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  • Apple rolls out macOS Sequoia 15.4 test version and Final Cut Pro update for iPad

    Apple rolls out macOS Sequoia 15.4 test version and Final Cut Pro update for iPad

    Apple recently shared a new test version of macOS Sequoia 15.4, called the Release Candidate 2 (RC 2), with developers. This update comes just three days after the first RC and is a step closer to the final version expected in early April.

    Developers can grab it through the Software Update section in System Settings, but they’ll need an Apple Developer account. This update brings cool features like Mail Categorization, which sorts emails into groups like deals, news, and important messages. It also adds new emoji and a special Food section for Apple News+ users with recipes and dining tips.

    On the same day, Apple upgraded Final Cut Pro for iPad to version 2.1, making video editing smoother. This update works on iPads with iPadOS 17 or later and boosts performance, especially on the latest M4 iPad Pro. It includes better tools for fixing colors, adding effects, and organizing projects.

    The app now supports up to four camera views at once with the new iPad Pro’s front camera, perfect for creative folks on the go. Plus, it’s ready for upcoming Apple Intelligence features, like smarter editing options.

    Both updates show Apple’s focus on making its devices more fun and useful. The macOS tweak helps with everyday tasks, while the iPad app upgrade is a treat for video makers. Keep an eye out for these hitting your devices soon!

  • Apple Maps highlights indigenous areas in Australia and New Zealand

    Apple Maps highlights indigenous areas in Australia and New Zealand

    Starting today, Apple Maps on iPhones, iPads, and Macs shows Indigenous lands in Australia and New Zealand, like reserves and special protected spots. This update helps people see and learn about these important places easily.

    Apple worked with Indigenous communities, map experts, and language keepers to make this happen. In Australia, they used information from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. In New Zealand, they teamed up with Māori tribes and local mapmakers to create detailed info cards and symbols for these lands.

    These cards share facts about the areas, and locals can add their own photos, stories, and words in their native languages. No extra app update is needed—the new features are ready to use now. This change shows Apple’s effort to connect with communities and respect their history. They’ve also started projects in both countries to support education and protect nature, making a bigger difference beyond just maps.

    Want to know more? Apple’s official statement has all the details about these updates and their community work. With this step, Apple Maps becomes more than just a navigation tool—it’s a way to honor and explore the rich cultures of Australia and New Zealand’s Indigenous peoples.

  • Apple boosts US chip production and unveils new iPhone Fold design

    Apple boosts US chip production and unveils new iPhone Fold design

    Apple is stepping up its game with chip production in the United States. TSMC, the company that makes Apple’s chips, says its first US factory took longer than expected to start, but things are now speeding up. Future plants will be built much faster, taking just two years instead of five.

    This means more Apple devices, like iPhones and Macs, will soon use chips made in America, starting with a 3nm plant in 2028 and a 2nm one by 2030. However, the latest, most advanced chips will still come from Taiwan, where TSMC keeps its top tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple is working on something exciting—a foldable iPhone, nicknamed the “iPhone Fold.” It’s set to launch next year with a special hinge made of metallic glass. This material is super strong and won’t bend or dent easily, making the phone tougher and helping the screen stay smooth without creases.

    The iPhone Fold will open to a 7.8-inch display and have a smaller 5.5-inch screen when closed, similar to some Samsung models. Priced around $2,000, it’ll be a premium gadget. Apple has used this metallic glass in small parts before, but this hinge will be its biggest use yet. With faster US chip-making and a cool new phone design, Apple fans have a lot to look forward to!

  • 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?

  • Try out this simple iOS 19 preview on your iPhone

    Try out this simple iOS 19 preview on your iPhone

    Lately, there’s been a lot of excitement about iOS 19, with whispers that the next iPhone update will borrow a fresh look from visionOS. While we’re still guessing what it’ll fully look like, someone has made a cool, hands-on preview of iOS 19 that you can try using an App Clip.

    A person named Shane put this together using a tool called Play. His version mixes in visionOS ideas, like see-through backgrounds that feel like frosted glass, plus deeper shadows and a sense of layers to give it a modern twist. It even has rounded app icons, just like on the Vision Pro.

    What’s neat is you can play around with it! The preview lets you tap into apps like Settings, Music, and Camera — the Camera even shows a live view if you let it. Yesterday, a guy named Prosser shared more iOS 19 sneak peeks based on what he’s heard.

    Adding to the buzz, the WWDC 2025 artwork Apple showed off yesterday has a visionOS vibe too. Apple will officially reveal iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, starting June 9 with a big keynote. Until then, you can check out this iOS 19 preview on your iPhone with the App Clip. It’s a fun way to imagine what’s coming!

