Apple’s Latest Patent Will Change the iPhone As We Know It

Foldable screens and updated cameras are very exciting and all, but the latest iPhone 7 rumor is here, and it might just make your day. A patent application by Apple called “Inductive Power Transfer Using Acoustic or Haptic Devices” was published by the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office last Thursday. YAAAAS. Inductive charging, or wireless charging, is when an electromagnetic field is used to charge a device — which does away with all those annoying wires and plugs and stuff.

This image from the patent application shows the wireless charging coil built into the speaker portion of the phone, which will have two uses: 1) to transmit sound and 2) to transfer power inductively.

While the iPhone would by no means be the first smartphone to offer wireless charging (companies like Samsung, Sony and LG all did it first), this changes the game for iPhones. Inductive charging has several advantages, like not having to plug and unplug a phone constantly, which cuts down on the wear and tear of the handset. Also, since the technology can be all wrapped up, there’s less chance of corrosion, since it won’t be exposed to air and water.

You hear that? Water. Yup. There’s previously been speculation that the iPhone 7 might be waterproof. If this inductive charging patent is applied to the iPhone 7, it could seal up that open charge port that makes the phone vulnerable to water.

What do you think of wireless charging? Tell us in the comments below!

Prime Day continues to impress us! Apple products like iPads, iPhones, AirPods, and more are almost never on sale for prices this low. This Prime Day, we’re seeing hundreds of dollars worth of savings, which is especially satisfying if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current desk set-upor revamping your super old headphones. Scroll on for the 7 best deals on Apple products we’ve found, available for historic sale prices now.

Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9

$280, was $399

This powerful little sidekick is now $119 off for Prime Day! You can do practically everything you do on your iPhone with the Apple Watch, like talking, texting, navigation, and workout and sleep support. It easily syncs up with the rest of your Apple devices for a seamless experience. Plus, all of your activity will be super visible and bright, thanks to the Series 9's clear interface.

Amazon

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

$120, was $169

You can save nearly $50 on some brand-new AirPods this Prime Day. The 3rd generation model is snug-fitting, sweat and water resistant, and lightning fast when it comes to communicating with your devices. You get up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge, which is ample time to listen to your new favorite album or audiobook on repeat!

Amazon

Apple iPad (10th Generation)

$450, was $499

If you like to get things done on the go, the iPad is a total lifesaver. It's way more compact than a laptop, but its small size is still perfectly suitable to see the screen clearly. You can snag it in storage sizes 64GB or 256GB and four different vibrant colors on Amazon right now! This pick is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the Magic Keyboard (both are $50 off for Prime Day) based on your usage needs.

Amazon

Apple AirTag

$24, was $29

The AirTag ensures you'll never lose track of your wallet, keys, or backpack ever again. It communicates with the Find My app on your Apple devices, so you can locate your items in a single press of a button! This model even has a built-in speaker than can ring out loud to help you track down what you've (seemingly) lost forever.

Amazon

Apple iPhone 12

$282, was $398

The classic iPhone really speaks for itself, but this $115 off Prime Day deal makes it even better. We all live on our phones, so whether it's for scrolling TikTok, messaging your long-distance pals, or playing games, this device does it all. You can shop from storage sizes 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB and 6 different colors on Amazon right now!

Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

$395, was $549

We're never far from a pair of headphones, and the AirPods Max are definitely the hottest style to rock right now. They deliver high-quality audio through the cushioned ear cups, and you can even toggle between several different noise-cancelling settings. These wear really light on the head and even offer some nice breathability, since the headband is made from a light mesh material. With a single charge, you get up to 20 hours of listening time – and at $154 off, that's a major score!

Amazon

Apple Magic Mouse

$80, was $99

If you've been searching for an excuse to upgrade your clunky computer mouse, this wireless Magic Mouse from Apple is gonna feel like a total treat. It's compatible with both Macs and iPads to help you get the job done. This mouse works silently, too, so you won't ever be distracted by noisy scrolling or clicking again. It even has an incredibly long battery life, operating at full power even if you haven't charged it in a couple weeks!

