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  • Apple prepares for major changes in its board of directors

    Apple prepares for major changes in its board of directors

    Apple is gearing up for notable shifts in its board of directors, as two key members approach or surpass the recommended retirement age of 75. Art Levinson, the board chair, will turn 75 in March 2025, making his retirement likely in the near future. An announcement about his departure could come as early as February during Apple’s annual shareholder meeting. Levinson, a former CEO and chairman of Genentech and the current CEO of Alphabet’s Calico Life Sciences, has been part of Apple’s board since 2010.

    Levinson’s retirement could pave the way for Apple CEO Tim Cook, now 64, to step into the chairman role by 2026, potentially signaling the beginning of his own retirement plans. Alternatively, Cook might appoint another current or incoming board member to the position.

    Apple has a policy recommending retirement at 75, but it isn’t always strictly enforced. For instance, Ronald Sugar, a longtime board member and former Northrop Grumman executive, was granted an exception in 2024. However, his extended tenure may soon come to an end, leaving Apple with the task of finding two new board members.

    If Cook chooses to remain solely as CEO, Apple may conduct a global search to fill these roles. However, should Cook take on the chairman position, he would follow a growing trend among tech leaders. Notable examples include Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who transitioned to board chair after stepping down as CEO.

    Tim Cook has been with Apple since 1998 and became CEO in 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple has maintained its position as one of the world’s most influential companies. These board changes could mark the beginning of a new era for the tech giant.

    Source

  • Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple retail stores are preparing for “merchandise and marketing updates” next week, as reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. While Gurman hasn’t directly tied these updates to a specific product launch, he pointed out that this timing aligns with Apple’s yearly release of its Black Unity watch band for the Apple Watch.

    Apple has introduced a Black Unity campaign in late January for the past four years. This campaign typically includes a new Apple Watch band, a special watch face, and an iPhone wallpaper inspired by the Pan-African flag’s colors. Recent findings in the tvOS 18.3 update code, referencing “UNITY25,” suggest the Black Unity campaign will likely return in 2025. If this is the case, Apple may announce it next week.

    Apart from the Black Unity watch band, there’s no confirmation about other product releases next week. However, Apple is anticipated to unveil new MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip in early 2025, as well as the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Gurman’s update, however, didn’t hint at these products being part of next week’s announcements.

    In addition, Apple is expected to roll out iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and other software updates after a month of beta testing. While the upcoming merchandise updates could hint at exciting news, keeping expectations in check is wise. There’s always the chance these updates are more routine than groundbreaking.

    Source

  • Apple hires new leader to boost Siri and AI

    Apple hires new leader to boost Siri and AI

    Apple is shaking things up inside its company to make Siri and its AI better, according to Bloomberg. They’ve brought in Kim Vorrath, who has been with Apple for 37 years, to lead the AI team under John Giannandrea, who is in charge of AI at Apple.

    Vorrath has a knack for managing big software projects and keeping everything on track. She’s known as Apple’s “bug fixer” and has been a big influence in the company. Before this new role, she was part of the team working on Apple’s AR/VR headset, the Vision Pro.

    This change comes right after lots of talk about how Siri didn’t do well when asked about Super Bowl scores. For a while now, Siri hasn’t been as good as other voice helpers, especially when compared to new AI chatbots.

    Apple has also been dealing with complaints about how its Apple Intelligence summarizes news, sometimes getting things wrong and confusing people. To tackle this, they’re planning to stop these summaries for news and entertainment apps in the next update, iOS 18.3, which should come out soon.

    Despite trying to make Siri better by adding ChatGPT from OpenAI, there are still issues. But Apple is working on it, with plans for more Siri improvements in the iOS 18.4 update and even bigger changes in iOS 19, where they might make Siri like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

    Moving Vorrath to the AI team shows that Apple thinks AI is more crucial than their work on Vision Pro. She’s good at organizing tech teams and making their work better. In a note about the change, Giannandrea mentioned that they want to focus on making Siri work better and improving Apple’s own AI systems.

  • Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Next week, iOS 18.3 will roll out. It doesn’t bring a lot of new stuff, but it’s a big deal for Apple’s smart features because of a daring move by Apple.

