Search results for: “notification”

  • Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple has just rolled out the second test versions of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—for people who want to try them early. These public test versions let users check out new tools and features before they’re officially available. They arrived just a day after Apple shared the updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone and iPad

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates through the Settings app on their devices. You just need to join the testing group on Apple’s website first. The updates bring some cool stuff for iPhone and iPad users. There’s a feature called Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, which puts your most urgent alerts at the top. Plus, there’s a fun new Sketch option in Image Playground for all Apple Intelligence devices.

    For those who love food and news, Apple News+ subscribers get a fresh Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating ideas. You’ll also find a relaxing Ambient Music option in the Control Center. And now, iPad and Mac users can enjoy Mail Categorization, a handy tool that was once only on the iPhone.

    More Goodies in the Second Test Version

    The second test round adds new emoji characters to play with and introduces the Vision Pro app for iPhone users. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners also get Visual Intelligence, making the update even sweeter. Want to know everything these updates offer? Check out our simple iOS 18.4 features guide for the full scoop. With these test versions, Apple is letting everyday users help shape the future of its software—pretty exciting, right?

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple has just shared the second test versions (betas) of new software updates with developers. These updates include visionOS 2.4 for Vision Pro, tvOS 18.4 for Apple TV, watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Mac, and iOS 18.4 for iPhone. This comes two weeks after the first test versions were released. Developers can grab these updates through the Settings app on each device if they’re signed up with Apple.

    The Vision Pro’s visionOS 2.4 update stands out because it adds Apple Intelligence features for the first time. These include tools for writing, creating custom emojis, making memory videos, editing images, sorting notifications, and connecting with ChatGPT. There’s also a new Spatial Gallery app showing off cool 3D videos, photos, and panoramas from artists and creators.

    Plus, a Vision Pro app for iPhone lets users manage their headset, find apps, and add stuff to a watch list. With iOS 18.4, your iPhone can set up a Guest Mode for Vision Pro, letting others try it easily while you control what they see. These updates will launch fully in early April.

    For Mac users, macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings a smarter Mail app that sorts emails into categories like deals, news, and important messages. Apple News+ fans get a new food section with recipes and restaurant stories, while Photos gains memory video options. Apple Intelligence also adds support for more languages. This update will roll out in early April, too.

    On the iPhone side, iOS 18.4 beta now works on iPhone 12 models and the new iPhone 16e after fixing a glitch that caused some devices to freeze. It also brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models—a feature that uses the camera to explain objects or places around you.

    New emojis like tired eyes, a shovel, and a fingerprint are included too, along with quick Apple Intelligence shortcuts in Control Center. These updates show Apple’s focus on making devices smarter and easier to use. Full releases are planned for early April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the changes soon!

  • iOS 18.4: Developer Beta 2 arrives

    iOS 18.4: Developer Beta 2 arrives

    Apple recently rolled out the second beta of iOS 18.4 for developers. For folks in the USA, this update doesn’t pack big changes yet, but it’s a game-changer for users in other regions. Why? It finally unlocks all the Apple Intelligence features that were missing before. We’ve gathered the key updates for you to check out.

    In Beta 1, there were some cool additions, like better CarPlay features, support for robot vacuum cleaners through Matter, and smarter notification sorting. Now, with Beta 2, you can expect a bunch of fixes to smooth out the bugs from the first round.

    If there’s anything else sneaky or exciting hiding in this update, don’t worry—we’ll dig it up and let you know, just like always. This release keeps things moving forward for developers, giving them a chance to test and tweak their apps. For everyone else, it’s a peek at what’s coming when the final version drops. Stay tuned for more!

  • 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!

  • All the cool Apple Intelligence features you can use now

    All the cool Apple Intelligence features you can use now

    Apple Intelligence is the name for a bunch of smart, AI-driven tools that work on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and soon Vision Pro. These features have popped up in updates like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, making your devices work in fresh, exciting ways. Here’s a simple rundown of what’s available now, plus a peek at what’s on the way.

    First Up: iOS 18.1 Brings Writing Help, Photo Tricks, and More

    • Writing Help: Fix mistakes, rephrase sentences, or tweak your text anywhere on your device.
    • Photo Clean-Up: Easily erase stuff you don’t want in your pictures.
    • Memory Movie Maker: Tell it what you want, and it’ll whip up a video from your photos.
    • Smart Photo Search: Find the exact pics or videos you need with better search.
    • Notification Highlights: Get short, useful summaries of your alerts.
    • Siri Boost: Siri’s smarter now—better answers, a fresh look, a smoother voice, and you can even type to it.
    • Top Emails First: Your most urgent emails jump to the top.
    • Quick Replies: Get handy reply suggestions in Mail and Messages.
    • Email and Chat Summaries: See short recaps of conversations instead of scrolling forever.
    • Focus Mode Upgrade: Block distractions but let big stuff through with smarter alerts.

