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Search results for: “apple iphone”

  • Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi has added a cool feature to its new A6 Avant e-tron, an electric wagon, letting it use Apple’s digital car key for the first time in Audi’s electric lineup (reported by Mac4Ever). With Apple Car Keys, you can unlock your car using an iPhone or Apple Watch that has NFC or Ultra Wideband tech. The key lives in the Wallet app on your device. To open the car, just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s NFC reader—simple as that.

    A quick tap on the door handle starts the unlock process. For safety, you can use Face ID to confirm it’s you, but there’s also an Express Mode that skips this step for a speedy unlock. The A6 e-tron is the second car built on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a system Audi shares with Porsche. This hints that Porsche’s upcoming cars might also get this digital key feature soon.

    Last October, MacRumors spotted some updates in Apple’s Wallet app code, showing that Apple was getting ready to roll out digital car key support for certain Volvo, Polestar, and Audi models.
    Apple first launched its digital car key feature in 2022.

    Since then, a handful of car brands like BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM have jumped on board. If you’re curious about which cars work with this feature, Apple keeps an updated list on its CarPlay model webpage. This move by Audi makes driving a bit more high-tech and convenient, and it’s exciting to think Porsche might follow suit with its own electric models!

  • iPhone 17 Air looks super slim in new leaked photos

    iPhone 17 Air looks super slim in new leaked photos

    Last night, fresh pictures of iPhone 17 dummy models popped up, shared by Sonny Dickson. He’s a guy who’s been spot-on for years about leaking these fake phone versions that help case and accessory makers get ready for new iPhones. The photos match the designs we’ve seen lately, including a big camera bump stretching across the back, which Apple might add to all models except the basic iPhone 17.

    Dickson’s pictures show the dummies from every angle. The side views really stand out, showing how thin the iPhone 17 Air could be compared to the others. I never thought the current iPhones were bulky, but next to the Air, they look pretty hefty. Check it out:

    The iPhone 17 Air dummy looks sleek from the side, making other models seem thick. These dummy units seem to confirm whispers that the iPhone 17 Air will have a 6.6-inch screen. That size puts it right between this year’s 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and the 6.9-inch 16 Pro Max.

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg backed this up in his latest Power On newsletter. He says Apple thought about making it 6.9 inches but dropped the idea, worried a super-thin phone with a hugescreen might bend too easily.

    Gurman also mentions the Air will have slim edges like the 16 Pro, plus the Dynamic Island notch and a Camera Control button—details that line up with Dickson’s leaked shots. The iPhone 17 Air’s slim design is stealing the spotlight, and these photos give us a solid peek at what’s coming. It’s exciting to see how it stacks up against the rest of the lineup!

  • Beware: Police alert iPhone users about tricky text scam

    Beware: Police alert iPhone users about tricky text scam

    Police are warning iPhone owners about a sneaky text message that tries to trick people into sharing personal details. The Sheriff’s Office in Hampden County, Massachusetts, shared on Tuesday that many folks have gotten a strange text. It says an “investigation is almost done” about them and warns that if they don’t reply right away, they’ll face “more legal trouble.” The message even includes a fake case number, a phone number to call, and a link to hear a voice message.

    Sheriff Nick Cocchi explained that clicking the link could put harmful software on your phone, letting crooks steal your private info. “These tricksters want to frighten people into acting without thinking,” he said in a statement. The sheriff’s team also pointed out that even if the phone number looks real, it’s probably fake. Scammers use online tricks to make it seem legit. “Real police will never text, call, or email you asking for money or to fix a legal problem,” Cocchi added. His advice? Don’t reply—just delete the message and tell the police about it.

    This scam text pushes people to act fast out of fear, often asking for cash to avoid fake legal issues. It’s not the only scam hitting iPhone users lately. Earlier this month, some got texts telling them to approve a payment or call a shady support number—or else money would be taken from their account. Experts say if you get a text like this, don’t touch the link or talk to the sender. Stay safe by ignoring it completely. Scammers are counting on you to panic, so take a deep breath and report it instead.

  • Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple recently rolled out a fresh app called “Maps Surveyor” on Friday, designed for people eager to help make Apple Maps better. This app lets users gather info about their local areas—like snapping pictures—and send it straight to Apple. But it’s not open to everyone just yet.

    What’s the Deal with Maps Surveyor?

    The app’s description says, “Surveyor assists Apple in upgrading Maps by grabbing details like street sign photos and roadside sights while following a set path.” It’s free to download from the App Store, but it looks like Apple made it for a select group of users.

    Once you install it, the app asks you to open another app called Premise. This platform pays people small rewards for doing easy tasks, like answering questions, sharing personal details, or taking pictures of certain spots. In short, it’s a place where users earn cash for helping out.

    According to MacRumors, hints in the app’s code show that Apple plans to team up with Premise to invite folks to improve Maps and get rewards in return. Users will need to attach their iPhone to a mount sideways and use Maps Surveyor to snap photos along a planned route.

