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  • New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    Apple rolled out iOS 18.4 public beta 3 today, following yesterday’s developer updates. Here’s a simple look at what’s new in this latest version for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4 Beta 3?

    The iOS 18.4 update is a big one coming soon for all iPhone users, expected to arrive next month. For now, beta testers get an early peek. Beta 3 doesn’t add much in terms of exciting new stuff—it’s mostly about fixing bugs and making things run smoother.

    One small change is in Apple Wallet. There’s a new option called “Preauthorized Payments” (it had a different name before). This spot shows merchants you’ve okayed to charge your Apple Pay for things like subscriptions or automatic top-ups. You can also turn notifications on or off for upcoming payments right there. Other than that, beta 3 keeps the same goodies we saw in the earlier iOS 18.4 betas.

    Highlights of iOS 18.4 So Far

    Here’s what’s been added to iOS 18.4 up to beta 3:

    • Priority Notifications to grab your attention
    • Food and recipe ideas in Apple News
    • A fresh style for Image Playground
    • More languages for AI features
    • AI support in the EU

    Visual Intelligence on extra iPhone models

    • Seven fun new emoji
    • An Apple Vision Pro app
    • More app types for default settings
    • Shortcuts for tweaking app options
    • New Control Center tools
    • Better electric vehicle routing in Apple Maps
    • A spruced-up Apple TV app design

    With so much already packed in, it’s no shock that beta 3 is quiet. Fingers crossed beta 4 brings more surprises!

    Other Beta 3 Updates

    Apple didn’t stop at iOS. Public beta 3 is also out for macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. These updates focus on smoothing out glitches too. One cool perk in macOS 15.4 beta 3: you can grab the Sky Blue wallpaper from the M4 MacBook Air.

    iOS 18.3.2 Hits iPhones

    Apple also dropped iOS 18.3.2 today. It’s a small update with bug fixes and security patches. Check it out in Settings > General > Software Update. It’s been a month since iOS 18.3.1, and this one tackles some streaming playback issues, too. More updates like macOS 15.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 are out as well, keeping your devices safe and steady.

  • macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    When Apple rolled out the second macOS 15.4 beta this month, it quietly tweaked something. Now, the System Settings won’t show how much space Apple Intelligence features are using on your Mac’s storage.

    In the earlier macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 version, anyone with an Apple silicon Mac could check this easily. They’d just go to System Settings, click General, then click Storage, and tap the little “i” button next to macOS to see the details. Simple, right?

    But with the macOS 15.4 beta 2 update, that’s changed. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, clicking the “i” button now shows nothing extra about the storage macOS is using. The details are gone.

    Here’s a twist, though—if you turn off System Integrity Protection (SIP), the info pops back up. SIP is a security feature that stops unapproved code from running, and you can only switch it off in Recovery Mode. It’s handy for app developers testing stuff, but for most people, it’s best left on.

    A developer named @b3lla_dev on iOS says Apple has locked down the Apple Intelligence files. Unless SIP is off, you can’t see them, and that’s messing with the System Settings’ ability to show their size. Apple Intelligence uses a tool called the MobileAsset framework. This system grabs and updates the bits it needs—like machine learning models—so your device stays current without big system overhauls. Apple’s support page says these files can take up to 7GB on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    When storage is low, 7GB is a lot. It could sway people on whether to use Apple Intelligence. Did Apple hide this info on purpose? We don’t know, but users might guess. Perris told Apple about it in a feedback report. The issue’s still there in beta 3, so we’ll see if Apple fixes it. The full macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is set to drop in early April.

  • A fresh face for iOS 19 might outshine Siri’s upgrade

    A fresh face for iOS 19 might outshine Siri’s upgrade

    A report from Bloomberg hints that iOS 19 could bring a major makeover, the biggest since iOS 7 hit the scene in 2013. macOS 16 might get a similar bold update, too. While details are slim, it seems Apple might shake up the flat design we’ve known for over ten years.

    Back with iOS 7, Apple swapped out the old 3D and lifelike touches for a simpler, flat style that’s stuck around ever since. Now, the report suggests the new vibe will take some cues from visionOS, the software behind Vision Pro. Think round app icons, see-through menus, and a stronger sense of depth with shadows—features that stand out compared to today’s iOS and macOS. How much of this 3D flair will work on flat screens is anyone’s guess, but it sounds like our devices could feel fresh later this year.

