Search results for: “Nothing Ear”

  • Apple’s first peek at iOS 19 hints at exciting things ahead

    Apple’s first peek at iOS 19 hints at exciting things ahead

    Apple recently dropped a small hint about iOS 19, and it’s got people buzzing. The tease came during a quiet moment, tucked into a developer update, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. After years of steady but safe updates, this sneak peek suggests Apple might be ready to shake things up a bit—and honestly, it’s about time.

    The vibe here is playful yet bold, like Apple’s testing the waters for something bigger. It’s not a full reveal, just a tiny taste, but it’s enough to spark curiosity. Think of it like a chef teasing a new dish—you don’t know the full recipe yet, but the aroma’s got you hooked. Fans and developers alike are already guessing what’s next, from smarter features to a fresher look.

    For a while, iOS updates have felt like small steps forward: better battery life, smoother apps, nothing too wild. But this iOS 19 hint? It’s got a different energy. It’s as if Apple’s saying, “Hey, we’ve got some surprises up our sleeve.” Maybe it’s a sign they’re listening to users who’ve been craving more excitement.

    We won’t know the full story until later this year, but this little clue has us hopeful. If Apple pulls it off, iOS 19 could be the update that reminds us why we fell in love with their tech in the first place. Fingers crossed for something big!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 and Starlink: What you need to know

    Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    You might have heard on social media that Apple automatically added Elon Musk’s Starlink to all iPhones. That’s not true. Here’s the simple truth: The iPhone can connect to Starlink, but only under certain conditions. Right now, in the United States, only one carrier, T-Mobile, uses Starlink for additional coverage on the iPhone.

    Apple hasn’t directly teamed up with Starlink. T-Mobile uses its own frequency (band 25) to make this possible, and the iPhone supports this band. There’s nothing unique in iOS 18.3 related to Starlink; it just supports T-Mobile’s latest network updates.

    If you’re a T-Mobile customer and you don’t want to use Starlink, you can turn it off easily. Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then Cellular, find your carrier and switch off Satellite. Apple has also shared some info on how iPhones work with satellite services provided by carriers. This document explains how these services differ from Apple’s satellite network.

    To use these carrier satellite services, you’ll need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16
    • The newest iOS update
    • A compatible carrier
    • Possibly, a specific plan from your carrier

    When your iPhone uses these services, you’ll see “SAT” in the status bar. Remember, there might be extra charges or data limits, so check with your carrier for details.

    Starlink can provide internet like other companies such as Spectrum or Xfinity, for homes, on the go, or even on boats and planes. But with T-Mobile, it’s currently limited to sending texts when you’re out of regular network range. This is in beta, and you need to sign up on T-Mobile’s site to use it.

    In the future, T-Mobile might expand this to include more mobile data services through Starlink. But remember, Starlink isn’t a phone company; that’s why they work with T-Mobile. Don’t skip updating to iOS 18.3 just because of Starlink rumors. Updating keeps your iPhone safe and running smoothly with the latest features and fixes.

  • Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Imagine if you could swap your cramped, noisy office for a serene, inspiring place with just a twist of a dial. That’s what Apple Vision Pro offers with its immersive environments. You can escape from your everyday surroundings into places like the majestic Mount Hood or even the Moon.

    However, while Bora Bora’s beaches are great for relaxation, they don’t exactly scream productivity. I’d love to see Apple introduce settings like bustling libraries or lively cafés next.

    Picture this: you’re in a lackluster, noisy room, trying to focus on your work. With a simple turn of the Digital Crown, you’re now in the historic Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library. Need a more intense focus? How about being in the heart of NASA’s Mission Control Room in Houston?

    For those working solo and craving some creative spark, imagine setting up in the famous Café de Flore in Paris. Or, if you focus better with the hum of a crowd, try the vibrant Akihabara District in Tokyo.

    These virtual spaces could turn any dull office into an inspiring workspace. Of course, nothing beats being in these locations, but with spatial computing, you can enjoy the ambiance of a library or café right from where you are.

    Right now, many apps provide similar background scenes, but Apple’s system-level environments mean you can remain in your chosen setting while using multiple apps without interruption. This could be a game-changer for how we work and where we choose to work from.

  • Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    TSMC, a big partner for Apple, makes chips for millions of their devices each year. But, according to their founder, there was a time when Intel tried to make chips for the iPhone but didn’t do well enough to impress Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook.

    TSMC Founder Wasn’t Worried About Intel Competition for iPhone Chips

    In a recent conversation on the Acquired podcast, Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, talked about the history of working with Apple. One key point was back in February 2011 when Intel was considered for producing iPhone chips.

    At that time, Intel already made chips for Apple’s Macs. However, their attempt at iPhone chip production didn’t go as planned. Chang mentions a talk with Jeff Williams, who said, “We need to take a break from our talks for a couple of months because Intel’s top people have approached Tim Cook to discuss making chips for the iPhone.”

    Chang wasn’t too concerned because, in 2011, Intel didn’t have the same strong reputation it once did:

    “Jeff was talking about the iPhone,” Chang said. “I wasn’t too worried because Intel wasn’t the big deal anymore. I had to agree to Jeff’s request, but I wasn’t really concerned.”
    Later, Cook met with Chang over lunch at Apple’s headquarters, where he reassured Chang by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” explaining that Intel didn’t have the right know-how to be a chip foundry. Chang found this response brief but reassuring.

