Tag Archives: rumor

Apple’s Smart Home Display: Redefining Design, AI, and Everyday Convenience Powered by homeOS

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Apple is preparing to introduce a smart home device that blends the capabilities of an iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod. While we’ve seen hints of this over the past year, it’s clear that Apple is aiming to offer something more streamlined and familiar for those looking to automate their homes. These new devices are set to roll out in 2025 and are powered by Apple’s homeOS, an operating system specifically designed to simplify home management.

Designer: Apple

At the heart of these products is Apple’s design philosophy: simplicity, usability, and seamless integration with everyday life. For instance, one of the upcoming models will focus on essential tasks like FaceTime, controlling smart home devices, and using apps. It’s not overcomplicated or cluttered with unnecessary features—it’s practical. The goal is clear: offer consumers a device that fits easily into their routine without feeling like they’re learning a whole new system. The design reflects that, with a clean, intuitive interface that works well for families or anyone who wants to manage their home easily.

For those looking for something a bit more premium, Apple has a model that takes things a step further. This version includes a robotic arm that automatically tilts and adjusts the screen for optimal viewing, creating a hands-free experience. Whether you’re in the middle of a FaceTime call or watching something while moving around the kitchen, the device adapts without needing constant attention. This sort of design choice speaks to Apple’s focus on making technology work around the user, not the other way around. Its functional design is meant to simplify, not complicate.

Apple’s homeOS ties everything together, offering a smarter, more intuitive way to control devices. It’s a natural extension of what Apple already does with products like the iPhone and iPad, but homeOS is explicitly designed to manage smart homes. This isn’t just about setting up timers for lights or adjusting the thermostat—Apple Intelligence learns your habits, automating tasks without you even thinking about it. It adjusts based on your routine, handling everything from lighting to temperature so the home feels like it’s working for you.

Design plays a significant role here, too. For instance, one of the models will have a magnetic mount, making it easy to place wherever you need it, whether on the wall or a table. It’s simple, and that’s precisely the point. You don’t have to redesign your home to fit this device; it adapts to your space. With its adjustable screen, the premium model’s robotic arm offers even more flexibility. It’s a device that can move with you, keeping convenience and usability front and center.

Apple’s approach to smart homes feels different because they’ve always been about creating an ecosystem that works together. This new device is no exception. If you’re already using an iPhone, Mac, or Apple TV, this product will slot right into your life. You won’t need to learn a new platform or jump through hoops—it’s designed to be intuitive for anyone already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem. And for those who aren’t, it’s still easy to use.

As we move toward the 2025 launch, it’s clear that Apple is focusing on making home automation feel more natural. These new devices are not just about throwing in more features but offering a thoughtful design that blends into everyday life. Whether it’s the magnetic mount or the robotic arm, Apple’s design choices always come back to one thing: how can this make the consumer’s life easier? And that’s why their approach makes sense.

The post Apple’s Smart Home Display: Redefining Design, AI, and Everyday Convenience Powered by homeOS first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s Smart Home Display: Redefining Design, AI, and Everyday Convenience Powered by homeOS

Posted on by

Apple is preparing to introduce a smart home device that blends the capabilities of an iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod. While we’ve seen hints of this over the past year, it’s clear that Apple is aiming to offer something more streamlined and familiar for those looking to automate their homes. These new devices are set to roll out in 2025 and are powered by Apple’s homeOS, an operating system specifically designed to simplify home management.

Designer: Apple

At the heart of these products is Apple’s design philosophy: simplicity, usability, and seamless integration with everyday life. For instance, one of the upcoming models will focus on essential tasks like FaceTime, controlling smart home devices, and using apps. It’s not overcomplicated or cluttered with unnecessary features—it’s practical. The goal is clear: offer consumers a device that fits easily into their routine without feeling like they’re learning a whole new system. The design reflects that, with a clean, intuitive interface that works well for families or anyone who wants to manage their home easily.

For those looking for something a bit more premium, Apple has a model that takes things a step further. This version includes a robotic arm that automatically tilts and adjusts the screen for optimal viewing, creating a hands-free experience. Whether you’re in the middle of a FaceTime call or watching something while moving around the kitchen, the device adapts without needing constant attention. This sort of design choice speaks to Apple’s focus on making technology work around the user, not the other way around. Its functional design is meant to simplify, not complicate.

