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Search results for: “May 2023”

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • AirPods Pro 3 coming soon: What to expect

    AirPods Pro 3 coming soon: What to expect

    Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 hit the market over two years ago and still lead the pack in wireless earbuds. But with the AirPods Pro 3 set to drop in 2025, many wonder if waiting for the next version is the smart move. The AirPods Pro 2 shine with great sound and noise-blocking skills for their tiny size. Apple keeps them fresh with updates, too.

    When iOS 17 came out in 2023, they got cool tricks like Adaptive Audio, mute buttons, and quick device switching. Then, iOS 18, launched last year, added head-shake controls for Siri, better voice clarity by cutting background noise, and a gaming-focused sound feature. Late last year, iOS 18.1 and 18.2 brought a big win: hearing aid support for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, approved by the FDA.

    What’s New for AirPods Pro 3 in 2025?

    The AirPods Pro 3 will likely keep all these goodies and add more. Rumors point to a new look for the earbuds and their case—different from the style we’ve seen since the first AirPods Pro. Inside, Apple might boost the sound with a faster chip, a trend with every new model. Word is they’ll also improve noise cancellation, making it even better than the AirPods Pro 2.

    Health features are a big deal too. Reports say Apple’s working on heart rate tracking, like what’s in the Powerbeats Pro 2, which syncs with gym gear to show your pulse on your iPhone. The AirPods Pro 3 could do this too, maybe even while playing tunes. There’s talk of a body temperature sensor in the ear canal, but it might not be ready for 2025.

    Looking ahead, some predict cameras in AirPods by 2026 for better sound with Apple’s Vision Pro headset or future AI tricks. That’s probably not happening this year, though.

    Release Clues

    In February, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the AirPods Pro 3 are coming in 2025, still months off. One tipster guessed May or June, but their last “soon” prediction flopped, so take it lightly.

    Should You Wait?

    With the AirPods Pro 3 possibly arriving by late 2025, it’s a tough call. The new AirPods 4 offer some Pro perks for $179, but if you want the latest tech—like better hearing aid features—and don’t mind waiting, the AirPods Pro 3 at $249 could be your pick. For now, they sound like the top choice for Apple fans craving next-level earbuds.

  • Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple recently won a lawsuit that claimed its Apple TV+ movie Tetris copied a book by tech writer Dan Ackerman. According to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla ruled that the book and the film weren’t close enough to back up Ackerman’s accusations.

    Ackerman, who used to lead Gizmodo and now runs Micro Center, started the lawsuit in 2023. He said the “Tetris” film was very similar to his 2016 book, “The Tetris Effect.” He took legal action against Apple, the film’s writer, Noah Pink, Marv Studios, the Tetris Company, and others.

    Here’s what happened: Ackerman shared an early copy of his book with the Tetris Company in July 2016. But the company’s CEO, Maya Rogers, reportedly told her team not to let Ackerman use the Tetris name or image for any TV or movie projects. Later, the Tetris Company sent a warning letter to Ackerman’s agent, saying they’d sue if he kept trying to sell his book for a show or film.

    The lawsuit claimed the Tetris Company then began working on its movie, using Ackerman’s book as the foundation for the script. When the “Tetris” trailer came out in March 2023, Ackerman spotted big similarities to his work. He sent a letter demanding the movie be stopped until legal matters were cleared up. Even though Apple knew about the letter, they released the film on Apple TV+ a week later.

    Judge Failla, however, said Ackerman’s book was non-fiction, so the filmmakers could use its facts as long as they didn’t copy his way of telling the story. She ruled in Apple’s favor.
    You can read Judge Failla’s full decision online. The “Tetris” movie, out since 2023, has been a hit on Apple TV+, earning an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Check it out on Apple TV+ if you haven’t already!

  • Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    For almost two years, French officials have been looking into a privacy tool on iPhones called App Tracking Transparency. This feature lets people choose if they want apps to follow their activity for ads or not. You’ve probably noticed those “Ask App Not to Track” messages popping up. Now, according to a recent Reuters story, the investigation is almost over—and it doesn’t look good for Apple.

    France Might Stop This Privacy Feature Soon

    The two-year review of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency in France should finish within the next month. And it seems Apple might not like the result.

    Reuters reporter Foo Yun Chee explains:

    French regulators are likely to tell Apple next month to stop this practice, saying it’s unfair to competition. They’ll probably add a fine too. This would be the first time a government blocks this feature. In France, fines for such issues can reach up to 10% of a company’s yearly earnings worldwide.