    A Quiet Start

    The list of companies that provide data for Apple Maps doesn’t include this new app yet—maybe because it’s brand new. Apple already uses its own cars to drive around cities worldwide, collecting info to polish up Maps. The Surveyor app seems like an extra way to get help from everyday users.

    Right now, Maps Surveyor is only available in the United States. If you’ve got an Apple device and want to pitch in, you can still use the “Report an Issue” feature in Apple Maps to share your thoughts with the team. This quiet launch shows Apple’s ongoing effort to make its mapping tool sharper and more reliable, one photo at a time!

  • Apple should pause and polish its software

    Apple should pause and polish its software

    Things have been buzzing with Apple news lately. The company recently shared that the updated Siri won’t be ready anytime soon, and insiders say the cool features promised at last year’s WWDC are still far off. With all this happening, Apple could use a throwback moment—like a new Snow Leopard—to get its software back on track.

    If you’ve used a Mac for a while, say 16 years or more, you might recall Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Back then, Apple didn’t rush out a new Mac OS every year. When Snow Leopard launched, it wasn’t about flashy new tricks or looks. Instead, Apple worked hard to make the software steady and reliable. I started thinking about this after seeing an old WWDC 2009 clip where Bertrand Serlet, a big name at Apple back then, proudly said Snow Leopard had “no new features.” It’s wild to see how much Apple has shifted since those days.

    Apple’s never been quick to say “oops,” but it has owned up to slip-ups before. Think about Steve Jobs talking to the press about the iPhone 4 antenna mess or admitting MobileMe wasn’t great and promising to fix it. I miss that honesty. Today, it’s tough to picture Apple saying, “Hey, this update has nothing new,” or owning up to glitches in front of everyone.

    Fast forward to now—a Bloomberg report says Robby Walker, a Siri boss at Apple, called the delays “messy” and “awkward” in a team meeting. Last June, at WWDC 2024, Apple hyped up Apple Intelligence, but when iOS 18 and macOS 15 dropped, those features were nowhere to be found. Some trickled out later, but the new Siri—yep, the one in iPhone 16 ads—still hasn’t shown up.

    Online, people are grumbling about bugs in Apple’s latest updates, and it’s not hard to see why. Apple should hit pause. Announcing stuff that’s not ready (remember AirPower?) just sets everyone up for disappointment. Now that they’ve admitted Siri’s delay, I hope they focus on smoothing out the rough spots and delivering what they promised. We don’t need big updates every year—give the team time to fix things. A new Snow Leopard vibe could be just what Apple needs.

  • Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple seems to be cooking up something big for iOS 19, possibly the largest update since iOS 7 hit back in 2013. While the company hasn’t spilled all the details yet, little hints have been popping up in their recent work. By peeking at new iPhone apps and designs, we can guess what’s in store for iOS 19. Let’s break it down.

    New Apps Drop Big Hints

    It’s been over a decade since Apple gave iOS a major makeover with iOS 7. Since then, changes have been small and steady, keeping the system familiar. But five recent apps—and one huge redesign—offer some exciting clues about iOS 19.

    Here’s the lineup of Apple’s latest apps built from scratch:

    • Journal
    • Apple Sports
    • Image Playground
    • Apple Invites
    • Apple Vision Pro (coming in iOS 18.4)

    These apps look different from each other, but they share some key features that point to iOS 19’s direction. One big clue? They’re ditching the classic iPhone tab bar.

    Goodbye, Tab Bars

    For years, tab bars have been a staple of iPhone apps, sitting at the bottom of the screen—like in the original Phone and Clock apps. They’re still around today, mostly unchanged. But Apple’s moving away from them. New apps like Journal, Sports, and Invites hide navigation in menus near the top instead of using tab bars. Even older apps, like Photos, got a makeover last year, swapping the tab bar for a smooth, single-page layout.

    What does this mean for iOS 19? Expect more apps to drop tab bars and switch to a simpler, one-page style. Apps like Music, App Store, Health, and News still use tab bars now, but iOS 19 might freshen them up with this new look.

    More Design Clues

    There’s more to spot in Apple’s recent apps. Parker Ortolani, a design expert, noticed that apps like Apple Sports and Invites feel different—almost like they belong on visionOS or watchOS. They’ve got bright backgrounds, glassy buttons, and bold, layered shapes. Apple Invites adds big cards and a focus on content. These touches hint at a lively, modern vibe for iOS 19. Reports say iOS 19 will borrow ideas from visionOS, and these app designs—think floating elements and colorful layers—back that up. It’s looking like a bold, fresh update is on the way!

  • Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Apple is said to be working on a major iOS 19 update that could bring the biggest look change to the iPhone in over ten years. This is a daring step for Apple, and while it comes with some risks, it might just turn out to be a smart move.

    Why Changing iOS 19 Is a Big Deal

    The last time Apple gave the iPhone a huge software facelift was with iOS 7, back in 2013. That’s a long stretch 12 years without a major refresh. When iOS 7 came out, people were thrilled with its sleek, modern vibe. But not everyone loved it. Some felt the new style, led by designer Jony Ive, looked cool but wasn’t practical—think hard-to-read text or tricky buttons.

