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  • Apple named world’s most admired company again

    Apple named world’s most admired company again

    For the 18th year in a row, Apple has been named the World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune magazine.

    Apple Logo

    The Fortune survey involves 3,380 business leaders from various sectors. They rate companies on nine different aspects such as innovation, how good they are for investors, how responsible they are towards society, and how well they attract new employees. Apple came out on top, with Microsoft and Amazon right behind, continuing their tradition of being among the best.

    This year’s 2025 rankings show that tech companies are still leading the pack. Nvidia has climbed to fourth place, a first for them, thanks to their big role in the world of artificial intelligence and making graphics processing units. Nvidia’s chips are key in the AI models created by companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.

    However, it’s not just tech; other types of companies are also doing well. Berkshire Hathaway, Costco, and JPMorgan Chase are also in the top seven. New entries this year in the top 50 include ServiceNow, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Novo Nordisk. An interesting point from this year’s list is that all ten of the highest-ranked companies are from the United States, showing a strong American presence at the top for the second year running.

  • 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.

  • When will we see Apple’s new budget iPhone?

    When will we see Apple’s new budget iPhone?

    Apple introduced its high-end iPhone 16 series last fall, bringing lots of new technology, including Apple Intelligence. But soon, there’s going to be a new, cheaper iPhone with similar cool features. Here’s when you can expect the iPhone SE 4 to come out.

    When Will the New iPhone SE Come Out?

    Rumors suggest that Apple is planning to release the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. Specifically, March 2025 seems to be the most likely month.

    Apple doesn’t usually launch big products in January or February, except for the Vision Pro last year. However, they often have new product announcements in March or April. Given what we know about how they’re making the iPhone SE 4, March looks like the best guess.

    Here’s when past iPhone SE models were released:

    • iPhone SE 3: March 18, 2022
    • iPhone SE 2: April 24, 2020
    • iPhone SE: March 24, 2017

    The only time Apple released an SE in April was during the global health crisis, hinting that March might be more typical for these launches.

    What’s New with the iPhone SE 4?

    The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is set to be a major step up from the current model. Here’s what you might see:

    • A screen that goes from edge to edge, with Face ID instead of a Home button, and a notch at the top
    • Powered by the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16
    • 8GB of memory
    • Support for Apple Intelligence
    • A 48MP camera matching the iPhone 16’s quality
    • A USB-C port for charging
    • Apple’s first self-made 5G chip

    While this new model won’t have every fancy feature of the pricier iPhone 16, it’s expected to offer great value. The current iPhone SE starts at $429, but the new one might start a bit higher, perhaps at $499 or less, and definitely with more storage space.

    The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lot of features without spending a fortune.

  • Apple TV+ brings ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ to fans with MLS games

    Apple TV+ brings ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ to fans with MLS games

    Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer have launched a new initiative called ‘Sunday Soccer Night.’ This means that every Sunday during the 2025 season, fans can watch a featured MLS game for free if they’re subscribed to Apple TV+. In the U.S., this service costs $9.99 per month or $99 yearly, and it’s also part of the Apple One package deals.

    Apple TV+ is expanding its sports lineup, now including ‘Friday Night Baseball’ for MLB fans and ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ for soccer enthusiasts.

    The new MLS season begins with the ‘MLS is Back’ weekend on February 22nd and 23rd, where all 30 teams will play. ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ will highlight the best games of the week, with special shows and better production quality. The first match-up will feature San Diego FC, the newest team in the league, facing off against the current champions, LA Galaxy, on February 23 at 7 p.m. ET.

    This exciting soccer night is also included with the MLS Season Pass subscription. For the 2025 season, this pass is available for $14.99 monthly or $99 for the whole season. It gives you access to not just Sunday games but also preseason matches, every regular season game, and the playoffs. You can watch these on Apple devices, smart TVs, and other streaming platforms, or online at tv.apple.com.

    T-Mobile customers have a special treat; they can get the MLS Season Pass for free this season. They can claim this offer through the T-Life app starting February 18. Also, this season, Comcast Xfinity and DIRECTV subscribers can access the MLS Season Pass. This year is the third of a 10-year collaboration between Apple and Major League Soccer, aiming to bring more soccer action to viewers across the country.

  • When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    Apple just released iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3 on January 27, which means we’re all set for the next round of testing. People are excited because the upcoming betas might bring big new features to Siri with Apple Intelligence. But when can we expect this software to come out?