    So, two big things could happen when this case ends:

    • Apple may have to turn off this feature for people in France.
    • The company could also face a penalty.

    Back in 2023, when this probe began, we noted: “Apple’s being accused of playing favorites and setting unclear, unfair rules about how user info can be used for ads.”

    Apple shared this comment with 9to5Mac during an earlier debate about the feature:

    “We at Apple think your data is yours. You should decide if it’s shared and with whom. App Tracking Transparency just lets users pick whether apps can track them or pass their info to data collectors. These rules are the same for everyone, including us, and we’ve had lots of support from privacy fans and regulators.”

    Beyond France, Germany and Italy are also checking out this feature. Usually, the worry isn’t the tool itself but how Apple uses it for its apps. In the U.S., companies like Meta have complained the most—not regulators. They say this privacy option has hurt their ad income.

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    A week ago, Apple surprised everyone by launching a new app and service named “Invites.” However, this launch has led to some unfair criticism about Apple’s approach to apps, suggesting they operate like Google does with its apps.

    Google is well-known for starting new apps and services but then either shutting them down or merging them into something else. A good example is Google Podcasts, which didn’t last long. There’s practically a “graveyard” of Google apps that didn’t make it.

    After the launch of Invites, some people started to think Apple does the same thing with its apps. But is that really true?

    Not Dead Yet

    Take the Apple Sports app, for example. It’s been around for a year now, and it keeps getting better. People love it so much they’re asking for a widget for their phones. It’s clear this app isn’t just left to die; it’s growing in popularity.

    Then there’s the Journal app, which first appeared with iOS 17.2 in December 2023. By the time iOS 18 rolled out, the app had a significant update to version 2.0, bringing new features like search, sort options, audio transcripts, and more. The only thing missing is an iPad version, not updates.

    Apple Music Classical, initially iPhone-only, expanded to include an iPad app and added features like album booklets. It even got a CarPlay app and Siri support.

    Music Memos’ Legacy

    Music Memos was an app for musicians to record their tunes. It lasted for five years before Apple decided to enhance the built-in Voice Memos app instead. Now, Voice Memos can record two tracks at once, which is great for songwriters who use voice and guitar.

    Clips in the Classroom

    Apple Clips isn’t dead either. It’s thriving in educational settings with features like royalty-free music and templates that teachers can use in their lessons. Instead of abandoning it, maybe Apple should focus on making a simpler video editing app like CapCut, but without the ByteDance connection.

    Looking Ahead for Invites

    The future of the Invites app might include tight integration with the Calendar app and could come pre-installed on new iPhones. Its success will depend on turning users into iCloud+ subscribers and having a strong advocate within Apple, similar to how Apple Sports has been championed.

    In summary, Apple’s so-called “hobby apps” aren’t just side projects; they’re part of a broader strategy where apps are nurtured, updated, and sometimes transformed to better serve users.

  • New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    Security experts have found two major issues, named SLAP and FLOP, that affect all new iPhones, iPads, and Macs, including many older models. These flaws could let someone peek into what’s open on your web browser.

    What Are SLAP and FLOP?SLAP and FLOP are types of security problems discovered by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They are similar to famous security issues like Spectre and Meltdown. Both rely on a technique called “speculative execution,” where the chip tries to guess what you’ll do next to speed things up. If this guesswork goes wrong, attackers might sneak in bad data to see things they shouldn’t.

    The Dangers of These FlawsNormally, each tab in Safari is like a locked box, keeping its contents separate from others. But with SLAP, if you’re tricked into visiting a bad website, it could open those locks. It could potentially read your emails, track your location on Apple Maps, or check your bank details.

    FLOP is even trickier; it can do the same thing but also works on Chrome, making it more dangerous. These attacks don’t need any harmful software on your device; they use weak spots in Apple’s own system, making them hard to spot.

    Which Devices Are at Risk?These security issues affect any Apple device with chips from the A15 series or the M2 series and newer. Here’s a list of affected devices:

    • iPhone: iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and the third-generation iPhone SE.
    • iPad: iPad Air, Pro, and mini models released from 2021.
    • Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro since 2022; Mac mini, Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Pro since 2023.

    Real-World Threats?So far, there’s no proof these vulnerabilities have been used against users in real life. Apple has acknowledged the problem and has been working on fixes since they were alerted in May 2024 for SLAP and September 2024 for FLOP. Apple’s statement to Bleeping Computer suggests they don’t see these as urgent threats right now.

    The best advice for now is to be careful with the websites you visit until Apple rolls out a fix.

