Search results for: “Feature”

  • iPhone satellite feature saves climber and Safari preview gets update

    iPhone satellite feature saves climber and Safari preview gets update

    A 53-year-old climber was rescued from Snowmass Mountain in Colorado thanks to the iPhone’s satellite texting feature. Stranded above 10,000 feet with a wrist injury from sliding down the snowy slope, he couldn’t walk or get a cell signal. He texted a family member using his iPhone 14 or newer, who alerted the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen.

    Seventeen rescuers reached him at Snowmass Lake, about eight miles from the parking area, starting at 8:25 a.m. and safely evacuating him by 5:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office praised the satellite feature, urging adventurers to carry emergency devices and learn how to use them.

    This feature, available on iPhone 14 and later, also includes Emergency SOS for contacting help without cell service. Meanwhile, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 222, an experimental browser update for testing new features. It includes fixes for accessibility, design, media, rendering, scrolling, and web functions.

    Compatible with macOS Sequoia and the upcoming macOS Tahoe, it’s available via Software Update for those who download it from Apple’s website. Aimed at developers but open to all, it helps Apple improve Safari by gathering user feedback. Full details are on the Safari Technology Preview website.

  • New watchOS 26 feature brings helpful tips to your Apple Watch

    New watchOS 26 feature brings helpful tips to your Apple Watch

    Apple’s watchOS 26, set to launch this fall, introduces a cool new feature called “hints” that makes your Apple Watch even smarter. These hints appear right on your watch face, working alongside the Smart Stack to show you useful info at just the right time. Instead of digging through widgets, hints bring the most relevant ones to you based on your habits, location, or the watch’s sensors.

    For example, if you’re in a remote area without cell service, a hint might pop up suggesting the Backtrack feature to help you navigate. Or, if you hit the gym at your usual time, a hint could nudge you to start a workout. These hints use a sleek design called Liquid Glass, which makes them look smooth and blend nicely with your watch face.

    The Smart Stack itself is getting better, too. It now pulls in more data, like your daily routine and sensor info, to predict what you need. This makes your watch feel more personal and helpful. However, if your watch face already has widgets at the bottom, hints might feel a bit crowded.

    I’m excited to see how hints work in real life. They seem like a smart way to make the Smart Stack more useful without extra effort.

     

  • Some iOS 26 features won’t be available in the EU

    Some iOS 26 features won’t be available in the EU

    Apple recently announced that iOS 26, its latest iPhone software update, will not include all planned features for users in the European Union due to regulatory challenges. The company is working to follow the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to ensure fair competition, but this has led to some features being delayed.

    One key feature affected is the “visited places” tool in Apple Maps, which tracks and saves locations users have been to. Apple says this feature, along with others, won’t be available in the EU when iOS 26 launches this fall. The company explained that the DMA’s rules create complexities that could impact user privacy and security, making it harder to roll out certain tools.

    While Apple is committed to bringing these features to EU users eventually, no specific timeline was shared. This means EU iPhone users will get a version of iOS 26 with fewer capabilities compared to other regions, at least for now.

    The decision reflects Apple’s efforts to balance innovation with compliance in the face of strict regulations. This news has sparked discussions among users, with some expressing disappointment over missing out on new features. Apple’s focus remains on delivering a smooth and secure experience, but the regulatory landscape in the EU is shaping what’s possible for iPhone users in the region.

     

  • New iOS 26 features Apple hasn’t shared yet

    New iOS 26 features Apple hasn’t shared yet

    Apple has some exciting iOS 26 features in the works that weren’t revealed at WWDC, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. These additions, expected in future updates, aim to make your iPhone and AirPods experience even better. Here’s what’s coming.

    First, Apple is working on live translation through AirPods. This feature would let you talk with someone in another language and hear the translation in real time through your AirPods. It’s similar to other translation tools in iOS 26, making conversations across languages smoother and more natural.

