Search results for: “improve”

  • iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26 for developers, focusing on fixing issues with the Control Center’s design. The update tackles complaints about the “Liquid Glass” style, which some users found hard to read. Now, the Control Center has a darker blur effect, making icons and text clearer.

    A new “Alt 1” option also appears, though its purpose isn’t fully explained yet. This beta refines the overall look of iOS 26, keeping the transparent, glossy design but making it easier on the eyes. Other small tweaks improve how the interface feels, ensuring buttons and menus are more user-friendly.

    Apple is listening to feedback, aiming to balance style with practicality. The update also hints at new Wi-Fi features like Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware, which were spotted in the first beta’s code. These could make connecting to networks smoother, but they’re not active yet. Developers can test the beta on iPhone 15 and 16 models through the Settings app.

    A public beta is expected in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones.
    This beta shows Apple’s effort to polish iOS 26’s bold design while keeping it functional. If you’re testing it, you’ll notice a cleaner, more readable Control Center that still looks modern and sleek.

  • New features in watchOS 26: Easier notifications and improved workout app

    New features in watchOS 26: Easier notifications and improved workout app

    Apple’s new watchOS 26 update brings some helpful changes to Apple Watch, making it simpler to use and more useful for workouts.

    An easier way to clear notifications

    With watchOS 26, you can now quickly dismiss notifications using a simple gesture. Just double-pinch your fingers together, and the notification will disappear from your screen. This feature works for all Apple Watches that support double-pinch gestures, making it faster to keep your watch face clear and organized.

    Better workout app experience

    The Workout app also gets a new look and some handy updates. The app now uses a card-style design, which makes it easier to see your workout stats and options at a glance. When you finish a workout, you’ll see a summary card that shows your results right away. This new design helps you find information quickly and makes the app feel more modern and simple to use.

    Why these updates matter

    These changes in watchOS 26 are designed to make the Apple Watch even more user-friendly. The new gesture for dismissing notifications saves time and effort, while the improved Workout app helps you stay on top of your fitness goals with less hassle. Overall, these updates make everyday tasks on your Apple Watch smoother and more enjoyable.

    Source/Via

  • Apple tvOS 18.5 improves dolby atmos sound syncing

    Apple tvOS 18.5 improves dolby atmos sound syncing

    Apple has released tvOS 18.5 for Apple TV users, and one of the key improvements is better audio syncing for Dolby Atmos speakers. This update should help users who noticed that surround sound, especially Dolby Atmos, sometimes didn’t match the picture perfectly.

    With tvOS 18.5, Apple added a new feature in the Home Theater settings called “Wireless Audio Sync for Dolby Atmos.” This option helps fix sound delays when using Dolby Atmos speakers, especially when the Apple TV is connected to a HomePod or other wireless speakers.

    Before this update, Apple TV already had a general wireless audio sync tool, but it didn’t always work well with Dolby Atmos. This new setting focuses only on Dolby Atmos, making the syncing more accurate.

    To use this feature, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Wireless Audio Sync. Make sure your iPhone is nearby, because Apple TV uses it to check and fix any sound delay. Apple says this update helps sound effects feel more in sync with what’s happening on the screen. This makes movies and shows more enjoyable, especially when you’re using a wireless audio setup.

    tvOS 18.5 is now available for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models. If you haven’t updated yet, you can check for it in Settings > System > Software Updates. This small update brings a big improvement for those using Dolby Atmos, giving a smoother, more immersive audio experience.

  • Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple has recently shared an important warning about using AirPlay on devices not made by Apple. According to security notes from iOS 17.5 beta, AirPlay has three serious security problems that hackers could use to run harmful code. These issues only affect third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks that support AirPlay, not Apple’s own products.

    Apple says these problems have now been fixed, but only on its own devices. It’s not clear when or if third-party manufacturers will patch these flaws. Until then, Apple recommends being careful when using AirPlay on non-Apple devices, especially in places like hotels or public spaces.

    At the same time, Apple is continuing to improve its TV app. A new update has just added better controls for live sports, such as easier ways to follow teams, check scores, and get updates in real time. The “Watch Now” section is also getting smarter by showing more relevant suggestions.

    These changes are part of Apple’s plan to bring more content into one app and make it easier for users to find what they want to watch. The company removed some standalone apps earlier this year to simplify the viewing experience, and the TV app is quickly becoming the main place for watching shows, movies, and sports on Apple devices.

    So while Apple is pushing its TV app forward, it’s also reminding users to stay cautious about security when using third-party AirPlay devices.

     

  • Apple improves iWork apps with fresh features for iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4

    Apple improves iWork apps with fresh features for iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4

    Apple has recently upgraded its iWork apps—Keynote, Numbers, and Pages—bringing some exciting new tools that work with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS 15.4. These updates make it easier and more fun to use these apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

    One cool addition is the ability to edit text right inside your presentations, spreadsheets, or documents using Writing Tools. This feature needs Apple Intelligence, which works on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, all iPhone 16 models, or any Mac or iPad with an M1 chip or newer. It’s perfect for fixing mistakes or polishing your work quickly.

