Search results for: “download”

  • Do app privacy tags affect your download choices?

    Do app privacy tags affect your download choices?

    In 2020, Apple rolled out privacy tags to show users what info an app might grab—like stuff tied to you or used to follow you around online. These tags were a game-changer, shining a light on apps that scoop up too much personal data. For example, you could see Signal barely touches your info, while Facebook Messenger slurps up everything it can for ads or upgrades. The goal? Help people pick apps wisely.

    Lately, though, I’ve noticed folks wondering if these self-reported tags—tucked way down on an app’s App Store page—still sway anyone before they tap “Get.” Apple splits these “privacy nutrition tags” into three types:

    • Data Tied to You: This is stuff like your name, address, email, exact location, or shopping history that’s linked to you, often for ads or tailoring the app. Developers have to spill it if it points back to you.
    • Data Not Tied to You: Info collected but kept nameless, usually to tweak the app. Apple makes sure it can’t be traced back to you.
    • Data That Tracks You: This follows you across apps and sites—like Google or Meta using your device ID for custom ads or selling it to data collectors.

    People get loud about privacy when a hot new app, like Threads, sparks worry. Back then, users scratched their heads over why it listed “Health and Fitness” data with no clear reason. Yet Threads still shot to the top of social media downloads. So, do these tags really matter?

    Here’s the catch: developers report this stuff themselves. Apple trusts them to be honest, which speeds up approvals but can blur the truth. For users, the tags are handy—if you dig for them and know what they mean. But just because they’re listed doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. As Apple pushes privacy hard, the real challenge is teaming up with developers to make things clearer, explain data use better, and keep overstating in check. So, do privacy tags sway your downloads? Maybe—if you’re paying attention.

  • 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.

  • Apple updates App Store rules in Europe to follow new law

    Apple updates App Store rules in Europe to follow new law

    Apple recently changed its App Store rules in the European Union to meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These updates, announced on June 26, 2025, allow app developers to tell users about other payment options outside the App Store, like buying directly from their websites.

    Starting with iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, users will see a new interface for installing apps from alternative app stores or developer websites. Later in 2025, Apple plans to offer a tool for developers to start these downloads directly within their apps.

    However, Apple warns that these changes might make iPhones and iPads less secure, raising risks of scams or harmful content. Despite these updates, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple, calling the changes “unlawful” and a “malicious compliance scheme.”

    He argues that Apple’s new fees, like a 5% commission on external purchases, hurt developers who use other payment methods. Sweeney says these rules make it tough for developers to compete fairly and limit features like automatic app updates.

    Apple disagrees with the European Commission’s push for these changes and plans to appeal, but it will follow the rules for now. The EU will review Apple’s efforts to ensure it meets DMA standards. Developers can use the new tools right away, but many are waiting to see if the fees will change.

    Source/Via

  • Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of watchOS 26, along with tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 betas, two weeks after the first betas were shared. These updates, announced at WWDC 2025, bring a fresh look and smarter features to Apple’s devices.

    The watchOS 26 beta introduces a sleek new design called Liquid Glass, giving the Apple Watch a modern, transparent style. It also adds new watch faces and lets third-party apps work with the Control Center for quicker access. Developers can test these changes to make sure their apps run smoothly.

    To try the beta, developers need an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. The update can be downloaded through the Apple Watch app under Settings > General > Software Update, with a developer account linked. The watch must have at least 50% battery and be on a charger during installation.

    While these betas are for developers to test and tweak apps, Apple plans to release public betas in July. The full versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will launch for everyone in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple refines these exciting new features.

  • Apple rolls out iOS 18.6 public beta for everyone

    Apple rolls out iOS 18.6 public beta for everyone

    Apple has released the public beta version of iOS 18.6, allowing iPhone users to try out new features before the official update is released. Anyone with a compatible iPhone can join the beta testing program and download this latest version.

    To get started, users need to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program. Once they’re in, they can go to their device settings, tap on “General,” then “Software Update,” and choose the iOS 18 Public Beta to install it.

    This new beta update mainly focuses on fixing bugs and making the system more stable, rather than adding big new features. Apple wants to make sure everything runs smoothly before the final version is released to everyone. If you join the beta, keep in mind that this version might have some glitches or issues, since it’s still being tested.

    Apple is expected to keep working on iOS 18.6 and release more beta updates in the coming weeks. The final version should be available for all users later this year. If you like trying out new software early and don’t mind a few bugs, joining the public beta is a good way to see what’s coming next for your iPhone.

  • Apple now lets iPhone games give promo codes for in-app items

    Apple now lets iPhone games give promo codes for in-app items

    Apple has made a new change that helps both game makers and players. Now, iPhone games can give out special promo codes for in-app purchases. Before, developers could only offer promo codes for downloading the full game or for subscriptions. But now, they can give codes that unlock things like extra levels, coins, or special items inside the game.

