Podcast #025:  iPhone 15 Gates & iOS 17 Problems 😡

In the latest Sir Apfelot Podcast we of course have a lot of reports about the new iPhone 15, Titan and Fine Woven. The iPhone 15 offers a USB-C connection with varying speeds depending on the model, although the Pro model does not offer Thunderbolt. Buyers complain about scratches in the titanium case. Does iOS 17 have higher battery consumption? The iPhone 15 offers an option to limit charging to 80%. Drop tests between iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro – who wins? All of this will be explained in the new episode.

At this point you will also find all the show notes, sources and comments that we have put together for the individual topics below.

9to5Mac: Demonstration of voice calls and 5G data transmission via satellite

• Current iPhones: Can send data via satellite in emergencies.
• New demonstrations: Regular voice calls via satellite could soon be possible.
• Test call: From Maui, Hawaii to Madrid via a low-earth orbit satellite.
• iPhone 14 / 15: “Emergency SOS via Satellite” for short text messages.
• AST SpaceMobile: Demonstrates satellite communications for voice calls and 5G data transmission with 14 Mbps download rate.
• First 5G connection: Between a normal smartphone and a satellite.
• Collaboration with companies: Vodafone, Nokia and AT&T cooperate with AST SpaceMobile.
• Objective: Smartphone connectivity in areas beyond the reach of ground-based cellular base stations.

Source:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/19/phone-call-via-satellite/

Google: Bard with advanced features

• Google Bard update: Google Lens integration allows you to upload images and receive relevant information or suggestions.
• adaptability: Bard can customize responses based on user needs thanks to collaboration with generative AI.
• Versatile applications: Bard can help create travel documents, write texts, or explain scientific topics.
• Linguistic expansion: Bard now offers functionality in more than 40 new languages ​​and countries, including German.
• Integration with Google services: Bard can now pull information from everyday Google services like Gmail, Docs and Drive.
• Data protection: Personal data is protected; Bard does not use human reviewers or data for advertising purposes.
• Verification of answers: Improved Search with Google feature allows users to check Bard answers.
• Continuous conversation: Users can continue Bard chats via public links and build on previous conversations.
• Powerful model: Introducing PaLM 2, Google's most powerful model yet, for improved answers and creativity.

Source:
https://blog.google/intl/de-de/unternehmen/technologie/bard-jetzt-noch-leistungsfaehiger/

Heise: Netto is testing shopping cart unlocking via app instead of coin or chip

• Net brand discount: Testing a system in two Bavarian branches to unlock shopping carts without a coin or chip using an app.
• Own shopping app: Extended to include a function that unlocks shopping carts in the pilot branches via smartphone.
• Technology: Hybridloc system from the Baden-Württemberg shopping cart manufacturer Wanzl. Unlocking using NFC technology.
• privacy concerns: Critics fear that Netto could collect and evaluate personal data, such as length of stay or shopping habits.
• Additional incentives: Possible digital vouchers for your next purchase or charitable donations when you return your shopping cart.
• Further implementation: According to Wanzl, other retailers and markets could integrate the Hybridloc functions into their apps. Edeka and Rewe are showing interest.
• Future outlook: Wanzl (a company that produces shopping carts, among other things) sees great potential in Asia, where cashless shopping is already standard.

Source:
https://www.heise.de/news/Ohne-Muenze-und-Chip-Netto-testet-Einkaufswagen-mit-App-Entsperrung-9309044.html

ifun: Bug in iOS and iPadOS 17 prevents use of security keys

• Problem after update: After updating to iPadOS 17, some users will no longer be able to use their physical security keys.
• Recognition without PIN entry: Security keys are recognized, but PIN entry is not possible.
• Previous functionality: Before updating to iPadOS 17, the function worked without any problems.
• security key: Apple introduced support for physical security keys like YubiKey in the spring.
• Additional security: Replaces the six-digit two-factor authentication verification code with a physical hardware key.
• Connectivity options: USB-C, Lightning or NFC.
• If the key is lost: Users can remove the security level and use the six-digit verification code again.
• Attitude change: With iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, the security key settings have been moved.

Source:
https://www.ifun.de/fehler-in-ios-und-ipados-17-sicherheitsschluessel-lassen-sich-nicht-mehr-verwenden-218670/

MacRumors + YouTube: Apple FineWoven Cases probably of poor quality

• Customers said the quality feels like a $10 case from Amazon and not Apple quality
• Customer quote: “Feeled cheap, almost like cardboard”
• Customer Quote: “A case more fragile than the phone it is designed to protect”
• Many customers have returned them straight away because $59 is just too expensive
• Video: Micro-Twill and Memory Foam
• Scratches appear on the case very quickly and then look bad
• Protection function is ok

Sources:
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/21/apples-finewoven-iphone-cases-poor-reviews/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PrQ3XTKG2o
https://www.sir-apfelot.de/finewoven-das-neue-feingewebe-material-von-apple-54256/

MacGadget: iPhone 15 models offer option to limit battery charging to 80%

• New settings option: iPhone 15 models allow battery charging to be limited to a maximum of 80%.
• Advantage: Extending battery life, as lithium-ion batteries should ideally be kept between 20% and 80% charge level.
• Settings path: The function can be found under iOS 17 in the settings under “Battery => Battery status & charging process => Optimization of the charging process”.
• Exclusivity: The feature is only available for the iPhone 15 series, although technically possible for older models.
• Distinction: Not to be confused with the “Optimized Charging” feature available since iOS 13, which optimizes the charging process to 100% based on the user's charging habits.
• More innovations: Displays the number of charging cycles and information about the date of manufacture and date of commissioning of the battery.

