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  • Apple’s new AI features and design updates unveiled at WWDC 2025

    Apple’s new AI features and design updates unveiled at WWDC 2025

    At WWDC 2025, Apple shared exciting updates for its devices, focusing on smarter AI features and a fresh look for its software. The new Foundation Models framework lets app developers use Apple’s on-device AI to create clever, privacy-focused features without needing the internet. For example, students can build tools to summarize class notes or compare lecture recordings, all while keeping data secure on the device.

    Apple also introduced a sleek “Liquid Glass” design for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, inspired by the translucent style of visionOS. This design brings a shiny, glass-like appearance to app icons and menus, making them feel modern and light.

    Siri’s personalized features, like understanding your emails or controlling apps, are delayed until 2026 due to development challenges. Meanwhile, Image Playground now works with ChatGPT, letting users create unique images with custom styles, like cartoons or oil paintings.

    For fitness fans, Apple Watch gets Workout Buddy, an AI-powered coach that uses your workout data to give real-time motivational tips through Bluetooth headphones. It supports activities like running, cycling, and strength training, with more languages coming later. These updates show Apple’s push to blend powerful AI with user privacy and a stylish new design, setting the stage for a smarter, more engaging experience across its devices.

  • Apple’s new iOS update brings big changes to your phone

    Apple’s new iOS update brings big changes to your phone

    Apple is putting a lot of effort into creating iOS 26. The company has remained quiet about the exact launch date for the new software, though it is expected to appear after iOS 18, which will already be launched soon. It will be a short delay for iOS 26, but Apple is thinking ahead about what lies ahead.

    At this time, the company is working on improving iOS 18. There will be many additions and improvements with this update. There has been a lot of conversation about what’s different with Control Center. You can instantly modify Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness settings in the Control Center on your phone. Thanks to iOS 18, Control Center will now work better and be more supportive.

    New improvements include improved connections between devices and more choices for music controls. Now, users can shape their Control Center to meet their own user requirements. Apple wants its phones to be easy to use and enjoyable for all users.

    Most updates from Apple are previews of concepts that may become open standards later. The changes made in iOS 18 are a taste of new ideas we could see in iOS 26. In their coming update, users will enjoy a better Control Center as well as new tools.

  • Apple rolls out new firmware update for Airpods Max

    Apple rolls out new firmware update for Airpods Max

    Apple has posted a firmware update for AirPods Max that brings the version to 7E108. Just a few weeks after the March release of 6A325, this update is now available. Apple hasn’t revealed what has changed or what’s new in this update. Still, when a watch receives a firmware update, it’s usually to fix bugs, make sure things run smoothly or enhance the power and connection of the device.

    The AirPods Max will receive automatic firmware updates if they are connected to an iPhone or iPad using Bluetooth. The update can’t be installed manually, so just place your AirPods Max next to your device and make sure they still have power. You can look up your firmware version using the steps below.

    • Set up your AirPods Max on your iPhone or iPad.
    • Go to Settings on your device.
    • Visit Bluetooth.
    • Tap the little information (ⓘ) button that appears next to your AirPods Max.
    • Find the firmware version on the page.

    Updating your AirPods Max is a good idea, even if Apple doesn’t typically release a changelog. Better sound, easier online matches and improvements for problems encountered before are all included. This story will be updated if Apple gives us additional information on version 7E108.

  • Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Every time Apple updates iOS 18, like with iOS 18.4, they sneak in a few surprises for your iPhone. You’ve probably heard about turning doodles into awesome art, tweaking your home screen, making custom emojis, and exploring Apple Intelligence or Visual Intelligence.

    But what else is hiding in iOS 18.4 that’s flying under the radar? There’s a lot to uncover! Apple adds settings that don’t get much attention, but they’re super handy. Here are some of my favorite secret iOS 18.4 features worth checking out.

    Power Off Your iPhone Without Buttons

    No need to press physical buttons to restart your iPhone anymore. The updated control center has all the usual stuff—brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth—and now includes a restart option. Just swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the power icon in the control center’s top-right, and a slider pops up to shut down your phone. To turn it back on, you’ll still use the side button.

    Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing your Wi-Fi just got easier. With iOS 18.4, you can create a QR code for your network. It’s perfect for sharing with a group, someone not in your contacts, or even Android users. Open the new Passwords app, find your Wi-Fi network, tap it, and select “Show QR Code.” Anyone who scans it with their camera connects instantly.

    Tweak Your Flashlight’s Beam

    The iPhone flashlight isn’t just brighter—it’s smarter. On supported models, you can now adjust the beam’s width. Go wide to light up more space or narrow for a focused glow. Turn on the flashlight from the lock screen or control center, and swipe left or right on the Dynamic Island to play with the beam. It’s great for setting up photo lighting!

  • 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.

  • Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Apple’s first homemade modem, the C1 chip, is missing one big feature: mmWave 5G, the super-speedy version of 5G. While some might not mind—since not many phone companies use it yet—there’s a clear reason behind this choice.

