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  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple recently patched a problem in its Passwords app with the iOS 18.2 update in December. This flaw had put users at risk of phishing attacks for three months, ever since iOS 18 came out.

    What Went Wrong with the Passwords App

    A report from 9to5Mac highlighted an Apple security note revealing that the Passwords app was sending unprotected requests for website logos and icons tied to saved passwords. Normally, encryption keeps this data safe, but without it, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network could trick users into visiting a fake site designed to steal their login info. Security experts from Mysk first noticed this issue and told Apple about it in September.

    How Apple Described the Fix

    In the iOS 18.2 security notes, Apple explained the problem simply:

    • Effect: Someone with network access might steal private details.
    • Solution: The app now uses HTTPS to send data securely.

    Apple also confirmed they fixed this across other devices like Macs, iPads, and Vision Pros, not just iPhones.

    Why It Matters

    This glitch left users exposed for months, but Apple’s update finally closed the gap. It’s a reminder that even big companies can miss things—though they acted once the issue was clear. If you’re on iOS 18, grabbing the latest update keeps your info safer from sneaky attacks like these.

  • Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple recently rolled out a software update for its 25W MagSafe Charger, which works with iPhone 12 and newer models, as well as the latest AirPods. The new software version is 2A146, an upgrade from the earlier 2A143 released this year. In the Settings app, this update shows as version 136, up from 133.

    The 2024 MagSafe Charger debuted with the iPhone 16 lineup and can power those devices at a speedy 25W. For older models, like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, it charges at a slower 15W.
    Apple pushes these updates wirelessly and doesn’t share detailed notes about them. So, we’re not sure what improvements or fixes this version brings. To update your MagSafe Charger, plug it in and connect it to an Apple device—there’s no manual way to start the process. Want to check your charger’s software version? Follow the steps in our MagSafe Charger guide.

    In other news, Apple has stopped supporting iOS 18.3.1 as of today. This means iPhone users who’ve moved to iOS 18.3.2 can’t switch back to the older version. Apple launched iOS 18.3.2 on March 10. This move isn’t surprising—Apple often phases out older iOS versions after a new one arrives. Unsigned software can’t be installed because of a server check, blocking users from loading outdated iOS on their iPhones. Right now, iPhones that run iOS 18 can only use iOS 18.3.2.

    By doing this, Apple makes sure devices stay up to date with the latest security upgrades. The iOS 18.3.2 update included key fixes, including one for a flaw that might have been actively targeted by attackers. Keeping your iPhone on the newest software helps protect it from potential risks.

  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Talk about a foldable iPhone has been around forever, but now it’s starting to feel like it might actually happen soon. Reliable sources like analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, along with a Weibo user called Digital Chat Station, say Apple’s first foldable iPhone will have a big 7.8-inch screen when opened and a smaller 5.5-inch screen on the outside. Since these sizes keep popping up in leaks, it seems Apple has locked in some details. Kuo says it’ll open like a book, not flip like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip.

    Jeff Pu also mentioned that Foxconn, the company making it, has started early work on the foldable iPhone. Both he and Kuo think it’ll hit full production by late 2026, so we might see it in small numbers next year—though 2027 feels more realistic. Funny enough, it still feels two years away!

    Analyst Tim Long from Barclays predicts it’ll cost about $2,299 in the U.S., almost double the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,199 price. Kuo adds it’ll have two back cameras, one front camera, a Touch ID button instead of Face ID, and a strong battery. It’ll be super thin—4.5mm open, 9-9.5mm folded—with a titanium body and a hinge mixing titanium and steel.

    Now, let’s peek at the iPhone 18 Pro, still over a year away. Here’s what’s buzzing so far:

    Hidden Face ID

    Analyst Ross Young says Face ID might hide under the screen in 2026, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro could get it. The Dynamic Island might shrink or turn into a tiny camera hole, like on Android phones. It’s too soon to say for sure.

    Adjustable Camera

    Ming-Chi Kuo claims the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48-megapixel main camera will let you tweak how much light it takes in. Unlike older models stuck at a wide-open setting, this could help you blur backgrounds better—though iPhones’ small sensors might limit the wow factor.

    Better Samsung Sensor

    Rumor has it Samsung’s new stacked sensor will boost the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera with clearer, more vibrant photos. This could shake things up since Sony’s been Apple’s go-to sensor maker forever. Exciting times ahead!

  • iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to pack some exciting upgrades, according to analyst Jeff Pu in a note shared with GF Securities this week. One big change is the rear Telephoto camera, which will jump from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 Pro to a sharp 48 megapixels.

    This upgrade means all three cameras—Fusion, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—on these new models will boast 48 megapixels. That’s a win for anyone who loves snapping detailed shots, especially from a distance. Plus, the phones are expected to sport a fresh look with a rectangular camera bump.

    Memory is getting a boost too. The iPhone 17 Pro models will come with 12GB of RAM, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. More RAM should make things run smoother, especially for multitasking or using Apple’s smart features like Apple Intelligence.

    Screen sizes won’t surprise anyone familiar with recent iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro will stick with a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max keeps its larger 6.9-inch screen. Both are sizes people already know and love.

    Under the hood, these phones will run on an A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process called N3P. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a step up from what’s in the current models, promising better speed and efficiency.

    With these changes, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max sound like they’re shaping up to be powerful tools for photo lovers and tech fans alike. From clearer zoom shots to faster performance, there’s plenty to look forward to when these devices arrive.

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.

  • Apple boosts iPhone Tap to Pay with big global rollout

    Apple boosts iPhone Tap to Pay with big global rollout

    Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone is a super handy way for small businesses to take contactless payments from mobile wallets or cards. Now, it’s popping up in nine more countries, making life easier for shop owners. This feature lets stores take payments right on their iPhones—no extra gadgets needed. No separate card machine or device, just the phone you already have!

    Tap to Pay on iPhone Explained

    Apple first shared this idea in 2022, starting slowly in the US. It’s like the fourth big step for small business payment tools:

    • Old-school wired card machines that you had to rent.
    • Wireless ones are still rented though.
    • Standalone gadgets that link to your iPhone via Bluetooth, with a one-time price.
    • Now, Tap to Pay on your iPhone—no extra stuff is required!

    Here’s how it works: a customer taps their card, iPhone, or Apple Watch on the shop’s iPhone. Simple! But it’s only for contactless payments, which have limits that might not work for every business. Apple’s been spreading this feature to more places bit by bit since it started.

    Nine New Countries Get It Today

    This is one of the biggest updates yet! As of today, these nine spots can use Tap to Pay on iPhone:

    • Bulgaria: Works with Adyen, myPOS, Revolut, and Viva; SumUp soon.
    • Finland: Adyen, Mollie, Nets, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, Viva; Surfboard Payments soon.
    • Hungary: Adyen, Global Payments, myPOS, Revolut, SumUp, Viva, Worldline.
    • Liechtenstein: Adyen.
    • Poland: Adyen, eService with PKO Bank, Mollie, Stripe, SumUp, Viva, Worldline; more soon.
    • Portugal: Adyen, Mollie, myPOS, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, Viva.
    • Slovakia: Adyen, Global Payments Slovenská Sporitel’ňa, Revolut, Worldline; SumUp soon.
    • Slovenia: Adyen, Revolut, Worldline; SumUp, hobex soon.
    • Switzerland: Adyen, Mollie, myPOS, Nexi, Stripe, SumUp, Worldline; hobex soon.

    In the US, Intuit just added a cool trick last week: linking Tap to Pay with QuickBooks. This lets payments flow straight into the accounting app, no hassle.

  • New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    All four iPhone 17 models will come with a Wi-Fi 7 chip made by Apple, says Jeff Pu, a tech expert who tracks Apple’s suppliers. In a note shared with GF Securities, Pu explained that Apple finished designing this chip in early 2024. It’s set to appear in the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max later this year.

    The iPhone 16 already has Wi-Fi 7, so that’s not new. What’s exciting is Apple creating its own Wi-Fi chip. Last month, Apple introduced its custom C1 modem for 5G and LTE in the iPhone 16e. Now, it’s moving away from companies like Broadcom for Wi-Fi chips and Qualcomm for modems by building its own tech. This helps Apple rely less on others. Another expert, Ming-Chi Kuo, also predicted this Wi-Fi chip switch for the iPhone 17.

