Search results for: “USB”

  • Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple has released CarPlay Ultra, a big improvement that resolves a common issue that many vehicles currently have. Thanks to this new version, you can now use CarPlay wirelessly in cars that only have a USB video connection.

    In most cases, wireless CarPlay needs to be used in cars that are built with the special hardware needed for wireless video streaming. Many vehicles that depend solely on USB for video aren’t compatible with wireless CarPlay. With CarPlay Ultra, Apple is making it easier.

    With this feature, video compression and streaming are performed quickly and over USB so you don’t miss a thing. It also gives cars without this feature the ability to use wireless CarPlay. People who would like to avoid having to carry or plug in cables find it especially helpful.

    Studies show that CarPlay Ultra gives the same, smooth experience as standard wire-free CarPlay for the vast majority of users. The changes are forecasted to help older cars and those at the low end of the market.

    During the WWDC 2024 event, Apple exhibited CarPlay Ultra and confirmed that the first vehicles equipped with it will appear in late 2025. With this update, many more drivers could start to use wireless CarPlay.

    All in all, CarPlay Ultra makes CarPlay accessible without cables in many more cars, even those that have limited tech already, making life easier.

  • New AirPods and Beats coming soon and AirPods Max 2 may launch in late 2025

    New AirPods and Beats coming soon and AirPods Max 2 may launch in late 2025

    New audio products from Apple are planned for the current year and then 2026 as well. Sources say that the next generation AirPods Max will likely be available by the end of 2025. Most likely, the emblem will have the same design as the last one, while embracing lighter colors, having a USB-C port and offering better performance.

    At the same time, Apple is designing new versions of its regular AirPods as well. According to rumors, a new model of AirPods is set to launch this September. There are going to be two versions of these earbuds: active noise cancellation and non-active noise cancellation. Both iPhones will possibly include a new case and speakers for the Find My feature, along with a USB-C charging port.

    We are not likely to see a new AirPods Pro until 2026. Apple intends to make the design sleeker and add new amenities for that model, especially for its health features.

    Apple-owned Beats is also working on the next Powerbeats Pro model. Just recently, the prototype was seen showing a transparent design. The improved version of Powerbeats Pro will supposedly be released soon, offering better battery and presenting new additions, while keeping the cable that wraps around the back of your ear for a good workout fit.

    Apple is set to give its current audio range a major upgrade during the next year and a half. If you like AirPods or Beats, many delights are coming your way.

    Source/Via/Via

  • iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19, its next major iPhone update, with a beta release expected in June 2025, shortly after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off on June 9. The official version will likely drop in September 2025, alongside new iPhones, though some features may trickle out later, possibly into 2026.

    iOS 19 will sport a bold new style inspired by the Vision Pro’s visionOS. Picture a glossy, transparent interface with smoother, curvier app icons and a floating navigation bar in apps. This makeover, the most significant since iOS 7, will also refresh iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, creating a seamless look across Apple’s ecosystem.

    Siri’s getting a major boost in iOS 19, powered by enhanced Apple Intelligence. It’ll dive deeper into your emails, photos, and apps, making tasks feel more intuitive. Some of Siri’s advanced tricks might not show up until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026. There’s also buzz about Google Gemini joining ChatGPT as an optional Siri assistant.

    Expect other perks like upgraded Stage Manager for USB-C iPhones, secure RCS texting, real-time translations via AirPods, and a smarter Health app with AI-powered wellness tips. iOS 19 should support iPhone 11 and later models. Post-WWDC, developers will dive into the beta, with a public beta opening up in the summer for eager testers.

  • Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple unveils future iPhone plans: what’s coming next?

    Apple is reportedly changing its iPhone launch strategy for 2026. According to sources, the company will release its high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in fall 2026, alongside a new foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Air. The standard iPhone 18 will follow in spring 2027.

    New Features and Designs

    The foldable iPhone is expected to have a book-style design with a 5.7-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display. The iPhone 18 Pro models might feature under-display Face ID, a first for the brand.

    iPhone 17 Air: A Thinner Model with Tradeoffs

    The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be thinner, but with a 20% shorter battery life compared to other models. To address this, Apple might revive its Smart Battery Case accessory, discontinued after switching to USB-C. This case would contain a battery pack to help users get through the day.

