Imagine having an AI assistant on your phone that can analyze documents, write emails, and even generate creative content. That future is closer than you think with Apple Intelligence, and the new iPhones are leading the way.
While the latest iPhones offer cutting-edge technology, older models like the iPhone 15 remain excellent. They provide a similar experience at a lower cost; some even come in unique colors that are no longer available on newer models.
Ready to explore the world of iPhones? We’ve got you covered. Our top pick for most people is the iPhone 16, but we’ll help you find the perfect fit, whether you’re looking for the best value, the most advanced features, or even considering switching to Android.
Here’s our list of the best iPhones of the year.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
iPhone 16
The best iPhone for most people
Pros
Fun, refreshing new design
Stunning colors this year
Camera Control is so, so good
The Action button rules
Excellent camera system
Reliable battery life
Cons
60Hz display, no always-on display
Slow charging speeds
Apple Intelligence not yet available
Why you should buy this: It’s truly the best iPhone for most folks. Plus, it comes in some truly incredible colors.
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Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a new iPhone, but doesn’t necessarily need all the camera tricks the iPhone 16 Pro series offers.
Apple has outdone itself with the iPhone 16. It would be easy to dismiss the base model as the “budget” option, overshadowed by its more expensive and feature-rich Pro siblings. However, the iPhone 16 breaks the mold, delivering a delightful and surprisingly complete smartphone experience that punches well above its weight class.
This year, the gap between the standard and Pro models feels significantly narrower. The iPhone 16 boasts a refreshed design that’s both modern and comfortable to hold. Performance is incredibly smooth thanks to the powerful A17 Bionic chip, which easily handles demanding apps and games. While lacking the telephoto lens of the Pro models, the camera system still captures stunning photos and videos with improved low-light capabilities and impressive image stabilization.
However, what truly sets the iPhone 16 apart are the thoughtful additions that elevate the user experience. The Action button, customizable for various tasks and shortcuts, adds a new layer of convenience and personalization. Camera Control offers quick access to camera settings, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. And with the latest iOS software, the iPhone 16 enjoys a seamless and intuitive user experience.
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Of course, every phone is flawed. The iPhone 16 does have a 60Hz display, missing out on the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology found in the Pro models. It also lacks an always-on display. However, these are minor compromises in the grand scheme of things, especially considering the significant price difference.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 is a testament to Apple’s ability to deliver exceptional value without sacrificing the core elements that make iPhones so appealing. It’s a phone that excels in everyday use, offering a fantastic blend of design, performance, features, and user experience. For most users, the iPhone 16 is not just a good choice; it’s arguably the best iPhone this year.
iPhone 16
The best iPhone for most people
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Joe Maring / Digital Trends
iPhone 16 Pro
The best small flagship iPhone
Pros
Camera Control is a lovely addition
Great display and performance
5x telephoto camera on a small iPhone
The new Photographic Styles
4K 120fps video recording
Cons
Disappointing battery life
Apple Intelligence not yet available
The regular iPhone 16 is SO good
Why you should buy this: It has everything you could want in an iPhone, just in a smaller package.
Who it’s for: You’re the type of person that wants the best phone Apple makes, with all the frills, but with a smaller display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone Pro has always been an easy sell. For those seeking the best iPhone experience and willing to pay a premium, the Pro models have consistently delivered with their cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. But this year, the decision is more nuanced. Apple has raised the bar with the iPhone 16, making it the most compelling non-Pro iPhone in years. This presents a challenge for the iPhone 16 Pro, forcing it to justify its higher price tag against a surprisingly capable sibling.
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Don’t get us wrong, the iPhone 16 Pro is a fantastic phone. It’s beautifully crafted, incredibly powerful, and boasts a camera system that captures stunning photos and videos. But the iPhone 16 has narrowed the gap significantly. Both phones share key features like the Action button, Camera Control, and the latest iOS 18 software. Performance is nearly identical thanks to the A17 Bionic chip, and in some cases, the iPhone 16 even surpasses the Pro in battery life. The iPhone 16 also has a lighter and more comfortable design, with a wider array of color options.