Apple’s homeOS ties everything together, offering a smarter, more intuitive way to control devices. It’s a natural extension of what Apple already does with products like the iPhone and iPad, but homeOS is explicitly designed to manage smart homes. This isn’t just about setting up timers for lights or adjusting the thermostat—Apple Intelligence learns your habits, automating tasks without you even thinking about it. It adjusts based on your routine, handling everything from lighting to temperature so the home feels like it’s working for you.

Design plays a significant role here, too. For instance, one of the models will have a magnetic mount, making it easy to place wherever you need it, whether on the wall or a table. It’s simple, and that’s precisely the point. You don’t have to redesign your home to fit this device; it adapts to your space. With its adjustable screen, the premium model’s robotic arm offers even more flexibility. It’s a device that can move with you, keeping convenience and usability front and center.

Apple’s approach to smart homes feels different because they’ve always been about creating an ecosystem that works together. This new device is no exception. If you’re already using an iPhone, Mac, or Apple TV, this product will slot right into your life. You won’t need to learn a new platform or jump through hoops—it’s designed to be intuitive for anyone already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem. And for those who aren’t, it’s still easy to use.

As we move toward the 2025 launch, it’s clear that Apple is focusing on making home automation feel more natural. These new devices are not just about throwing in more features but offering a thoughtful design that blends into everyday life. Whether it’s the magnetic mount or the robotic arm, Apple’s design choices always come back to one thing: how can this make the consumer’s life easier? And that’s why their approach makes sense.

The post Apple’s Smart Home Display: Redefining Design, AI, and Everyday Convenience Powered by homeOS first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch?

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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 “Slim” raises a new question about foldable smartphone design: What’s more important to you—a slimmer, more portable device or the continued support of the S Pen, a tool that has become synonymous with Samsung’s productivity-focused devices?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 with case and stylus

Designer: Samsung

The rumored launch of the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim in South Korea on September 25 suggests that Samsung is moving towards an ultra-thin design. At just over 10mm thick, this foldable could be the thinnest in Samsung’s lineup, prioritizing portability and ease of use. This shift, however, comes at the cost of a beloved feature: S Pen support. By opting for a slimmer profile, Samsung has reportedly removed the necessary film that allows the S Pen to function, leading to a significant trade-off between form and function.

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

The decision to slim down the Galaxy Z Fold6, potentially at the expense of the S Pen, raises a key question for users. The S Pen has been a defining feature for many Galaxy Fold users, offering precision and enhancing productivity, particularly for tasks like note-taking, sketching, and navigation. For professionals and creative users, the S Pen is an essential tool that significantly enhances the capabilities of their devices. Losing this feature could be a dealbreaker for those relying on the stylus for daily tasks.

On the other hand, a slimmer, more elegant device could appeal to users who prioritize portability and design. The rumored titanium frame, which could replace the aluminum used in previous models, contributes to a thinner profile while elevating the device’s durability and premium feel. The thinner form factor and lightweight design make it easier to carry and handle, addressing one of the main criticisms of foldable phones: their bulkiness.

But does the sleekness of a thinner device justify the loss of the S Pen? For some, the answer may be yes. A thinner device fits better into pockets and hands, making it more convenient for everyday use. Unlike the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has an integrated slot for the S Pen, the Galaxy Fold series requires users to manage the S Pen separately, which can be cumbersome. Perhaps this is Samsung’s plan to gradually “weed” owners off the S Pen by not including it in their newer, slimmer foldable models. Personally, I feel that the stylus on a foldable phone feels as outdated as the physical keyboards on early smartphones. I rarely use the stylus anymore, and I’d much rather have a thinner, more lightweight device. The larger screens—6.5 inches externally and 8 inches internally—ensure that users still get an expansive display experience, even with the reduced thickness. This could appeal to a broader audience, especially those who might have hesitated to adopt a foldable phone due to concerns about size and weight.

Galaxy S24 Ultra with integrated stylus holder

However, the trade-off might not be worth it for users who have come to depend on the S Pen. The stylus adds a layer of functionality that a thinner device can’t replace. One particular feature I love about the S Pen on the S24 Ultra is the ability to take pictures—a convenient tool for solo content creators. I also track the stock market, and using the S Pen with Trading View for charting is amazing, so I would definitely miss the pen for that use case. Without the S Pen, tasks that require precision or creativity might become more cumbersome, detracting from the overall user experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

What do you think, Yanko Design readers? Does the decision boil down to personal preference and priorities? If you value a sleek, portable device that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim might be the perfect evolution of Samsung’s foldable lineup. However, if the S Pen is an indispensable tool in your arsenal, the standard Galaxy Z Fold6 or previous models might still hold more appeal. I find the “Slim” addition to the name rather silly, and I would bet money on Samsung going with “Galaxy Fold6 Ultra” over “Slim.” We’re still finalizing our review of the new Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our thoughts.

