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  • New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    Apple has just released a special update for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. This new version of iOS 18.3 comes with the build number 22D64.

    • Getting the Update: If you own an iPhone 11, you can get this update by navigating to your phone’s settings. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install it.
    • Why This Update?: Last week, Apple introduced iOS 18.3, but it seems there were some issues with it, especially for iPhone 11 models. This new update probably fixes those problems.
    • What’s New?: While the iPhone 11 doesn’t support all the fancy new AI features from Apple, this update still brings some useful changes:
    • Calculator Update: Now, if you press the equals sign, it will repeat the last calculation you did, making quick math easier. Apple Music Fix: There was a problem where music would keep playing even after you closed the app. That’s fixed now.

    This update ensures your iPhone 11 runs smoothly and efficiently, even if it can’t enjoy all the bells and whistles of the newer Apple Intelligence features.

  • Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Apple announced the iPhone 16 as the first model designed specifically for Apple’s AI features. But until they shared how many phones they sold, we weren’t sure if people would care. Now, it’s pretty clear they do.

    iPhone 16 is Doing Great with AI

    Last week, Apple reported their biggest earnings ever, with revenues hitting $124.3 billion. When you look closer, you see that their main products – iPhone, iPad, and Mac – are selling well. iPads and Macs did particularly well, maybe because of AI, or maybe not. The iPhone 16 didn’t sell as much as last year’s model but still did quite well.

    Here’s why it’s good news:

    Tim Cook said that the iPhone 16 is selling better than the iPhone 15. This is a big deal. What’s even more telling is that the iPhone 16 sells better in places where Apple’s AI features are available. Right now, these features aren’t available in Europe or China. And China is where the iPhone isn’t doing as well, showing that AI might be a key factor.

    What Does This All Mean?

    It looks like Apple’s AI story is hitting the mark, at least for now. Apple can celebrate the iPhone’s success, but making their AI even better is the next big challenge.

    Is Apple Intelligence Really That Good?

    Even if you’re not sure if Apple’s AI features are impressive, people are paying more to get the AI-focused iPhone 16 than they did for previous models. The places where AI isn’t available are facing temporary sales issues, which could mean big opportunities for Apple in the future. So, it’s a win for Apple’s AI, a win for iPhone sales, but the next big question is: will people keep loving the AI once they start using it?

    How will customers feel about it?

    We’ll get some answers with the updates coming in iOS 18.4, but the real test will be with the launch of iOS 19 in June.

  • India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

    India, a Growing Hub for Apple

    India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

    Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

    New Tax Benefits

    The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

    During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

    This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

    Source

  • Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    If you’re a Mac or iPhone user with a Microsoft 365 subscription, there’s some news you should know. Microsoft has announced that the Defender VPN service will stop working at the end of February 2025. According to a support document from Microsoft, they haven’t given a clear reason, but it looks like not many people were using this feature.

    The document states, “The privacy protection (VPN) feature within Defender will no longer be available after February 28, 2025. We regularly check how our features are used and how well they work. We’ve decided to stop this feature to focus on new areas that will better meet what our customers need.” This change was first noticed by the site Windows Latest.

    For those who don’t know, Microsoft Defender VPN was not widely known because it was only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and some US territories. It didn’t expand to other countries.

    Although it provided some privacy protection, it wasn’t helpful for those wanting to access content from different countries, like watching videos not available in their region. This is because, unlike other VPNs like NordVPN, you couldn’t pick which server to connect to; it automatically chose one near your location.

    Source

  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

  • 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’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    We’ve had a quiet start to 2025 with Apple products, with the only big news being the launch of the Black Unity Sport Loop. But spring is just around the corner, and Apple is gearing up to release five significant new gadgets.

    New iPhone SE

    The iPhone SE is set for its most substantial update since its introduction in 2016. This new model, possibly named the iPhone 16E, will ditch the home button for a modern look like the iPhone 14. It will also be the first iPhone to use Apple’s modem instead of Qualcomm’s, and it will switch to a USB-C port. This could be a game-changer for budget iPhone users.

    New iPad

    The entry-level iPad, which hasn’t been updated in over two years, is expected to get a boost with support for Apple Intelligence. Featuring the A17 Pro chip, this update will keep the same look but enhance performance significantly.

    M4 MacBook Air

    The MacBook Air is getting a minor update with the new M4 chip. While there won’t be many changes beyond this new processor, it might come sooner than expected, possibly before spring. This could mean faster and more efficient computing for users.

    Updated iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an update, adopting the M3 chip. Alongside, there might be a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, enhancing its usability as a laptop alternative.

    Apple’s New Smart Home Display

    Apple is entering the smart home market with a new display product, tentatively called ‘HomePad’. This device will have a 7-inch screen, can be mounted on a wall or attached to speakers, and will integrate with Apple Intelligence for smarter home control.

    Wrapping Up

    Beyond these, an updated AirTag with a new ultra-wideband chip is on the horizon. However, updates for products like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro won’t arrive until mid-2025. Additionally, iOS 18.4 is expected in spring, introducing the last of the new Apple Intelligence features from WWDC24, including an improved Siri. These updates promise to make spring 2025 an exciting time for Apple fans looking for both performance and design enhancements.

  • Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple is reportedly gearing up to add support for PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, according to tech journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This exciting news follows months of collaboration between Apple and Sony, which was first mentioned back in December.

    The partnership aims to introduce the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to Vision Pro users. Apple has been in talks with Sony for quite some time and has also been engaging with game developers to ensure these controllers can be used in their games. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience on Vision Pro by offering more precise control options.

    Gurman suggests that this feature is still on track for release and is expected to come with an upcoming software update, potentially part of visionOS 3. This update would not only benefit gamers but also allow users to navigate the operating system more accurately.

    While this move could make playing games on Vision Pro more enjoyable, it’s not yet clear if it will lead to a broader selection of games or increase sales. Currently, you can’t buy these PlayStation VR controllers on their own from Sony, which might affect how quickly this feature can take off once it’s available.

    This project marks a significant step for Apple in improving the utility and appeal of the Vision Pro, blending the best of both companies’ technologies to enrich user interaction in virtual spaces.

    Source

  • New Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming Soon: What to expect

    New Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming Soon: What to expect

    Apple is set to reveal the Powerbeats Pro 2 on February 11, according to reports. These new earbuds will hit the market for $250 in the U.S.

    The Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed for those who love fitness, offering a more secure fit with adjustable ear hooks, just like their predecessor. They’re expected to include the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which should make their noise cancellation better than before.

    In a sneak peek last year, baseball star Shohei Ohtani was seen sporting the Powerbeats Pro 2, showing off a sleeker and more vertical design compared to the original Powerbeats Pro, which was introduced back in 2019 but is no longer available.

    One of the exciting new features is the ability to monitor your heart rate while exercising. You’ll be able to link these earbuds to gym machines, like a treadmill, to keep an eye on your heart rate, with the info showing up in the iPhone’s Health app.

    We’ve also learned that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will come in fresh colors, with Electric Orange being one of them. This was confirmed by Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter.

    Looking at what Beats has been doing lately, we can expect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to have better sound, last longer on a single charge, and work more smoothly with Android devices, including features like finding lost earbuds. Plus, they’ll likely switch to a USB-C port for charging.

    Get ready for these new earbuds to hit the market soon with their blend of style, performance, and health features tailored for an active lifestyle.

    Source

  • Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

    This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

    Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

    We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

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