So, where does the iPhone 16 Pro truly shine? It comes down to two key areas: the display and the camera. The Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion display offers a buttery-smooth experience that’s noticeable in everyday use, from scrolling through web pages to playing graphics-intensive games. And for photography enthusiasts, the Pro’s telephoto lens and advanced camera features provide greater versatility and creative control.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities and budget. If you value the smoothest display and the most advanced camera system, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a worthy investment. But for most users, the iPhone 16 delivers an exceptional experience at a more affordable price. It’s the phone this writer chose for themself, and it’s the one we believe will satisfy the needs of most iPhone buyers.
iPhone 16 Pro
The best small flagship iPhone
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Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The best big iPhone
Pros
Beautiful display
Powerful performance
Camera Control is a nice addition
Great battery life
Improved ultrawide camera
Cons
It’s too darn big
Boring colors
Apple Intelligence not available yet
Why you should buy this: When money is no object and you want the biggest and most powerful iPhone today, this is the one to purchase.
Who it’s for: As usual, Apple’s latest iPhone Pro Max is the best iPhone ever created, in terms of features and materials. Therefore, if that’s what you want, here you go.
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The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a compelling device, but it’s an optional upgrade for everyone. If you value a larger screen and prioritize camera quality, the Pro Max delivers with its superior telephoto and upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens. This is especially true if you’re using an older iPhone and are looking for a significant leap in camera technology. However, iPhone 15 Pro Max users may want to hold off, as the iOS 18.1 update with Apple Intelligence bridges the gap in AI capabilities.
The impressive feature set of the base iPhone 16 models makes the upgrade decision even more complex. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus boast notable additions like the Action button, Camera Control, an improved ultrawide lens, new Photographic Styles, the powerful A18 chip, extended battery life, and a more diverse color palette. This makes the standard iPhone 16 a compelling option for those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Pro Max caters to users with specific needs. Its key advantages lie in the telephoto lens, the always-on display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and advanced photography and videography features. If these are essential to your workflow or lifestyle, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will undoubtedly meet your expectations. However, if your priorities differ, exploring the iPhone 16 or waiting for Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be equally viable options.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The best big iPhone
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Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
iPhone 16 Plus
The best big iPhone runner-up
Pros
Fantastic hardware and colors
Big, bright screen
Fast, reliable, and feature-packed software
Fun camera and Camera Control
Long battery life
Cons
Only a 60Hz refresh rate
No always-on screen
Why you should buy this: It has everything the highly-rated iPhone 16 has but with a larger display.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants our favorite iPhone of the year, but wants it with a larger display.
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The iPhone 16 Plus presents a curious dilemma. While it is undeniably an excellent phone, its place in the iPhone lineup feels ambiguous. An iPhone 16 with a larger display needs help distinguishing itself and definitively justifying its higher price tag.
The core issue lies in the compromises it entails. Its size and weight might be cumbersome for some, while the 60Hz display feels outdated in 2024, especially when competitors offer higher refresh rates for smoother visuals. Furthermore, the anticipated battery life gains over the standard iPhone 16 seem negligible. This begs the question: why not opt for the more affordable iPhone 16, which offers a nearly identical experience in a more manageable form factor?
Conversely, those seeking a premium large-screen experience might find the iPhone 16 Pro Max more compelling. It boasts an even larger display with ProMotion technology for a 120Hz refresh rate and other advantages like a telephoto lens and enhanced camera capabilities.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Plus occupies a precarious middle ground. It excels in providing a big-screen experience without the “Pro” price but lacks a standout feature to solidify its appeal. Unless a more prominent display is your priority, the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro Max offers more compelling value propositions. The iPhone 16 Plus, while a capable device, risks being overshadowed by its siblings due to its lack of a defining characteristic.
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iPhone 16 Plus
The best big iPhone runner-up
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
iPhone 14
The best value iPhone
Pros
Comfortable, high-end build
OLED screen looks fantastic
A15 chip performs great
Good camera upgrades
Dependable battery life
Helpful safety features
Cons
60Hz display
No telephoto camera
eSIM might be a pain for some
Why you should buy this: You want a solid iPhone without having to pay too much.
