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  • Apple launches iOS 18.4 final test version

    Apple launches iOS 18.4 final test version

    Apple has just rolled out the final test version of iOS 18.4, called the Release Candidate (RC), for developers and eager testers. This update brings some cool new stuff and fixes to make your iPhone work even better. It’s now available to download if you’re part of Apple’s testing crew.

    One big highlight is the improved battery life, which should keep your phone running longer. There are also tweaks to make apps open faster and run smoother. Plus, Apple patched up some bugs that were causing trouble in earlier versions, so things should feel more stable now.

    If you’re in the developer or public beta program, you can grab this update straight from your iPhone’s settings. Just head to the Software Update section, and it’ll be waiting for you. This RC version is super close to the final one everyone will get soon, so it’s a great sneak peek.

    Apple’s been working hard to make iOS 18.4 awesome, and this test version shows off their progress. Keep an eye out for the official release, which should drop any day now!

  • Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple has just rolled out a fresh update for Safari Technology Preview, a special browser they first shared in March 2016. This version is like a playground for Apple to try out new ideas they might add to the regular Safari browser later on.

    What’s New in Safari Test Version 215

    The latest Safari Technology Preview 215 brings tweaks and upgrades to things like styling (CSS), pictures, coding (JavaScript), internet connections, scrolling, text handling, web tools (Web API), and add-ons (Web Extensions). It’s all about making things work better and smoother.

    This update works on devices running macOS Sonoma or the brand-new macOS Sequoia, Apple’s latest operating system. You can grab this Safari Technology Preview update through the Software Update option in System Preferences or System Settings, as long as you’ve already downloaded the browser from Apple’s site. If you want the full scoop on what’s changed, check out the release notes on the Safari Technology Preview webpage.

    Why Apple Made This Browser

    Apple created Safari Technology Preview to hear what developers and everyday users think about its progress. It’s a way to test and improve the browser before changes hit the main Safari everyone uses. The cool part? You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser.

    Plus, while it’s built with developers in mind, anyone can download it—no special account is needed. This update keeps Apple’s experimental browser moving forward, giving people a sneak peek at what’s coming while ironing out the kinks. If you’re curious about the future of Safari or just love trying new tech, this might be worth a look!

  • Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple recently rolled out a fresh app called “Maps Surveyor” on Friday, designed for people eager to help make Apple Maps better. This app lets users gather info about their local areas—like snapping pictures—and send it straight to Apple. But it’s not open to everyone just yet.

    What’s the Deal with Maps Surveyor?

    The app’s description says, “Surveyor assists Apple in upgrading Maps by grabbing details like street sign photos and roadside sights while following a set path.” It’s free to download from the App Store, but it looks like Apple made it for a select group of users.

    Once you install it, the app asks you to open another app called Premise. This platform pays people small rewards for doing easy tasks, like answering questions, sharing personal details, or taking pictures of certain spots. In short, it’s a place where users earn cash for helping out.

    According to MacRumors, hints in the app’s code show that Apple plans to team up with Premise to invite folks to improve Maps and get rewards in return. Users will need to attach their iPhone to a mount sideways and use Maps Surveyor to snap photos along a planned route.

    A Quiet Start

    The list of companies that provide data for Apple Maps doesn’t include this new app yet—maybe because it’s brand new. Apple already uses its own cars to drive around cities worldwide, collecting info to polish up Maps. The Surveyor app seems like an extra way to get help from everyday users.

    Right now, Maps Surveyor is only available in the United States. If you’ve got an Apple device and want to pitch in, you can still use the “Report an Issue” feature in Apple Maps to share your thoughts with the team. This quiet launch shows Apple’s ongoing effort to make its mapping tool sharper and more reliable, one photo at a time!

  • New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    The next iPhone update, iOS 18.4, brings a feature many people have been asking for, but it’s not available everywhere yet.

    Picking Your Favorite Navigation App

    With iOS 18.4, you can choose a navigation app other than Apple Maps to be your go-to. This is great news if you prefer apps like Google Maps or Waze. However, this option is only for people in the European Union (EU). To set it up, just go to the Settings app, tap Apps, then Default Apps, and pick your navigation app under Navigation. Apple added this because of a new EU rule called the Digital Markets Act. We wish this choice was available for everyone around the world!

