How can companies determine which features to build and which ones to avoid?

Identifying vulnerabilities is the first step toward building an antifragile organization.

In this photo illustration, the logo of TikTok is displayed on a smartphone screen with US national flags in the background on January 4, 2025. Wang Gang/VCGGetty ImagesBy Nik PopliJanuary 9, 2025 7:00 AM ESTThe fate of TikTok in the United States will soon be in the hands of the Supreme Court, as the Justices hear oral arguments Friday over a law that could shut down the popular social media platform.At issue is the constitutionality of legislation passed by Congress and signed into federal law in April 2024 that could force TikToks Chinese owners to sell the app to a U.S. company or face an outright ban in the country. The law sets a Jan. 19 deadline for TikToks sale, citing national security concerns about the app's foreign ownership and potential influence over American users.With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok has become a cultural juggernaut, influencing everything from political discourse to entertainment trends. But the government argues that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, poses a national security risk, particularly over the potential for Chinese influence on the platforms algorithms and access to sensitive data.The Supreme Court agreed to expedite the case, though its unclear how soon a decision might come. Legal experts say the case is complicated because it pits the governments national security concerns against the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans who use TikTok to express themselves, share information, and engage in political discourse. If the Court upholds the law, it will almost certainly do so on relatively narrow grounds, says Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School. It might not tell us a lot about social media regulation generally.The Biden Administration, defending the law, argues that the government has the constitutional authority to regulate foreign-owned entities that may pose a threat to national security. The Administration asserts that TikToks Chinese ownership provides a potential gateway for the Chinese government to access vast amounts of data on American citizens, possibly leveraging the platform for covert influence operations. In its Supreme Court brief, the Justice Department contends that the law does not restrict speech but addresses the specific issue of foreign control over a vital communication platform.By contrast, TikToks legal team and a coalition of app users argue that the law violates the First Amendment, which protects free speech. They assert that TikToks algorithms and editorial choices are inherently expressive, shaping the content that millions of Americans consume every day. TikTok, in its brief, emphasized that the government hasnt furnished concrete evidence that ByteDance has manipulated content or censored users at the direction of the Chinese government. The company argues that simply requiring disclosure of foreign ownership would be a far less restrictive way of addressing national security concerns, without resorting to a full ban.The case presents novel questions about the intersection of national security, foreign influence, and free speech in the digital age. Rarely, if ever, has the Court confronted a free-speech case that matters to so many people, a brief filed on behalf of TikTok creators reads.The legal battle over TikTok has attracted unusual attention due to its political and cultural significance. Congress passed the law that would force a sale in April with bipartisan support as lawmakers from both parties have been uneasy over the apps ties to China. But TikTok has fought the law at every turn, arguing that the U.S. government is overstepping its bounds by attempting to regulate foreign ownership of a private company.In December, a federal appeals court upheld the law, ruling that the government has a national security interest in regulating TikTok in the U.S.The case also finds itself intertwined with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office just one day after the law is set to go into effect. Trump, who has offered inconsistent views on TikTok in the past, has recently expressed an interest in saving the platform. In late December, Trump filed an unusual amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to delay its decision until after his inauguration, suggesting he could broker a resolution between TikTok and Congress once in office. The brief, submitted by John Sauer, the lawyer Trump has nominated for solicitor general, refers to Trump as one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history.This unfortunate timing, his brief said, interferes with President Trumps ability to manage the United States foreign policy and to pursue a resolution to both protect national security and save a social-media platform that provides a popular vehicle for 170 million Americans to exercise their core First Amendment rights.Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at Mar-a-Lago last month. Hours before that meeting, Trump said he has a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because he made gains with young voters in the presidential election. And there are those that say that TikTok has something to do with it.While Trumps brief has garnered attention, the Courts focus will likely remain on the core constitutional issues at stake, says Rozenshtein. Supreme Court Justices throughout history do not want to antagonize the President unnecessarily, he says, but at the same time, what Trump is asking for is lawlessThere's no basis in law for the court to delay a duly enacted law for some indeterminate amount of time so as to give the President the ability to do something unspecified.While its difficult to predict how the Court will rule, its involvement signals that the Justices may have reservations about the laws impact on free speech. Last year, the Court signaled social media platforms have the same First Amendment rights as newspapers and other publishers, and TikToks defenders argue that the apps role in free speech is similar to traditional media outlets.Should ByteDance be forced to sell TikTok to an American company, a number of potential options could quickly emerge. Project Liberty, founded by billionaire Frank McCourt, says it has pulled together a consortium of investors interested in pursuing a "peoples bid" for TikTok, including billionaire and Shark Tank host Kevin OLeary. A sale could be worth $20 billion to $100 billion, depending on how the U.S. part of TikTok is split from its parent company. (TikTok employs roughly 7,000 people in the U.S.)More Must-Reads from TIMEHow Canada Fell Out of Love With TrudeauTrump Is Treating the Globe Like a Monopoly BoardBad Bunny On Heartbreak and New AlbumSee Photos of Devastating Palisades Fire in California10 Boundaries Therapists Want You to Set in the New YearThe Motivational Trick That Makes You Exercise HarderNicole Kidman Is a Pure Pleasure to Watch in BabygirlColumn: Jimmy Carters Global Legacy Was Moral ClarityWrite to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com

What just happened? In a surprise move for the ordinarily cautious Japanese automaker, Toyota is expanding into rocketry. The investment reflects Toyota's vision of becoming a comprehensive mobility company addressing transportation needs on land, sea, air, and even space. Toyota's chairman Akio Toyoda made the announcement at CES 2025 when he introduced the concept of "invention by kakezan" or "invention by multiplication," referring to the potential that emerges from collaborative efforts."When it comes to what's possible when you work together, the sky's the limit," Toyoda said, before revealing the company's interest in rockets. "The future of mobility shouldn't be limited to just Earth or just one car company," he added, in what appeared to be a subtle reference to Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk's involvement with SpaceX.Toyota is partnering with Interstellar Technologies, a private Japanese spaceflight company, for its space ambitions. The automaker has invested 7 billion yen (approximately $44.3 million) into Interstellar Technologies through its subsidiary, Woven by Toyota.Interstellar Technologies aims to mass-produce lightweight rockets and compete in the growing commercial space industry. The collaboration seeks to leverage Toyota's automotive expertise, particularly its production methods, to transform rocket manufacturing into a high-quality, cost-effective, and scalable process.This is not Toyota's first space-related business endeavor. The company has been working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) since 2019 on developing a lunar rover for NASA's Artemis program. This rover is designed to allow astronauts to explore the lunar surface for extended periods without spacesuits.Hajime Kumabe, CEO of Woven by Toyota, explained the rationale behind the company's most recent space venture. "This is another way to expand mobility in land, sea and air. Our craftsmanship expertise will be an asset to Interstellar's rocket manufacturing," he said. // Related StoriesKumabe elaborated on the connection between space technology and terrestrial innovation in an interview with TechCrunch. "When you think about cars that will be constantly moving, you need to have appropriate telecommunications. This means that the communication should not be interrupted, disrupted, and that seamless communication that is achieved."While Toyota's entry into the space sector is ambitious, it faces significant challenges. Japan's space industry lags behind global leaders, with only three successful launches in 2023. The country aims to increase this to 30 annual launches by the early 2030s, a goal that requires substantial growth and innovation.Moreover, the global space industry is highly competitive, dominated by established players like SpaceX. Japan's geography also poses challenges for building extensive launch facilities, as evidenced by recent setbacks in the country's commercial space efforts.

