Search results for: “usb c”

  • How to easily update your AirPods to the latest version

    How to easily update your AirPods to the latest version

    Apple regularly refreshes its AirPods with new software updates, which usually happen quietly on their own. For a long time, how this worked was unclear, but now Apple shares simple steps to help you update your AirPods yourself if needed.

    Simple Steps to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

    Apple provides clear guidance on its support page for updating AirPods. Here’s how to do it in six easy steps:

    • Keep your AirPods close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and make sure the device is on Wi-Fi.
    • Place your AirPods in their case and shut the lid.
    • Connect the charging cable to the case, then plug it into a USB charger or port.
    • Leave the lid closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the update to finish.
    • Open the case lid to link your AirPods back to your device.
    • Check the software version to confirm the update.

    If it doesn’t work, Apple suggests resetting your AirPods and trying again.

    Updating AirPods Max Made Easy

    For AirPods Max owners, the process is just as simple with these five steps:

    • Ensure your AirPods Max are near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Attach the charging cable to the bottom-right earpiece, then plug it into a USB charger or port.
    • Wait at least 30 minutes for the update to complete.
    • Reconnect your AirPods Max to your device.
    • Check the software version to see if it updated.

    What Happens Behind the Scenes?

    Normally, these updates happen automatically without you noticing. But if you want to take control and do it yourself, these steps are the way to go. With this know-how, you’ll be all set when the next AirPods update rolls out!

  • India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

    India, a Growing Hub for Apple

    India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

    Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

    New Tax Benefits

    The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

    During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

    This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

    Source

  • Why your external drive isn’t appearing on Mac and how to fix it

    Why your external drive isn’t appearing on Mac and how to fix it

    When you connect an external hard drive to your Mac, it should typically appear on the desktop or in Finder under “Locations.” However, if your drive doesn’t show up, it could be due to formatting issues, corruption, or even a faulty connection. Let’s explore the common reasons behind this problem and how to fix it.

    Common Reasons and Fixes

    1. Connection Issues
    First, ensure the drive is properly plugged in. If it still doesn’t work:

    • Check the cable: Try using a different cable. Faulty cables are a frequent cause.
    • Inspect the port: Switch to another USB or Thunderbolt port. If none work, test the drive on another Mac.
    • Power supply: Some drives require more power. Older Macs might need a USB cable with dual connectors to ensure sufficient power.

    2. Hidden Preferences
    Your Mac might be set to hide external drives. To fix this:

    • Open Finder and go to Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
    • In the General tab, ensure “External disks” is checked.

    3. Password Protection
    If you set a password for the drive, a prompt should appear when you connect it. Be patient, as the password box might take time to show up.

    4. Incompatible File System
    Drives formatted for Windows (e.g., NTFS) may not work on macOS. To fix this:

    • Connect the drive to a Windows PC to retrieve any data.
    • Reformat the drive using exFAT (compatible with Mac and Windows) or APFS (Mac-only). Use Disk Utility to reformat the drive.

    Using Disk Utility to Fix Issues

    If the drive is damaged:

    1. Open Disk Utility (use Spotlight search).
    2. Check if the drive appears. If it does, select it and click First Aid to repair it.
    3. If the repair fails, the drive might need professional recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit or Stellar Data Recovery.

    Prevent Future Problems

    To avoid issues, always eject your drive before unplugging it. Right-click the drive icon on your desktop and select Eject. Improper removal can lead to data corruption.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your external drive.

  • Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple has released CarPlay Ultra, a big improvement that resolves a common issue that many vehicles currently have. Thanks to this new version, you can now use CarPlay wirelessly in cars that only have a USB video connection.

    In most cases, wireless CarPlay needs to be used in cars that are built with the special hardware needed for wireless video streaming. Many vehicles that depend solely on USB for video aren’t compatible with wireless CarPlay. With CarPlay Ultra, Apple is making it easier.

    With this feature, video compression and streaming are performed quickly and over USB so you don’t miss a thing. It also gives cars without this feature the ability to use wireless CarPlay. People who would like to avoid having to carry or plug in cables find it especially helpful.

    Studies show that CarPlay Ultra gives the same, smooth experience as standard wire-free CarPlay for the vast majority of users. The changes are forecasted to help older cars and those at the low end of the market.

    During the WWDC 2024 event, Apple exhibited CarPlay Ultra and confirmed that the first vehicles equipped with it will appear in late 2025. With this update, many more drivers could start to use wireless CarPlay.

    All in all, CarPlay Ultra makes CarPlay accessible without cables in many more cars, even those that have limited tech already, making life easier.

  • New AirPods and Beats coming soon and AirPods Max 2 may launch in late 2025

    New AirPods and Beats coming soon and AirPods Max 2 may launch in late 2025

    New audio products from Apple are planned for the current year and then 2026 as well. Sources say that the next generation AirPods Max will likely be available by the end of 2025. Most likely, the emblem will have the same design as the last one, while embracing lighter colors, having a USB-C port and offering better performance.

    At the same time, Apple is designing new versions of its regular AirPods as well. According to rumors, a new model of AirPods is set to launch this September. There are going to be two versions of these earbuds: active noise cancellation and non-active noise cancellation. Both iPhones will possibly include a new case and speakers for the Find My feature, along with a USB-C charging port.

    We are not likely to see a new AirPods Pro until 2026. Apple intends to make the design sleeker and add new amenities for that model, especially for its health features.

    Apple-owned Beats is also working on the next Powerbeats Pro model. Just recently, the prototype was seen showing a transparent design. The improved version of Powerbeats Pro will supposedly be released soon, offering better battery and presenting new additions, while keeping the cable that wraps around the back of your ear for a good workout fit.

