn on whether this means we’re going to see a corporate retreat from the previous stance on EVs, but I will note that the press release it sent Ars does say that the system was built “as a single scalable foundation across electric, gas and diesel-powered vehicles, it transforms time spent behind the wheel into an effortless, personalized journey,”—emphasis mine.
Matthew Haughey (via John Gruber):
The car industry accidentally did something I’ve always wanted to see, which was to release basically the same car under two brands and models, with one major consumer-facing difference. It’s kind of remarkable how good of a experimental design this is, since the performance and driving characteristics of both cars are identical, but drivers in one model get a major phone integration the others do not.
[…]
For the years these cars were sold together, the Honda outsold the Blazer by 43%, 73%, and 166% in each time period. Today in 2026, people are buying a Honda Prologue over one and a half times more often than the Chevy Blazer EV the Prologue is based on.
My favorite CarPlay feature is when it’s reading a text message to me and I go to tap the “Done” button and it suddenly turns into a “Call” button underneath my finger and I have to wait for all of the animations to finish before I can actually end the call and then I wonder (a) did the person notice that I called them for a few seconds and (b) do I need to explain that now and (c) are they going to call me back now and (d) HOW DID THIS INTERFACE EVER SHIP oh my god
Previously:
Update (2026-09-22): Joe Rossignol:
All in all, GM really wants you to know that it is committed to ditching the extremely popular feature that you probably want in your next EV.
It will only offer the choice in gas vehicles.
- Blog do Edivaldo
- DXVK 3.1.1 chega com correções importantes para Skyrim, Rayman 3 e outros jogos no Linux
DXVK 3.1.1 chega com correções importantes para Skyrim, Rayman 3 e outros jogos no Linux
DXVK 3.1.1 traz melhorias importantes para jogos no Linux, resolvendo crashes e problemas de performance em títulos populares.
O post DXVK 3.1.1 chega com correções importantes para Skyrim, Rayman 3 e outros jogos no Linux apareceu primeiro em Blog do Edivaldo - Informações e Notícias sobre Linux.
iPhone 18 Pro adds variable aperture, A20 Pro, and longer battery life
iPhone 18 Pro arrives with Apple concentrating its biggest changes in three areas: camera control, sustained performance, and battery life. The new Pro models retain familiar 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, but introduce a variable-aperture main camera, the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, redesigned thermal hardware, and a smaller Dynamic Island.
The lineup consists of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, starting at $1,199 and $1,299 in the U.S., respectively. Both begin with 256GB of storage and are available in black, silver, glacier, and a new burgundy finish. Preorders opened September 12, with retail availability beginning September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions.
Rather than treating the Pro models as a cosmetic update, Apple has focused on changes that become more noticeable during demanding use, particularly photography, video work, gaming, AI processing, and long sessions away from a charger.
iPhone 18 Pro brings variable aperture to the main camera
The centerpiece is a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with a physical variable aperture, a first for the iPhone.
Six laser-cut aperture blades can adjust the amount of light reaching the sensor while also changing depth of field. The camera supports four aperture settings: ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8, and ƒ/4.0.
At the wider end, the camera can gather more light in darker scenes. A narrower aperture can keep more people or background detail in focus, giving photographers another tool beyond computational depth effects and Portrait mode.
Apple also gives users direct access to those settings through new Pro controls in the Camera app. Aperture, shutter speed, and white balance can be adjusted manually, while a histogram provides a more conventional way to monitor exposure.
The feature is paired with a new main-camera sensor and updated computational imaging pipeline. Apple says the combination improves low-light performance and detail, while Photographic Styles gain texture and grain controls for additional control over an image’s appearance.
Video receives several additions as well. Cinematic effects can now be applied after recording to footage captured at up to 60 frames per second, while Time-lapse can record in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR. Audio Mix has also been updated with improved voice processing and the ability to isolate music.
For photographers who want more evidence of how an image originated, Apple is introducing Apple Reference Image. In Reference mode, the main camera signs sensor data, which Private Cloud Compute uses to create an unalterable reference version that can be compared with an edited image in Photos. Apple is also preparing support for the SynthID standard as another way of identifying AI-generated or altered content.

iPhone 18 Pro uses A20 Pro and a redesigned vapor chamber
A20 Pro is built using a 2-nanometer manufacturing process and contains a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine.
Apple says memory bandwidth is 50% higher than on A19 Pro, while GPU performance can be up to 40% faster. The Neural Engine provides 32 cores in total, doubling the AI processing capability of the previous Pro chip.
The silicon change is closely tied to a redesigned cooling system. Apple has rearranged the chip package so that the silicon die sits beside the memory rather than beneath it in the thermal path, allowing A20 Pro to connect more directly to a next-generation vapor chamber.
That vapor chamber has three times the surface area of the previous generation and uses new materials to move heat away from the processor more effectively. Apple claims the design can deliver up to a 40% gain in sustained performance compared with iPhone 17 Pro.
That distinction is more relevant than peak benchmark numbers for workloads such as extended gaming sessions, video editing, computational photography, and local AI models, where heat can force a phone to reduce performance over time.
Connectivity has also moved further toward Apple-designed silicon. The N1 wireless chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while the new C2 modem succeeds C1X. Apple says C2 uses 15% less energy while offering faster uploads and adds mmWave support in the U.S.

iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches 45 hours of video playback
Battery improvements are another major part of the new hardware.
Apple rates eSIM-only versions of iPhone 18 Pro for up to 36 hours of video playback, while iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches as much as 45 hours. Apple says Pro Max receives the largest battery-life increase ever delivered in an iPhone.
Some of that gain comes from using the space previously occupied by a physical SIM tray. In markets receiving eSIM-only models, including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the larger internal battery provides an additional two hours of rated video playback.
Charging has accelerated as well. iPhone 18 Pro can reach 50% charge in approximately 15 minutes using a supported wired setup, while wireless charging reaches 50% in around 30 minutes. Apple says five minutes of wired charging on iPhone 18 Pro Max can provide roughly seven hours of video playback.
Both devices use aluminum unibody construction with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back. Storage options run from 256GB through 2TB.
The iPhone 18 Pro weighs 211 grams, while iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 grams. Display sizes remain 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively.

