Search results for: “Updates”

  • 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

  • When will the next iOS update come out?

    When will the next iOS update come out?

    Apple is almost done with the testing phase for iOS 18.3, which means the first beta version of iOS 18.4 might be coming very soon. Here’s when you can expect it:

    iOS 18.4 Beta 1 Should Come Out Soon After iOS 18.3’s Release

    Apple usually follows a pretty regular schedule for its software rollouts, with only small changes here and there.

    Looking back at how things have gone before:

    • In 2024, iOS 17.3 was released on a Monday, followed by iOS 17.4 beta 1 just three days later on Thursday.
    • Back in 2023, iOS 16.3 came out on a Monday, with iOS 16.4 beta 1 appearing three weeks later on a Thursday.
    • In 2022, iOS 15.3 was launched on a Wednesday, with iOS 15.4 beta 1 the very next day on Thursday.

    So, if iOS 18.3 goes public around Monday, January 27, we could see iOS 18.4 beta 1 as early as Tuesday, January 28, or later that week.

    Could There Be More Waiting for iOS 18.4?

    While it’s likely we’ll see the beta soon, there’s a chance it could be delayed. Apple has mentioned that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. Starting a beta in late January might seem a bit rushed.

    However, for major updates involving AI, like the new features for Siri in iOS 18.4, Apple often likes to have lots of testing time. So, even with the possibility of a delay, I think we’ll still see the beta sooner rather than later. The more feedback Apple gets on the new Siri, the better they can make it before the final release.

  • UK launches app for digital IDs and driving licenses

    UK launches app for digital IDs and driving licenses

    The UK government has just announced a new app that will store your driving license digitally. This app, coming soon to iPhones, isn’t confirmed to work with Apple Wallet yet, but you’ll be able to use it through a special government app.

    This digital driving license will help you prove your age for buying things like alcohol or cigarettes and show you’re allowed to drive. Your personal info will be safe because you’ll need to use Face ID or Touch ID to access it, even if you lose your phone.

    Later on, this app will also hold veteran cards, background check certificates, and other government documents, but you can still use the old paper versions if you prefer.

    Alongside this, the UK government is rolling out an app with a chatbot named “GOV.UK Chat”, developed with OpenAI. This chatbot is already in testing and will help you pay for services, remind you about important dates, and notify you about government updates.

    In the U.S., Apple has teamed up with various states to put driving licenses and IDs into the iPhone and Apple Watch Wallet app. So far, nine states and Puerto Rico offer this service, with six more states planning to join in.

  • New macOS update coming soon: What to Expect

    New macOS update coming soon: What to Expect

    Apple has just released the test version of macOS Sequoia 15.3, and if everything goes smoothly, this will be the version that everyone can use soon.
    What’s New in macOS Sequoia 15.3?
    This update brings some exciting features and fixes:
    • Genmoji: Now you can create these fun emojis in Messages and other apps, thanks to Apple’s smart tech.
    • Calculator Improvements: Click the equals sign again, and it will do the last calculation you made again.
    • Notification Management: If you have a newer Mac, you can now manage your notification settings right from the lock screen. Also, the look of summarized notifications has changed to use italics and a special icon, making them stand out from others.
    • News & Entertainment Notifications: These are on hold for now, but they’ll be back for those who want them once the feature is ready again.
    Please note, not all features will work everywhere or on every Apple device.
    For more on how Apple keeps your device safe with updates, check this out: Apple Support Security Updates.
    Most of these changes aren’t just for Macs; you’ll see similar updates in iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 too.
    We’re looking forward to seeing macOS Sequoia 15.3, along with iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, go live next week.
  • Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    Apple’s new update turns AI on automatically, here’s how to turn it off

    The new iOS 18.3 update is almost here, and it brings some changes to how you use AI on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    Apple Intelligence Now On By Default

    Before, if you wanted to use Apple’s AI features, you had to turn them on yourself when updating to iOS 18.1 or 18.2. But with iOS 18.3, these AI features will turn on automatically when you update your device.

    Here’s what this means:

    • If you’re new to iOS 18.3 or upgrading, Apple Intelligence will automatically start working once you set up your phone. You’ll need to go into your settings to turn these features off if you don’t want them. Just go to the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings and switch off the AI.
    • The same goes for iPads and Macs with the new updates.

    After months of AI Being Available

    Most people who can use Apple’s AI have already turned it on. But for those who haven’t, the update will do it for you.

    There’s one question, though. What if you turned AI off before? Will it turn back on with this update? We’ll need to wait for the official release to know for sure.

    This update doesn’t add many new things, but it does change how notifications work with AI, which has been a hot topic. Apple seems to think that after some time with AI out there, it’s time to make it default.

  • Apple Intelligence now turns on automatically

    Apple Intelligence now turns on automatically

    When you install the new updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3, iOS 18.3, or iPadOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will start up by itself on devices that can use it, according to Apple’s notes for developers.

    If you’re setting up a new iPhone with iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be on right from the start. After you finish setting up, you can use Apple Intelligence right away. If you want to turn it off, go to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings menu and switch it off there. This will stop all Apple Intelligence features on your device.

    Before, with macOS Sequoia 15.1, 15.2, iOS 18.1, and 18.2, you had to turn on Apple Intelligence yourself to use it. Now, it’s on by default, so if you don’t want to use it, you’ll need to turn it off.