    Second, Apple plans to simplify connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, like those at cafes or hotels. With this feature, once you log into a Wi-Fi network on one Apple device, all your other Apple devices will automatically connect without needing to sign in again. This saves time and makes using public Wi-Fi much easier across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    Gurman notes that Apple held off announcing these features at WWDC because they aren’t fully ready yet. Unlike in the past, Apple now prefers to share details only when features are nearly complete, ensuring they work well when released.

    These updates could arrive in i подготовки к WWDC 2025. In terms of file size, the first macOS 26 developer beta will be just over 17 GB, while the September 2025 final release variant is expected to be around 2GB larger, at more than 19 GB.

    While macOS 26 is set to deliver plenty of new features, the difference in file size suggests some of them won’t be available at launch. The operating system itself won’t be available for all Macs, either. As we previously reported, macOS 26 is set to drop support for the 2017 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and all 2018 MacBook Pro models, among others. Separately, AppleInsider is also able to confirm that the operating system’s successor is in the early stages of development.

  • Apple Watch requirements for AI features in watchOS 26

    Apple Watch requirements for AI features in watchOS 26

    The new watchOS 26 update brings exciting AI-powered features to the Apple Watch, but not all devices can use them. These features, called Apple Intelligence, have specific hardware needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to use them.

    Live Translation: This feature lets your Apple Watch translate conversations in real time. It requires a newer model like the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2. You also need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model. Both devices must run watchOS 26 and iOS 26.

    Smart Replies: This helps you respond to messages quickly with suggested replies. It works on any Apple Watch that supports watchOS 26, like Series 6 or later, as long as it has the on-device language model. Your iPhone doesn’t need to be AI-compatible for this.

    Workout Buddy: This feature gives you personalized pep talks during workouts. It works on any Apple Watch running watchOS 26, but your paired iPhone must support Apple Intelligence. It uses workout data to motivate you, like tracking your heart rate or distance.

    Each feature has different needs because some run on the Watch itself, while others rely on the iPhone’s power. If you’re excited about these AI tools, check if your devices meet the requirements. Which watchOS 26 feature do you like most? Share your thoughts

  • New features in iOS 26 and AirTag 2 clues

    New features in iOS 26 and AirTag 2 clues

    Apple’s iOS 26 brings exciting updates, especially for its Image Playground app and hints of a new AirTag. The Image Playground app, first launched with iOS 18, now creates more lifelike cartoon-style images. Faces look more natural, with better eyes and hair that flows realistically.

    You can type simple phrases to make images in three styles: Animation, Sketch, or Illustration. iOS 26 improves details like facial expressions, hair variety, and backgrounds, making images feel more real. You can also add friends or family from your Photos app or use new styles like anime, powered by ChatGPT, for fun, creative results.

    When sharing, images are marked as AI-generated for clarity. Meanwhile, iOS 18.6 code reveals Apple is preparing for AirTag 2. The new tracker will work with iOS 18.6, not requiring iOS 26, which is great for users. It’s expected to have a tamper-proof speaker to prevent misuse, like stalking, and a stronger Ultra Wideband chip for tracking up to three times farther.

    There’s also talk of better battery alerts, possibly hinting at a rechargeable battery instead of the current coin cell. Apple might announce AirTag 2 in September 2025, likely alongside the iPhone event. These updates show Apple’s focus on creativity and safety, keeping users excited for what’s next.

  • New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    Apple’s iOS 26 beta 2 brings exciting updates for iPhone users, making the experience smoother and more user-friendly. The Safari browser gets a fix for a design issue from the first beta, moving the new tab icon to a better spot for easier navigation. This change makes browsing more intuitive and less frustrating.

    The update hints at the iPhone 17 Air, a possible new model with a unique display size, expected to launch this fall. This suggests Apple is preparing for a big reveal alongside the iOS 26 public release in September. The Wallet app now fully supports order tracking, a feature announced at WWDC.