    Source

  • Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Students from Georgia Tech have found two new security problems in Apple’s latest chips. These issues, called SLAP and FLOP, could let someone peek into your private internet activities like browsing history, credit card details, emails, and even where you are, just by using a bad website. You don’t need to touch the device to make this happen; a harmful webpage can do the trick by getting around Apple’s safeguards.

    These flaws affect several of Apple’s newer chips:

    • Mac laptops from 2022 onwards
    • Mac desktops from 2023 onwards
    • iPads made since 2021
    • iPhones from 2021 models onwards

    These vulnerabilities were reported to Apple back in May and September of last year, but they haven’t been fixed yet. Apple has promised to patch these security issues soon.

    Apple has shared with Bleeping Computer that they haven’t fixed these problems yet, saying, “We appreciate the researchers’ teamwork as this test improves our knowledge of these risks. We think this doesn’t present an immediate threat to our users.”

    SLAP only affects the Safari browser, while FLOP can hit both Safari and Chrome. They haven’t checked if other browsers like Firefox might have the same problem. There’s no sign yet that these attacks have happened out there in the real world. For more information on how these attacks work, you can check out the dedicated website that explains everything about SLAP and FLOP.

  • Apple’s Financing Strategies in Flux: A look at Canadian options and the future of Apple Card

    Apple’s Financing Strategies in Flux: A look at Canadian options and the future of Apple Card

    The world of consumer finance is constantly evolving, and tech giant Apple is no exception. Recent developments in Canada and whispers surrounding the Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs paint a picture of shifting strategies and potential future changes for consumers. Let’s delve into these developments and explore what they might mean for Apple customers.

    Interest-Free iPhone Financing Returns to Canada

    In a move that could stimulate sales north of the border, Apple has quietly resumed offering interest-free financing on iPhones in Canada. This option, facilitated through Apple’s financing partner Affirm, allows Canadian customers to purchase iPhones and spread the payments over 24 months without incurring any interest charges. This development is a welcome return, as this option was temporarily paused in mid-2023.

    This renewed offering provides a significant advantage for Canadian consumers looking to acquire the latest iPhone without the burden of immediate full payment. By spreading the cost over two years, the purchase becomes more manageable for many budgets. However, it’s important to note that this 0% financing is currently limited to iPhone purchases. Affirm continues to charge interest on other Apple products such as iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and the recently launched Apple Vision Pro, with annual percentage rates (APRs) ranging from 4.99% to 7.99%.

    This limited availability of interest-free financing underscores the unique position of the iPhone within Apple’s product ecosystem. It’s the company’s flagship product, and offering attractive financing options can be a key driver of sales, particularly in a competitive market.

    Unfortunately, many of the financing options available to U.S. customers, such as the iPhone Upgrade Program and Apple Card Monthly Installments, remain unavailable in Canada. This leaves Affirm as the primary direct financing option for Canadian Apple customers. Affirm’s presence in Canada was solidified in 2021 with its acquisition of PayBright, Apple’s previous financing partner in the country. 

    The Uncertain Future of Apple Card and Goldman Sachs

    Beyond Canada, the future of the Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs has been a subject of much speculation. Recent comments from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon have added fuel to the fire, suggesting that the partnership may not last until the end of its current contract in 2030. 

    During a recent earnings call, Solomon acknowledged the existence of the contract but also hinted at the possibility of an earlier termination. This revelation confirms earlier reports suggesting a potential parting of ways between the two companies. The Apple Card has reportedly impacted Goldman Sachs’ return on equity, a factor that likely contributes to the desire for a change. Solomon did offer a glimmer of hope for Goldman Sachs, stating that the situation is expected to improve in 2025 and 2026.

    Rumors have circulated about potential replacements for Goldman Sachs, with JPMorgan Chase being frequently mentioned as a leading contender. However, Apple has maintained a consistent message of commitment to providing a positive experience for Apple Card customers, without directly addressing the rumors surrounding the partnership’s future. 

    What Does This Mean for Consumers?

    The potential changes surrounding Apple Card raise questions about the implications for existing cardholders. While Apple has reassured customers of its commitment to a seamless experience, any transition to a new financial partner could bring changes. It remains to be seen how Apple will manage this potential transition to minimize any disruption for its users.

    The developments in Canada and the uncertainty surrounding Apple Card highlight Apple’s dynamic approach to consumer finance. By offering attractive financing options like the interest-free iPhone program in Canada, Apple aims to make its products more accessible.

