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  • Apple pushes back new Siri features to 2026

    Apple pushes back new Siri features to 2026

    Apple has decided to hold off on releasing some exciting Siri upgrades planned for iOS 18, according to a company spokesperson speaking to Daring Fireball. These changes, part of Apple Intelligence, will now come out later than planned.

    What’s New with Siri?

    Apple shared that making Siri more personal and helpful is taking extra time. They expect to launch these updates “sometime next year.”

    “Siri already makes life easier by finding info and finishing tasks fast,” the spokesperson said. “In the last six months, we’ve made Siri chattier, added options like typing to Siri, taught it about our products, and linked it with ChatGPT. Now, we’re working on a Siri that knows you better and can do more with your apps. It’s a big job, so it’ll take longer than we hoped.”

    These new Siri tricks were shown off at WWDC when iOS 18 was announced. They were supposed to arrive in an iOS 18 update, but now they’re delayed. Here’s what’s coming:

    Knowing You Better

    Siri will soon remember details from your emails, texts, files, and photos. This will help it assist you with things like:

    • “Show me the files Sarah sent last week.”
    • “Find the text where Sarah talked about hiking.”
    • “What’s the movie Sarah suggested?”
    • “Where’s that cookie recipe from, Sarah?”

    Seeing Your Screen

    Siri will also understand what’s on your screen and act on it. For example, if a friend texts you an address, you can say, “Add this to their contact.” Or if you’re viewing a picture, just tell Siri, “Send this to Mom.”

    Working Across Apps

    Siri will handle bigger tasks in and between apps. Think moving files, editing a photo and sending it, or even saying, “Get me home and tell Sarah when I’ll arrive.”

    When Will It Happen?

    Rumors hinted that these features might hit in iOS 18.4, but they weren’t ready for the early betas. Apple’s next update, iOS 18.5, might bring them, though it could stretch into 2026. For now, “next year” means sometime in the next 12 months. Siri’s already gotten a makeover with typing support, a fresh design, and better conversations in Apple Intelligence. More goodies are still on the way!

  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple recently won a lawsuit that claimed its Apple TV+ movie Tetris copied a book by tech writer Dan Ackerman. According to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla ruled that the book and the film weren’t close enough to back up Ackerman’s accusations.

    Ackerman, who used to lead Gizmodo and now runs Micro Center, started the lawsuit in 2023. He said the “Tetris” film was very similar to his 2016 book, “The Tetris Effect.” He took legal action against Apple, the film’s writer, Noah Pink, Marv Studios, the Tetris Company, and others.

    Here’s what happened: Ackerman shared an early copy of his book with the Tetris Company in July 2016. But the company’s CEO, Maya Rogers, reportedly told her team not to let Ackerman use the Tetris name or image for any TV or movie projects. Later, the Tetris Company sent a warning letter to Ackerman’s agent, saying they’d sue if he kept trying to sell his book for a show or film.

    The lawsuit claimed the Tetris Company then began working on its movie, using Ackerman’s book as the foundation for the script. When the “Tetris” trailer came out in March 2023, Ackerman spotted big similarities to his work. He sent a letter demanding the movie be stopped until legal matters were cleared up. Even though Apple knew about the letter, they released the film on Apple TV+ a week later.

    Judge Failla, however, said Ackerman’s book was non-fiction, so the filmmakers could use its facts as long as they didn’t copy his way of telling the story. She ruled in Apple’s favor.
    You can read Judge Failla’s full decision online. The “Tetris” movie, out since 2023, has been a hit on Apple TV+, earning an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Check it out on Apple TV+ if you haven’t already!

  • M3 Ultra chip shows small speed edge over M4 Max in early test

    M3 Ultra chip shows small speed edge over M4 Max in early test

    The first supposed test score for Apple’s new M3 Ultra chip popped up in the Geekbench 6 database tonight. This gives us a peek at how it stacks up against other chips. You can find this powerful chip in the new Mac Studio, which Apple unveiled earlier this week.

