Search results for: “notification”

  • What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    Apple just dropped the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. It doesn’t have all the Apple Intelligence goodies we were expecting, but there are still some cool updates worth checking out.

    Priority Notifications

    There’s a new feature called Priority Notifications that puts your most urgent alerts at the top. It’s off by default, but you can switch it on in Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. Once it’s active, Apple Intelligence will highlight key notifications on your Lock Screen.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    Image Playground now has a Sketch style, adding to Animation and Illustration. It used to be just for Image Wand, but now you can pick it as a third option. Switch styles by hitting the “+” button in the app. Plus, the “Winter Holidays” theme is gone, replaced with a fresh “Spring” vibe.

    More Languages for Apple Intelligence

    New languages include French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. There’s also local English for Singapore and India.

    Apple News+ Food Section

    For Apple News+ users, iOS 18.4 brings a Food section packed with recipes, restaurant stories, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Big names like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats contribute content. You’ll find a Recipe Catalog that updates often, a cook mode with step-by-step help, and an option to save recipes offline.

    Chill with Ambient Music

    A new Ambient Music feature lets you add soothing sounds to Control Center. Choose from Sleep, Chill, Productivity, or Wellbeing. Tap one, and it plays random tunes from that vibe. Skip tracks or see what’s playing via Dynamic Island or the Now Playing widget.

    Mail Gets Organized on iPad

    iPadOS 18.4 upgrades the Mail app with categories. Important emails land in the Primary section, while others sort into deals, newsletters, orders, or social updates. This was already on iPhone with iOS 18.2.

    Privacy Dots Stand Out

    Those tiny dots showing camera or microphone use? They’re now on the left of the menu bar with a bold black background, making them easier to spot.

    Siri’s New Accents

    Siri gets two fresh Australian voices to mix things up.

    Genmoji Gets Clearer

    The Genmoji icon on the Emoji keyboard now says “Genmoji” instead of just a colorful smiley, so it’s simpler to find and use.

  • Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16E with new A18 chip, starting at $599

    Apple has just launched the iPhone 16e, aimed at being an affordable option for smartphone users. This new model takes over from the discontinued third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e boasts a bigger 6.1-inch OLED screen, a step up from the 4.7-inch LCD of its predecessor. It now sports a notch for Face ID, signaling the end of the Touch ID era for Apple’s phones.

    Under the hood, the phone runs on the brand-new A18 chip, which not only speeds up the device but also supports Apple’s smart features like summarizing notifications and creating personalized emojis. Another highlight is the custom 5G modem, dubbed C1, that Apple developed in-house. This modem is said to be so energy-efficient that it gives the iPhone 16e the best battery life among all 6.1-inch iPhones.

    For photography, there’s a single 48-megapixel camera on the back, which Apple claims can offer a 2x zoom with optical-quality results. Design-wise, the iPhone 16e introduces an Action button where the traditional Ring/Silent switch used to be, and it has moved to a USB-C port, leaving behind the Lightning connector. However, it does not include the Camera Control button seen in other iPhone 16 models.

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin on February 21. It’s priced at $599 in the U.S., and you can choose between white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. This new iPhone aims to blend advanced technology with affordability, providing an entry point into Apple’s ecosystem for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

    iPhone 16E
    iPhone 16E
  • iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air to use top-notch screens

    iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air to use top-notch screens

    The upcoming iPhone 17 series from Apple will all feature Samsung’s high-quality “M14” OLED screen, says a tech insider on Weibo. Samsung’s “M” series screens are known for being in top smartphones, and the “14” means they use a lot of good materials to make them. This “M14” screen was first seen in last year’s iPhone 16 Pro models. It’s brighter by 30% and lasts longer because they made the blue light part work better.

    Interestingly, Samsung’s newest Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a slightly older screen, the M13, which might mean that the regular iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air might have better screens in some ways. Apple choosing the M14 screen for all its new phones makes sense because it wants to add ProMotion to all models. ProMotion means the screen can change how fast it refreshes, up to 120 times per second for smooth scrolling and videos. Before, only the “Pro” iPhones had this.

    With ProMotion, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air screens can also slow down to just 1 refresh per second to save power, showing the time, notifications, and background even when the phone is off. Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro models got bigger screens, increasing from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches for the Pro, and from 6.69 inches to 6.86 inches for the Pro Max.

    In 2025, Apple plans to give the regular iPhone 17 a larger 6.27-inch screen too. The new iPhone 17 Air, which takes over from the Plus model, is expected to have a 6.6-inch screen, making it larger than the iPhone 17 but smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    Source

  • New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    Apple is quietly working on a new update for iPhones called iOS 18.3.1. We know this thanks to our website’s tracking, which has proven to be a good sign of what updates are coming next. You can expect this update to roll out in the coming weeks.

