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  • Apple shares new iOS 18 adoption stats

    Apple shares new iOS 18 adoption stats

    Apple has just released its first insights into how many people are using iOS 18. They’ve revealed that 68% of all iPhones now run iOS 18, with the number jumping to 76% for models released in the last four years. This adoption rate mirrors the pattern seen with iOS 17 last year. The data was collected from devices interacting with the App Store on January 21, 2025, and was made public on Apple’s Developer site.

    Breakdown of Device Adoption:

    For iPhones from the Last Four Years:

    • iOS 18: 76%
    • iOS 17: 19%
    • Earlier versions: 5%

    For All iPhones:

    • iOS 18: 68%
    • iOS 17: 19%
    • Earlier versions: 13%

    iPadOS 18 Adoption:

    For iPads from the Last Four Years:

    • iPadOS 18: 63%
    • iPadOS 17: 27%
    • Earlier versions: 10%

    For All iPads:

    • iPadOS 18: 53%
    • iPadOS 17: 28%
    • Earlier versions: 19%

    These numbers show a similar trend when compared to previous years, indicating a steady pace in updates adoption.

    More About iOS Updates:

    iOS 18 supports the same range of iPhones as iOS 17, going back to the iPhone XS from 2018. This support means that even older models can enjoy new features, security updates, and bug fixes.

    Apple has also made it simpler for users to decide when to update. When iOS 18 was launched in September, users had the option to update to either iOS 18 or iOS 17.7. Choosing the latter meant they could avoid potential issues with a new major release while still benefiting from important security updates.

    The latest minor update, iOS 17.7.2 and iPadOS 17.7.2, released in November, further emphasizes Apple’s commitment to keeping all devices secure, regardless of whether users have moved to the latest iOS version.

  • Why Apple avoids big iOS redesigns now

    Why Apple avoids big iOS redesigns now

    Remember when iOS updates used to bring huge changes? Think back to iOS 7. Those times seem to be fading away, and a recent app fiasco explains why.

    The Sonos App Mess as a Warning

    Sonos, if you’ve missed it, has been having a rough time. They changed their CEO after a disastrous app redesign in 2024. This new version of the Sonos app, launched in April, led to a year-long stream of customer complaints and negative publicity.

    This situation with the Sonos app is a clear lesson for why Apple might steer clear of massive iOS overhauls. If this had happened when Sonos had fewer, more tech-savvy users, perhaps the impact wouldn’t have been so severe. They could have fixed issues quickly, or users would have just adapted.

    The Risk of Overhauling iOS

    In the iPhone’s early days, Apple could manage big changes because fewer people used their devices. Now, with millions of users of all tech levels relying on iPhones, major changes are risky. Even if many like the new look, the sheer number of users means there’s bound to be significant opposition.

    Apple knows that iOS can’t stay the same forever, though. Instead of a whole system redesign, they’ve chosen to update parts of iOS one at a time. For instance, the Photos app in iOS 18 stirred up some trouble, but it was only one app, so the blowback was contained. Redesigning all of iOS at once would be a much bigger gamble.

    User Feedback and Iterative Updates

    A top comment on an article about this issue pointed out that comparing the Sonos app rebuild to an iOS redesign isn’t quite fair. Redesigning something like iOS 7 is just giving it a new look, not rebuilding it from the ground up like Sonos did. Apple’s approach would be more like painting over the existing structure, not rebuilding the house.

    For many iPhone users, the idea of another major redesign might sound daunting rather than exciting. The lesson from Sonos is clear: for companies with a huge user base, big changes can lead to big problems. Maybe we should all get used to seeing iOS evolve through smaller, less disruptive updates.

  • Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Next week, iOS 18.3 will roll out. It doesn’t bring a lot of new stuff, but it’s a big deal for Apple’s smart features because of a daring move by Apple.