    Production Plans

    Apple is manufacturing the less expensive iPhone models in India to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The company has reserved 10% of its iPhone manufacturing capacity for the iPhone 17 Air, with conservative estimates due to demand uncertainty. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to account for 40% of production, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro will take up 25% each.

    Source/Via

  • New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    Apple is getting ready to launch new Beats charging cables, according to some online store listings spotted in Canada and Europe. These cables come in three types: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-C to USB-A.

    They’re all 5 feet long, designed with a braided look to avoid tangles, and built to last. You’ll find them in cool new colors like Bolt Black, Surge Stone, and Rapid Red. They’ll be sold in single or double packs. The USB-C to USB-C version can charge devices fast at 60 watts and transfer data at decent speeds.

    These cables work with Apple and Android gadgets, plus Beats gear, and could hit stores as early as April 8, though that date isn’t set in stone yet. Meanwhile, Utah just made history by passing a new law called the App Store Accountability Act.

    Signed by Governor Spencer Cox, it’s the first U.S. law making app stores like Apple and Google check users’ ages. Starting May 7, if a kid under 18 signs up, their account must link to a parent’s, and parents have to okay app downloads or purchases.

    This aims to keep kids safer online. Apple’s already working on new safety features for kids, but some worry about privacy with this law. It might face legal pushbacks that could delay it. Both stories show big moves in tech and safety!

  • New Apple gadgets coming soon

    New Apple gadgets coming soon

    Apple is working on some cool updates for its products. First, the AirPods Max are getting a refresh. The new version will support high-quality sound without any loss in clarity, and it’ll have super-fast response times for gaming or calls.

    Plus, they’re switching to a USB-C port, making it easier to charge with the same cable as other devices. Fans are excited for these upgrades, which should make listening even better. On another note, Apple is also planning to release a foldable iPhone next year, in 2026.

    This phone will bend in half, making it small enough to slip into your pocket but big when you open it up for videos or apps. It’s a big step for Apple, jumping into the foldable phone trend that other companies have already started. People are curious to see how Apple will make it special with its sleek design and smooth software.

    Both the updated AirPods Max and the foldable iPhone show Apple is keeping up with what users want—better sound and fresh ideas. Get ready for these gadgets to hit the market soon!

  • How to easily update your AirPods to the latest version

    How to easily update your AirPods to the latest version

    Apple regularly refreshes its AirPods with new software updates, which usually happen quietly on their own. For a long time, how this worked was unclear, but now Apple shares simple steps to help you update your AirPods yourself if needed.

    Simple Steps to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

    Apple provides clear guidance on its support page for updating AirPods. Here’s how to do it in six easy steps:

    • Keep your AirPods close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and make sure the device is on Wi-Fi.
    • Place your AirPods in their case and shut the lid.
    • Connect the charging cable to the case, then plug it into a USB charger or port.
    • Leave the lid closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the update to finish.
    • Open the case lid to link your AirPods back to your device.
    • Check the software version to confirm the update.

    If it doesn’t work, Apple suggests resetting your AirPods and trying again.

    Updating AirPods Max Made Easy

    For AirPods Max owners, the process is just as simple with these five steps:

    • Ensure your AirPods Max are near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Attach the charging cable to the bottom-right earpiece, then plug it into a USB charger or port.
    • Wait at least 30 minutes for the update to complete.
    • Reconnect your AirPods Max to your device.
    • Check the software version to see if it updated.

    What Happens Behind the Scenes?

    Normally, these updates happen automatically without you noticing. But if you want to take control and do it yourself, these steps are the way to go. With this know-how, you’ll be all set when the next AirPods update rolls out!

  • What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    What we know about the iPhone Air’s new look

    Apple is gearing up to launch its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone 17 Air, sometime later this year. People have been buzzing about how thin it might be compared to the 6.9mm iPhone 6. Now, fresh leaks are giving us a clearer picture of what’s coming.

    For months, guesses about the iPhone 17 Air’s size have bounced around. A recent tip from leaker Ice Universe says it could be just 5.5mm thick—a number analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also mentioned back in January. Another expert, Jeff Pu, thought it’d be closer to 6mm. Screen size rumors vary, too. Kuo suggested a 6.6-inch display, but Ice Universe claims it’ll match the 6.9-inch screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, sharing the same shape and edges as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. They even shared a video showing a possible sneak peek of the phone.