iOS 27 brings Siri AI and new Apple Intelligence tools
The hardware launches alongside iOS 27, which places Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI more prominently across the system.
Siri AI can use personal context from information stored across apps, respond to onscreen content, perform actions in supported apps, and handle more open-ended questions. A new Siri mode in Camera lets users ask questions and take action based on objects or information visible through the viewfinder.
Photo tools include Spatial Reframing, Extend, and an upgraded Clean Up feature, while Safari can monitor selected webpages for changes such as a product restock or price adjustment.
The Dynamic Island has also been physically reduced and redesigned. It can display up to three Live Activities simultaneously while continuing to support Face ID.
Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, while Siri AI is rolling out initially as a beta in English, with additional language support planned. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max reach stores September 18, giving Apple a Pro lineup whose most substantial additions are less about a new exterior shape and more about physical camera control, heat management, and how long the hardware can sustain demanding workloads.
The post iPhone 18 Pro adds variable aperture, A20 Pro, and longer battery life appeared first on AppleMagazine.
GM mantém suporte ao CarPlay em nova versão do seu sistema veicular
A General Motors (GM) está integrando o CarPlay ao seu mais recente sistema de infoentretenimento — isso três anos após desagradar alguns consumidores ao remover a popular interface de seus veículos elétricos.
O novo sistema permitirá que os motoristas usem o CarPlay ou o Android Auto (do Google) em uma tela dividida que também exibe indicadores importantes do veículo, como nível de combustível, pressão dos pneus, status do sistema de condução, entre outras informações. Além disso, o sistema permite ao motorista utilizar funções do veículo e aplicativos do celular com menos alternância entre telas.
A nova interface estreará no final deste ano inicialmente nas picapes Chevrolet Silverado e GMC Sierra (modelo 2027), sendo que a GM planeja implementar o novo sistema em modelos futuros.
A GM desenvolveu sua própria tecnologia de infoentretenimento como parte de um sistema de software veicular totalmente integrado, se afastando de conexões de projeção de smartphones. No entanto, a nova interface foi desenvolvida em conjunto com a Apple e o Google, demonstrando o interesse contínuo nesses sistemas.
Ouvimos nossos clientes e o que eles desejam; daqui para frente, continuaremos oferecendo a projeção em nossas picapes. Trabalhamos tanto com a Apple quanto com o Google para desenvolver uma nova tela dividida que inclui a experiência de projeção lado a lado com a experiência nativa.
—Michael Wahlstrom, diretor executivo de gestão de produtos para aplicativos e serviços conectados da GM.
A GM ainda não informou se disponibilizará o CarPlay em seus veículos elétricos, que passaram a utilizar o sistema próprio da empresa — o qual já conta com integrações nativas de alguns serviços da Apple. No final do ano passado, a GM fechou um acordo para levar o Apple Music a veículos elétricos que não conseguiam se conectar ao CarPlay.
via Bloomberg

GM capitulates on Apple CarPlay ban; brings back system later this year

General Motors has capitulated on its hard line against phone projection, bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into a new truck user interface after years of pushing customers toward its own software, according to Bloomberg News‘ David Welch.
The automaker will introduce the system later this year on the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. Rather than letting CarPlay or Android Auto occupy the entire screen, GM is placing the phone interface in a large window alongside native functions such as trailering data, tire pressure, fuel information, and Super Cruise.
The design is a retreat from GM’s 2023 decision to drop CarPlay and Android Auto from electric vehicles, a move that drew backlash from buyers who wanted their familiar phone apps on the dashboard. Gas-powered trucks had kept the features, and the new interface is meant to end the either-or choice between Apple or Google and GM’s own system.
GM product officials have described the split view as the “sweet spot,” allowing drivers to use phone apps without losing truck-specific tools. Tapping the phone icon opens CarPlay or Android Auto in the large pane; the home control returns the native layout.
The software also adds updated graphics, animated transitions, and simplified layouts for towing and off-roading on large displays, including a 16.3-inch touchscreen. GM plans to start with its highest-volume pickups before spreading the interface more widely.
MacDailyNews Take: Shocker.
General Motors is blowing it by barring the widely-used Apple CarPlay (and Google’s derivative Android Auto) that allow drivers to bypass vehicle’s infotainment systems, shifting instead to an built-in infotainment system, Google Automotive, for future electric vehicles.
For us, and many, many others, General Motors simply moves even further out of consideration for future purchases (GM never really was in consideration anyway).
If GM sticks to this stupidity, it deserves its fate. – MacDailyNews, May 15, 2023
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GM gives its most important trucks a new UI—and includes CarPlay
General Motors is about to launch new versions of its bestselling Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks for model year 2027, and among the changes are new user interfaces for the trucks’ digital displays. The automaker has gone for a more minimalist approach than we’ve seen from it in the past, and after a demo yesterday, it seems like it has been listening to constructive feedback to improve the products. And yes, unlike GM’s electric vehicles, these trucks still let you cast your Apple or Android phone to the infotainment system.
Although GM showed us video of the main instrument cluster—the gauges and info that’s presented to the driver—we don’t have any screenshots we can show you. But I was impressed with the restraint and lack of visual noise; instead, the background is always black, which should be dark even at night thanks to local dimming technology.
There are a number of different views. One with simple half-moon dials for speed and engine rpm; on the right side of the display is a user-configurable zone, where you can browse your music or audio feeds, display trip info, or turn-by-turn directions. Another is a driver assist display, with green as the highlight color to show when Super Cruise is active; this shows you a representation of what the car’s fused sensors are seeing around it. A third is for off-road driving, with your various angles and diff settings, and a fourth is for towing.