    M4 Max vs. M3 Ultra

    Apple called the M3 Ultra its “most powerful chip ever,” and this early test seems to back that up. The 32-core M3 Ultra scored 27,749 in multi-core CPU performance. That’s about 8% quicker than the 16-core M4 Max, which used to be the speed champ. The test also shows that the M3 Ultra is up to 30% faster than the 24-core M2 Ultra.

    On the flip side, the M4 Max beats the M3 Ultra by nearly 20% in single-core CPU performance, which isn’t a big surprise. We’re waiting for more test results to see if these numbers hold. They seem a bit low compared to what people expected. For instance, Apple claimed the M3 Ultra could be up to 1.5 times faster than the M2 Ultra.

    That 30% boost we saw should probably be closer to 50%. Apple didn’t say much about how the M3 Ultra compares to the M4 Max, though. Real-life speed can differ from these tests, but tools like Geekbench 6 give us a solid starting point to compare chips. Keep an eye out—more Geekbench 6 scores for the M3 Ultra might show up soon, and we wouldn’t be shocked if they turn out higher than this first result.

  • New MacBook Air boasts huge speed boost over Intel model, but check the details

    New MacBook Air boasts huge speed boost over Intel model, but check the details

    Apple is making a bold statement about its latest MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip. They claim it’s up to 23 times faster than the older Intel-based version. Sounds amazing, right? But there’s more to the story, so let’s break it down.

    First, Apple tested a 2025 MacBook Air with a 10-core M4 chip and 32GB of memory against a 2020 model with a 4-core Intel Core i7 and 16GB of memory. Both had top-notch 2TB storage. This means they compared the new laptop to the best Intel MacBook Air ever made, which makes sense for a fair test.

    Next, the huge 23x speed jump comes from one specific task: using a feature called Super Resolution in Pixelmator Pro, an app Apple now owns. This tool uses smart tech to make a 4.4MB image sharper and clearer. So, that impressive speed claim is tied to this one job, not everything you might do on a laptop.

    Apple’s detailed note says they ran this test in January 2025 on pre-release 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs with the M4 chip, comparing them to the Intel model. The results show how the new MacBook Air performs in this unique situation.

    What about everyday tasks? Apple shared more examples:

    • Crunching numbers in Excel is up to 4.7x faster than the top Intel model and 1.6x faster than the M1 MacBook Air.
    • Editing videos in iMovie is up to 8x quicker than the Intel version and 2x faster than the M1.
    • Fixing photos in Photoshop is up to 3.6x speedier than Intel and 2x faster than M1.
    • Browsing the web is up to 60% quicker than a similar Intel PC, with tougher tasks up to 2x faster.

    These numbers feel more practical for most people. While the 23x claim might sound like a stretch, it’s clear that any MacBook Air with an M1 chip or newer leaves Intel models in the dust. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this could be your moment. You can order the new MacBook Air now on Apple’s website, with deliveries starting March 12.

  • New iPhone ‘Fold’ idea feels smarter after latest news

    New iPhone ‘Fold’ idea feels smarter after latest news

    We’re still more than a year away from Apple’s first foldable iPhone hitting the shelves. Rumors have been swirling for a while, but a fresh report from an expert suggests we’ve been picturing it wrong. This new twist makes the iPhone ‘Fold’ sound way more exciting and practical than before.

    The Foldable iPhone Is Finally Taking Shape

    Talk about a foldable iPhone used to feel like a far-off dream, kind of like the Apple Car that never happened. For years, people guessed Apple would jump into the foldable game soon, but those claims didn’t hold up. Now, in the last year or so, things have changed. Trusted names like Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Ming-Chi Kuo, and The Information say it’s real—and Apple’s aiming for a fall 2026 release.

