Search results for: “AI”

  • iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    Apple has announced new accessibility tools coming with iOS 19, making the iPhone even more helpful for people with different needs.

    One major upgrade is to the Personal Voice feature. With iOS 19, users who have speech difficulties will be able to type what they want to say, and their iPhone will speak it using their own synthetic voice. It also works with Live Speech across calls and FaceTime, helping people communicate in real time.

    Another helpful tool is Vehicle Motion Cues. This feature helps reduce motion sickness for those who feel dizzy while using their iPhone in a moving car. It adds animated dots on the screen to match the vehicle’s movement, which helps the brain adjust better.

    Music Haptics is also coming. This feature lets deaf or hard-of-hearing users feel music through the Taptic Engine. They can experience rhythm and sound using vibration. Developers can add this feature to their own apps with a new API.

    CarPlay is getting smarter too. iOS 19 will add support for voice control in supported cars. This means users can do more with their voice while driving. There’s also color filters and bold text options to make the display easier to read.

    These updates will be released later this year with iOS 19. Apple says they are part of a larger push to make their products more inclusive for everyone.

  • Apple iPhone sales drop in China, but iPad shipments go up worldwide

    Apple iPhone sales drop in China, but iPad shipments go up worldwide

    Apple is seeing mixed results with its products this year. According to recent data, iPhone shipments have dropped in China, while iPad shipments are rising across the world.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Apple sold fewer iPhones in China, with a 6.6% drop compared to the same time last year. This drop made Apple fall to third place in China’s smartphone market. Local Chinese brands like Huawei and Honor are growing quickly, with Huawei jumping 70% in shipments. Huawei even took the top spot with a 17% market share, followed by Honor with 16.1%, while Apple now has 15.7%.

    On the other hand, Apple’s iPad sales are doing well. Global iPad shipments grew by 21% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. This is the first time in years that the tablet market has seen this kind of growth. One reason is the leftover demand from the COVID-19 pandemic, as people and schools continue to buy tablets for remote learning and work.

    Also, Apple recently launched new iPad models, including the updated iPad Pro and iPad Air, which are helping to boost sales further. With these new devices, Apple is expected to stay strong in the tablet market.

    In short, while Apple faces challenges in the smartphone space, especially in China, its iPad business is showing strong growth in 2025.

  • Apple updates Safari for smoother web alerts, fixes Messages bug, and offers new Nike deal for Card users

    Apple updates Safari for smoother web alerts, fixes Messages bug, and offers new Nike deal for Card users

    Apple has rolled out a few useful updates recently. First, macOS 15.5 is bringing better web push notifications to Safari. Now, websites can send you alerts even if Safari is closed. This works for apps added to the dock as well. It’s especially helpful for developers building websites that act like apps, letting users stay updated in real time. This update makes Safari work more like browsers on Windows and Android, where push notifications have already been common.

    In another fix, Apple has addressed a strange bug in the Messages app. Some users had trouble sending messages that included an ampersand (&) in the contact name. Messages would fail and never reach the other person. This problem started with iOS 17.4, but the issue is now being resolved in iOS 17.5. If you’ve been dealing with this, updating your device should fix it.

    Lastly, Apple Card users can now get a special offer. If you spend $50 or more at Nike using Apple Card through Apple Pay, you’ll receive $10 back in Daily Cash. This offer is available until May 22 and can be used in Nike stores, on Nike.com, or through the Nike app. It’s a good time for Apple Card users to take advantage of this limited-time reward.

    These updates show Apple’s push to fix annoying bugs, improve Safari, and reward users with simple perks.

  • Apple releases new updates for iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV

    Apple releases new updates for iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV

    Apple has rolled out new software updates across all its major platforms. These updates bring important bug fixes and improvements to iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, Vision Pro, and Apple TV. iOS 18.5 is now available for iPhone users. It focuses mainly on performance improvements and fixing small issues. The update is likely one of the final versions before iOS 19 is announced in June.

    Mac users can now download macOS Sequoia 15.5. Just like the iPhone update, it improves system performance and security. No major new features are included, but it helps keep your Mac running smoothly. Apple Watch users also get watchOS 11.5. This update fixes bugs and enhances the overall experience. It’s especially useful for users running watchOS 11 and waiting for the next big update.

    For Apple Vision Pro, visionOS 2.5 is now available. It brings small fixes and tweaks to make the headset experience more stable and smoother. Lastly, Apple TV has received the tvOS 18.5 update. While not packed with new features, it includes under-the-hood changes that help improve system reliability.

    All these updates can be downloaded over the air using your device’s settings. Apple is expected to reveal iOS 19, macOS 16, and other major software versions at WWDC in June. Until then, these latest updates help improve device performance and security.

  • iOS 18.5 update could arrive this week before big iOS 18 reveal

    iOS 18.5 update could arrive this week before big iOS 18 reveal

    Apple is expected to release the iOS 18.5 update sometime this week. This update may be the final one before the company introduces iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10. So far, five beta versions of iOS 18.5 have been tested since April, which hints that the official version is nearly ready. Apple usually releases new software updates on Mondays or Tuesdays, so the update might be available as soon as today or tomorrow.

    iOS 18.5 will bring a few new features. One of them allows users to access Apple News+ audio stories through the Podcasts app, which could make listening more convenient. Another small but useful change adds the option to mark a song as “favorite” right from the Now Playing screen in Apple Music.