    Chang also shared insights on Intel’s customer relations:

    “Before Apple became our customer, I knew many of Intel’s customers in Taiwan, like all the PC makers. None of them were fans of Intel. Intel often acted like they were the only game in town.”
    He added that these customers “all wished there was another supplier.”

    You can view the complete interview for more insights into the tech industry’s past.

  • Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Apple is facing some challenges with its CarPlay system. There are actually two main issues. First, the much-talked-about new version of CarPlay, which was introduced at WWDC 2022, hasn’t made its way into any cars yet. Apple promises it’s collaborating with various car makers to bring this update to life, but we’re still waiting.

    However, the bigger issue might be how Apple is overlooking the current version of CarPlay, which is already in millions of cars on the road.

    Apple’s CarPlay Dilemma

    Apple seems very focused on rolling out the new CarPlay, which is a big project needing close cooperation with each car manufacturer. While this is exciting, it will take years before it’s as common as the current CarPlay.

    Apple boasts that over 98% of new cars in the U.S. come with CarPlay, except for brands like Tesla, GM, and Rivian. Despite this success, the current CarPlay feels outdated to many users.

    Neglecting Current Users

    It appears Apple is adopting an all-or-nothing strategy. There are features from the new CarPlay that could improve the current system without needing manufacturer support. Since CarPlay mirrors the iPhone’s screen, Apple could enhance it via iPhone software updates.

    Possible Improvements for Current CarPlay Users

    • New Apps: Apple hasn’t added new built-in apps to CarPlay in a long while. For instance, adding a Weather app could be straightforward.
    • More Customization: Users can currently only rearrange app icons and choose from a few wallpapers. More options like custom themes, better control over the dashboard layout, or using any photo as wallpaper would enhance user experience.
    • Enhanced HomeKit Integration: CarPlay lets you control basic HomeKit devices, but there’s room for improvement. Adding more direct controls or a simplified Home app interface could be beneficial.
    • EV-Friendly Features: Apple Maps does a great job with EV routing in a few models, but it could offer more for EV users. Even without real-time battery data, features like better charger location mapping could be added.

    Conclusion

    While I’m excited about what the next CarPlay promises, I hope Apple doesn’t forget the millions of people using the existing version. They deserve updates that can make their driving experience better, even as the new system is developed. Right now, it feels like the current CarPlay is being left behind.

  • MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    A MacBook Pro owner shared a frustrating experience on Reddit after his laptop was wrecked in a car accident. Despite having an AppleCare+ plan for accidental damage, Apple declined to replace or repair the device.

    The user explained on the platform that his MacBook was severely damaged in the crash. He was shocked to learn that Apple wouldn’t cover the repair or replacement because the damage was considered too extensive.

    “I thought I was safe with AppleCare+ for accidents,” he lamented. “But they won’t replace my MacBook because it’s too broken. It feels like my money was spent for nothing.”

    Apple’s AppleCare+ policy clearly states that it covers accidental damage from handling, which includes unexpected events like drops or spills. The policy specifies that Apple can either repair the damage using genuine parts or replace the device with one that meets their standards.

    However, the policy also lists several exclusions. Two might apply here:

    • Natural Disasters: The policy does not cover damages from events like fire, floods, or earthquakes. Interestingly, it also mentions “similar external causes,” which might be interpreted to include a car crash, although this seems like a stretch.
    • Reckless Behavior: Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, or intentional actions is also not covered. Since the driver admitted the crash was his fault, one could argue that his driving might qualify as reckless, though this interpretation seems harsh.

    The situation raises eyebrows about the application of these policy terms. Accidental damage insurance is supposed to protect against, well, accidents. Excluding coverage because the damage is “too severe” or interpreting a car accident as “reckless behavior” seems to miss the point of such insurance.

    In conclusion, this case illustrates a potential gap between consumer expectations and the fine print of insurance policies. It’s a reminder for all of us to read and understand the specifics of our coverage, especially when it comes to high-value items like electronics.

    Source

  • What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    Apple is set to roll out the new iOS 18.3 update next week after months of testing. Even though it’s not a huge update, it does bring some cool new features and fixes for iPhone users.

    Changes in Notifications

    Apple has decided to pause its AI-powered news summaries because they’ve been getting some details wrong. In iOS 18.3, you’ll see summarized notifications in italics so they’re easy to spot. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your lock screen. Apple has promised to make these summaries better in future updates.

    New Visual Intelligence Features

    If you’ve got one of the iPhone 16 models, you can enjoy enhanced Visual Intelligence. This feature lets you get instant info about things around you by just holding down the Camera Control button. Now, you can add events to your calendar from posters you see in public, and it can even tell you about different animals or plants. Remember, these features are only for the latest iPhone models.

    Calculator App Gets a Boost

    A handy feature is back in the Calculator app with iOS 18.3. Now, when you hit the equals button twice, it repeats the last calculation, which is super useful for things like figuring out compound interest.

    Maybe Something for Black Unity

    There’s a hint in the tvOS update code about a possible “UNITY25” campaign, suggesting Apple might celebrate Black Unity again this year with new watch bands, faces, or iPhone wallpapers. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but we might hear something soon.

    Bug Fixes and More

    iOS 18.3 also fixes some annoying bugs. For instance, Siri won’t make your keyboard vanish when you try to type a request, and Apple Music will stop playing when you close the app, not after the song ends. There’s also talk about adding support for robot vacuums in the Home app, but that seems to be pushed to a later update.

    This update is shaping up to make your iPhone experience smoother and more useful, especially if you’ve got the latest model. Keep an eye out for the official release next week.