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Who it’s for: Those who want to get some good bang for their buck.
The iPhone 14, while not the most groundbreaking device for tech enthusiasts, remains a compelling option for those upgrading from an older iPhone. Despite being two years old, it offers a robust and refined smartphone experience.
One of its key strengths lies in its processor. Though not the latest model, the A15 Bionic chip, inherited from the iPhone 13 Pro, delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications. Users transitioning from pre-iPhone 13 models will experience a significant boost in speed and responsiveness.
While it lacks the flashy features of its successors, such as the 48MP camera, Dynamic Island, and always-on display, the iPhone 14 still boasts a capable camera system that captures excellent photos and videos. Furthermore, it incorporates crucial safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection, providing valuable peace of mind.
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Essentially, the iPhone 14 represents a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for users seeking a significant upgrade without the premium price tag of the latest models. If you prioritize a smooth user experience, a dependable camera, and essential safety features, the iPhone 14 is a worthy contender.
iPhone 14
The best value iPhone
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Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
iPhone SE (2022)
The best small iPhone
Pros
Compact and light
Very powerful
Touch ID works really well
Wireless charging
IP67 water resistance
Cons
Poor battery life
60Hz screen
64GB won’t be enough
Why you should buy this: If you are looking for an iPhone that is smaller than 6.1-inches, then this is the one to get. It also has some pretty decent features.
Who it’s for: You want the most compact iPhone there is.
The iPhone SE (2022) still presents a compelling proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking a powerful and compact iPhone experience. Starting at $429, it’s the most affordable new iPhone available, offering exceptional value for its price.
While its design, inherited from the iPhone 8, might appear dated, it retains a sturdy build with the same durable glass used in the iPhone 13. Its compact size makes it ideal for one-handed use and appeals to those who prefer smaller phones.
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Under the hood, the iPhone SE (2022) boasts the impressive A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 and 14, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Coupled with 4GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, it handles everyday tasks with ease. Compared to its predecessor, a larger battery provides ample power to last throughout the day.
The 4.7-inch Liquid Retina display, though small by modern standards, delivers sharp visuals with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. Features like True Tone technology and wide color support enhance the viewing experience. The camera system, featuring a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, captures satisfactory photos in good lighting conditions, though it lacks Night mode for low-light photography. Touch ID provides reliable security, though Face ID is absent.
With 5G connectivity, the iPhone SE (2022) is a future-proof choice, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. However, it’s important to consider its limitations and future. The small screen might not be ideal for media consumption or gaming, and the lack of Night mode hinders low-light photography. Additionally, this model is expected to be replaced by a new one sometime in 2025.
The iPhone SE (2022) is a fantastic option for those prioritizing affordability, performance, and portability. It’s an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem or a reliable upgrade for users with older iPhones, as long as its compromises are considered.
Could your profile picture use an update? Not everyone has the time or money to hire a professional whenever they need a headshot, and a smartphone picture doesn’t usually make a good impression. Designed to automatically give your photos a professional look, an AI headshot generator might be the perfect solution—but which is the right choice for you?
Portrait Pal’s service is highly rated. It takes amateur pictures and transforms them into professional headshots that would have otherwise seemed impossible. Its polished but authentic look generates natural poses for even initially stiff-looking photos. Even the backgrounds don’t have the usual signs of AI.
Facial features and skin tone remain true to life without the typical unnatural distortions. The images convey warmth and approachability, giving the user confidence in their new visual presentation.
Creating an image with Portrait Pal takes less than a few hours, and there are only a few steps to complete before starting. Create an account with your email address and choose from a starter package with 20 photos and a 3-hour wait for $35, a basic package with 60 photos and a 2.5-hour wait for $45 or a premium package with 100 photos and a 2-hour wait for $75.
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Portrait Pal will ask for your gender, ethnicity, hair and eye color, hair length and if you want glasses in the photos. Then, submit your photos and payment information. A few hours later, your high-quality headshots will be ready.
PixelPose promises highly realistic AI headshots, with a fast and user-friendly process yielding impressive results. This platform is similar to Portrait Pal, most likely using a comparable AI model to achieve their results.