Cutting corners: Telegram is now actively collaborating with U.S. agencies to provide IP addresses, phone numbers, and other critical information for user identification. According to data revealed in a recent report, the instant messaging platform fulfilled 900 data requests from Washington, impacting a total of 2,253 individual users on the network. Once known as a safe haven for cybercriminals and white supremacists, Telegram appears to be transitioning into a more law-abiding platform. Recent data unveiled by 404 Media confirm this abrupt shift, with U.S. authorities accounting for the majority of user identification requests.The number of fulfilled data requests surged during the last quarter of 2024, as revealed by Telegram's transparency bot. Between January 1 and September 30, the company responded to only 14 requests concerning 108 users. However, the majority of requests came between October and December, and Telegram appeared eager to comply.Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested by French authorities this summer and was only released after paying a 5 million fine and pledging to cooperate with French authorities. Shortly after the incident, Telegram revised its policies and terms of service, stating that it would promptly disclose users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities when required.The messaging platform's latest quarterly transparency report seems to confirm the effectiveness of these policy changes.Telegram now has a dedicated team of moderators tasked with addressing crime-related issues on the platform. This team utilizes AI tools to identify illegal content and illicit behavior, while regular users are encouraged to report any unlawful activity they encounter on the service. // Related StoriesFollowing Durov's arrest, many notorious criminals hosting private chats on Telegram announced they would leave the platform for good. As the recent Europol investigation into "Ghost" illustrates, no messaging platform is private enough for managing organized crime syndicates or other illegal operations.Durov recently emphasized that the overwhelming majority of Telegram users are not involved in criminal activities. However, with billions of users worldwide, even a very small fraction (e.g., 0.001%) engaged in cybercrime or law violations represents a significant problem. According to a recent analysis, drug dealers, terrorist organizations, and other notorious groups have shown a particular preference for Telegram chats.

New Line CinemaWhen the CompanionIris is an android designed as the perfect girlfriend for Josh, played by Jack Quaid. After jailbreaking his sex bot, Jack experiences a weekend from hell with friends at a secluded cabin. Iris is somehow in the middle of everything, with the footage showing her entire face covered in blood.Recommended VideosThere have been two moments in my life when I was happiest, Iris said in the trailer. The first was the day I met Josh. And the second, the day I killed him.Please enable Javascript to view this contentCompanionsensemble includes Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guilln, and Rupert Friend.Companion | Official TrailerWhat setsCompanion apart from the other android-gone-bad movies i.e. M3GAn is how the robot, not the human, becomes who audiences root for after the breakup. Its artificial intelligence gone right. I love how the character with the most humanity is the robot in this story, Quaid told EW. Its such a cool turn on several genres.RelatedCompanionis written and directed by Drew Hancock. In that same interview with EW, Hancock describedCompanionas a movie about self-discovery and a breakup movie about this woman finding empowerment through discovery of self.The creative team behind Barbarianincluding writer-director Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Raphael Margules, and J.D. Lifshitz are producingCompanion for New Line Cinema.Tracy Rosenblum and Jamie Buckner are listed as executive producers.Companionopens in theaters on January 31, 2025.Editors Recommendations

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA fantastic Iron Man-themed designMediaTek power and more techWhat about the Poco X7?One to buy?I love special edition smartphones, but theyre quite hard to get right. Some dont make all that much sense, while others are wonderfully over-the-top yet really niche collaborations.Thankfully, Pocos Iron Man Edition of its new X7 Pro has absolutely nailed the formula. Announced at CES 2025, I had the chance to see it in person and its fantastic.Recommended VideosAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsPoco could have gone mad with the design, but it has held back (slightly) and created something eye-catching but not too ridiculous. It all centers around a relief (a design technique where a flat image appears to be 3D) of Iron Mans famous helmet on the back of the phone, which is so effective you immediately run your finger across it, expecting to feel it raised above the phones otherwise flat rear panel. The design of Iron Mans Arc Reactor surrounds the helmet relief, and an Avengers logo sits at the bottom of the phone.The photos dont do the colors or design justice, as its even more vibrant in person, and I love the combination of finishes from matte to glossy, plus the careful use of gold accents. Theres a case included in the special presentation box both are covered in fun nods to the Iron Man character which crucially doesnt cover up the fantastic details on the back of the phone, yet will still provide important corner protection in the event of a fall. Its great to see an IP68 dust and water resistance rating for the X7 Pro, too.