    About iOS 18.3.1

    This update isn’t going to be a big one. It’s mainly about fixing small problems and making sure your iPhone is safer by patching up security holes. One thing to note, the feature that gives you quick summaries of notifications for news and fun apps was turned off in the last update because it wasn’t working right. We don’t know yet if this will be fixed in iOS 18.3.1 or if we’ll have to wait for another update.

    Looking Ahead to iOS 18.4

    We’re also on the lookout for the first test version of iOS 18.4, which should come out this month. This update is set to bring some cool new stuff like better AI features for Siri, new emojis, and the option for people in the EU to choose their favorite map or translation apps by default. According to Apple’s site, we might see iOS 18.4 in April, after some testing.

    So, keep an eye out for these updates if you want your iPhone to run smoothly and securely!

  • Why Apple hasn’t released AR Glasses yet

    Why Apple hasn’t released AR Glasses yet

    Last week, a tech insider shared that Apple had stopped working on its AR glasses after some less-than-stellar demonstrations. Despite the Vision Pro not gaining much traction in sales, AR glasses seemed like the next big step for Apple’s Vision line. But here’s why that might not happen anytime soon.

    Vision Pro: A Glimpse into the Future

    When the Vision Pro was introduced last year, critics had two main points:

    • It was too heavy; glasses would be better.
    • It was too pricey.

    Apart from these issues, many agreed that Apple had done an amazing job with the Vision Pro’s software and hardware. The device seemed futuristic, but current limitations held it back.

    Why No AR Glasses Yet?

    There are two big reasons why Apple might not launch AR glasses soon:

    1. Physical Challenges

    Apple finds it hard to make the Vision Pro light enough for comfortable use. If they can’t make a lighter version of their current product, dreaming of AR glasses might be too far-fetched for now.

    2. Apple’s Other Wearables

    • Apple already has successful products like the AirPods and Apple Watch. These devices can do much of what smart glasses offer:
    • Siri and voice commands through AirPods.

    Notifications, calls, and more on your wrist with the Apple Watch.
    There are even rumors that future AirPods will include cameras, making smart glasses even less necessary for now.

    Smart Glasses vs. Existing Tech

    While smart glasses from other companies like Meta have been well-received, they mainly offer what Apple’s current wearables already do or will soon. Why wear glasses when your AirPods and Apple Watch can handle the same tasks without the bulk?

    Looking Ahead

    Is there a future where everyone wears AR glasses? Possibly. But for that to happen, technology must advance to make such a product truly compelling. For now, Apple focusing on improving Vision Pro, AirPods, and Apple Watch seems like the smarter move. This strategy could eventually lead to the AR glasses we’re dreaming of, but it will take some years.

  • Exciting updates in iOS 18.4: Seven new Apple Intelligence features

    Exciting updates in iOS 18.4: Seven new Apple Intelligence features

    Apple Intelligence has been making waves since its debut in iOS 18.1, and with the upcoming iOS 18.4, there’s even more to look forward to. Here are seven key features and changes that are on the horizon.

    Siri’s New Powers: Seeing What You See

    Imagine Siri understanding what’s on your screen just like the Vision Pro does. With iOS 18.4, Siri will gain this ability, making interactions much smoother. For instance, if you see a new address in a message, you could just tell Siri to add it to your contacts, and it would happen without any extra steps.

    Siri’s Expanded App Abilities

    With the new update, Siri will be able to do lots more without needing to open apps. It can perform actions like finding and editing a photo, then moving it to a specific folder in the Files app, all through voice commands.

    Siri Knows You Better

    Siri will now have a deeper understanding of you, similar to a personal assistant. You could ask Siri to find a recipe sent by a friend, and it would search through your emails, messages, and notes to find it. It can also retrieve personal details like your passport number or check your calendar.

    Smart Notification Prioritization

    Apple Intelligence will make your notifications smarter by highlighting the most urgent ones at the top of your list. This means you’ll catch the important stuff without sifting through less relevant alerts.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    The Image Playground app will finally introduce the ‘Sketch’ style option that was promised but missing in earlier versions. This adds another creative way to produce images with AI.

    Apple Intelligence in Europe

    Good news for European users; Apple Intelligence features will expand to iPhones and iPads in the EU, starting with iOS 18.4 in April.

    More Languages for AI

    Apple is set to support more languages for its AI features, including Chinese, various forms of English, French, German, and several others, making Apple Intelligence more accessible globally.

    Once iOS 18.4 rolls out, we’ll see all the promised Apple Intelligence features from last year’s WWDC become a reality. With these updates, Apple continues to push the envelope on what AI can do for you, setting the stage for even more advancements in iOS 19.

  • Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    This week, Apple released iOS 18.3, bringing new features but also taking one away. Specifically, they turned off AI-generated summaries for notifications in two types of apps, and one of these choices has left me puzzled.

    Why News Apps Lost Summaries

    It’s unusual for Apple to take away features in iPhone updates, but they did just that with iOS 18.3. The AI summaries for news apps were disabled because they were giving out incorrect information, which caused a stir. This made sense since people were complaining about misleading news alerts.

    The Mystery of Entertainment Apps

    The summaries for entertainment apps have also been turned off, and this is what’s confusing. If you check your iPhone settings under Notifications > Summarize Notifications, you’ll see apps like Disney+, Max, and YouTube marked as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ for summaries.

    I looked at the App Store’s Entertainment section, which now is easy to find at the top of the Apps tab. It’s mostly streaming services, along with some music, podcast, and even drawing apps. I can’t figure out why these would need their summaries disabled unless there was some issue with podcast titles that sound like news.

    What’s Next?

    Apple has promised that these features will come back once they fix the problems with the AI. I hope they do this soon, as it would be great to have those useful summaries back. Until then, the absence of these features in entertainment apps remains a bit of a puzzle to me.

  • iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    Apple is rumored to replace the iPhone “Plus” with a new model called the iPhone “Air” in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s what we’ve learned from various sources about this upcoming slim phone.

    The Name “Air”

    The term “Air” has been floated by tech experts like Jon Prosser and Mark Gurman, suggesting that this new phone will be thinner than previous models. This iPhone 17 Air aims to fill the gap between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro versions, offering a sleek alternative to the less popular Plus model.

    How Thin Will It Be?

    Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone yet, with a possible thickness of just 5.5mm, even thinner than the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm. It’s expected to feature an aluminum body instead of the titanium used in Pro models, which contributes to its slim profile. However, there’s talk that it might only have one speaker due to space constraints.

    Screen Size

    The screen might be around 6.6 inches, according to analyst Jeff Pu, although another source, Ross Young, mentions a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display. This would make it smaller than the current iPhone 16 Plus’s 6.7-inch screen.

    Display Features

    All iPhone 17 models, including the Air, are rumored to get ProMotion, meaning a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for better scrolling and viewing. This would also allow for an always-on display, showing time and notifications when the phone is locked.

    Camera Changes

    The camera layout might shift to the top center of the phone, a departure from the traditional top-left corner placement. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air might only have one rear camera, according to leaks.

    Durability and Camera Upgrades

    The screen is expected to be more durable with an anti-reflective coating. The front-facing camera could see an upgrade to 24 megapixels, promising better selfies with more detail and clarity.

    Memory and Processing Power

    The new model is likely to come with 8GB of RAM, matching the current iPhone 16 lineup. It’s also expected to run on the A19 chip, potentially offering better performance and efficiency.

    In-House Tech

    Apple might introduce its own 5G modem in this model, alongside a Wi-Fi chip, aiming for better connectivity and power efficiency. The phone will reportedly go SIM-less, using only eSIM technology globally.

    Price

    There’s some debate on pricing; it could either be priced like the iPhone 16 Plus at around $899 or might even be more expensive than the Pro Max if it’s positioned as a premium device.

    With these rumors, the iPhone 17 Air sounds like it could be a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, focusing on sleek design while maintaining high performance. However, these are still leaks and subject to change as we approach the expected September 2025 release.

  • What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    Apple has just released iOS 18.3 for everyone to download. We’ve already covered the new features, but here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new according to Apple’s official notes:

    Visual Intelligence with Camera Control (For all iPhone 16 models):

    • Add Events to Calendar: Now you can add an event to your Calendar just by snapping a picture of a poster or flyer.
    • Identify Plants and Animals: Your camera can now help you learn about nature by identifying different plants and animals.

    Notification Summaries (For iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max):

    • Manage Summaries Easily: You can now control your notification summary settings right from the lock screen.
    • New Look for Summaries: Notifications that are summarized now show up in italics and with a special icon, making them easy to spot.
    • Temporary Hold on Some Apps: Summaries for News and Entertainment apps are paused for now, but you can choose to get them back when they’re ready.

    Other Updates and Fixes:

    • Calculator: If you press equals again, it will repeat your last calculation, making quick math easier.
    • Siri: No more issues with the keyboard disappearing when you start typing a command.
    • Apple Music: Fixed a problem where music would keep playing even after you close the app.

    This update aims to make your iPhone experience smoother and more intuitive. Whether you’re organizing your schedule or just exploring the outdoors, iOS 18.3 has something to make daily tasks a bit easier.

  • 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.