To create an image with PixelPose, you will first be asked to create an account. Afterward, you select a package. The starter, basic, and premium packages offered by PixelPose are priced the same as Portrait Pal’s but boast 2-hour, 1-hour and 30-minute processing times, respectively, instead. They also provide various outfits and backgrounds based on the package.
PixelPose asks for gender, age and body type before you upload your photos and enter payment information. The resulting images are quality and professional, setting them apart in a crowded market.
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3. Dreamwave
Dreamwave is another impressive headshot generator that delivers satisfying results. Its process begins on the homepage, requiring you to upload at least five photos to get started. Much like other generators, they guide the best photos to upload. After uploading your photos, Dreamweave will ask for your email address and ask you to select your gender.
Dreamweave has a free option regarding pricing, but the queue times can extend for weeks. The starter package has 120 photos with a 2-hour wait at $35, the standard package has 240 photos with a 2-hour wait and one free redo at $59, and the best value package has 500 photos with a 2-hour wait, two free redos and human touch-ups available from Photoshop experts at $99.
After receiving your photos, you have the option to edit the photos, with options to auto-improve teeth, auto-improve eyes, remove blemishes, crop the image or apply filters. While still in beta, these features are nice additions.
Is It worth considering AI headshot generators?
While AI is unlikely to replace professional photographers, professional-looking portraits are easily accessible through the technology. AI is a good alternative for those needing quick, affordable and quality headshots.
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VentureBeat newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Interface.ai, a customer automation platform for banks and other financial institutions, today announced that it closed a $30 million funding round led by Avataar Venture Partners.
Twenty million dollars of the round was equity, while the remaining $10 million was in the form of debt. It’s Interface’s first outside capital; the startup had been completely bootstrapped.
“Interface is trusted by more than 100 financial institutions across North America, processing millions of interactions every day,” CEO and co-founder Srinivas Njay told TechCrunch. “We’re generating tens of millions in annual recurring revenue.”
Njay said that the inspiration for Interface came from his father, who owned a credit union in India. Previously, Njay worked at Microsoft as a product manager on the Bing advertising team and at EA as a senior product manager on mobile games.
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Njay teamed up with Bruce Kim, the founder of customer management and billing company Inovaware, in 2019 to launch Interface.
“The big national banks are investing heavily in AI to transform their banking operations,” Njay said. “But for many regional and community-based financial institutions, staffing and resourcing this capability is simply out of reach. Interface democratizes access to AI.”
Interface’s core product is a collection of voice- and text-based AI agents designed to handle basic bank customer service requests. Powered by models trained on in-house data, the agents can perform tasks like helping modify mortgage payments and opening new accounts.
Banks can customize the agents by fine-tuning them on their internal data. The agents can also be configured to upsell products based on information like the content of prior chats.
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“Our AI is specifically designed for the banking industry,” Njay said, “complete with pre-built integrations, data models, and workflows.”
Financial institutions are piloting AI — and in particular generative AI — for applications ranging from customer service to predictive analytics. According to a March survey cited in American Banker, more than half of global and U.S. banks intend to implement generative AI at some level over the next year.
Besides Interface, AI startups trying to nab a slice of banks’ business include Hyperplane, which builds AI models to predict customer behavior; Cambio, which creates AI to talk to a bank’s customers; and Digital Onboarding, which specializes in strengthening banks’ relationships with customers.
Banking customers are wary of the tech, however. In a J.D. Power poll, only 27% said that they’d trust AI for financial information and advice, while less than half said they’d take product recommendations from AI.
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Institutions also aren’t necessarily deploying AI for customer communications — which is a big portion of Interface’s business. But in a spot of bright news, credit unions — one of Interface’s largest customer segments — have been aggressively adopting chatbot tech this year.
“Our platform has multiple levers for creating value,” Njay said. “The number of unique applications of AI is one of the main factors contributing to Interface’s ability to weather potential headwinds.”
With the new money from the funding round, Interface plans to expand its 120-person team across North America and India and “accelerate go-to-market initiatives.”
