Search results for: “Features”

  • New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    Apple has announced that iOS 18.5 is almost here, following a smooth testing phase. This update introduces a few easy-to-use features to make your iPhone and iPad even better, with a focus on convenience and a touch of style.

    A key change is in the Mail app, where you can now hide contact photos directly from a quick menu in the app’s top corner. Previously, you had to dig into Settings to do this, so the new option is a time-saver. Another improvement is in the Settings app, which now clearly displays your AppleCare+ warranty details, so you can check your coverage without hassle.

    The update also celebrates Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection. A new Pride Edition Apple Watch Sport Band features bright, rainbow-like stripes, and iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 will include a matching dynamic wallpaper for your iPhone and iPad. This lively wallpaper shifts its colorful patterns when you tilt, lock, or unlock your device, adding a playful vibe.

    Apple typically releases updates like this in mid-May, so expect iOS 18.5 around May 12 or May 19. Testing has shown it’s a stable update with minor tweaks, paving the way for iOS 19’s reveal at WWDC in June. This could be one of the last iOS 18 updates, focusing on small fixes and user-friendly enhancements. Get set to download this update for practical improvements and a burst of rainbow energy!

  • Apple’s WWDC 2025: What’s new and exciting

    Apple’s WWDC 2025: What’s new and exciting

    Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), happening June 9-13, 2025, promises a thrilling lineup of updates. This year, the event will highlight three key areas: a bold new look for Apple’s software, smarter AI tools, and better support for app developers.

    Apple is set to refresh its operating systems—iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16—with a modern, cohesive design. Picture sleeker icons, smoother menus, and a polished style inspired by the airy, transparent vibe of visionOS. These changes aim to make using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac feel more intuitive and visually appealing.

    On the AI front, Apple Intelligence is getting a boost. While a major Siri overhaul might wait, expect new AI features in apps like Notes or Photos. Think smarter ways to organize your ideas or touch up images, helping your devices work harder for you.

    For developers, WWDC 2025 will roll out fresh tools and resources. Through virtual workshops, hands-on labs, and discussion forums, app creators can dive into Apple’s latest tech. Plus, a lucky few developers and students will join an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9, watching the keynote and connecting with Apple’s team.

    You can catch the keynote live on Apple’s website, the Developer app, or YouTube. With a focus on user-friendly designs and powerful tools, WWDC 2025 is set to show off Apple’s vision for the future. Don’t miss it!

  • Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple is reportedly changing its iPhone launch strategy for 2026. According to sources, the company will release its high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in fall 2026, alongside a new foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Air. The standard iPhone 18 will follow in spring 2027.

    New Features and Designs

    The foldable iPhone is expected to have a book-style design with a 5.7-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display. The iPhone 18 Pro models might feature under-display Face ID, a first for the brand.

    iPhone 17 Air: A Thinner Model with Tradeoffs

    The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner, but with a 20% shorter battery life compared to other models. To address this, Apple might revive its Smart Battery Case accessory, discontinued after switching to USB-C. This case would contain a battery pack to help users get through the day.

    Production Plans

    Apple is manufacturing the less expensive iPhone models in India to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The company has reserved 10% of its iPhone manufacturing capacity for the iPhone 17 Air, with conservative estimates due to demand uncertainty. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to account for 40% of production, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro will take up 25% each.

    Source/Via

  • Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple is collaborating with Anthropic to develop a new AI-driven coding tool named “CodeFlow,” as reported by Bloomberg. This innovative software is designed to assist developers by generating, refining, and testing code seamlessly. Integrated into an enhanced version of Apple’s Xcode platform, CodeFlow leverages Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, renowned for its exceptional coding capabilities.

    Currently, Apple intends to use CodeFlow internally to streamline its development process. There’s no confirmation yet on whether it will be released to the public. The tool features a conversational interface, enabling programmers to request code samples or troubleshoot errors effortlessly.

    It also supports testing app interfaces, speeding up the creation process significantly. Apple is actively partnering with multiple AI firms to advance its tech offerings. For instance, OpenAI’s ChatGPT enhances some of Apple’s AI functions, and there’s talk of integrating Google’s Gemini later.

    Anthropic’s Claude is a favorite among coders, widely used on platforms like Cursor and Windsurf for its reliability in programming tasks. This collaboration underscores Apple’s commitment to leading in AI innovation, as competitors increasingly adopt similar tools to boost efficiency.

    Through this partnership with Anthropic, Apple is set to revolutionize its coding workflow and may eventually extend CodeFlow to external developers. This effort reflects the growing role of AI in transforming software development, making it faster and more accessible for creators everywhere.

  • A new iPhone star is coming

    A new iPhone star is coming

    The iPhone Pro Max has long been the king of iPhones, loved for its large display, amazing battery life, and stellar camera. But with Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup arriving this fall, a new favorite might take its place. Enter the iPhone 17 Air—a game-changer that’s ultra-slim and featherlight.

    Its 6.6-inch screen hits the sweet spot, feeling just right for everyday use. While it may skip some of the Pro Max’s high-end features, its sleek, modern design is turning heads. Fans are already raving about how comfy it feels, and that could make it the go-to pick for many.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, or perhaps a new iPhone Ultra, is getting a bold upgrade. It’s expected to be a bit chunkier to house a bigger battery, ideal for power users who need all-day juice. There’s also buzz about a revamped camera system that could take mobile photography to the next level.

    Apple’s mixing things up, and the Pro Max’s reign as the top dog is no longer guaranteed. With the Air’s stylish vibe and the Pro Max’s powerhouse upgrades, buyers have some exciting choices ahead. Which one’s calling your name? Share your thoughts!

  • Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music is gearing up for a bold refresh, drawing inspiration from TikTok’s lively, trend-setting style. The platform plans to spotlight short, catchy video snippets and content crafted by users, making exploring new tunes feel more interactive and fun.

    This shift shows Apple’s keen awareness of how TikTok’s quick, viral clips spark music crazes and shape what’s popular. Behind the scenes, Apple Music’s leadership is also getting a reboot. Rachel Newman, a seasoned pro, teams up with Ole Obermann, who brings TikTok music know-how, to steer the division.

    They work under Oliver Schusser, who manages Apple’s wider services like Apple TV+ and Beats. This reshuffle aims to free up Schusser’s plate and inject fresh, creative ideas into the mix. The makeover is Apple’s way of keeping pace in the fast-moving music streaming scene, where social platforms often dictate the next big hit.

    By weaving in TikTok’s snappy, visual flair, Apple Music hopes to pull in younger fans who love hands-on, shareable experiences. Recent steps, like adding TikTok sharing in iOS 18.1, hint at Apple’s goal to blend music with social buzz. Though specifics on new features are still hush-hush, the vision is bold: transform Apple Music into a hub where fans don’t just play songs but dive into a lively world of videos and community-driven content. As listening habits shift, Apple’s banking on this spirited, connected approach to keep fans coming back.

  • Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showing strong growth. The company earned $95.4 billion in revenue, a 5% increase from last year, and a profit of $24.8 billion, up 8%. Services, like streaming and subscriptions, hit a record high, growing 12%.

    iPhone sales also helped, especially in markets where Apple Intelligence is available, boosting performance. New products, like the iPhone 16e and advanced Macs and iPads, added to the success. Apple’s board approved $100 billion for stock buybacks and raised its dividend to $0.26 per share.

    However, challenges loom. CEO Tim Cook discussed tariffs, noting they had little impact this quarter due to supply chain tweaks. But for the next quarter, tariffs could add $900 million in costs if policies stay unchanged. Cook avoided commenting on price hikes, leaving consumers wondering. Apple is diversifying production, with half of U.S. iPhones now made in India and other products in Vietnam, to reduce reliance on China.

    On the legal front, Apple faces App Store changes after a court ruling favored Epic Games. The company must allow developers to link to external payment options, following a 2021 injunction. Apple disagrees with the decision, plans to appeal, and is complying for now. The outcome remains unclear, but it could affect Apple’s services business. Despite these hurdles, Apple’s focus on innovation and customer loyalty keeps its device base growing. Cook remains optimistic, hinting at exciting products ahead, like a thinner iPhone 17 Air.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple recently warned some users about possible spyware attacks sponsored by governments. The company sent notifications to people in various countries, including an Italian journalist and a Dutch activist, through iMessage and email.

    These alerts are part of Apple’s efforts to protect users from advanced cyber threats, like those from groups such as NSO Group, known for Pegasus spyware. Apple has been sending these warnings since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries. The company doesn’t share details about the attackers to avoid helping them improve their methods. Instead, Apple encourages affected users to update their devices, use two-factor authentication, and seek help from experts like the Digital Security Helpline.

    In other news, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 218, an experimental browser update for testing new features. This version includes fixes for CSS, JavaScript, Lockdown Mode, and WebRTC, among others. It works on macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia and is available via the Software Update feature for those who’ve downloaded the browser from Apple’s website.

    The preview helps developers and users give feedback to improve future Safari versions. You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser, and no developer account is needed to try it. Full details are on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview website. This shows Apple’s focus on both user safety and improving its software, tackling cyber threats while refining tools like Safari for a better web experience.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro with the M5 chip, expected in fall 2025, promises a big upgrade. Last year, Apple surprised many by putting the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before Macs, which upset some Mac users who waited months for M4 MacBooks. This time, Apple plans to launch the M5 chip in MacBook Pros first, giving iPad Pro users a more powerful device later.

    The M5 iPad Pro should keep the same starting prices—$999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch—despite possible chip tariff issues. This shift back to Macs debuting new chips first feels like a return to Apple’s usual strategy, making the iPad Pro a solid upgrade choice.

    Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini app for iPhone now offers handy home screen widgets. These include a square widget with four icons to open the app, use the microphone, take photos, or start Gemini Live. There’s also a rectangular widget with a search bar and options to upload files or access your gallery.

    Styled like the Google Search app, these widgets make Gemini quick to use. However, some users still want a version optimized for iPads, as Android tablets already have one. The update, version 1.2025.1662203, is rolling out now, bringing iPhone users faster access to Gemini’s AI features. This combination of Apple’s M5 iPad Pro and Google’s Gemini widgets shows how both companies are improving their devices to stay competitive and user-friendly.

    Source/Via

  • iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    Apple’s next big update, iOS 19, set to arrive in 2025, might shake things up by adding artificial intelligence tools from other companies to iPhones. Sources suggest Apple is exploring ways to include various AI systems, letting users tap into more than just Apple’s tech.

    Currently, iOS 18 lets users interact with OpenAI’s ChatGPT alongside Siri for answering questions or tackling tasks. With iOS 19, Apple could broaden this by adding AI models like Google’s Gemini or offerings from firms like Anthropic.

    This would give iPhone users the freedom to pick AI tools that best suit their needs, whether it’s for writing, problem-solving, or organizing their day. By blending these external AI systems with Apple’s apps and features, iPhones could become more versatile and tailored to individual preferences.

    While Apple continues to develop its own AI, known as Apple Intelligence, including outside tools could make the user experience more dynamic and powerful. These plans are still unconfirmed, and Apple might share more at its WWDC event in June 2025, with a likely release in September. If the rumors hold, iOS 19 could redefine how AI enhances iPhones, offering users smarter, more diverse features.