    How Soon Will the New Betas Come?

    Usually, Apple doesn’t wait long between updates. They might drop a new beta just one or two days after the latest software release. However, sometimes there’s a wait of a couple of weeks, especially if there are significant features like in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.

    Looking back at past releases can help us guess when the .4 betas might appear:

    • From iOS 17.3 to iOS 17.4 beta: 3 days
    • From iOS 16.3 to iOS 16.4 beta: 24 days
    • From iOS 15.3 to iOS 15.4 beta: 1 day
    • From iOS 14.3 to iOS 14.4 beta: 2 days
    • From iOS 13.3 to iOS 13.4 beta: 57 days

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Since some Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC in June are still pending, we can expect them in iOS 18.4. Here’s what might be included:

    • Siri Updates: Siri will get smarter with new abilities.
      • Siri’s Personal Context: Siri will remember details from your emails, messages, and photos to help you with tasks like finding files or recalling information.
      • Siri Onscreen Awareness: Siri will understand what’s on your screen, allowing you to do things like adding an address from a text to a contact or sending a photo you’re viewing.
      • Deeper App Integration: Siri will manage tasks across apps, like moving files or editing and sending photos.
    • More Countries: Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages and countries, including English (India), English (Singapore), and languages like Chinese, French, German, and more.
    • New Emoji: The update might introduce new emoji from Unicode 16, like a face with bags under eyes or a shovel.
    • EU Changes: EU iPhone users might soon choose different default navigation or translation apps, thanks to new regulations.

    iOS 18.4 Release Prediction

    After testing through March, Apple is likely to release iOS 18.4 in April 2025. This fits with Apple’s earlier mention of new language support for Apple Intelligence coming in an April update.

  • Easy payment options with Apple Pay and Citi

    Easy payment options with Apple Pay and Citi

    Apple Pay now works with Citi’s monthly payment plan, making it easier for people in the U.S. with Citi credit cards to spread out their payments when shopping.

    Apple Pay and Citi’s Payment Plan

    If you’re buying something that costs more than $75, you can use Citi’s payment plan through Apple Pay. By default, you have three months to pay it back, but if you need more time, there are other options available, though they might come with a small monthly fee. You can use this plan for shopping online or within apps.

    Here’s how to use it: First, make sure your Citi credit card is linked to your Apple Pay. When you’re ready to buy something, choose your Citi card at checkout and look for the “Pay Later” option. Then, pick the payment plan that works best for you.

    Apple used to have its own “buy now, pay later” feature called Apple Pay Later, but they stopped it last year. Now, they work with other companies like Citi, Affirm, Klarna, and Synchrony to offer these payment options in the U.S. This partnership allows Apple Pay users to manage their spending more flexibly without having to pay everything upfront.

  • Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple is gearing up to share its holiday sales figures, and everyone’s curious if its new AI features will spike iPhone sales. Here’s the deal: while the AI boost isn’t here yet, it’s definitely on its way.

    The iPhone 16 is Doing Well, But AI’s Big Moment is Coming

    Back in June, when Apple rolled out its AI features, experts predicted a boom in iPhone sales. They thought AI would push people to upgrade their phones faster than usual.

    When Apple last announced its earnings, the iPhone 16 had just hit the market, and the AI features weren’t fully live yet. Sales went up by 5%, which is good but not the massive jump some were hoping for.

    This Week’s Earnings Will Give Us a Better Look

    This week, we’ll get a clearer picture of how AI might be influencing sales. While Apple is set to report a solid quarter, iPhone sales are expected to be good but not groundbreaking. Remember, the iPhone is Apple’s star product. However, what investors really want to see is growth, and it might be a while before AI truly drives that.

    Hardware Upgrades Are Setting the Stage for AI

    Apple’s AI features need strong hardware to work well. Here’s what Apple has been doing:

    • All iPhone 16 models now come with 8GB of RAM, a feature once only in Pro models.
    • The next iPhone SE will have an AI-friendly chip and more RAM.
    • All new Macs now start with 16GB of RAM, likely due to AI demands.
    • Even the cheapest iPads are getting chips that support AI.

    Rumors are swirling about even better hardware for the iPhone 17, including 12GB of RAM and enhanced cooling systems. The upcoming A19 chip will probably bring some significant AI enhancements.