    Since then, Apple has played it safe, avoiding big redesigns. Why? Probably because so many people—billions now—use iPhones every day. With such a huge crowd depending on it, any misstep could upset users and hurt Apple’s image.

    Risks of a New Look

    Today, Apple is a giant compared to 2013, with way more iPhone fans worldwide. These users count on their phones for everything. So, if iOS 19 feels confusing or annoying, it could spell trouble for Apple’s reputation—and its profits. I’m excited about a fresh design, but I bet plenty of users might feel uneasy hearing about such a shake-up.

    Why It’s Worth a Shot

    Still, there are good reasons to take this chance. For one, a shiny new iOS could steal the spotlight from Apple’s struggles with Siri and AI tech. A bold redesign might grab attention—especially from younger users who care more about a cool look than fancy AI tools. Plus, there’s a bigger point: if Apple stops updating how iOS looks and works, it risks falling behind. Sure, they add new features yearly, but tweaking the core design is different.

    No system is flawless, and Apple needs to keep iOS fresh to stay ahead, even if it means a big leap. I used to think huge redesigns like iOS 7 were a thing of the past—small updates seemed safer. But if rumors are right, Apple’s ready to go all in with iOS 19. After years of the same old style, maybe it’s time for a change.

  • iPhone 17 Pro parts leak hints at big camera changes

    iPhone 17 Pro parts leak hints at big camera changes

    Apple’s next iPhone 17 Pro models might come with a fresh look, and a leaked photo from what seems to be a factory line backs up one of the biggest rumored updates. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to switch to a horizontal camera strip, similar to what Google uses on its Pixel phones. This strip would stretch across the back, holding three cameras in a triangle shape on the left, plus the flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor on the right. Why Apple might go this way or what the extra space is for isn’t clear yet, but it keeps popping up in leaks.

    A picture shared on X by a leaker named Majin Bu shows metal parts—possibly aluminum or titanium—for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. These pieces, likely shaped by precise machines, match the rumored design. The big round holes in them could be for things like the MagSafe charger or battery inside. The parts look neatly stacked and freshly made, ready for the next step.

    Word is that Apple might drop titanium frames from past models like the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro and use aluminum instead. They could mix aluminum with glass for a tougher build. The glass part would keep wireless charging alive, while aluminum might make the phone less likely to break.

    There’s talk of a glass patch around the Apple logo, blended into a metal body. Those holes in the leak might tie into this—or maybe even a new feature like reverse wireless charging. Tests suggest the iPhone 17 Pro could send 7.5W of power wirelessly to gadgets like AirPods or an Apple Watch, a step up from the 4.5W it can do now via cable.

    The iPhone 17 Pro Max might also get a bit thicker—8.725mm compared to 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max—possibly to fit a larger battery. The new camera style could also appear on the iPhone 17 Air, a slim model replacing the Plus version, though it’ll have just one lens. The regular iPhone 17, however, should stick to the current camera setup from the iPhone 16. Apple’s big reveal is expected next September. What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts below!

  • UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

    The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

    The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

    Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

    Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

    To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

    The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

  • How does the iPhone 16e camera compare to its family?

    How does the iPhone 16e camera compare to its family?

    Every time a new iPhone launches, Sebastiaan de With, the brains behind the Halide camera app, takes a close look at its camera features. Recently, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, boasting a fresh 48-megapixel standalone camera. De With explored how it holds up against the cameras in Apple’s top-tier iPhone 16 lineup.

    iPhone 16e Camera Basics

    At first glance, the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro all seem to share the same 48-megapixel Fusion camera, capable of snapping 1x and 2x photos. But a closer peek reveals differences. The iPhone 16 Pro has a wider f/1.78 aperture, while the iPhone 16 and 16e use an f/1.6 aperture. Unlike the iPhone 16, the 16e misses out on sensor-shift stabilization, proving these cameras aren’t identical.

    De With explains that Apple paired the iPhone 16e’s modern A18 chip processing with an older, smaller camera part. With only one Wide lens, it skips extras like Macro mode, spatial photos or videos, Night mode for Portraits, and video perks like Cinematic or Action modes. Fancy options like ProRAW are also absent.

    Picture Quality Check

    In a side-by-side test with the iPhone 16 Pro, the 16e leaned toward warmer tones and showed a tighter view. Its smaller sensor grabbed fewer details, especially in dim light, where the difference stood out. The 2x shots looked rougher, with processing that didn’t impress de With.

    While the iPhone 16e doesn’t match the iPhone 16 Pro or even the iPhone 16, it’s closer to older non-Pro iPhones or the iPhone 14 Pro. The lack of sensor-shift stabilization hurts it the most, making low-light and night photos less sharp.

    Still, de With found charm in the 16e’s grainy, moody sensor—a fun contrast to the 16 Pro’s bigger, clearer one. “It’s got a cool feel, as the younger crowd might say,” he noted. For the full scoop and photo comparisons, check out de With’s detailed review on the Lux website.

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