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsOn the day the Poco X7 Pro Iron Man Edition was announced, I took it to see what someone immersed in the world of comics and collectibles thought of it. Kate Miwk, owner ofMiwk Books, not only thought the phone would be a highly prized collectible but also said she would absolutely use it, even after a few moments scrolling through the menus and checking out the Iron Man design. Its fine for me, a tech journalist, to say its cool, but its even better when someone who works in the comic and collectible world agrees. It shows that Poco has made something special here.1 of 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Poco got the Iron Man Editions design right, but what about the technology? The Poco X7 Pro has a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, a chip announced at the end of December 2024, making it one of the very first phones to use it. Its equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage space and powered by a hefty 6,000mAh battery with Pocos HyperCharge fast charging to take it from zero to 100% in around 42 minutes.On the front is a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i over the top, which shows Android 15 and Xiaomis HyperOS interface. The software has been given an Iron Man-themed makeover, too, with custom wallpaper and specially designed icons. Its a typical Poco look, as its popular gaming phones always have a busy, colorful, and highly stylized look to Android.1 of 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends There are two cameras on the back: a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 with optical image stabilization (OIS), along with an 8MP wide-angle camera. On the front is a 20MP selfie camera. Other X7 Pro features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G connectivity, and face unlock.Poco X7 Pro PocoThe Poco X7 range is divided into three different models the special X7 Pro Iron Man Edition seen here, the normal X7 Pro, and a Poco X7. If you dont choose the Iron Man Edition, the Poco X7 Pro comes in black, green, or yellow with a black stripe. Plus, theres the option to buy a version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.If you choose the Poco X7 there are some feature differences between it and the X7 Pro to consider. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor plus a 5,110mAh battery and 45W wired fast charging, and although the screen is the same size, its curved at the sides and uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. Otherwise, it has the same main camera, selfie camera, IP68 rating, and software.Poco X7 PocoThe Poco X7s design is noticeably different and not just because of the curved screen, as the Poco logo has an unusual embossed design, and theres a vegan leather rear panel option too. The phone comes in silver, green, or black with yellow highlights. The Poco X7 starts at $249 and the Poco X7 Pro at $299, with the top 12GB/512GB version priced at $369. The desirable Poco X7 Pro Iron Man Edition costs $399. Poco does not sell its phones in the U.S., and has confirmed that sadly, the Iron Man Edition will not be available in the U.K. while we expect other models to be sold there.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsI havent spent enough time with the Poco X7 Pro to fully evaluate it yet, but its clear the processor makes Pocos busy software smooth and fast to respond, and the screen is suitably colorful and bright. However, I am so impressed with the Iron Man Editions design because its not totally insane and instead rather well-judged and sensibly executed.Will it be the first in a range of Marvel-themed Poco phones where we will one day be able to build our own Avengers team using just special edition models? Whatever happens, the Iron Man Edition is a great start and one of the most desirable special edition smartphones Ive seen in a while.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: specsOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: design and displayOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: performanceOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: camerasOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: battery and chargingOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: software and updatesOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: price and availabilityOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: verdictA new Android phone has been released: the OnePlus 13. Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, this latest model is expected to rank among the top Android phones of the year, much like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, regarded as one of the best Apple phones this year. Crammed full of the latest in hardware and technology, these two big-screen smartphones share a lot in common but have a lot of differences, too not least a big gulf in price.How do these phones compare to one another? Should you save money on the OnePlus 13, or go all-out on the big-ticket iPhone? We took a look to find out.Recommended VideosOnePlus 13iPhone 16 Pro MaxSize162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5mm163 x 77.6 x 8.25mmWeight210 grams221 gramsScreen size and resolution6.8-inch 1440p OLED120Hz adaptive refresh rate3168 x 1440 pixels800 nits typical, 4,500 nits peak6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLEDProMotion with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate2868 x 1320 pixels2000 nits brightnessOperating systemAndroid with OxygenOSiOS 18 w/Apple IntelligenceStorage256GB and 512GB256GB, 512GB, or 1TBProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteApple A18 ProRAM12GB or 16GB8GBCamerasRear:50-megapixel main50MP ultrawide50MP 2X zoomFront32MPRear:48MP main48MP ultrawide12MP telephotoFront:12MPWater resistanceIP69IP68Battery and charging6,000mAhFast charging 100W (TBA in the U.S.)Fast wireless charging (50W)Reverse wireless charging4,685mAhFast charging with a 20W adapter or higherFast wireless charging (15W)Reverse wireless chargingColorsBlack Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, and Arctic DawnWhite Titanium, Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert TitaniumPriceFrom $900From $1,200RelatedApple iPhone 16 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max might both be flagship devices, but they showcase distinct design philosophies. The OnePlus 13 features a slightly rounded display and a sleek camera module that seamlessly integrates into the back of the phone. It boasts a vibrant 6.82-inch AMOLED panel with a sharp resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has Apples signature flat-edged design with a more pronounced squared-off camera bump. Although its 6.9-inch OLED display is slightly larger, it has a lower resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels. However, it still provides the same 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.Both smartphones have premium build qualities. The OnePlus 13 features a glass back paired with an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to utilize a durable titanium frame and glass construction. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: The OnePlus 13 offers a more ergonomic feel with its curves. At the same time, the iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a classic and angular aesthetic.The reviewer of the OnePlus 13 highlighted some unusual features with this phones display. One of these is its ability to run two different refresh rates simultaneously; for example, it can display at 120Hz for a game in a small window while using a lower refresh rate for less-demanding applications, like messaging, on the main screen. Additionally, the phone includes a mode designed for use when wearing gloves or when your fingers are wet.However, there are some issues with how the screen and software handle upward swipes. Users may experience inconsistency sometimes, swiping up opens an overview of apps, while other times, it minimizes the current app into a floating window. This unpredictability can be frustrating, and retrieving a minimized app is not intuitive.The iPhone wins here, largely because of the early display issues with the OnePlus 13.Winner: iPhone 16 Pro MaxAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 is powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, specifically designed to handle intensive tasks with remarkable efficiency. This chipset delivers impressive benchmark scores and excels in gaming and multitasking scenarios. With RAM options ranging from 12GB to an extraordinary 16GB, the OnePlus 13 ensures seamless multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between demanding applications effortlessly. The device also has a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, enhancing the overall visual experience, especially during gaming or when scrolling through content.On the flip side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apples A18 Pro chip, a powerhouse in its own right. Known for its remarkable real-world performance, this chip provides a fluid and responsive user experience that many users find unbeatable. Although it has only 8GB of RAM less than the OnePlus 13 Apples unique hardware and software integration approach allows the iPhone 16 Pro Max to optimize performance exceptionally well. This results in a device that feels fast and smooth under any circumstance, whether browsing, playing graphics-intensive games, or using productivity applications. The Pro Max also boasts a Super Retina XDR display, which offers stunning color accuracy and brightness, further elevating the visual experience.Both devices have lightning-fast storage solutions, ensuring quick app launches and file transfers. They also support the latest connectivity options, including 5G, which enhances their capabilities for streaming, gaming, and downloading content at incredible speeds.Ultimately, while both smartphones deliver top-tier performance, the OnePlus 13 may have the edge in raw power and multitasking thanks to its superior RAM options and processing capabilities. Conversely, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides an optimized real-world usage experience, making it ideal for users who value seamless integration and reliability in their daily tasks. Whether you lean toward the dynamic Android ecosystem of the OnePlus or the refined iOS experience of the iPhone, both options are exceptional choices for those seeking high performance in a smartphone.Winner: OnePlus 13Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 features a triple camera setup with three 50-megapixel lenses: a primary lens, an ultrawide lens, and a 3x telephoto lens. These lenses were co-developed with Hasselblad to enhance color science, resulting in vibrant, detailed images with accurate colors, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a triple camera system with a 48MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom. Apple focuses on computational photography, utilizing its powerful A18 Pro chip to deliver sharp, well-exposed images with excellent dynamic range.While the OnePlus 13 offers higher resolution sensors and more versatile zoom capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in portrait mode and low-light photography due to its advanced image-processing techniques.Ultimately, both phones deliver exceptional camera performance. The OnePlus 13 is known for its vibrant colors and detailed textures, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max prioritizes overall image quality and the advantages of computational photography.Winner: TieAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 boasts a significantly larger battery capacity of 6,000mAh compared to the iPhone Maxs 4,685mAh. This increased capacity allows for longer usage, making it ideal for power users. Additionally, OnePlus continues its tradition of offering rapid charging speeds, featuring 80W wired charging that quickly recharges the battery. It also includes 50W wireless charging for added convenience.In our tests, we watched a 2160p video on YouTube for about 30 minutes, depleting only 4% of the battery. Similarly, an Asphalt 9: Unite gaming session of the same duration used the same battery. These impressive figures show the energy efficiency of the battery, especially during everyday tasks. With around two hours of general use, the battery typically remains above 70% from a full charge