Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, announced during the latest earnings call that the company now boasts more than 2.35 billion active devices around the world. This update, which covers the first quarter of 2025, marks a new high for the tech giant.
This impressive figure shows a growth from the last count in February 2024, when Apple reported 2.2 billion active devices. While specific numbers for each type of device weren’t shared, it’s known that Apple has consistently had over a billion iPhones in use globally.
This growth underscores Apple’s strong presence in the market and its continued popularity among consumers. With products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Apple has managed to keep users engaged and expand its ecosystem significantly. The company’s ability to maintain and increase its active user base is a testament to its innovation and customer loyalty.
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 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.
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.
Last week, Apple released the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. However, they’ve stopped offering it for some devices because of problems. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, the iOS 18.4 beta can’t be installed anymore on the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s also unavailable for certain older iPad Air models and basic iPads.
The trouble started when the beta caused some iPhone 12 devices and others to get stuck in a “boot loop.” This means the device kept restarting and couldn’t be used. That’s why Apple always reminds users to save a backup of their iPhone before trying beta versions. Early software like this can have big glitches.
Here’s the list of devices where iOS 18.4 beta 1 is no longer active:
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Mini
iPad 8 (Cellular)
iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi and Cellular)
iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Cellular)
iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Cellular)
There might have been extra issues with some cellular iPad Air models, beyond just the boot loop. Apple also stopped the first watchOS 11.4 beta for the Apple Watch Series 6. The company is expected to fix these problems and release the betas again for the affected devices, but no one knows when that’ll happen.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Apple has had to pull back a beta update because of bugs. For now, if you’re using one of these devices, you’ll have to wait for a more stable version. Always back up your stuff before testing new software—it’s a small step that can save you a lot of headaches!
iOS 18.4 beta 1 is now unsigned for the following devices:
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Mini
iPad 8 (Cellular)
iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi and Cellular)
iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Cellular)
iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Cellular)
The Powerbeats Pro 2 were introduced by Apple earlier this week, and now they’re available for you to pick up directly from Apple’s retail outlets. These earbuds also started reaching customers who ordered them online.
Powerbeats Pro 2 Orange
The Powerbeats Pro 2 come equipped with the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which brings features like Active Noise Cancellation, something the first Powerbeats Pro didn’t have. Another exciting addition is the heart rate monitor built into each earbud. They use LED optical sensors that flash more than 100 times a second to check your heart rate through blood flow. This can connect with apps like Peloton and Nike Run Club, enhancing your workout experience.
You can find the Powerbeats Pro 2 in various colors like Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, Jet Black, and Quick Sand on Apple’s website. They’re priced at $249 in the U.S., matching the cost of both the AirPods Pro 2 and the original Powerbeats Pro.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your workout gear or just want excellent sound quality with noise cancellation, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are now easily accessible at Apple stores.
Apple and Beats recently introduced the eagerly awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds. This new model brings features not yet seen in Apple’s AirPods. But what does this mean for the future of AirPods?
Rumors About Upcoming AirPods
One standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is its heart rate sensor. This marks the first time Apple has included such a health-focused tool in a product other than the Apple Watch. It suggests that future devices might also focus more on health monitoring. Although Powerbeats are designed for workouts, it’s notable that Apple chose to debut this technology in a Beats product.
What About AirPods?
Will AirPods follow suit with a heart rate sensor? It seems likely, as various sources confirm Apple is indeed developing AirPods with health sensors. The next big update, expected in the AirPods Pro 3, will likely include this sensor. Although we don’t have a specific release date, considering the AirPods Pro 2 came out in 2022, we might see the next version soon, perhaps even this year.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned last year that Apple is looking into sensors that could measure body temperature through the ear canal. There’s also talk about integrating camera sensors into AirPods, but these innovations won’t make it into the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 3 Expectations
For the AirPods Pro 3, expect a new design, though details are scarce. The basic AirPods model got a recent update with a fresh look and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), so don’t expect another update soon. As for the AirPods Max, after last year’s update to include USB-C, there are no significant updates planned shortly.
This glimpse into Apple’s strategy shows a clear direction toward enhancing personal health monitoring through their audio products, promising exciting developments for AirPods users.
The much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 from Apple is set to hit the market this Tuesday. But, in a surprising twist, one Walmart shopper managed to grab a pair before the official announcement, as revealed in a Reddit post from the weekend.
“I spotted them locked up at my local Walmart,” shared the Reddit user. “I asked if I could buy them, and they let me.”
Apple had previously teased the Powerbeats Pro 2 with a video last year, showcasing a sleeker, taller design than the first Powerbeats Pro released in 2019. The new model is rumored to come with several upgrades, including the H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, heart rate sensors for exercise, and vibrant new colors like Electric Orange.
Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds are expected to feature active noise cancellation, which wasn’t available in the previous version. This chip should also enhance sound quality and extend battery life. In the U.S., the Powerbeats Pro 2 are expected to retail for $249.
Apple’s team of clever scientists has made a little robot that looks like a lamp, with movements that feel very real. You can see all about it on their special research website. This robot, which kind of looks like the playful Luxo Jr. from Pixar, might just be a sneak peek into what Apple has planned for the future.
In a video, we see this robot acting very much like a friend. Someone asks it about the weather, and the robot turns to look outside the window before telling them it’s a nice day for a hike. But when it hears it’s not invited, the robot seems a bit sad.
In another scene, the robot follows the person’s hand signals, adjusting the light just right for taking photos with an iPhone. At another moment, it gently nudges a mug towards someone as a reminder to drink water.
The robot also helps by showing a tutorial video on the wall when someone is trying to build something new, like a 3D printer. And for fun, it dances to music, making it feel like a companion rather than just a machine.
The researchers, including Yuhan Hu, Peide Huang, Mouli Sivapurapu, and Jian Zhang, noted that making the robot move in a lifelike way really makes people want to interact with it more than if it just did simple tasks.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple might be working on something similar with an iPad-screen on a robotic arm. They’re thinking about announcing this cool device maybe in 2026 or 2027. This robot would understand your voice commands, like “look at me,” especially useful during video calls.
This robot could be a fancy version of Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, expected to come out soon and priced around $1,000, though plans might still shift. This little robot friend from Apple is not just about tech; it’s about making our daily lives a bit more fun and interactive.
Apple is set to reveal the Powerbeats Pro 2 on February 11, according to reports. These new earbuds will hit the market for $250 in the U.S.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed for those who love fitness, offering a more secure fit with adjustable ear hooks, just like their predecessor. They’re expected to include the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which should make their noise cancellation better than before.
In a sneak peek last year, baseball star Shohei Ohtani was seen sporting the Powerbeats Pro 2, showing off a sleeker and more vertical design compared to the original Powerbeats Pro, which was introduced back in 2019 but is no longer available.
One of the exciting new features is the ability to monitor your heart rate while exercising. You’ll be able to link these earbuds to gym machines, like a treadmill, to keep an eye on your heart rate, with the info showing up in the iPhone’s Health app.
We’ve also learned that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will come in fresh colors, with Electric Orange being one of them. This was confirmed by Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter.
Looking at what Beats has been doing lately, we can expect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to have better sound, last longer on a single charge, and work more smoothly with Android devices, including features like finding lost earbuds. Plus, they’ll likely switch to a USB-C port for charging.
Get ready for these new earbuds to hit the market soon with their blend of style, performance, and health features tailored for an active lifestyle.
