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  • New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    Apple just rolled out macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta 4 for developers. This update comes a week after the last one, and here’s what you need to know.

    Beta 4: Fixing Bugs Before the Big Release

    The third beta last week focused on fixing bugs and making things run smoother. Beta 4, released today, seems to follow the same path. There’s not much time left for big changes since the public version is coming soon—likely in early April, alongside iOS 18.4. That’s just a few weeks away!

    So far, macOS 15.4 brings some cool stuff like:

    • A fresh look for Apple Mail with inbox sorting
    • Seven new emoji for your keyboard
    • Easy device pairing with Proximity Pairing
    • A timer for verification codes in the Passwords app
    • A sketch style for creating drawings in Image Playground
    • Plus a few smaller tweaks

    If anything new pops up in beta 4, we’ll let you know. To get this update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. If you don’t see it, tap the ‘i’ button and check that Beta Updates are on.

    Other Apple Updates: Vision Pro, Apple TV, and More

    Apple also dropped beta 4 for visionOS 2.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. Developers can grab these now.

    Vision Pro gets the spotlight with visionOS 2.4. It’s adding Apple Intelligence features for the first time, plus a guest mode upgrade and a Spatial Gallery app. For Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18.4 spruces up the TV app with:

    • A big plus button to add shows to your Watchlist
    • Clear episode schedules
    • Updated fonts and icons

    No big news yet for watchOS 11.4 or HomePod 18.4, but they’ll likely get the usual bug fixes and speed boosts.

    What’s Next?

    With the public release nearing in early April, these beta 4 updates are mostly about making things stable. No huge surprises are expected today, but the good news is you won’t wait long to try them yourself—no developer account needed!

    iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Beta 4 Too

    Apple also shared the fourth betas of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Look for them in Settings > General > Software Update. They bring Priority Notifications to highlight key alerts, a Food section in Apple News+, and a sketch style for Image Playground. Plus, there’s relaxing Ambient Music in Control Center and more emoji. These updates will land in early April too!

  • Apple should pause and polish its software

    Apple should pause and polish its software

    Things have been buzzing with Apple news lately. The company recently shared that the updated Siri won’t be ready anytime soon, and insiders say the cool features promised at last year’s WWDC are still far off. With all this happening, Apple could use a throwback moment—like a new Snow Leopard—to get its software back on track.

    If you’ve used a Mac for a while, say 16 years or more, you might recall Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Back then, Apple didn’t rush out a new Mac OS every year. When Snow Leopard launched, it wasn’t about flashy new tricks or looks. Instead, Apple worked hard to make the software steady and reliable. I started thinking about this after seeing an old WWDC 2009 clip where Bertrand Serlet, a big name at Apple back then, proudly said Snow Leopard had “no new features.” It’s wild to see how much Apple has shifted since those days.

    Apple’s never been quick to say “oops,” but it has owned up to slip-ups before. Think about Steve Jobs talking to the press about the iPhone 4 antenna mess or admitting MobileMe wasn’t great and promising to fix it. I miss that honesty. Today, it’s tough to picture Apple saying, “Hey, this update has nothing new,” or owning up to glitches in front of everyone.

    Fast forward to now—a Bloomberg report says Robby Walker, a Siri boss at Apple, called the delays “messy” and “awkward” in a team meeting. Last June, at WWDC 2024, Apple hyped up Apple Intelligence, but when iOS 18 and macOS 15 dropped, those features were nowhere to be found. Some trickled out later, but the new Siri—yep, the one in iPhone 16 ads—still hasn’t shown up.

    Online, people are grumbling about bugs in Apple’s latest updates, and it’s not hard to see why. Apple should hit pause. Announcing stuff that’s not ready (remember AirPower?) just sets everyone up for disappointment. Now that they’ve admitted Siri’s delay, I hope they focus on smoothing out the rough spots and delivering what they promised. We don’t need big updates every year—give the team time to fix things. A new Snow Leopard vibe could be just what Apple needs.