The post Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Watch X Leaks: 10th Anniversary Edition Rumored to Feature Larger Display and Magnetic Band

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Apple is gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic wearable, and anticipation around the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, or possibly Apple Watch X, is building. This milestone edition is rumored to bring significant updates and design enhancements, as suggested by recent leaks and renders from 91mobiles.

Designer: Apple

One of the most notable changes, as highlighted by 91mobiles, is the larger 2-inch display, the biggest ever on an Apple Watch. This new screen size is set to exceed the 1.93-inch display of the Apple Watch Ultra and the 1.7-inch display of the Apple Watch Series 9. According to the renders, the dimensions of the Series 10 are approximately 46 by 39.7 by 11.6 mm, making it larger than the Series 9 but still smaller than the Ultra.

Source 91mobiles.com: Apple Watch Series 10 CAD render

Another intriguing rumor is the potential redesign of the band connection system. The Apple Watch Series 10 might introduce a new magnetic band attachment system, replacing the current slide-in mechanism. This change could free up valuable internal space, possibly allowing for a larger battery or additional components. However, the CAD renders from 91mobiles do not show clear evidence of this new band attachment system. If it does make its way into the final design, the magnetic connection could contribute to a thinner overall watch.

Source 91mobiles.com: Apple Watch Series 10 CAD render

Despite these possible changes, the renders suggest that the Apple Watch Series 10 will maintain several familiar design elements. The iconic square display, digital crown, and side button appear to stay in their usual places. This consistency ensures that while the watch may evolve, it retains the recognizable aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Apple Watch brand.

Source 91mobiles.com: Apple Watch Series 10 CAD render

Adding to the excitement, WWDC 2024 introduced several new features we look forward to seeing in the Apple Watch Series 10. One of the most anticipated is the enhanced mental health monitoring capabilities, which will offer users a more comprehensive view of their well-being. Another is the advanced sleep tracking feature, providing detailed insights and personalized recommendations for improving sleep quality.

The upcoming watchOS also promises better integration with Apple Fitness+, bringing more guided workouts and real-time metrics directly to the wrist. A redesigned Siri interface, now more intuitive and responsive, will make interacting with the watch easier and more efficient. Finally, the new low-power mode is expected to extend battery life significantly, a welcome improvement for users who rely on their watch throughout the day and night.

While these leaks and renders from 91mobiles provide an exciting glimpse into the potential features of the Apple Watch Series 10, it is essential to approach them with caution. The actual design and features will only be confirmed with the official announcement, expected to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 16 series in September.

As Apple continues to innovate and refine its wearable technology, the Apple Watch Series 10 promises to be a significant step forward. It will combine a larger display, potential new band attachment system, and familiar design elements with the exciting new features announced at WWDC 2024. Fans and users eagerly await the official reveal to see how these rumored enhancements will translate into the next generation of the Apple Watch.

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Honor Magic V3 Leaked and Rumored to Have a Crazy Thin Foldable at 6mm with Advanced Features Set to Impress

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Honor has been a significant player in the smartphone world, particularly with its foldable devices. The Honor Magic V2 set a high standard with its sleek design and impressive features. Now, with the Magic V3 on the horizon, Honor is set to push the envelope even further. Let’s take a closer look at what made the Magic V2 special, including the Porsche Edition, and what we can expect from the upcoming Magic V3.

Designer: HONOR

The Honor Magic V2 quickly became a favorite among tech enthusiasts when it launched. At just 9.90 mm thick, it was one of the slimmest foldable phones available. This was no small feat, considering it still packed all the high-end features you’d expect from a flagship device. The design of the Magic V2 blended style with practicality seamlessly. The hinge mechanism was designed to be both smooth and durable. The use of lightweight materials made the phone easy to handle without feeling flimsy. The Porsche Edition of the Magic V2 added an extra layer of sophistication. With premium materials and a unique design, it offered something special for those who appreciate finer details.

