Search results for: “Features”

  • New AirTag expected in September or later

    New AirTag expected in September or later

    Apple’s next AirTag, dubbed AirTag 2, might hit shelves in September or later this year, according to a recent 9to5Mac report citing trusted sources. The updated tracker could be revealed alongside the iPhone 17 during Apple’s big fall event, which is less than three months away.

    The report also mentions that iOS 18.6 beta code suggests compatibility with the new AirTag, hinting at its upcoming release. One key upgrade for the AirTag 2 is better battery alerts. The current model shows when the battery is low in the Find My app, but the new version will notify users at two levels: low and very low.

    There’s speculation from 9to5Mac that this could mean a rechargeable battery, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple will likely stick with a replaceable one, as noted in his November 2024 newsletter. Originally, Gurman predicted a mid-2025 launch, around June or July, but the timeline has shifted to later this year.

    The AirTag 2 is expected to track items up to three times farther than the current model, thanks to a new chip. It’ll also have a tougher-to-remove speaker to prevent misuse, like stalking, while keeping a similar look to the original, released in April 2021. That first AirTag launched with products like the M1 iMac and iPhone 12 in purple. With these upgrades, the AirTag 2 promises better tracking and safety features, making it a handy tool for keeping tabs on your belongings.

  • Apple Sports app gets a fresh update with version 3.0

    Apple Sports app gets a fresh update with version 3.0

    The Apple Sports app just got a big upgrade with version 3.0, bringing three exciting changes to make following your favorite sports even better. First, there’s a new “Home” section where you can see all your favorite leagues in one spot and arrange them however you like.

    This makes it easier to keep track of everything you care about, unlike the older “My Leagues” section. Next, the app now includes men’s and women’s professional tennis, just in time for the Wimbledon tournament. You can check live scores for individual matches and look back at past game results.

    Whether it’s a Grand Slam or a major showdown, you’ll stay updated on tennis action all year long. Finally, baseball fans will love this: the app now shows pitcher and batter matchups right at the top of every game’s scoreboard. This gives you quick insights into the key players in each match.

    Launched in February 2024, the Apple Sports app keeps you in the loop with scores, stats, standings, and upcoming games for various leagues. This update makes it more user-friendly and packed with features to enhance your sports experience. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or a baseball lover, version 3.0 has something for you to enjoy.

  • What’s coming for Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025

    What’s coming for Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025

    Apple is gearing up for exciting updates to its Apple TV 4K and iPhone 17 Pro, set to launch later in 2025. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect from these new devices.
    For the Apple TV 4K, it’s been almost three years since the last update in 2022, and a new model is coming soon.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device is planned for a late 2025 release, likely in October or November. It will feature a faster chip, possibly the A17 Pro or A18, to support better gaming and Apple Intelligence features like an improved Siri. There’s also talk of a built-in camera for FaceTime calls and gesture controls, plus a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for smoother connections. Some hope for a lower price, maybe under $100, to compete with other streaming devices.

    The iPhone 17 Pro is also getting a fresh look. It will swap the usual camera bump for a sleek “camera bar” that stretches across the back, creating a cleaner design. Dummy units shared by Majin Bu show this in black.

    The phone will boast a 48MP telephoto lens, multi-camera video recording, and a 24MP front camera for sharper selfies. These upgrades aim to enhance photography and video, launching alongside other iPhones in September. Both devices show Apple’s focus on smarter tech and better user experiences, making them 2025 must-haves.

  • New iOS 26 tool hints at AirPods Pro 3 with cameras

    New iOS 26 tool hints at AirPods Pro 3 with cameras

    Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update brings a cool feature that might show AirPods Pro 3 could have cameras. The new tool, called Camera Remote, allows you to use AirPods to take photos or record videos on your iPhone. You just tap or hold the AirPods stem to control the camera, much like the Apple Watch’s camera app.

    This feature stands out because it’s tucked into a new iOS 26 settings menu labeled “Camera Control,” with no other options yet. This makes it seem like Apple is planning something big, possibly for AirPods Pro 3. Rumors suggest these earbuds, expected in 2025 or 2026, might include cameras. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo say they could have infrared cameras, while Mark Gurman hints at AI-powered features to understand your surroundings.

    With cameras, AirPods Pro 3 could let you capture your environment by tapping the stem, then use AI to give you info through your earbuds. If Apple adds full photo features, tapping once might take a picture, while holding could activate smart visual tools, similar to the iPhone’s Camera Control button. The Camera Remote tool in iOS 26 feels like a clue that Apple is getting ready for AirPods Pro 3 with cameras.

  • Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple’s Latest Updates: macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, and China subsidy program

    Apple recently rolled out exciting updates for its users. The second beta of macOS Tahoe, released on June 24, 2025, now lets developers test AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac. To try it, connect your AirPods, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and toggle on beta updates.

    This feature, already available on iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, will open to public beta testers in July, making it easier to explore new AirPods features like better call audio and studio-quality recording. Meanwhile, iOS 26’s beta introduces a fresh Clock app design with a bigger time display and larger Stop and Snooze buttons.

    However, this redesign might make it easier to accidentally tap Stop instead of Snooze when you’re groggy, going against earlier Apple research that favored different-sized buttons to avoid mistakes. Users can now customize snooze times from 1 to 15 minutes, a handy tweak from the fixed nine-minute snooze.