Amazon

Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

$380, was $499

A slightly smaller iPad model, the Mini ($119 off) is still as great as the OG. It features a super bright and impressively clear screen display, fast wifi capability, and tons of storage to handle all your notes, apps, and photos. This model is available in storage sizes 64GB and 256GB and 4 different colorways on Amazon now.

Shop our Amazon storefront to snag more amazing Prime Day deals on beauty, home, fashion, books, and more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Can you believe it's been over 20 years since the Lindsay Lohan and Tyra Banks classic, Life -Size premiered? This is enough to make some millennials shudder — especially those of us who still know every word to "Be A Star." In the era of Barbie and Bratz and Polly Pocket, this film definitely stuck with us since its debut.

And apparently, we're not the only ones! Tyra Banks recently dished about an idea she has for Life-Size 3, and it's triggering allllllll the nostalgia. Keep scrolling to see what she said — and to revisit what makes this franchise so great!

Is there a 'Life-Size 3?'

The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean

Tyra Banks appeared on The Drew Barrymore Showyesterday during the Drews News segment, and she gave us an exciting update on the matter. They initially talked about Tyra's ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM, before co-hosts Drew Barrymore and Ross Matthews asked if there's a chance fans will get to see Life-Size 3. The supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur laughed and said, "I feel like we should do one!" Of course this made the crowd burst into screams and rounds of applause.

Not only does she think they should make Life-Size 3, but Tyra already has an entire plot in mind! She said, "What if she [Lindsay Lohan as Casey Stuart], in some of kind of way, magically turned into a doll? And then my Eve character had to teach her how to be a doll. I feel like that could be very interesting."

Now, whether this dreamy plot becomes a reality, well that's a different story.

Is 'Life-Size 3' in the works?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

When Ross Matthews asked Tyra if she can actually bring Life-Size 3 to life, she didn't verbally say anything. Instead, she nodded which made the host exclaim, "Done! Thank you! Thank you, Tyra Banks." However, nothing's been officially announced...yet!

The first time Tyra hinted she's open to reprising her role as Eve was on Instagram in August. She expressed excitement about the Polly Pocket Airbnb in her captions, even tagging Lindsay Lohan. "Oh Polly Pocket, so small in size but BIG in memories and inspiration! 💛 I know so many girls who put you in their pocket and sometimes would find you in the back of the washing machine! 🫧 😂 I’m sure so many kids that loved my Life-Size movie thought of you while watching it…guess it’s time to visit this lil place and dream up another script. What say you, @lindsaylohan? xo Eve/TyTy," she wrote.

What is 'Life-Size' about?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

If you've never seen Life-Size, we're sad for you — just kidding! The film revolved around pre-teen Casey Stuart's (Lindsay Lohan) life after her mom died. She's become withdrawn from her former friends and somehow has made it to the football team at her school. At some point she stumbles across a book of spells and believes it's the thing she needs to bring her mom back. But, the spell goes awry and breathes life into one of her dolls, Eve (Tyra Banks).

A series of mishaps and heartbreak happen over the course of the film, but viewers get to see the profound effect Eve has on Casey before she returns back to her original form.

What happened in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Life Size 2 had a difference scenario from the first film being that it doesn't exactly have anything to do with a pre-teen girl. The focus was on Grace (Francia Raisa), the CEO of Marathon Toys, and her inability to find joy in life. Fans of Life-Size know that the Eve doll was a product of Marathon Toys so it's not shocking that Eve herself senses that Grace needs her help.

Did Lindsay Lohan appear in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Not quite — she made a brief cameo without actually appearing in the movie. Life-Size 2 writer, Cameron Fay explained to TV Line, "Well, the first draft actually had Casey in the movie. That was something Tyra really wanted...But when we realized it wasn’t going to happen, the idea had to shift."

