Search results for: “AI”

  • Apple updates App Store rules in Europe to follow new law

    Apple updates App Store rules in Europe to follow new law

    Apple recently changed its App Store rules in the European Union to meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These updates, announced on June 26, 2025, allow app developers to tell users about other payment options outside the App Store, like buying directly from their websites.

    Starting with iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, users will see a new interface for installing apps from alternative app stores or developer websites. Later in 2025, Apple plans to offer a tool for developers to start these downloads directly within their apps.

    However, Apple warns that these changes might make iPhones and iPads less secure, raising risks of scams or harmful content. Despite these updates, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple, calling the changes “unlawful” and a “malicious compliance scheme.”

    He argues that Apple’s new fees, like a 5% commission on external purchases, hurt developers who use other payment methods. Sweeney says these rules make it tough for developers to compete fairly and limit features like automatic app updates.

    Apple disagrees with the European Commission’s push for these changes and plans to appeal, but it will follow the rules for now. The EU will review Apple’s efforts to ensure it meets DMA standards. Developers can use the new tools right away, but many are waiting to see if the fees will change.

    Source/Via

  • Apple’s new C1 Modem: Where it’s headed next

    Apple’s new C1 Modem: Where it’s headed next

    Apple introduced its C1 modem with the iPhone 16e, bringing two big perks: better battery life and improved performance. This new tech is a step away from Qualcomm’s 5G modems, which Apple used before. The C1 saves power and works closely with iOS to make your phone feel faster by prioritizing important data.

    Apple made this modem to control more of its tech and cut costs, leading to a smoother experience for users. However, not all Apple devices are getting the C1 yet. Recent products like the M3 iPad Air, A16 iPad, and M4 MacBook Air don’t have it, sticking with Qualcomm’s modems.

    This fall, only one new device will feature the C1: the iPhone 17 Air. This super-thin iPhone, replacing the Plus model, will use the C1 to stay slim while keeping good battery life. Other models, like the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, will still use Qualcomm modems.

    Why is Apple rolling out the C1 slowly? It might be due to deals with Qualcomm, caution about possible connection issues, or just careful planning. For now, if you want the C1’s benefits, you’ll need an iPhone 16e or the upcoming iPhone 17 Air. Looking ahead, Apple’s full iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 is expected to use a new C2 modem.

  • New apps coming to iPadOS 26 and a watchOS 26 warning

    New apps coming to iPadOS 26 and a watchOS 26 warning

    Apple’s upcoming iPadOS 26 update will bring four new apps to all supported iPads: Phone, Preview, Journal, and Games. The Phone app lets you make and receive calls directly on your iPad, a feature many users have long wanted.

    Preview makes it easy to view and edit images or PDFs, similar to its Mac counterpart, making it perfect for quick tasks like cropping photos. The Journal app offers a simple way to write down thoughts and memories, while the Games app pulls together App Store and Apple Arcade titles with features like leaderboards and achievements.

    These additions make iPads more versatile, though some users feel the simplified iPad mode could use more multitasking options like split view. On the other hand, if you own a Hermès Apple Watch, be cautious with watchOS 26 beta 2.

    Apple warns that this update causes Hermès watches to overheat, crash repeatedly, and fail to charge, likely due to issues with the Hermès watch face. The problem also affects iOS 26 beta 2, where the Apple Watch app on iPhones won’t open if paired with a Hermès model.

    Unpairing the watch fixes the app issue, but re-pairing doesn’t work. Apple advises avoiding these betas until the next update, expected soon, resolves the crashes. Both updates are part of Apple’s 2025 software overhaul, with iPadOS 26 set to launch in September. Stay tuned for more details as public betas roll out in July.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip set for fall release

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip set for fall release

    Apple is gearing up to launch new iPad Pro models with its latest M5 chip later this year. According to reports, Samsung Display and LG Display have started mass-producing OLED screens for these devices. Last year, Samsung supplied the 11-inch OLED panels, while LG handled the 13-inch ones for the iPad Pro.