    Apple’s Smart Features Turned On by Default in iOS 18.3

    Apple has decided that with iOS 18.3, its smart features, which they call Apple Intelligence, will be turned on automatically for everyone with a compatible device.

    These smart features first appeared with iOS 18.1 back in October and got some cool updates in December with iOS 18.2. But until now, you had to choose to turn them on yourself. Now, Apple is saying, “We’re turning them on for you.”

    One Smart Feature Takes a Break

    It’s not all smooth sailing for AI at Apple. They’ve had some trouble with their smart summaries for notifications, which sometimes got the news wrong. So, in an interesting twist, while Apple is confident about turning on AI by default, they’re also being careful.

    In iOS 18.3, they’re going to temporarily turn off the smart summaries for apps in the News and Entertainment categories. It’s rare for an update to take away something that was there before, but Apple is doing this to work on making it better before bringing it back.

    Apple Still Cautious with AI

    Apple has always been careful with AI. During the early testing phases and even after making these features available to everyone with iOS 18.1, they made people wait to use them, ensuring everything worked right.

    One of Apple’s key promises is to design AI with care. They check everything from how they make the AI to how it’s used, working to avoid any misuse or problems. User feedback helps them keep improving.

    What’s Next for Apple Intelligence?

    With iOS 18.3, we see Apple sticking to those promises. They’ve had a long testing phase before making AI automatic. Yet, they’re still cautious, pausing one feature to get it right. Will people mind having these features turned on without asking? We’ll see. But for now, Apple seems to be doing it at the right time and in the right way.

  • How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    Fans of both Apple and Samsung often argue about who copied whom. While Apple has faced legal challenges over design, Samsung has been quite open about taking inspiration from Apple, especially with the launch of the Galaxy S25.

    Smart Features Borrowed

    We all know Apple has been slow with its AI developments. While Samsung’s phones are packed with smart AI tools, Apple’s AI features are just starting to roll out and are pretty basic. Still, Samsung couldn’t help but notice Apple’s AI offerings.

    Apple’s AI system can work with ChatGPT and is planning to integrate with Google Gemini. Samsung followed suit, making its AI system work with external chatbots, starting with Google Gemini instead of its own Bixby.

    When you use Samsung’s Gemini, you see a text box with a bright border, much like Siri. It handles both text and voice inputs, and when you highlight text, it shows options very similar to Apple’s text editing tools, allowing you to check spelling or format as a table.

    Samsung also introduced call recording, transcription, and summarization in its phone app, features already familiar to iPhone users with iOS 18. Galaxy S25 users can now search for photos by describing them, summarize web articles, and even turn photos into drawings, much like Apple’s Image Playground.

    For privacy, Samsung’s AI can work offline, similar to Apple’s approach to limit cloud usage.

    User Interface Echoes

    During the Galaxy S25 reveal, Samsung introduced One UI 7. It features the Now Bar, which shows live updates like sports scores or timers, much like Apple’s Live Activities.

    Samsung’s camera updates mimic some iPhone features from months ago, including the ability to record in log format and tweak audio focus. They’ve also adopted a version of Apple’s Photographic Styles, giving users control over image filters and tones.

    Design Similarities

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra looks strikingly similar to the iPhone 16 Pro with its flat edges and rounded corners, moving away from Samsung’s previous curved designs. The top models now use titanium, while cheaper models stick with aluminum.

    Samsung jumped the gun on Apple’s rumored slim iPhone 17 Air with their Galaxy S25 Edge, choosing style over some features like a third camera. The protective cases for the Galaxy are almost identical to Apple’s transparent MagSafe cases.

    Moreover, Samsung’s upcoming VR headset, Project Moohan, seems inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro, even in its interface design.

    Innovation or Imitation?

    While some might see this as copying, Samsung does bring its own twist to these features. Their version of Photographic Styles, for example, allows for more creative control over image composition. However, in the tech world, where both iOS and Android offer similar functionalities, it’s clear that each company builds upon the other’s ideas to enhance user experience.