Wanting to find a way to include Lindsay's character some kind of way, Fay was inspired to make it seem that 'Casey' reached out to Grace in a way that felt authentic.

Where can I watch 'Life-Size' and 'Life-Size 2'?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Unfortunately Life-Size isn't available to stream, nor has it recently appeared on cable TV. It's not quite clear why you can't watch Life-Size on platforms like Disney+, but this Reddit thread has the closest thing that answers on why it's so hard to watch.

Right now you can buy Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve on Amazon Prime for $6.

Follow us on TikTok and Facebook for updates about Life-Size 3!

I am a very prepared person, which means I do my best to handle life's unexpected chaos with grace. A recent curveball that I did not prepare for was my phone dying in the middle of New York City. When you live in Manhattan, there's always a show to see, friends to grab margaritas with, and events to attend. That means you lose phone battery pretty quickly, which is exactly the one thing you don't want to go without in the middle of the city.

Ahead of my show at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, I was #influenced to buy this viral gadget to bring into the stadium with me — and it's the best portable phone charger I've ever used. I can't believe I've gone this long without it!

First Impressions

I grabbed the iWALK Small Portable Charger (which I got for $30), and the first thing I noticed was the size. The whole thing is smaller than my iPhone, meaning that it'll fit in just about any size bag and works with a lot of stadium concert rules!

It comes in multiple colors like pink and teal, but I got it in white.

The Timeline

I left for the concert at 2pm with a fully charged phone. I had to use Spotify, Google Maps, Uber, and my camera all before Taylor even came out, which means that by the time Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers had finished their opening acts (around 8 pm), my phone was on death's door.

The portable phone charger went right into the port and kept my phone alive for the rest of the night! It also didn't interfere with the audio in any of my recordings, which was super important to me.

Final Thoughts On This Portable Phone Charger

Image via Chloe Williams/B+C

This product really surpassed my expectations because of how much power you get from such a small device. I've used it multiple times, and every time I do, my phone ends up fully charged, meaning I have enough battery for another round of adventures and antics.

I'll definitely have it in my bag all summer long. You can search on the internet for some other portable phone chargers for your summer, but this is definitely my favorite.

Follow us on Facebook and check out our email newsletter for more life-changing products.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It Ends With Us is no stranger to controversy. The book, and its movie adaptation, follows the story of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively in the film), who finds herself in a domestic violence relationship when she falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (actor & director Justin Baldoni).

Over the last year, the project has created online conversations around everything from Lily's outfits to Brandon Sklenar's (who plays Atlas Corrigan) red carpet anxiety. And the latest chapter in the drama appears to be between Baldoni and Lively.

Internet users are speculating that there's been a creative control struggle between Baldoni and Lively throughout the process, especially now that rumors are swirling Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds hope It Ends With Us scores Lively an Oscar nomination. The actress also served as producer and was involved in everything from the script to the inclusion of Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet."

What happened between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

@deadline#JennySlate on working with #JustinBaldoni, who served as both scene partner and director to the actress in #ItEndsWithUsMovie♬ original sound - Deadline

Fans first noticed something seemed off when it was revealed Blake Lively, Brandon Skelnar, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover don't follow Justin Baldoni on Instagram (even though he follows them). Baldoni didn't take photos with the cast at the New York City premiere, and he also hasn't done any of the viral press with his costars. Plus, the fact that Baldoni's onscreen sister Jenny Slate dodged a question about him only makes this whole situation more odd.

Hasan Minhaj, who played Slate's onscreen husband Marshall and is the only cast member still following Baldoni, finally spoke on the drama, telling Esquire, “I can’t speak to other people's experience, but everybody was very professional and cool to me,” he says. “It was lovely and everybody was lovely, and it is just as disillusioning for me, because I’m like, what happened? Wait, what’s going on?”

“It was a strange, bizarre year, and I am a comic deep down, because there are moments where I’m laughing at it," he continues.

