Search results for: “iPhone”

  • How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    Apple regularly updates the software inside your AirPods, making them work better. Usually, these updates happen automatically, but now, Apple has shown us how to start the update ourselves if we want to. Here’s how you can do it with easy steps:

    Updating AirPods and AirPods Pro

    • Ensure your AirPods are close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac – Make sure they can connect through Bluetooth and that your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Place your AirPods in their case and close it – This helps start the update process.
    • Connect the charger – Plug the charger into the case and then into a power source.
    • Wait with the case closed – Keep the lid shut for at least 30 minutes to give the update time to install.
    • Open the case – After waiting, open the lid to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
    • Check the firmware version – See if the update was successful.

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

    Updating AirPods Max

    • Make sure your AirPods Max are near your device – It should be within Bluetooth range, and your device should be on Wi-Fi.
    • Charge them – Plug the charger into the right earphone of your AirPods Max.
    • Give it time – Let them charge and update for at least 30 minutes.
    • Reconnect – After updating, connect them back to your device.
    • Check the version – Verify if the firmware has been updated.

    The way firmware updates work hasn’t changed much; they’ll still happen automatically for most people. But now, if you’re eager to get the latest features or fixes, you can manually update your AirPods or AirPods Max whenever Apple releases new software. This gives you a bit more control over your gadgets.

  • How Apple gains from DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough

    How Apple gains from DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough

    DeepSeek is rapidly changing the AI scene in the U.S. Still, while many of Apple’s rivals face challenges, Apple seems to be gaining advantages from DeepSeek’s early achievements in three key areas.

    Becoming the Top Company Again

    Apple has long been in a race to be known as the world’s richest company by market value. Recently, it lost its crown to NVIDIA, thanks to the AI boom. However, with DeepSeek’s influence on the market, the stocks of many tech giants, including NVIDIA, have dropped, while Apple’s have gone up. Right now, Apple is once again the leading company worldwide, largely thanks to DeepSeek.

    Boost from App Store Popularity

    Over the weekend, DeepSeek’s app became the most downloaded on Apple’s iPhone App Store, a clear sign of its growing fame. This is significant, particularly for an app that was relatively unknown before. At a time when Apple is dealing with legal issues about its App Store, DeepSeek’s success shows how important the App Store rankings are in today’s culture.

    Steering Clear of AI Investment Pitfalls

    Apple is pouring money into AI development but isn’t suffering like its competitors from DeepSeek’s strategy of doing more with less. While others push for huge AI investments, DeepSeek proves that big budgets aren’t always necessary for success. Apple, with its quiet, internal development strategy, avoids the tough questions others face and strengthens its commitment to processing AI directly on devices, which they see as the future.

    In Conclusion

    It’s too soon to say how DeepSeek will shape the AI world in the long run. However, it’s currently stirring things up, causing unease among U.S. tech firms. Apple might be feeling this too, but for now, it’s also reaping the benefits of DeepSeek’s early triumphs.

  • Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple has just launched watchOS 11.3, a big update for the Apple Watch. This new version works with the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, all Apple Watch Ultra watches, and the Apple Watch SE 2.

    To get watchOS 11.3 on your watch, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 18.3. Just open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, and then Software Update. Remember, your watch should have at least 50% battery and be on its charger before you start the update.

    A cool new feature in watchOS 11.3 is the Black Unity watch face. This face goes perfectly with a new band that Apple also released today. The idea behind both the watch face and the band is to celebrate diversity and unity, with designs made by Black artists and their friends at Apple.

    For more details on what else watchOS 11 brings to the table, check out our summary on watchOS 11.

  • Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple has recently rolled out iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, bringing new features and improvements to iPhones and iPads. This update follows six weeks after the release of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2.

    Updating Your Device

    To get the new software, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Apple also updated iPadOS to version 17.7.4 for older iPads that can’t handle the latest iPadOS 18.

    New Features for iPhone 16

    For those with iPhone 16 models, iOS 18.3 introduces Visual Intelligence. Now, you can add events to your Calendar just by taking a picture of a poster or flyer. Plus, it’s easier to identify plants and animals around you.

    Changes in Notifications

    This update also tweaks how notifications work. It makes notification summaries easier to manage from your Lock Screen and changes their appearance to stand out better by using italic text. However, for now, summaries for news and entertainment apps are paused to avoid sending out confusing alerts.