    Siri can scan your emails to track orders from any retailer, not just those using Apple Pay. This makes it easier to keep tabs on your purchases right from your iPhone. A fresh ringtone, “Alt 1” for the Reflection sound, is available in the Settings app under Sounds & Haptics.

    It’s a new take on the classic iPhone ringtone, offering a modern vibe. The Control Center also gets a tweak, with a darker look for better visibility, making controls easier to see in different lighting.
    Other neat additions include a Live Radio widget for Apple Music and an Accessibility section in the App Store, where developers can highlight their app’s accessibility features. These updates show Apple’s focus on improving usability and personalization for all users.

  • iPadOS 26’s new recording feature makes podcasting easier

    iPadOS 26’s new recording feature makes podcasting easier

    Apple’s iPadOS 26 brings a handy new tool called Local Capture, designed to simplify high-quality audio and video recording on iPads. This feature lets users record clear sound and visuals directly while using any video call app, like FaceTime or Zoom, and easily share the files afterward.

    It’s a game-changer for podcasters who’ve struggled with iPad recording in the past. Tech writer Jason Snell tested this feature for his Six Colors podcast, recording an episode entirely on iPads running iPadOS 26. He found the audio quality impressive, thanks to the iPad’s built-in microphones, and the process was smooth.

    Local Capture saves recordings automatically, making it easy to edit or share them later. Snell noted that this tool could replace bulky external recorders for many podcasters, streamlining their setup. The feature also works well for other tasks, like creating video tutorials or capturing interviews.

    Users can record both their screen and voice without needing extra apps or complicated setups. However, it’s still in beta, so some minor bugs might pop up until the final release, expected in September 2025. For podcasters and creators, Local Capture makes the iPad a more powerful tool. It solves a long-standing issue, turning the iPad into a portable recording studio. With iPadOS 26, Apple is making content creation simpler and more accessible for everyone.

  • Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18, set to launch in 2026, will introduce a powerful new A20 chip made with TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer process. This technology allows for smaller, more efficient chips that boost performance. The A20 will also use a new packaging method called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM), a shift from the older Integrated Fan-Out (InFo) approach.

    WMCM integrates components like memory, CPU, and GPU directly onto the chip, making it faster and more power-efficient. Unlike InFo, which focuses on single-chip designs with memory placed nearby, WMCM combines multiple chips into one compact package. This allows for better communication between components, improving speed and reducing power use.

    As a result, the iPhone 18 could see up to 15% faster performance and 30% better energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 17’s A19 chip. The new design may also enhance battery life and thermal management, keeping the phone cooler during heavy use. TSMC, Apple’s chip manufacturing partner, is preparing for high demand by setting up a dedicated production line at its Chiayi P1 facility in Taiwan.

    By 2026, this line is expected to produce 10,000 WMCM units monthly. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that only the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature the A20 chip with 12GB of RAM, due to higher costs. This upgrade promises a significant leap in performance for Apple’s premium devices.

  • New and useful features in iOS 26 you should know about

    New and useful features in iOS 26 you should know about

    Apple’s iOS 26 update comes with several handy features that make your iPhone even better. Here are some of the most interesting changes you might not have noticed yet:

    • iOS 26 lets you customize your phone more easily. You can now change how your home screen looks, adjust widgets, and set up your device in a way that fits your style.
    • Notifications have been improved, making it simpler to see what’s important at a glance and respond quickly.
    • Privacy settings are stronger, giving you more control over what information apps can access and how your data is used.
    • Multitasking is smoother, so you can switch between apps faster and get more done without delays.
    • Widgets have been updated, offering more useful information and better ways to interact with your favorite apps right from the home screen.

    One of the standout updates is the expanded cinematic mode for video recording. Now, you have more control over focus and depth effects, helping you shoot videos that look more professional and creative.

    Another great addition is the new audio mix feature, which goes beyond just the Photos app. You can now adjust audio levels and mix different sounds directly within the app, making it easier to create multimedia projects that sound just right.

    With these updates, iOS 26 makes your iPhone more personal, powerful, and fun to use.