Search results for: “One UI 4”

  • Apple’s Next Vision Pro: Plans up in the air, and that might be okay

    Apple’s Next Vision Pro: Plans up in the air, and that might be okay

    Apple’s work on the Vision Pro 2 is hitting some bumps. The company hasn’t locked in a clear path yet, and things seem a bit messy. Some say they’re unsure if the next version will be a high-end gadget like the first one or a cheaper option to reach more people. This confusion has slowed things down, and no one’s sure when it’ll be ready.

    But this delay might not be all bad. Apple could be taking extra time to make something great. The original Vision Pro wowed folks with its cool tech, even if it cost a lot—$3,499. A lower price for the next one could bring it to more homes while keeping the fancy features fans love. Or, they might go big again with an even better premium device.

    For now, Apple’s keeping quiet. The team’s likely testing ideas and figuring out what customers want most. This pause could lead to a smarter, better Vision Pro 2—something worth waiting for. So, while the wait feels long, it might just pay off with a device that’s easier to love and own.

  • Siri faces a new legal challenge over Apple Intelligence

    Siri faces a new legal challenge over Apple Intelligence

    On March 20, 2025, a group of people filed a lawsuit against Apple in a California court. They claim that the company’s “Apple Intelligence” feature, which powers the Siri voice assistant, isn’t as smart as Apple says it is. The folks suing argue that Siri often fails to understand what they ask or gives wrong answers, even though Apple advertised it as a super-helpful tool.

    The lawsuit says that Apple made big promises about Siri being a game-changer when it rolled out Apple Intelligence in late 2024. The company told everyone that this upgrade would make Siri sharper and better at handling everyday tasks—like setting reminders, answering questions, or even figuring out tricky requests. But the people behind the lawsuit say they’ve been let down. They’ve shared examples where Siri messes up simple things, like getting dates wrong or not recognizing clear commands.

    These unhappy users believe Apple stretched the truth to sell more iPhones, iPads, and other gadgets. They argue that they spent money expecting a smarter Siri, but instead got a tool that’s more frustrating than helpful. The lawsuit asks Apple to pay them back for the disappointment and fix how it talks about Siri in ads.

    Apple hasn’t said much yet, but this isn’t the first time Siri’s faced complaints. For years, people have poked fun at its slip-ups, and this case could shine a bigger spotlight on those issues. The company might need to tweak Siri or change how it brags about the assistant to avoid more trouble.

    This legal fight comes as Apple keeps pushing into artificial intelligence, trying to stay ahead of rivals like Google and Amazon. With Apple Intelligence, they hoped Siri would stand out as a top-notch helper. But if the court agrees with the users, it could slow down Apple’s plans and make them rethink how they build and sell their tech. For now, all eyes are on California to see how this battle plays out.

  • Apple shifts Siri leadership as smart features face delays

    Apple shifts Siri leadership as smart features face delays

    Apple is making big changes to how it manages Siri, its voice assistant. The company recently put a new person in charge, someone who helped create the Vision Pro, a high-tech headset. This shake-up comes as Apple struggles to roll out its new “Apple Intelligence” features, which were meant to make Siri smarter and more helpful.

    Back in June 2024, Apple announced plans to upgrade Siri with advanced abilities, like better understanding of conversations and integration with apps. These improvements were tied to Apple Intelligence, a system designed to bring more artificial intelligence into iPhones, iPads, and Macs. But things haven’t gone smoothly. The rollout has been slower than expected, and some features are still missing or not working as hoped. This has left many users and fans disappointed.

    The new leader stepping in is a familiar face at Apple. He played a key role in building the Vision Pro, a device that mixes virtual and real worlds. Now, his job is to fix Siri and get Apple Intelligence back on track. Insiders say he’s known for solving tough problems and pushing teams to think creatively. Apple hopes his skills will help turn things around.

    For now, Apple is testing parts of Apple Intelligence with a small group of users. The company wants to make sure everything works well before releasing it to everyone. Some reports suggest the full launch might not happen until later in 2025 or even 2026. That’s a delay from what Apple originally promised, and it’s caused frustration among people eager for a smarter Siri.

    This leadership switch shows Apple is serious about fixing the issues. Siri has lagged behind competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa in recent years, and Apple knows it needs to catch up. With a fresh face leading the charge, the company is betting on a turnaround. Fans are now waiting to see if these changes will finally make Siri the helpful assistant they’ve been hoping for.

  • Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple recently rolled out a software update for its 25W MagSafe Charger, which works with iPhone 12 and newer models, as well as the latest AirPods. The new software version is 2A146, an upgrade from the earlier 2A143 released this year. In the Settings app, this update shows as version 136, up from 133.

    The 2024 MagSafe Charger debuted with the iPhone 16 lineup and can power those devices at a speedy 25W. For older models, like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, it charges at a slower 15W.
    Apple pushes these updates wirelessly and doesn’t share detailed notes about them. So, we’re not sure what improvements or fixes this version brings. To update your MagSafe Charger, plug it in and connect it to an Apple device—there’s no manual way to start the process. Want to check your charger’s software version? Follow the steps in our MagSafe Charger guide.