Source:
https://www.macgadget.de/News/2023/09/20/iPhone-15-Modelle-Aufladen-des-Akkus-laesst-sich-auf-80-Prozent-begrenzen

MacLife: iPhone 15 with USB-C port can charge other iPhones

• USB-C in the iPhone 15: Allows you to charge other devices, including other iPhones.
• Functionality: When two iPhone 15 models are connected, it is determined which device has the lower battery level. The iPhone with more battery charge charges the other one.
• Android devices: When an Android smartphone is connected, the charging behavior depends on whether it is USB Power Delivery unterstützt.
• Charging current limitation: Charging other devices with iPhone 15 is limited to 4,5 watts, which is the same as the old iPhone power adapter.
• Practical use: Ideal for charging accessories like headphones, but charging another iPhone can take a long time and put a lot of strain on the “donor” battery.

Source:
https://www.maclife.de/news/iphone-15-usb-c-anschluss-kann-andere-iphones-aufladen-100122844.html

MacWelt: Battery drains faster after iOS 17 update – these are the reasons

• Common problem after updates: After iOS updates, users often report poorer battery life.
• Cause: After major updates, like from iOS 16 on iOS 17, the iPhone performs many background tasks, such as indexing data or applying new features to old data.
• Example: iOS 17 can recognize pets in “Photos,” which requires an intensive initial setup.
• Increased power consumption: According to Apple, this should resolve itself within 48 hours of an update.
• Advice: After an update you should keep calm and wait.
• exceptions: Sometimes an iOS update can be buggy and lead to permanently increased battery consumption, e.g. iOS 16.5. However, this was fixed with iOS 16.6.
• iOS 17: Tested by beta users for three months with no battery issues.

Source:
https://www.macwelt.de/article/2076106/akku-nach-update-auf-ios-17-schneller-leer-das-ist-der-grund.html

MacWelt: iPhone 15 Pro out Titan – Buyers complain about scratches

• Titanium frame on the iPhone 15 Pro: Some users show photos of scratched titanium frames on their new iPhone 15 Pro models.
• Switch to Titan: Apple switched from stainless steel to titanium on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which makes the devices lighter but compromises their scratch resistance.
• Comparison with Apple Watch Ultra: The titanium alloy of the first Apple Watch Ultra generation had similar problems.
• Special PVD coating: Apple has given the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max a special PVD coating to protect the material against scratches. However, photos show the opposite.
• Recommendation for protective covers: Using the iPhone 15 Pro without a protective case is not recommended.
• Criticism of Apple “fine mesh” cases: Apple's new protective cases for the iPhone 15 and other devices are being criticized, particularly the fine-mesh Magsafe wallets.

Sources:
https://www.macwelt.de/article/2077780/iphone-15-pro-aus-titan-kaufe-klagen-uber-kratzer.html
https://twitter.com/MajinBuOfficial/status/1704111657088168017/photo/1

9to5Mac: First drop test of the iPhone 15 Pro indicates less durability of the new titanium design

• Drop test by AppleTrack's Sam Kohl: First iPhone 15 drop tests on YouTube.
• Result of the test: The new design with rounded titanium edges appears to be less durable than the iPhone 14 Pro in the drop test.
• Comparison with iPhone 14 Pro: The 14 Pro's flat stainless steel band absorbed a lot of shock, while the 15 Pro's rounded titanium edges caused shock to spread to the front and back glass.
• Titanium vs. stainless steel: Stainless steel can absorb shock better, while titanium is more rigid and transmits shock to other parts of the device.
• Damage in the test: The 15 Pro's glass began to shatter after several drops, while the 14 Pro remained almost unscathed. The 15 Pro's display eventually showed only white pixels and the rear camera detached from the housing.
• Summary: While the iPhone 15 Pro may not be as resistant to cracks as the 14 Pro, it still held up well. It took several falls on concrete before the glass began to crack.

Source:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-drop-test/

MacLife: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro – Different USB-C speeds

• New connection: iPhone 15 models have a changed charging cable connector for the first time in eleven years.
• iPhone 15: USB-C port with technical basis of USB 2.0, transfer rate of 480 MBit/s.
• iPhone 15 Pro: USB-C port with technical basis of USB 3, transfer rate of up to 10 GBit/s.
• No Thunderbolt: Unlike the iPad Pro, which supports Thunderbolt at up to 40 Gbit/s, the iPhone 15 Pro is limited to USB only.
• Pro applications: iPhone 15 Pro allows you to record ProRes videos directly to an external SSD.
• Included cable: The cable included with iPhone 15 Pro only supports USB 2 speeds.
• High data transfer is important for: backup/restore or video export
• Theoretical maximum values: 60 MB/s – 1250 MB/s – 5000 MB/s – in practice you usually achieve a little more than half

Source:
https://www.maclife.de/news/iphone-15-vs-iphone-15-pro-unterschiede-bei-usb-c-100122795.html

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.