Search results for: “Devices”

  • Apple stops signing iPadOS 17.7.7 after new update

    Apple stops signing iPadOS 17.7.7 after new update

    Apple has officially stopped signing iPadOS 17.7.7, which means users can no longer downgrade from iPadOS 17.5 to this older version. This change comes shortly after the release of iPadOS 17.5 earlier this week.

    When Apple stops signing an iOS or iPadOS version, it prevents users from installing that version through iTunes or Finder. This is part of Apple’s usual process to encourage people to stay on the latest software, which often includes important security updates, new features, and bug fixes.

    iPadOS 17.7.7 was mainly designed for older iPads that are not compatible with iPadOS 17. These devices include models like the iPad Pro (9.7-inch and 12.9-inch 1st generation) and iPad (5th generation). For users of those devices, iPadOS 16.7.8 remains the most recent supported version.

    If you’ve already updated to iPadOS 17.5, there’s now no official way to go back to 17.7.7. Apple typically makes this move shortly after a new release to protect users and make sure devices are running the most secure and stable version.

    This also highlights Apple’s focus on forward compatibility and its intent to keep all supported devices on up-to-date software for better performance and security.

  • Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Fortnite fans hoping to play the game on iPhones in the EU will have to keep waiting. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, says Apple still hasn’t allowed Epic’s developer account to go live, even though Epic was hoping to relaunch Fortnite on iOS in Europe this year.

    Back in March, Apple restored Epic’s developer account after the EU passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which pressures big tech companies to allow fair competition. Epic planned to use this opportunity to bring its own app store and Fortnite back to Apple devices in the EU.

    But things haven’t moved forward since then. Sweeney recently shared that Apple has not approved Epic’s final app store submission. Without this approval, Epic can’t release anything—not even a test version of Fortnite or its game store. According to Sweeney, they submitted their final version weeks ago but have heard nothing.

    This delay is causing frustration at Epic. Sweeney says Apple is “stonewalling” them, meaning they’re not giving updates or moving the process along.

    Apple hasn’t commented on the situation, and it’s unclear why they’re holding back approval.

    The EU’s new rules were designed to stop these kinds of delays, so if Apple continues to block Epic, regulators might step in. For now, though, Fortnite fans in Europe will just have to stay patient.

  • Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Apple just revealed a new smart home device called HomePad, and it’s packed with exciting features designed to make your home smarter and more connected. Here are five key features you should know about:

    1. Easy setup with iPhone
      Setting up HomePad is super simple. Just bring your iPhone close to it, and it automatically syncs your Apple ID, Wi-Fi settings, and more—just like setting up AirPods or a HomePod.

    2. Works with Matter
      HomePad fully supports Matter, the new smart home standard that works with devices from different brands. This means you can control smart devices from Apple, Google, Amazon, and others—all from the same app.

    3. Multi-display support
      HomePad supports multiple displays at once. So, you can control smart lights from the kitchen while watching a camera feed in the living room. It makes multitasking across rooms easy and smooth.

    4. Hand off FaceTime and calls
      You can start a FaceTime call on your iPhone and then transfer it to the HomePad instantly. It even works with other video calling apps, making your video chats more flexible.

    5. Smart home automation with Siri
      Siri on HomePad helps automate tasks like locking doors at night or turning off lights when you leave home. You can also set up routines that adjust based on time or who’s in the house.

    Apple hasn’t given a release date yet, but these features show they’re aiming to make HomePad a powerful hub for your smart home.

  • Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and new details suggest it could have a small hole-punch camera on the outer screen. This information comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says Apple has ordered samples of this type of camera for testing. This camera design would allow Apple to keep the outer display mostly full-screen while still including a front-facing camera.

    A hole-punch camera is a small circular cutout in the screen, similar to what we see in some Samsung and Android phones. Apple currently uses Face ID and a notch or Dynamic Island for the front camera in regular iPhones, but this could change for the foldable model.

    This outer screen is expected to work even when the phone is folded. Kuo also said that Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely open vertically, like a flip phone, instead of folding like a book. Earlier reports said Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026.

    Apple is taking its time with foldable devices. While companies like Samsung and Huawei already sell foldable phones, Apple is testing different designs and display tech before moving forward. Reports suggest Apple is trying to make sure the screen doesn’t crease and the design is durable enough for everyday use.

    In short, Apple’s future foldable iPhone might come with a sleek outer display and a hole-punch camera, offering a clean design and possibly a new user experience.

  • Apple brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple is working on several new features for its upcoming software updates, and two of them are getting a lot of attention, especially for Vision Pro and iOS 19.

    First, with visionOS 3, Apple plans to add an “Eye Tracking Dwell Control” feature for Vision Pro. This means users will be able to scroll just by looking at the screen. For example, if your eyes rest on the bottom of a page, it will automatically scroll down. This feature is already being tested in the latest developer beta and is expected to be part of visionOS 3, which should arrive in September. Apple is also working to improve other gestures, making the headset more intuitive to use.

    On the iOS 19 side, new leaks reveal that Apple is adding a few big changes. One of the standout updates is improved AI suggestions, helping users with better message replies and smart organization in apps like Mail and Notes. There’s also a new interface coming to the Settings app that’s cleaner and easier to use, especially for first-time iPhone users. Plus, Apple is working on better customization for lock screens and home screens.

    Both visionOS 3 and iOS 19 are expected to be previewed at WWDC in June, with official releases later in the fall. These updates show Apple’s strong push into making its devices smarter and easier to control.