Honor Magic V2 Porsche Edition

The Magic V2 featured a bright and vivid display that made everything look great, whether you were browsing, watching videos, or playing games. Performance was top-notch too, thanks to its powerful internals that handled everything smoothly, from multitasking to demanding apps. Battery life on the Magic V2 was impressive, lasting through a full day of use without any issues. When it did need a charge, the 66W wired charging ensured it powered up quickly, minimizing downtime. The camera setup on the Magic V2 was another highlight. The 50 MP “eagle eye camera” captured detailed and vibrant photos, making it a reliable companion for photography enthusiasts.

While Honor has been tight-lipped about the specifics, leaks and rumors have given us a good idea of what to expect from the Magic V3. The upcoming device is rumored to be even thinner than the Magic V2, potentially around 6.xx mm. This would make it one of the slimmest foldable phones on the market, continuing Honor’s tradition of pushing design boundaries. The Magic V3 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, promising fast and efficient performance. In addition to standard connectivity options, the Magic V3 will support “5.5G” and satellite connectivity (in China), ensuring you stay connected in more places and more ways than before.

Battery capacity is expected to be between 5,000 mAh and 5,990 mAh, with the same fast 66W charging. This means you’ll get long battery life and quick recharges, just like with the Magic V2. The camera setup is another area where the Magic V3 is expected to excel, featuring a 50 MP “eagle eye camera” that promises high-quality photos. An ultra-thin USB Type-C connector is also anticipated, fitting perfectly with the overall sleek design of the device.

Honor’s Magic V2 set a high bar, but the Magic V3 looks set to surpass it. The combination of a thinner design, powerful performance, advanced connectivity, and robust battery life makes the upcoming Magic V3 a highly anticipated device. With the advancements hinted at in the leaks, it seems Honor is ready to redefine the standards for foldable smartphones once again. As we look forward to its debut at MWC Shanghai 2024, the Honor Magic V3 is set to impress and push the boundaries of what a foldable phone can be.

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All-screen iPhone with Under-Display Camera is coming but not too soon

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Although notches and cutouts, including Apple’s Dynamic Island ‘pill,” have become the industry standard for cramming front-facing cameras and sensors on smartphones, they are hardly the ideal solution. Because of the blemish they put on the phone’s display, not to mention the area of unusable space they incur, they’re both unattractive and wasteful. The ideal solution and Holy Grail that designers and manufacturers have been chasing after is having no cutout at all, with the camera invisibly hidden beneath the screen. As many smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold series, demonstrate, that’s easier said than done. That said, everyone seems to be moving in that direction, including Apple, which might already be preparing for an iPhone that’s all-screen, coming in 3 or 4 years.

Designer: Apple (via The Elec)

Image courtesy of Samsung

Hiding a camera lens or other sensors beneath the screen is no easy task. A camera will need to capture light from the outside in order to actually form a picture, but a screen is mostly opaque so no light will reach it normally. This is why Under-Display Cameras (UDC) or Under-Panel Cameras (UPC) actually have a lower resolution in the area directly above the camera compared to the rest of the screen. A lower resolution means fewer pixels, which means some light will be able to pass through to the sensor beneath. At the same time, however, the resolution shouldn’t be too low that you can make out the individual pixels with the naked eye, destroying the illusion.

There are other technical considerations with UDCs, including how the display’s own illumination could bleed into the camera, a flaw that Samsung is probably too familiar with. With so many parts of the puzzle, it’s no wonder that Apple isn’t in a rush to adopt this rather young technology, even if other brands like Samsung and ZTE have already jumped on the bandwagon. It won’t hold off forever, of course, and it seems that the ball has started rolling for an iPhone with that design in 2027 at the earliest.

Image courtesy of MacRumors

According to industry sources, LG has started work on a solution to the deterioration of image quality due to the loss of light in under-display cameras. It’s designing a special lens that is composed of multiple lenses to be able to gather more light despite the screen’s pixels blocking most of the area. Of course, the technology is still under heavy development, so even if Apple were to use it, won’t be happening even in the next two years.

In fact, Apple is expected to first adopt a familiar circular punch-hole cutout for either the iPhone 16 Pro next year or the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is also speculated to be the first to use an “Under Panel Face ID” technology before Apple finally jumps to an all-screen iPhone design after 2026, possibly with the iPhone 20 Pro, if that will be its name.

The post All-screen iPhone with Under-Display Camera is coming but not too soon first appeared on Yanko Design.