When an Instagram user called Lively's behavior "disappointing," her brother-in-law Bart Johnson replied (via People), "I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her."

"The message is in the book. And in the movie. Not in short clips / interviews," he continues. "She is the reason the message / this movie/ is getting out. Were mistakes made? Yes. I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you."

The Hollywood Reporter reveals the cast and crew might have wrapped with two different cuts of the movie, citing creative differences between Baldoni and Lively, and sources told Page Six the studio went with Lively's "more feminine cut." (THR reports Lively commissioned Shane Reid, a Deadpool & Wolverine editor, for It Ends With Us, although the final project is credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.)

But the supposed feud might go deeper. A set source just revealed to People that not only have Blake and Justin been at odds, but apparently "the principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him."

"All is not what it seems," the source continues. "There is much more to this story."

Sources told The Daily Mail Baldoni was "chauvinistic" and "borderline abusive" during the filming process.

“The tension was so obvious,” an It Ends With Us on-set source told Page Six. “Once she was done with the scene she was really impatient, said, ‘Am I done? Can I go?,’ and as soon as they said ‘yes,’ there was like a Blake-size hole in the wall...She was so outta there.”

There are rumors Justin Baldoni made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable in her postpartum body (she gave birth to fourth child Olin in February of 2023; the movie began filming in May of 2023), and that he asked an on-set trainer how much she weighed before filming a scene where he has to pick her up. Baldoni reportedly has back problems and wanted to make sure he didn't injure himself. Lively also reportedly felt like the actor & director lingered too long during a kissing scene.

But throughout the whole press cycle, Justin Baldoni has been the only member of the cast raising awareness for domestic violence, and praising the strength of DV survivors.

During the premiere for the film, Baldoni told ET, "This is a night for all the women who we made this movie for...If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie."

Will Justin Baldoni direct It Starts With Us?

In addition to this video from set, where Lively and Baldoni look like they're in a visionary standoff, Baldoni just revealed he probably won't step back into the role of director if 2022's It Starts With Us is also adapted.

"I think that there are better people for that one," he tells Entertainment Tonight at the August 6 NYC premiere. "I think Blake Lively's ready to direct, that's what I think."

Blake Lively/Instagram

Amid the internet frenzy, people are coming to Baldoni's defense, praising his vulnerable Man Enough podcast. AnIt Ends With Us extra even recounted how kind and attentive he was on set.

And while Lively has always been praised as an "unproblematic queen," fans of the book wish official press for the movie centered on domestic violence awareness as much as Baldoni's one-on-one interviews do. Instead, she's filmed funny baking videos, promoted her Betty Buzz and Blake Brown brands, and encouraged viewers to "wear your florals" to see the movie.

She finally touched on the themes of the movie in an August 13 Instagram story, providing a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, while The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Justin Baldoni has hired PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid the It Ends With Us drama. Nathan represented Johnny Depp during the 2022 Amber Heard trial.

JB Lacroix/Getty Images

On September 10, a source told People that Blake Lively felt "surprised," "vulnerable and upset" about all the It Ends With Us drama. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

While the It Ends With Us cast hasn't spoken too much about the drama, Justin Baldoni did just reveal how much his Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez was there for him last month. The actress told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

"You know what?" Justin says of the moment, which came at the height of the drama. "That came at a very special time for me and that meant a lot. She really showed up for me. That was really sweet...She's a sweetheart. She's family forever."

Check back here for updates on the situation.

What did you think of It Ends With Us? Let us know in the comments.

This post has been updated.

It’s time to sound the alarms because Gladiator 2 will be hitting theaters right before Thanksgiving, and it’s the true Roman Empire we’ve been waiting for! We saw Russell Crowe’s character Maximus boldly reclaim his legacy in the first Gladiator, but the sequel will follow another character’s storyline. It’s one of our most-anticipated 2024 movies and we can’t wait to dish about all the important details you need to know!

