Articles on MacRumors by Tim Hardwick
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Tim Hardwick

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Tim is a Senior Editor at MacRumors and has been writing for the site since 2016. Formerly a magazine journalist, his work has appeared in over 30 newsstand print publications and online brands covering a range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to the mysteries of ancient history.

Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.

Tim Hardwick's Articles

Apple Intelligence iPhone 16

Apple's Global Smartphone Share Slips as Chinese Rivals Surge

Monday January 13, 2025 3:16 am PST by
Apple's global smartphone market share declined to 18% in 2024, down from 19% the previous year, while Chinese manufacturers expanded their presence in the global market, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. The iPhone maker saw a 2% decline in year-over-year sales, despite the broader smartphone market seeing 4% growth, as Chinese brands like Xiaomi showed remarkable growth of...
ipad air gradient

Apple Could Launch M4 iPad Air This Spring, Skipping M3 Chip Entirely

Monday January 13, 2025 2:37 am PST by
Apple may choose to refresh its iPad Air models in the spring with an M4 chip, skipping the M3 generation for the lineup entirely, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested. Apple released the M2 iPad Air in 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes in May of last year, and the going assumption, backed by rumors, was that Apple would refresh the iPad Air this year with an M3 chip upgrade. However,...
Apple AI Command Center Concept Mock Gray 3

Apple Smart Home Hub Launch Possibly Delayed Until Later in Year

Monday January 13, 2025 2:02 am PST by
Apple's long-rumoured smart home hub or "command center" may not arrive in the spring as previously expected, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. We've heard various rumors and reports about Apple developing an all-in-one smart home management hub. The device is said to feature a square-shaped 7-inch display, a FaceTime camera and speakers, and a new homeOS operating system with support...
Apple Maps vs Google Maps Feature

iOS 18.4 to Let EU Users Set Google Maps as Default Navigation App

Friday January 10, 2025 4:06 am PST by
With the release of iOS 18.4 in the spring, Apple's mobile operating system will likely let iPhone users in the European Union set default navigation and translation apps for the first time. In iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a way for users to select their preferred default apps for iPhone. Apple initially promised that the feature would be coming to the EU, but it is actually available...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple Now Selling Discontinued iPhone 15 Pro Refurbs in Europe

Friday January 10, 2025 3:28 am PST by
Apple today started selling refurbished iPhone 15 Pro models in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, offering the discontinued iPhones at a discount for the first time since their 2023 launch. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are available in the above countries with a 15% discount compared to the equivalent brand new models. Apple began selling standard refurbished iPhone 15 models in...
iPhone 17 Pro Dual Tone Horizontal 1

iPhone 17 Pro Main Camera Sensor 'Smaller' Than iPhone 16 Pro Sensor

Friday January 10, 2025 2:14 am PST by
This year's iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a smaller main camera sensor than the one used in the Fusion camera currently found in iPhone 16 Pro models, according to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station. The Chinese leaker claims that Apple will adopt a 1/1.3" sensor for the 48MP main camera in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, down from the 1/1.28" sensor used in the iPhone 16...
iPhone 17 Pro Dual Tone Horizontal Single Feature

Both iPhone 17 Pro Models Rumored to Feature Three 48MP Cameras

Friday January 10, 2025 1:35 am PST by
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Tetraprism camera, making them the first iPhone models to have a rear camera system entirely made up of 48-megapixel lenses, claims a new rumor out of China. According to the Weibo account Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 17 Pro camera specs will include a 1/1.3" 48MP Fusion lens, a 48MP Ultra Wide lens,...
ecobee smart thermostat essential

Ecobee Unveils HomeKit-Enabled Smart Thermostat Essential for $130

Thursday January 9, 2025 3:06 am PST by
Smart home accessory maker Ecobee has announced the Smart Thermostat Essential, a more affordable alternative to the Smart Thermostat Premium and Enhanced models in its lineup. Priced at $129.99, the Smart Thermostat Essential includes a full-colour touchscreen, and features Ecobee's standard scheduling and comfort settings that adapt to household routines, optimizing energy use when...
invites calendar app

Apple Seemingly Working on New 'Invites' App to Manage Events

Thursday January 9, 2025 2:11 am PST by
Apple could be developing a new app that's designed to help users organize meetings and in-person events, if code discovered in the latest iOS 18.3 beta is anything to go by. References in iOS 18.3 beta 2 spotted by 9to5Mac suggest the app is called "Invites," and it will show users a list of people invited to an event and indicate those who have confirmed their attendance. The code also...
iphone 16 pro pro max