    This update means game creators can run more creative promotions. For example, they can reward loyal players, run giveaways, or let influencers share codes with their followers. Players can use these codes to get free or discounted in-game items, making it more fun to play.

    To use a promo code, players just need to enter it in the App Store or inside the game. The new feature is available for all iOS games, but developers need to update their apps to support it. Apple hopes this change will help games reach more people and keep players interested.

    Overall, this update gives both developers and gamers more options. Game makers can attract new players and reward existing ones, while players get more chances to enjoy free or discounted content in their favorite games.

  • Apple releases new beta updates for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch

    Apple releases new beta updates for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch

    Apple has just released new beta versions for its main devices, giving developers and testers a chance to try out the latest features and fixes before everyone else gets them.

    iOS 18.6 beta for iphone

    Apple rolled out the first beta of iOS 18.6 for iPhone users. This update comes after iOS 18 was recently shown off at WWDC 2025. While iOS 18.6 doesn’t bring big new features, it focuses on making the system more stable and fixing bugs. If you’re a developer or part of Apple’s Beta Software Program, you can download it now and help Apple find any issues before the final version comes out.

    macOS Sequoia 15.6 beta for Mac

    Alongside the iPhone update, Apple also released the first beta of macOS Sequoia 15.6. Like the iOS update, this one mainly aims to improve performance and fix problems, rather than add new features. Testers can get this update through the Mac’s System Settings if they’re signed up for the beta program.

    watchOS 11.6 beta for Apple Watch

    Apple Watch users aren’t left out. The first beta of watchOS 11.6 is now available for developers. This update is also about making things run smoother and fixing bugs. To install it, users need to have the right developer profile and enough battery on their watch.

    Summary

    These new beta updates are mostly about making Apple devices work better and more reliably. If you like testing new software, you can try them out now, but remember: beta versions might have some issues, so it’s best to use them on spare devices if you can.

  • Apple updates iOS 26 beta and adds easier tvOS sign-in

    Apple updates iOS 26 beta and adds easier tvOS sign-in

    Apple has just released a new version of the iOS 26 developer beta. This update comes a few days after the first beta was launched, and it fixes some important issues. The new beta is available for developers to download and test on their iPhones. Apple is working hard to make sure the software is stable and ready for everyone before the official release later this year. If you are a developer, you can get the update by going to your device’s Settings, tapping on General, and then Software Update. Make sure your Apple ID is linked to your developer account to see the beta option.

    Along with iOS 26, Apple is also improving tvOS 26, the software for Apple TV. One of the best new features is automatic sign-in for apps. Now, when you log in to your Apple TV with your Apple ID, you won’t have to type your username and password again for every app. This makes it much easier and faster to start watching your favorite shows and movies. The automatic sign-in works with apps that support this feature, so you might still need to log in manually for some apps.

    Both updates are part of Apple’s plan to make its devices easier and more enjoyable to use. Developers are encouraged to test these changes and share feedback to help Apple fix any problems before the updates are available to everyone.

  • Apple shares new Safari update and iPhone 16 sales news

    Apple shares new Safari update and iPhone 16 sales news

    People who want to use the new features of Safari can download a fresh version called Safari Technology Preview 220. This version has changes for people using the web and developers. Apple is working on smooth and fast performance for all Safari users. The latest features will be added to the standard browser soon, if everything checks out.

    The iphone 16 has also seen strong sales worldwide. Throughout the first three months of 2025, the iphone 16 was purchased more than any other type of phone. Its success proves that people appreciate both its new features and how it looks.

    Both stories demonstrate that Apple is especially strong in technology. The company keeps its software modern, while its phones are the most popular. Apple users and technology enthusiasts have more exciting updates to wait for.

  • Trump asks Apple to bring iPhone production back to the US and Apple warns EU iPhone users about App Store changes

    Trump asks Apple to bring iPhone production back to the US and Apple warns EU iPhone users about App Store changes

    U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple to stop making iPhones in India and return production to the United States. His statement, posted on Truth Social, followed a report about Apple increasing iPhone manufacturing in India. Trump criticized the move and said that under his leadership, Apple would be told to “build in the USA.” Apple has been slowly shifting its production outside of China, with India becoming a key location.

    Meanwhile, Apple is preparing iPhone users in the European Union for major changes to the App Store, which will come with iOS 17.5. Under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must allow users to download apps from sources other than the App Store. This means users in the EU will see a warning when trying to use third-party app stores or payment systems. Apple says these alerts are meant to protect users from potential security risks, like scams or harmful apps.

    The changes are only for users in the EU, and Apple plans to launch these updates with the release of iOS 17.5. Outside the EU, the App Store rules will stay the same. These developments show how Apple is navigating both political and regulatory pressure, balancing U.S. demands to move production and EU rules that force it to open up its app ecosystem.

    Source/Via