© GM
iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8: How Their Fold Creases Compare
Apple’s rumored iPhone Duo and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 are taking different approaches to one of the biggest visual challenges in foldable phones: the display crease.
According to a video comparison published by technology journalist Joanna Stern on September 10, the two foldable phones show surprisingly similar crease performance when viewed straight on, although differences become easier to spot when the displays are tilted toward a light source.
iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold8 Show Subtle Creases
Stern’s 18-second comparison video shows both phones running the same New Things webpage with their displays set to maximum brightness. The devices are then viewed from several angles to highlight how the center of each foldable screen reflects light.
![]()
When viewed directly from the front, the central crease on the iPhone Duo is difficult to distinguish. The Galaxy Z Fold8 also appears relatively smooth from this angle, although a narrow reflection can become visible when the phone is moved.
The difference becomes more noticeable when either device is tilted toward a light source. Under those conditions, the fold area catches reflections and makes the crease easier to identify.
This suggests that crease visibility is not determined solely by the physical shape of the display. Surface treatment, internal support materials and the way a panel handles reflections can all affect what users actually see in everyday use.
iPhone Duo Uses a Nano-Texture Inner Display
Apple is reportedly taking a surface-focused approach with the iPhone Duo.
The 7.6-inch inner display is said to feature a nano-texture surface treatment designed to reduce glare and reflections. By limiting reflected light, the finish could also make the central fold less visually obvious in bright environments.
That could be particularly useful when using the large inner screen near windows, outdoors or under strong overhead lighting, where reflections can make even a relatively shallow crease stand out.
![]()
However, reducing reflected light is not the same as eliminating the physical fold. The display still needs to bend repeatedly, so the underlying crease remains an important part of the engineering challenge for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Takes a Structural Approach
Samsung is using a different strategy with the Galaxy Z Fold8.
The phone reportedly uses Samsung’s Flex Titanium structure, which combines a titanium alloy film with a titanium plate beneath the foldable display. The structure is intended to provide additional support to the flexible panel while helping reduce the visual impact of the crease.
Samsung also equips the Galaxy Z Fold8 with an anti-reflective main display. This is important because reflected light can exaggerate the appearance of a fold, particularly when the screen is viewed from an angle.
In other words, Samsung’s approach combines structural reinforcement and reflection control, while Apple’s reported solution puts more emphasis on the display’s surface treatment.
![]()
Which Foldable Has the Better Crease?
Based on the short comparison, neither phone appears to completely eliminate the crease. Instead, both manufacturers seem to be focusing on making it less noticeable during normal use.
The iPhone Duo’s nano-texture treatment could give it an advantage when reflections are the main reason the crease becomes visible. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Flex Titanium construction addresses the physical support of the folding panel while its anti-reflective display helps reduce distracting reflections.
The more meaningful comparison will likely come after both phones have been used for a longer period, especially as foldable display technology continues to evolve. Viewing a brand-new foldable at different angles can show how noticeable the crease is, but it does not reveal how the display will perform after thousands of folding cycles.
iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8: Early Takeaway
The reported comparison suggests that Apple and Samsung are approaching foldable display creases from slightly different directions. Apple appears to be using display surface technology to reduce glare and improve visual uniformity, while Samsung is combining a reinforced internal structure with an anti-reflective screen.
For users, the practical difference may be less about completely removing the crease and more about how easily it disappears during everyday viewing.
The iPhone Duo’s final display design, crease performance and other specifications remain subject to official confirmation. A longer hands-on comparison will ultimately provide a better indication of which foldable delivers the cleaner-looking inner screen.
The post iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8: How Their Fold Creases Compare appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max Review: 13.3-Inch Display Explained
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max makes an immediate impression with its 13.3-inch display and 3:2 aspect ratio. The larger screen provides noticeably more workspace, yet the tablet remains surprisingly portable at just 5.67mm thick and 653g. Despite its size, it does not feel like a device that needs to stay on a desk.![]()
The model tested here is the Soft Light Edition. Unlike a standard display designed to deliver higher brightness and more vivid colors, the soft light panel is better suited to extended viewing. This gives the 13.3-inch tablet a clearer focus on productivity, reading, and long sessions.
However, the large display is not necessarily the most interesting part of the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max. The bigger question is how Xiaomi intends users to take advantage of such a large tablet.
Flagship Performance in a Slim Body
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is the first tablet to feature the Xiaomi Xring O3 chip, bringing the company’s flagship-level processor to a tablet form factor. Fitting such a powerful chip into a body measuring only 5.67mm thick makes the device particularly interesting from a hardware perspective.
However, the Xring O3 is not simply about achieving higher benchmark scores or faster gaming performance. Its real value becomes more apparent when combined with the tablet’s large display and software features.
The HyperOS 4 experience introduces large-screen features such as improved multitasking and multi-window functionality. When paired with the floating keyboard and touchpad, the Pad 9 Pro Max starts to feel less like a traditional tablet and more like a flexible productivity device.
Apps such as WPS Office and CapCut also benefit from the additional screen space, giving users more room to work with documents, timelines, and multiple applications. The inclusion of DP-in video input further expands the tablet’s potential use cases, allowing the large display to serve purposes beyond conventional tablet tasks.
This is what makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max particularly interesting. Its appeal is not simply based on having a 13.3-inch screen or a powerful processor. Instead, Xiaomi appears to be exploring how hardware, software, and accessories can work together to make a large tablet genuinely useful.
During my experience with the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max, the main question was not how powerful the Xring O3 could be. Instead, I wanted to see whether the combination of the Xiaomi Xring O3, 13.3-inch display, HyperOS 4, keyboard, touchpad, and other accessories could unlock the full potential of a large-screen tablet.
That approach makes the Pad 9 Pro Max more than simply a bigger tablet. It is an attempt to create a device that can adapt to productivity, entertainment, creative work, and other everyday scenarios. The rest of the review will explore whether Xiaomi has successfully achieved that goal.
Design and Screen
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max features a large 13.3-inch LCD display with a 3408 × 2272 resolution, delivering a sharp 3.4K viewing experience at 308 PPI. It also supports a 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, animations, and everyday navigation feel noticeably smoother.
One of the display’s standout features is its 3:2 aspect ratio. Compared with the more common 16:10 format, the taller screen provides additional vertical space, which is particularly useful for browsing websites, reading documents, and working with productivity apps. The panel also supports the P3 wide color gamut, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, while its peak brightness reaches 1,000 nits. As a result, the display is well suited to both office tasks and multimedia consumption.![]()
The model featured in this review comes in a deep wine-red finish inspired by the Burgundy wine region of France. Its color sits between bright and dark red, giving the tablet a distinctive appearance without looking overly flashy. The overall finish feels refined and premium.
At just 653g, the tablet made an immediate impression with its relatively light weight. Considering its 13.3-inch display, it feels considerably easier to carry than a typical laptop of a similar screen size.![]()
Flip the tablet over and you’ll find an all-metal unibody construction that gives it a sturdy and premium feel. The Xiaomi logo sits in the center, while the camera module is positioned toward the upper-right corner. Three metal contact points can be found near the opposite side for connecting the optional floating keyboard.![]()
These three circular contacts allow the keyboard to attach directly to the tablet. Once the magnetic connection is made, the keyboard is ready to use without requiring additional pairing or complicated setup. It’s a simple but practical design for users who frequently switch between tablet and laptop-style workflows.![]()
The rear camera module uses a rounded rectangular design and houses a 50MP main camera. The upper portion of the module also carries the “XRING” branding, highlighting Xiaomi’s in-house Xuanjie chip platform and giving the rear design a distinctive touch.![]()
Along one side of the tablet, you’ll find the speakers and a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. The port supports DP-in video input and can handle output of up to 3.4K at 120Hz. This expands the tablet’s versatility, allowing it to work as a secondary display when connected to a laptop or as a larger gaming screen when paired with devices such as a Nintendo Switch.![]()
The opposite edge houses the power button, another speaker, and microphone openings. Xiaomi has also added a “Dolby Vision · Atmos” marking to the chassis, reflecting support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies.
Floating Keyboard
The accompanying Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max floating keyboard attaches magnetically and holds the tablet securely in place. Once connected, it is immediately ready for use, allowing the tablet to transition quickly from a traditional touchscreen device into a laptop-style workstation.
With the 13.3-inch display paired with a physical keyboard, tasks such as writing documents, responding to messages, and handling other productivity work become much more comfortable. The setup gives the tablet a laptop-like experience while retaining the flexibility of a detachable design.![]()
The keyboard uses large 16mm keycaps with approximately 1mm of key travel. During typing, the keys provide clear feedback and a relatively crisp response, making the layout more familiar to users accustomed to conventional laptop or desktop keyboards.
The integrated touchpad uses a linear motor to provide tactile feedback and supports multiple gesture shortcuts. This makes navigation more convenient when the tablet is being used in laptop mode without relying heavily on the touchscreen.
The rear of the keyboard cover follows the tablet’s overall material and color scheme, creating a cohesive look when the two are attached. When closed, the cover sits firmly against the tablet and maintains a clean, integrated appearance.
Slim Design and Battery
At only 5.67mm thick, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max has an exceptionally slim profile for a device of this size. From the side, its thin body gives it an almost plate-like appearance. More impressively, Xiaomi has managed to fit a large 12,000mAh battery and its flagship Xring O3 chip into this slim chassis.
The tablet also comes with a 120W fast-charging adapter. According to Xiaomi’s official figures, the 12,000mAh battery can reach a full 100% charge in approximately 53 minutes. We will put that claim to the test later in the review to see how the real-world charging performance compares with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Hardware and Performance
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is the first Xiaomi tablet to feature the company’s third-generation self-developed Xring O3 chipset. The processor uses a 10-core all-big-core CPU architecture and a 16-core Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, giving it hardware specifications that are closer to desktop-class performance.
As Xiaomi’s most powerful tablet chipset to date, the Xring O3 achieved more than 5.22 million points in AnTuTu V11 under low-temperature laboratory conditions. In our own testing, we used the latest version of AnTuTu in a 25°C environment, where the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max reached 5.53 million points. This puts the tablet firmly among the highest-performing Android tablets.
Thermal Performance and Cooling
To maintain sustained performance, Xiaomi has equipped the Pad 9 Pro Max with a 3,038 mm² vapor chamber (VC) cooling plate and a massive 10,112 mm² graphite heat-spreading layer. The tablet’s 13.3-inch chassis also provides additional internal space for its cooling hardware.
The key question is whether this thermal design can prevent performance from dropping during extended gaming sessions. To find out, we tested three demanding mainstream games under high-performance settings.
1. Honor of Kings