    Our editor-in-chief, Chance Miller, jokingly said a big redesign might steal the spotlight from Siri’s slow progress. Honestly, though, I bet more Apple fans will notice a new look than care about Siri’s updates. Don’t get me wrong—I’d love a smarter Siri. I use voice commands a lot, from dictating messages to running my smart home with a quick shout to my HomePod. A sharper Siri that handles bigger tasks? Sign me up.

    I’ve been rooting for a truly clever Siri for years. In 2015, I dreamed of it working with apps so I could just say what I want, and my phone would figure it out. Apple finally promised that a decade later, but now it’s delayed even more. Here’s the tricky part: Siri started in 2011, and while it’s grown a bit, it’s not much smarter. People expect it to flop, so many have stopped bothering with it. With so few fans left, upgrades might not grab attention.

    A new look, though? That’s a game-changer. iOS 7’s shift sparked love and hate, but no one ignored it. A 3D twist for iOS 19—maybe even with modern, real-life vibes—will likely stir the same buzz. Some will cheer, and some will grumble, but it’ll hit harder than any Siri fix, now or later.

  • AirPods Pro 3 coming soon: What to expect

    AirPods Pro 3 coming soon: What to expect

    Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 hit the market over two years ago and still lead the pack in wireless earbuds. But with the AirPods Pro 3 set to drop in 2025, many wonder if waiting for the next version is the smart move. The AirPods Pro 2 shine with great sound and noise-blocking skills for their tiny size. Apple keeps them fresh with updates, too.

    When iOS 17 came out in 2023, they got cool tricks like Adaptive Audio, mute buttons, and quick device switching. Then, iOS 18, launched last year, added head-shake controls for Siri, better voice clarity by cutting background noise, and a gaming-focused sound feature. Late last year, iOS 18.1 and 18.2 brought a big win: hearing aid support for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, approved by the FDA.

    What’s New for AirPods Pro 3 in 2025?

    The AirPods Pro 3 will likely keep all these goodies and add more. Rumors point to a new look for the earbuds and their case—different from the style we’ve seen since the first AirPods Pro. Inside, Apple might boost the sound with a faster chip, a trend with every new model. Word is they’ll also improve noise cancellation, making it even better than the AirPods Pro 2.

    Health features are a big deal too. Reports say Apple’s working on heart rate tracking, like what’s in the Powerbeats Pro 2, which syncs with gym gear to show your pulse on your iPhone. The AirPods Pro 3 could do this too, maybe even while playing tunes. There’s talk of a body temperature sensor in the ear canal, but it might not be ready for 2025.

    Looking ahead, some predict cameras in AirPods by 2026 for better sound with Apple’s Vision Pro headset or future AI tricks. That’s probably not happening this year, though.

    Release Clues

    In February, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the AirPods Pro 3 are coming in 2025, still months off. One tipster guessed May or June, but their last “soon” prediction flopped, so take it lightly.

    Should You Wait?

    With the AirPods Pro 3 possibly arriving by late 2025, it’s a tough call. The new AirPods 4 offer some Pro perks for $179, but if you want the latest tech—like better hearing aid features—and don’t mind waiting, the AirPods Pro 3 at $249 could be your pick. For now, they sound like the top choice for Apple fans craving next-level earbuds.

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more

    Apple rolls out new test updates for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more

    Today, Apple shared the third test versions of its upcoming software updates: iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 for iPhones and iPads, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Macs, and visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 for Vision Pro, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. These updates come a week after the second test versions were released.

    iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4: What’s New

    You can grab these updates on your iPhone or iPad by heading to Settings > General > Software Update. One cool addition is Priority Notifications, a smart feature that figures out which alerts matter most and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. There’s also a new Food section in Apple News+ for subscribers, packed with tasty content.

