Search results for: “apps”

  • Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV is bleeding cash, dropping around $1 billion each year, according to a recent report. The streaming service, meant to compete with giants like Netflix and Amazon, just isn’t pulling in enough viewers or profits. Experts say Apple keeps pouring money into big-name shows and movies, but the audience isn’t growing fast enough to make up for it.

    Even with popular titles, the costs are piling up way faster than the cash coming in. This has sparked chatter about whether Apple needs to rethink its game plan—maybe tweak pricing, push more ads, or find cheaper ways to create content. For now, the company’s deep pockets are keeping it afloat, but how long can that last?

    Meanwhile, a massive data leak from SpyX, a sneaky stalkerware app, has put millions of iPhone users at risk. This nasty software lets people secretly track others—think call logs, texts, and even locations—without them knowing. The breach spilled personal info from tons of victims, leaving them open to scams or worse.

    Reports say SpyX was sneaky enough to slip past Apple’s tight security, raising big questions about how safe iPhones are. Users are now being told to watch for weird phone behavior and update their devices fast. This mess has sparked a firestorm, with people demanding Apple step up and crack down harder on shady apps like this.

    Both stories show how tricky the tech world can be. Apple’s burning cash to keep its TV dream alive, while iPhone fans are dealing with a creepy privacy scare. The company’s got a lot on its plate—figuring out how to make streaming pay off and keeping users safe from leaks. For now, Apple TV’s losses and the SpyX disaster are tough reminders that even the biggest names can stumble. Fans are left wondering: can Apple bounce back from these hits, or are more bumps ahead? Only time will tell, but it’s clear the pressure’s on.

  • YouTube explains why videos look fuzzy for iPhone users and promises a solution

    YouTube explains why videos look fuzzy for iPhone users and promises a solution

    YouTube recently shared some news about a problem iPhone and iPad users have noticed—videos looking blurry or not as sharp as they should. This issue popped up after the latest iOS update, version 18.4.1, came out. People started complaining that their favorite clips didn’t look clear, even though they were set to high quality. YouTube says they’ve figured out what’s going on and are working to fix it soon.

    The company explained that the trouble comes from how the iOS update handles video playback. The new system messes with the way YouTube’s app shows videos, making them lose some crispness. It’s not about your internet speed or the video itself—it’s a tech glitch between Apple’s update and YouTube’s software. They’ve promised users that a solution is on the way, and things should get back to normal with sharp, clear visuals soon.

    For now, iPhone and iPad fans might notice this fuzziness mostly on high-definition videos, like 1080p or 4K. YouTube suggests sticking with the app since watching videos in a browser like Safari might not help much either. Some users have tried tweaking settings, but that hasn’t solved it yet. The good news? YouTube is already testing a fix, so you won’t have to wait too long.

    This isn’t the first time tech updates have caused little hiccups. When big changes roll out, apps sometimes need a moment to catch up. YouTube’s team is moving fast to smooth things out, and they’ve asked users to hang tight. If you’re seeing blurry videos, don’t worry—it’s not your device or connection.

    Just give it a bit of time, and your movie nights or quick clip sessions will look great again. Until the fix arrives, YouTube says to keep using the app as usual and watch for updates. They’re committed to making sure iOS users get the best experience, with crystal-clear videos back in no time.

  • Big updates coming to iOS 19 and iOS 20 for EU users

    Big updates coming to iOS 19 and iOS 20 for EU users

    Apple is gearing up for some major changes to its iPhone software, thanks to new rules from the European Union (EU). The European Commission has set deadlines for Apple to roll out updates in iOS 19 and iOS 20, making the iPhone work better with other devices and apps. These changes will give users more freedom and options, especially in Europe.

    By the end of 2025, likely with iOS 19.2, third-party smartwatches will be able to show and handle iPhone notifications. This means you won’t need an Apple Watch to stay connected. Then, by mid-2026, around iOS 19.4, Apple will let third-party headphones use its cool audio-switching trick—something AirPods already do when hopping between your iPhone and Mac.

    Also by mid-2026, iOS will support alternatives to AirDrop, letting other apps share files just as easily. Finally, by the time iOS 20 rolls out in late 2026, third-party apps will get a shot at matching AirPlay’s streaming magic. These updates aim to make your iPhone play nicer with non-Apple gear.

    Meanwhile, iOS 18.4, coming in April 2025, brings a small but handy tweak to Safari. When you open a new tab and tap the search bar, it’ll now show your recent searches right away. This could save time if you often look up the same things, but it might feel less private—anyone peeking at your screen could see what you’ve been searching for.