    Building the C1 chip took years. You’d think Apple, with its knack for making amazing Mac chips that outshine Intel’s, could whip up a modem easily. But it’s not that simple. Mobile data tech is a tricky puzzle for three main reasons.

    First, every country has its own rules for mobile data, and a chip meant for the world has to work with all of them. Second, even in one country, phone companies tweak these rules differently, and Apple has to match each one. Third, the chip must handle not just today’s standards, like 5G, but also older ones like 4G, switching smoothly if the signal drops. That means supporting every version of every standard, old and new, everywhere.

    That’s why the C1’s spec list is a long one, covering tons of 5G bands, 4G types, and even older tech like GSM, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a lot to juggle! Apple had to make some tough calls with the C1. Rumors hinted at compromises, and they were right. The chip skips mmWave 5G and sticks to Wi-Fi 6 instead of jumping to Wi-Fi 7.

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the mmWave skip is about saving power. Apple brags that the C1 uses way less energy than the Qualcomm chips it replaces. Adding mmWave isn’t hard, but making it work well without draining the battery is a challenge. That’s why Apple left it out for now. The good news? Kuo says Apple is already working on a better C1 for next year. This updated version will tackle power use, boost speed, and finally add mmWave 5G support. So, faster 5G is coming—just not yet!

  • Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Apple recently launched the M3 iPad Air and iPad 11, and now it’s introduced a neat new accessory to go with them. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air has been updated with some awesome features borrowed from the M4 iPad Pro’s version. Let’s check out what’s new!

    iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard Gets a Fresh Look

    According to Apple:

    The redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air makes it easier to get things done, all at a lower price. It has a bigger trackpad that’s super accurate for tricky tasks, plus a new row of 14 keys for quick controls like adjusting brightness or sound. It snaps on magnetically, and the Smart Connector instantly links it up for power and data—no Bluetooth needed. There’s also a sturdy aluminum hinge with a USB-C port for charging. Starting at just $269 for the 11-inch size and $319 for the 13-inch, this keyboard keeps its sleek floating style and comes in white. This updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air picks up some of the best tricks from the M4 iPad Pro’s keyboard, which I adore.

    Here’s what they share:

    • A larger trackpad for easier use
    • A handy row of shortcut keys

    One small difference? The iPad Air version doesn’t have the fancy trackpad vibration feedback. It also skips the aluminum area near the trackpad. But overall, the two keyboards are pretty similar. Both come in 11-inch and 13-inch options. While it’d be cool to have just one Magic Keyboard for all iPads, the super-slim iPad Pro probably needs its special fit.

    Pricing and Which iPads Work with It

    The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard is cheaper since it skips a couple of extras:

    • 11-inch: $269 (compared to $299 for iPad Pro’s)
    • 13-inch: $319 (compared to $349 for iPad Pro’s)

    It works with these iPads:

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M3, M2, 5th, and 4th gen)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M3, M2)

    You can grab it now from Apple’s online store, with delivery by Wednesday, March 12.

  • Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    For years in the 2000s and 2010s, Apple sold Wi-Fi routers called AirPort base stations. They came in three types: the basic AirPort Express, the fancier AirPort Extreme with extra networking tricks, and the AirPort Time Capsule, which also worked as a backup drive for Macs using Time Machine. Apple stopped making these routers in 2018, but there’s a chance they might come back in a surprising form.

    In December, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared that Apple is working on a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This chip will show up in updated Apple TV and HomePod mini devices later this year. He says it’s so powerful that it could turn these gadgets into Wi-Fi hotspots. But don’t get too excited yet—it’s not certain Apple will go that route.

    Apple seems eager to grow in the smart home world. Rumors suggest they’re building a brand-new smart home hub for release this year. There’s also talk of a HomeKit smart camera that pairs with the hub, creating a simple home security setup. If future Apple TVs or HomePods could act as Wi-Fi routers, too, that’d be another win for Apple in the smart home game.

    Gurman says this new chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, a step up from the Wi-Fi 5 in the last AirPort models. However, analyst Jeff Pu thinks it might even handle Wi-Fi 7, which is even faster. For now, it’s unclear if Apple TV and HomePod will turn into routers. Still, Apple is cooking up tech that could make it happen. Whether they bring back the AirPort idea in this fresh way, only time will tell.

  • Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

    What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

    The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

    The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

    It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

    New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

    Combining Chips for the Future

    Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

  • Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple rolled out fresh test versions of software updates today for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, covering both the Lightning and USB-C models. These updates carry the version number 7E5080a and are currently limited to developers. This marks the second test update Apple has tried out, following the first one from January, which was labeled 7E5067b.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    We don’t yet know exactly what’s new or different in this update, but we’ll keep you posted if we learn more. For now, regular users still have version 7B21 on their AirPods Pro 2 and 7B20 on their AirPods 4. These won’t change until Apple officially releases the tested software to everyone.

    To get the update, place your AirPods near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s on Wi-Fi, then plug them in to charge. The process might take up to 30 minutes to finish. Want to see which version you’re running? On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button next to your AirPods when they’re connected, and check the number there.

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