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“We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations,” Intelsat said. The company has since established a board to conduct a “comprehensive analysis of the cause of the anomaly.”
U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S) has confirmed the breakup of Intelsat 33E (#41748, 2016-053B) in GEO on October 19, 2024, at approximately 0430 UTC. Currently tracking around 20 associated pieces – analysis ongoing. S4S has observed no immediate threats and is continuing to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain.
It’s unclear how many pieces there are, as satellite-tracking company ExoAnalytic Solutions says it’s monitoring 57 pieces of debris, Space News reports.
Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Strands expert
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Your Strands expert
Marc McLaren
NYT Strands today (game #234) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… On the road
NYT Strands today (game #234) – hint #2 – clue words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
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STEAD
DATE
DART
NICE
COIN
CURT
NYT Strands today (game #234) – hint #3 – spangram
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
• Highway information
NYT Strands today (game #234) – hint #4 – spangram position
What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches?
First: left, 4th row
Last: right, 6th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #234) – the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today’s Strands, game #234, are…
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STOP
MERGE
CONSTRUCTION
YIELD
BUMP
DETOUR
SPANGRAM: TRAFFICSIGNS
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
The only minor complication today, for me at least, was the need for me to translate UK TRAFFICSIGNS into US – for instance rather than YIELD, we have ‘Give way’, and we would say ‘Roadworks’ rather than CONSTRUCTION. But that was as difficult as today’s Strands got – i.e. not very difficult at all.
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It helped that I spotted STOP right away, before I’d even uncovered a hint word, thanks to its prominent position in the top-left corner of the board. That was enough to confirm my suspicion as to what was needed here, and none of the answers were themselves hard to think of or find.
Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, 22 October, game #233)
COBALT
AZURE
TURQUOISE
INDIGO
NAVY
PERIWINKLE
SPANGRAM: THEBLUES
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day.
Health-tech startup sehatUP has launched India’s first integrated digital health clinic. The platform claims to combine allopathy, ayurveda and homoeopathy to deliver personalized health and wellness solutions, marking a significant step towards making healthcare more comprehensive and accessible.
The startup collaborates with over 50 expert doctors and health coaches to create tailored wellness journeys. The company states that it uses advanced technology to develop treatment plans that seamlessly integrate various medical systems.
In recent years, the ‘One Nation, One Health System’, as a concept, has gained momentum in India. This is a concept that aims to establish a unified healthcare system that ensures consistent standards and promotes social equity by providing all citizens with access to quality services. It also focuses on improving efficiency by streamlining resources to reduce costs and enhance service delivery, while strengthening disaster preparedness to create a system capable of responding effectively during health emergencies.
However, many experts have noted that India’s geographical diversity and infrastructure gaps present challenges in establishing an integrated healthcare system. Encouraging private players to participate in the national health framework and effectively utilizing digital technology have been suggested as key strategies for addressing these challenges.
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According to sehatUP’s leadership, their platform was created in alignment with the ‘One Nation, One Health System’ initiative. sehatUP’s platform provides personalized healthcare plans and free doctor consultations, initially focusing on sexual wellness and weight management. The platform also offers a range of affordable, clinically-approved medicines and natural supplements.
Speaking about the launch, Karan Bhargava, Founder and CEO of sehatUP, said, “sehatUP is designed to offer a more holistic and inclusive approach to healthcare. By blending modern medicine with traditional practices like Ayurveda and homeopathy, we aim to provide users with a balanced path to well-being that addresses root causes and promotes long-term health.”
From 21 October until 1 November, delegates are meeting in Cali, Colombia to take stock of national pledges to protect nature, amid concerns countries are back-sliding on their promises.
Recent analysis suggests, external most countries are set to miss the deadline to submit new national action plans for preserving nature.
Key issues include the scale of ambition in meeting specific targets, finance for biodiversity projects in poorer countries and making sure profits from genetic resources are shared fairly.
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Colombian environment minister, Susana Muhamad, who is overseeing the meeting, has set the theme, ‘Peace with Nature’, a call to rethink our relationship with the natural world.
Several presidents are expected to attend, including Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mexico’s incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
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