    Additionally, the update includes a new way to set up and manage the iPhone’s Remote app in classrooms using Apple School Manager. Of course, like all updates, iOS 18.5 will also fix bugs and improve performance. If you’re waiting for bigger changes like new AI features or design updates, those are expected to come with iOS 18, which Apple will likely show off during the WWDC keynote on June 10.

  • Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple’s stock rose sharply on Monday after reports that the U.S. and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on tech products, including smartphones. This news helped Apple’s stock hit a new record high of over $210 per share, giving the company a market value above $3.2 trillion.

    The tariff deal is expected to lower the cost of making iPhones and other Apple devices in China. Apple depends heavily on its supply chain in China, so this move may ease pressure on production costs. Investors see this as a big win for Apple’s future profits.

    Wall Street reacted quickly. Analysts believe this change could save Apple billions in the long run, especially since China is both a key market and a major manufacturing base for the company. One expert from Wedbush Securities said the deal could be a “game-changer” for Apple’s earnings in the second half of the year.

    The news also lifted other tech stocks, as many U.S. companies rely on Chinese manufacturing. Overall, the agreement between the two countries brought fresh optimism to the market and could mean fewer trade tensions ahead. This positive update comes at a time when Apple is focusing more on international markets and new products like AI-powered features in upcoming iPhones.

    Would you like a quick chart showing Apple’s recent stock growth?

  • Seamless Wi-Fi access with iOS 19

    Seamless Wi-Fi access with iOS 19

    Apple is introducing a clever feature in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 to simplify connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this update will allow your Apple devices to share login information for public Wi-Fi, such as those in cafés, airports, or libraries, so you only need to log in once.

    Currently, public Wi-Fi often requires you to enter details like your email or accept terms on a login page for each device. This can be tedious when switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The new feature will use iCloud to sync these login credentials across your devices. After signing in on one, your other devices can connect effortlessly without extra steps.

    While Apple has supported Wi-Fi password sharing since iOS 11, public networks with additional login requirements haven’t been covered. This update will bridge that gap, making it easier to get online wherever you are. It’s still unclear how the feature will handle networks with device limits or whether it will support sharing between different users.

    Set to be unveiled at Apple’s WWDC in June 2025, with a likely rollout in September, this feature promises to make public Wi-Fi connections smoother and more convenient for Apple users.

  • Apple’s first Foldable iPhone set for 2027

    Apple’s first Foldable iPhone set for 2027

    Apple is crafting a groundbreaking Foldable iPhone, slated to launch around 2027, as shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This device aims to have a smooth, nearly unnoticeable fold line when opened, setting it apart from other foldable phones. Some Apple insiders view this as a major milestone to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th birthday, paired with a stylish, all-glass iPhone featuring a curved look.

    Gurman initially predicted a 2026 release, but his latest update leans toward 2027. However, reports from The Information and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hint that 2026 could still happen. The Foldable iPhone is likely to sport a book-like design, with a 5.7-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch screen when unfolded. Instead of Face ID, it might use a Touch ID button to keep the design slim, with a price tag possibly exceeding $2,000.

    Apple is prioritizing a top-notch hinge and a flawless screen to outshine rivals. This phone is part of Apple’s push to revamp its products and stay ahead of competitors like Samsung. While plans could shift, the buzz around this game-changing device is growing fast.

  • Apple’s exciting 2027 lineup

    Apple’s exciting 2027 lineup

    Apple has big ideas for 2027, but with no major design updates in sight, some fans are growing restless. The tech giant is crafting a tabletop robot, a fresh device that could transform how we use technology at home. They’re also planning a special iPhone to mark its 20th anniversary, featuring a sleek, full-screen design with a camera tucked beneath the display. Building these iPhones will be tricky, so Apple will likely rely on Chinese factories rather than Indian ones.

    Apple is also dreaming up AirPods and Apple Watches with cameras. These won’t just snap photos—they’ll use AI to analyze your surroundings, powered by new chips called “Nevis” for the Watch and “Glennie” for AirPods, both slated for 2027. On top of that, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone and smart glasses to rival competitors.

    For software, iOS 19 will bring a travel-friendly feature that lets your Apple devices share hotel Wi-Fi info seamlessly. Meanwhile, Apple is looking beyond Google, experimenting with AI-driven search tools for Safari to give users a smarter browsing experience. These bold plans highlight Apple’s drive to lead the tech world, though 2027 feels like a distant wait for eager users.

  • Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    In Brazil, Apple is facing two big issues with its iPhone policies. First, the country’s antitrust group, CADE, is looking into Apple’s rules for using the iPhone’s NFC chip, which handles contactless payments. Brazilian banks say Apple’s strict rules and a fee of up to 0.17% per transaction make it hard for them to compete.

    This fee is charged when banks use Apple’s NFC system for payments, unlike Google, which offers a similar feature for free. CADE started this investigation after banks complained that Apple’s control over NFC creates an unfair advantage, especially for its own payment system.

    Second, a Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within 90 days. Sideloading lets users install apps from outside the App Store. This ruling came after a complaint from MercadoLibre, a major e-commerce company, which argued that Apple’s App Store rules block fair competition.

    CADE decided that Apple’s restrictions, like forcing developers to use its payment system, are illegal. Apple tried to delay this change, saying it could harm user privacy and security, but the court disagreed, noting Apple already allows sideloading in places like Europe without major issues.

    Apple plans to appeal both decisions, arguing that its rules protect users. However, CADE’s investigations show Brazil is serious about making tech companies play fair. If Apple doesn’t follow the court’s orders, it could face hefty fines. These cases highlight growing global pressure on Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem.