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The first iOS 18.4 beta is out now, and it’s available for public testers too. Among its updates, there’s a neat little improvement to the verification codes in Apple’s Passwords app. Here’s what you need to know.

A Timer Shows When Codes Will Refresh

Aaron Perris shared on X that the Passwords app has a helpful new twist in the iOS 18.4 beta. The verification codes—those short codes you use for extra security—now come with a countdown timer. This shows you exactly how much time is left before they run out and are replaced with new ones.

When you go to the Codes section in the app, you’ll notice a small ring in the top-right corner. This ring starts empty and slowly fills up with green as time passes. It’s an easy way to see how long your current codes will last. Once the ring turns fully green, the codes expire and refresh automatically.

You can also check this timer when looking at a specific password’s details. If that entry has a verification code, the countdown will appear right next to it. Perris pointed out that this update isn’t just for iPhones—it’s also in macOS Sequoia 15.4 and works in the Passwords Menu Bar app on Macs.

This might seem like a tiny addition, but it’s super useful. Before, there was no clear way to tell when a code was about to stop working. Now, with this simple timer, you can stay on top of your security codes without any guesswork. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for something so important.

Apple has a big idea: it wants to combine the modem—the part that connects devices to the internet—into its main processor. This move would make its gadgets use less power and cost less to build, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman predicts this change might happen by 2028 at the earliest. Interestingly, that’s also when Apple could start adding its own modem to MacBooks with cellular data, something he’s mentioned before. This time, though, he didn’t tie MacBooks into the modem talk.

Years ago, Apple toyed with the idea of a MacBook Air that could connect to 3G networks. Back in 2008, Steve Jobs, the former CEO, nixed it because it would take up too much space. A combined chip design could fix that issue.

Apple recently showed off its first homemade modem, called the C1, in the new iPhone 16e. Unveiled last week, this modem is the most energy-saving one ever in an iPhone. The iPhone 16e, with its 6.1-inch screen, boasts the longest battery life yet—up to 26 hours of video playback. Apple says the C1 is just the beginning.

Gurman also revealed that Apple is already testing a C2 modem and even a C3, which could launch in 2027. By then, Apple hopes its tech will beat Qualcomm’s modems, a company it’s relied on for years. Word has it the C2 might appear in the iPhone 18 Pro next year.

Since 2018, Apple has been crafting its own modem to ditch Qualcomm’s parts. The two companies have had a rocky past, but they’ve agreed to keep working together until March 2027. This gives Apple plenty of time to polish its own design. Moving away from Qualcomm makes sense as Apple pushes to control more of its tech and boost efficiency in its devices.

Apple recently made a small tweak to dodge a tricky situation that made it seem like they were okay with a porn app popping up for iPhone users in the EU through a third-party app store. This mix-up sparked some confusing news headlines, but Apple sorted it out by switching just three words in an email they send to app developers.

The Porn App Mix-Up

Last year, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to let third-party app stores onto iPhones. Apple wasn’t thrilled about it and even made the process of using these stores a bit of a hassle to discourage people. One big worry for Apple was losing control over what kinds of apps could sneak onto the platform—like pornography, which they’ve always kept out of their own App Store.

Apple still gets to check apps for safety before they’re allowed in these third-party stores. That’s what happened with an app called Hot Tub, designed for browsing adult content. After Apple’s safety check, the app’s developer got the green light from AltStore, a third-party store, which then claimed Apple “approved” it.

Technically, this was sort of true. After Apple confirms an app meets security and privacy rules, they send an email saying it’s “approved” for release. But that wording caused a headache. Apple pushed back, saying they didn’t actually support the app. They explained that EU rules forced them to let it onto third-party stores like AltStore, even if those stores don’t match Apple’s strict standards for user safety.

A Quick Word Swap

To clear things up, Apple changed the email’s phrasing. Here’s the switch:

• Before: “The following app has been approved for distribution”
• Now: “The following app is now ready for distribution”

AltStore’s Riley Testut pointed out the update, joking about what might’ve prompted it. Tech writer John Gruber called it a smart move—keeping the message clear for developers while making it obvious Apple isn’t cheering for every app that passes the safety check. With this tiny tweak, Apple dodged a big misunderstanding without missing a beat.

Apple recently shared exciting news about pouring $500 billion into the United States over the next four years. This massive investment will bring 20,000 new jobs and grow the company’s work in manufacturing and research, as reported by Bloomberg. The announcement follows a meeting between Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, and President Donald Trump.

The company has big plans, including building a new server-making plant in Houston. This 250,000-square-foot facility, set to open next year, will team up with Foxconn to create servers for Apple’s Private Cloud computing system. Apple is also launching a supplier training center in Michigan to prepare the next wave of American manufacturers. Plus, they’re expanding data centers in states like Arizona, Oregon, Iowa, Nevada, and North Carolina. Chip-making for some Apple Watch and iPad models has already kicked off at TSMC’s Arizona site.

The 20,000 new jobs will focus on research, chip design, and artificial intelligence. This follows Apple’s earlier push, which added 20,000 research roles in the past five years. In Detroit, Apple will open a special academy to help smaller businesses learn manufacturing skills. The company is also boosting its U.S. manufacturing fund to $10 billion.

“We believe in America’s bright future and are thrilled to add $500 billion to support it,” Cook said. “We’ll keep partnering with people and businesses nationwide to shape an amazing new story for American innovation.”

This news might be timed cleverly, as Trump has talked about adding a 10% tax on imports from China. In his first term, Cook convinced Trump to skip tariffs on iPhones, warning they’d help rivals like Samsung instead.

Apple’s bold move shows its confidence in America and could spark more growth and jobs ahead. Note: Since this topic touches on political and social themes, the discussion is in our Political News forum. Everyone can read it, but only members with 100+ posts can comment.