    Apple’s Smart Features Turned On by Default in iOS 18.3

    Apple has decided that with iOS 18.3, its smart features, which they call Apple Intelligence, will be turned on automatically for everyone with a compatible device.

    These smart features first appeared with iOS 18.1 back in October and got some cool updates in December with iOS 18.2. But until now, you had to choose to turn them on yourself. Now, Apple is saying, “We’re turning them on for you.”

    One Smart Feature Takes a Break

    It’s not all smooth sailing for AI at Apple. They’ve had some trouble with their smart summaries for notifications, which sometimes got the news wrong. So, in an interesting twist, while Apple is confident about turning on AI by default, they’re also being careful.

    In iOS 18.3, they’re going to temporarily turn off the smart summaries for apps in the News and Entertainment categories. It’s rare for an update to take away something that was there before, but Apple is doing this to work on making it better before bringing it back.

    Apple Still Cautious with AI

    Apple has always been careful with AI. During the early testing phases and even after making these features available to everyone with iOS 18.1, they made people wait to use them, ensuring everything worked right.

    One of Apple’s key promises is to design AI with care. They check everything from how they make the AI to how it’s used, working to avoid any misuse or problems. User feedback helps them keep improving.

    What’s Next for Apple Intelligence?

    With iOS 18.3, we see Apple sticking to those promises. They’ve had a long testing phase before making AI automatic. Yet, they’re still cautious, pausing one feature to get it right. Will people mind having these features turned on without asking? We’ll see. But for now, Apple seems to be doing it at the right time and in the right way.

  • Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple has reassured consumers that its Apple Watch bands are “safe to wear,” following a lawsuit claiming some bands contain harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

    Apple’s Statement:

    Apple Watch bands are completely safe for everyone to wear. We conduct our own tests and also involve independent labs to check our materials thoroughly, including those used in our watch bands.

    Apple also mentioned that they go beyond what the law requires to ensure their products and manufacturing processes are free from dangerous chemicals.

    Phasing Out PFAS:

    Despite confirming the safety of current bands, Apple is actively working to eliminate PFAS from all its products. In a statement from November 2022, Apple outlined their plan:

    We began by looking at the most common PFAS used in our products – fluoropolymers. Although our tests show these are safe for users, we’re expanding our efforts to include all manufacturing stages. We aim to eliminate all PFAS, understanding it’s a complex process that needs careful consideration to find effective, safe alternatives.

    This transition will take time as we catalog PFAS use, develop new materials that perform just as well, and ensure these alternatives are not harmful themselves.

    The Lawsuit:

    The lawsuit references a study which found high levels of PFAS in some smartwatch bands, suggesting these chemicals could be absorbed through the skin leading to health issues. This study included brands like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google, though it didn’t name specific bands.

    When asked about which specific Apple Watch bands might contain PFAS, Apple did not provide an immediate response. The lawsuit aims to include anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for an Apple Watch.

    The case awaits a judicial decision on whether it can proceed as a class action.

  • Apple’s First Laser Printer: The birth of desktop publishing

    Apple’s First Laser Printer: The birth of desktop publishing

    Forty years ago today, Apple changed the world of printing with the launch of the LaserWriter. This was not just any printer; it was the start of what we now know as desktop publishing.

    The LaserWriter was Apple’s debut into the laser printing scene, and it was one of the earliest printers to use Adobe’s PostScript technology. This technology was special because it allowed for detailed and scalable printing of text, designs, and images, moving away from the less precise dot-matrix printers of that era.

    Under the hood, the LaserWriter was powered by a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, the same as in the Macintosh computers. It had its memory, could run its programs, and its processor was faster than those in the Macs, making it the most powerful piece of hardware Apple had at that time.

    With a print quality of 300 dots per inch (dpi), the LaserWriter could produce documents that looked like they came from high-end professional printers. When it first came out, it cost $6,995, which would be about $24,000 today.

    Alongside the LaserWriter, Apple introduced the AppleTalk networking system. This was groundbreaking because it enabled multiple computers to connect to one printer, making office printing more efficient than ever before.

