The Leica LUX Grip aims to enhance your iPhone photography.

      Leica.Camera AG is recognized as one of the premier camera manufacturers globally. Nonetheless, the company acknowledges that smartphones act as the main cameras for millions of users worldwide. This recognition has led to the introduction of the newly designed Leica LUX Grip for iPhone.

      Priced at $329, this grip attaches to your iPhone using MagSafe technology, providing a feel reminiscent of a classic camera. It connects via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for compatibility with the Leica LUX app, greatly enhancing its features.

      The LUX Grip is crafted to mimic the tactile sensation of utilizing a traditional Leica camera. It includes a two-stage shutter mechanism: a light press focuses the shot, and a full press captures the image. Additionally, a button enables quick toggling between various shooting modes.

      The control elements on the grip can be customized through the Leica LUX app. One button allows easy access to commonly used functions, while a user-friendly control dial facilitates precise adjustments to camera settings like zoom, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. This smart design ensures that photographers have all necessary tools for composing images, even with a smartphone.

      The LUX Grip is rechargeable via USB-C and accommodates both left- and right-handed users. Furthermore, a tripod thread is incorporated into its base for added practicality.

      Weighing 130 grams, the grip does add noticeable weight to your iPhone. For comparison, the standard iPhone 16 weighs 170 grams, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227 grams.

      Even without the grip, iPhone users can take advantage of the LUX app. Although the app is not new to the App Store, it has recently introduced several new features, including a 50mm lens simulator and options for adding film grain effects to images. Many tools within the LUX app are available for free, while a Pro version unlocks all capabilities. This Pro version is complimentary for one year for LUX grip users or can be acquired for $69.99 annually.

      The LUX Grip's launch follows less than two years after Leica's acquisition of Fjorden, a Norwegian company that still sells its own grips. Several features from Fjorden’s offerings have been integrated into the new LUX Grip.

      The Leica LUX Grip is now available at select Leica Stores, through the Leica Online Store, and from specialized retailers.

      Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer, focusing on mobile topics.

      Microsoft is implementing a significant change for iPhone users within the Windows environment.

      In a recent post on the Windows Insider Blog, Microsoft revealed it will allow iPhone users to access their devices directly from the Start menu. Through a dedicated widget next to the Start menu, users can view notifications, battery indicators, recent contacts, connection statuses, and more once their phone is connected.

      To utilize this feature, users need to have the latest Windows 11 preview build from the Dev and Beta channels and be enrolled as Windows Insiders. Additionally, the Phone Link app must be updated to version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, and a Microsoft account is required, along with a PC that supports Bluetooth LE. Microsoft has indicated that it does not support PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs. Even if you are unaffected by this, the update is being rolled out gradually, which may delay availability on your PC.

      Apple is anticipated to announce the iPhone SE 4 (or whatever name it receives) shortly, featuring a larger display and an improved chipset compared to the previous version. Yet, speculation surrounding its design remains uncertain.

      Recent discussions about the new budget phone have oscillated between it having Dynamic Island, akin to the iPhone 16 series, or retaining the traditional notch seen on the current iPhone SE. Display expert Ross Young has commented on this, stating in a post on X that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a notch “similar to the iPhone 14.”

      If you're consistently facing storage issues on your iOS device, you could potentially reclaim up to 7GB of space simply by disabling Apple Intelligence. The recent updates, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, enabled Intelligence by default, but it isn't mandatory – if you prefer to conserve space, you can turn it off.

      Generally, Apple Intelligence requires around 7GB of storage, regardless of the platform. This substantial requirement is largely due to the on-device processing of Intelligence features, which enhances security but also consumes significant storage. According to MacRumors, this 7GB requirement applies per device.