  • Siri’s late arrival saved Apple from a big mess

    Siri’s late arrival saved Apple from a big mess

    Apple’s decision to hold off on releasing new Siri features has sparked some tough headlines lately. It even led to a big team meeting where one boss called the situation “messy and awkward.” But here’s the thing—waiting might have kept Apple out of an even bigger problem.

    New Siri Features Weren’t Ready Yet

    Pushing back iOS updates doesn’t look good, especially when the news paints it in a harsh light. But what’s way worse? Releasing key features that flop. According to notes leaked from that meeting, that’s exactly what Apple dodged with Siri.

    Mark Gurman shared that an exec, Walker, explained the delay happened because the new tech wasn’t up to par. It worked decently only about two-thirds to 80% of the time. He said they’d rather keep improving it so people could actually trust it. Features that only work some of the time? That’s a no-go for Apple. Even 80% isn’t solid enough. Can you imagine them sending out something that shaky? I sure can’t.

    Why Siri’s Delay Was a Smart Move

    These Siri upgrades weren’t small tweaks—they were a big deal. Apple hyped them up last June, promising a smarter assistant that knows your texts, schedule, and more. If they’d rolled out nearly a year later and still messed up, it’d be a bad look. Worse, though, these features are meant to handle important stuff. If they failed even a little, it could cause real headaches.

    Take this example from John Gruber: Imagine asking Siri when your mom’s flight lands. It says, “4:30, on time,” so you head to the airport. But if it’s wrong and she lands at 7:30—or worse, 1:30—you’re either waiting forever or leaving her stranded. That’s the kind of trust Siri’s supposed to earn. If it shipped half-ready, it’d be a disaster for Apple.

    There’s an old saying from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto: “A late game can turn out great, but a rushed one stays bad forever.” Games and phone updates aren’t identical, and some debate if he even said it. Still, it fits here. A delayed Siri could end up awesome. A rushed one? That’d hurt Apple and us for good.

  • iOS 18.4 makes control center even cooler: Here’s What’s New

    iOS 18.4 makes control center even cooler: Here’s What’s New

    The Control Center in iOS 18 has been a big hit, and it’s not just a one-time facelift. Apple keeps making it better with every update, and iOS 18.4 brings some exciting new features that make it stand out.

    Fresh Ambient Music Options

    With iOS 18.4, you get a brand-new set of controls called Ambient Music. It includes four handy options:

    • Chill
    • Productivity
    • Sleep
    • Wellbeing

    Each one lets you play an Apple Music playlist that matches the vibe you’re going for. You can tweak these controls to start your favorite playlist—either one you pick yourself or a suggested one from Apple. Plus, you can adjust their size in Control Center to take up one, two, or four spaces and even link them to your iPhone’s Action Button or Lock Screen.

    Smarter Siri and Visual Tricks

    In the updated “Apple Intelligence and Siri” section, two new tools join the lineup alongside the “Type to Siri” switch. Now, you can add “Talk to Siri,” which wakes Siri up with your voice, just like pressing the side button. There’s also “Visual Intelligence,” a cool camera feature that used to be only for iPhone 16 but now works on iPhone 15 Pro and 16e too. It’s perfect for assigning to the Action Button!

    A Fresh Look for Control Center

    iOS 18.4 also spruces up the Control Center’s style. Here’s what’s new:

    • Focus control now has up and down arrows to flip through modes.
    • The brightness slider moves with fun animations depending on the level.
    • The volume slider gets lively animations, too.

    The arrows on the Focus control make it easy to see all your Focus options with a tap. Meanwhile, the brightness slider shows a sun that grows or shrinks as you adjust it—small and dim when low, big and bright when high.

    Wrapping Up iOS 18.4’s Control Center

    Control Center has evolved a lot over time, and this version might just be the best yet. With tons of ways to personalize it and a growing list of controls, iOS 18.4 keeps making it more fun and useful. Apple’s clearly on a roll!

  • Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple seems to be cooking up something big for iOS 19, possibly the largest update since iOS 7 hit back in 2013. While the company hasn’t spilled all the details yet, little hints have been popping up in their recent work. By peeking at new iPhone apps and designs, we can guess what’s in store for iOS 19. Let’s break it down.