throughout the day, allowing for two or even three days of light use without needing to charge.Even after more than four hours of screen time, we found that the OnePlus 13 still had around 50% battery by the end of the day. This performance makes the phone an excellent choice for those who need a device that can handle heavy usage without frequent recharging.In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features fast-charging capabilities, offering a maximum of 27W for wired charging and 25W when using MagSafe. However, Apple emphasizes optimizing its software and hardware for improved efficiency, which may lessen the difference in real-world performance, even with a smaller battery capacity. The iPhone can certainly compete with the OnePlus phone regarding battery power, even though it falls short in charging speed, and this is an important point to consider.Overall, the OnePlus 13 has an advantage in battery size and charging speeds, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max relies on effective power management to ensure respectable battery life.Winner: OnePlus 13Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer distinctly different software experiences and update policies, catering to user preferences and priorities.The OnePlus 13 operates on OxygenOS, a customized version of Android that combines the familiar near-stock Android interface with additional customization options. This aspect allows users to tailor their devices to their liking, offering features such as customizable themes, icon packs, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. Users generally find OxygenOS to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, making everyday tasks effortless. OnePlus update track record has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. The company has historically provided fewer years of major Android updates and security patches than its competitors. This inconsistency can leave users concerned about the longevity and security of their devices.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on Apples tightly controlled operating system, renowned for its simplicity and user-friendly design. iOS 18 offers a cohesive experience that integrates with Apples hardware ecosystem, which includes iPads, Macs, and services like iCloud and Apple Music. This integration ensures users can easily transition between devices and share data effortlessly. One of the most significant advantages of using an iPhone is the longevity of software support; typically, iPhones receive major iOS updates for five to six years and regular security updates throughout their lifespan. This consistent support gives users peace of mind regarding device security and feature enhancements over time.Ultimately, the OnePlus 13 offers a more customizable and versatile Android experience, ideal for users who enjoy personalizing their devices. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides a stable and user-friendly environment with industry-leading software support, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a cohesive ecosystem and long-term reliability. Each device has its strengths, and the best choice will depend on the users preferences and needs.Winner: iPhone 16 Pro MaxYou can save money by choosing the OnePlus 13, which is at least $300 cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max before any discounts. The OnePlus 13 has 256GB or 512GB storage options, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. Both models come in a variety of colors. As a newer phone, the OnePlus 13 may be in limited supply in the short term. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, introduced in September 2024, is widely available and may have discounts.Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsTheres no denying that the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are both incredible smartphones, each with its unique strengths and features. For many consumers, deciding which one to buy will ultimately determine whether you identify as an Android or iOS fan, regardless of the other distinguishing factors.For anyone not heavily tied to a particular operating system, several key points must be considered. The OnePlus 13 stands out with its top-tier specifications and performance, all without the premium price tag often associated with flagship devices. It boasts a larger battery capacity, which means you can enjoy extended usage throughout the day, and it supports faster charging speeds, allowing you to quickly recharge and get back to using your device. Additionally, OnePlus has a reputation for its fluid user interface and customization options, giving users a more personalized experience.On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is intricately woven into the Apple ecosystem, offering unparalleled synergy with other Apple products such as the Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. This integration means features like Handoff, AirDrop, and iCloud work seamlessly, providing a fluid experience across devices. Plus, interfaces remain consistent and intuitive, making navigating easier for users. Further, Apples commitment to long-term software support ensures that users will receive software updates for several years, potentially saving money in the long run since you wont need to upgrade your device as frequently.Ultimately, the choice between the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to individual needs, lifestyle preferences, and what you value most in a smartphone. If you prioritize performance and customization at a competitive price, the OnePlus 13 might be the better choice. Conversely, if you seek a cohesive user experience within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the more appealing option.Buy the OnePlus 13:Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max:Editors Recommendations

The Chinese-owned app is battling for survival as a deadline looms over its fate.

The company said it has never sold data collected by Siri or used it for advertising purposes.