    Apple is set to give its current audio range a major upgrade during the next year and a half. If you like AirPods or Beats, many delights are coming your way.

    Source/Via/Via

  • iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19, its next major iPhone update, with a beta release expected in June 2025, shortly after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off on June 9. The official version will likely drop in September 2025, alongside new iPhones, though some features may trickle out later, possibly into 2026.

    iOS 19 will sport a bold new style inspired by the Vision Pro’s visionOS. Picture a glossy, transparent interface with smoother, curvier app icons and a floating navigation bar in apps. This makeover, the most significant since iOS 7, will also refresh iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, creating a seamless look across Apple’s ecosystem.

    Siri’s getting a major boost in iOS 19, powered by enhanced Apple Intelligence. It’ll dive deeper into your emails, photos, and apps, making tasks feel more intuitive. Some of Siri’s advanced tricks might not show up until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026. There’s also buzz about Google Gemini joining ChatGPT as an optional Siri assistant.

    Expect other perks like upgraded Stage Manager for USB-C iPhones, secure RCS texting, real-time translations via AirPods, and a smarter Health app with AI-powered wellness tips. iOS 19 should support iPhone 11 and later models. Post-WWDC, developers will dive into the beta, with a public beta opening up in the summer for eager testers.

  • Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple is reportedly changing its iPhone launch strategy for 2026. According to sources, the company will release its high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in fall 2026, alongside a new foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Air. The standard iPhone 18 will follow in spring 2027.

    New Features and Designs

    The foldable iPhone is expected to have a book-style design with a 5.7-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display. The iPhone 18 Pro models might feature under-display Face ID, a first for the brand.

    iPhone 17 Air: A Thinner Model with Tradeoffs

    The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner, but with a 20% shorter battery life compared to other models. To address this, Apple might revive its Smart Battery Case accessory, discontinued after switching to USB-C. This case would contain a battery pack to help users get through the day.

    Production Plans

    Apple is manufacturing the less expensive iPhone models in India to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The company has reserved 10% of its iPhone manufacturing capacity for the iPhone 17 Air, with conservative estimates due to demand uncertainty. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to account for 40% of production, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro will take up 25% each.

    Source/Via

  • New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    Apple is getting ready to launch new Beats charging cables, according to some online store listings spotted in Canada and Europe. These cables come in three types: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-C to USB-A.

    They’re all 5 feet long, designed with a braided look to avoid tangles, and built to last. You’ll find them in cool new colors like Bolt Black, Surge Stone, and Rapid Red. They’ll be sold in single or double packs. The USB-C to USB-C version can charge devices fast at 60 watts and transfer data at decent speeds.

    These cables work with Apple and Android gadgets, plus Beats gear, and could hit stores as early as April 8, though that date isn’t set in stone yet. Meanwhile, Utah just made history by passing a new law called the App Store Accountability Act.

    Signed by Governor Spencer Cox, it’s the first U.S. law making app stores like Apple and Google check users’ ages. Starting May 7, if a kid under 18 signs up, their account must link to a parent’s, and parents have to okay app downloads or purchases.

    This aims to keep kids safer online. Apple’s already working on new safety features for kids, but some worry about privacy with this law. It might face legal pushbacks that could delay it. Both stories show big moves in tech and safety!

  • New Apple gadgets coming soon

    New Apple gadgets coming soon

    Apple is working on some cool updates for its products. First, the AirPods Max are getting a refresh. The new version will support high-quality sound without any loss in clarity, and it’ll have super-fast response times for gaming or calls.

    Plus, they’re switching to a USB-C port, making it easier to charge with the same cable as other devices. Fans are excited for these upgrades, which should make listening even better. On another note, Apple is also planning to release a foldable iPhone next year, in 2026.

    This phone will bend in half, making it small enough to slip into your pocket but big when you open it up for videos or apps. It’s a big step for Apple, jumping into the foldable phone trend that other companies have already started. People are curious to see how Apple will make it special with its sleek design and smooth software.

    Both the updated AirPods Max and the foldable iPhone show Apple is keeping up with what users want—better sound and fresh ideas. Get ready for these gadgets to hit the market soon!

  • What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    Apple is gearing up to launch its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone 17 Air, sometime later this year. People have been buzzing about how thin it might be compared to the 6.9mm iPhone 6. Now, fresh leaks are giving us a clearer picture of what’s coming.

    For months, guesses about the iPhone 17 Air’s size have bounced around. A recent tip from leaker Ice Universe says it could be just 5.5mm thick—a number analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also mentioned back in January. Another expert, Jeff Pu, thought it’d be closer to 6mm. Screen size rumors vary, too. Kuo suggested a 6.6-inch display, but Ice Universe claims it’ll match the 6.9-inch screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, sharing the same shape and edges as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. They even shared a video showing a possible sneak peek of the phone.

    Last Friday, YouTuber iDeviceHelp teamed up with leaker Majin Bu—who’d shown similar designs earlier—to drop a video. They say their mockups of the standard, Pro Max, and Air models come from secret Apple papers. Watching it, I couldn’t help but notice how the Air’s super-thin edge reminded me of the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro—the thinnest Apple gadget so far.

    One cool detail stands out: the mockups show a camera bar running across the back, kind of like a Google Pixel. It’s unclear if it’s just for looks or does something special, but I like it. My iPhone 15 Pro wobbles on my desk, and this bar—shown on the 17 Pro Max mockup—seems to fix that a bit. The cameras still poke out, though, so it’s not a total win.

    The rest of the design looks familiar—buttons in the usual spots (except for the iPhone 16E, missing its Camera Control button), plus a USB-C port and speakers on the bottom. Up front, expect the Dynamic Island and Face ID. We’ll have to wait until September—Apple’s big reveal time—to see how close these guesses are.