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  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: Three exciting upgrades coming soon

    Apple Watch Ultra 3: Three exciting upgrades coming soon

    The Apple Watch Ultra hasn’t seen big changes since 2023, but that’s about to change with the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. Here’s what’s new:

    High Blood Pressure Alert

    One of the key health features coming to the Ultra 3 is high blood pressure detection. This won’t give you exact numbers but will alert you if your blood pressure might be high, similar to how it detects sleep apnea. This feature has been in development for years, and it’s set to launch this year.

    Send Messages from Anywhere

    For those who love adventure, the Ultra 3 will let you send messages even without a phone nearby. Thanks to satellite technology, you can text when there’s no cell or Wi-Fi signal around. This means explorers can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about staying in touch.

    Faster Internet with 5G

    For the first time, the Apple Watch Ultra will support 5G. This isn’t the full-speed 5G you get on your phone but a version called 5G Redcap, which is kinder to battery life yet still improves connectivity over the old 4G.

    While we wait for its fall release, these features suggest that Apple is making the Ultra 3 the go-to watch for those who like to explore. There’s still time for more surprises, like better battery life, which would be a big plus for many users.

  • Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    The new iOS 18.3 update is almost here, and it brings some changes to how you use AI on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    Apple Intelligence Now On By Default

    Before, if you wanted to use Apple’s AI features, you had to turn them on yourself when updating to iOS 18.1 or 18.2. But with iOS 18.3, these AI features will turn on automatically when you update your device.

    Here’s what this means:

    • If you’re new to iOS 18.3 or upgrading, Apple Intelligence will automatically start working once you set up your phone. You’ll need to go into your settings to turn these features off if you don’t want them. Just go to the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings and switch off the AI.
    • The same goes for iPads and Macs with the new updates.

    After months of AI Being Available

    Most people who can use Apple’s AI have already turned it on. But for those who haven’t, the update will do it for you.

    There’s one question, though. What if you turned AI off before? Will it turn back on with this update? We’ll need to wait for the official release to know for sure.

    This update doesn’t add many new things, but it does change how notifications work with AI, which has been a hot topic. Apple seems to think that after some time with AI out there, it’s time to make it default.

  • Apple Intelligence now turns on automatically

    Apple Intelligence now turns on automatically

    When you install the new updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3, iOS 18.3, or iPadOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will start up by itself on devices that can use it, according to Apple’s notes for developers.

    If you’re setting up a new iPhone with iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be on right from the start. After you finish setting up, you can use Apple Intelligence right away. If you want to turn it off, go to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings menu and switch it off there. This will stop all Apple Intelligence features on your device.

    Before, with macOS Sequoia 15.1, 15.2, iOS 18.1, and 18.2, you had to turn on Apple Intelligence yourself to use it. Now, it’s on by default, so if you don’t want to use it, you’ll need to turn it off.

    Also, with macOS Sequoia 15.3, Mac users get something new called Genmoji, which lets you make your own emojis. All these updates also make notification summaries better, so you can see when a notification has AI-generated info in it.

    These updates are in testing now with developers and beta testers. They should be available to everyone next week.

  • Apple tests new updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro

    Apple tests new updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro

    Apple has just released test versions of new software updates for the Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. These updates, known as release candidates (RC), are available for developers to try out. They were released a week after the third test version.

    These new updates include watchOS 11.3 for Apple Watch, tvOS 18.3 for Apple TV, and visionOS 2.3 for Vision Pro. Developers can download these updates from the settings on their devices.

    While there aren’t many new features in these updates, there’s some code that hints Apple might soon add support for robot vacuums in their Home app. This would allow these devices to work with Apple’s home automation system on all these platforms.

    Also, tvOS 18.3 will include a new message about buying movies and TV shows digitally.

    We expect these updates to be available to everyone around late January, along with updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

  • Apple releases test version of macOS update 15.3 for developers

    Apple releases test version of macOS update 15.3 for developers

    Apple has just released a test version, known as the Release Candidate, for the upcoming macOS update 15.3. This update follows closely after the third test version was released last week.

    Night Mode in macOS Sequoia
    Developers can access this test update by going to the Software Update in the System Settings app. To download it, you’ll need an Apple ID linked to a Developer account.

    The new macOS 15.3 update introduces Genmoji to Macs, a feature that was only available on iPhones and iPads before. Now, Mac users can make their own characters just by typing what they want, much like using Image Playground.

    Genmoji works like regular emojis on newer devices with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS 15.1 and later. On older devices or Android phones, these Genmoji show up as pictures instead. You can add Genmoji from the emoji menu, and they are created right on your device.

  • New test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 released by Apple

    New test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 released by Apple

    Apple has just released test versions of the upcoming iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 updates for developers to check out. These versions came out a week after the third test builds were shared.

    To get these updates, you can go into the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap on General, and then go to Software Update. It’s that simple!

    In this update, Apple has made some tweaks to the Apple Intelligence Notification Summaries. They’ve decided to take out the news summaries for now.

    Also, there’s more cool stuff coming with Apple Intelligence and Siri in the next updates, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which will come after 18.3. We’re looking forward to seeing these new updates roll out sometime at the end of January.

  • A new era for smart homes with Apple Intelligence

    A new era for smart homes with Apple Intelligence

    Apple Intelligence might just be the key to making our homes smart.