    When combined with the Macintosh and programs like Aldus PageMaker, the LaserWriter allowed people to create and print professional-looking materials like flyers, newsletters, and ads right from their desks. This meant that publishing tools, once only available to big companies, were now within reach for smaller businesses, schools, and individual creators.

    Over time, Apple expanded the LaserWriter line, offering everything from high-end models like the LaserWriter Pro to more budget-friendly options like the Personal LaserWriter. However, as competitors like HP and Canon entered the market with cheaper yet similar technology, and as more printers worked well with Apple’s systems, the LaserWriter’s unique position weakened. By the time Steve Jobs came back to Apple in 1997, the decision was made to stop producing the LaserWriter, as focus shifted away from peripherals like printers.

  • 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 Refines its Ecosystem: iOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3 Betas, and a tvOS tweak

    Apple Refines its Ecosystem: iOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3 Betas, and a tvOS tweak

    Apple has been busy polishing its software ecosystem, recently releasing a flurry of beta updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, alongside a minor but important update for tvOS. These releases signal Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining user experience, addressing bugs, and subtly enhancing existing features. Let’s delve into the details of these updates.

    iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3: Focusing on Stability and HomeKit Enhancements

    Just a week after the second betas, developers have received the third betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. These updates, accessible through the Software Update section in the Settings app, primarily focus on bug fixes and performance improvements. While not packed with groundbreaking new features, whispers suggest potential HomeKit integration for robot vacuums, a welcome addition for smart home enthusiasts.

    Notably, these updates are not expected to introduce any significant new Apple Intelligence features. Instead, those anticipated enhancements to Siri and other AI-driven functionalities are rumored to be slated for the later iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 releases, likely arriving towards the end of January. This staggered rollout suggests a strategic approach, allowing Apple to test and refine these complex features before widespread deployment thoroughly.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3: Genmoji Arrives on the Mac

    macOS Sequoia 15.3 has also entered its third beta phase. Developers can access this update through the System Settings app, requiring an Apple Developer account. The most prominent addition in this update is the arrival of Genmoji on the Mac. This feature, previously exclusive to iPhone and iPad, empowers users to create custom emojis using text prompts, mirroring the functionality of Image Playground.

    These custom-generated characters behave seamlessly with emojis on devices running the latest operating systems (iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 and later). On older systems, these Genmoji are sent as images to maintain compatibility. The Genmoji interface is integrated within the standard emoji picker, and the image generation process occurs directly on the device, ensuring user privacy. It’s worth noting that Genmoji and other Apple Intelligence features are supported by all Macs equipped with Apple silicon chips.

    Addressing Notification Summaries and User Feedback

    One of the more interesting developments within iOS 18.3 involves Apple Intelligence’s Notification Summaries. Apple has temporarily disabled summaries for News and Entertainment categories while working on improvements. This decision follows feedback regarding inaccuracies and potential misinterpretations arising from the AI’s summarization of news content.

    Apple has acknowledged concerns that the way Apple Intelligence aggregated news notifications could sometimes lead to misleading headlines and confusion. One example cited involved notifications from BBC News, which were sometimes improperly summarized, potentially conveying inaccurate information.

    In response, Apple has taken steps to address these issues. A warning has been added within the Settings app when activating Notification Summaries, explicitly labeling it as a beta feature with potential for errors. Furthermore, the summarized text is now displayed in italics to visually distinguish it from standard notifications. Apple has also introduced more granular control: users can now manage notification summaries on a per-app basis directly from the Lock Screen by swiping left on a summary and accessing the options menu.

    While summaries are temporarily disabled for news, the feature remains active for other app categories. Users retain the option to completely disable Notification Summaries within the Notifications section of the Settings app. Apple has indicated that improved news summaries will return in a future software update, with a focus on clarifying when notifications are generated by Apple Intelligence.

    tvOS 18.2.1: A Minor but Crucial Update

    Rounding out the recent updates is tvOS 18.2.1, a minor release addressing a crucial data syncing issue. This update, available for all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models via the Settings app, focuses solely on resolving inconsistencies in data synchronization across devices. Apple’s release notes confirm that this update specifically “addresses an issue where data may not sync correctly across devices.” This small but important fix ensures a more seamless and reliable user experience across the Apple TV ecosystem.

