Search results for: “Devices”

  • iOS 19 makes AirPods more useful with new hearing features

    iOS 19 makes AirPods more useful with new hearing features

    Apple is working on some new updates that will make AirPods even more helpful, especially with iOS 19. One of the standout changes includes using AirPods as hearing aids. According to a recent report, this feature could arrive later this year.

    Apple already has something called “Conversation Boost” for AirPods Pro, which helps users hear voices better in noisy places. But with iOS 19, Apple may take things a step further by officially allowing AirPods to be used as hearing aids. This could be a big deal for people with mild hearing problems.

    The idea isn’t entirely new — past reports from Bloomberg mentioned that Apple wants to bring health-focused tools to AirPods, including better hearing support. Some users already use AirPods in “Live Listen” mode, which lets them hear through their iPhone’s microphone. However, Apple has never claimed these are medical tools.

    If AirPods become real hearing aids, they may need FDA approval in some countries, depending on how advanced the features are. Apple might be preparing for this, as the company keeps pushing health features across its devices.

    The new hearing aid feature is expected to arrive with iOS 19, likely launching around September 2025. Apple might reveal more details at WWDC 2025 in June.

    In short, iOS 19 could turn your AirPods into something more than just earbuds — they might soon help people hear better in everyday life.

  • Apple’s AI plans are getting positive early feedback from users

    Apple’s AI plans are getting positive early feedback from users

    A recent survey shows that people are more excited about Apple’s upcoming AI features than many expected. The study, done by investment firm Piper Sandler, asked over 600 people about how interested they are in Apple’s future AI tools.

    About 46% of iPhone users said they are “somewhat” or “very” interested in Apple’s AI plans. That’s a pretty good number, especially since Apple hasn’t officially shown off many of its AI features yet. Compared to Google, which recently showed off several AI tools, Apple is still being quiet, but people are curious.

    Piper Sandler said that interest in Apple’s AI was “stronger than expected.” This is a good sign as Apple prepares to reveal more about its AI work at its annual developer event, WWDC 2025, in June. It’s expected that Apple will introduce “Apple Intelligence,” a new name for its AI platform, and may also improve Siri and other features using on-device AI.

    Another interesting point from the survey is that younger users (between 18 and 24 years old) showed more excitement for AI features than older users. However, all age groups had a decent level of interest overall. In short, even though Apple hasn’t said much yet, many iPhone users are looking forward to seeing what AI tools Apple brings to their devices soon.

  • Apple rolls out second public beta for iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and more

    Apple rolls out second public beta for iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and more

    Apple has released the second public beta of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and tvOS 18.5. This comes a day after the developer beta was made available. If you’re signed up for Apple’s public beta program, you can now try out these updates on your devices.

    iOS 18.5 doesn’t bring major new features, but there are a few small changes. The Apple Books app now lets users follow their favorite authors, helping them discover new books more easily. Apple News+ has added a new “Quartiles” game, continuing the trend of daily puzzles like Crossword and Mini Crossword. These features are only available in selected regions.

    These updates are likely being tested as Apple prepares for its next big software reveal at WWDC 2025 in June. iOS 19 and other next-gen platforms will be introduced then, with final releases expected in the fall. Until then, iOS 18.5 and similar updates focus on small improvements and bug fixes.

    The beta is free to download for anyone enrolled in Apple’s beta program. Just go to the Settings app, choose General, then tap Software Update. Make sure your device is backed up before installing, since beta versions can still have bugs.

    More updates and changes might appear in upcoming betas before the final release.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3 aims to cut down your need for an iPhone

    Apple Watch Ultra 3 aims to cut down your need for an iPhone

    Apple is planning to make the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 more independent, so users won’t need to rely on their iPhones as much. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this move is part of Apple’s larger goal to turn the Apple Watch into a more standalone device.

    Right now, many features on the Apple Watch still require an iPhone. Things like setting up the watch, managing apps, and updating the system can’t be done directly from the watch itself. But Apple wants to change that. The company is working on letting users set up and update their watch without using an iPhone.

    This update may not come all at once. Some changes could roll out slowly across watchOS 11 and later versions. Still, it shows Apple’s growing interest in giving users more freedom with their devices.

    The Apple Watch Ultra 3, expected to launch later this year, might also include some new features and improvements, but the focus seems to be on better software and user experience rather than big hardware upgrades. By reducing the need for an iPhone, Apple is making the watch a better choice for fitness lovers, travelers, or anyone who wants to stay connected without carrying their phone everywhere.

  • M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    The new M2 iPad Air, announced by Apple earlier this month, is already showing some exciting capabilities. A developer named @imbushuo has managed to get Windows 11 running on the iPad Air with the help of the UEFI-based open-source tool called Project Sandcastle.

    This setup works because the M2 chip in the iPad Air uses the same arm64 architecture that Windows 11 supports. That means the operating system can run on the device without needing to be fully changed. However, it still needs tweaks and technical steps to get everything working smoothly.

    In a shared video, the iPad Air is seen running Windows 11. While not everything works perfectly, like Wi-Fi and touchscreen input, many core features are functional, showing that the tablet can handle a desktop OS like Windows.

    This isn’t the first time developers have experimented with running non-Apple systems on Apple devices. The same project, Sandcastle, has been used before to bring Android and Linux to iPhones and iPads. This latest test with Windows 11 on the M2 iPad Air proves how flexible and powerful Apple’s new chips are.

