Search results for: “july”

  • Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple has rolled out the second beta versions of visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6 to developers for testing. These updates, released two weeks after the first betas, are available to registered developers through the Settings app on compatible devices, requiring an Apple Developer account.

    For visionOS 2.6, no major new features have been spotted yet, but the update likely focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance for the Vision Pro. Similarly, iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, designed for iPhones and iPads, haven’t revealed significant changes.

    These updates seem to prioritize stability and minor tweaks over big additions.macOS Sequoia 15.6, meant for Macs, also appears to be a smaller update. No new features were found in the first beta, and Apple is likely wrapping up work on Sequoia as it shifts focus to macOS Tahoe, expected this fall.

    There’s talk that Apple might bring its AI features, Apple Intelligence, to China, but regulatory issues could delay this beyond macOS 15.6. These betas are early builds, so developers are testing them to ensure apps work smoothly.

    Apple will likely share more details if new features emerge. Public beta versions are expected in July, with final releases set for September. For now, these updates seem to be about polishing the experience rather than introducing flashy changes.

  • New apps coming to iPadOS 26 and a watchOS 26 warning

    New apps coming to iPadOS 26 and a watchOS 26 warning

    Apple’s upcoming iPadOS 26 update will bring four new apps to all supported iPads: Phone, Preview, Journal, and Games. The Phone app lets you make and receive calls directly on your iPad, a feature many users have long wanted.

    Preview makes it easy to view and edit images or PDFs, similar to its Mac counterpart, making it perfect for quick tasks like cropping photos. The Journal app offers a simple way to write down thoughts and memories, while the Games app pulls together App Store and Apple Arcade titles with features like leaderboards and achievements.

    These additions make iPads more versatile, though some users feel the simplified iPad mode could use more multitasking options like split view. On the other hand, if you own a Hermès Apple Watch, be cautious with watchOS 26 beta 2.

    Apple warns that this update causes Hermès watches to overheat, crash repeatedly, and fail to charge, likely due to issues with the Hermès watch face. The problem also affects iOS 26 beta 2, where the Apple Watch app on iPhones won’t open if paired with a Hermès model.

    Unpairing the watch fixes the app issue, but re-pairing doesn’t work. Apple advises avoiding these betas until the next update, expected soon, resolves the crashes. Both updates are part of Apple’s 2025 software overhaul, with iPadOS 26 set to launch in September. Stay tuned for more details as public betas roll out in July.

  • New AirTag expected in September or later

    New AirTag expected in September or later

    Apple’s next AirTag, dubbed AirTag 2, might hit shelves in September or later this year, according to a recent 9to5Mac report citing trusted sources. The updated tracker could be revealed alongside the iPhone 17 during Apple’s big fall event, which is less than three months away.

    The report also mentions that iOS 18.6 beta code suggests compatibility with the new AirTag, hinting at its upcoming release. One key upgrade for the AirTag 2 is better battery alerts. The current model shows when the battery is low in the Find My app, but the new version will notify users at two levels: low and very low.

    There’s speculation from 9to5Mac that this could mean a rechargeable battery, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple will likely stick with a replaceable one, as noted in his November 2024 newsletter. Originally, Gurman predicted a mid-2025 launch, around June or July, but the timeline has shifted to later this year.

    The AirTag 2 is expected to track items up to three times farther than the current model, thanks to a new chip. It’ll also have a tougher-to-remove speaker to prevent misuse, like stalking, while keeping a similar look to the original, released in April 2021. That first AirTag launched with products like the M1 iMac and iPhone 12 in purple. With these upgrades, the AirTag 2 promises better tracking and safety features, making it a handy tool for keeping tabs on your belongings.

  • Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple recently rolled out exciting updates for its users. The second beta of macOS Tahoe, released on June 24, 2025, now lets developers test AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac. To try it, connect your AirPods, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and toggle on beta updates.

    This feature, already available on iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, will open to public beta testers in July, making it easier to explore new AirPods features like better call audio and studio-quality recording. Meanwhile, iOS 26’s beta introduces a fresh Clock app design with a bigger time display and larger Stop and Snooze buttons.

    However, this redesign might make it easier to accidentally tap Stop instead of Snooze when you’re groggy, going against earlier Apple research that favored different-sized buttons to avoid mistakes. Users can now customize snooze times from 1 to 15 minutes, a handy tweak from the fixed nine-minute snooze.

    In other news, Apple has joined China’s subsidy program to boost iPhone sales. By offering discounts through platforms like JD.com and Tmall, Apple aims to compete better in the world’s largest smartphone market, where local brands like Huawei are strong. This move follows a 40% sales drop in early 2025, showing Apple’s push to stay competitive with price cuts and trade-in offers.
    These updates show Apple’s focus on improving user experience and staying competitive globally.

  • macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    Apple’s macOS Tahoe Beta 2, released on June 23, 2025, introduces simple yet welcome changes based on user feedback. The update adds a new option to restore a solid background to the menu bar, which was transparent in the first beta as part of the Liquid Glass design.

    This see-through style blended the menu bar with the desktop wallpaper, making icons and text hard to read for some users. Now, you can turn on the background in System Settings > Menu Bar > Show Menu Bar Background. When activated, it brings back a frosted look similar to macOS Sequoia, improving visibility without changing the placement of menu items.

    The update also fixes the Finder icon’s colors. In the first beta, Apple flipped the traditional design, placing the darker blue on the right side, which upset many longtime Mac users. Beta 2 restores the classic look, with blue on the left and a lighter gradient on the right, while keeping the modern Liquid Glass style.

    This tweak respects the Finder’s nearly 30-year history. These changes show Apple is listening to its community. The menu bar toggle lets users choose between a sleek, transparent look or a clearer, solid one, depending on their wallpaper. The macOS Tahoe public beta is expected in July, with a full release in fall 2025.

  • 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.

  • Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple has rolled out the second test version of macOS Tahoe 26 to developers for trying out new features. This update arrives two weeks after the first test and focuses on smoothing out issues before the public gets to try it next month. You’ll need a sleek new look, Apple!

    This macOS brings a fresh style called Liquid Glass, which makes everything look shiny and see-through, a bit like the iPhone’s design. It changes how you use apps like Mail, Calendar, and Photos, making them feel new and lively. There’s also a new Phone app for Mac, so you can handle calls and texts right from your computer. Plus, Spotlight search is now quicker and can dig through your emails to find what you need fast.

    For those eager to test it, macOS Tahoe is still just for developers, but anyone can sign up with an Apple Developer account to give it a go. Be careful, though—Apple warns not to put this early software on your main Mac since it might have bugs. A public test version is coming in July, with the final release expected this fall. Curious about all the new tricks in macOS Tahoe? Check out Apple’s detailed guide for the full scoop.

  • Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, two weeks after the first test version debuted at WWDC 2025. This update focuses on refining the new Liquid Glass design, a sleek, translucent look that transforms the iPhone and iPad interface with shimmering icons and dynamic visuals. It also boosts Apple Intelligence, enhancing apps like Messages, Phone, and Safari with smarter features.

    The second beta fixes a key issue with the Control Center, addressing user complaints about its design. Other tweaks include better battery management through Adaptive Power Mode, which slightly dims the screen or slows tasks to save power. New Wi-Fi tools, like Captive Assist, are in the works but not yet active. Developers can grab the update via the Settings app on supported devices, like the iPhone 15 and 16.

    iOS 26 brings fresh touches, such as a hidden ringtone variation of Reflection and new call features like Hold Assist. iPadOS 26 adds a Phone app, improved multitasking, and a Games app. These betas are for developers now, but a public beta will launch in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones. Apple is streamlining its software numbering, so “26” marks the 2025-2026 season, matching macOS 26, watchOS 26, and more. Stay tuned for hands-on reviews as testing continues.

  • 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.

  • New features in Apple’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26 updates

    New features in Apple’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26 updates

    Apple’s latest software updates, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26, bring exciting changes for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users, unveiled at the 2025 WWDC. These updates introduce a fresh “Liquid Glass” design, making menus and buttons look sleek and translucent, inspired by visionOS.

    The design aims to create a smooth, modern look across Apple devices. For iPhone users, iOS 26 enhances the Weather app with severe weather alerts for travel destinations. It uses your Apple ID to predict where you’re going and shows weather widgets for those places.

    The Wallet app now tracks packages by scanning emails, even for non-Apple Pay purchases. Image Playground, Apple’s image creation tool, now includes ChatGPT to make anime-style images and mix emojis for custom Genmoji. Safari gets a visual upgrade with rounded corners and a glass-like look for better navigation.

    On iPadOS 26, the update removes Split View and Slide Over, replacing them with improved app windowing and a Mac-like menu bar for easier use with a Magic Keyboard. It supports newer iPad models like the iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2).

    For Apple Watch, watchOS 26 removes older watch faces like Fire/Water and Toy Story but adds a one-handed wrist-flick gesture to dismiss notifications on newer models. A new Workout Buddy feature offers personalized motivation during exercise. These updates, available for developer testing now, will roll out publicly in September 2025, with public betas starting in July.