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  • Apple One might get a new service in iOS 19 – Here’s what to expect

    Apple One might get a new service in iOS 19 – Here’s what to expect

    Apple is reportedly working on a new service that could be added to its Apple One subscription bundle with iOS 19. Right now, Apple One includes services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, and more, depending on the plan you choose.

    The new service being tested is called “Password,” which would be Apple’s own password manager. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this app might launch with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 15 later this year.

    This password manager would help users store and manage login information, similar to other apps like 1Password or LastPass. It could also make it easier to fill in passwords, generate strong ones, and keep sensitive info safe — all while staying inside Apple’s ecosystem.

    Apple already offers password-saving features through iCloud Keychain, but this new app would likely be more advanced and have a dedicated interface.

    If added to Apple One, “Password” would give even more value to the subscription bundle, especially for people looking for a secure and easy way to manage their passwords without paying for a separate service. More details are expected at Apple’s WWDC 2025 event in June, where iOS 19 and other major software updates will be officially revealed.

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    If you’re a Mac or iPhone user with a Microsoft 365 subscription, there’s some news you should know. Microsoft has announced that the Defender VPN service will stop working at the end of February 2025. According to a support document from Microsoft, they haven’t given a clear reason, but it looks like not many people were using this feature.

    The document states, “The privacy protection (VPN) feature within Defender will no longer be available after February 28, 2025. We regularly check how our features are used and how well they work. We’ve decided to stop this feature to focus on new areas that will better meet what our customers need.” This change was first noticed by the site Windows Latest.

    For those who don’t know, Microsoft Defender VPN was not widely known because it was only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and some US territories. It didn’t expand to other countries.

    Although it provided some privacy protection, it wasn’t helpful for those wanting to access content from different countries, like watching videos not available in their region. This is because, unlike other VPNs like NordVPN, you couldn’t pick which server to connect to; it automatically chose one near your location.

    Source

  • Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Not all music streaming platforms give the same amount of money to musicians, and a recent study shows just how different these payments can be. For example, Apple Music pays artists way more than Spotify does.

    The study, done by Duetti, looks at how much artists got paid in 2024 by different platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

    One key thing they checked was how much money artists make for every 1,000 times their song is played. Here’s what they found for 2024:

    • Amazon paid $8.80 for 1,000 streams.
    • Apple Music paid $6.20.
    • YouTube paid $4.80.
    • Spotify only paid $3.00.

    This shows that Apple Music paid artists more than twice what Spotify did. One reason for Spotify’s lower payments is its free version which has lots of ads but doesn’t make much money for artists.

    While Spotify has ads like YouTube, YouTube still manages to pay artists more. Apple Music, on the other hand, only has paid subscriptions, which lets them give more money to artists.

    Another concerning point from the report is that even though Spotify has been increasing its prices, the money artists get from each stream has been going down. This is a bit troubling, especially since Spotify has been putting more effort into podcasts and audiobooks, possibly at the cost of music artists’ earnings.

  • Apple’s Holistic Health Push: An AI-powered wellness service on the horizon?

    Apple’s Holistic Health Push: An AI-powered wellness service on the horizon?

    For years, rumors have swirled about Apple’s ambition to expand its health offerings beyond fitness tracking and basic data collection. Whispers of a comprehensive wellness service, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, have persisted, hinting at a future where Apple devices actively guide users towards healthier lifestyles. Now, these whispers are growing louder, suggesting a potential launch as soon as 2025.

    This isn’t just about counting steps or monitoring heart rate. The rumored service aims to provide personalized coaching, drawing on data gathered from Apple Watches and other devices to offer tailored recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Imagine an AI companion that analyzes your daily habits and proactively suggests adjustments to improve your overall well-being.

    This personalized approach is key. Unlike generic fitness apps or pre-recorded workout videos, this service would adapt to individual needs and preferences. By analyzing data like sleep patterns, activity levels, and even potentially dietary information, the AI could create custom programs to address specific areas for improvement.

    Think of it as a virtual health coach, constantly monitoring your progress and providing guidance along the way. Perhaps it suggests a modified workout routine based on your recovery, or recommends healthier meal options based on your dietary logs. It might even use the device’s camera to analyze your form during exercise, offering real-time corrections similar to some high-end fitness equipment.

    This holistic approach differentiates it from Apple Fitness+, which primarily focuses on providing workout content. This new service would take a broader view, encompassing all aspects of health and wellness. It’s about more than just exercising; it’s about creating sustainable lifestyle changes.

    The potential name of this service remains a mystery. While “Apple Health+” might seem like a natural fit, reports suggest it will be a standalone app, making a different name more likely. “Apple Coach” or “Apple Wellness” are possibilities, but Apple could choose something entirely different.

    The integration of this service into Apple One, Apple’s subscription bundle, seems almost certain. Apple One currently offers various tiers, combining services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade. The highest tier, Apple One Premier, adds Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+. Adding a comprehensive wellness service would significantly enhance the value proposition of Apple One, particularly the Premier tier. It could be the deciding factor for many users considering upgrading to the higher-tier plan.

    The timing of this potential launch aligns with Apple’s growing focus on artificial intelligence. With the introduction of new AI features in recent iOS updates and further advancements expected in the coming years, the groundwork is being laid for a sophisticated, data-driven wellness service.

    Furthermore, Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of its Health app and is expected to introduce new health-related features in upcoming hardware releases, such as advanced health monitoring capabilities in future AirPods and Apple Watch models. This influx of new data points will provide the AI with even more information to personalize recommendations and create effective coaching programs.

    This convergence of AI advancements, hardware improvements, and software updates suggests that 2025 could be the year Apple unveils this ambitious wellness service. It represents a significant step beyond simply tracking health metrics; it’s about actively empowering users to take control of their well-being through personalized guidance and intelligent insights.

    Restoring Control: Reclaiming the “Off” Mode for Your AirPods Pro

    A recent change to AirPods Pro noise control settings has caused some confusion and frustration among users. With the release of iOS 18, Apple initially removed the “Off” mode, leaving users with only Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Adaptive Audio. This meant that users no longer had the option to completely disable noise control.

    This change prompted many users to seek a solution, and thankfully, there’s a simple way to restore the “Off” mode. By navigating to the AirPods Pro settings within the Settings app and toggling on the “Off Listening Mode” option, users can once again access the full range of noise control options.

    However, with the release of iOS 18.1 and the introduction of new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2, another change emerged. Even with the “Off” mode restored, AirPods Pro 2 would automatically switch to Transparency mode whenever they were placed in the ears.

    This behavior is linked to the new hearing protection feature. Apple explains that when the “Off” mode is enabled, the hearing protection feature is disabled. To address this, another setting adjustment is required. By navigating to the Accessibility settings, then to AirPods and Beats, and finally toggling off “Turn Off Loud Sound Reduction,” users can regain full control over the “Off” mode. With this setting disabled, AirPods Pro 2 will remain in the “Off” mode until manually changed.

    It’s important to understand that when the “Off” mode is active, the hearing protection feature is disabled. This means that harmful environmental noise will not be reduced.

    While some users might prefer to always use Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode, the “Off” mode offers certain advantages. Disabling all noise control features can conserve battery life, which can be beneficial in certain situations. Ultimately, the choice of which mode to use depends on individual preferences and needs.

    While Apple has made significant strides in noise cancellation and transparency technology, having the option to completely disable these features provides users with greater flexibility and control over their listening experience.

  • 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.

     

  • Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple is dealing with two major lawsuits in the U.S. that could change how it runs its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Apple of unfairly controlling the smartphone market, claiming its restrictions on third-party apps and services lock users into its system.

    Apple tried to get the case thrown out, arguing the DOJ didn’t prove it has a monopoly or harms consumers. However, Judge Julien Neals rejected Apple’s request, so the case will move forward. It may take years to resolve, but it’s a big step in challenging Apple’s tight control over its platform.

    In another case, Proton, a Swiss company known for its secure Proton Mail service, joined a class-action lawsuit against Apple. Proton claims Apple’s App Store rules, like forcing developers to use its payment system and charging up to 30% commission, break U.S. antitrust laws.

    These rules, Proton says, hurt smaller companies focused on privacy and limit competition by blocking other app stores and payment options. Proton wants the court to allow alternative app marketplaces and award damages to developers for high fees. Any money Proton gets will be donated.

    Both lawsuits highlight growing concerns about Apple’s power over its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. As these cases move forward, they could force Apple to loosen its grip, potentially giving developers and users more choices.

  • Apple Music launches new custom playlist

    Apple Music launches new custom playlist

    To celebrate a decade of Apple Music, the company has introduced a fresh, personalized playlist called “Replay All Time.” This new feature builds on the existing Replay tool, which previously only showed users their top songs for each year they’ve been subscribed.

    Now, “Replay All Time” gathers your entire listening history into a single list of your top 100 songs, giving long-time subscribers a fun way to see their all-time favorite tracks. Unlike the yearly Replay, which updates annually, this playlist lives in the Apple Music Home tab and refreshes regularly to reflect your listening habits.

    It’s a great way for users to rediscover songs they’ve loved over the years or see how their music tastes have evolved since joining the service. Whether you’ve been with Apple Music since its launch or joined later, this playlist offers a unique, ever-updating snapshot of your musical journey.

    The “Replay All Time” playlist is easy to find and use, making it simple for everyone to enjoy their personalized music collection. It’s a thoughtful addition for Apple Music’s 10th anniversary, letting fans dive deeper into their listening history while keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

  • Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple faced a hiccup with its iCloud services, causing trouble for some users. According to Apple’s System Status page, services like iCloud Mail, Photos, iWork, and account sign-ins were affected, starting around 2:36 p.m. Eastern Time. Users reported issues like being unable to access files or photos or facing slow syncing.

    The Find My service was briefly down but fixed by 6:41 p.m. Eastern Time. However, other services continued to have problems, leaving some users frustrated as they couldn’t access their data smoothly. Apple is working to resolve these issues, but no clear reason for the outage has been shared yet.

    In brighter news, Apple updated its Invites app to version 1.3, adding a bunch of new background options for event planning. The app, launched earlier in 2025, helps users organize events like pool parties or game nights with custom invitations.

    The new backgrounds make invites more fun and fitting for different occasions, from casual hangouts to big celebrations. While the app supports creating AI-generated backgrounds with Image Playground, these new built-in options are especially helpful for users with older iPhones that don’t support Apple Intelligence.

    You need an iCloud+ subscription, starting at $0.99 per month, to create events, but anyone can RSVP, even without an iPhone, using a web browser. The update makes event planning more colorful and user-friendly.

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