    While it’s not something regular users would do, it shows the iPad has strong potential for more than just iPadOS, especially in the hands of tech-savvy developers.

  • Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple is getting ready to remove the Sidecar app from the App Store. This app gave users a way to browse the web and play videos in their car using CarPlay. However, Apple says they will stop supporting these features soon. Because of this change, Sidecar users can ask for a full refund if they bought the app in the last 90 days.

    The developer behind Sidecar explained that Apple is cutting off the app’s CarPlay web and video playback functions. Without these features, the app won’t be useful anymore. If you have Sidecar, you can still use it for now, but it won’t be updated or fixed in the future.

    At the same time, Apple is working on iOS 19, and a new leak says it will bring a small but useful design change. In the next update, the iPhone’s status bar might move a bit lower on the lock screen. This means it’ll be easier to see the time, battery, and signal, especially on larger iPhones.

    This change may not seem big, but it can make a difference for people using bigger screens. Apple is likely testing this as part of their effort to improve how iPhones look and feel.

    Together, these updates show how Apple is refining both its software and the user experience—removing features that no longer work and updating designs to fit newer devices.

  • iPhone 17 ‘Air’ model will still have high-end display, says report

    iPhone 17 ‘Air’ model will still have high-end display, says report

    Apple is planning a new iPhone 17 model for 2025, possibly called the “iPhone 17 Air.” While this model is expected to be lighter and thinner, a new report says Apple won’t cut corners when it comes to the display quality.

    According to analyst Ross Young, the iPhone 17 Air will have the same top-tier display technology found in higher-end models. It will include features like 120Hz ProMotion and an always-on display, just like the iPhone 17 Pro. This means smoother scrolling and better visuals, even if the phone is designed to be slimmer.

    Apple is said to be working on a lighter design for this model, which could make it easier to hold and carry. It’s also expected to have a smaller Dynamic Island, along with a 6.6-inch screen. In terms of pricing, it might sit between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro models.

    This move seems to be Apple’s way of offering a premium experience without making users pay the highest price. Keeping the advanced display tech in this model shows Apple is still focused on quality, even in its thinner and lighter devices.

    The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to arrive in the second half of 2025.

  • Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.5 and other software updates for developers

    Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.5 and other software updates for developers

    Apple has rolled out the third beta version of iOS 18.5 for developers. This new beta doesn’t bring major new features but focuses on small changes and system improvements. Just like the second beta, this update is mostly about making things smoother and more stable.

    Although there may be a few minor tweaks, nothing big has been confirmed yet. More details about what’s new will likely come out soon. Developers can install the update by going to the Settings app on their iPhones.

    In addition to iOS 18.5 Beta 3, Apple has also released third beta versions of other platforms. If you’re using other Apple devices and like testing beta software, you can try the following:

    • iPadOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • macOS 15.5 Beta 3
    • tvOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • HomePodOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • visionOS 2.5 Beta 3
    • watchOS 11.5 Beta 3
    • Besides the new betas, Apple also shared Release Candidate 2 (RC2) versions for older macOS systems:
    • macOS 14.7.6 RC2
    • macOS 13.7.6 RC2

    These updates are mainly aimed at developers who test early versions before the public release. They help Apple find and fix bugs ahead of time.

  • Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple has introduced new updates to make iPhones and iPads both safer and more environmentally friendly. These changes are coming with iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, which are currently in beta testing.

    One important update is a new anti-theft feature that protects your Apple ID and personal data. When this setting is turned on, it adds a delay and extra security steps if someone tries to access your account in an unfamiliar place. For example, if your iPhone is stolen and the thief tries to change your Apple ID or reset your password, they’ll need to wait an hour and pass Face ID or Touch ID checks again. This gives users time to react and possibly recover the device.

    Another helpful change is aimed at demo devices in Apple Stores. iOS 17.5 includes a special “Retail Demo Mode” that adds a setting called “Erase All Content and Settings.” This makes it easier for store employees to quickly reset iPhones and iPads after customer use. It’s not meant for regular users, just for demo units in stores.

    Apple is also thinking about the environment. A new “Clean Energy Charging” feature will be available for iPads. This feature already exists on iPhones and helps reduce carbon emissions by charging the device when cleaner energy is being used in the area.

    With these updates, Apple is continuing its focus on user safety and eco-friendly technology, making their devices smarter and more responsible.

  • Apple releases iOS 18.4.1 and MacOS 15.4.1 with important bug fixes

    Apple releases iOS 18.4.1 and MacOS 15.4.1 with important bug fixes

    Apple has rolled out new software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. These include iOS 18.4.1, iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS 15.4.1, watchOS 11.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, and visionOS 1.1.1. All of them are now available to download.

    The updates mainly focus on fixing bugs and improving system stability, rather than adding new features. For iPhone users, iOS 18.4.1 is expected to fix issues with the iOS 18.4 release, which had minor problems affecting app performance and user experience. Apple hasn’t listed the exact fixes but says the update includes “important bug fixes and security updates.”

    Mac users can now update to macOS 15.4.1, which brings similar behind-the-scenes improvements. Again, Apple hasn’t shared detailed patch notes, but the goal is to make the system more stable and secure.

    These updates are recommended for all users, especially since they also include security improvements. You can install them by heading to the Settings app on your device and checking for software updates.

    Apple is also testing iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 in beta, which are expected to bring new features. But for now, iOS 18.4.1 and macOS 15.4.1 aim to make your devices run better and more securely.