    At the same time, the company appears to be evaluating its partnerships and making strategic decisions to optimize its financial services offerings. As the landscape of consumer finance continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how Apple adapts and innovates to meet the needs of its customers.

  • Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay: Still on the road, despite delays

    Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay: Still on the road, despite delays

    The anticipation surrounding Apple’s revamped CarPlay has been building for years. Announced with much fanfare in 2022, this next-generation in-car experience, often dubbed “CarPlay 2.0,” promised a deeper integration with vehicle systems, extending beyond entertainment to control key functions like climate and instrumentation. However, the initial launch targets of 2023 and then 2024 came and went, leaving many wondering if the project had stalled. Recent discoveries within iOS 18 beta code, however, suggest that Apple hasn’t abandoned its vision for the future of in-car connectivity.  

    Deep dives into the latest iOS 18.3 beta 2 reveal ongoing development related to “CarPlayHybridInstrument” within the Maps application. This detail aligns with Apple’s initial marketing materials, which showcased navigation seamlessly integrated with the car’s speedometer and other essential displays. This integration hints at a more immersive and informative driving experience, where navigation isn’t just a separate screen but a core part of the vehicle’s interface.

    Further evidence of continued development lies in code related to controlling in-car air conditioning through CarPlay. This feature was also highlighted in the initial CarPlay 2.0 announcement, reinforcing the idea that Apple is still actively pursuing its ambitious goals for in-car control. The discovery of these features within the latest beta build suggests that development is ongoing, and the project is not simply collecting dust.

    The original vision for CarPlay 2.0 was to provide a more comprehensive in-car experience, allowing users to manage various vehicle functions directly through the familiar iOS interface. This extended control was intended to encompass everything from media playback to climate control, offering a unified and intuitive user experience.

    The reasons behind the delays remain speculative. Some suggest friction with automakers, who may be hesitant to cede extensive control over their vehicle systems to Apple. Others believe the project simply requires more development time to fully realize its potential. Regardless of the cause, the continued presence of relevant code in the latest iOS beta builds offers a glimmer of hope for those eager to experience the next evolution of CarPlay. While an official announcement from Apple is still awaited, the evidence suggests that CarPlay 2.0 is still on the road, albeit on a slightly delayed journey.

    Taking Control of Apple Intelligence: A Guide to Customizing AI Features

    Apple Intelligence, with its suite of innovative features, has become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. While activating Apple Intelligence typically enables all its capabilities, Apple has quietly introduced a way for users to selectively manage specific AI functions. This granular control, nestled within Screen Time settings, allows users to tailor their AI experience to their individual needs and preferences. 

    Apple Intelligence is generally presented as an all-encompassing package. Enabling it through the Settings app or during the iOS setup process activates nearly all its features. However, for those seeking a more curated experience, hidden controls offer the ability to fine-tune which AI functionalities are active.

    These customization options reside within the Screen Time settings, providing a centralized hub for managing digital well-being and, now, AI features. Within Screen Time, users can selectively enable or disable three distinct categories of Apple Intelligence: Image Creation, Writing Tools, and ChatGPT integration. 

    The Image Creation category encompasses features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand. While it’s not possible to disable these individually, users can deactivate the entire suite with a single toggle. This allows users to easily manage all image-related AI functionalities at once. 

    The Writing Tools category governs the AI-powered tools that assist with composing, proofreading, rewriting, and reformatting text. This offers users control over the AI assistance they receive in their writing workflows.  

    The inclusion of ChatGPT as a separate toggle is noteworthy, especially given that a dedicated ChatGPT switch already exists within the main Apple Intelligence settings. This redundancy might seem unusual, but it offers another avenue for users to manage this specific AI integration.

    To access these granular AI controls, users need to navigate through a few layers of settings. First, open the Settings app, then proceed to the Screen Time menu. Within Screen Time, select “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and ensure the main toggle at the top of this section is enabled. Finally, select “Intelligence & Siri” to reveal the AI controls.

    Disabling a specific AI feature has a noticeable impact on the user interface. For example, deactivating Image Creation removes the Genmoji icon from the emoji keyboard. Similarly, disabling Writing Tools removes the corresponding icon from the Notes toolbar and the copy/paste menu. These UI changes provide clear visual feedback about which AI features are currently active. 

    It’s worth noting that these UI changes might not be instantaneous. In some cases, a short delay or a force-quit of the relevant app might be required for the interface elements to disappear. This minor quirk doesn’t detract from the overall functionality but is worth keeping in mind. This level of customization allows users to tailor their Apple Intelligence experience, choosing which AI tools best suit their needs and preferences.

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