    If you don’t like it, you can switch to Private Browsing or clear your history often. Apple might add an off switch for this feature later, based on what users say during testing. These updates show Apple balancing new features with EU demands. iOS 19 will kick off at WWDC 2025 in June, hitting phones in September, while iOS 20 will follow in 2026. From better device support to a smarter Safari, your iPhone experience is about to get a big boost—especially if you’re in the EU.

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.

  • 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!

  • Apple knows its smart features aren’t wowing iPhone fans

    Apple knows its smart features aren’t wowing iPhone fans

    Apple’s new smart features, called Apple Intelligence, rolled out with iOS 18, but they’re not convincing people to buy new iPhones. That’s what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said recently. He also thinks Siri’s recent flops will hurt iPhone sales in 2025, and the market is starting to agree.

    Back in July, Kuo warned that hopes for Apple Intelligence boosting iPhone upgrades were too high. By January, he was even blunter, saying the excitement around these features had dropped a lot. Why? There was a big gap between Apple showing them off in June and their launch starting in October.

    Kuo still feels the same, especially after Apple delayed some key Siri upgrades tied to Apple Intelligence. These were promised for iOS 18 but got pushed back. According to Kuo, Apple already knows these smart tools aren’t impressing anyone. Because of this, the company gave its suppliers cautious shipment numbers for iPhones.

    Lately, people in the market are growing unsure about iPhone sales and Apple Intelligence, especially Siri. This matches Kuo’s earlier guesses. He says Apple’s low shipment predictions to suppliers earlier this year show they saw the weak response coming.

    The delays with Siri are also turning people off. This could hurt sales of the iPhone 16 and even the iPhone 17 soon. Last week, Apple admitted that some Siri features, like understanding personal details and working better with apps, won’t arrive until next year. The company didn’t expect fans and tech experts to be so upset about it.

    For example, John Gruber, a well-known Apple writer, recently shared a detailed piece pointing out Siri’s problems. Many agree with him, feeling Apple has struggled to make Siri better for a long time. Others have chimed in too, upset about the big promises Apple made last year about its smart Siri features—followed by delays that make people doubt Apple can keep up with rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

  • 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.

  • New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    New iPhone setting in iOS 18.4 — Not Everywhere Though

    The next iPhone update, iOS 18.4, brings a feature many people have been asking for, but it’s not available everywhere yet.

    Picking Your Favorite Navigation App

    With iOS 18.4, you can choose a navigation app other than Apple Maps to be your go-to. This is great news if you prefer apps like Google Maps or Waze. However, this option is only for people in the European Union (EU). To set it up, just go to the Settings app, tap Apps, then Default Apps, and pick your navigation app under Navigation. Apple added this because of a new EU rule called the Digital Markets Act. We wish this choice was available for everyone around the world!

    A Little Something for U.S. Users

    For those in the U.S., Apple didn’t leave you out completely. With iOS 18.4, you can pick a default translation app. So, if you like Google Translate better than Apple’s own Translate app, you can make it your main one. It’s not as big as the navigation change, but it’s a nice touch.

    When’s It Coming?

    Right now, iOS 18.4 is being tested in its beta version. Apple says it’ll be ready for everyone to download in early April. That’s according to their official website.
    This update shows that Apple is listening to what people want, even if some features are limited to certain places. Hopefully, more options like these will roll out globally soon!

  • Apple fixes a tricky security problem

    Apple fixes a tricky security problem

    Many people believe Apple devices are super safe compared to Android ones. They think this because Apple doesn’t let you install apps from outside its store or tweak things too much. But that’s not the full story. Recently, Apple released an update for iPhones and iPads, bumping them to version 18.3.2. This isn’t about cool new tricks—it’s a fix for a sneaky security issue that could’ve let hackers target some users.

    What Was the Problem?

    Apple explained that the trouble came from harmful web stuff sneaking out of a safe zone called the Web Content sandbox. They first tackled this in iOS 17.2, but the new update adds extra protection. Apple says some clever attackers might’ve used this gap in a “super tricky attack” aimed at specific people running older iOS versions before 17.2.

    Apple usually stays quiet about these weak spots until they’re fixed. So, we don’t know how long this issue has been around or how many people it has hit. The attack seems to have been aimed at certain individuals, not everyone. Even so, it’s smart to keep your device updated, whether you think you’re a target or not.

    Get the Update Now

    The iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 fix is ready for devices like the iPhone XS and newer, plus several iPads: iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation onward), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation onward), iPad Air (3rd generation onward), iPad (7th generation onward), and iPad mini (5th generation onward).

    If you haven’t updated yet, do it soon. Hackers are always hunting for weak points to sneak in. Apple works fast to plug these holes, but updating your device is the best way to stay safe. To grab the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and look for the latest version. You probably won’t see big changes after installing it, but this fix quietly keeps your device and info protected from harm.