For Honor of Kings, we enabled Performance Mode and selected the highest available graphics quality and frame-rate settings.
During a standard 5v5 match, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max delivered an average frame rate of 144.22 fps, while the 1% Low frame rate reached 134.3 fps. The frame-rate curve remained remarkably stable throughout the test.
The large 13.3-inch display provides a clear advantage for MOBA games. The wider screen gives players more room to view the battlefield, while the larger interface makes controls and on-screen information easier to see. However, the tablet’s size also makes it less comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
For longer gaming sessions, placing the tablet on a stand is a more practical solution. This is one of the main compromises of using a large-screen tablet for gaming.
Average power consumption during the test was 4.6W, with power consumption per frame measured at 31.9mW.
The highest surface temperature reached 31.9°C on the front and 31.5°C on the rear, showing that the cooling system kept temperatures under control.
2. Genshin Impact
For Genshin Impact, we enabled Performance Mode and frame interpolation. We then ran through Sumeru City for 10 minutes using the highest graphics settings.
Sumeru City is a demanding area because of its dense combination of NPCs, buildings, vegetation, and other environmental elements. This makes it a useful scenario for evaluating sustained GPU performance.
After 10 minutes of gameplay, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max achieved an average frame rate of 119.7 fps, while the 1% Low figure reached 94.9 fps. Overall, the tablet maintained performance close to a consistent 120 fps.
Average power consumption was 5.98W, while power consumption per frame was 49.98mW.
The highest temperature recorded on the front was 35°C, while the rear reached 33.6°C.
One of the more interesting features of the Xring O3 is its integrated AI rendering capability. The GPU includes eight AI rendering acceleration units that support 3.2K super-resolution and 120fps frame interpolation at the same time.
In practical terms, this allows the tablet to improve image sharpness and frame-rate smoothness without relying on a separate discrete graphics processor.
We also tested the feature directly in Genshin Impact. After opening the game toolbox, enabling Display Enhancement, and turning on super resolution, the visual quality became noticeably sharper. Fine details such as Keqing’s hair, clothing patterns, and textures on the stone walls appeared clearer, while distant building edges looked less blurred.
3. Honkai: Star Rail