    Still, perhaps Samsung could aim for a bit more originality next time around.

  • Apple unveils new tool for app purchases

    Apple unveils new tool for app purchases

    Apple recently introduced a new tool that makes it easier for app developers to manage purchases within the App Store. This tool, called the “Enhanced Buying API,” helps developers offer more options for buying things inside apps.

    What Can Developers Do With This Tool?

    • Large Content Libraries: Apps that have lots of items for sale, like books or lessons, can update their content more easily. This means users can buy new items without any hassle.
    • Creator Content: Apps where creators share their work can now let users buy subscriptions or one-time purchases directly linked to their favorite creators or collections.
    • Custom Subscriptions: For apps that offer subscriptions, developers can now add extra features or content, like special channels or local sports updates, which users can choose to add for an extra fee.

    These new features use Apple’s payment system, which handles everything from collecting payments to dealing with taxes, making it simpler for both developers and users.

    Why Now?

    Apple seems to be updating its app store rules, especially after some pushback from developers and regulators, particularly in Europe. This new API is particularly useful for apps that had unique ways of making money, like platforms where artists or writers get paid directly by fans. For example, in 2022, Apple asked Patreon, a site for creators to get paid by fans, to use Apple’s payment system for transactions within their app.

    This move by Apple aims to make the App Store more adaptable to different kinds of apps while keeping the payment process smooth and secure.

  • New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    Apple has just introduced new test versions of software updates for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, including both types with Lightning and USB-C charging cases. This update, tagged with the number 7E5067b, is currently available only for developers.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    It’s not yet known what new features or changes this test software brings, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we learn more. For now, if you’re not a developer, your AirPods Pro 2 will stay on the current software version 7B21, and your AirPods 4 on version 7B20, until this test version goes public.

    How Updates Work

    You can’t manually start these software updates on your AirPods; they happen automatically. When your AirPods are in their charging case and connected to an iPhone or Mac, the update can install itself wirelessly.

  • Car makers still on board with Apple’s new CarPlay system

    Car makers still on board with Apple’s new CarPlay system

    Apple has recently announced that a number of car makers are still set to support the upcoming version of CarPlay in their upcoming car models. However, they didn’t specify when this would happen. Apple had earlier mentioned that this new CarPlay would be available in 2024, but that didn’t come to pass.

    Apple’s statement regarding the new CarPlay is:

    “The new CarPlay is designed based on our experience with the current system, offering an experience that combines the best of Apple’s technology with the car maker’s unique style. We are working closely with various car companies to help them display their brand’s unique look in the new CarPlay. Each car company will give more information as they get closer to announcing which cars will have this feature.”

    Apple also reaffirmed its dedication to the existing CarPlay system, noting that it’s now in more than 98% of new cars sold in the U.S. in recent times.

    Previously, Apple listed car makers like Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo as partners for the new CarPlay. In late 2023, Aston Martin and Porsche showed off their versions of this new system, but they haven’t released it yet. It’s not clear which companies are currently working with Apple on this project.

    This update follows closely after Apple changed its website to take out the 2024 timeline for the new CarPlay they had mentioned before. The system was first shown off by Apple at their Worldwide Developers Conference in 2022.

  • Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Apple began introducing Thread radios into its devices towards the end of 2023, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While Apple has been relatively quiet about this new feature, a recent interview sheds light on its benefits.

    Understanding the iPhone’s Thread Radio Advantages

    An insightful interview was published by The Verge, featuring three major contributors to Matter, the new standard for smart home devices. Among them was Vividh Siddha, who serves as both President of the Thread Group and Director at Apple.

    In the discussion, Siddha explained the purpose behind incorporating Thread radios into iPhones. He highlighted two main advantages:

    • Simplifying Smart Home Automation: For those new to smart homes, like someone buying a smart bulb or switch from a store, automating these devices can be tricky without additional equipment. The Thread radio in your iPhone allows for these automations directly, making life easier for early adopters.
    • Maintaining Access During Power Outages: If you lose power, and thus your Wi-Fi or other network systems are down, the Thread radio can still function. This means you can still use important smart devices like your front door lock, ensuring you can enter your home even in emergencies.