    In other news, Apple has stopped supporting iOS 18.3.1 as of today. This means iPhone users who’ve moved to iOS 18.3.2 can’t switch back to the older version. Apple launched iOS 18.3.2 on March 10. This move isn’t surprising—Apple often phases out older iOS versions after a new one arrives. Unsigned software can’t be installed because of a server check, blocking users from loading outdated iOS on their iPhones. Right now, iPhones that run iOS 18 can only use iOS 18.3.2.

    By doing this, Apple makes sure devices stay up to date with the latest security upgrades. The iOS 18.3.2 update included key fixes, including one for a flaw that might have been actively targeted by attackers. Keeping your iPhone on the newest software helps protect it from potential risks.

  • Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi has added a cool feature to its new A6 Avant e-tron, an electric wagon, letting it use Apple’s digital car key for the first time in Audi’s electric lineup (reported by Mac4Ever). With Apple Car Keys, you can unlock your car using an iPhone or Apple Watch that has NFC or Ultra Wideband tech. The key lives in the Wallet app on your device. To open the car, just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s NFC reader—simple as that.

    A quick tap on the door handle starts the unlock process. For safety, you can use Face ID to confirm it’s you, but there’s also an Express Mode that skips this step for a speedy unlock. The A6 e-tron is the second car built on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a system Audi shares with Porsche. This hints that Porsche’s upcoming cars might also get this digital key feature soon.

    Last October, MacRumors spotted some updates in Apple’s Wallet app code, showing that Apple was getting ready to roll out digital car key support for certain Volvo, Polestar, and Audi models.
    Apple first launched its digital car key feature in 2022.

    Since then, a handful of car brands like BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM have jumped on board. If you’re curious about which cars work with this feature, Apple keeps an updated list on its CarPlay model webpage. This move by Audi makes driving a bit more high-tech and convenient, and it’s exciting to think Porsche might follow suit with its own electric models!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Apple updates website with note about delayed Siri features

    Apple updates website with note about delayed Siri features

    Apple is still dealing with the news from last week that some exciting Siri updates tied to Apple Intelligence won’t arrive as soon as hoped. These features have been pushed back with no set release date. Over the weekend, Apple even removed a YouTube ad showing off one of these features—personal context—on the iPhone 16.

    Now, the company has added a short note on its website wherever these upcoming Siri tools are mentioned, especially on pages promoting the iPhone. These Siri upgrades were meant to make life easier. They’d help users dig up details from chats with friends or family—like flight info or book suggestions—by searching through Messages, Mail, and other apps. Another perk, called on-screen awareness, would let Siri act on whatever you’re looking at, like asking it to “spruce up this picture” while viewing a photo.

    Last Friday, Apple confirmed the delay with a brief statement. It said, “We need more time than expected to get these features ready, and they’ll roll out sometime next year.”

    The note now on Apple’s website is simpler but still unclear. It says:

    Siri’s ability to understand personal context, work with what’s on your screen, and handle tasks in apps is still being built. These will come in a future update.

    You’ll spot this same message on pages for the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPad, and more—anywhere these features were hyped up before without a hint that they weren’t ready. Apple hasn’t shared an exact timeline, but we’re guessing this “future update” might tie in with iOS 19. The first test version of iOS 19 should show up at WWDC in June 2025. Still, an update to iOS 19 could land anytime between fall 2025 and summer 2026. So, don’t hold your breath waiting for it!

  • 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 to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple is making some big changes soon. They’re updating the Home app for HomeKit devices and bringing Apple Pay to more banks in the UAE and Qatar. Here’s what’s happening in simple terms.

    Home App Gets a Must-Do Upgrade

    Back when iOS 16 came out, Apple rolled out a new setup for the Home app to make smart home devices work better. Until now, switching to this new setup was up to users, but that’s about to change. Apple will soon make everyone upgrade to the new HomeKit system.

    Hints found in the iOS 18.4 beta 3 update, shared with developers recently, show that the old HomeKit setup won’t work anymore. A message in the app says the old version will stop soon, urging users to update to keep their smart devices running smoothly. Apple says this new setup is faster and more dependable. It first showed up in iOS 16.2 beta but had issues, so Apple paused it. They brought it back with iOS 16.4 in February 2023.

    The catch? If you upgrade, older iOS or macOS devices can’t use the Home app anymore. Some people avoided updating for this reason, but soon, everyone will need to switch to keep using their HomeKit gadgets. No exact date is set, but it might tie into iOS 19. The iOS 18.4 update, expected in early April, will also add more languages to Apple Intelligence.

    Apple Pay Grows in UAE and Qatar

    Apple Pay is already in the UAE and Qatar, but more people will soon get to use it. Apple is teaming up with local card networks—Jaywan in the UAE and Himyan in Qatar—to let their customers pay with iPhone or Apple Watch.

    Code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 shows this is in the works. Jaywan has shared plans to boost digital payments in the UAE, including support for Apple Pay and Google Pay. They’ve also partnered with big names like Visa and Mastercard and even Samsung for its wallet app. Himyan’s been quiet, but support seems likely. With Apple Pay, users can add cards to the Wallet app for easy, contactless payments in stores or online. This should roll out around April when iOS 18.4 goes live. These updates mean better control of your smart home and easier payments in more places!