    Another handy update lets you save your projects in different formats using the Shortcuts app. This means you can easily switch your file type—like from a Pages document to something else—without extra hassle. It’s a small change that saves time, especially if you share files a lot.

    Plus, the apps now play nicer with Freeform. Copying and pasting between them is smoother, making it simpler to move ideas or pictures from one app to another. This teamwork boost is great for anyone juggling creative projects.

    Each app also got a few extra tweaks that don’t need the latest software, though Apple didn’t spill all the details. The updates rolled out this week after weeks of testing, and you can grab them from the App Store for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

    These changes show Apple’s effort to keep iWork useful and fresh. Whether you’re making slides, tracking numbers, or writing, these tools aim to make your work easier and better. Check them out and see how they fit into your daily tasks!

  • How Apple can improve its smart summary feature

    How Apple can improve its smart summary feature

    At WWDC24 last summer, Apple introduced a bunch of Apple Intelligence features, and one that’s been stirring up some debate is notification summaries. People have spotted mistakes in these summaries, which led Apple to tweak their look and even turn them off for news updates. While these summaries won’t ever be flawless, there’s a simple way Apple could make them better. I’d love to see this idea show up in iOS 19.

    What Notification Summaries Do

    The goal of notification summaries is to help you skim your alerts. The feature scans all the notifications in a group, sums them up, and does it all right on your device. Sounds handy, right? But there’s a big catch: Apple Intelligence can only work with what’s in the notification itself.

    This might seem obvious, but here’s the issue: Notifications are already super short. They’re designed to fit in a tiny bubble for quick reading. Plus, the system has to be small enough to run on a chip like the A17 Pro, so it doesn’t have much wiggle room to figure things out.

    Why Summaries Miss the Mark

    Take group chats in iMessage, for example. People often reply to different things at once in busy threads. That’s fun, but Apple Intelligence doesn’t get the full picture. It ends up mixing everything into one messy, wrong summary.

    Right now, it just sums up short notifications in the order they come in. That doesn’t always work well. Here’s my fix: let app makers give Apple’s system some extra info to work with. For iMessage, Apple could tell the system what a new message is replying to.

    My Hope for Apple’s Next Step

    If apps could share a bit more background info—stuff users wouldn’t see—it’d help Apple’s system make smarter summaries. Back in December, Apple Intelligence botched a BBC News summary about Luigi Mangione. It was way off, and Apple ended up turning off news summaries altogether.

    But imagine if the BBC could share the story’s opening paragraph as extra info. That’d give Apple Intelligence more to chew on, leading to better summaries. Big language models will always have quirks, especially ones tiny enough to run on a phone with just 8GB of RAM. Still, Apple can’t keep news summaries off forever. Adding background information from apps could be the answer they need.

  • Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple has launched a fresh update for its test browser, known as Safari Technology Preview, which was introduced back in 2016. This browser lets people try out new features before they’re added to the regular Safari browser.

    Image of Safari Technology Preview Update

    The latest update, version 212, brings several improvements and fixes to various parts of the browser including:

    • User Verification
    • Drawing and Graphics
    • Styling with CSS
    • Web Forms
    • JavaScript
    • Page Loading
    • Network Connections
    • PDF Viewing
    • Visual Display
    • SVG Graphics
    • Text Handling
    • Web APIs
    • Developer Tools

    This version of the test browser works on computers with macOS Sonoma or the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia.

    You can get this update through the Software Update feature in your System Preferences or System Settings if you’ve already installed the browser from Apple’s site. For all the details on what’s changed, check out the update notes on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview page.

    The purpose of Safari Technology Preview is to get input from both users and developers on how to make the browser better. You can use this test browser alongside your regular Safari without needing a special developer account. It’s a great way for anyone to help shape the future of web browsing.

  • A deep dive into iOS 18.2’s improved Photos experience

    A deep dive into iOS 18.2’s improved Photos experience

    The release of iOS 18 brought a significant overhaul to Apple’s Photos app, introducing new features and a redesigned interface. While some changes were welcomed, others sparked debate among users. Recognizing this feedback, Apple has diligently addressed key concerns and implemented several crucial improvements in iOS 18.2, significantly refining the user experience. This article explores these enhancements in detail, highlighting how they contribute to a more intuitive and enjoyable interaction with our cherished memories.   

    1. Reimagining Video Playback: A Seamless and Immersive Experience

    One of the more contentious changes in iOS 18 concerned video playback. Initially, videos would play with borders, requiring a tap to expand them to full screen. This introduced an extra step and a somewhat jarring zoom effect. iOS 18.2 rectifies this by reverting to a more natural and user-friendly approach. Now, videos automatically play in full screen by default, providing an immediate and immersive viewing experience.  

    This doesn’t mean the refined controls are gone. Users can still tap the screen to hide interface elements for an uninterrupted view, mirroring the pre-iOS 18 functionality. This change strikes a balance between streamlined playback and user control, offering the best of both worlds. It demonstrates Apple’s commitment to listening to user feedback and prioritizing a seamless user experience.  