For Honkai: Star Rail, we again enabled Performance Mode and frame interpolation. The game was tested for 10 minutes at the highest graphics settings while exploring the Golden Hour area.
After the 10-minute test, the average frame rate reached 119.27 fps, while the 1% Low frame rate was 74.1 fps. Performance remained generally stable, although frame-rate fluctuations became more noticeable during the second half of the test. Even so, the overall result remained within a reasonable range for demanding gameplay.
Average power consumption was 7.92W, with power consumption per frame reaching 66.37mW.
The highest temperature measured on the front was 34.9°C, while the rear reached 33.6°C.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max demonstrates strong sustained gaming performance across all three tests. Its Xring O3 chipset, large cooling system, and spacious 13.3-inch chassis work together to maintain high frame rates without excessive surface temperatures.
The tablet is particularly well suited to players who prefer a large display and high refresh-rate gaming. Its main limitation is physical size: while the 13.3-inch panel improves visibility and immersion, holding such a large tablet for long gaming sessions can become uncomfortable.
For users who primarily game with the tablet supported on a desk or stand, however, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max offers a compelling combination of large-screen immersion, high frame rates, and strong thermal performance.
Productivity Experience
The Xring O3 showed impressive results in gaming, but raw performance is only part of what makes a premium tablet useful. For a device positioned as a large-screen productivity flagship, the more important question is whether its processor, 13.3-inch display, and Surge OS 4 can make everyday work faster and more convenient.
After spending time with the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max, its productivity features make a stronger impression than benchmark numbers alone.
A 13.3-Inch Display Designed for Productivity
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max features a 13.3-inch display with a 3408 × 2272 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. While the specifications are impressive, the real advantage becomes clear during office work.
When using WPS to write documents, the taller 3:2 screen shows more vertical content than a typical 16:10 tablet display. This means less scrolling when reading or editing long documents.
The Soft Light Edition is particularly useful outdoors. Its anti-glare treatment noticeably reduces reflections under strong lighting, making the display more comfortable to view during extended work sessions.
1. Six Apps Can Run at the Same Time
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max supports up to six application windows simultaneously. A four-finger pinch gesture opens the panoramic view, allowing all active windows to be displayed together and resized or repositioned as needed.
I tested this feature while planning a weekend trip to Shanghai Disneyland. I used Xiaohongshu to browse travel recommendations, Gaode Maps to check the route from Zhengzhou to Shanghai, Flightradar24 to compare flight information, QQ to communicate with my friend, the Disney store to check ticket prices, and the calculator to work out the overall budget.
With all six applications open, switching between them remained responsive, with no obvious stuttering. This is where the multi-core capability of the Xring O3 becomes useful in everyday productivity rather than simply in benchmarks.
For normal work, four windows feel more comfortable. Six windows are better when you need to compare several sources at once, such as when researching, shopping, planning a trip, or managing multiple work tasks.
2. Full-Featured WPS Brings a Desktop-Like Office Experience
Android tablets have traditionally offered a more limited WPS experience compared with desktop computers. Large spreadsheets could become sluggish when scrolling, while long documents sometimes suffered from delays when zooming or navigating.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max takes a different approach with a full-featured version of WPS designed for the tablet. Xiaomi states that its performance is more than 20% higher than the previous container-based version, while scrolling through large spreadsheets, scaling lengthy documents, and rendering complex presentations have also been optimized.
In practical use, large Excel spreadsheets containing tens of thousands of rows remained smooth while scrolling. The brief delays that can occur on less powerful tablets were much less noticeable.
Adding the floating keyboard and touchpad makes the experience even closer to using a traditional computer. Document editing, navigation, and text input feel familiar enough for extended office sessions.
The built-in Lingxi AI features add another layer of convenience. Users can generate presentations, analyze Excel data, and create text content with AI-assisted commands, reducing the amount of repetitive work required for common office tasks.
3. CapCut Pro Makes Large-Screen Video Editing More Practical
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max comes with CapCut Pro pre-installed. Its interface provides a familiar editing environment, while the 13.3-inch display gives the timeline, media library, preview window, and editing controls more room than a smartphone.
The larger canvas makes dragging clips, adjusting effects, and managing multiple layers considerably easier.
Even with several video tracks, filters, transitions, and effects active, playback remained smooth during testing. This highlights one of the biggest advantages of combining a powerful processor with a large display: the goal is not simply achieving a high benchmark score, but maintaining a responsive experience during real work.
I also tested video export performance. A 30-second 4K video file measuring 113MB took less than 15 seconds to export from the moment the process was started. That makes the tablet particularly useful for creators who need to edit and share footage quickly while traveling or working away from a desk.
4. AI Features: Super Xiao Ai and Cross-Device File Management
Surge OS 4 introduces an expert mode for Super Xiao Ai that goes beyond basic question-and-answer functions. It can understand more complicated instructions, divide them into multiple tasks, and perform operations across different applications.
4.1 Cross-Device AI File Management
One of the more useful AI features is the ability to access files across tablets, smartphones, and computers using natural-language commands.
Instead of manually opening a file manager and transferring documents, users can simply tell Xiao Ai what they need. During testing, a request to send an order-data spreadsheet from a computer to the tablet prompted the system to locate the relevant file and transfer it to the Pad.
The process took only a few seconds and removed several manual steps from the workflow.
4.2 Super Xiao Ai Expert Mode
Expert Mode becomes more interesting when handling multi-step tasks. For testing, a six-minute meeting recording was used with a simple instruction: organize the latest recording, create notes, and prepare a PowerPoint presentation.
Super Xiao Ai automatically processed the recording, created structured meeting minutes, identified the main ideas, and summarized the advantages and risks of the five startup plans discussed during the meeting.
It then generated an 11-page business-style presentation containing a cover page, meeting overview, plan details, comparison information, and an action flow. After reviewing the generated content, the presentation could be created with a confirmation. The system can also generate interactive web pages, data dashboards, and other structured office content from basic instructions.
4.3 AI Notes Turn Recordings Into Structured Summaries
The AI Notes feature can automatically transcribe meeting recordings and turn them into organized summaries.
In one test, a six-minute recording was converted into approximately 660 words of structured notes. The result included the key discussion points, the five solutions mentioned during the meeting, and the final conclusion.
Different processing modes, including key-point summaries, meeting minutes, proofreading, and simplified content, provide additional flexibility.
AI can also answer questions about previously recorded meetings, making it easier to find information without manually searching through every note.
5. DP-In Could Be One of the Tablet’s Most Useful Features
DP-In is arguably one of the most interesting features of the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max. Using a full-featured USB-C cable, the tablet can function as an external display and portable second monitor, supporting input of up to 3.4K at 120Hz.
Because the connection does not depend on Wi-Fi, it can also be useful in environments where wireless connectivity is unreliable.
5.1 Use the Pad as a Portable Second Monitor
I connected the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max to a laptop and used it as a secondary display. Text remained sharp, and moving application windows between the two screens felt responsive.
A dual-screen setup is particularly useful for office work. For example, the laptop can display the main document while the Pad shows reference materials, communication apps, or meeting information.
The tablet also works with Mac devices and supports multiple HiDPI display modes, making it more flexible for different desktop setups.
5.2 Turn a Handheld Console Into a Larger Gaming Setup
DP-In can also expand the display of a handheld gaming device.
After connecting a handheld console, the 13.3-inch screen provided a much larger viewing area than the console’s built-in display. During testing with the SFC version of Chrono Trigger, the larger panel made the pixel graphics easier to appreciate and the dialogue easier to read.
This setup offers a portable alternative to carrying a separate desktop monitor when you want a larger gaming screen.
5.3 Use the Pad as a Portable Drawing Display
When connected to a PC and paired with the Xiaomi Focus Stylus Pro, the Pad can also function as a digital drawing display.
The stylus supports up to 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. Its gesture controls can be used to access the color palette, adjust brush settings, and change brush thickness, making common drawing operations easier to access.
I tested the setup with Drawing World Pro. The pen response was responsive, while the 13.3-inch canvas provided enough space for drawing and annotation work. For users who regularly create illustrations or annotate documents while traveling, this setup can be more convenient than carrying a dedicated graphics tablet.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max can also connect directly to mainstream cameras. With compatible photo-editing software, photos can be transferred to the tablet for quick editing and output without first moving them to another computer.
Beyond traditional productivity, the tablet can also serve as a rear entertainment and control screen in supported Xiaomi vehicles, including the SU7 and YU7. Depending on the vehicle configuration, users can access functions such as air conditioning, seat controls, music, and navigation. Child-space and anti-motion-sickness features further expand its potential for passengers.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for any large-screen tablet, especially a 13.3-inch flagship model. A bigger display and powerful hardware can consume more power, making battery capacity and charging speed key factors in the overall user experience.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max addresses this with a large 12,000mAh battery and support for 120W fast charging. While these specifications look impressive, real-world battery performance is a better measure of how well the tablet handles demanding tasks.
Battery Life Test
To evaluate the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max’s endurance, we used BatteryDog, a battery testing tool developed by Fast Technology. The test combines several demanding scenarios to simulate typical daily use, including CPU-intensive workloads, multi-threaded processing, AI recognition, image browsing, video playback, and web browsing.
For consistency, the display brightness was set to 50%, automatic brightness was disabled, and the volume was fixed at 30% throughout the test. These settings help reduce external variables and provide more reliable results.
The test results provide a clearer picture of how the 12,000mAh battery performs under a mixed workload. For a tablet with a 13.3-inch display and flagship-level hardware, endurance under sustained use is particularly important, as it determines how long users can work, stream videos, browse the web, or handle demanding applications before needing to recharge.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for a large-screen tablet, especially when it combines a high-resolution display with flagship-level performance. The larger display and more powerful hardware can naturally lead to higher power consumption.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max addresses this with a 12,000mAh battery and 120W fast charging. While these specifications are impressive, real-world performance is more important. Here is how the tablet performed in our battery and charging tests.
1. Battery Life Test
We used BatteryDog, a testing tool from Fast Technology, to evaluate the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max under a range of simulated everyday workloads. The test included CPU-intensive tasks, multi-threaded processing, AI recognition, image browsing, video playback, and web browsing.
To maintain consistent testing conditions, the display brightness was fixed at 50%, automatic brightness was disabled, and the volume was set to 30%.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max lasted 11 hours and 2 minutes, dropping from 100% to 20% battery capacity during the test. Based on this result, the tablet’s estimated full battery endurance is approximately 13 hours and 47 minutes.
The tablet also maintained a relatively low peak temperature of 35.3°C throughout the test, indicating good control over both heat and power consumption.
For a device featuring the Xring O3 flagship chipset and a 13.3-inch 3.4K high-refresh-rate display, this is a strong result. The combination of a large 12,000mAh battery and the chipset’s power-efficiency optimizations allows the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max to provide enough endurance for a full day of typical use.
2. Charging Test
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max was also tested with its included 120W fast charger. We performed the test with the screen turned off to measure the charging performance under controlled conditions.
The results were impressive. The tablet charged from 1% to 25% in just 10 minutes, reached 63% after 30 minutes, and completed a full charge in approximately 57 minutes.
Considering the tablet’s large 12,000mAh battery, reaching a full charge in under an hour is particularly useful for users who need to quickly prepare the device before heading out.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max also supports 27W wired reverse charging, allowing it to provide emergency power to a smartphone or other compatible device. Although 27W is considerably lower than the tablet’s own 120W charging speed, the feature can still be useful when another device needs a quick power boost.
Overall, the combination of a 12,000mAh battery, nearly 14 hours of estimated endurance, and 120W fast charging makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max well suited to users who want both long battery life and fast recharge times from a large-screen flagship tablet.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max shows that a larger tablet display can offer more than simply extra screen space. After using the device, it becomes clear that the real advantage of its 13.3-inch panel comes from how Xiaomi integrates the display with the hardware and software.
A bigger screen alone does not necessarily make a tablet more useful. However, when the additional space is combined with productivity features, multitasking, creative tools, and support for external devices, the experience becomes significantly more practical.
This is where the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max stands out.
The Xring O3 chip provides a strong performance foundation, but Xiaomi has designed the tablet around more than gaming and everyday performance. The 13.3-inch display works alongside Surge OS 4, a keyboard, and a range of software features to create a more desktop-like experience.
Features such as multi-window support, full-featured WPS, CapCut, AI tools, and DP-in make better use of the large display. Instead of simply showing larger versions of the same content, the screen provides additional room for office tasks, creative projects, and multitasking.
DP-In Adds Another Dimension
One of the most useful features is DP-in, which expands how the tablet can be used. The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max can connect to a computer and serve as a secondary display. It can also work with gaming devices or be used as a digital display when paired with a stylus.
This makes the 13.3-inch screen more than a tablet display. It can become a portable workspace, secondary monitor, or entertainment screen depending on the situation.
For users who frequently switch between a laptop, desktop, gaming device, and tablet, this flexibility could be one of the tablet’s biggest advantages.
Is the Large Size a Problem?
The 13.3-inch form factor does have one obvious drawback: portability in the traditional tablet sense. Its larger body makes it less comfortable to hold for extended periods, particularly when using it without a stand.
For gaming, reading, or watching videos for a long time, placing the tablet on a desk or stand is likely to be more comfortable. However, this limitation matters less for users who primarily want a large workspace for office tasks, creative work, or multitasking.
In other words, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is not designed to compete with smaller tablets purely on portability. Its strength lies in providing a much larger working area while retaining the flexibility of a tablet.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is not aimed at users who simply want the biggest tablet possible. Instead, it makes more sense for people who can take advantage of a large display and want one device that can combine tablet functionality, productivity features, creative tools, and secondary-screen capabilities.
Its 13.3-inch display is therefore more than a size upgrade. Combined with the Xring O3 chip, Surge OS 4, multitasking features, and DP-in, it gives the tablet a broader range of practical uses.
That is what makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max interesting: it is not just a tablet with enough power to handle work. It is a tablet designed to become a more capable part of a user’s everyday workspace.
Read Also: Xiaomi 18 Pro Max Appears on Geekbench With Snapdragon 8 Super Gen 6
The post Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max Review: 13.3-Inch Display Explained appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
Will iOS 27 Break Your CarPlay, Bluetooth or Apps? What Apple Has Actually Changed
Apple has published no known-issues list for iOS 27, no security notes for it and no accessory compatibility page, so nothing on the record predicts a dead CarPlay connection or a lost Bluetooth pairing on Monday. What Apple has published is a short list of changes that touch exactly those areas, plus one deadline that […]
The post Will iOS 27 Break Your CarPlay, Bluetooth or Apps? What Apple Has Actually Changed appeared first on The Mac Observer.
MacVoices #26253: Live! – Apple’s ‘Suprise and Shine’ Event (1)
Vídeos da Apple detalham como adaptar apps para o iPhone Duo
A Apple publicou uma série de vídeos no portal Apple Developer e no YouTube destinada a ajudar os desenvolvedores a preparar seus aplicativos para o iPhone Duo.
Isso porque, a princípio, haverá muitos apps que não aproveitarão o novo tamanho de tela caso sejam antigos ou se os desenvolvedores tiverem optado por não seguir as diretrizes da Apple.
Na prática, as versões atuais dos aplicativos serão exibidas em tela cheia na parte frontal e em tela quase cheia na tela interna. No primeiro vídeo publicado pela empresa, por exemplo, ela demonstra que os aplicativos serão alinhados à esquerda para ocupar a maior parte da tela, evitando a área da câmera.
Eis os demais vídeos compartilhados pela empresa:
Ao recompilarem seus aplicativos usando o Xcode 27.1, que será disponibilizado ainda neste mês, os desenvolvedores passarão a contar com controles mais precisos. Seus aplicativos poderão aproveitar toda a largura da tela interna, além de incluir um módulo de pré-visualização que exibe como os apps ficarão nos quatro layouts — fechado em modo retrato, fechado em modo paisagem, aberto na horizontal (paisagem) e aberto na vertical (retrato).
Além de detalhar a adaptação de apps para o iPhone Duo, a Apple também disponibilizou os recursos visuais do dispositivo em seu portal Apple Design Resources, com assets dos novos dispositivos para Photoshop e em formato PNG.