    In other news, Apple has joined China’s subsidy program to boost iPhone sales. By offering discounts through platforms like JD.com and Tmall, Apple aims to compete better in the world’s largest smartphone market, where local brands like Huawei are strong. This move follows a 40% sales drop in early 2025, showing Apple’s push to stay competitive with price cuts and trade-in offers.
    These updates show Apple’s focus on improving user experience and staying competitive globally.

  • iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26 for developers, focusing on fixing issues with the Control Center’s design. The update tackles complaints about the “Liquid Glass” style, which some users found hard to read. Now, the Control Center has a darker blur effect, making icons and text clearer.

    A new “Alt 1” option also appears, though its purpose isn’t fully explained yet. This beta refines the overall look of iOS 26, keeping the transparent, glossy design but making it easier on the eyes. Other small tweaks improve how the interface feels, ensuring buttons and menus are more user-friendly.

    Apple is listening to feedback, aiming to balance style with practicality. The update also hints at new Wi-Fi features like Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware, which were spotted in the first beta’s code. These could make connecting to networks smoother, but they’re not active yet. Developers can test the beta on iPhone 15 and 16 models through the Settings app.

    A public beta is expected in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones.
    This beta shows Apple’s effort to polish iOS 26’s bold design while keeping it functional. If you’re testing it, you’ll notice a cleaner, more readable Control Center that still looks modern and sleek.

  • Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple has rolled out the second test version of macOS Tahoe 26 to developers for trying out new features. This update arrives two weeks after the first test and focuses on smoothing out issues before the public gets to try it next month. You’ll need a sleek new look, Apple!

    This macOS brings a fresh style called Liquid Glass, which makes everything look shiny and see-through, a bit like the iPhone’s design. It changes how you use apps like Mail, Calendar, and Photos, making them feel new and lively. There’s also a new Phone app for Mac, so you can handle calls and texts right from your computer. Plus, Spotlight search is now quicker and can dig through your emails to find what you need fast.

    For those eager to test it, macOS Tahoe is still just for developers, but anyone can sign up with an Apple Developer account to give it a go. Be careful, though—Apple warns not to put this early software on your main Mac since it might have bugs. A public test version is coming in July, with the final release expected this fall. Curious about all the new tricks in macOS Tahoe? Check out Apple’s detailed guide for the full scoop.

  • Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, two weeks after the first test version debuted at WWDC 2025. This update focuses on refining the new Liquid Glass design, a sleek, translucent look that transforms the iPhone and iPad interface with shimmering icons and dynamic visuals. It also boosts Apple Intelligence, enhancing apps like Messages, Phone, and Safari with smarter features.

    The second beta fixes a key issue with the Control Center, addressing user complaints about its design. Other tweaks include better battery management through Adaptive Power Mode, which slightly dims the screen or slows tasks to save power. New Wi-Fi tools, like Captive Assist, are in the works but not yet active. Developers can grab the update via the Settings app on supported devices, like the iPhone 15 and 16.

    iOS 26 brings fresh touches, such as a hidden ringtone variation of Reflection and new call features like Hold Assist. iPadOS 26 adds a Phone app, improved multitasking, and a Games app. These betas are for developers now, but a public beta will launch in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones. Apple is streamlining its software numbering, so “26” marks the 2025-2026 season, matching macOS 26, watchOS 26, and more. Stay tuned for hands-on reviews as testing continues.

  • Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of watchOS 26, along with tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 betas, two weeks after the first betas were shared. These updates, announced at WWDC 2025, bring a fresh look and smarter features to Apple’s devices.

    The watchOS 26 beta introduces a sleek new design called Liquid Glass, giving the Apple Watch a modern, transparent style. It also adds new watch faces and lets third-party apps work with the Control Center for quicker access. Developers can test these changes to make sure their apps run smoothly.

    To try the beta, developers need an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. The update can be downloaded through the Apple Watch app under Settings > General > Software Update, with a developer account linked. The watch must have at least 50% battery and be on a charger during installation.

    While these betas are for developers to test and tweak apps, Apple plans to release public betas in July. The full versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will launch for everyone in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple refines these exciting new features.

  • Apple may buy Perplexity AI and let other apps make their own Airdrop

    Apple may buy Perplexity AI and let other apps make their own Airdrop

    Apple is said to be in discussions to buy Perplexity AI, a company known for its work in artificial intelligence. If Apple goes ahead with this deal, it could use Perplexity’s technology to make its own AI features smarter and more helpful. This could mean better AI tools in Apple’s products, making things easier and faster for users.

    At the same time, Apple is planning a big update with iOS 26. This new update will let other app makers build their own versions of AirDrop, Apple’s popular tool for sharing files between devices. Right now, only Apple’s own AirDrop can be used, but soon, third-party apps will be able to make similar tools. This change will give users more choices for sharing files and could make file transfers more flexible and competitive.

    With these moves, Apple is showing that it wants to stay ahead in both artificial intelligence and user-friendly features. Buying Perplexity AI could boost Apple’s AI abilities, while opening up AirDrop alternatives will give users more ways to share files, making Apple’s devices even more useful.