    2. Taking Control of Playback: Introducing the Loop Video Toggle

    Auto-looping videos, while sometimes useful, can be a source of frustration for many users. iOS 18.2 addresses this by introducing a simple yet effective solution: a toggle to disable auto-looping. Located within Settings > Photos, the new “Loop Videos” option allows users to easily control this behavior. While the feature remains enabled by default, those who prefer a more traditional playback experience can now effortlessly disable it with a single tap. This small addition provides users with greater control over their video viewing experience, catering to individual preferences.  

    3. Navigating with Ease: The Return of Swipe Gestures

    Navigating through the various Collections within the iOS 18 Photos app initially required users to tap the back button in the top-left corner. This proved cumbersome, especially on larger iPhones. iOS 18.2 introduces a more intuitive solution: swipe gestures. Users can now simply swipe right from the left edge of the screen to navigate back, mirroring the standard behavior found across other Apple apps. This simple change significantly improves navigation within the Photos app, making it more fluid and natural.  

    4. Precise Control: Frame-by-Frame Scrubbing and Millisecond Precision

    For those who demand precise control over video playback, iOS 18.2 introduces frame-by-frame scrubbing. This feature, coupled with a new millisecond timestamp display during scrubbing, allows users to pinpoint specific moments within their videos with unparalleled accuracy. Whether you’re analyzing a fast-paced action sequence or capturing the perfect still frame, this enhanced scrubbing functionality provides the granular control needed for detailed video analysis.  

    5. Managing Your Photo History: Clearing Recently Viewed and Shared Items

    The Utilities section within the Photos app in iOS 18 has expanded, offering several useful features, including “Recently Viewed” and “Recently Shared” albums. These albums provide a convenient history of recent activity, allowing users to quickly access recently viewed or shared photos and videos. However, managing this history was previously limited. 

    iOS 18.2 introduces the ability to clear the history within both “Recently Viewed” and “Recently Shared” albums. Users can now remove individual items with a long press or clear the entire history using the “Remove All” option located in the album’s three-dot menu. This provides greater control over privacy and allows users to manage their photo history effectively.

    Conclusion: A Commitment to Refinement and User Satisfaction

    The updates introduced in iOS 18.2 demonstrate Apple’s commitment to refining the user experience based on feedback. By addressing key concerns related to video playback, navigation, and history management, Apple has significantly enhanced the Photos app. These changes, while seemingly small individually, collectively contribute to a more polished, intuitive, and enjoyable experience for all iOS users. This update underscores the importance of user feedback in shaping the evolution of Apple’s software and reinforces their dedication to creating user-centric products.   

  • New iPhone, iPad, and AirPods updates coming in 2025

    New iPhone, iPad, and AirPods updates coming in 2025

    Apple is planning some exciting changes for its devices in 2025. The iPhone 17 base model might get a bigger screen, possibly around 6.3 inches, compared to the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16. This change could make videos and games more enjoyable, though it’s still just a rumor from a leaker named Ice Universe.

    There’s no word yet on other features, but a larger display could mean a fresh look for the standard iPhone. The iPad Pro is also set for a makeover, with rumors pointing to even thinner bezels around the screen. This would give the device a sleeker design and more screen space for apps, drawing, or watching content.

    The next iPad Pro, expected to launch with an M5 chip in late 2025, might use new technology to shrink the borders around the display, making it look more modern. However, this upgrade may not be ready for the next release, according to some sources.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 could be on the way, with hints found in a Bluetooth database. These new earbuds might launch alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025 and could include better sound, improved noise cancellation, and new health features like heart-rate tracking.

    While details are scarce, the clues suggest Apple is working on a big update for its premium earbuds. These rumors show Apple’s focus on improving its devices with bigger screens, slimmer designs, and smarter features. Fans will have to wait until fall 2025 to see what’s real.

    Source/Via/Via

  • New Apple audio device hinted in code

    New Apple audio device hinted in code

    Apple recently updated its software code, revealing a clue about a new audio product that hasn’t been released yet. The code includes a unique Bluetooth ID number, 8239, which doesn’t match any current AirPods or Beats headphones. This discovery has sparked excitement, as it suggests Apple is working on something fresh, possibly the AirPods Pro 3.

    The hint was found in a section of the code related to device syncing, where Apple lists all its audio devices. This new ID stands out because it’s not linked to any existing product. While no specific details about the device were shared, rumors point toward the AirPods Pro 3 as a likely candidate. There’s also a chance it could be a new version of Beats headphones.

    Talk about the AirPods Pro 3 has been growing, with whispers of a launch later in 2025. People are expecting upgrades like better sound, stronger noise cancellation, and even health features such as heart rate monitoring. These improvements could make the next AirPods a big step forward.

    For now, the mystery remains, but this code discovery confirms Apple is cooking up something new. Fans are eager to see whether it’s the AirPods Pro 3 or a surprise addition to Apple’s audio lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to a possible reveal, likely around the iPhone 17 event in September 2025.