Search results for: “apple iphone”

  • iPhone satellite feature saves climber and Safari preview gets update

    iPhone satellite feature saves climber and Safari preview gets update

    A 53-year-old climber was rescued from Snowmass Mountain in Colorado thanks to the iPhone’s satellite texting feature. Stranded above 10,000 feet with a wrist injury from sliding down the snowy slope, he couldn’t walk or get a cell signal. He texted a family member using his iPhone 14 or newer, who alerted the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen.

    Seventeen rescuers reached him at Snowmass Lake, about eight miles from the parking area, starting at 8:25 a.m. and safely evacuating him by 5:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office praised the satellite feature, urging adventurers to carry emergency devices and learn how to use them.

    This feature, available on iPhone 14 and later, also includes Emergency SOS for contacting help without cell service. Meanwhile, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 222, an experimental browser update for testing new features. It includes fixes for accessibility, design, media, rendering, scrolling, and web functions.

    Compatible with macOS Sequoia and the upcoming macOS Tahoe, it’s available via Software Update for those who download it from Apple’s website. Aimed at developers but open to all, it helps Apple improve Safari by gathering user feedback. Full details are on the Safari Technology Preview website.

  • Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple is dealing with two major lawsuits in the U.S. that could change how it runs its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Apple of unfairly controlling the smartphone market, claiming its restrictions on third-party apps and services lock users into its system.

    Apple tried to get the case thrown out, arguing the DOJ didn’t prove it has a monopoly or harms consumers. However, Judge Julien Neals rejected Apple’s request, so the case will move forward. It may take years to resolve, but it’s a big step in challenging Apple’s tight control over its platform.

    In another case, Proton, a Swiss company known for its secure Proton Mail service, joined a class-action lawsuit against Apple. Proton claims Apple’s App Store rules, like forcing developers to use its payment system and charging up to 30% commission, break U.S. antitrust laws.

    These rules, Proton says, hurt smaller companies focused on privacy and limit competition by blocking other app stores and payment options. Proton wants the court to allow alternative app marketplaces and award damages to developers for high fees. Any money Proton gets will be donated.

    Both lawsuits highlight growing concerns about Apple’s power over its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. As these cases move forward, they could force Apple to loosen its grip, potentially giving developers and users more choices.

  • Apple explores new AI for Siri and surveys Vision Pro users

    Apple explores new AI for Siri and surveys Vision Pro users

    Apple is working on making Siri smarter by possibly teaming up with companies like OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, or Anthropic, who make Claude. According to recent reports, Apple has been talking with these companies to use their advanced AI systems to power Siri.

    They’re testing models that work with Apple’s private cloud servers, but no final choice has been made about replacing Siri’s current setup. Tests show Anthropic’s Claude might be the best match for Siri, though talks about costs are ongoing.

    Apple is also developing its own AI for a future Siri update, expected in iOS 27 by fall 2026, while already using ChatGPT for some Siri features in iOS 18. In another move, Apple sent out surveys to Vision Pro users to get feedback on the headset’s features, accessories, and how it compares to other devices like Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR, and smart glasses like Meta Ray-Ban.

    The survey asked about screen quality, comfort, and the usefulness of the Vision Pro iPhone app. Apple seems curious about what users think of competing products, hinting at plans to improve Vision Pro or explore new ideas like smart glasses. These steps show Apple’s push to stay competitive in AI and mixed reality, aiming to make Siri and Vision Pro better for users.

     

  • Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple releases second beta updates for visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6

    Apple has rolled out the second beta versions of visionOS 2.6, iOS 18.6, and macOS Sequoia 15.6 to developers for testing. These updates, released two weeks after the first betas, are available to registered developers through the Settings app on compatible devices, requiring an Apple Developer account.

    For visionOS 2.6, no major new features have been spotted yet, but the update likely focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance for the Vision Pro. Similarly, iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6, designed for iPhones and iPads, haven’t revealed significant changes.

