Search results for: “Features”

  • 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.

  • Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple is making headlines again — this time with both new hardware and internal company changes. A recent leak shows that Apple is working on a much thinner iPhone called the iPhone 17 Air. Compared to the current iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Air is noticeably slimmer, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever.

    Apple is using a new internal layout, including smaller parts like the camera and battery, to help reduce thickness. The display will also have smaller borders, giving it a cleaner and more modern look. This new model is expected to launch in 2025 and might only come in one size, possibly replacing the standard iPhone 17.

    Along with product changes, Apple is also continuing to shift leadership within the company. Two important departments are getting new heads: the Apple Watch software team and the Health division. David Clark, who helped build Apple’s Health features, has now stepped down.

    Also, Kevin Lynch, who worked on both the Apple Watch and Apple’s health tools, is now focusing only on health projects. This is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to improve its product development and services by reorganizing leadership roles. These changes show that Apple is not just updating its devices but also adjusting its team to better focus on future innovation.

  • Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple might soon launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE with larger screen sizes, according to a recent report. The current SE models come in 40mm and 44mm sizes, but the third-generation SE may increase to 41mm and 45mm, just like the Apple Watch Series 9. While the SE line is designed to be affordable, Apple might still bring a more modern look with thinner edges and a bigger display. However, it’s not expected to have features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors, which help keep its price lower.

    Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its in-store demo experience for the Vision Pro headset. Lowe’s, the home improvement retailer, has added Vision Pro demos to more of its stores across the U.S. Customers can now visit 20 Lowe’s locations to try out the headset. The demo lets people explore kitchen designs in 3D and see how different styles would look in their own homes. Apple and Lowe’s hope this helps customers feel more confident about their choices during home improvement projects.

    These updates show Apple’s ongoing push to improve the user experience. Whether it’s a more stylish Apple Watch SE or using Vision Pro to help with real-world decisions, Apple continues to blend technology with everyday life in creative ways.

     

  • Apple quietly updates its website with a new ‘Snapshot’ page and hints at next-gen Pro Display XDR

    Apple quietly updates its website with a new ‘Snapshot’ page and hints at next-gen Pro Display XDR

    Apple has added a new “Snapshot” section to its official website, giving users a fresh way to explore Apple products and updates. This new page highlights key moments across Apple’s product lineup, including hardware, software, and services. The goal is to offer a quick overview of what’s happening in the Apple world. Right now, the page features products like the iPhone 15, Apple Vision Pro, iPad, and MacBook Pro. It also includes updates to services like iOS 17.4 and Apple Podcasts.

    At the same time, rumors are heating up about a second-generation Pro Display XDR. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new version of its high-end display, possibly coming out in 2025. It’s expected to have a more advanced panel with OLED technology, which could mean better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved overall picture quality. It may also include a dedicated chip for processing visuals.

    The current Pro Display XDR, released in 2019, has a 6K Retina display and targets creative professionals. The upcoming model could launch alongside a new Mac Pro or Mac Studio, offering a powerful setup for users who need high performance and accurate colors. While Apple hasn’t confirmed any release dates, the new Snapshot page and display rumors hint at big things coming soon.

    Source/Via

  • Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    A major security issue has been found that could let hackers take control of millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay, all through Wi-Fi. This flaw affects Apple’s Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) protocol, which is the base for services like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Sidecar.

    Researchers from TU Darmstadt in Germany discovered that devices using these features are open to attack when Wi-Fi is turned on, even if users aren’t actively using AirPlay or CarPlay. This means a hacker nearby could exploit the flaw and possibly access or take control of your device.

    Worryingly, this issue doesn’t just affect iPhones. It also targets iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even HomePods. Once a hacker breaks in, they could do things like steal data, mess with apps, or even spy on the screen or audio shared through AirPlay or CarPlay.

    What’s worse is that the attack doesn’t require the hacker to be on the same network. They only need to be within Wi-Fi range. And since the protocol runs in the background, users likely won’t know anything’s wrong.

    The researchers shared their findings with Apple in 2023. While Apple has made some security updates since then, not all risks have been fixed. Experts recommend turning off Wi-Fi when not in use and avoiding AirPlay or CarPlay in public areas to stay safe.

     

  • All iPhone 17 models will come with 12GB RAM for better performance

    All iPhone 17 models will come with 12GB RAM for better performance

    Apple is planning to upgrade all iPhone 17 models with 12GB of RAM, according to a recent report. This is a noticeable improvement compared to the current iPhone 15 series, where only the Pro models have 8GB of RAM and the regular ones have 6 GB.

    The increase in memory is expected to help with performance, especially when using apps that require more power or when multitasking. It should also support upcoming features that will rely on Apple’s AI technology. This could include on-device AI processing in iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC in June.

    The report also says that Apple will continue to use different chips for standard and Pro models. The iPhone 17 and 17 Plus are likely to get the A18 chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max (or possibly “Ultra”) will have the A18 Pro chip.

    Adding more RAM to all models shows that Apple is getting ready for more powerful features in the future. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in September 2025, keeping with Apple’s usual release schedule. This change suggests Apple wants all iPhone users, not just those buying Pro models, to have smoother and faster experiences with future apps and iOS features.

  • Apple rolls out new beta updates for iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS

    Apple rolls out new beta updates for iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS

    Apple has released the fourth beta versions of its upcoming software updates today. Developers can now download iOS 18.5 beta 4, macOS 15.5 beta 4, watchOS 11.5 beta 4, tvOS 18.5 beta 4, and visionOS 2.5 beta 4.

    The iOS 18.5 beta brings small updates and bug fixes as Apple gets closer to the full iOS 18 release, expected to be shown at WWDC 2025 in June. One noticeable change is the new “Broadcast” feature in the Home app, which lets users send announcements across Apple devices in their home.

    Along with iOS, Apple also rolled out macOS 15.5 beta 4. Just like the other updates, it mainly focuses on improving system performance and fixing issues, rather than adding big new features.

    Meanwhile, watchOS 11.5 beta 4, tvOS 18.5 beta 4, and visionOS 2.5 beta 4 are also now available. These updates seem to be preparing the devices for the major next versions, coming soon after WWDC. They mostly bring minor improvements and ensure everything runs smoothly.

    Developers can download all these new betas by going to the Settings app, choosing General, and tapping Software Update. For public testers, new updates usually follow shortly after the developer betas.

    Apple is expected to unveil iOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, and visionOS 3 during WWDC 2025, with big changes and new features on the way.

  • iPhone 17 hits major step as production plans move forward

    iPhone 17 hits major step as production plans move forward

    Apple has reportedly finished the design for the iPhone 17, reaching an important stage called the Engineering Validation Test (EVT). According to Jeff Pu, a trusted tech analyst, Apple locked the design this month, meaning the look and features of the iPhone 17 are now finalized.

    The EVT stage is where Apple builds early models to check if everything works as planned. After this, the iPhone 17 will go through more testing stages before mass production begins. Locking the design now gives Apple enough time to test and fine-tune the device before its expected launch in fall 2025.

    Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup will bring noticeable changes. A new “Slim” model could replace the Plus version, offering a thinner body and a slightly bigger screen. The entire series may also have a redesigned front with a smaller Dynamic Island cutout.

    Other expected upgrades include a stronger A19 chip, better cameras, and improved battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro models might even feature new materials and a lighter build.

    With the design now finalized, Apple is one step closer to bringing the next iPhone generation to life. More details should appear in the coming months as production ramps up.