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Search results for: “apple ios”

  • Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple has been knocking it out of the park with new iPhone apps, but when it comes to supporting the iPad, they’ve been striking out.

    First in line was the Journal app, which only came out for iPhone users when iOS 17.2 was released. Even with the update to iOS and iPadOS 18, while the iPhone app got plenty of enhancements, iPad users were left out in the cold.

    Next up was Apple Sports, which made its debut on the iPhone a year ago. It’s improved a lot since then, but there’s still no iPad version. We’re all waiting to see if an iPad app or at least a widget will show up soon.

    Then there’s Apple’s new Invites app, which lets you send out invites to any device. However, if you’re using an iPad, you won’t find a dedicated app for it yet.

    On a brighter note, the iPhone versions of Sports and Invites do work on iPads, providing some relief for iPad users.

    The lack of a Journal app for iPad is particularly frustrating because, unlike other apps, it’s built into the system. This means iPad users can’t even use the iPhone version in a workaround like Stage Manager mode.

    Many thought Apple had moved past the days of iPhone-only apps, especially after finally bringing apps like Weather and Calculator to the iPad. But these new, exciting apps are still iPhone-exclusive.

    Apple’s pitching some great new apps, but when it comes to hitting home runs with iPad versions, they might need to call in a pinch hitter.

  • New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    Apple Notes received some exciting updates with iOS 18 last year, including features like sections that can be folded away, highlighting in different colors, and even recording audio with text transcripts. But there’s one new feature that I’ve been wishing for, which has made a difference for those who use Notes a lot.

    Quick Note Switching in iOS 18

    I’ve got over 2,500 notes stored in Apple Notes. As someone who uses this app daily, I’ve always found one issue annoying: moving from one note to another.

    Usually, it’s not a big deal, but when I need to toggle between a couple of notes quickly, things can get a bit slow. With all those notes, my app is organized into lots of folders and sub-folders, making the task of jumping from one note to another quite a hassle.

    Thankfully, iOS 18 brought a fix for this problem, especially handy for avid Notes users.

    The Recent Notes Feature in Apple Notes

    There’s now a new option in the top-right corner of the Notes app under a three-dot menu, named ‘Recent Notes’. This menu lists the last 10 notes you’ve looked at on your device. You can simply tap on any note in this list to switch to it without having to dig through your folders. This simple addition has transformed how I move between notes, making it much faster and less frustrating.

    While I would appreciate if Apple could make this process even quicker, maybe with one less tap, the change in iOS 18 is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s made my experience with Apple Notes significantly better.

  • Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple is gearing up to introduce a new tool called ‘Party Planner’ with the upcoming iOS 18.3 update for the Calendar app. Here’s how it might stand out from other apps:

    What is ‘Party Planner’?

    This weekend, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg hinted that Apple could release ‘Party Planner’ very soon. He explained:

    The name suggests it’s a fun way to invite friends to hangouts, parties, and work meetings. Apple has wanted to freshen up its calendar app for a while, and this might just be the start of something big. Filipe Espósito, another writer, first spotted this feature in the iOS 18.3 code, hinting at an ‘Invites’ app. It seems Apple is almost ready to launch this new service, which will blend into the Calendar app and might even work with iMessage.

    Three Ways ‘Party Planner’ Could Be Better

    • No Cost, No Ads: Over the years, I’ve tried many scheduling tools, but none were both free and without ads. It makes sense because companies need to make money. For example, Fantastical has cool features, but you pay for them. Doodle is free, but has ads. Since Apple earns most of its money from selling devices, offering ‘Party Planner’ for free is a smart move.
      Easy Calendar Management: ‘Party Planner’ will work with the Calendar app’s ability to handle different calendars all in one place – like Google, Microsoft, or iCloud. This means you can use multiple calendars without switching apps, making life easier for anyone juggling various scheduling systems.
      Photo Sharing Made Simple: After events, sharing photos can be a hassle. People might use AirDrop or set up shared albums, but there’s no easy standard. ‘Party Planner’ could solve this by integrating with the Photos app, allowing event attendees to share pictures directly from the event in the calendar. Maybe there could even be reminders to share photos the day after an event.

