Search results for: “lock screen”

  • Apple brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple is working on several new features for its upcoming software updates, and two of them are getting a lot of attention, especially for Vision Pro and iOS 19.

    First, with visionOS 3, Apple plans to add an “Eye Tracking Dwell Control” feature for Vision Pro. This means users will be able to scroll just by looking at the screen. For example, if your eyes rest on the bottom of a page, it will automatically scroll down. This feature is already being tested in the latest developer beta and is expected to be part of visionOS 3, which should arrive in September. Apple is also working to improve other gestures, making the headset more intuitive to use.

    On the iOS 19 side, new leaks reveal that Apple is adding a few big changes. One of the standout updates is improved AI suggestions, helping users with better message replies and smart organization in apps like Mail and Notes. There’s also a new interface coming to the Settings app that’s cleaner and easier to use, especially for first-time iPhone users. Plus, Apple is working on better customization for lock screens and home screens.

    Both visionOS 3 and iOS 19 are expected to be previewed at WWDC in June, with official releases later in the fall. These updates show Apple’s strong push into making its devices smarter and easier to control.

  • Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple is getting ready to remove the Sidecar app from the App Store. This app gave users a way to browse the web and play videos in their car using CarPlay. However, Apple says they will stop supporting these features soon. Because of this change, Sidecar users can ask for a full refund if they bought the app in the last 90 days.

    The developer behind Sidecar explained that Apple is cutting off the app’s CarPlay web and video playback functions. Without these features, the app won’t be useful anymore. If you have Sidecar, you can still use it for now, but it won’t be updated or fixed in the future.

    At the same time, Apple is working on iOS 19, and a new leak says it will bring a small but useful design change. In the next update, the iPhone’s status bar might move a bit lower on the lock screen. This means it’ll be easier to see the time, battery, and signal, especially on larger iPhones.

    This change may not seem big, but it can make a difference for people using bigger screens. Apple is likely testing this as part of their effort to improve how iPhones look and feel.

    Together, these updates show how Apple is refining both its software and the user experience—removing features that no longer work and updating designs to fit newer devices.

  • Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Every time Apple updates iOS 18, like with iOS 18.4, they sneak in a few surprises for your iPhone. You’ve probably heard about turning doodles into awesome art, tweaking your home screen, making custom emojis, and exploring Apple Intelligence or Visual Intelligence.

    But what else is hiding in iOS 18.4 that’s flying under the radar? There’s a lot to uncover! Apple adds settings that don’t get much attention, but they’re super handy. Here are some of my favorite secret iOS 18.4 features worth checking out.

    Power Off Your iPhone Without Buttons

    No need to press physical buttons to restart your iPhone anymore. The updated control center has all the usual stuff—brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth—and now includes a restart option. Just swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the power icon in the control center’s top-right, and a slider pops up to shut down your phone. To turn it back on, you’ll still use the side button.

    Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing your Wi-Fi just got easier. With iOS 18.4, you can create a QR code for your network. It’s perfect for sharing with a group, someone not in your contacts, or even Android users. Open the new Passwords app, find your Wi-Fi network, tap it, and select “Show QR Code.” Anyone who scans it with their camera connects instantly.

    Tweak Your Flashlight’s Beam

    The iPhone flashlight isn’t just brighter—it’s smarter. On supported models, you can now adjust the beam’s width. Go wide to light up more space or narrow for a focused glow. Turn on the flashlight from the lock screen or control center, and swipe left or right on the Dynamic Island to play with the beam. It’s great for setting up photo lighting!

  • A tiny issue with switching app icons to circles in iOS 19 and iOS 18.4’s cool new notification trick stands out

    A tiny issue with switching app icons to circles in iOS 19 and iOS 18.4’s cool new notification trick stands out

    There’s a small hiccup if Apple decides to change app icons from squircles (rounded squares) to circles in iOS 19. Squircles work well because they fit nicely with different app designs—like Safari’s big circle or Notes’ full-space look.

    But circles? They might not be as practical. For apps with square designs, like Reddit or Slack, shrinking them into a circle could make them harder to see quickly. This isn’t a huge deal, but it could feel less efficient.

    Plus, many apps use the squircle shape to mimic real objects (think Contacts or Apple Sports). Circles might mess that up. Sure, developers could tweak their icons, but after recent updates for dark mode in iOS 18, asking them to redo everything again seems like a stretch. Squircles just seem to balance style and function better—do you agree?

    One of the best surprises in iOS 18.4 is a smart notification feature powered by Apple Intelligence. Called Priority Notifications, it makes your lock screen way more helpful. It figures out which alerts matter most and puts them right at the top.

    You can still swipe to see everything else, but this saves time. Best part? You can turn it on or off for specific apps, so you’re in control. With too many notifications buzzing daily, this simple tool helps you focus on what’s important. It’s a small change, but it feels like a big win. Are you excited to try it?