Por fim, a empresa realizará os chamados iPhone Duo Group Labs, laboratórios que permitem aos desenvolvedores se juntar aos engenheiros e designers da Apple — de forma online — para fazer perguntas e obter orientações.
via 9to5Mac


Como transmitir um vídeo do TikTok por AirPlay
O AirPlay é a maneira mais fácil de transmitir conteúdos de um iPhone, iPad ou Mac para smart TVs compatíveis ou Apple TVs — sejam eles vídeos ou músicas.
Indo mais além dos aplicativos nativos da Apple que permitem isso, há os apps de terceiros que também podem suportar a tecnologia. Um deles é o TikTok, rede social de vídeos curtos. A partir de qualquer post, basta alguns toques para transmitir os conteúdos da rede no aparelho compatível.
Veja como! 📺
Posts relacionados
Antes de mais nada, certifique-se de que o TikTok possui acesso à rede local. Para isso, abra os Ajustes (Settings), toque em “Apps” e em “TikTok”. Depois, marque a chave ao lado de “Rede Local”.

Abra então o TikTok e localize a postagem que deseja enviar. Mantenha o dedo pressionado por alguns segundos em cima dela, role pela lista e toque em “Transmitir”.

Por fim, basta selecionar o dispositivo desejado.

CarPlay Chatbots: 5 Major AI Apps Now Reach Your Dashboard
CarPlay chatbots now span five major services, giving the growing collection of dashboard apps a much more conversational side. Claude is the latest addition, joining ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, and Meta AI. Drivers can increasingly bring their preferred AI service into the car through an iPhone app update, although access is not equally open across all five.
The appeal is easy to understand. A question comes to mind during a trip, and instead of saving it for later, you can ask it aloud. A follow-up can become part of the same conversation. There is no need to turn every request into a rigid command or reach for a keyboard.
But the headline needs one qualification: Meta AI has appeared in CarPlay while remaining unavailable to some accounts. Five apps have added support; that does not mean every driver can open all five and immediately start talking.
Claude Brings CarPlay Chatbots to Five
Anthropic’s latest iPhone update adds a straightforward CarPlay experience: begin a new voice conversation or return to a recent chat. The reported Claude integration places those choices inside the simplified dashboard interface rather than reproducing the full mobile app.
That continuity could be particularly useful for someone who already uses Claude regularly. A conversation does not have to begin again simply because the setting has changed from a desk to a parked car or a journey.
Claude’s arrival also makes the category feel less experimental. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok established an earlier presence, while Meta AI recently joined the lineup. There is now a broader choice of familiar services rather than one chatbot acting as a demonstration of what CarPlay might eventually support.
This is not a reason to install all five. An assistant that already understands the conversation you want to continue may be more convenient than another app with a different account, unfamiliar controls, and an empty chat history.

