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  • Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Apple’s chip switch and digital id in Japan

    Five years ago, Apple shared big news at its 2020 WWDC event: it would start using its chips, called Apple silicon, in Macs, moving away from Intel processors. This change began with the M1 chip, which brought better speed and battery life to devices like the MacBook Air and Mac mini.

    Since then, Apple has rolled out newer chips, like the M4 and M5, making its computers faster and more efficient. The switch has been a game-changer, letting Apple control both the hardware and software for smoother performance.

    By June 2025, all new Macs will use Apple silicon, and older Intel-based Macs will stop getting full macOS updates after macOS Tahoe, though security updates will continue for a few years. In another update, Apple announced that Japan’s My Number Card can now be added to the Wallet app on iPhones running iOS 18.5 or later, starting with the iPhone XS.

    This digital ID lets users verify their identity or age at places like airports or stores without a physical card. It’s a step toward making life easier with contactless options, similar to how some U.S. states let residents add driver’s licenses to the Wallet app. This feature is rolling out slowly but shows Apple’s push to make the iPhone a one-stop tool for everyday needs. Both changes highlight Apple’s focus on improving its devices and making them more useful in daily life, whether through powerful chips or handy digital IDs.

  • New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    New features in iOS 26 beta 2

    Apple’s iOS 26 beta 2 brings exciting updates for iPhone users, making the experience smoother and more user-friendly. The Safari browser gets a fix for a design issue from the first beta, moving the new tab icon to a better spot for easier navigation. This change makes browsing more intuitive and less frustrating.

    The update hints at the iPhone 17 Air, a possible new model with a unique display size, expected to launch this fall. This suggests Apple is preparing for a big reveal alongside the iOS 26 public release in September. The Wallet app now fully supports order tracking, a feature announced at WWDC.

    Siri can scan your emails to track orders from any retailer, not just those using Apple Pay. This makes it easier to keep tabs on your purchases right from your iPhone. A fresh ringtone, “Alt 1” for the Reflection sound, is available in the Settings app under Sounds & Haptics.

    It’s a new take on the classic iPhone ringtone, offering a modern vibe. The Control Center also gets a tweak, with a darker look for better visibility, making controls easier to see in different lighting.
    Other neat additions include a Live Radio widget for Apple Music and an Accessibility section in the App Store, where developers can highlight their app’s accessibility features. These updates show Apple’s focus on improving usability and personalization for all users.

  • macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    macOS Tahoe beta 2 brings back menu bar background and classic finder look

    Apple’s macOS Tahoe Beta 2, released on June 23, 2025, introduces simple yet welcome changes based on user feedback. The update adds a new option to restore a solid background to the menu bar, which was transparent in the first beta as part of the Liquid Glass design.

    This see-through style blended the menu bar with the desktop wallpaper, making icons and text hard to read for some users. Now, you can turn on the background in System Settings > Menu Bar > Show Menu Bar Background. When activated, it brings back a frosted look similar to macOS Sequoia, improving visibility without changing the placement of menu items.

    The update also fixes the Finder icon’s colors. In the first beta, Apple flipped the traditional design, placing the darker blue on the right side, which upset many longtime Mac users. Beta 2 restores the classic look, with blue on the left and a lighter gradient on the right, while keeping the modern Liquid Glass style.

    This tweak respects the Finder’s nearly 30-year history. These changes show Apple is listening to its community. The menu bar toggle lets users choose between a sleek, transparent look or a clearer, solid one, depending on their wallpaper. The macOS Tahoe public beta is expected in July, with a full release in fall 2025.

  • iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    iOS 26 beta 2 improves control center look

    Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26 for developers, focusing on fixing issues with the Control Center’s design. The update tackles complaints about the “Liquid Glass” style, which some users found hard to read. Now, the Control Center has a darker blur effect, making icons and text clearer.

    A new “Alt 1” option also appears, though its purpose isn’t fully explained yet. This beta refines the overall look of iOS 26, keeping the transparent, glossy design but making it easier on the eyes. Other small tweaks improve how the interface feels, ensuring buttons and menus are more user-friendly.

    Apple is listening to feedback, aiming to balance style with practicality. The update also hints at new Wi-Fi features like Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware, which were spotted in the first beta’s code. These could make connecting to networks smoother, but they’re not active yet. Developers can test the beta on iPhone 15 and 16 models through the Settings app.

    A public beta is expected in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones.
    This beta shows Apple’s effort to polish iOS 26’s bold design while keeping it functional. If you’re testing it, you’ll notice a cleaner, more readable Control Center that still looks modern and sleek.

  • Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple releases second macOS Tahoe test version

    Apple has rolled out the second test version of macOS Tahoe 26 to developers for trying out new features. This update arrives two weeks after the first test and focuses on smoothing out issues before the public gets to try it next month. You’ll need a sleek new look, Apple!

    This macOS brings a fresh style called Liquid Glass, which makes everything look shiny and see-through, a bit like the iPhone’s design. It changes how you use apps like Mail, Calendar, and Photos, making them feel new and lively. There’s also a new Phone app for Mac, so you can handle calls and texts right from your computer. Plus, Spotlight search is now quicker and can dig through your emails to find what you need fast.

    For those eager to test it, macOS Tahoe is still just for developers, but anyone can sign up with an Apple Developer account to give it a go. Be careful, though—Apple warns not to put this early software on your main Mac since it might have bugs. A public test version is coming in July, with the final release expected this fall. Curious about all the new tricks in macOS Tahoe? Check out Apple’s detailed guide for the full scoop.

  • Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple releases second test version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, two weeks after the first test version debuted at WWDC 2025. This update focuses on refining the new Liquid Glass design, a sleek, translucent look that transforms the iPhone and iPad interface with shimmering icons and dynamic visuals. It also boosts Apple Intelligence, enhancing apps like Messages, Phone, and Safari with smarter features.

    The second beta fixes a key issue with the Control Center, addressing user complaints about its design. Other tweaks include better battery management through Adaptive Power Mode, which slightly dims the screen or slows tasks to save power. New Wi-Fi tools, like Captive Assist, are in the works but not yet active. Developers can grab the update via the Settings app on supported devices, like the iPhone 15 and 16.

    iOS 26 brings fresh touches, such as a hidden ringtone variation of Reflection and new call features like Hold Assist. iPadOS 26 adds a Phone app, improved multitasking, and a Games app. These betas are for developers now, but a public beta will launch in July, with the full release set for September alongside new iPhones. Apple is streamlining its software numbering, so “26” marks the 2025-2026 season, matching macOS 26, watchOS 26, and more. Stay tuned for hands-on reviews as testing continues.

  • Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple releases second watchOS 26 beta for developers

    Apple has rolled out the second developer beta of watchOS 26, along with tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 betas, two weeks after the first betas were shared. These updates, announced at WWDC 2025, bring a fresh look and smarter features to Apple’s devices.

    The watchOS 26 beta introduces a sleek new design called Liquid Glass, giving the Apple Watch a modern, transparent style. It also adds new watch faces and lets third-party apps work with the Control Center for quicker access. Developers can test these changes to make sure their apps run smoothly.

    To try the beta, developers need an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. The update can be downloaded through the Apple Watch app under Settings > General > Software Update, with a developer account linked. The watch must have at least 50% battery and be on a charger during installation.

    While these betas are for developers to test and tweak apps, Apple plans to release public betas in July. The full versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will launch for everyone in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple refines these exciting new features.

  • New Apple Watch setting in watchOS 26

    New Apple Watch setting in watchOS 26

    Apple’s latest watchOS 26 update brings a handy new feature for Apple Watch users. You can now tweak the text size on your watch face, making it easier to read at a glance. This option, found in the Display & Brightness settings, lets you adjust the font size for complications—those little bits of info like weather or calendar events—on supported watch faces.

    This change is great for anyone who struggles to read small text or just wants a clearer view without squinting. It works on watch faces like Infograph and Modular, which show extra details. You can pick from different sizes, from small to large, to suit your needs. This makes the watch more user-friendly, especially for older users or those with vision challenges.

    The update also keeps things smooth for developers. Apps built for older watchOS versions will still work fine, but Apple suggests updating them for the new arm64 architecture to boost performance. This ensures your watch runs apps efficiently while supporting the new text size feature.

    watchOS 26 is currently in beta testing and will roll out to everyone later this year. It works with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. This small but useful update shows Apple’s focus on making the watch more practical and accessible for all users.

  • Upcoming changes for iPhone designs

    Upcoming changes for iPhone designs

    Apple is planning some exciting updates for the iPhone, according to a reliable display expert. These changes will roll out over the next few years, starting in 2026. Here’s what you can look forward to. In 2026, the iPhone will have a smaller notch. Some parts of Face ID will still be visible at the top of the screen, but it’ll be less noticeable.

    This is the first step toward a cleaner look. By 2027, Apple aims to hide most Face ID components under the display, marking the iPhone’s 20th anniversary with a special edition phone. The selfie camera will still need its spot, so a tiny hole might remain, but the notch will be gone.

    In 2030, Apple plans to have a true all-screen iPhone. The selfie camera will move under the screen, leaving no holes or notches. This will give you a smooth, edge-to-edge display for a sleek, modern feel. These updates show Apple’s focus on making the iPhone look sharper and more advanced. The timeline might shift, as plans can change, but the future of iPhone design looks promising.

  • What’s new for CarPlay in iOS 26

    What’s new for CarPlay in iOS 26

    Apple’s iOS 26 brings a fresh and exciting update to CarPlay, making it the biggest change in years. Here’s what you can look forward to this fall when you update your iPhone.
    CarPlay gets a sleek new design called “Liquid Glass” look. This gives app icons and menus a modern, smooth appearance.

    You can pick from Light, Dark, or Clear styles to match your vibe, with the Clear option offering a few extra tweaks. Want to see the designs? Check out the gallery on Apple’s website. Widgets are finally coming to standard CarPlay, not just the premium CarPlay Ultra.

    These handy tools let you see quick info at a glance. Plus, you can now use Live Activities to track updates like food deliveries without leaving your map. Your favorite apps are getting car-friendly improvements. In Messages, you can use Tapbacks to reply with a quick emoji and pin important chats.

    The Phone app now shows calls in a small pop-up, so your navigation stays clear. If your car has a touchscreen, Apple Maps lets you zoom and move around with pinch gestures for the first time. A cool feature called “Smart Display Zoom” adjusts your screen’s use of pace, fitting more on the display or keeping things big and easy to tap.

    You can also make the text size larger for better readability. This iOS 26 makes CarPlay more stylish, safer, and easier to use. Which feature are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts!