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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’s new MacBook Air fixes a tiny but annoying keyboard flaw

    Apple’s new MacBook Air fixes a tiny but annoying keyboard flaw

    Apple has made a small change to its latest MacBook Air that might not grab big attention but will make picky Mac fans happy. After 26 years, the company has finally fixed a little keyboard mix-up that’s been around since 1999.

    The Mute key, which first showed up on the PowerBook G3 ‘Lombard,’ has been updated on the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip. According to iCulture, it now has a simple speaker icon with a line through it. This matches the symbol you see on your screen when you press it in macOS, making things clearer.

    For years, the old Mute key just showed a plain speaker symbol. It didn’t hint that it turns off your sound. Then, when you pressed it, a different image—a speaker with a slash—popped up on the screen. Sure, the key could mute and un-mute, but the new design makes its job obvious, kind of like the mute button on an Apple TV Remote.

    This tiny tweak ends a weird design mismatch that stuck around through tons of Mac keyboards over the years. The updated Mute key isn’t just for the MacBook Air. The new iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard has it, too. For iPad fans, this feels extra nice since older Magic Keyboards didn’t even have function keys.

    This change shows how Apple pays attention to the little things, even if it took the company over 25 years to get it right. Looking ahead, it’s a safe bet that all new Macs will use this improved Mute key. The next big release, likely a MacBook Pro with an M5 chip coming around October, will probably have it, too. It’s a small fix, but it’s one more way Apple keeps making their stuff better.

  • ChatGPT now works right inside Xcode and VS Code on Mac

    ChatGPT now works right inside Xcode and VS Code on Mac

    OpenAI has made its ChatGPT app for macOS even better by letting it edit code straight in popular tools like Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains software. With this update, you don’t need to copy and paste code anymore. ChatGPT can now look at your code in these programs and change it right there. It’s simple and saves time.

    There’s also an “auto-apply” option. When turned on, ChatGPT makes the edits for you without extra steps. Alexander Embiricos, who works on OpenAI’s product team, showed how it works on social media. He said Windows users will get this feature soon, too.

    Right now, only people with ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Team plans can use this if they update their macOS app. OpenAI says everyone else—Enterprise, Education, and free users—will get it next week.
    This new trick builds on something ChatGPT started testing last November.

    Back then, it could read code from these apps but couldn’t change it. Now, it can do both. This update puts ChatGPT up against other AI coding helpers like GitHub Copilot and Apple’s Swift Assist, which already let you edit code directly in similar ways.

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • This handy Apple Notes tricks makes jotting down ideas a breeze

    This handy Apple Notes tricks makes jotting down ideas a breeze

    Whether you use Apple Notes a lot or just now and then, you might not have noticed a cool new tool that came with iOS 18. It’s all about making note-taking super simple. With the ability to record audio, plus get transcripts and short summaries, Apple Notes has become a go-to for saving thoughts on your iPhone, iPad, or other devices.

    Audio Recordings and Transcripts Do the Hard Work for You

    Apple Notes has come a long way from its early days.

    • Back then, it was just a basic app for typing simple stuff. But with regular updates, it’s turned into a handy, feature-filled tool.
    • One new thing in iOS 18 stands out, even though Apple doesn’t make a big fuss about it.
    • When you’re in a note, tap the attachment button on the toolbar, and you’ll spot a ‘Record Audio’ option.
    • This lets you easily record things like a work meeting, a school lecture, or even your voice memos.
    • Once you’re done, the recording sits right in the note alongside your text, pictures, or doodles.
    • What makes this feature extra awesome is the transcription part.
    • With iOS 18, Apple Notes can turn your recording into written words—sometimes even as you’re still recording.
    • And it gets better! If your device works with AI, you’ll also get a quick summary of what was said, thanks to Apple Intelligence.

    In short, Apple Notes now handles everything for you:

    • It records the audio from your meeting or class.
    • It gives you a transcript to check later.
    • It sums up the key points in a snap.

    No more scrambling to type every word during a busy session. This little trick takes the stress out of note-taking and keeps everything neat and easy to find.

  • How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    Everyone’s buzzing about Apple’s super-speedy M3 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio, but we’re still waiting on those test results. For now, let’s check out the first scores for the new iPad Air with the M3 chip.

    M3 iPad Air Performance

    The early Geekbench 6 scores for the iPad Air with the M3 chip aren’t shocking, but that’s okay—steady news can be great news! Since Macs already use the M3 chip, we know it’s about 20% quicker than the M2 chip when handling lots of tasks at once (that’s multi-core CPU speed, for the tech fans). The new iPad Air shows the same kind of boost, which is just what we hoped for.

    So far, there are three test results for the M3 iPad Air, giving it an average multi-core score of 11,605. Compare that to the last iPad Air with the M2 chip, which scored 9,817 on average. That means the M3 is roughly 18% faster than the M2 in the iPad Air, based on these first numbers. That’s a pretty solid improvement!

