The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air, but Samsung just threw a curveball. The Galaxy S25 Edge has arrived, preemptively answering three key questions that have been swirling around the iPhone rumor mill. From display innovation to camera capabilities and design choices, Samsung seems to be setting the bar high, forcing Apple to reconsider its strategy. Could this be the year Samsung truly steals the spotlight? Read on to find out how the Galaxy S25 Edge is shaping the smartphone landscape.
CarPlay’s Hidden Gems: Features You Need to Know
CarPlay is one of the most popular Apple software features among drivers. Some people go so far as to hunt for a different car brand altogether to ensure they have CarPlay, while others try to get the most out of their favorite EV vehicle to enjoy the company’s vision of car software. While we still wait for some (good) news on Apple’s next-gen CarPlay, there are a few underrated current features that everyone should be using right now. We’ll take a closer look at them below.
Underrated Features for Everyday Use
These features might not be immediately obvious, but they can significantly enhance your driving experience:
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Finding Your Parked Car: Leverage Apple Maps and Google Maps integration to pinpoint your vehicle’s location after disconnecting your iPhone from CarPlay.
This is one of those hidden (and handy) CarPlay features you’ll eventually need. If you forget where you parked your car, don’t worry — CarPlay is your best friend. Every time you unplug your iPhone from CarPlay, it shows a marker on Apple Maps and Google Maps. That way, you can backtrack to where you parked and not worry about depending on your memory.
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Sharing Your ETA: Stay connected and transparent about your travel plans by sharing your estimated arrival time with contacts through Apple Maps or Google Maps.
With iOS 18, Apple expanded SharePlay capabilities, making it even more reliable, especially for those long car rides.
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Enhanced Safety with Check-In: Utilize iMessage’s Check-In feature to let friends and family monitor your journey, receiving notifications if your arrival is delayed or if your iPhone stops moving for an extended period of time.
Here’s the step-by-step:
Open the Messages app on your iPhone
Tap to start a new conversation or select an existing one
Tap the + icon, then More, Check In, and Edit
Choose between finishing Check In when you arrive or after a timer
When I arrive: Specify your destination and how you’re traveling (driving, transit, or walking), and add extra time if needed.
Check In monitors your journey and notifies your friend if your iPhone isn’t moving for an extended period of time or if it doesn’t reach the destination as expected. When you arrive at your destination successfully, the Check In automatically completes and notifies your friend that your iPhone has arrived.
After a timer: Specify a period of time, for example, during a date with someone you met on an app. If you don’t finish the Check In before you set, Check In notifies your friend.
SharePlay: The Collaborative Music Experience
Seamless Song Sharing
Apple’s SharePlay feature, introduced in iOS 17, revolutionizes the in-car music experience. Passengers can seamlessly contribute to the shared playlist, even without an Apple Music subscription. This fosters a collaborative environment, allowing everyone to personalize the soundtrack. Imagine a road trip where each passenger can add their favorite tunes, creating a dynamic and engaging musical journey.
iOS 18 Improvements
Unionjournalism has learned that with the release of iOS 18, SharePlay’s reliability has been significantly enhanced, particularly for extended car trips. Apple has addressed previous concerns regarding lag and connectivity issues, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable collaborative music experience for all passengers.
iPhone’s Role in CarPlay’s Future
iOS 19 and Beyond
Looking ahead to future iOS updates, like iOS 19, speculation abounds regarding further refinements to CarPlay’s functionality and user experience. Experts predict that Apple will continue to leverage the iPhone’s powerful capabilities to enhance the in-car experience. This could include deeper integration with Siri, advanced voice control features, and personalized recommendations based on driving habits and preferences.
For instance, imagine a future where Siri can anticipate your needs based on your daily commute. It could suggest your favorite podcast, pre-heat your car, or even book a parking spot upon arrival at your destination. The possibilities are vast, and Apple’s continued investment in CarPlay suggests an exciting future for in-car technology.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S25 Edge has undoubtedly thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 Air, answering three critical questions that have been buzzing in tech circles. The S25 Edge’s innovative camera system, boasting advanced computational photography features and a new telephoto lens, directly challenges Apple’s dominance in mobile imaging. Additionally, its groundbreaking foldable design, offering unparalleled screen real estate and multitasking capabilities, pushes the boundaries of smartphone functionality, setting a new standard for user experience. Finally, the S25 Edge’s refinement of its already impressive S Pen integration, coupled with enhanced software features, underscores Samsung’s commitment to empowering users with a truly versatile device.
These advancements have significant implications for the smartphone landscape, forcing Apple to respond with equally innovative solutions to stay competitive. The S25 Edge’s success, should it resonate with consumers, could reshape user expectations and accelerate the adoption of foldable technology, potentially ushering in a new era of mobile interaction. It remains to be seen how Apple will counter these bold moves, but one thing is certain: the tech industry is entering a period of rapid evolution, driven by relentless innovation and a fierce desire to redefine the mobile experience.
The battle lines have been drawn, and the future of smartphones hangs in the balance. Will Apple rise to the challenge, or will Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge mark a turning point in mobile technology? Only time will tell.