    Also, with macOS Sequoia 15.3, Mac users get something new called Genmoji, which lets you make your own emojis. All these updates also make notification summaries better, so you can see when a notification has AI-generated info in it.

    These updates are in testing now with developers and beta testers. They should be available to everyone next week.

  • New test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 released by Apple

    New test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 released by Apple

    Apple has just released test versions of the upcoming iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 updates for developers to check out. These versions came out a week after the third test builds were shared.

    To get these updates, you can go into the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap on General, and then go to Software Update. It’s that simple!

    In this update, Apple has made some tweaks to the Apple Intelligence Notification Summaries. They’ve decided to take out the news summaries for now.

    Also, there’s more cool stuff coming with Apple Intelligence and Siri in the next updates, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which will come after 18.3. We’re looking forward to seeing these new updates roll out sometime at the end of January.

  • Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple is set to revolutionize home tech with its upcoming ‘HomePad’, a new smart display designed to blend seamlessly into your living space. Here are the five core features that will define this device:

    1. 7-inch Square Display: Initially rumored to be a 6-inch screen, the HomePad has been upgraded to a 7-inch display. Its design resembles a square iPad, roughly the size of two iPhone 16 Pro Max models side by side, offering a compact yet functional interface.

    2. New Operating System – ‘homeOS’: The HomePad introduces a novel operating system, possibly named ‘homeOS’. This OS combines elements of the Apple Watch’s interface and the iPhone’s StandBy mode, dynamically adjusting the display based on the user’s proximity for an interactive experience.

    3. Widget Support: Following the trend set by StandBy mode, the HomePad will support widgets, allowing users to customize their home screen much like on an iPhone or iPad. While the inclusion of third-party widgets remains uncertain, Apple’s recent macOS updates suggest they might extend this functionality.

    4. Versatile Accessories: To adapt to various home environments, Apple is crafting multiple attachments for the HomePad. These include wall mounts for security panel aesthetics and bases with additional speakers for kitchen, bedroom, or office use, ensuring the device fits into your home’s aesthetic and functionality needs.

    5. Enhanced Siri with AI: Unlike current Apple home devices, the HomePad will feature an AI-enhanced Siri, thanks to integration with technologies like ChatGPT. This upgrade promises to handle a broader array of commands and understand user context better, aiming to reduce those all-too-common “I’m sorry” responses from Siri.

    The HomePad promises to be more than just a smart display; it’s envisioned as a central hub for smart home control, video calls, and more, making daily life more connected and intuitive.

  • TikTok’s Return to U.S. Screens: Navigating the new normal

    TikTok’s Return to U.S. Screens: Navigating the new normal

    In a rollercoaster of events, TikTok has made a comeback in the U.S., though not without its challenges. After going dark on Saturday night and being pulled from Apple’s App Store, the platform was up and running again by Sunday afternoon, following what TikTok called “necessary clarity” from President Trump.

    Here’s the scoop: despite its functionality being restored, TikTok isn’t back on the App Store. This means new users can’t download it, and existing users can’t update it. The ban, initiated by a law signed by President Biden in April 2024, required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest within nine months or face a ban. That deadline hit on January 19, leading to a brief blackout of the app.

    However, thanks to an assurance from Trump, service providers like Oracle have continued supporting TikTok, risking hefty fines, while tech giants like Apple and Google remain cautious, not re-listing the app.

    For existing iPhone users, this means you can still use TikTok if you have it installed, but no new downloads or updates are available through the App Store. The app’s core functionalities are intact, including TikTok Shop, but new in-app purchases are off-limits, although web purchases remain accessible.

    With Trump’s recent inauguration, he’s hinted at a 90-day delay in enforcing the ban and proposed U.S. ownership in TikTok, signaling potential changes on the horizon. How ByteDance responds to this proposition will shape TikTok’s future in the U.S. market.

  • Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Elevating Apple Music playlists with AI artistry

    Apple Music hasn’t seen direct AI enhancements yet, but a new feature from Apple Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.2, is indirectly enhancing the music app experience. Here’s how:

    Image Playground: The Artwork Solution for Apple Music

    Apple’s Image Playground is an AI tool designed to generate unique images. While not yet integrated into Apple Music, it offers an innovative way to enhance playlist aesthetics. Previously, selecting or creating the perfect artwork for playlists was often a challenge, with the default options feeling repetitive or lacking personal touch.

    Now, with Image Playground, users can craft bespoke artwork. The process is straightforward: describe your vision in the app, and AI generates several images to choose from. Once you’ve selected your favorite, save it to your Photos library and import it into your Apple Music playlist. This is done by accessing the playlist, hitting the edit option from the three dots menu, and selecting the camera icon to add your custom image.

    A New Era for Playlists

    The introduction of Image Playground has transformed playlist creation from a functional task into an artistic one. It allows for a more personalized listening experience, where each playlist not only sounds unique but looks unique too. Initially perceived as just a playful tool, Image Playground has found a practical application in enhancing the visual appeal of Apple Music playlists.

    As we look forward to potential updates, there’s hope that future iOS versions might integrate this feature directly into Apple Music, making the process even more seamless. For now, Image Playground stands as a testament to how AI can subtly improve everyday app functionalities, turning them into sources of creativity and personal expression.