Abrar Al Heeti

San Francisco

Tech Reporter, Video Host and Producer at CNET

Senior tech reporter, on-camera host & producer @CNET. I speak in Taylor Swift lyrics. DMs open. Probably on IG/TikTok: abraralheeti

Articles

Samsung Teases Ultra-Grade Foldable Phone With a 'Powerful Camera,' AI Tools

3 days ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Fold seems to be joining forces with the top-of-the-line Galaxy Ultra. The company on Wednesday shared a rather cryptic post teasing its next book-stye foldable, noting that it's bringing "an Ultra-experience" to "a smaller and more portable form factor." The phone is scheduled to launch this summer, Samsung says, and will include a "powerful camera" and "AI-powered tools" (of course).
Hey, Apple: Steal These S25 Edge Features for a Skinny iPhone - Video

4 days ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti
Dear Apple, Please Steal These Galaxy S25 Edge Features for a Thin iPhone

4 days ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

Tech companies are known for, shall we say, "borrowing" features from each other. Any time Apple or Samsung releases a new phone or software update, you can be sure arguments over who did it first, or better, will ensue among hardcore fans. It stands to reason that as Apple reportedly plans to debut a thinner version of the iPhone 17 this fall, it might look to competitors to see what resonates with consumers.
iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 16: How Apple's Budget Phone Compares to the Baseline Model

5 days ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

The $599 iPhone 16E is Apple's most affordable iPhone, and it shares many features with the $799 iPhone 16. But there are also some sacrifices you'll need to make for that $200 discount. While some core components like the A18 chip, iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence are the same for both devices, there are notable differences across the phones' cameras, designs and batteries. Here's how the more budget-friendly iPhone 16E compares to the baseline iPhone 16.
iPhone WWDC Wishes: What We Want to See in iOS 19 Next Week

5 days ago | cnet.com | Zachary McAuliffe |Abrar Al Heeti |David Lumb |Andrew Lanxon

We're just a week away from Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, when we get the first look at what the company has been cooking up during the past year for iOS 19, the software that runs the iPhone. Until June 9, though, CNET's experts have their own ideas about what Apple should be working on -- and hopefully announcing.
Latest Rumors and Leaks About the iPhone 17: We're Here to Dish

1 week ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti |Tiffany Connors

When the dust settled after the latest tariff kerfuffle, President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs and a 25% tariff on iPhones were still in position to hike the price of the rumored iPhone 17. But plenty of other speculation has fans anticipating what new features an iPhone 17 could bring, including better video capabilities and improved battery technology. There are even whispers about a rebranded operating system.
AI-Powered Closed Captions Could Open Up New Possibilities - and Pitfalls

1 week ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

Closed captions have become a staple of the TV- and movie-watching experience. For some, it's a way to decipher muddled dialogue. For others, like those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it's a critical accessibility tool. But captions aren't perfect, and tech companies and studios are increasingly looking to AI to change that. Captioning for TV shows and movies is largely still done by real people, who can help to ensure accuracy and preserve nuance. But there are challenges.
Want to Buy a New iPhone? Now's Not the Time, and Here's Why

1 week ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

If you're ready to upgrade your iPhone, you may want to hang tight. Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup back in September, which means the company is due to launch the next generation of its handset, likely in the fall. That means if you can wait a couple of months to buy your next iPhone, you can either score the latest device or get a discount on previous models. Newer iPhones tend to include camera and processor upgrades, as well as new features to make them more enticing.
iPhone 17 Rumors and Leaks Unpacked. Here Are the Features We're Most Excited About

1 week ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti |Tiffany Connors

President Donald Trump's potential 25% tariff on iPhones could mean a price hike for the rumored iPhone 17 before it's even released. Prices could play a big part when the new iPhone is announced, but plenty of other rumors and leaks have fans anticipating what new features an iPhone 17 could bring, including better video capabilities and a new color. Battery power could be the features to keep your eye on.
Motorola's 2025 Edge Is Coming Next Week With a Two-Day Battery and TurboPower Charging

1 week ago | cnet.com | Abrar Al Heeti

The Motorola 2025 Edge (not to be confused with the just-revealed Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge slim handset) is on its way, and its arrival is imminent. The phone is slated for a June 5 arrival in the US and Canada, and costs $550. This comes soon after the company debuted its new batch of Razr phones.