    Plus, Image Playground now has a Sketch option to create drawings that look hand-drawn. The update supports more languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese for Apple’s smart tools. New emojis are here too, along with a Vision Pro app for managing your headset right from your phone. iPads now get Mail Categorization, and there’s a relaxing Ambient Music feature in the Control Center. Apple plans to launch these in early April.

    macOS Sequoia 15.4: Fresh Features for Macs

    Mac users can join the test by going to System Settings > Software Update with a developer Apple ID. This update brings Mail Categorization to Macs, sorting emails into handy groups like deals, updates, and important messages. You’ll also find new emojis, a Food section in Apple News+, and a Sketch tool in Image Playground. Plus, you can now make Memory Movies in Photos. It’ll roll out in early April too.

    Vision Pro, Apple TV, and Apple Watch Updates

    The third test versions of visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 are out for developers too. VisionOS 2.4 stands out, adding smart features like Writing Tools and Priority Notifications to Vision Pro. It also includes a Spatial Gallery app with cool 3D photos and videos and a handy iPhone app to manage your headset. With iOS 18.4, you can even set up Guest Mode for others to try your Vision Pro easily. These updates are set for early April as well.

  • Apple thinks about simple Smart Glasses, like Meta’s

    Apple thinks about simple Smart Glasses, like Meta’s

    It looks like Apple is still thinking about making smart glasses, similar to the ones Meta sells with Ray-Ban. According to tech expert Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring this idea.

    These glasses wouldn’t be like the Apple Vision Pro, which shows you digital things in your real world. Instead, they’d be simpler. Think of them as regular glasses with AI, microphones, and cameras built-in. This could give users a pretty good experience, Gurman says.

    “If Apple can make these glasses look good, sound great like AirPods, and work perfectly with iPhones, they could be a big hit,” Gurman believes. “It’s surprising they haven’t made them yet.”

    Apple first wanted to make smart glasses that looked normal but showed augmented reality, like adding digital images to your view. However, they stopped working on that earlier this year. The original plan was to use the iPhone as the power source, but the iPhone wasn’t strong enough or had enough battery. Then, they tried using a Mac, but Apple leaders didn’t think that was a good idea, so they stopped that project too.

    Gurman also shared that Apple is testing these glasses with people in their offices. They want to see what features people like and how they use them. They’re also working on a special software, called visionOS, for these glasses. These tests are being done by Apple’s team that checks the quality of their products.

    Apple seems to think that making these simpler smart glasses could help them learn how to make real AR glasses in the future. Apple has been talking about AR glasses for a long time, and the Vision Pro is what they made because the technology for the AR glasses they really want isn’t ready yet.

    Also, Apple is still working on a product that combines AirPods with cameras, Gurman says. The cameras would help AI features by seeing what’s around you, just like how iPhones use cameras to understand your environment.

  • Apple removes iPhone 16 ad about a smarter Siri

    Apple removes iPhone 16 ad about a smarter Siri

    Apple recently took down an advertisement for the iPhone 16 that highlighted a “smarter Siri.” This decision came after the company announced last week that some of the new Siri features, part of Apple Intelligence, won’t be ready as soon as they had hoped for iOS 18.

    The Smarter Siri Ad

    The ad starred English actor Isabella Ramsey and was posted on YouTube in September, just before iPhone 16 pre-orders began. In the video, Ramsey asks Siri to recall the name of someone they met at a restaurant a month earlier. The clip, now private on YouTube, was also shared on Instagram by fans, and you can still find it there.

    Apple described the ad like this:

    With a better understanding of your personal details, the ability to work across apps, and improved language skills, Siri will help you in exciting new ways.

    Apple now says these advanced Siri upgrades will take more time and will arrive sometime next year.

    What’s Happening with Siri?

    The smarter Siri features were first shown off at WWDC when Apple introduced iOS 18. They were supposed to launch in an iOS 18 update and include things like knowing more about your life, understanding what’s on your screen, and working better with apps.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these updates might not come until next year—or possibly later. Some folks in Apple’s AI team even worry that the features might need a complete redo or could be dropped entirely.

    Challenges Ahead

    Inside Apple, there’s talk that making Siri better might need stronger hardware. This could mean cutting back on some features or slowing them down on today’s devices. For now, Apple is working through these issues, and fans will have to wait a bit longer for the Siri they saw in the ad.

