Technology
Apple introduces iOS 18.5 release candidate: Know what’s new

Apple is expected to roll out the awaited iOS 18.5 update next week with some new features and fixes. Now, just before the rollout, the Cupertino-based tech giant has released the iOS 18.5 release candidate, revealing upcoming features and small changes coming to iPhones. Based on the RC, the new software update does not include any major features or incremental changes, but a few iterations to enhance or simply the user experience. Apple has confirmed that the iOS 18.5 will bring Pride Harmony wallpaper, fixes to Apple Mail categories and contact photos, and much more. Therefore, know what the upcoming iOS 18.5 update has in store for iPhone users.
The upcoming ios 18.5 update majorly focuses on feature improvements and bug fixes of certain features to simplify the user experience. Based on Apple’s release candidate for iOS 18.5, Apple will be rolling out 2025 Pride Harmony wallpaper for iPhones and iPads and a new feature where parents will receive notifications when the Screen Time passcode is being accessed to change settings.
The update will also include tweaks to the Mail app, such as easy Contact Posters control and a new “All Mail” category for easy discovery of emails. Furthermore, Apple will bring support for carrier-provided satellite services on the iPhone 13. However, it should not be that this satellite service is not similar to Globalstar-powered satellite connectivity, which is provided to new generation iPhone models. Apple also claims to simplify Apple TV app purchases on third-party devices. Alongside these enhancements, the iOS 18.5 will also include bug fixes to the Apple Vision Pro app, where the screen was going black.
As of now, Apple has not confirmed any rollout date for iOS 18.5 public release. However, we expect it to take place next week, since the release candidate has been rolled out. Once the update is available, you can go to your iPhone settings and locate the software update within “General” to install the latest OS version.
Technology
AI and apps frontier, Promate’s unique TripMate-GaN160 adapter, and jobs

Many of you may remember that we had analysed the very specifics of Apple’s iPhone assembly plans for India. The possibilities, costs involved and the timelines (that monumental shift is a question of when, not if). They aren’t the only ones. I spoke with OnePlus founder Pete Lau, who spoke with me about the intention for an annual investment of ₹2,000 crore every year until 2027, to boost research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and service ecosystem in the country. All part of something that’s been named rather futuristically — Project Starlight.
They have India-spec examples of innovation which have borne fruit in more markets OnePlus phones are sold in. Europe and the US, being important ones. Improvements to OxygenOS software, optimisations for battery as well as camera performance, while also developing network improvements dubbed 5.5G in sync with Reliance Jio, being examples. Lau hopes a lot more is to come from their R&D facility here, and the investments are to provide a solid ground. This will coincide with the company’s push into the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, with Lau confirming some products will be launched in the coming months. They’ll sit alongside an already wide portfolio of smartphones, tablets and wearables. There clearly is a lot to come from OnePlus, and they need to rediscover the momentum after a tough 2024 on many fronts.
Understanding definitive momentum: Samsung has already detailed a ₹1,000 crore investment in a manufacturing facility near Chennai; coincidentally, they’ve met the fifth-year target of ₹25,000 crore worth of incremental manufacturing under the smartphone Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This, a renewed ₹22,919 crore Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics approved this month by the government. In January, they’d announced plans to significantly increase investments in its Indian R&D centres located in Bengaluru and Noida. These will be Samsung’s largest such facilities outside South Korea, and are crucial to developing AI features. That’s where the future is headed, isn’t it?
TECH OF THE WEEK
Fast chargers are more than relevant, irrespective of a quick splash and dash for your phone’s battery at work, at home, or when travelling. Perhaps even more so, for the latter. For the globe-trotters, a typical pouch of chargers and cables must also include travel adapters too, to utilise the wall sockets, in other countries. The US/Canada (this usually is Type-B) or EU (referenced as Type C; not to be confused with USB-C) travel adapters, for instance. A convenient solution, may well be the Promate TripMate-GaN160 universal travel adapter.