    Looking Forward to a Supercycle

    Right now, the current AI features aren’t pushing a massive wave of upgrades. But give it 2-3 years, and AI will likely be a major reason for people to switch to newer models. The advantages of Apple’s AI will become too compelling to ignore.

    In short, while we’re not seeing an AI-driven supercycle yet, it’s brewing. The combination of new hardware and software will soon make older iPhones feel outdated, setting the stage for a big sales surge.

  • The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he made a big change by renaming it to X. His goal was to turn it into something called the “everything app,” similar to WeChat in China.

    WeChat began as just a messaging app but has grown to include almost everything you can think of in daily life, like paying for things, booking cabs, or even checking your health stats. It’s like having a mini-internet inside one app where you can do so much without needing to switch apps.

    Musk wants to bring this idea to the West with the new X App. He’s talked about making it a place where you can handle all your money matters. This includes using it as a mobile wallet, sending money to friends, paying bills, and linking it to your bank.

    X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, has shared that we’ll see this app launch this year. They’ve already teamed up with Visa as their first partner for the X Money Account. Here’s what users can expect:

    • Secure and fast money transfers straight to your X wallet with Visa Direct.
    • Link your debit card for easy person-to-person payments.
    • Quick bank transfers to move money in and out of your account.

    This is just the beginning, with more big news expected. The phrase “LFG,” meaning “Let’s F*cking Go,” shows how excited they are about this launch. The focus seems to be on making person-to-person payments easy first, with plans to add more ways to use the app for shopping and other services later.

  • WhatsApp fixes privacy issue in new iPhone update

    WhatsApp fixes privacy issue in new iPhone update

    WhatsApp has just released an update for iPhones, version 25.2.3, to fix a big privacy problem with its “View Once” option. This option lets you send photos or videos that should vanish after one view, but because of a mistake, people could see them again.

    The Problem

    This issue was only for iPhone users. It let anyone look at the photos or videos they were supposed to see just once by going into the app’s settings, checking storage details, and finding the newest files. This meant the privacy feature wasn’t working as it should.

    How It Was Found

    A security expert named Ramshath wrote about this problem on Medium, which made WhatsApp aware of it and they worked on a solution. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time; last year, they fixed a similar problem on WhatsApp Web.

    New Features

    Along with fixing this issue, the update brings some new things you can do. Now, you can make calls to numbers you haven’t saved in your contacts, and there are better ways to handle group calls.

    What to Do

    If you use WhatsApp on an iPhone, you should update the app right away from the App Store to keep your private photos and videos safe. This update makes sure that when you send something meant to be seen once, it really does disappear after one view.

  • New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    Security experts have found two major issues, named SLAP and FLOP, that affect all new iPhones, iPads, and Macs, including many older models. These flaws could let someone peek into what’s open on your web browser.

    What Are SLAP and FLOP?SLAP and FLOP are types of security problems discovered by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They are similar to famous security issues like Spectre and Meltdown. Both rely on a technique called “speculative execution,” where the chip tries to guess what you’ll do next to speed things up. If this guesswork goes wrong, attackers might sneak in bad data to see things they shouldn’t.

    The Dangers of These FlawsNormally, each tab in Safari is like a locked box, keeping its contents separate from others. But with SLAP, if you’re tricked into visiting a bad website, it could open those locks. It could potentially read your emails, track your location on Apple Maps, or check your bank details.

    FLOP is even trickier; it can do the same thing but also works on Chrome, making it more dangerous. These attacks don’t need any harmful software on your device; they use weak spots in Apple’s own system, making them hard to spot.

    Which Devices Are at Risk?These security issues affect any Apple device with chips from the A15 series or the M2 series and newer. Here’s a list of affected devices:

    • iPhone: iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and the third-generation iPhone SE.
    • iPad: iPad Air, Pro, and mini models released from 2021.
    • Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro since 2022; Mac mini, Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Pro since 2023.

    Real-World Threats?So far, there’s no proof these vulnerabilities have been used against users in real life. Apple has acknowledged the problem and has been working on fixes since they were alerted in May 2024 for SLAP and September 2024 for FLOP. Apple’s statement to Bleeping Computer suggests they don’t see these as urgent threats right now.

    The best advice for now is to be careful with the websites you visit until Apple rolls out a fix.

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