Meta AI Still Has an Access Catch
Meta AI is the entry readers should approach with the most caution about availability. Reports describe its icon appearing on the CarPlay screen, only for the app to display a notice that the experience is not supported for that account.
Coverage of the limited Meta AI rollout also notes that moving to a paid account did not necessarily remove the restriction. Paying solely to unlock CarPlay would therefore be a poor assumption.
An icon and a working service are different things. The first shows that the app includes a CarPlay interface; the second depends on whether the provider has enabled access.
If Meta AI opens normally on the iPhone but refuses to work on the dashboard, that account-specific message is important. Repeatedly reconnecting the cable or resetting the vehicle’s infotainment system is unlikely to resolve a restriction controlled by the service.
What CarPlay Chatbots Actually Do
The useful distinction is between discussing something and making the car do something.
A conversational assistant can help explain an unfamiliar subject, work through an idea, or answer follow-up questions. You might ask for a plain-English explanation of a concept mentioned in a podcast, practice a short introduction, or explore ideas for a weekend project.
Those are different requests from changing a destination, calling a contact, or adjusting a vehicle setting. A chatbot’s ability to describe an action should not be mistaken for permission to perform it.
Apple recognizes voice-based conversational apps as a supported CarPlay category, alongside separate categories for navigation, audio, messaging, and driving tasks. Developers must build an appropriate CarPlay experience; an ordinary iPhone chatbot does not automatically qualify simply because it has a microphone button.
The distinction also helps set expectations about the screen. A dashboard conversation should not become an invitation to read paragraphs, inspect generated images, or manage a complicated workspace while driving.
For everyday use, short questions make more sense than elaborate assignments. Asking for three talking points is manageable. Dictating a detailed business proposal while negotiating traffic is a task better saved for somewhere stationary.
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ChatGPT Has Clear Requirements and Limits
OpenAI’s CarPlay support documentation confirms availability across all ChatGPT plans, globally, on supported iPhones running iOS 26.4 or later. The latest ChatGPT app and a CarPlay-compatible vehicle are required.
Its interface supports starting a voice conversation, returning to recent or pinned chats, and accessing projects. However, OpenAI explicitly says the CarPlay version cannot access maps, vehicle information, or live location, and cannot control the car or other apps.
That rules out assuming it knows which intersection you are approaching or can change a route because you discussed a destination.
These requirements also mean ChatGPT’s CarPlay support is not something that requires waiting for iOS 27. Readers already using compatible software can check the existing app without installing an upcoming operating-system beta.
Choosing an Assistant Without Adding Dashboard Clutter
There is little value in treating the car as a place to conduct a five-way AI comparison. Try the services while parked, then keep the one that suits the conversations you actually want to have.
Listen for how clearly an assistant answers, whether it understands follow-up questions, and how easily a conversation can be stopped. A response that feels impressive on a laptop may be exhausting when spoken through car speakers for several minutes.
Ask for shorter answers when needed. “Explain that in two sentences” is often a more useful instruction in this setting than requesting a comprehensive overview.
For work-related conversations, consider who else is in the vehicle before resuming a saved chat. A colleague’s name, a client discussion, or a personal detail can become audible to passengers even when the phone remains untouched.
The presence of an app inside CarPlay should not be treated as approval to share confidential information with its provider. Keep employer rules and the service’s own account settings in mind before discussing business material.
Voice Quality Can Depend on the Car
A disappointing voice experience is not always a sign that the AI service misunderstood the question. OpenAI notes that CarPlay audio depends on the vehicle’s microphones, speakers, and echo cancellation. The same app can therefore sound or behave differently across cars.
Before abandoning an assistant because it repeatedly misses words, test it while parked with the cabin quiet. That makes it easier to distinguish a microphone or audio-routing problem from an account restriction or an unhelpful response.
There is also a small behavior worth knowing about ChatGPT: CarPlay may reopen the last-used app when the iPhone reconnects. If a chatbot unexpectedly returns to the display on your next trip, that alone does not mean it has started a fresh conversation or begun listening.
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The post CarPlay Chatbots: 5 Major AI Apps Now Reach Your Dashboard appeared first on AppleMagazine.
Why China Is the Bogeyman Data Center Enthusiasts Just Can’t Quit
iPhone 18 Launch: Apple Park Prepares for a Bigger In-Person Event
iPhone 18 launch, Apple Park, iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Ultra, foldable iPhone, Apple event, September event, John Ternus, Steve Jobs Theater, iOS 27, iPhone camera, variable aperture, liquid metal hinge, foldable display, hands-on event, product launch, Cupertino, smartphone news
The iPhone 18 launch is turning Apple Park into more than a stage for Wednesday’s presentation. The September 9 Apple event already carries unusual expectations around a possible foldable iPhone, a new generation of Pro cameras, and John Ternus’ first major product introduction as CEO. Reports of additional event staff now suggest that the experience awaiting invited media could be larger and more demanding than a conventional iPhone demonstration.
The official event announcement confirms that “Surprise and shine” begins September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with worldwide streaming through apple.com, Apple TV, and YouTube. The invited audience will attend from Apple Park, but the increased activity surrounding the event does not necessarily mean that the company will abandon its carefully produced video format for a completely live keynote.
A polished presentation can explain specifications, introduce software, and display new hardware from perfect angles. It cannot reproduce the first sensation of opening a foldable screen, examining a crease under direct light, testing a mechanical hinge, or watching a camera respond as the lighting changes. Those moments happen after the main presentation, inside the hands-on areas where early opinions begin to form.
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Apple Park Scales Up for the iPhone 18 Launch
The first indication of a larger operation arrived through an internal program for US retail employees. According to reporting distributed by Bloomberg, store employees were invited to enter a lottery for positions supporting the in-person unveiling.
Selected employees were expected to organize lines, check in guests, provide directions, welcome attendees, and assist security teams. Employees who participated in WWDC 2026 or the iPhone 17 event were reportedly excluded, allowing another group of retail workers to experience the launch.
The existence of the lottery does not prove that the keynote itself will return to a traditional live-stage presentation. Apple has previously recruited retail employees to support events, and the company has not disclosed how many people were selected this year.
It does confirm that the Apple Park gathering requires a substantial customer-facing operation beyond the team producing the presentation. Retail employees already know how to direct visitors, explain products without overwhelming them, manage queues, and identify when someone needs technical help.
Those skills become particularly useful during an event attended by journalists, photographers, analysts, creators, and international guests, all trying to reach the same devices within a short period. Additional staff can prevent the hands-on area from becoming a crowded ring around a few demonstration tables.
The iPhone 18 launch may also require more movement between specialized spaces. A conventional phone can be displayed in rows according to color or size. A foldable model needs room for repeated opening and closing, interface demonstrations, durability questions, and comparisons between its exterior and interior screens. Camera testing requires a different environment again.
Apple Park does not need to undergo a permanent architectural transformation for that expansion. Modular tables, managed lighting, guided demonstrations, additional charging equipment, and more employees can significantly enlarge the experience around Steve Jobs Theater for a single afternoon.

A Foldable iPhone Needs a Different Kind of Demo
The rumored iPhone Ultra is likely to attract the longest lines if it appears on Wednesday. It would represent the first substantially new iPhone form factor since the current full-screen design became established, and its appeal cannot be communicated through processor charts alone.
Visitors will want to know how the hinge feels at different angles, whether the device stays open when partially folded, how much pressure is required to close it, and whether both sides align evenly. They will inspect the central folding area under bright light and move a finger across the display to determine whether the crease is visible, noticeable by touch, or effectively hidden during normal use.
Display stress remains one of the most difficult engineering problems in the foldable category. TrendForce’s analysis of foldable display technology explains that crease reduction depends on controlling stress across the panel’s multilayer structure. Ultra-thin glass, optically clear adhesive, support plates, and the position of the display’s neutral layer can all influence how the screen behaves after repeated folding.
Reports have associated the iPhone Ultra with a liquid-metal hinge and a virtually creaseless internal display, but neither detail has been announced. Even if the production device resembles those descriptions, “virtually creaseless” will remain a subjective claim until people can examine the screen from different angles and under different lighting conditions.
Apple will consequently need demonstration units that are fully accessible rather than fixed behind stands. A journalist should be able to fold the device repeatedly, rotate the internal display, type with the phone partially open, and watch iOS 27 transfer an activity between the exterior and interior screens.
Those interface transitions could be as revealing as the physical hardware. A larger display gains value when an app can reveal another column, create a more capable workspace, or reposition controls without simply enlarging the standard iPhone interface.
Demonstrators may need to direct visitors toward examples that reveal those differences within the limited time available. Mail, Maps, Photos, Safari, video calling, document editing, and drag-and-drop workflows could communicate the benefit of the larger display faster than a static home screen.
The hands-on area must also answer durability questions without pretending that a few minutes can replace months of ownership. Hinge resistance, protection around the folding axis, weight distribution, screen reflections, and off-center visibility can be judged immediately. Long-term wear, dust resistance, and thousands of folding cycles cannot.
Camera Testing Could Become Part of the Event
The Pro camera system is expected to receive one of the lineup’s most technical hardware changes. Previous iPhone 18 Pro camera reporting has centered on a mechanical or variable aperture, which could physically alter the amount of light passing through the main lens.
A conventional fixed-aperture smartphone camera manages exposure through shutter speed, sensor sensitivity, computational processing, and other electronic controls. A mechanical aperture can change the physical opening through which light reaches the sensor. Depending on its design, that could provide additional control over exposure, depth of field, highlights, and the appearance of subjects at different distances.
Current pre-event iPhone 18 expectations indicate that the feature may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, although its final availability will remain uncertain until the presentation.
A normal demonstration table would reveal little about such a camera system. Effective testing requires contrast, motion, faces, reflections, foreground objects, and meaningful changes in brightness.
Apple has previously used prepared scenes to demonstrate cameras, making controlled lighting stations a reasonable possibility for the iPhone 18 launch. No dependable report has confirmed that a dedicated photography pavilion or a particular new installation has been constructed for Wednesday, however.
A useful setup would allow creators to move between bright and dim areas while watching the aperture respond. A foreground object positioned near a person could demonstrate changes in depth of field. Directional lights could reveal highlight handling, while a darker scene could test whether the physical aperture works smoothly with computational photography.
Video creates another challenge. Any aperture adjustment during recording must appear gradual rather than causing sudden jumps in exposure or background separation. If manual control is available, photographers will immediately look for the number of supported aperture positions and whether a chosen setting can be locked before recording.
These demonstrations would offer the in-person audience something that cannot be reproduced during the stream. The presentation can display carefully selected photographs and video clips, but activity around the camera stations will reveal how quickly professionals understand the controls and whether the results remain convincing outside a prepared promotional sequence.
John Ternus Faces His First Apple Park Test
Wednesday’s event will be John Ternus’ first major product launch as CEO. That creates an unusual balance between continuity and change. The campus, production team, executives, and controlled demonstrations remain familiar, while the person responsible for the final message has changed.
Ternus does not need to replace every established event practice during his first days in the role. A larger in-person component would let him place more attention on direct product experience without sacrificing the timing and visual precision of a prerecorded presentation.
A live welcome, appearances around the campus, and extended media access after the video could establish his presence without forcing the event into an entirely different format. His background in hardware engineering also makes this a suitable launch for more detailed demonstrations, particularly if the lineup includes a new hinge, display construction, or mechanical camera component.
The hardware surrounding the iPhone 18 launch will test how well the company explains unfamiliar decisions. A foldable iPhone must justify its size, construction, software behavior, and likely premium price within minutes. The Pro camera must demonstrate an advantage that remains visible after computational processing. Accessories must protect new shapes without making them unpleasant to hold.
Retail employees working at Apple Park can observe those reactions closely. They will hear which controls require an explanation, which accessories create hesitation, and which claims prompt the same questions repeatedly. That experience can return to stores before customers begin arriving for demonstrations of their own.
The Hands-On Area Becomes the Real Examination
Apple controls every frame of its presentation video, but it cannot control every observation made after the screens turn off. A foldable display will be photographed from difficult angles. Its hinge will be opened hundreds of times. Camera samples will be compared before visitors have left Apple Park. Any awkward transition, reflection, or confusing control will circulate within minutes.
This makes the in-person operation more demanding than a larger guest list might suggest. Every demonstration unit must remain charged, connected, clean, updated, and ready for the next visitor. Foldable devices may require closer inspection between sessions, while camera areas need staff who understand both the feature and the conditions created to demonstrate it.
The employees around those spaces should provide enough guidance to help visitors locate unfamiliar features without turning every interaction into another scripted presentation. Excessive control makes a demonstration feel artificial; too little creates confusion and crowded tables.
Apple Park therefore becomes a second launch platform after the worldwide stream. The video introduces the products, while the hands-on area exposes them to fingers, lenses, questions, and immediate judgment. By Wednesday afternoon, the questions repeated most frequently around those demonstration tables may offer the first indication of how easily the iPhone 18 lineup can explain itself.
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Apple’s 2026 Studio Display drops to new all-time low with $214 discount

Amazon has rolled out a major markdown on Apple’s upgraded Studio Display, offering buyers a rare chance to pick up the high-end monitor at its best price yet.
The deal applies to the Studio Display with Nano-Texture Glass and Tilt-Adjustable Stand, which is currently discounted to $1,684.88 — down $214.12 from its standard $1,899.00 retail price. To secure the full savings, shoppers must clip an on-page coupon on Amazon, with the final discounted price reflected at checkout.
This offer marks the lowest price tracked for this specific configuration, beating the previous record low by more than $100. It also represents the first significant discount on Apple’s 2026 Studio Display lineup in nearly three months.
Apple refreshed its Studio Display family earlier this year in March. The updated line features two Thunderbolt 5 ports, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk View support, and a studio-quality six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. The nano-texture glass option is designed to minimize glare in bright environments while preserving high image contrast and clarity.
While Amazon has listed a few other Labor Day markdowns across the Studio Display lineup, this nano-texture tilt-adjustable variant boasts the largest savings of the bunch.
MacDailyNews Take: Because Amazon coupons on high-ticket Apple hardware tend to sell out quickly, prospective buyers should act fast before inventory or the clip-and-save offer expires.
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MacVoices #26243: Live! – CarPlay Driving Sales, Gmail Changes, and Ads on Your Monitor
Apple Polishing Cloth 2026
Apple today released a new version of its Polishing Cloth on its online store. In the U.S., pricing is now set at $9, down from $19 for the previous version of the cloth.
Starry Horizon (via Hartley Charlton):
new polishing cloth and comparison with the old one, dimensions are pretty much the same. a lot less stiff, it’s more like the nanotexture or apple vision pro one.
In a brilliant bit of marketing spin, Apple distracts from Mac price hikes with a new $9 polishing cloth.
My favorite feature of this product is the store’s “compatibility” matrix that gets updated with every new Mac/iPhone release.
Curiously, the products Apple released alongside the new cloth aren’t compatible with it — namely, because they don’t have screens.
Previously:
Update (2026-09-02): See also: Hacker News.