  • New goodies coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.4

    New goodies coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.4

    Apple is gearing up to roll out iOS 18.4 soon, bringing some cool updates to your iPhone. This version, set to drop in early April, packs six fresh Apple Intelligence features to make your phone smarter. One handy addition is Priority Notifications, which uses AI to spotlight the most important alerts on your Lock Screen.

    Less urgent stuff stays below, keeping things tidy. Plus, the Image Playground tool now lets you create sketches alongside its usual cartoon and drawing styles. On the CarPlay front, there’s a neat upgrade for sports fans. A new “sports mode” API will tweak the Now Playing screen for games, showing team details on either side with a big, colorful background.

    It’s built for two-team matchups, perfect for keeping up with scores on the go. Also, if your car has a larger screen, CarPlay will show three rows of app icons instead of two. And for electric vehicle drivers, Apple Maps will soon guide Ford owners to Tesla charging stations.

    These updates build on nine months of AI improvements, with more expected at WWDC 2025. While big Siri changes are still in the works, iOS 18.4 keeps things moving forward. Whether it’s smarter notifications or better driving tools, your iPhone’s about to get a nice boost. Which feature are you most excited to try? Let us know!

  • iOS 18.4 makes control center even cooler: Here’s What’s New

    iOS 18.4 makes control center even cooler: Here’s What’s New

    The Control Center in iOS 18 has been a big hit, and it’s not just a one-time facelift. Apple keeps making it better with every update, and iOS 18.4 brings some exciting new features that make it stand out.

    Fresh Ambient Music Options

    With iOS 18.4, you get a brand-new set of controls called Ambient Music. It includes four handy options:

    • Chill
    • Productivity
    • Sleep
    • Wellbeing

    Each one lets you play an Apple Music playlist that matches the vibe you’re going for. You can tweak these controls to start your favorite playlist—either one you pick yourself or a suggested one from Apple. Plus, you can adjust their size in Control Center to take up one, two, or four spaces and even link them to your iPhone’s Action Button or Lock Screen.

    Smarter Siri and Visual Tricks

    In the updated “Apple Intelligence and Siri” section, two new tools join the lineup alongside the “Type to Siri” switch. Now, you can add “Talk to Siri,” which wakes Siri up with your voice, just like pressing the side button. There’s also “Visual Intelligence,” a cool camera feature that used to be only for iPhone 16 but now works on iPhone 15 Pro and 16e too. It’s perfect for assigning to the Action Button!

    A Fresh Look for Control Center

    iOS 18.4 also spruces up the Control Center’s style. Here’s what’s new:

    • Focus control now has up and down arrows to flip through modes.
    • The brightness slider moves with fun animations depending on the level.
    • The volume slider gets lively animations, too.

    The arrows on the Focus control make it easy to see all your Focus options with a tap. Meanwhile, the brightness slider shows a sun that grows or shrinks as you adjust it—small and dim when low, big and bright when high.

    Wrapping Up iOS 18.4’s Control Center

    Control Center has evolved a lot over time, and this version might just be the best yet. With tons of ways to personalize it and a growing list of controls, iOS 18.4 keeps making it more fun and useful. Apple’s clearly on a roll!

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more

    Apple rolls out new test updates for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more

    Today, Apple shared the third test versions of its upcoming software updates: iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 for iPhones and iPads, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Macs, and visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 for Vision Pro, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. These updates come a week after the second test versions were released.

    iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4: What’s New

    You can grab these updates on your iPhone or iPad by heading to Settings > General > Software Update. One cool addition is Priority Notifications, a smart feature that figures out which alerts matter most and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. There’s also a new Food section in Apple News+ for subscribers, packed with tasty content.

    Plus, Image Playground now has a Sketch option to create drawings that look hand-drawn. The update supports more languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese for Apple’s smart tools. New emojis are here too, along with a Vision Pro app for managing your headset right from your phone. iPads now get Mail Categorization, and there’s a relaxing Ambient Music feature in the Control Center. Apple plans to launch these in early April.

    macOS Sequoia 15.4: Fresh Features for Macs

    Mac users can join the test by going to System Settings > Software Update with a developer Apple ID. This update brings Mail Categorization to Macs, sorting emails into handy groups like deals, updates, and important messages. You’ll also find new emojis, a Food section in Apple News+, and a Sketch tool in Image Playground. Plus, you can now make Memory Movies in Photos. It’ll roll out in early April too.

    Vision Pro, Apple TV, and Apple Watch Updates

    The third test versions of visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 are out for developers too. VisionOS 2.4 stands out, adding smart features like Writing Tools and Priority Notifications to Vision Pro. It also includes a Spatial Gallery app with cool 3D photos and videos and a handy iPhone app to manage your headset. With iOS 18.4, you can even set up Guest Mode for others to try your Vision Pro easily. These updates are set for early April as well.

  • Your iPhone can now get urgent texts from apps

    Your iPhone can now get urgent texts from apps

    Apple has added a handy new trick to iPhones with the “Critical Messages” feature in a recent iOS update. This lets apps send you super-important text messages (SMS) that stand out. It’s different from the Priority Notifications in iOS 18.4, which highlight alerts on your Lock Screen. Here’s the scoop on how it works.

