iPhone Air sees price cut on Amazon, down to Rs 90,990 with offers: Details

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

The iPhone Air, which was introduced alongside the iPhone 17 series in September last year, is currently available with a discount of up to Rs 20,000, including bank offers. On e-commerce platform Amazon India, the 256GB storage variant of the iPhone Air can be purchased at a net effective price of Rs 90,990, compared to its original launch price of Rs 119,900. Buyers can also opt for no-interest equated monthly instalment (EMI) plans, along with additional bank cashback offers.

iPhone Air on Amazon: Offer details

The iPhone Air debuted in September last year with a starting price of Rs 119,900. At present, the base 256GB variant in the Cloud White finish is listed at Rs 94,990 on Amazon India.

In addition to the price cut, customers can get a discount of up to Rs 4,000 on select bank cards. The listing also includes no-interest EMI options for up to 12 months, along with a five per cent cashback for users of the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card.

iPhone Air (256 GB) launch price: Rs 119,900

Offer price: Rs 90,990

Bank discount: up to Rs 4000

No-interest EMI: up to 12 months

iPhone Air: Details

The iPhone Air was launched alongside the iPhone 17 series in 2025 and is positioned as Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, measuring around 5.6mm in thickness — slimmer than the 6.9mm profile of the iPhone 6. To maintain durability despite its slim design, Apple has used a Grade 5 titanium chassis with a polished finish, combined with Ceramic Shield protection on both the front and rear.

The device is powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chipset, which the company claims offers high-end GPU performance supported by neural processing units integrated across its cores. Connectivity features include Apple’s N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, along with the updated C1X modem. The model also marks Apple’s shift to an eSIM-only design globally. Below are the specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion (1-120Hz refresh rate), 3000nits peak brightness

Processor: A19 Pro

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Rear camera: 48MP Fusion camera

Front camera: 18MP Center Stage camera

Battery: Up to 27 hours of video playback

Charging: Fast charging (Up to 50 per cent charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher)

Colours: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue

Water resistance: IP68

Thickness: 5.64mm

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Samsung to discontinue Messages app by July 2026: What it means for users

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

Samsung is preparing to shut down its native Messages app in the US by July 2026 and is asking users to move to Google Messages instead. Samsung has announced the move through an “End of Service Announcement,” stating that the app will stop working after the deadline. The change marks a shift in Samsung’s messaging approach, as it moves away from its own app and aligns more closely with Google’s platform for a more consistent Android experience. Google Messages is being positioned as the default alternative, with Samsung also guiding users through the transition.

Samsung Messages app: What is changing

Once the Samsung Messages app is discontinued, users will no longer be able to send messages through it. The only exception will be emergency services or pre-defined emergency contacts on the device. After July 2026, the app will also be removed from the Galaxy Store, meaning it cannot be downloaded again.

Samsung has already started limiting access. For instance, users of newer devices like the Galaxy S26 cannot download the app. The change mainly affects Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older devices on Android 11 or below will not be impacted.

Samsung advises users to move to Google Messages

Samsung has advised users to switch to Google Messages to continue using messaging services without disruption. In its official note, the company said users should “upgrade your messaging experience” by making Google Messages their default SMS app.

To make the shift easier, Samsung has also shared a step-by-step guide for users, with in-app notifications and instructions. On devices running Android 14 and above, the Google Messages app icon may automatically move to the home screen dock once the switch is complete.

Step-by-step guide to switch to Google Messages

Open or download Google Messages.

The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”

Tap the “Set default SMS app” button.

Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.

Tap “Set as default.”

Google Messages is now your default messaging app.

Things to keep in mind

For devices launched before 2022, switching apps may temporarily interrupt ongoing RCS chats. However, these conversations can resume once both users move to Google Messages. Regular SMS and MMS messaging will continue to work during this transition period.

Samsung also pointed out that Google Messages offers several improvements, including better integration with Android features and support for modern messaging standards.

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Apple releases iOS 26.5 public beta 1: Check new features, how to install

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

Apple has rolled out the first public beta of iOS 26.5, giving iPhone users who have enrolled in Apple’s iOS 26 beta programme the opportunity to test new features. According to 9To5Mac, the update introduces the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps, end-to-end encryption for RCS, and the ability to push Live Activities to third-party accessories. iOS 26.5 public beta 1 can now be installed on compatible iPhone models. Here’s a closer look at what’s new in the update:

iOS 26.5 public beta: What’s new

Apple Maps: According to a report, the new “Suggested Places” feature is now available in the public beta of iOS 26.5. The tool highlights trending locations nearby, along with suggestions based on users’ recent searches. The feature appears directly in the search tab within Apple Maps, making it easier to discover places without entering specific queries.

Ads in Maps: As reported, support for ads in Apple Maps is now part of the public beta of iOS 26.5. The update includes backend changes that indicate Maps could show local ads based on users’ location, search activity, or what they are viewing.

RCS encryption: Apple is once again testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the public beta of iOS 26.5. The feature was first spotted in the iOS 26.4 beta, but the company had already confirmed that end-to-end encryption for RCS would not arrive with the iOS 26.4 update and would instead be introduced in a future release. With this update, encryption has returned for testing, though it is still unclear whether it will be part of the public rollout.

New App Store subscription options: The public beta of iOS 26.5 hints at changes to how subscriptions may work on the App Store. Public beta testers may see new subscription options, including monthly billing linked to a 12-month commitment. The report also suggests support for paying annual plans in monthly instalments at a discounted rate, although complete details are yet to be confirmed.