    This tvOS update follows tvOS 18.2, which brought the charming Snoopy screen saver to newer Apple TV 4K models and added support for ultra-wide 21:9 content with home theater projectors. Looking ahead, tvOS 18.3 is currently in beta and expected in late January. While it might include Home app integration for robot vacuums, it’s anticipated to be a relatively minor update. Rumors suggest a new Apple TV model is on the horizon for late 2025, potentially featuring an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E support.

    These updates across Apple’s platforms demonstrate a continuous effort to refine existing features, address user feedback, and prepare for future innovations. While some updates are more feature-rich than others, each enhances the overall Apple user experience.

  • Apple’s Latest Retail Design: A seamless blend of inside and out, plus Apple Card partnership shifts

    Apple’s Latest Retail Design: A seamless blend of inside and out, plus Apple Card partnership shifts

    Apple continues to refine its retail store aesthetic, with the latest opening in Hefei, China, showcasing the company’s commitment to a seamless transition between the exterior and interior. This design, characterized by a curved glass frontage, has now appeared in multiple locations, suggesting a new standard for Apple’s physical retail presence. Meanwhile, significant developments are unfolding in the financial realm, with reports indicating Apple is exploring new partnerships for its Apple Card program.

    The new Apple MixC Hefei store, situated in a prominent business and financial district near Swan Lake, features a wide, curved glass facade. This design element, previously seen in stores in India and Shenzhen, China, creates a fluid connection between the outside world and the store’s interior. The absence of exterior pillars in the Hefei location further enhances this effect, making the transition even more subtle and inviting. Apple emphasizes the use of sustainably and locally sourced materials in the store’s construction, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.

    This curved glass design first emerged in 2023 at the Apple Saket store in India, a feature Apple highlighted as unique at the time. The store, with its white oak tables and a feature wall crafted in India, offered a welcoming environment for customers. The presence of CEO Tim Cook and retail head Deirdre O’Brien at the opening further emphasized the importance of this new design direction. However, the “unique” design quickly reappeared just a week later in Shenzhen, indicating a broader rollout of this architectural style.

    The Hefei store’s opening coincides with the Lunar New Year, and Apple is marking the occasion with several special initiatives. Customers can purchase special-edition AirPods with custom Year of the Snake engravings. The store will also host workshops focused on using iPhone and Apple Vision Pro to capture and relive memories. Festive window decals and interior decorations will contribute to a celebratory atmosphere within the store. The store officially opened its doors on Saturday, January 18th.

    In other news, Apple’s financial partnerships are undergoing significant changes. Following confirmation from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon regarding the potential early termination of their partnership, reports have surfaced indicating Apple is in discussions with Barclays and Synchrony Financial to potentially take over the Apple Card program.

    Goldman Sachs has faced challenges in its consumer credit division, incurring substantial losses. This has led the company to scale back parts of its consumer lending business, including personal loans offered through its Marcus brand. Goldman Sachs also recently ended its partnership with General Motors, transferring the GM credit card portfolio to Synchrony Financial.

    The reports of Apple’s discussions with Barclays and Synchrony Financial come from sources familiar with the matter. Notably, Apple already has an existing relationship with Barclays for financing in the UK. Previous reports also suggested Apple was exploring partnerships with JP Morgan Chase and Capitol One.

    The future of the Apple Card partnership remains uncertain, with no clear frontrunner identified at this time. Goldman Sachs currently serves as Apple’s partner for both the Apple Card and the associated Savings Account. While the existing agreement extends until 2030, Solomon’s comments suggest a potential early exit.

    Regardless of which financial institution ultimately partners with Apple on the Apple Card, changes to the product are anticipated. The current Apple Card offers attractive interest-free financing options for Apple purchases and does not charge any fees. While these terms have been appealing to consumers, they have also contributed to Goldman Sachs’ financial losses. The new partnership will likely involve adjustments to these terms to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. The future of Apple Card appears to be one of evolution and adaptation, reflecting the dynamic nature of the financial landscape.

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