    Siddha’s dual roles give him a unique perspective on how Thread can revolutionize home automation, emphasizing these benefits are just the beginning.

    Thread Radios: A Step Forward for Apple’s Smart Home Vision

    The smart home landscape can be confusing, but with Matter, Apple aims to streamline this. Moreover, Apple’s recent push into smart home gadgets could change the game. In the coming months, expect new devices like the ‘HomePad’, followed by updates to the Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini. By 2026, Apple plans to launch smart doorbells and cameras.

    While the inclusion of Thread radios in the latest iPhones might not show immediate effects, over time, this technology is poised to enhance Apple’s smart home ecosystem significantly.

  • iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    People are selling old iPhones with TikTok already on them for lots of money on eBay. Some are even asking for up to $50,000! For example, someone listed an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max with TikTok for $50,000.

    Even though President Trump said companies wouldn’t get in trouble for not following the TikTok ban, big companies like Apple and Google are still not allowing TikTok in their app stores in the US.

    A Quick Update

    The US Supreme Court said yes to banning TikTok last Friday, and the ban started on January 19. TikTok was taken off the app stores on Sunday. Apple had to say they would follow the law. But then, Trump posted on social media that he would stop the ban when he became president again the next day, and he said companies could ignore the law without getting into trouble. So, TikTok came back online thanks to Bytedance, with Oracle, a US company, trusting Trump’s word.

    Trump then made an official statement saying the ban wouldn’t be enforced for 75 days, but lawyers said this might not be legal, meaning companies could still face huge fines of up to $850 billion. They also said Trump could change his mind if he didn’t like a company.

    eBay Listings for TikTok iPhones

    Wired noticed that some sellers on eBay are trying to make money by selling old phones with TikTok on them for much more than they are really worth.

    If you look up “TikTok phone” on eBay, you’ll find over 9,000 listings for phones from brands like Apple and Samsung, all with TikTok installed. Some listings are asking for $50,000, while many others are between $2,000 and $5,000.

    Luckily, it seems like most people aren’t paying these crazy prices. The phones with very high prices aren’t selling, and when they do sell, it’s often because buyers can offer a lower price through eBay’s “best offer” option.

    Here’s an interesting thing about these iPhones: if one user downloads apps using their Apple ID and then another user signs in with their own ID, the apps stay on the phone. But, if you ever reset your phone using your own iCloud backup, you’ll lose those apps.

    Source

  • When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    A leak has recently given us hints about when we might see the new iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and iPad Air models.

    A private account on X (formerly Twitter) shared that these upcoming devices will come with iOS 18.3 or iPadOS 18.3 already installed when they hit the market. While we don’t know the exact release date, it looks like they’ll be announced sometime between March and April, before iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 roll out.

    The leak included the build numbers for these new software versions:

    • iOS 18.3 for iPhone SE (4th generation): 22D8062
    • iPadOS 18.3 for iPad 11 and iPad Air (2025): 22D2060, 22D2062

    The final test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released this week, suggesting that the updates might be available for current devices next week.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip might be announced before these iPads and iPhone, potentially making them Apple’s first big reveal of 2025.

    The new iPhone SE is expected to look like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16 with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a single 48-megapixel camera. It might also have a new A-series chip, 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s AI features, and Apple’s own 5G modem.

    The iPad 11 is rumored to have an A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, also supporting Apple’s AI features. For the iPad Air, there’s some confusion; some leaks suggest an M3 chip, while others hint at the M4 chip that’s in the latest iPad Pro.

    New Magic Keyboards are also on the way for these iPads.

    This information gives us a clearer picture of what to expect from Apple in the coming months.

    Source

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