EU-specific features in testing: In the European Union, Apple continues testing features tied to third-party accessories. These include support for Live Activities on external devices, along with improvements to notifications and proximity pairing. There’s no confirmation yet on when these features will roll out publicly or which accessories will support them.

Other: iOS 26.5 public beta adds automatic Bluetooth pairing for accessories like Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad. The update also adds a new Inuktitut keyboard and expands message transfer options when moving data from iPhone to Android.

iOS 26.5 public beta 1: Eligible models

iPhone Air

iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e

iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e

iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iOS 26.5 public beta 1: How to install

On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update

Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 26.5 Public Beta

Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear

Agree to Apple terms and initiate the download process

Installation will begin after download process

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Planning to buy a Mac? Apple store deliveries may take up to five months

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

If you are looking to buy a Mac Studio or Mac mini, you might have to wait up to five months to get your hands on one. Deliveries of select variants of the M4 Max Mac Studio, M3 Ultra Mac Studio, and M4-series chip-powered Mac mini have been pushed back by several months, likely due to the ongoing global memory shortage.

For example, on the Apple online store, the delivery date of the M3 Ultra chip-powered Mac Studio with a 28-core CPU and 60-core GPU, when paired with 96GB unified memory and 1TB storage, is shown between May 13 and May 19. However, once you select the 256GB unified memory option, the website shows that the device could take four to five months to be delivered.

It should also be noted that the 512GB unified memory option for the M3 Ultra Mac Studio is no longer listed on the Apple online store.

Similarly, a Mac Studio with the M4 Max chip in a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU configuration, when paired with 48GB unified memory, can take up to 12 weeks to be delivered. Meanwhile, the 128GB unified memory option can take up to five months.

While Mac mini deliveries are not pushed back as far as the Mac Studio, the higher memory variants are still facing delays. For example, the Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip in a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU configuration is expected to be delivered by April 24 if you choose the 24GB unified memory variant. However, the 64GB unified memory option can take up to 18 weeks to be delivered.

While the memory shortage may be a reason for the delay in deliveries of these Mac models, it might not be the only factor. Both the current-generation Mac Studio and Mac mini models are likely nearing the end of their product cycle, as Apple may soon introduce updated versions with M5-series chips. Apple’s inventory typically runs low for products that are expected to receive an update soon, which could also contribute to longer delivery timelines.

This is also reflected in the fact that there are no significant delays in the delivery of the newly launched MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, even in higher unified memory configurations.

Global memory shortage

The delays come against the backdrop of a broader global memory shortage that has been affecting multiple parts of the technology industry. Demand for memory components such as DRAM and NAND has surged due to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, with data centres and cloud providers consuming a larger share of available supply. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly prioritising higher-margin, server-grade memory over consumer-grade components used in devices like PCs and smartphones. This shift has tightened supply for consumer hardware, leading not just to rising costs but also longer lead times and, in some cases, constrained availability of certain configurations.

Sony recently suspended orders for a large portion of its SD and CFexpress memory card lineup, citing similar supply constraints.

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WhatsApp is testing built-in noise cancellation for voice and video calls

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

WhatsApp is reportedly working on improving call quality with a new noise cancellation feature for voice and video calls. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to a limited number of Android beta users and is expected to expand gradually, aiming to reduce background noise during conversations. The report suggested that the addition could be particularly useful for users who frequently take calls in noisy surroundings, as it focuses on filtering out ambient sounds without affecting the speaker’s voice.

WhatsApp’s noise cancellation for voice and video calls: What’s it

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is introducing a built-in noise cancellation option that automatically filters out unwanted background sounds. This includes common disturbances like traffic noise, wind or chatter in crowded places. The report noted that the system works in real time, ensuring that the speaker’s voice remains clear while minimising distractions. As reported, the idea is to make conversations sound more natural and easier to understand, without requiring users to manually adjust settings or use external tools.

According to the report, some beta users can now see a new option in the calling interface that allows them to enable or manage noise cancellation. In most cases, the feature is enabled by default, so it automatically activates when a call begins, whether it is a voice or video call.

The report explained that the technology identifies surrounding noise and removes it while keeping the speaker’s voice clear. However, it works on an individual basis. This means turning on noise cancellation helps others hear you better, while your own call quality depends on whether the other person has it enabled too.

WhatsApp is also allowing users to turn the feature off if they are not satisfied with how it affects audio.

Rollout status

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently rolling out in phases, so it may not be immediately available to all beta users. It has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.14.1 update on the Google Play Store, where access is limited to a small group of testers for now. A wider rollout is expected over the coming weeks as testing expands.

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Britain woos Anthropic to expand after clash with Pentagon: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 5, 2026 | Technology

Britain is trying to tempt Anthropic to expand its presence in the country, as it seeks to capitalise on a fight between the maker of artificial intelligence app Claude and the US Defense Department, the Financial Times said on Sunday.

British government proposals for Anthropic range from an office expansion in London to a dual stock listing, the newspaper reported, citing people with knowledge of the plans.

Anthropic and Britain’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has supported the department’s work, which will be put to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei when he visits in late May, the FT said.

The US government blacklisted Anthropic,designating the company a national-security supply-chain risk after it refused to allow the military to use AI chatbot Claude for US surveillance or autonomous weapons.

A US judge temporarily blocked the blacklisting, and the AI startup has a second lawsuit pending over the supply-chain risk designation.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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