    This is nice to see, but it’s not the big headline we’re waiting for. The real excitement will come when we find out how the M3 Ultra stacks up against the M4 Max chip. Those test scores should pop up soon, so keep an eye out for that update. For now, the M3 iPad Air is proving it’s a step up—faster and ready for whatever you throw at it. More speed news is on the way!

  • Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode, a company known for its easy-to-use smart home security system that works with Apple’s HomeKit, just rolled out a fresh app for Apple TV. This brings all their security tools and smart home controls right to your TV screen. I’ve been using Abode’s setup for over four years and really love what they offer.

    With this new app, Abode users can turn their security system on or off, watch live video from up to four Abode cameras, and look back at saved clips—all without leaving the sofa. The app’s look and feel match the one on your iPhone, so it’s super simple to use and manage your gadgets without digging for your phone.

    One cool perk comes with Abode’s 24/7 recording option. If you’ve got it turned on, you can scroll through hours of video or skip to important moments right on your Apple TV. So, if a motion alert pops up during your favorite show, you can check it out instantly—no iPhone needed. Plus, if you use Abode CUE for smart home tricks, you can tweak certain devices straight from the app’s main screen.

    As an Abode user myself, I love how this app lets you check your security from almost any device—iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and now your TV. The design stays the same across all these, which keeps things familiar. The Apple TV app store doesn’t get many new apps beyond streaming ones, so it’s exciting to see Abode step up with something fresh.

    Abode plays nicely with HomeKit too. You can control the system through Apple’s Home app, but the real win is how Abode’s sensors—like ones for doors, windows, or motion—work as HomeKit devices. This lets you add them to HomeKit scenes and automations for extra convenience. Want to know more? Check out Abode’s blog about their new Apple TV app (and an updated Google TV one too), or grab an Abode starter kit on Amazon.

  • Addigy Assist makes setting up Macs easier for IT crews and MSPs

    Addigy Assist makes setting up Macs easier for IT crews and MSPs

    Addigy, a company that helps manage Apple devices, just launched a new tool called Addigy Assist. It’s designed to make setting up Macs simpler for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs). The tool comes with an Apple-style look, automatic steps, and live updates to smooth out the process.

    Setting up Macs has often been a hassle, with lots of hands-on work, problem-solving, and little info for users. Addigy Assist changes that by offering a fresh way to get new devices or new employees up and running, all tied into how macOS works.

    “Most tools for this job are either too tricky or too stiff, taking hours to get ready and fix issues. Users end up annoyed and keep calling IT for support,” said Tim Pearson from CreativeTech. “Addigy Assist fixes that. It took us under 10 minutes to set up once, and we were good to go. Employees now get a clear, easy start right away. We’re saving time, getting fewer complaints, and making new hires feel welcome.”

    The tool cuts down headaches for IT folks by handling boring, repeat tasks and showing setup progress as it happens. It’s also flexible, letting MSPs tweak it to fit different clients or rules they need to follow. “Addigy’s goal is to keep Apple device management simple and friendly. With Addigy Assist, we’re not just speeding up Mac setups—we’re making it feel like Apple built it,” said Jason Dettbarn, Addigy’s founder and CEO.

    Here’s what Addigy Assist brings:

    • Apple-like design: Matches macOS for an easy feel.
    • Multi-client support: This helps manage setups for different groups or places.
    • Live updates: Show users what’s happening during setup.
    • Auto-steps: Speeds things up by cutting manual work.
    • Smart fixes: Solves common hiccups like low power or Wi-Fi trouble.
    • Personal touch: Lets companies add their style to the process.

    Addigy Assist is out now for IT teams and MSPs who want an easier way to roll out Macs.

  • Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Apple’s first homemade modem, the C1 chip, is missing one big feature: mmWave 5G, the super-speedy version of 5G. While some might not mind—since not many phone companies use it yet—there’s a clear reason behind this choice.

    Building the C1 chip took years. You’d think Apple, with its knack for making amazing Mac chips that outshine Intel’s, could whip up a modem easily. But it’s not that simple. Mobile data tech is a tricky puzzle for three main reasons.

    First, every country has its own rules for mobile data, and a chip meant for the world has to work with all of them. Second, even in one country, phone companies tweak these rules differently, and Apple has to match each one. Third, the chip must handle not just today’s standards, like 5G, but also older ones like 4G, switching smoothly if the signal drops. That means supporting every version of every standard, old and new, everywhere.

    That’s why the C1’s spec list is a long one, covering tons of 5G bands, 4G types, and even older tech like GSM, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a lot to juggle! Apple had to make some tough calls with the C1. Rumors hinted at compromises, and they were right. The chip skips mmWave 5G and sticks to Wi-Fi 6 instead of jumping to Wi-Fi 7.

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the mmWave skip is about saving power. Apple brags that the C1 uses way less energy than the Qualcomm chips it replaces. Adding mmWave isn’t hard, but making it work well without draining the battery is a challenge. That’s why Apple left it out for now. The good news? Kuo says Apple is already working on a better C1 for next year. This updated version will tackle power use, boost speed, and finally add mmWave 5G support. So, faster 5G is coming—just not yet!

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