The key here is, it has built-in US/UK/EU/AU/CH plugs — you simply slide them out (more on this mechanism, in a bit), plug them into the wall socket, and proceed to either use the AC socket or any of the three USB-C ports or the USB-A port. The collective output of the USB ports is rated at 160-watts, with the three USB-C ports drawing a maximum of 140-watts while depending on what else is plugged into the other ports, the USB-A tops out at 60-watts. This is alongside the 2500-watt AC socket on device, universal support itself. When I tested this extensively, including using the three USB-C (to charge three fast-charging Android phones) and the AC socket (that was to power on an Apple MacBook Pro M4) in parallel, the Promate TripMate-GaN160 only betrays some tepidness on the shell. That is as good a pointer as any, to good thermals. Charging speeds vary, with various factors in play.
The only real concern with the TripMate-GaN160 is the click to lock and click to release mechanism for the universal sockets. You must be careful when plugging this into a wall socket, and when closing any of the universal plugs after use. The release mechanism doesn’t often click properly, which could mean the connectors may break if you’re not careful.
The Promate TripMate-GaN160 is a first of its kind travel accessory, and there is an understandable premium you’ll be paying for it — the price tag for now is ₹8,999 but this versatile toolbox could be a small price to pay for the convenience of not jiggling multiple travel adapter accessories and fast chargers.
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

AI within WhatsApp, that seems to be the next frontier for AI companies. I’m not talking about Meta AI, but a world that has gone much beyond. OpenAI, a few months ago and now Perplexity, have placed AI bots at your fingertips. The positioning of Perplexity’s WhatsApp bot is clear — fight scams and misinformation, which are rife on communication platforms such as WhatsApp. The company tells HT it is still early days in terms of sharing usage metrics or trends (but they are confident, very confident), but for a few hours a few days ago, that bot went offline purely because of the conversation load being sent its way. It came back online soon enough, and if you’re looking closely, you’ll see a trend that Perplexity’s confidence is built on.
- The fact-checking ability in particular is quite seamless, and Perplexity hopes to be useful particularly for senior citizens, in decoding the truth in messages they receive. The way to use this is simple — forward a message that you’ve received, to the Perplexity WhatsApp bot. This can include text messages, images, links or videos. Perplexity will cross-reference any claims being made, with real-time web data through search — complete with citations for the information. This will also help protect against scams, that often include malicious links, for instance.
- Perplexity WhatsApp bots supports 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali and Urdu. There is a likelihood that a message a user forwards to the bot, will be understood, with a response in generation.
- There are some limitations to using Perplexity within WhatsApp. It will, not play along with any news-oriented searches via WhatsApp. A least from HT’s conversations with the bot, it was perplexing stumped when we asked it to detail today’s IPL games and the current points table in that context, as an example.
This isn’t the only excitement around Perplexity. Valued at around $9 billion, Perplexity AI’s vision includes a Comet web browser that aligns with its agentic AI aspirations, Deep Research, search. As I’ve written in my column this week, the path to be bumpy, though. The browser aspirations are important, because Perplexity’s vision isn’t to compete with the web browsers we already know and use (the likes of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave or Vivaldi). There’s an agentic AI dream to be achieved.
It may well be a crucial early mover advantage for Perplexity, since we may see more on that front. OpenAI is believed to be working on a web browser, and if Google does have to sell Chrome depending on how the US Department of Justice antitrust scrutiny pan out, the buyer will inevitably focus on AI (Perplexity themselves have shown an interest, as has OpenAI). Personalisation and memory will play a crucial role, as Perplexity explores building user profiles based on browsing habits, purchases, and preferences to deliver tailored experiences. But this is where the question of data collection, privacy and choice comes into play — something the folks at Proton had raised on X. There is no way around it. Perplexity will have to find a balance of choice, and address inevitable user concerns. They’ve mostly been transparent in the AI journey thus far, why change track now?
Our extensive coverage about AI and apps…
WHAT’S ON MY MIND?
Quite simply, the AGI timeline. How far are we from artificial general intelligence? The answer may be tricky, because the definition of AGI is as fluid as melting ice-cream. The rough definer may well be on the lines of an artificial intelligence system, based on versatile models, that can perform a typical task a human would be able to do melding intellect, context and adaptability, while becoming relevant in different use-cases or flows.