    From Flip Phone to Book-Style Design

    Last summer, the buzz was all about a flip-phone-style iPhone—one that folds top to bottom. It’d be tiny when closed and stretch into a taller screen when opened. But the latest news flips that idea completely. Ming-Chi Kuo, who’s great at digging up supply chain secrets, says the foldable iPhone will open like a book. Picture this: a smooth 7.8-inch screen inside and a 5.5-inch display outside. That’s a big shift from what we thought before, and it’s got me feeling relieved and curious. Why? Because this book-style setup just clicks better.

    A Handy Mix of iPhone and iPad Mini

    I’ve always loved the iPad Mini—it’s small but mighty. These days, I stick to my 13-inch iPad Pro for work, and juggling another device alongside my iPhone feels like too much of a hassle. But this foldable iPhone could be the best of both worlds. With a screen that unfolds to nearly 7.9 inches—super close to the iPad Mini’s size—it’d be a phone when I need it and a mini tablet when I want more.

    Why This Feels Like a Win

    A top-down fold seemed odd and not very useful to me. But a book-style iPhone? That’s a fresh take—combining pocket-friendly size with a bigger screen for real tasks. It’s not just Apple chasing a trend; it’s a smart new option. I’m already looking forward to hearing more about this 2026 surprise!

  • Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Why Apple’s latest Macs skip Wi-Fi 7 unlike iPhone 16

    Apple just rolled out new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models, packed with speedy M4 and M3 Ultra chips. They also tossed in extras like Thunderbolt 5 ports for the Mac Studio. But one thing they didn’t upgrade? Wi-Fi. These new Macs stick with Wi-Fi 6E instead of jumping to the newer, faster Wi-Fi 7.

    Wi-Fi 6E is solid—it taps into the 6GHz band for smoother connections on compatible routers. But Wi-Fi 7 (also called IEEE 802.11be) is a step ahead. It promises speeds up to four times quicker, less lag, and better handling of lots of devices at once. Its coolest trick, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), mixes different frequencies into one strong connection for improved speed and reliability.

    So why didn’t Apple go for Wi-Fi 7? It’s not a total shock—last year’s M4 MacBook Pros also skipped it. Still, it’s a bit weird when you see all iPhone 16 models from September rocking Wi-Fi 7 chips from Broadcom. The Macs, though, stay a step behind.

    That said, Wi-Fi 7 isn’t a big deal yet. Even on the iPhone 16, Apple caps it at a 160 MHz bandwidth instead of the full 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 can handle, so the phones aren’t using its full power anyway. Plus, not many people have Wi-Fi 7 routers at home yet. The Wi-Fi 6E in these Macs already uses the 6GHz band, which is less crowded and works great for most needs.

    Sure, Wi-Fi 7 could make the Macs more future-ready, but its real perks won’t shine until more folks upgrade their setups. For now, Wi-Fi 6E does the job well enough for things like video calls, cloud gaming, and streaming in high quality. Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an M4 Mac, don’t sweat the missing Wi-Fi 7. The tech’s still new, and Wi-Fi 6E keeps things running smoothly for everyday use. You’re not missing out on much—yet!

  • Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Big things are happening in the Apple world! Recently, Best Buy kicked off the first discount on the new M3 iPad Air. This tablet comes with a powerful chip, a sleek design, and now a lower price, making it a great time to grab one if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple has decided to stop selling the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. They’re clearing the way for newer stuff, so if you loved those laptops, they won’t be around much longer. On the flip side, Apple just launched a fresh MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a cool sky-blue color. It’s fast, stylish, and perfect for anyone wanting a modern laptop.

    That’s not all—Apple also unveiled the M3 Ultra chip, a super-strong processor for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. This new chip is powering the updated Mac Studio, which also offers an M4 Max option. These machines are built for people who need top performance, whether for work or creative projects.

    In other news, Qualcomm, a big tech company, bragged that its X85 modem beats Apple’s tech in speed and power. This could mean tougher competition for Apple’s devices down the road, especially for things like Internet speed on phones and tablets.