    A Special Text Feature with Strict Rules

    In the last few months, Apple updated iPhones so app makers can send urgent SMS alerts. But don’t worry—this isn’t for random ads or junk. It’s only for really serious stuff. Apple explains it like this: the Critical Messaging tool lets apps send vital updates to specific phone numbers. For example, a company might use it to check on workers in risky or remote areas. If someone can’t unlock their phone or get a signal, the app can still send a safety update to a main office. Pretty cool, right?

    To stop misuse, Apple has tough rules. Developers can’t send spam, phishing texts, or anything shady. The feature is locked down to keep your phone from buzzing with nonsense.
    Don’t Expect Tons of These Texts

    As a user, you probably won’t see these messages often. Like other critical alerts, they’re saved for rare, urgent moments—like a safety warning that can’t wait.
    How to Turn It Off If You Want

    Not a fan? You can stop these texts from apps you don’t like. Just head to your iPhone’s Settings, tap Privacy & Security, then find Critical Messages. You’ll see a list of apps that can send them. Switch off any you don’t trust—it’s that easy. This feature is all about keeping you safe or informed when it matters, without clogging your phone with junk. Simple, smart, and totally in your control!

  • Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    The iOS 18.4 update was meant to include new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence, but Apple decided to hold off on those for more testing. Even so, this update still brings some cool additions that’ll make it worth downloading when it arrives in April.

    Important Alerts First

    Apple shared the idea of Priority Notifications at WWDC in June 2024, and now it’s finally here. This handy feature has been eagerly awaited since iOS 18 launched in September.

    With Priority Notifications, your phone figures out which alerts matter most by looking at the timing and details. For example, if you’re waiting for a food delivery, that alert jumps to the top when it’s almost time. It works the same for anything urgent or tied to a schedule.

    You’ll need to switch it on manually in the iOS 18.4 beta by going to Settings > Notifications > Turn On Priority Alerts. Once it’s active, these key alerts appear at the top of your Lock Screen in a special box with a clear icon. Swipe down to see the rest of your notifications as usual.

    Fun with Image Playground

    When Image Playground first came out, it let you create pictures in two styles: Animation and Illustration. A third option was always planned, and now it’s here with the iOS 18.4 beta—Sketch. Sketch gives your images a hand-drawn look, different from the 3D Animation style or the bold, simple Illustration vibe. Apple calls Sketch “detailed and scholarly,” with beautiful drawings on plain backgrounds. Animation has a playful, 3D cartoon feel, while Illustration uses strong lines and bright colors.

    More Languages Supported

    With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence will work in new languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. It’ll also support English tailored for India and Singapore.

    When’s It Coming?

    Apple has released one beta of iOS 18.4 to developers and testers so far. Another beta is expected next week, with testing running through March. The full release is set for early April.

    What About Siri?

    There’s still hope the delayed Siri features might sneak into a later iOS 18.4 beta, but with just a month left, it’s doubtful. Instead, they’ll likely land in iOS 18.5. Normally, big updates don’t hit in a .5 release, but Apple’s been rolling out iOS 18 features bit by bit—and iOS 19 might even be delayed to focus on perfecting iOS 18.

  • Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple recently shared that iOS 18.4 will roll out in April, bringing fresh features for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4

    Apple News+ Food Section

    Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple News+ subscribers will enjoy a brand-new Food section. It’s packed with thousands of recipes, plus articles on restaurants, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Top food magazines like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats will contribute content. The first test version of iOS 18.4 is already out for developers and curious users to try. While some expected Siri upgrades—like understanding personal details or screen info—aren’t in this beta, there are still plenty of cool additions to explore.

    Key Features Available Now

    Priority Notifications

    A handy new tool sorts your most urgent alerts and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. You can switch this on in Settings under Notifications. Note: This works only on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or any iPhone 16.

    Apple News+ Food

    The Food section in the News app offers subscribers tons of recipes and food stories at no extra charge. You can browse daily updates, save favorites for later, and even use a step-by-step cooking mode—all beautifully laid out.

    Ambient Music

    A new Control Center option lets you play relaxing tunes sorted into four moods: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

    More Goodies

    This update expands Apple Intelligence to languages like French, Spanish, Japanese, and more. There’s also a “Sketch” style for creating images from text in Image Playground. In some cars with big screens, CarPlay now shows extra app icons. Plus, EU users can pick a default maps app, and everyone can choose a translation app.

    Coming Soon

    Vision Pro App

    Later, iOS 18.4 will add an app for Vision Pro owners to manage downloads, explore TV content, and get tips—available once the update hits.

    New Emoji

    Fresh emojis—like a tired face, fingerprint, or shovel—will join the lineup, continuing Apple’s tradition of fun updates.

    With iOS 18.4, Apple keeps making your iPhone experience better and more personal!