    New Apps Drop Big Hints

    It’s been over a decade since Apple gave iOS a major makeover with iOS 7. Since then, changes have been small and steady, keeping the system familiar. But five recent apps—and one huge redesign—offer some exciting clues about iOS 19.

    Here’s the lineup of Apple’s latest apps built from scratch:

    • Journal
    • Apple Sports
    • Image Playground
    • Apple Invites
    • Apple Vision Pro (coming in iOS 18.4)

    These apps look different from each other, but they share some key features that point to iOS 19’s direction. One big clue? They’re ditching the classic iPhone tab bar.

    Goodbye, Tab Bars

    For years, tab bars have been a staple of iPhone apps, sitting at the bottom of the screen—like in the original Phone and Clock apps. They’re still around today, mostly unchanged. But Apple’s moving away from them. New apps like Journal, Sports, and Invites hide navigation in menus near the top instead of using tab bars. Even older apps, like Photos, got a makeover last year, swapping the tab bar for a smooth, single-page layout.

    What does this mean for iOS 19? Expect more apps to drop tab bars and switch to a simpler, one-page style. Apps like Music, App Store, Health, and News still use tab bars now, but iOS 19 might freshen them up with this new look.

    More Design Clues

    There’s more to spot in Apple’s recent apps. Parker Ortolani, a design expert, noticed that apps like Apple Sports and Invites feel different—almost like they belong on visionOS or watchOS. They’ve got bright backgrounds, glassy buttons, and bold, layered shapes. Apple Invites adds big cards and a focus on content. These touches hint at a lively, modern vibe for iOS 19. Reports say iOS 19 will borrow ideas from visionOS, and these app designs—think floating elements and colorful layers—back that up. It’s looking like a bold, fresh update is on the way!

  • Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Apple is said to be working on a major iOS 19 update that could bring the biggest look change to the iPhone in over ten years. This is a daring step for Apple, and while it comes with some risks, it might just turn out to be a smart move.

    Why Changing iOS 19 Is a Big Deal

    The last time Apple gave the iPhone a huge software facelift was with iOS 7, back in 2013. That’s a long stretch 12 years without a major refresh. When iOS 7 came out, people were thrilled with its sleek, modern vibe. But not everyone loved it. Some felt the new style, led by designer Jony Ive, looked cool but wasn’t practical—think hard-to-read text or tricky buttons.

    Since then, Apple has played it safe, avoiding big redesigns. Why? Probably because so many people—billions now—use iPhones every day. With such a huge crowd depending on it, any misstep could upset users and hurt Apple’s image.

    Risks of a New Look

    Today, Apple is a giant compared to 2013, with way more iPhone fans worldwide. These users count on their phones for everything. So, if iOS 19 feels confusing or annoying, it could spell trouble for Apple’s reputation—and its profits. I’m excited about a fresh design, but I bet plenty of users might feel uneasy hearing about such a shake-up.

    Why It’s Worth a Shot

    Still, there are good reasons to take this chance. For one, a shiny new iOS could steal the spotlight from Apple’s struggles with Siri and AI tech. A bold redesign might grab attention—especially from younger users who care more about a cool look than fancy AI tools. Plus, there’s a bigger point: if Apple stops updating how iOS looks and works, it risks falling behind. Sure, they add new features yearly, but tweaking the core design is different.

    No system is flawless, and Apple needs to keep iOS fresh to stay ahead, even if it means a big leap. I used to think huge redesigns like iOS 7 were a thing of the past—small updates seemed safer. But if rumors are right, Apple’s ready to go all in with iOS 19. After years of the same old style, maybe it’s time for a change.

  • Apple Music Classical now available online

    Apple Music Classical now available online

    Apple Music Classical, which recently added support for CarPlay, is now reaching another exciting platform. As of today, you can enjoy Apple Music Classical right from your web browser for the first time.

