Technologies

First Week of iPhone 17: What Really Happens Inside an Apple Store Launch

Apple puts on quite a launch show, but it’s hard for Apple to control the story when iPhones release into the wild.

Apple has ways of shaping the narrative around an iPhone launch, but the first week is when we really start to scratch the surface of what it’s like to live with the new models.

The launch of an iPhone is quite the spectacle, especially at Apple’s flagship New York City store on Fifth Avenue. Apple CEO Tim Cook and a bevy of other top executives gather to cheer on the first customers, take selfies and sign autographs. A slew of photographers gather in a press pen to capture these moments — and some of those moments, like customers holding up newly purchased iPhones, are a little more crafted than others.

In this week’s episode of One More Thing, which you can watch embedded here, I go into the performative nature of the launch day and share a side of the story you don’t typically see on a social media feed.

Now that anyone can get their hands on an iPhone, Apple loses some of the control of its messaging. Judging by some customer complaints of dings and scratches, the new iPhone has lost some of its launch-week luster.

I’ve taken both the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max out for a spin for the past week. And as I share in this week’s video, sometimes it takes a little nature walk to connect with what really matters in an iPhone: the camera.

I also share what I’ve learned from using various iPhone 17 series cases — since you may want one to avoid your own «scratchgate» drama. Oddly enough, my Air with a bumper case saw the most damage so far. Maybe I’m just not cut out to treat phones as fashion items.

If you’re looking for more One More Thing, subscribe to our YouTube page to catch Bridget Carey breaking down the latest Apple news and issues every Friday.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im