    These updates seem to prioritize stability and minor tweaks over big additions.macOS Sequoia 15.6, meant for Macs, also appears to be a smaller update. No new features were found in the first beta, and Apple is likely wrapping up work on Sequoia as it shifts focus to macOS Tahoe, expected this fall.

    There’s talk that Apple might bring its AI features, Apple Intelligence, to China, but regulatory issues could delay this beyond macOS 15.6. These betas are early builds, so developers are testing them to ensure apps work smoothly.

    Apple will likely share more details if new features emerge. Public beta versions are expected in July, with final releases set for September. For now, these updates seem to be about polishing the experience rather than introducing flashy changes.

  • Affordable MacBook with iPhone chip in the works

    Affordable MacBook with iPhone chip in the works

    Apple is reportedly creating a budget-friendly MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro, according to code findings shared by MacRumors. This would be the first Mac to use an iPhone chip instead of the usual M-series chips, which provide more power for tasks like handling large memory or supporting multiple displays.

    The new MacBook, identified as “Mac17,1” in Apple’s code, is expected to feature a 13-inch screen and come in fun colors like silver, blue, pink, and yellow. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests this MacBook could hit mass production by late 2025 or early 2026, with a possible launch in the first half of 2026.

    Apple hopes this affordable model will boost MacBook sales, aiming for it to make up 20–28% of total sales. The A18 Pro chip should offer strong performance for everyday tasks and support Apple Intelligence features, though it may have less power than M-series chips for heavy-duty work.

    This MacBook could appeal to students or casual users looking for a cheaper option. There’s also speculation it might run iPadOS instead of macOS, making it feel more like an iPad in a laptop form. Pricing and exact specs, like memory or storage, are still unclear, but this could be Apple’s answer to compete with budget laptops like Chromebooks.

  • Apple plans seven new head-worn devices

    Apple plans seven new head-worn devices

    Apple is developing seven new head-mounted devices, split into two groups: the Vision series and smart glasses, with the first launching in 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. These devices aim to lead the next big trend in consumer tech.

    The updated Vision Pro, powered by an M5 chip, is set to start production in Q3 2025. It will keep the same specs as the current model, with Apple expecting to ship 150,000 to 200,000 units by year-end. A more affordable version, called Vision Air, is planned for production in Q3 2027.

    It will be 40% lighter than the original Vision Pro, using plastic and magnesium alloy instead of glass and titanium. It will run on a top-tier iPhone processor and have fewer sensors to cut costs. Apple is also working on smart glasses, with four models in development.

    Two are scheduled for production in 2027, and two more in 2028, though details are still unclear. One display-focused product is expected in 2028 or 2029, but its timeline remains uncertain. Kuo notes that Apple sees head-mounted devices as the future of consumer electronics, driving innovation in how we interact with technology.

    While the M5 Vision Pro is the only confirmed release for 2025, the roadmap shows Apple’s big push into this space, aiming to blend style, function, and affordability in the coming years.

  • New iOS 26 features Apple hasn’t shared yet

    New iOS 26 features Apple hasn’t shared yet

    Apple has some exciting iOS 26 features in the works that weren’t revealed at WWDC, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. These additions, expected in future updates, aim to make your iPhone and AirPods experience even better. Here’s what’s coming.

    First, Apple is working on live translation through AirPods. This feature would let you talk with someone in another language and hear the translation in real time through your AirPods. It’s similar to other translation tools in iOS 26, making conversations across languages smoother and more natural.

    Second, Apple plans to simplify connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, like those at cafes or hotels. With this feature, once you log into a Wi-Fi network on one Apple device, all your other Apple devices will automatically connect without needing to sign in again. This saves time and makes using public Wi-Fi much easier across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    Gurman notes that Apple held off announcing these features at WWDC because they aren’t fully ready yet. Unlike in the past, Apple now prefers to share details only when features are nearly complete, ensuring they work well when released.

    These updates could arrive in i подготовки к WWDC 2025. In terms of file size, the first macOS 26 developer beta will be just over 17 GB, while the September 2025 final release variant is expected to be around 2GB larger, at more than 19 GB.