    This time, both companies will share production for both sizes, as Apple aims to strengthen its supply chain and expand OLED use. Plans are in place to bring OLED displays to the iPad mini in 2026 and the iPad Air in 2027. The upcoming iPad Pro won’t see big changes beyond the M5 chip, which will use TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer technology for better performance and efficiency.

    One small tweak might be the Apple logo on the back, switching to a landscape orientation to look upright when used with a keyboard. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that these new iPad Pro models could hit stores around October, following the timeline of previous releases in 2018 and 2022.

    For comparison, the M4 iPad Pro models, which introduced OLED displays, a slimmer design, and Apple Pencil Pro support, launched in May 2024. This update focuses on performance rather than a major redesign, making it a solid but modest upgrade for iPad Pro fans.

  • Apple fights court’s tough App Store ruling in Epic Games dispute

    Apple fights court’s tough App Store ruling in Epic Games dispute

    Apple is pushing back against a court’s strict order in its ongoing legal clash with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. The company filed an appeal on June 24, 2025, asking the Ninth Circuit Court to overturn a decision that stops Apple from charging fees on in-app purchases made outside its App Store.

    Apple also wants a new judge if the case returns to the lower court, arguing the current judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, might not be fair due to past rulings. The fight started in 2021 when Epic won a court order allowing developers to guide users to other payment options.

    However, in April 2025, Judge Rogers found Apple didn’t follow this order and was acting unfairly by still charging a 27% fee on outside payments. She issued a stronger rule, banning Apple from collecting any fees on these transactions, calling it a punishment for not obeying the court.

    Apple says this new rule goes too far, hurts its business, and isn’t fair under California law or the U.S. Constitution. The company argues it has spent years building a safe and trusted App Store, and this order could harm users and developers.

    Epic Games, meanwhile, stayed quiet on the latest appeal. Apple’s appeal aims to protect its control over the App Store while keeping the platform secure. The outcome could shape how app stores work and affect developers and users alike.

  • What’s coming for Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025

    What’s coming for Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025

    Apple is gearing up for exciting updates to its Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro, set to launch later in 2025. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect from these new devices.
    For the Apple TV 4K, it’s been almost three years since the last update in 2022, and a new model is coming soon.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device is planned for a late 2025 release, likely in October or November. It will feature a faster chip, possibly the A17 Pro or A18, to support better gaming and Apple Intelligence features like an improved Siri. There’s also talk of a built-in camera for FaceTime calls and gesture controls, plus a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for smoother connections. Some hope for a lower price, maybe under $100, to compete with other streaming devices.

    The iPhone 17 Pro is also getting a fresh look. It will swap the usual camera bump for a sleek “camera bar” that stretches across the back, creating a cleaner design. Dummy units shared by Majin Bu show this in black.

    The phone will boast a 48MP telephoto lens, multi-camera video recording, and a 24MP front camera for sharper selfies. These upgrades aim to enhance photography and video, launching alongside other iPhones in September. Both devices show Apple’s focus on smarter tech and better user experiences, making them 2025 must-haves.

  • Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple faced a hiccup with its iCloud services, causing trouble for some users. According to Apple’s System Status page, services like iCloud Mail, Photos, iWork, and account sign-ins were affected, starting around 2:36 p.m. Eastern Time. Users reported issues like being unable to access files or photos or facing slow syncing.

    The Find My service was briefly down but fixed by 6:41 p.m. Eastern Time. However, other services continued to have problems, leaving some users frustrated as they couldn’t access their data smoothly. Apple is working to resolve these issues, but no clear reason for the outage has been shared yet.

    In brighter news, Apple updated its Invites app to version 1.3, adding a bunch of new background options for event planning. The app, launched earlier in 2025, helps users organize events like pool parties or game nights with custom invitations.