    Bug Fixes and Enhancements

    • The Calculator app now repeats your last calculation if you tap the equals sign again.
    • Fixed a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you start typing a request to Siri.
    • An issue where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed Apple Music has been sorted out.

    Note

    Some of these new features might not be available everywhere or on every Apple device. For more on security updates, check out Apple’s support page at:

    Apple Support

    Looking Ahead

    • We’re looking forward to iOS 18.4 beta, which is expected to bring new Apple Intelligence features for Siri, enhancing your interaction with your device even further.
  • New small HomePod coming soon after long wait

    New small HomePod coming soon after long wait

    It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new model of the tiny HomePod. Launched with the iPhone 12 back in November 2020, fans have been waiting for over four years for a refresh. Good news is, it looks like the wait is almost over with a new version expected to hit the shelves by the end of this year.

    homepod mini thumb feature
    According to recent reports from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is gearing up to introduce the updated HomePod mini sometime at the end of 2025. This new model will come with Apple’s own special Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which supports the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard. This is a step up from the Wi-Fi 4 that the current model uses, promising better and faster connections for enjoying music or using Siri.

    Though specifics are still under wraps, there’s talk that the new HomePod mini might include a more advanced “S” processor, better sound, fresh color choices, and an updated Ultra Wideband chip for quicker handoffs between devices. The current version uses the S5 chip from the 2019 Apple Watch Series 5.

    Alongside this, Apple is also rumored to be working on a new smart home hub. This device could have a display from 6 to 7 inches, set up either on a wall or on a stand with its own speaker, somewhat like the HomePod mini.

    However, while this new hub will support Apple’s smart tech, the upcoming HomePod mini won’t. For more insights on the HomePod mini, check out our detailed overview.

  • Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple is working on a new version of its visionOS software, which currently powers the Apple Vision Pro, to make it work with smart glasses. This move is part of their plan to offer more popular augmented reality (AR) products that are less bulky than their current headset.

    Apple’s Vision Pro Challenges

    The Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, hasn’t been as successful as hoped. Many people have found it too heavy to wear for long periods, too pricey, and it also tends to get hot. Since it was released, interest has dropped, and sales haven’t met Apple’s goals.

    In his newsletter, tech journalist Mark Gurman shared that Apple’s Vision Products Group is now focusing on something lighter and more like the smart glasses Meta made with Ray-Ban. However, it might take at least three years before these glasses are ready, as there’s still a lot of research needed.

    User Studies and Software Development

    Apple is actively testing how people react to different features and interfaces for these glasses at their offices. They’ve named this project “Atlas,” which is being managed by the Product Systems Quality team. This team is part of Apple’s hardware division.

    The research is happening in a secretive spot in Santa Clara, not far from their main office in Cupertino. Last year, Apple let go of some workers there, but those left are focusing on AR tech. They also have a place to test new screen technologies.

    Future Plans for Vision Pro

    Apple is not giving up on the Vision Pro entirely. They’re planning to make a cheaper version with simpler parts, hoping to sell it for about the price of their top-end iPhone, around $1,600. They wanted to launch this model by late 2024, but they’re still perfecting the design.

    Gaming Collaboration

    Additionally, Apple is teaming up with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to the Vision Pro, aiming to make it better for gaming. This partnership has been going on for a few months now.

    By focusing on these new, more accessible AR products, Apple hopes to expand its reach in the tech market and make AR part of everyday life.

  • Celebrating Black History Month: Apple’s new unity collection

    Celebrating Black History Month: Apple’s new unity collection

    For Black History Month this February, Apple has introduced a special Unity Collection, featuring a unique Unity Sport Band for the Apple Watch, a new Unity Dance watch face, and matching wallpapers for both iPhone and iPad.

    Apple’s 2025 Unity Collection

    The Unity Sport Band is now available for purchase, while the new watch face and wallpapers will come with the latest software updates, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and watchOS 11.3, which are set to roll out this week after extensive testing.

    According to Apple, this collection celebrates the spirit of togetherness, with contributions from Black artists and supporters within the company.

    “The Unity Collection, named Unity Dance, beautifully incorporates the colors of the Pan-African flag – black, green, and red,” explains Apple’s announcement. “The Unity Sport Band is designed with a special pattern where the loops change color, showing green on one side and red on the other.”