One could always argue we’ve seen the first hints of AGI, with the Agentic AI conversation we’ve already had, as well as the latest generation models proving to be more capable in many ways. Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, OpenAI’s GPT o3 for advanced reasoning as well as the o4-mini that was meant for advanced reasoning in a smaller, faster package are examples. The o4-mini has since spawned an o4-mini-high, which OpenAI says is primed for visual reasoning and coding. Maybe we just don’t realise AGI is amongst us (a real-world test, hidden in plain sight; of course, that’s what it is), because it’s not been packaged specifically as such. But we’re getting there with reasoning and generalisation, which inevitably will lead us to autonomy that’ll define AGI.
VOICE OF REASON
It was about time someone put things in perspective. Aaron Levie, the CEO of cloud platform Box, believes AI will not take away as many jobs, as the general wisdom tends to believe. “AI lowers the barrier to getting started on anything, which means people start doing far more. But to do great work still has a long tail of execution, judgment, creativity, and knowledge about the specific domain, which means AI replaces far fewer jobs than we think,” he wrote in a post on X. There is also the medley of capabilities with building, expertise, complexity and long-term value that inevitably emerges from any AI deployment – particularly for enterprises. None has a clear answer yet, but someone simplifying things, does help build consumer confidence.
Technology
Best 7kg washing machine: Top 10 options from Samsung, LG, Godrej and more brands on Amazon Sale 2025

Looking to upgrade your laundry routine without breaking the bank? The 7kg washing machine segment offers a perfect balance of capacity and performance for small to medium-sized households. With trusted brands like Samsung, LG, Godrej, Whirlpool, and IFB offering reliable, feature-rich models, you’ll find a host of energy-efficient and user-friendly options to suit your budget and space. The Amazon Summer Sale 2025 ends tomorrow, so don’t miss out!
Godrej’s WTEON ALP 70 5.0 FDTN GPGR is a fully-automatic 7 kg top-load washer featuring Tidal Wash Technology and Turbo 6 Pulsator for thorough yet gentle cleaning. Its Zero Pressure Technology ensures fast fills, while the Auto Balance System stabilises the drum for quieter operation.
The advanced digital display offers user-friendly control over 12 wash programmes, and its 5-Star energy rating plus 720 RPM spin speed deliver efficient, speedy cycles with in-built soak and anti-rust features.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find it smooth, user-friendly, and ideal for small families. However, noise, installation, and water wastage receive mixed or negative feedback.
Why choose this product?
It’s simple and reliable, but may vibrate, waste water, and require proper installation checks.
This Samsung washing machine blends EcoBubble and Bubble Soak Technology to penetrate detergent deep into fabrics, delivering up to 45 per cent better fabric care. Its Hygiene Steam cycle eradicates 99.9 per cent of germs, while the Digital Inverter motor ensures whisper-quiet, energy-savvy performance.
With 12 wash programmes, a 1200 RPM spin speed and a rust-proof cabinet, this 7 kg front-loader adapts to every laundry need, making it a standout during the Amazon Summer Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise its quiet, user-friendly performance and value for money. Build quality and installation experiences, however, receive mixed feedback.
Why choose this product?
Great for busy homes, but check the unit on delivery and confirm installation service quality.
In the Amazon Great Summer Sale 2025, LG’s FHB1207Z2M emerges as a top pick thanks to its Direct Drive motor and Hygiene Steam cycle that banishes allergens. Its 6 Motion DD system manoeuvres the drum in six distinct ways for a fabric-friendly cleanse, while the integrated heater tackles stubborn stains.
Boasting a 5 Star efficiency rating, ten wash programmes and up to 1200 RPM spin speed, it ensures reliable performance each wash.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers like its washing performance, quietness, and water efficiency. Build quality and drum size, however, receive mixed reactions.
Why choose this product?
Ideal for small families seeking a budget-friendly, quiet washer with efficient water use.
Godrej’s WS EDGE CLS 70 semi-automatic top-loader uses Active Soak Technology and a 460 W PowerMaxx motor to tackle heavy laundry loads effortlessly. The storm-force pulsator, three water levels and ribbed walls provide thorough cleaning, while its rust-proof polypropylene body ensures long-term durability.