    Wrapping Up

    Apple’s Calendar app has been pretty basic for a long time, but with ‘Party Planner’, things are looking up. This feature, combined with new looks and smart features in iOS 18, could make organizing events on your iPhone easier and more fun.

  • New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    Apple has just released a special update for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. This new version of iOS 18.3 comes with the build number 22D64.

    • Getting the Update: If you own an iPhone 11, you can get this update by navigating to your phone’s settings. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install it.
    • Why This Update?: Last week, Apple introduced iOS 18.3, but it seems there were some issues with it, especially for iPhone 11 models. This new update probably fixes those problems.
    • What’s New?: While the iPhone 11 doesn’t support all the fancy new AI features from Apple, this update still brings some useful changes:
    • Calculator Update: Now, if you press the equals sign, it will repeat the last calculation you did, making quick math easier. Apple Music Fix: There was a problem where music would keep playing even after you closed the app. That’s fixed now.

    This update ensures your iPhone 11 runs smoothly and efficiently, even if it can’t enjoy all the bells and whistles of the newer Apple Intelligence features.

  • Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Apple announced the iPhone 16 as the first model designed specifically for Apple’s AI features. But until they shared how many phones they sold, we weren’t sure if people would care. Now, it’s pretty clear they do.

    iPhone 16 is Doing Great with AI

    Last week, Apple reported their biggest earnings ever, with revenues hitting $124.3 billion. When you look closer, you see that their main products – iPhone, iPad, and Mac – are selling well. iPads and Macs did particularly well, maybe because of AI, or maybe not. The iPhone 16 didn’t sell as much as last year’s model but still did quite well.

    Here’s why it’s good news:

    Tim Cook said that the iPhone 16 is selling better than the iPhone 15. This is a big deal. What’s even more telling is that the iPhone 16 sells better in places where Apple’s AI features are available. Right now, these features aren’t available in Europe or China. And China is where the iPhone isn’t doing as well, showing that AI might be a key factor.

    What Does This All Mean?

    It looks like Apple’s AI story is hitting the mark, at least for now. Apple can celebrate the iPhone’s success, but making their AI even better is the next big challenge.

    Is Apple Intelligence Really That Good?

    Even if you’re not sure if Apple’s AI features are impressive, people are paying more to get the AI-focused iPhone 16 than they did for previous models. The places where AI isn’t available are facing temporary sales issues, which could mean big opportunities for Apple in the future. So, it’s a win for Apple’s AI, a win for iPhone sales, but the next big question is: will people keep loving the AI once they start using it?

    How will customers feel about it?

    We’ll get some answers with the updates coming in iOS 18.4, but the real test will be with the launch of iOS 19 in June.

  • Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    We’ve had a quiet start to 2025 with Apple products, with the only big news being the launch of the Black Unity Sport Loop. But spring is just around the corner, and Apple is gearing up to release five significant new gadgets.

    New iPhone SE

    The iPhone SE is set for its most substantial update since its introduction in 2016. This new model, possibly named the iPhone 16E, will ditch the home button for a modern look like the iPhone 14. It will also be the first iPhone to use Apple’s modem instead of Qualcomm’s, and it will switch to a USB-C port. This could be a game-changer for budget iPhone users.

    New iPad

    The entry-level iPad, which hasn’t been updated in over two years, is expected to get a boost with support for Apple Intelligence. Featuring the A17 Pro chip, this update will keep the same look but enhance performance significantly.

    M4 MacBook Air

    The MacBook Air is getting a minor update with the new M4 chip. While there won’t be many changes beyond this new processor, it might come sooner than expected, possibly before spring. This could mean faster and more efficient computing for users.

    Updated iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an update, adopting the M3 chip. Alongside, there might be a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, enhancing its usability as a laptop alternative.

    Apple’s New Smart Home Display

    Apple is entering the smart home market with a new display product, tentatively called ‘HomePad’. This device will have a 7-inch screen, can be mounted on a wall or attached to speakers, and will integrate with Apple Intelligence for smarter home control.