    The Unity Dance watch face is innovative, displaying numbers made from threads of red, green, and yellow that morph from abstract art into clear time digits when you lift your wrist. The wallpapers for iPhone and iPad also echo this theme, using the same unique typography to spell out “Unity.”

    Note: Discussions about this topic are hosted in our Political News section. All can read, but only members with 100 or more posts can contribute to the conversation.

  • Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Apple has announced that the new iOS 18.3 update will be available very soon, possibly even today. They made this known while introducing a new Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch.

    Changes in Notification Summaries

    iOS 18.3 has changed how notification summaries look and work. Now, you’ll see summaries in italic text, making them easier to spot. However, Apple has turned off news summary features for now because they weren’t always getting the stories right. They’ve promised to fix this in the next update. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your phone’s lock screen.

    Visual Intelligence Gets Better

    If you have an iPhone 16, you’re in for a treat with iOS 18.3. It upgrades the Visual Intelligence feature which you activate with the Camera Control button. Now, you can use your camera to learn more about things around you, like adding events to your calendar from posters or identifying plants and animals. This cool feature isn’t available on older iPhones though.

    Calculator App Update

    A handy little feature has returned to the Calculator app in iOS 18.3. If you hit the equals button again, it’ll repeat the last calculation, which is great for figuring out things like compound interest without retyping everything.

    Celebrating Black History Month

    To celebrate Black History Month, Apple has released a special Black Unity Sport Loop band for the Apple Watch, along with a new Unity Rhythm watch face and matching wallpapers for your iPhone and iPad. These will come with the iOS 18.3 update.

    Bug Fixes

    iOS 18.3 also tackles some bugs. It fixes a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you’re typing to Siri, and another where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed the Apple Music app.

    Future Home App Feature

    Although not active yet, iOS 18.3’s code hints at upcoming support for robot vacuums in the Home app. Apple says this feature will be available in a future update, possibly iOS 18.4.

    So, keep an eye out for this update, which promises to make your iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable.

  • New Apple Sports App Update: Easier navigation and game broadcast details

    New Apple Sports App Update: Easier navigation and game broadcast details

    Apple has just updated its Sports app for iPhone, introducing some cool new features that make it even better for sports fans. First off, the update makes it easier to move around the app. Now, you can simply swipe left or right to check out all your favorite leagues and teams, making it quicker to get to the sports you love.

    Next up, if you’re into soccer, you’ll be happy to know that the app now supports more soccer events, including the FA Cup, EFL Championship, and League Cup. This means you get to stay updated with more soccer action right at your fingertips.

    One of the biggest updates is the addition of broadcast information for national games. Now, you won’t have to guess where to watch the big games; the app tells you right where to tune in.

    Here’s what’s new in Apple Sports version 2.4:

    • The soccer section has grown, now covering the FA Cup, EFL Championship, and League Cup.
    • Easy navigation – just swipe to move between your followed leagues and teams.
    • Game pages now show you where to watch national sports events.

    You can grab this update from the App Store today.

    Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the exciting Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs, happening in New Orleans on February 9. The best part? You can stream the game in 4K for free this year, making it easier than ever to enjoy the big game.

  • Apple may bring AirPods with tiny cameras soon

    Apple may bring AirPods with tiny cameras soon

    Apple is reportedly considering adding small cameras to future AirPods, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned. In his recent Power On newsletter, Gurman briefly touched on the idea of AirPods featuring tiny cameras, highlighting Apple’s growing focus on wearable technology. However, he didn’t elaborate on how these cameras might be used.

    Rather than capturing photos, these cameras are expected to function as infrared sensors. Apple supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared in June 2024 that Apple could begin mass-producing AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. These sensors would work similarly to the Face ID receiver on iPhones.

    According to Kuo, these advanced AirPods are designed to enhance spatial audio, especially when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset. For instance, if someone wearing these AirPods and the Vision Pro turns their head in a particular direction while watching a video, the audio in that direction could become more prominent, offering a richer, more immersive experience.

    Another exciting possibility is “in-air gesture control,” where the infrared cameras might allow users to interact with devices through hand movements, further integrating AirPods into Apple’s ecosystem of innovative controls.

    If the production schedule remains on track, these futuristic AirPods could hit the market around 2026 or 2027, potentially marking a big step forward in wearable tech.

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