    Next: iOS 18.2 Adds Fun Stuff Like Genmoji and Image Tools

    • Genmoji: Create your own emojis for any app.
    • ChatGPT with Siri: Siri teams up with ChatGPT for extra smarts, or you can ask ChatGPT directly.
    • Image Playground: Make cool AI pictures in cartoon or drawing styles.
    • Visual Smarts: Point your camera at something and get info about it.
    • Image Wand: Turn doodles into pretty artwork in Notes.
    • ChatGPT Writing: Let it write fresh text for you in any app.

    Coming in iOS 18.3: Smarter Visual Tools

    • Poster to Calendar: Snap a flyer and add the event to your schedule.
    • Nature ID: Figure out what plants or animals you’re looking at.

    Soon in iOS 18.4 and Beyond

    The iOS 18.4 beta (out in April) might tweak these, but here’s what’s testing now:

    • Key Alerts: Important notifications stand out on your Lock Screen.
    • More Image Styles: Add a sketch look to your AI-made pics.
    • Vision Pro Joins In: Apple Intelligence hits Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4.

    Final Thoughts

    Apple’s just warming up with these AI goodies. Expect more surprises at WWDC in June for iOS 19. Love it or not, these tools will keep changing how you use your gadgets as they grow smarter and blend into your daily life.

  • Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple has just released the first public test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, watchOS 11.4, and tvOS 15.4. These updates let everyday testers try out fresh features before they officially launch. This comes shortly after Apple shared the same updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates from the Settings app on their devices. The latest software brings some handy additions. For instance, Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, puts your most urgent alerts at the top. There’s also a fun Sketch option in Image Playground for creating cool designs.

    Apple News+ fans will enjoy a new Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating advice. Plus, a relaxing Ambient Music feature is now available right from the Control Center.

    Special Features Coming in iOS 18.4

    The iOS 18.4 update includes a Vision Pro app for owners of the headset. This app makes it simple to find and download new apps, games, and shows straight from your iPhone. It also lets you control Vision Pro’s Guest Mode from your iPhone or iPad, so friends can easily try out the headset.

    Updates for iPad and Mac

    The iPad and Mac updates bring Mail Categorization, a tool that sorts your emails neatly. Until now, this was only available on the iPhone.

    Want to Know More?

    These test versions give a sneak peek at what’s coming. For all the details on the new features, check out our full iOS 18.4 beta rundown.

    With these updates, Apple is making its devices smarter and more fun to use. If you’re a tester, dive in and see what’s new!

  • Apple solves a big CarPlay problem

    Apple solves a big CarPlay problem

    Apple rolled out the iOS 18.4 beta on Friday, bringing some fresh and exciting updates. Among them are Priority Notifications powered by Apple Intelligence, a new Food category in the Apple News app, and a few other goodies. But there’s one smaller tweak that didn’t grab much attention—a change to CarPlay, especially for cars with bigger screens.

    A user named Jace noticed on Threads that CarPlay in iOS 18.4 now shows three rows of app icons instead of just two. This update makes better use of larger car screens, giving you more apps at a glance. Not every car gets this upgrade, though. The extra row only pops up on bigger displays, but it’s not clear exactly how big the screen needs to be.

    For example, MacRumors pointed out that it works on the Toyota Tundra, which can have a screen up to 14 inches. So, if your car’s screen is on the smaller side, you might not see this change yet. This update is a big win for drivers. Car screens keep getting larger, but CarPlay hasn’t always kept up, leaving some space on the display.

    With CarPlay 2 still not here, this fix is a nice in-between solution. It makes things more convenient, especially for people with big screens, by showing more apps at once. That means less swiping through home screen pages while you’re on the road. Overall, it’s a simple but smart move by Apple. For those with the right setup, it makes using CarPlay feel smoother and less cluttered.

  • Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Back in July, people in South Korea started a petition begging Apple to turn on the Find My feature in their country. Many thought it wasn’t available because of strict government rules, but the petition said that wasn’t true. Apple promised to bring Find My to South Korea by spring 2025, and they’re starting to make it happen now.

    Aaron Perris shared on X that the Find My network is up and running in South Korea with the iOS 18.4 beta 1 release. This is great news for folks there—they can now track down their missing gadgets. Plus, it might stop thieves in their tracks since the activation lock, which depends on Find My, was a big point in the petition.

    We’re expecting the full iOS 18.4 update to drop for everyone in April. It comes with some cool extras like Priority Notifications, a fresh Food section in the Apple News app, and more. Want the full scoop? Check out our guide on what’s new in iOS 18.4 beta. If you’re in South Korea and don’t mind trying the beta version, you can finally use this feature that’s been missing from your iPhone for so long.