    Wrapping Up

    Beyond these, an updated AirTag with a new ultra-wideband chip is on the horizon. However, updates for products like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro won’t arrive until mid-2025. Additionally, iOS 18.4 is expected in spring, introducing the last of the new Apple Intelligence features from WWDC24, including an improved Siri. These updates promise to make spring 2025 an exciting time for Apple fans looking for both performance and design enhancements.

  • Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

    This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

    Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

    We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

  • Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple CEO Tim Cook shared some exciting news during the company’s latest earnings report. In April, Apple Intelligence will start supporting eight new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

    This update, expected with iOS 18.4, will also include tailored English support for people in India and Singapore. Until now, Apple Intelligence has only been available in English-speaking countries like the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    Cook highlighted how crucial these features are, saying, “Once you begin using them, it’s hard to go back.” He pointed out the email summary feature as a standout, noting that he uses it every day to sift through his numerous emails.

    Apple Intelligence has been rolling out new tools since iOS 18.1, but its language options have somewhat limited its worldwide use. This expansion aims to make these helpful features accessible to a broader audience, enhancing user experience across different regions.

  • Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple announced today that it now has more people using its devices worldwide than ever before. However, the speed at which new users are joining has decreased from last year.

    Currently, there are 2.35 billion Apple devices in active use around the globe. This number shows growth from last year when Apple reported 2.2 billion devices in February 2024. This year, the growth was 6.8%, which means Apple added 150 million more devices.

    Back in January 2023, Apple celebrated having over 2 billion active devices for the first time. Between 2023 and 2024, they managed to increase this by 200 million devices, which was a 10% growth.

    Apple is looking forward to more growth, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence in China. This is planned for April, when the new iOS 18.4 update will support Simplified Chinese and other languages.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, mentioned that the sales of the iPhone 16 have been better than those of the iPhone 15 in places where Apple Intelligence is already available. This shows that new features are still attracting customers, even if the overall growth rate has slowed down.

  • Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, discussing performance details with CEO Tim Cook and new CFO Kevan Parekh. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key points from the call:

    iPhone Sales and Apple Intelligence

    While Apple’s services revenue increased, and they saw growth in Mac and iPad sales, iPhone sales dipped slightly. This quarter, iPhones brought in $69.1 billion, less than last year’s $69.7 billion. The new Apple Intelligence feature, introduced in iOS 18, has not yet sparked a big update trend. However, Cook noted that iPhone 16 models are selling better in places where Apple Intelligence is available.

    Cook believes that as more people upgrade to newer iPhones, which support Apple Intelligence, usage will grow. He also mentioned upcoming support for more languages in April, which should help. He finds the email summarization feature invaluable, receiving hundreds of emails daily.

    Best Quarter Ever

    Tim Cook announced that this was Apple’s best quarter yet, with a revenue of $124.3 billion, up by four percent from last year. Apple’s active device count hit a new high at over 2.35 billion worldwide. However, sales in China dropped to $18.5 billion from $20.8 billion last year.

    Services Revenue

    The services sector shone brightly, earning $26.3 billion, a 14 percent jump from the previous year’s $23 billion. They set new records in the Americas, Europe, and other parts of Asia-Pacific, with over a billion paid subscriptions now.

    Mac and iPad Sales

    Mac sales were up to $9 billion from $7.8 billion, thanks to the new M4 models. Both new users and upgraders contributed to this growth. iPads also did well, with a 15 percent sales increase, largely due to the iPad Air and the budget iPad models, with many sales going to first-time iPad buyers.

    Other Notes

    On the topic of DeepSeek and reducing computational costs, Cook sees efficiency-driving innovation positively. Regarding future iPhone designs, he hinted at more innovation to come. With potential tariffs on the horizon, Apple is keeping a close watch but had no further comments.

    Looking Ahead

    For the next quarter, Apple anticipates low to mid single-digit growth in revenue with a gross margin expected between 46.5 and 47.5 percent.

    This earnings call highlights Apple’s ongoing strength in the tech market, even with some challenges like in China, affirming their position as a leader in technology and innovation.

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