    In a statement shared today, Anjali Malhotra, the Global Director of Apple Music Classical, explained:

    “Apple Music Classical keeps growing and finding new ways to connect amazing musicians and their work with fans everywhere, all in one place. With the web version now live, people who love listening on their computers can explore over 5 million songs and 50 million details about classical music.”

    Unlike the regular Apple Music service, Apple Music Classical is built just for classical music fans. It comes with special features, a smart design, and tools like expertly picked playlists, a search made for classical tunes, and more.

    With Apple Music Classical, it’s simple to find any piece in the world’s biggest classical music collection. The search lets you look up songs by composer, title, conductor, orchestra, instrument, or opus number. Plus, it offers top-notch sound quality with high-resolution lossless audio and immersive Spatial Audio, bringing your favorite classics to life in a fresh way.

    You’ll also find carefully chosen playlists, detailed composer stories, and over 50,000 booklets with deep notes and translations. It even has the only worldwide classical music chart, making it the go-to spot for classical music lovers. You can grab the Apple Music Classical app from the App Store. The service comes with a regular Apple Music subscription or as part of the Apple One package.

  • UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

    The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

    The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

    Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

    Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

    To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

    The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

  • How does the iPhone 16e camera compare to its family?

    How does the iPhone 16e camera compare to its family?

    Every time a new iPhone launches, Sebastiaan de With, the brains behind the Halide camera app, takes a close look at its camera features. Recently, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, boasting a fresh 48-megapixel standalone camera. De With explored how it holds up against the cameras in Apple’s top-tier iPhone 16 lineup.

    iPhone 16e Camera Basics

    At first glance, the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro all seem to share the same 48-megapixel Fusion camera, capable of snapping 1x and 2x photos. But a closer peek reveals differences. The iPhone 16 Pro has a wider f/1.78 aperture, while the iPhone 16 and 16e use an f/1.6 aperture. Unlike the iPhone 16, the 16e misses out on sensor-shift stabilization, proving these cameras aren’t identical.

    De With explains that Apple paired the iPhone 16e’s modern A18 chip processing with an older, smaller camera part. With only one Wide lens, it skips extras like Macro mode, spatial photos or videos, Night mode for Portraits, and video perks like Cinematic or Action modes. Fancy options like ProRAW are also absent.

    Picture Quality Check

    In a side-by-side test with the iPhone 16 Pro, the 16e leaned toward warmer tones and showed a tighter view. Its smaller sensor grabbed fewer details, especially in dim light, where the difference stood out. The 2x shots looked rougher, with processing that didn’t impress de With.

    While the iPhone 16e doesn’t match the iPhone 16 Pro or even the iPhone 16, it’s closer to older non-Pro iPhones or the iPhone 14 Pro. The lack of sensor-shift stabilization hurts it the most, making low-light and night photos less sharp.

    Still, de With found charm in the 16e’s grainy, moody sensor—a fun contrast to the 16 Pro’s bigger, clearer one. “It’s got a cool feel, as the younger crowd might say,” he noted. For the full scoop and photo comparisons, check out de With’s detailed review on the Lux website.

  • New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    The next iPhone update, iOS 18.4, brings a feature many people have been asking for, but it’s not available everywhere yet.

    Picking Your Favorite Navigation App

    With iOS 18.4, you can choose a navigation app other than Apple Maps to be your go-to. This is great news if you prefer apps like Google Maps or Waze. However, this option is only for people in the European Union (EU). To set it up, just go to the Settings app, tap Apps, then Default Apps, and pick your navigation app under Navigation. Apple added this because of a new EU rule called the Digital Markets Act. We wish this choice was available for everyone around the world!

    A Little Something for U.S. Users

    For those in the U.S., Apple didn’t leave you out completely. With iOS 18.4, you can pick a default translation app. So, if you like Google Translate better than Apple’s own Translate app, you can make it your main one. It’s not as big as the navigation change, but it’s a nice touch.

    When’s It Coming?

    Right now, iOS 18.4 is being tested in its beta version. Apple says it’ll be ready for everyone to download in early April. That’s according to their official website.
    This update shows that Apple is listening to what people want, even if some features are limited to certain places. Hopefully, more options like these will roll out globally soon!

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