    Smart Homes Need Automation: Some say if your home isn’t automated, it’s not truly smart; it’s just a fancy light switch you can talk to. We think even setting lights with a voice command like “Living room relax” after work is smart. But, true smart home magic is in automation – making things happen without your input.

    HomeKit’s Automation Features: HomeKit already does some cool stuff. My blinds open a bit when it’s time to wake up, and all lights go off when we leave. We’ve set up eight daily automations, not counting the ones that turn lights on when we walk into a room and off when we leave.

    The Next Step in Automation: Right now, we have to tell my home what to do and when. What if it learned by itself? Imagine if your home knew to remind you about your gym bag when you leave for the gym, or if it noticed your cleaner arriving on the wrong day and started recording.

    Or maybe, it could see you walking to the kitchen at night and light the way for you. It could even pick up on patterns like turning on the news when you make coffee and do that automatically.

    Understanding Your Intent: Imagine if your home could guess what you want to do. If you say you’re going to nap, it might close the blinds without you asking. This would make your home feel like it knows you.

    Smart Homes for Everyone: We’ve been into smart home tech for years, but it still surprises others. Setting up scenes or automation can be daunting for most people. If homes could learn and set themselves up, then everyone could enjoy a smart home, not just tech enthusiasts.

    We might see this in a few years or maybe a decade, but we believe Apple could lead the way in making truly smart homes a reality for all.

  • Apple drops to third in China’s smartphone market due to declining sales

    Apple drops to third in China’s smartphone market due to declining sales

    Apple has seen a big drop in iPhone sales in China, moving from the top spot to third place in the last three months of 2024. According to a report from Counterpoint Research, iPhone sales in China decreased by 18.2% compared to the previous year in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    This left Apple with a 17.1% share of the market, behind Huawei with 18.1% and Xiaomi with 17.2%. Just a year before, Apple was leading with a 19% share. This is the first time since the U.S. banned Huawei that Apple has been outranked by a Chinese company.

    Several reasons explain Apple’s struggles in China. One is the tough competition from local brands, and another is that Apple’s new “Apple Intelligence” feature, launched with the iPhone 16 in September 2024 in the U.S., isn’t available in China because of local laws.

    Apple might work with Chinese companies to offer these features later. Meanwhile, Huawei has done well, growing by 15.5% thanks to AI in their Mate 70 and Nova 13 phones. The overall smartphone market in China also shrank by 3.2% in the same quarter, being the only period in 2024 with less growth.

    Despite this, Apple held onto third place, with sales figures close to Xiaomi’s.

  • Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple is set to revolutionize home tech with its upcoming ‘HomePad’, a new smart display designed to blend seamlessly into your living space. Here are the five core features that will define this device:

    1. 7-inch Square Display: Initially rumored to be a 6-inch screen, the HomePad has been upgraded to a 7-inch display. Its design resembles a square iPad, roughly the size of two iPhone 16 Pro Max models side by side, offering a compact yet functional interface.

    2. New Operating System – ‘homeOS’: The HomePad introduces a novel operating system, possibly named ‘homeOS’. This OS combines elements of the Apple Watch’s interface and the iPhone’s StandBy mode, dynamically adjusting the display based on the user’s proximity for an interactive experience.

    3. Widget Support: Following the trend set by StandBy mode, the HomePad will support widgets, allowing users to customize their home screen much like on an iPhone or iPad. While the inclusion of third-party widgets remains uncertain, Apple’s recent macOS updates suggest they might extend this functionality.

    4. Versatile Accessories: To adapt to various home environments, Apple is crafting multiple attachments for the HomePad. These include wall mounts for security panel aesthetics and bases with additional speakers for kitchen, bedroom, or office use, ensuring the device fits into your home’s aesthetic and functionality needs.

    5. Enhanced Siri with AI: Unlike current Apple home devices, the HomePad will feature an AI-enhanced Siri, thanks to integration with technologies like ChatGPT. This upgrade promises to handle a broader array of commands and understand user context better, aiming to reduce those all-too-common “I’m sorry” responses from Siri.

    The HomePad promises to be more than just a smart display; it’s envisioned as a central hub for smart home control, video calls, and more, making daily life more connected and intuitive.

  • Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Apple Music hasn’t seen direct AI enhancements yet, but a new feature from Apple Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.2, is indirectly enhancing the music app experience. Here’s how:

    Image Playground: The Artwork Solution for Apple Music

    Apple’s Image Playground is an AI tool designed to generate unique images. While not yet integrated into Apple Music, it offers an innovative way to enhance playlist aesthetics. Previously, selecting or creating the perfect artwork for playlists was often a challenge, with the default options feeling repetitive or lacking personal touch.

    Now, with Image Playground, users can craft bespoke artwork. The process is straightforward: describe your vision in the app, and AI generates several images to choose from. Once you’ve selected your favorite, save it to your Photos library and import it into your Apple Music playlist. This is done by accessing the playlist, hitting the edit option from the three dots menu, and selecting the camera icon to add your custom image.

    A New Era for Playlists

    The introduction of Image Playground has transformed playlist creation from a functional task into an artistic one. It allows for a more personalized listening experience, where each playlist not only sounds unique but looks unique too. Initially perceived as just a playful tool, Image Playground has found a practical application in enhancing the visual appeal of Apple Music playlists.

    As we look forward to potential updates, there’s hope that future iOS versions might integrate this feature directly into Apple Music, making the process even more seamless. For now, Image Playground stands as a testament to how AI can subtly improve everyday app functionalities, turning them into sources of creativity and personal expression.

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