    From discounts to brand-new gadgets, Apple is keeping things exciting. Whether you’re after a deal on the M3 iPad Air or eyeing the shiny new MacBook Air in sky blue, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the M3 Ultra and Mac Studio upgrades, power users have plenty to cheer about. Stay tuned—Apple’s not slowing down anytime soon!

  • SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot, the company behind my go-to Find My wallet tracker, has just released an exciting new product: the SwitchBot Roller Shade. These smart blinds bring affordable and flexible window solutions to your home.

    The Roller Shade stands out as one of the lower-cost smart blinds you can buy. Plus, it comes with an adjustable bar that fits window widths from 22.8 to 72.8 inches. While you’ll need to trim the fabric, the shade’s box slides in and out for a perfect fit—no need to stress about exact measurements before buying.

    Want to refresh your room’s look? You can swap out the shade fabric easily to match your style. You might even reuse your existing curtains and just add the motor part to turn them into smart blinds.

    If you own a SwitchBot Hub 2, these shades connect to the Apple Home app through Matter support. (Note: The hub is a must—they don’t work with Matter on their own.) Once linked, you can use the Apple Home app or Siri on your iPhone, HomePod, or other Apple devices to control them. A handy slider lets you set how far the shade rolls down, and you can add them to automations—like raising them at sunrise or lowering them at night.

    The shades come with a built-in battery that lasts up to eight months per charge, making them fully wireless. Or, for a hands-off option, attach a solar panel to keep them powered without ever plugging in. Visit SwitchBot’s website for more details. Priced at $199, these shades are a steal in the smart home world, especially with a discount of over $70 available online right now. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to upgrade your windows with smart tech!

  • Why Siri’s big upgrade needs to be amazing by 2027

    Why Siri’s big upgrade needs to be amazing by 2027

    Apple used to be a top player in smart assistants, but in just 14 years, it’s fallen behind. Back in 2011, Siri felt like the future. Now, in 2025, Apple Intelligence feels weak compared to what’s out there.

    Siri’s 14-Year Journey

    I still remember the iPhone 4S launch when Siri stole the show. It wasn’t even Apple’s idea at first—it started as an app someone else made. Steve Jobs saw its potential, bought it, and put it into the iPhone. That move made smart assistants a must-have for phones. But after 14 years, Siri should be incredible by now.

    It’s not. In 2015, I wished Siri could work with my apps. It’s only starting to do that now, a whole decade later! Worse, in 2018, I listed simple things Siri couldn’t handle—and it still can’t do some of them. Today, Siri feels basic while tools like ChatGPT shine.

    Why Apple’s Behind

    Apple has reasons for lagging. One is reliability. Other companies like OpenAI raced ahead, even if their AI sometimes messed up big time—like ChatGPT inventing fake facts or Google’s Bard flopping in a demo. Siri’s spoken answers can’t afford those mistakes—it’d be risky to hear wrong info without a warning.

    Another reason is privacy. Siri sticks to two rules: process stuff on your phone when it can, and keep your identity hidden when it uses Apple’s servers. That’s safer but less powerful than rivals who use big data centers and know tons about you.

    The Privacy Win

    Last year, I said waiting for a smarter Siri would pay off because of privacy. Our phones hold so much—calendar, messages, health info—and soon, Siri can tap into apps we pick, all without leaving our device. That could make Siri as good as the competition, but safer. I want an assistant who knows me well but stays private. That’s what Apple’s aiming for.

    A Longer Wait

    We thought this new Siri would hit in 2026. Now, the word is it’s delayed to 2027—or later. That’s tough, but if it’s great, we’ll forget the wait. Still, by 2027, other AI like ChatGPT or Amazon’s Alexa will be miles ahead. Siri has to be spectacular to catch up. Apple’s got a big challenge, but I’m hopeful it’ll be worth it.