With two simple wash programmes and a 1440 RPM spin cycle, it delivers no-frills performance ideal for budget-minded households during Amazon Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise its quality, ease of use, and washing performance, though many report issues with the dryer functionality.
Why choose this product?
Great value washer with reliable performance, but dryer issues may be a concern.
Check out more washing machine deals on Amazon Sale 2025
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Whirlpool’s MAGIC CLEAN RYL SRS 7.0 is a 7 kg semi-automatic top-loader powered by a 1400 RPM motor that spins clothes nearly dry in moments. It’s unique Ace Wash Station lets you pre-treat stains precisely, while the spin-shower function and rat-protection mesh ensure hygienic cycles every time.
Rated 5 Star for efficiency and backed by a four-year comprehensive warranty, it proved exceptionally popular in the Amazon Summer Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate its wash quality, ease of use, and value for money, especially for small families. However, build quality, noise levels, and the small outlet pipe receive mixed feedback.
Why choose this product?
A lightweight, user-friendly washer that performs well for basic needs, though some quality and noise concerns may arise.
LG’s P7020NGAZ semi-automatic washer combines Rat-Away Technology and Wind Jet Dry to reduce moisture in every load. Its collar scrubber and three wash programmes handle everything from delicates to heavy fabrics, while the 1300 RPM spin cycle speeds up drying.
Built on a rust-free plastic base with anti-vibration feet and a lint collector, this 7 kg, 5 Star machine simplifies laundry days, especially during the Amazon Great Summer Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the washing machine’s solid build, value for money, and effective cleaning, especially its quick 15-minute wash. It’s easy to use and well-sized for a family of four, but the noise level and drying function receive mixed reviews.
Why choose this product?
A reliable washer with strong washing performance and family-friendly capacity—ideal if mobility and perfect drying aren’t top priorities.
Amazon Sale 2025 spotlighted Samsung’s WA70A4002GS/TL, a fully-automatic top-load washer featuring a Diamond Drum and centre-jet pulsator for gentle cleaning. Its inverter motor delivers dependable performance, and the 680 RPM spin speed suits smaller loads.
With six wash programmes, rat-mesh protection and a rust-proof body, this 7 kg machine balances affordability and durability, making it an excellent choice for compact spaces and modest budgets.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers describe it as a reliable performer with multiple wash programmes and quiet operation, making it easy to use and good value. However, installation and water consumption reviews are mixed.
Why choose this product?
A dependable machine for daily use with versatile features, though installation service and water efficiency may vary.
Samsung’s WT70M3000UU/TL semi-automatic top-loader features Turbo Dry Technology and a dual-storm pulsator that streamlines both washing and drying. The 1300 RPM spin cycle removes excess moisture swiftly, and its rat-mesh protection plus caster wheels add convenience.
With three wash programmes and push-button controls, this 7 kg washer combines practicality and efficiency, earning high praise during the Amazon Summer Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the washing machine’s performance, ease of use, and value for money, but the small dryer tub and issues with the drying fan are concerns. Build quality receives mixed feedback.
Why choose this product?
Ideal for small families, offering good washing performance, but be aware of potential dryer functionality issues and build quality concerns.
IFB’s TL701MG1 employs an AI-powered algorithm to detect fabric type and tailor wash actions, optimising water level, duration and drum movement for each load. Its Triadic Pulsator and Crescent Moon drum deliver deep cleaning while protecting fibres, and the Aqua Energie device softens water to boost detergent performance.
Rated 5 Star and backed by a ten-year spares support, it represents intelligent laundry innovation during the Amazon Great Summer Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the washing machine’s value for money and ease of use, but there are mixed reviews on its cleaning effectiveness, noise, and water drainage issues. Installation service also receives negative feedback.
Why choose this product?
Good value for money with easy-to-use features, but be cautious about potential washing performance, noise, drainage issues, and installation problems.