  • How Apple can improve its smart summary feature

    How Apple can improve its smart summary feature

    At WWDC24 last summer, Apple introduced a bunch of Apple Intelligence features, and one that’s been stirring up some debate is notification summaries. People have spotted mistakes in these summaries, which led Apple to tweak their look and even turn them off for news updates. While these summaries won’t ever be flawless, there’s a simple way Apple could make them better. I’d love to see this idea show up in iOS 19.

    What Notification Summaries Do

    The goal of notification summaries is to help you skim your alerts. The feature scans all the notifications in a group, sums them up, and does it all right on your device. Sounds handy, right? But there’s a big catch: Apple Intelligence can only work with what’s in the notification itself.

    This might seem obvious, but here’s the issue: Notifications are already super short. They’re designed to fit in a tiny bubble for quick reading. Plus, the system has to be small enough to run on a chip like the A17 Pro, so it doesn’t have much wiggle room to figure things out.

    Why Summaries Miss the Mark

    Take group chats in iMessage, for example. People often reply to different things at once in busy threads. That’s fun, but Apple Intelligence doesn’t get the full picture. It ends up mixing everything into one messy, wrong summary.

    Right now, it just sums up short notifications in the order they come in. That doesn’t always work well. Here’s my fix: let app makers give Apple’s system some extra info to work with. For iMessage, Apple could tell the system what a new message is replying to.

    My Hope for Apple’s Next Step

    If apps could share a bit more background info—stuff users wouldn’t see—it’d help Apple’s system make smarter summaries. Back in December, Apple Intelligence botched a BBC News summary about Luigi Mangione. It was way off, and Apple ended up turning off news summaries altogether.

    But imagine if the BBC could share the story’s opening paragraph as extra info. That’d give Apple Intelligence more to chew on, leading to better summaries. Big language models will always have quirks, especially ones tiny enough to run on a phone with just 8GB of RAM. Still, Apple can’t keep news summaries off forever. Adding background information from apps could be the answer they need.

  • Fresh details on iOS 19 and visionOS 3 unveiled

    Fresh details on iOS 19 and visionOS 3 unveiled

    Apple’s big software updates are still about three months off, but some early hints about iOS 19 and visionOS 3 are popping up. First off, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared that iOS 19 will probably bring more of Apple’s smart features, called Apple Intelligence, to a wider range of apps. It’s a small but exciting tease for what’s ahead.

    Next, he heard that visionOS 3 will come loaded with new goodies. While he didn’t spill any exact details, he called it a “feature-packed” update, which sounds promising. Meanwhile, visionOS 2.4 is already in testing and shaping up to be a solid upgrade. It brings Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro, adds a cool Spatial Gallery app with 3D content, and throws in a few other surprises. Everyone will get to try it out in April.

    As for the Vision Pro hardware, there’s chatter about a possible upgrade to an M5 chip by late 2025. But 2026 seems more realistic. Gurman thinks the Vision Pro, which he called a “sales dud,” won’t see a refresh this year. On the iOS 19 side, we’re also expecting a fresh look for the Camera app and a chattier Siri. That Siri upgrade was pushed back a bit, though. These updates show Apple’s still hard at work, even if the big reveals are a little ways off. Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the launch!

  • New Apple shop launches in the UK, with another planned for Ohio

    New Apple shop launches in the UK, with another planned for Ohio

    Apple just showed off pictures of its updated shop at Trafford Centre, a big mall near Manchester in the United Kingdom. The Manchester store has a fresh look with plenty of wooden touches. It includes a Genius Bar and Apple Pickup area, with counters at different heights to make things easier for everyone. There’s also a spot to sit and try out the Apple Vision Pro, a big screen on the back wall, and other cool features.

    This isn’t the first Apple shop at Trafford Centre—it originally opened back in 2005. The new version was welcomed by customers on March 1. Meanwhile, designer Filip Chudzinski noticed Apple’s announcement about a brand-new shop coming to Crocker Park, an open-air shopping spot in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb. Apple hasn’t picked an exact opening day yet.

    “Get excited!” says the Crocker Park store page. “Something awesome is on the way. A fresh Apple shop will open soon.”

    The new Crocker Park location should be bigger and more up-to-date than the first one there, which started welcoming visitors in 2008. Apple fans in both the UK and Ohio have plenty to look forward to with these shiny, modern stores!

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