Just Got a New iPhone 16? How to Use All the New Features

Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:00 am PST by
We're guessing there have been quite a few iPhone 16 models gifted to lucky recipients over the holidays. If you're the new owner of one of Apple's latest models, then keep reading. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or completely new to the devices, this article will help you get the most out your iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max. With the holidays in ...
qr code ios 17

How to Scan Codes With Your iPhone Camera

Wednesday January 8, 2025 6:14 am PST by
The native camera app on iPhone includes functionality that allows you to scan QR codes and access QR code content like URLs without having to download a third-party app. QR codes can include contact information, calendar events, website links, phone numbers, email addresses, Wi-Fi information, and more, so they can be pretty handy. Here's how to scan a QR code when you run into one: Ope...
iOS 18

Everything Your iPhone Can Do With ChatGPT

Wednesday January 8, 2025 6:00 am PST by
With iOS 18.2, Apple introduced ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence to expand your iPhone's AI capabilities in several ways. When enabled, Siri can leverage ChatGPT for complex queries about photos and documents, and the integration also extends to Writing Tools for text and image generation, while Visual Intelligence helps identify objects and places using your iPhone's camera. No...
iOS 19 Roundup Feature

Will My iPhone Support iOS 19?

Wednesday January 8, 2025 2:00 am PST by
Apple won't unveil iOS 19 until June 2025 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, but that doesn't mean we don't have some idea of what to expect from the next-generation operating system update – including which iPhone models will be compatible with it. According to a December report from French website iPhoneSoft.fr, citing a source from Apple, iOS 19 will be compatible with all iPhones...
iPhone 16 Apple Store

iPhone 16 Still Banned in Indonesia Despite $1B Apple Investment Deal

Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:17 am PST by
Apple is still barred from selling iPhone 16 models in Indonesia despite agreeing to build a local production facility there, as it has not met domestic content rules, the country's industry minister said on Wednesday (via Reuters). Indonesia's minister of industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, reportedly met with Apple's VP of global government affairs, Nick Ammann, on January 7 to discuss...
Sudoku Apple News iOS 18

Apple News+ UK Subscribers Likely to Get These Puzzle Games Soon

Tuesday January 7, 2025 5:28 am PST by
Apple plans to bring the puzzles section of its News app to the United Kingdom, according to a new report from the Financial Times. Currently available in the US and Canada, and exclusive to Apple News+ subscribers, the puzzles section includes four games: Sudoku, Crossword, Crossword Mini, and Quartiles. Apple News+ provides subscribers with a new crossword and mini crossword puzzle...
iPhone 15 General Feature Black

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 15 Lineup in Europe

Tuesday January 7, 2025 4:15 am PST by
Apple this week began selling refurbished iPhone 15 models for the first time in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, offering the prior-generation iPhones at a discount for the first time since their 2023 launch. The iPhone 15 is available in the above countries with a 15% discount compared to the equivalent brand new models. Currently only 128GB and 256GB versions are available, but more are ...
snippett phone charger

Swippitt Debuts Phone Charging Hub With Automated Battery Swapper

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:39 am PST by
Swippitt has introduced an innovative charging solution at CES that aims to eliminate the need to manually plug in your iPhone. The system consists of a bread bin-style hub that automatically swaps depleted battery packs with fresh ones through specially designed phone cases. The Swippitt Hub houses five 3,500mAh battery packs and works with compatible cases for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 series...
LG UltraFine 6K Display TB5

LG Unveils UltraFine 6K Display With Thunderbolt 5 Support

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:56 am PST by
LG has shown off a new Ultrafine 6K monitor at CES 2025. The 32-inch display is the first of its kind to support Thunderbolt 5, which Apple introduced late last year with the launch of new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models powered by M4 Pro chips. Details are scant, but we do know that the LG UltraFine 6K monitor (model 32U990A) features a Nano IPS Black panel, delivering a wide color gamut...
dell pro max pcs

Dell Copies iPhone 'Pro', 'Pro Max' Naming Strategy for New PC Lineup

Tuesday January 7, 2025 1:36 am PST by
Dell on Monday announced an overhaul of its PC branding strategy with a simplified naming scheme that bears a striking resemblance to Apple's iPhone nomenclature. The computer manufacturer is retiring its long-standing product names like XPS and Inspiron in favor of three straightforward tiers: Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max – a clear copy of Apple's iPhone naming convention, which has...
apple news banner

Apple Stepping Up Plans to Expand News App to More Countries

Tuesday January 7, 2025 1:01 am PST by
Apple plans to scale up its News app by adding new countries to the platform beyond the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, according to the Financial Times. The plans reportedly include building its locally focused news coverage in the UK, as well as bringing its puzzles section to the country which is currently limited to the US and Canada. Apple News and Apple News+, the app's free and ...