    Last Friday, YouTuber iDeviceHelp teamed up with leaker Majin Bu—who’d shown similar designs earlier—to drop a video. They say their mockups of the standard, Pro Max, and Air models come from secret Apple papers. Watching it, I couldn’t help but notice how the Air’s super-thin edge reminded me of the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro—the thinnest Apple gadget so far.

    One cool detail stands out: the mockups show a camera bar running across the back, kind of like a Google Pixel. It’s unclear if it’s just for looks or does something special, but I like it. My iPhone 15 Pro wobbles on my desk, and this bar—shown on the 17 Pro Max mockup—seems to fix that a bit. The cameras still poke out, though, so it’s not a total win.

    The rest of the design looks familiar—buttons in the usual spots (except for the iPhone 16E, missing its Camera Control button), plus a USB-C port and speakers on the bottom. Up front, expect the Dynamic Island and Face ID. We’ll have to wait until September—Apple’s big reveal time—to see how close these guesses are.

  • iOS 19 to boost Apple Intelligence in more apps

    iOS 19 to boost Apple Intelligence in more apps

    Apple’s next big update, iOS 19, is coming soon, and it’s all about making the most of what Apple Intelligence already offers. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, instead of adding totally new tricks, Apple plans to spread its current smart features to more apps.

    This shift makes sense since Apple is still playing catch-up with its iOS 18 promises, especially for Siri. The company had hoped to roll out a chattier Siri with iOS 19, but that’s now been pushed back to iOS 20. For now, Siri’s big makeover is on hold.

    Beyond Siri, don’t expect huge AI surprises in iOS 19. Gurman says Apple will focus on sharing its existing tools—like summarizing text—across more parts of the iPhone experience. At the next WWDC event, Apple likely won’t drop jaw-dropping AI news. Instead, they’ll show how today’s features can work in new places.

    What does this look like? Maybe more apps will sum up long emails or articles for you. Perhaps Apple will let app makers tap into these tools with something like an API. It’s tricky to guess exactly what’s coming since Apple’s non-Siri AI is still pretty basic.

    So, iOS 19 feels like a year to steady the ship, not leap ahead. Apple is still working on a smarter Siri powered by new tech, set for iOS 19.4, but the talking part is delayed. Plus, some Siri updates promised for iOS 18.4 are slipping into next year—maybe even iOS 19. While iOS 19 polishes what’s already here, it’s clear Apple’s playing it safe for now. Still, small steps can add up!

    My Top iPhone Gear on Amazon:

    • ESR MagSafe Wallet with Kickstand, Grip, and Find My
    • Anker 2-in-1 MagSafe Charging Stand with Qi2
    • UGREEN 6.6ft USB-C Braided Cables (2-pack)
    • AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C).
  • Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Apple recently launched the M3 iPad Air and iPad 11, and now it’s introduced a neat new accessory to go with them. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air has been updated with some awesome features borrowed from the M4 iPad Pro’s version. Let’s check out what’s new!

    iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard Gets a Fresh Look

    According to Apple:

    The redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air makes it easier to get things done, all at a lower price. It has a bigger trackpad that’s super accurate for tricky tasks, plus a new row of 14 keys for quick controls like adjusting brightness or sound. It snaps on magnetically, and the Smart Connector instantly links it up for power and data—no Bluetooth needed. There’s also a sturdy aluminum hinge with a USB-C port for charging. Starting at just $269 for the 11-inch size and $319 for the 13-inch, this keyboard keeps its sleek floating style and comes in white. This updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air picks up some of the best tricks from the M4 iPad Pro’s keyboard, which I adore.

    Here’s what they share:

    • A larger trackpad for easier use
    • A handy row of shortcut keys

    One small difference? The iPad Air version doesn’t have the fancy trackpad vibration feedback. It also skips the aluminum area near the trackpad. But overall, the two keyboards are pretty similar. Both come in 11-inch and 13-inch options. While it’d be cool to have just one Magic Keyboard for all iPads, the super-slim iPad Pro probably needs its special fit.

    Pricing and Which iPads Work with It

    The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard is cheaper since it skips a couple of extras:

    • 11-inch: $269 (compared to $299 for iPad Pro’s)
    • 13-inch: $319 (compared to $349 for iPad Pro’s)

    It works with these iPads:

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M3, M2, 5th, and 4th gen)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M3, M2)

    You can grab it now from Apple’s online store, with delivery by Wednesday, March 12.