    The new backgrounds make invites more fun and fitting for different occasions, from casual hangouts to big celebrations. While the app supports creating AI-generated backgrounds with Image Playground, these new built-in options are especially helpful for users with older iPhones that don’t support Apple Intelligence.

    You need an iCloud+ subscription, starting at $0.99 per month, to create events, but anyone can RSVP, even without an iPhone, using a web browser. The update makes event planning more colorful and user-friendly.

  • Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple recently rolled out exciting updates for its users. The second beta of macOS Tahoe, released on June 24, 2025, now lets developers test AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac. To try it, connect your AirPods, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and toggle on beta updates.

    This feature, already available on iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, will open to public beta testers in July, making it easier to explore new AirPods features like better call audio and studio-quality recording. Meanwhile, iOS 26’s beta introduces a fresh Clock app design with a bigger time display and larger Stop and Snooze buttons.

    However, this redesign might make it easier to accidentally tap Stop instead of Snooze when you’re groggy, going against earlier Apple research that favored different-sized buttons to avoid mistakes. Users can now customize snooze times from 1 to 15 minutes, a handy tweak from the fixed nine-minute snooze.

    In other news, Apple has joined China’s subsidy program to boost iPhone sales. By offering discounts through platforms like JD.com and Tmall, Apple aims to compete better in the world’s largest smartphone market, where local brands like Huawei are strong. This move follows a 40% sales drop in early 2025, showing Apple’s push to stay competitive with price cuts and trade-in offers.
    These updates show Apple’s focus on improving user experience and staying competitive globally.

  • New iPads may have super thin edges

    New iPads may have super thin edges

    Apple is planning to make its next iPad Pro models even sleeker with super-thin edges around the screen, thanks to a new technology called chip-on-film (CoF) from LG Innotek. This tech could make the iPad’s borders smaller, giving you more screen space without making the device bigger.

    It might also help the iPad use power more efficiently, which could mean longer battery life, though that’s not certain yet. Right now, Apple uses Samsung for its iPad Pro display chips, but switching to LG could lower costs and give Apple more options for suppliers.

    Reports suggest this change is aimed at the iPad Pro, which might also get a new M5 chip in late 2025. There’s talk of other upgrades too, like a logo designed for landscape use and a 5G modem made by Apple, possibly by 2027. Some rumors even hint at a foldable iPad Pro around the same time.

    While thinner edges sound cool, they could make the iPad trickier to hold without accidentally touching the screen. Apple’s great at preventing unwanted taps, though, so they might pull it off. Fans on forums are excited about bigger screens in the same-sized device, especially with iPadOS 26 making the iPad feel more like a laptop. No word yet on which exact iPad models will get these changes, but the Pro seems the most likely.

  • Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Five years ago, Apple shared big news at its 2020 WWDC event: it would start using its chips, called Apple silicon, in Macs, moving away from Intel processors. This change began with the M1 chip, which brought better speed and battery life to devices like the MacBook Air and Mac mini.

    Since then, Apple has rolled out newer chips, like the M4 and M5, making its computers faster and more efficient. The switch has been a game-changer, letting Apple control both the hardware and software for smoother performance.

    By June 2025, all new Macs will use Apple silicon, and older Intel-based Macs will stop getting full macOS updates after macOS Tahoe, though security updates will continue for a few years. In another update, Apple announced that Japan’s My Number Card can now be added to the Wallet app on iPhones running iOS 18.5 or later, starting with the iPhone XS.

    This digital ID lets users verify their identity or age at places like airports or stores without a physical card. It’s a step toward making life easier with contactless options, similar to how some U.S. states let residents add driver’s licenses to the Wallet app. This feature is rolling out slowly but shows Apple’s push to make the iPhone a one-stop tool for everyday needs. Both changes highlight Apple’s focus on improving its devices and making them more useful in daily life, whether through powerful chips or handy digital IDs.