OnePlus 12 wood texture leak fires off Internet debates on bold design choice

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Although it seems to have become a bit quieter and more business-minded of late, OnePlus was a brand that boasted bucking trends both in the way it designed phones and how it conducted its business. The first OnePlus phone, for example, sported a removable back cover and cover designs that included uncommon materials like sandstone and wood. More recent OnePlus designs have become less daring and more conventional, though the company does offer unique variations or accessories from time to time. Such a time might be coming later this year with the new OnePlus 12, which might don a wooden back yet again, whether as an integrated rear panel or an aftermarket accessory.

Designer: OnePlus (via Digital Chat Station)

The OnePlus One was quite the rebellious teen when it launched back in 2014. It carried flagship specs but dangled a price tag that sounded too good to be true. It brought back removable batteries and back covers that you could swap to your heart’s delight. The latter was an important detail that appealed to a style-conscious market, a market that tends to make things go viral on the Internet, which is probably what helped make OnePlus an overnight sensation. Those days are long gone, but the company might be making a throwback soon, depending on how you interpret this latest leak.

According to a reliable tipster, the OnePlus 12 will feature a “classic wood grain shell,” a phrase taken from an auto-translation of the original text. The image below shows proof of that, complete with all the unevenness and imperfections that give wood its natural beauty. Naturally, with only one part of the phone’s back shown, the revelation sparks plenty of discussions and speculations on what that “shell” really means.

On the one hand, it could be a completely new variant that uses wood or “faux wood” as the material for the OnePlus 12’s back panel. This is a possibility if you consider that OnePlus no longer makes its back covers removable, just like every other smartphone in the market today. On the other hand, it could simply be a special edition of protective cases, though it would seem to be extra slim if that were the case (no pun intended).

What makes the guessing game a bit more complicated is that OnePlus has actually done all of those over the course of its history. The OnePlus One, for example, was notable for its SwitchStyle covers that included bamboo, walnut, and sandstone textures. More recently, it launched a limited “Marble Odyssey” edition of the OnePlus 11 5G that employed 3D microcrystalline rocks to achieve the unique look and feel of marble. Suffice it to say, OnePlus is at least still keen on pushing the boundaries of materials, textures, and designs that give its smartphones more personality than your average handset.

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iPhone 16 Pro punch-hole camera cutout is still possible but 2025 is more likely

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Ever since the iPhone X in 2017, Apple has stayed faithful to the notch despite numerous criticisms. Last year, however, it finally changed direction for the first time while still staying away from the dominant “punch-hole camera” design of most smartphones today. The Dynamic Island, which is unsurprisingly now being copied by other brands, presented a unique and interesting way to hide the presence of front sensors like the Face ID camera while still making that area usable and, well, dynamic. There are, however, whispers that Apple will soon go all-in on the prevalent design trend and will implement its first punch-hole design on the iPhone 16 Pro next year, though chances of that happening in 2025 might be a bit more realistic.

Designer: Apple (via Majin Bu)

Although the smartphone industry seems to have settled on what is described as punch-hole or hole-punch cutouts, the debates have never really stopped on what is the better design. The old iPhone notch, in addition to being seen as stale, also took up too much precious screen real estate that could otherwise be used to display things. The smaller circle does minimize the footprint but still leaves a lot of room for improvement in terms of elegance and functionality. The Dynamic Island introduced last year is Apple’s creative and ingenious solution to combine the best of both worlds, but it seems that even design-conscious isn’t done changing things.

According to rumors, Apple is already testing a punch-hole design that could make its way as early as next year’s iPhone 16 Pro. The insider tip even shows a render with a rather large hole at the top of an iPhone’s display. The cutout is noticeably larger than most punch-holes on Android phones that have been trying to make that design less conspicuous. There’s a good reason for that, which is the same reason Apple couldn’t completely abandon the notch and why it created the Dynamic Island design. Face ID hardware is more than just a simple front-facing camera, and Apple will need to make room for those sensors in such a constrained space.

Even if Apple does change to a punch-hole camera design, expect it to be unlike what you see on Android phones so far. We could see a redesigned Dynamic Island implemented for this kind of cutout that takes advantage of the smaller space. Or we could see Apple completely revise iOS 18 to have a different interface now that there’s more room for icons and whatnot up there.

That said, even the tipster admits that there is a bigger chance that this design change will happen with the iPhone 17 series in 2025 instead. All that depends on what the company decides in March next year when it finally decides on the iPhone 16 design. Truth be told, there is very little reason for Apple to make another change so soon, with Dynamic Island still in its infancy. After all, Apple isn’t one to simply jump on trends, so it might be a while before we see it changing its direction again.

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