Whirlpool’s MAGIC CLEAN GENX 7.0 top-loader features ZPF Technology for rapid fills and Dry Tap Sensing to prevent dry-tap damage, making laundry hassle-free. It offers 12 wash programmes, including stainwash and aqua-store, and a 740 RPM spin speed for reliable drying.
The stainless-steel drum ensures durability, while smart sensors adjust cycles intelligently, qualities that made it a bestseller in the Amazon Sale 2025.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find the washing machine to be well-built and easy to use, but there are mixed reviews regarding its washability, noise levels, and performance. Installation experiences are also varied.
Why choose this product?
Good value for money with easy-to-use controls, but be mindful of potential wash quality, noise, and performance issues, as well as mixed installation experiences.
Amazon Summer Sale 2025 credit card offers and discoutns
During the sale, shoppers can take advantage of exciting deals and benefits. Enjoy an instant 10% discount on HDFC Bank credit cards, no-cost EMIs, and 5% cashback for Amazon Pay ICICI credit card users. Plus, attractive exchange offers make upgrading even more affordable.
Factors to consider when buying 7kg washing machine
- Type: Choose between front load and top load depending on your space, convenience and efficiency preferences.
- Energy efficiency: Look for machines with high star ratings to reduce electricity and water consumption.
- Wash Programmes: Opt for models offering a variety of wash cycles suitable for different fabric types.
- Spin speed: Higher RPMs result in faster drying times which is useful in humid or rainy climates.
- Build quality and features: Durable drums, inverter motors and smart features add to performance and longevity.
Which is better for a 7kg capacity, front-load or top load washing machine?
Front load machines are generally more energy and water efficient, offering a gentler wash and better cleaning. However, top load machines are easier to load and more affordable, making them ideal for users seeking convenience.
Is a 7kg washing machine enough for a family of four?
Yes, a 7kg washing machine can handle daily laundry needs for a small to medium-sized family. It accommodates around 3–4 outfits per person or a medium load of bedding, making it a practical and efficient choice.
How important is the spin speed in a 7kg washing machine?
Spin speed determines how dry clothes come out after washing. A higher RPM means better water extraction and shorter drying times, especially useful during monsoons or in humid climates. Look for models with adjustable spin settings.
Top 3 features of best 7kg washing machines
7kg washing machine |
Washing Type |
RPM Spin Speed |
Energy Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Godrej WTEON ALP 70 5.0 FDTN GPGR | Fully Automatic Top-Load | 720 RPM | 5 Star |
Samsung WW70R22EK0X/TL | Front-Load | 1200 RPM | 5 Star |
LG FHB1207Z2M | Front-Load | 1200 RPM | 5 Star |
Godrej WS EDGE CLS 70 5.0 PN2 GPGR | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 1440 RPM | 5 Star |
Whirlpool MAGIC CLEAN RYL SRS 7.0 | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 1400 RPM | 5 Star |
LG P7020NGAZ | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 1300 RPM | 5 Star |
Samsung WA70A4002GS/TL | Fully Automatic Top-Load | 680 RPM | 5 Star |
Samsung WT70M3000UU/TL | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 1300 RPM | 5 Star |
IFB TL701MG1 | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 700 RPM | 5 Star |
Whirlpool MAGIC CLEAN GENX 7.0 5YMW | Semi-Automatic Top-Load | 740 RPM | 5 Star |
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Best 10kg washing machines in April 2025: Top 8 picks for handling bigger loads in one go
FAQs on 7kg washing machine
- When does the Amazon Summer Sale 2025 end?
The Amazon Summer Sale 2025 ends tomorrow, so it’s the perfect time to grab top deals on 7kg washing machines before the offers expire.
- Can I wash blankets in a 7kg washing machine?
Yes, lightweight single blankets can be washed, but heavier ones may require a larger capacity.
- Are there inverter models available in 7kg washing machines?
Yes, many brands offer inverter models which are energy-efficient and operate quietly.
- Do 7kg washing machines support hot water wash?
Some models come with built-in heaters or hot wash options, especially in front load variants.
- How often should I clean my washing machine?
Clean the drum and detergent tray monthly to maintain hygiene and prevent odour build-up.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Technology
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