  • Apple adds Formula 1 race previews to Maps for a fun, interactive experience

    Apple adds Formula 1 race previews to Maps for a fun, interactive experience

    Apple Maps is adding a new Formula 1 feature for fans to explore race tracks in a fun and interactive way. Starting with the Miami Grand Prix, users can experience a 3D version of the track using the “Explore” feature on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    With this feature, users can get a closer look at the track layout, see key points like turns and pit lanes, and view nearby spots for parking, food, and hotels. It’s similar to Apple’s Look Around view, but designed specifically for Formula 1 events.

    This new update is part of Apple’s growing partnership with Formula 1. Apple TV+ is also working on a new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which is expected to come out soon. In addition, Apple Music created a special playlist for the Miami Grand Prix and shared the playlist from F1 driver Charles Leclerc.

    Apple hasn’t said if this 3D Maps feature will be available for all races, but we’ll likely see it added for other major events later this year. This could make following the sport more exciting for fans and easier for visitors attending in person.

    The F1 Maps feature is now live for the Miami race and will work on devices with the latest Apple software. Users just need to search for the Miami Grand Prix in Apple Maps and tap “Explore” to check it out.

  • Apple iPhone sales drop in China, but iPad shipments go up worldwide

    Apple iPhone sales drop in China, but iPad shipments go up worldwide

    Apple is seeing mixed results with its products this year. According to recent data, iPhone shipments have dropped in China, while iPad shipments are rising across the world.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Apple sold fewer iPhones in China, with a 6.6% drop compared to the same time last year. This drop made Apple fall to third place in China’s smartphone market. Local Chinese brands like Huawei and Honor are growing quickly, with Huawei jumping 70% in shipments. Huawei even took the top spot with a 17% market share, followed by Honor with 16.1%, while Apple now has 15.7%.

    On the other hand, Apple’s iPad sales are doing well. Global iPad shipments grew by 21% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. This is the first time in years that the tablet market has seen this kind of growth. One reason is the leftover demand from the COVID-19 pandemic, as people and schools continue to buy tablets for remote learning and work.

    Also, Apple recently launched new iPad models, including the updated iPad Pro and iPad Air, which are helping to boost sales further. With these new devices, Apple is expected to stay strong in the tablet market.

    In short, while Apple faces challenges in the smartphone space, especially in China, its iPad business is showing strong growth in 2025.

  • Apple plans AI Glasses and boosts Mac clipboard privacy

    Apple plans AI Glasses and boosts Mac clipboard privacy

    Apple is preparing major updates for macOS and new AI-powered devices, and privacy is a key part of the plan. According to reports, macOS 16 will include a new system that warns users when apps read their clipboard data. This means you’ll get a clear notification if an app accesses copied text, passwords, or any other sensitive content.

    The update builds on Apple’s existing privacy efforts, similar to how iOS shows when apps access the camera or microphone. Users will be able to control which apps can access the clipboard, giving them better security and more control over personal data.

    Meanwhile, Apple is also working on its own pair of AI-powered glasses. These upcoming Apple Glasses may use a new machine learning model called FastVLM, which is designed to run locally and doesn’t require cloud access. This means the glasses could process voice commands, images, and even identify things around you without sending data online—making it more private and faster.

    FastVLM was recently added to Apple’s open-source machine learning tools. It’s built for efficient visual and language tasks, like recognizing objects or reading signs. Apple is likely testing this for wearable tech, which fits the company’s push for on-device AI.

    Overall, Apple’s next big software and hardware updates focus on smarter features and better privacy—something users have been asking for in today’s AI-heavy world.

  • Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple’s stock rose sharply on Monday after reports that the U.S. and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on tech products, including smartphones. This news helped Apple’s stock hit a new record high of over $210 per share, giving the company a market value above $3.2 trillion.

    The tariff deal is expected to lower the cost of making iPhones and other Apple devices in China. Apple depends heavily on its supply chain in China, so this move may ease pressure on production costs. Investors see this as a big win for Apple’s future profits.

    Wall Street reacted quickly. Analysts believe this change could save Apple billions in the long run, especially since China is both a key market and a major manufacturing base for the company. One expert from Wedbush Securities said the deal could be a “game-changer” for Apple’s earnings in the second half of the year.

    The news also lifted other tech stocks, as many U.S. companies rely on Chinese manufacturing. Overall, the agreement between the two countries brought fresh optimism to the market and could mean fewer trade tensions ahead. This positive update comes at a time when Apple is focusing more on international markets and new products like AI-powered features in upcoming iPhones.

    Would you like a quick chart showing Apple’s recent stock growth?

  • Seamless Wi-Fi access with iOS 19

    Seamless Wi-Fi access with iOS 19

    Apple is introducing a clever feature in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 to simplify connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this update will allow your Apple devices to share login information for public Wi-Fi, such as those in cafés, airports, or libraries, so you only need to log in once.

    Currently, public Wi-Fi often requires you to enter details like your email or accept terms on a login page for each device. This can be tedious when switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The new feature will use iCloud to sync these login credentials across your devices. After signing in on one, your other devices can connect effortlessly without extra steps.

    While Apple has supported Wi-Fi password sharing since iOS 11, public networks with additional login requirements haven’t been covered. This update will bridge that gap, making it easier to get online wherever you are. It’s still unclear how the feature will handle networks with device limits or whether it will support sharing between different users.

    Set to be unveiled at Apple’s WWDC in June 2025, with a likely rollout in September, this feature promises to make public Wi-Fi connections smoother and more convenient for Apple users.