Get your popcorn and one of our delicious cocktail recipes ready because you’re in for a real treat!

Watch The New 'Gladiator 2' Trailer Now

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Denzel Washington, and Paul Mescal are absolute electricity together! And the use of "No Church in the Wild" by Jay-Z and Ye? My jaw literally dropped.

The only question I have is can these three powerhouses form an alliance that'll change the future in Gladiator 2? No matter the outcome, there's sure to be sizzling action...and bodies. And by sizzling, I really mean it. Paul just revealed in an interview with EW that his arena scene, which will feature a CGI rhino, was so hot, he was "borderline throwing up."

"We shot that for about two or three days, but the heat was just….My Irish blood does not function with Ridley's shooting schedule, which is like sun up to sun down, hottest parts of the day," he says. "It was brutal, the fight. I grew up playing sports, so I would consider myself pretty robust and happy to throw myself around, but it was just the [arena] itself became like a radiator. I was borderline throwing up, irritable, just hardcore. Between takes I was firing ice straight down my back."

Pedro Pascal also recalled a few memorable moments from shooting the film, and my personal favorite was what sounds like the greatest blooper of all time. "I was running off the drawbridge, and they kind of dressed it with some dust so that when it slams against the fortified wall, there's a big puff of smoke, of dust," he says. "And I'm charging off the drawbridge and jumping over the wall, and I slip,. I literally bounce off the drawbridge on my —ss and land splat in front of Paul's feet on the first take." And in true Pedro fashion, he followed up with, "Are you not entertained?"

"There was a moment when we were rehearsing my fight scene with Pedro, and I had an idea towards the end of the scene to kiss Pedro on the forehead," Paul adds, referencing a cut scene. "I was like, 'Ridley: Kiss on the forehead, did you like it? Yay or nay?' There was radio silence for a second. His radio crackles back, and [Ridley] goes, 'I'm afraid I did.'"

Your First Look At Paul Mescal In 'Gladiator 2'

Paramount Pictures

The first look at Paul Mescal's character Lucius features our new lead ready for battle. All I have to say is wherever Paul leads, I follow.

What is the plot for Gladiator 2?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Plot

Keeping true to the characters the first film introduced, Gladiator 2 will focus on Paul Mescal's Lucius. He's a gladiator who's been exiled to fight — similar to Maxmius' fate — and hasn't seen his mother Lucila in over a decade.USA Todayalso reports there'll be a nod to Maximus as young Lucius has great respect for the legacy he left behind.

When is Gladiator 2 coming out?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Release Date

Gladiator 2 will premiere in theaters November 22, 2024. Check out the rest of this year's fall movies to see what else is coming this year.

Who will play Lucius in Gladiator 2?

Paramount Pictures

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator 2.

Who else is in the Gladiator 2 cast?

Paramount Pictures

Gladiator 2 Cast

The Gladiator 2 cast also features Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Lucius' mother, Fred Hechinger (from The White Lotus) as Co-Emperor Caracalla, Joseph Quinn (from Stranger Things Season 4) as Co-Emperor Geta, Pedro Pascal (from The Last of Us) as General Marcus Acacius, and Denzel Washington as the wealthy and powerful Macrinus, who oversees the gladiators.

Who's directing Gladiator 2 and can we expect a lot of action?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

We're happy to share that director Ridley Scott will once again make the script of Gladiator 2 come alive for viewers. Aside from directing the first film, this is the same genius who gave us other cult classics like the Alien franchise, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Hannibal, and so much more!

Given Ridley Scott's proven film record — and the new trailer — we'll definitely see some action! Variety reports he said, “It is possibly even more extraordinary than the first...well worth the wait.”

He also hinted that he has Gladiator 3 on his mind. "There’s already an idea," he said and even referenced The Godfather II as prime inspiration for it (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Are you excited to see Gladiator 2? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

This post has been updated.