  • New goodies for CarPlay and iOS 18.4

    New goodies for CarPlay and iOS 18.4

    Apple’s iOS 18.4 update is bringing some cool stuff to CarPlay and your iPhone. For CarPlay, there are three neat upgrades. First, if your car has a big screen, you’ll see an extra row of app icons—perfect for quick access without swiping too much.

    Second, sports fans can cheer because a new tool lets apps show game scores right on CarPlay, though it might take a bit for apps to catch up. Third, in the EU, you can pick your favorite navigation app—like Google Maps—instead of sticking with Apple Maps, making Siri directions smoother.

    These changes make driving more fun and handy, especially if you’ve got the right car setup. On the iPhone side, iOS 18.4 adds a relaxing new feature: ambient music. You can tap a button in Control Center to play calm tunes for chilling, working, sleeping, or feeling good.

    There are four ready-made options, but you can swap them for your playlists. It’s simple to start, and a hidden mini-app lets you skip tracks or tweak the volume. While it’s only on iPhone and iPad for now (not Mac), it’s a nice way to unwind with just a tap. These updates show Apple’s working hard to make your tech life better, whether you’re on the road or kicking back at home. iOS 18.4 is almost here, so get ready to enjoy!

  • Why Apple’s basic iPad missed out on AI features

    Why Apple’s basic iPad missed out on AI features

    Apple recently shared some big updates, but the simplest iPad didn’t get any new artificial intelligence (AI) tricks. A chart from the company shows why: it’s all about power. The basic iPad uses an older chip, the A14 Bionic, which isn’t strong enough to handle fancy AI tasks.

    Meanwhile, newer devices like the iPad Air and iPad Pro have faster chips, such as the M1 or M2, which can run AI smoothly. This means only the more powerful gadgets get the cool AI upgrades, leaving the entry-level iPad behind.

    The chart makes it clear—AI needs a lot of speed and muscle. The A14 is fine for everyday stuff like browsing or watching videos, but it can’t keep up with the heavy lifting AI requires. Apple seems to be saving the high-tech features for its pricier models.

    So, if you want AI on your iPad, you’ll need to spend more on a stronger device. In other news, Apple also announced that WWDC 2025 will happen in person at Apple Park on June 9. This event is a big deal for developers who build apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    It’s a chance to see new tools and ideas straight from Apple. After going online-only for a while, WWDC is back live, and everyone’s excited to gather again. Mark your calendars—it’s going to be a fun week!

  • 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!

  • No new small iPhone coming soon

    No new small iPhone coming soon

    Apple fans hoping for a new tiny iPhone might feel let down. A fresh report says the company isn’t working on a smaller version, like the old iPhone Mini, anytime soon. The last small model, the iPhone 13 Mini, came out in 2021, and since then, Apple has focused on bigger screens.

    The news comes from a trusted source who knows about Apple’s plans. They say the tech giant is sticking to larger phones because that’s what most people want. Sales numbers back this up—bigger iPhones, like the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, have been more popular than the Mini ever was. Customers seem to love the extra screen space for watching videos, playing games, or working on the go.

    The iPhone Mini was great for folks who liked a phone that fit easily in one hand or a pocket. But not enough people bought it, so Apple shifted gears. Instead of a new Mini, the company is pouring energy into improving its bigger models with better cameras, faster chips, and longer battery life.

    For now, if you want a small iPhone, you’ll have to stick with older ones like the iPhone 13 Mini or look at other brands. Apple’s focus is clear: big screens are the future, and that’s where they’re headed. Fans of tiny phones might have to wait a long time—or maybe forever—for a comeback.

  • Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze, the popular navigation app, is making a big change for iPhone users. Starting next month, it will no longer support Google Assistant. This decision comes after a year of struggles to fix problems that started when Google Assistant was added to the iOS version of Waze in early 2024.

    The issues began when users noticed that Google Assistant wasn’t working smoothly with Waze on their iPhones. People reported glitches, like voice commands not responding or the app crashing. Despite efforts to solve these problems, the fixes didn’t work out. Now, Waze has decided to drop Google Assistant completely from its iPhone app.

    This change only affects iPhone users. If you use Waze on an Android phone, Google Assistant will still be available. For iPhone fans, Waze says you can switch to Siri instead. The app will keep supporting Siri for voice commands, so you can still get directions hands-free.

    Waze hasn’t said much about why the problems couldn’t be fixed. Some think it’s because Google, which owns Waze, wants to focus more on its own voice helper for Android. Whatever the reason, iPhone users will need to adjust starting in April 2025. If you rely on Waze to get around, don’t worry—Siri should keep things running smoothly. Just say goodbye to Google Assistant on your Waze app!