    Wi-Fi 7 works on three bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—at the same time with the right router. This means faster internet, less lag, and a stronger connection. Speeds can hit over 40 Gbps, four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, if your device supports it. Expect the iPhone 17 lineup in about six months.

    Pu also shared news about Apple’s first foldable gadgets, set for mass production in late 2026. He says there’ll be a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch screen and a bigger 18.8-inch foldable device. This larger one might blend a MacBook and iPad, likely running macOS instead of iPadOS. That hints at a touch-screen Mac, which is a big deal! Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently said iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates could pave the way for such devices, but a touch-screen Mac this soon seems uncertain.

    Last month, Apple launched the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, part of its shift from Qualcomm. Pu says the slim iPhone 17 Air will use this C1 modem too, matching Kuo’s earlier scoop. Next year, the iPhone 18 Pro models might get a faster C2 modem with better power use and mmWave support in the U.S. Meanwhile, iPhone 17 Pro models will stick with Qualcomm modems for now. Apple’s deal with Qualcomm lasts until March 2027, giving it time to perfect its own chips.

  • Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple has just rolled out a fresh update for Safari Technology Preview, a special browser they first shared in March 2016. This version is like a playground for Apple to try out new ideas they might add to the regular Safari browser later on.

    What’s New in Safari Test Version 215

    The latest Safari Technology Preview 215 brings tweaks and upgrades to things like styling (CSS), pictures, coding (JavaScript), internet connections, scrolling, text handling, web tools (Web API), and add-ons (Web Extensions). It’s all about making things work better and smoother.

    This update works on devices running macOS Sonoma or the brand-new macOS Sequoia, Apple’s latest operating system. You can grab this Safari Technology Preview update through the Software Update option in System Preferences or System Settings, as long as you’ve already downloaded the browser from Apple’s site. If you want the full scoop on what’s changed, check out the release notes on the Safari Technology Preview webpage.

    Why Apple Made This Browser

    Apple created Safari Technology Preview to hear what developers and everyday users think about its progress. It’s a way to test and improve the browser before changes hit the main Safari everyone uses. The cool part? You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser.

    Plus, while it’s built with developers in mind, anyone can download it—no special account is needed. This update keeps Apple’s experimental browser moving forward, giving people a sneak peek at what’s coming while ironing out the kinks. If you’re curious about the future of Safari or just love trying new tech, this might be worth a look!

  • New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    Apple just rolled out macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta 4 for developers. This update comes a week after the last one, and here’s what you need to know.

    Beta 4: Fixing Bugs Before the Big Release

    The third beta last week focused on fixing bugs and making things run smoother. Beta 4, released today, seems to follow the same path. There’s not much time left for big changes since the public version is coming soon—likely in early April, alongside iOS 18.4. That’s just a few weeks away!

    So far, macOS 15.4 brings some cool stuff like:

    • A fresh look for Apple Mail with inbox sorting
    • Seven new emoji for your keyboard
    • Easy device pairing with Proximity Pairing
    • A timer for verification codes in the Passwords app
    • A sketch style for creating drawings in Image Playground
    • Plus a few smaller tweaks

    If anything new pops up in beta 4, we’ll let you know. To get this update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. If you don’t see it, tap the ‘i’ button and check that Beta Updates are on.

    Other Apple Updates: Vision Pro, Apple TV, and More

    Apple also dropped beta 4 for visionOS 2.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. Developers can grab these now.

    Vision Pro gets the spotlight with visionOS 2.4. It’s adding Apple Intelligence features for the first time, plus a guest mode upgrade and a Spatial Gallery app. For Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18.4 spruces up the TV app with:

    • A big plus button to add shows to your Watchlist
    • Clear episode schedules
    • Updated fonts and icons

    No big news yet for watchOS 11.4 or HomePod 18.4, but they’ll likely get the usual bug fixes and speed boosts.

    What’s Next?

    With the public release nearing in early April, these beta 4 updates are mostly about making things stable. No huge surprises are expected today, but the good news is you won’t wait long to try them yourself—no developer account needed!

    iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Beta 4 Too

    Apple also shared the fourth betas of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Look for them in Settings > General > Software Update. They bring Priority Notifications to highlight key alerts, a Food section in Apple News+, and a sketch style for Image Playground. Plus, there’s relaxing Ambient Music in Control Center and more emoji. These updates will land in early April too!

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