    While macOS 26 is set to deliver plenty of new features, the difference in file size suggests some of them won’t be available at launch. The operating system itself won’t be available for all Macs, either. As we previously reported, macOS 26 is set to drop support for the 2017 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and all 2018 MacBook Pro models, among others. Separately, AppleInsider is also able to confirm that the operating system’s successor is in the early stages of development.

  • Apple’s Swift language expands to Android and AI safety testing

    Apple’s Swift language expands to Android and AI safety testing

    Apple is making big moves with its Swift programming language and AI research. Swift, launched in 2014 for building apps on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices, is now set to support Android app development. A new Android Working Group in the Swift open-source project is working to make this happen.

    The goal is to let developers use Swift to create Android apps with official tools, without relying on unofficial fixes. This includes improving Swift’s libraries to work better with Android systems and creating smooth workflows for developers.

    In the past, using Swift for Android meant dealing with tricky setups and limited support, but this new effort aims to make the process simpler and more reliable. Meanwhile, Apple is also exploring how AI assistants can make safer choices.

    A recent study co-authored by Apple tests whether AI can predict the outcomes of actions, like tapping a button in an app, and decide if it’s risky. Unlike earlier research focused on basic app navigation, this study looks at real-world consequences, such as actions that might feel uncomfortable if done without permission.

    Participants used real apps to identify risky actions, helping Apple understand how AI can act more responsibly. This work adds to the broader effort to ensure AI aligns with human needs and safety. By expanding Swift to Android and improving AI safety, Apple is helping developers build better apps while making technology safer for everyone.

  • New iPhone, iPad, and AirPods updates coming in 2025

    New iPhone, iPad, and AirPods updates coming in 2025

    Apple is planning some exciting changes for its devices in 2025. The iPhone 17 base model might get a bigger screen, possibly around 6.3 inches, compared to the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16. This change could make videos and games more enjoyable, though it’s still just a rumor from a leaker named Ice Universe.

    There’s no word yet on other features, but a larger display could mean a fresh look for the standard iPhone. The iPad Pro is also set for a makeover, with rumors pointing to even thinner bezels around the screen. This would give the device a sleeker design and more screen space for apps, drawing, or watching content.

    The next iPad Pro, expected to launch with an M5 chip in late 2025, might use new technology to shrink the borders around the display, making it look more modern. However, this upgrade may not be ready for the next release, according to some sources.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 could be on the way, with hints found in a Bluetooth database. These new earbuds might launch alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025 and could include better sound, improved noise cancellation, and new health features like heart-rate tracking.

    While details are scarce, the clues suggest Apple is working on a big update for its premium earbuds. These rumors show Apple’s focus on improving its devices with bigger screens, slimmer designs, and smarter features. Fans will have to wait until fall 2025 to see what’s real.

    Source/Via/Via

  • New Apple audio device hinted in code

    New Apple audio device hinted in code

    Apple recently updated its software code, revealing a clue about a new audio product that hasn’t been released yet. The code includes a unique Bluetooth ID number, 8239, which doesn’t match any current AirPods or Beats headphones. This discovery has sparked excitement, as it suggests Apple is working on something fresh, possibly the AirPods Pro 3.

    The hint was found in a section of the code related to device syncing, where Apple lists all its audio devices. This new ID stands out because it’s not linked to any existing product. While no specific details about the device were shared, rumors point toward the AirPods Pro 3 as a likely candidate. There’s also a chance it could be a new version of Beats headphones.

    Talk about the AirPods Pro 3 has been growing, with whispers of a launch later in 2025. People are expecting upgrades like better sound, stronger noise cancellation, and even health features such as heart rate monitoring. These improvements could make the next AirPods a big step forward.

    For now, the mystery remains, but this code discovery confirms Apple is cooking up something new. Fans are eager to see whether it’s the AirPods Pro 3 or a surprise addition to Apple’s audio lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to a possible reveal, likely around the iPhone 17 event in September 2025.