    A Little Something for U.S. Users

    For those in the U.S., Apple didn’t leave you out completely. With iOS 18.4, you can pick a default translation app. So, if you like Google Translate better than Apple’s own Translate app, you can make it your main one. It’s not as big as the navigation change, but it’s a nice touch.

    When’s It Coming?

    Right now, iOS 18.4 is being tested in its beta version. Apple says it’ll be ready for everyone to download in early April. That’s according to their official website.
    This update shows that Apple is listening to what people want, even if some features are limited to certain places. Hopefully, more options like these will roll out globally soon!

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

    What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

    The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

    The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

    It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

    New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

    Combining Chips for the Future

    Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

  • How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    The iPhone 16e reviews are out, and Apple’s new C1 modem is stealing the spotlight. People thought it might lag behind Qualcomm modems, but the early results tell a different story—its speed is holding up pretty well! The C1 modem skips the super-fast mmWave 5G used in the U.S., but it still matches the 5G performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem, which powers the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s what some tech reviewers found.

    Allison Johnson from The Verge said she barely noticed a difference between the C1 and X71. She tested the iPhone 16e for FaceTime calls, uploading big video files in busy spots, and streaming YouTube on a bus. She compared it to a regular iPhone 16 with a Qualcomm modem on Verizon, and both worked about the same.

    John Velasco from Tom’s Guide agreed. He tested the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 in New York City and found no big speed gaps. Only one test showed the 16e pulling ahead slightly. What about hard numbers? Andru Edwards, in a video review, clocked the iPhone 16e at 673 Mbps download speed in his suburban New York yard on AT&T. The iPhone 16 Pro Max hit 667 Mbps in the same spot—pretty close! In busy New York City, the 16e reached 127 Mbps, beating the Pro Max’s 75 Mbps, though the Pro Max uploaded faster (50 Mbps vs. 30 Mbps).

    YouTuber Dave Lee from Dave2D tested in Toronto on the Bell network. His iPhone 16e was 30-40 Mbps faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the Chinese channel Geekerwan ran lab tests with an artificial 5G network. The iPhone 16e matched the iPhone 16 and other phones in speed and reliability.

    Apple claims the C1 is their most energy-saving modem yet—up to 25% more efficient than Qualcomm’s. Geekerwan’s tests back this up, showing the 16e using 0.67W compared to 0.88W for the iPhone 16. Overall, the C1 modem surprises everyone by keeping up with the best, while sipping less power, in both real life and lab settings.

  • 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 launches Safari Technology Preview 214 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple launches Safari Technology Preview 214 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple rolled out a fresh update today for Safari Technology Preview, a special browser it first launched in March 2016. This version is built for people to try out new features Apple is working on for future Safari updates.

    What’s New in Safari Technology Preview 214

    The latest Safari Technology Preview 214 brings tweaks and upgrades to things like the browser itself, CSS, JavaScript, media playback, networking, how pages look, Web API, and the Web Inspector tool. This release works smoothly on devices running macOS Sonoma or the brand-new macOS Sequoia, Apple’s latest operating system.

    You can grab this update through the Software Update option in System Preferences or System Settings if you’ve already downloaded the browser from Apple’s site. Full details about what’s included are listed on the Safari Technology Preview webpage.

    Why Apple Made This Browser

    Apple created Safari Technology Preview to get input from developers and everyday users about how the browser is shaping up. It’s designed to run alongside the regular Safari browser, so you can use both at once. While it’s mainly for developers, anyone can download it—no special account needed.

  • Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft has rolled out a fresh Copilot app made just for Mac computers. This means people who use Copilot can now enjoy it through a smooth, Mac-friendly program. Copilot is Microsoft’s smart AI tool, powered by OpenAI tech. It works a lot like ChatGPT, helping users with all sorts of tasks. You can ask it questions, get coding tips, upload pictures for extra details, create text or images, sum up info, dig into research, open shortcuts, and more.

    Now, Mac users can have this handy AI helper right on their screens. The app lets you upload photos, make images and text, use quick shortcuts, switch to dark mode, and explore a feature called Think Deeper. Microsoft Copilot is like a daily sidekick—chatting with it feels natural and boosts learning, growth, and confidence thanks to OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI brains.

    The app itself is free with no extra costs inside, but Copilot offers both free and paid options. For those wanting the newest AI features, Copilot Pro costs $20 per month per person.
    You can grab the Microsoft Copilot app from the Mac App Store at no charge. It works on any Mac with an Apple silicon chip running macOS 14 or newer. [Direct Link]