Search results for: “beta”

  • Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple has recently shared an important warning about using AirPlay on devices not made by Apple. According to security notes from iOS 17.5 beta, AirPlay has three serious security problems that hackers could use to run harmful code. These issues only affect third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks that support AirPlay, not Apple’s own products.

    Apple says these problems have now been fixed, but only on its own devices. It’s not clear when or if third-party manufacturers will patch these flaws. Until then, Apple recommends being careful when using AirPlay on non-Apple devices, especially in places like hotels or public spaces.

    At the same time, Apple is continuing to improve its TV app. A new update has just added better controls for live sports, such as easier ways to follow teams, check scores, and get updates in real time. The “Watch Now” section is also getting smarter by showing more relevant suggestions.

    These changes are part of Apple’s plan to bring more content into one app and make it easier for users to find what they want to watch. The company removed some standalone apps earlier this year to simplify the viewing experience, and the TV app is quickly becoming the main place for watching shows, movies, and sports on Apple devices.

    So while Apple is pushing its TV app forward, it’s also reminding users to stay cautious about security when using third-party AirPlay devices.

     

  • iOS 18.5 could add two new features that Apple hasn’t announced yet

    iOS 18.5 could add two new features that Apple hasn’t announced yet

    Apple recently released the second beta of iOS 18.5 for developers and public testers. While the update already includes new options like Apple News+ integration in the Podcasts app, it looks like there are more features on the way that Apple hasn’t officially shared yet.

    According to code found in the latest iOS 18.5 beta, Apple may be working on a new feature that allows users to automatically set up music preferences when pairing AirPods. This means iPhones could ask users about their favorite genres and artists the first time AirPods are connected, helping create a more personalized music experience.

    The update also hints at a new way to link your Apple ID to a physical Apple Card. Right now, your Apple ID and Apple Card exist separately, but this change may connect them more directly. While it’s not clear how it will work yet, it could help with better syncing across Apple services or easier access to card-related features.

    Apple hasn’t confirmed these features publicly, and they aren’t live in the current beta. However, these hidden details show that iOS 18.5 might bring more than just minor changes when it officially launches in the next few weeks.

    For now, users can try out the beta version by signing up through Apple’s Developer or Public Beta programs.

  • Apple Watch finally gets a long-missing alarm feature with watchOS 11.4

    Apple Watch finally gets a long-missing alarm feature with watchOS 11.4

    Apple is getting ready to release watchOS 11.4, and it brings a helpful new feature to the Alarm app on Apple Watch. Until now, Apple Watch alarms haven’t worked quite the same way as they do on iPhone. But with watchOS 11.4, that’s finally changing.

    In earlier versions, if you set an alarm on your Apple Watch and it went off, you had to manually turn it off every time. There was no option to stop it just for the day but keep it for future use—something iPhone users have had for years. Now, with watchOS 11.4, Apple is adding a “Skip” button for alarms. This means you can skip the next alarm without deleting it.

    This new feature was spotted in the latest watchOS 11.4 beta for developers. When you open the Alarm app and select an alarm, you’ll now see a “Skip Next Alarm” button. It works the same way as on iPhone—great for those days when you don’t need to wake up early but still want the alarm to stay for other days.

    Apple hasn’t said exactly when watchOS 11.4 will be released to everyone, but it should arrive soon, possibly along with iOS 17.5. For Apple Watch users who rely on alarms, this small update is a big improvement.

  • Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple has introduced new updates to make iPhones and iPads both safer and more environmentally friendly. These changes are coming with iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, which are currently in beta testing.

    One important update is a new anti-theft feature that protects your Apple ID and personal data. When this setting is turned on, it adds a delay and extra security steps if someone tries to access your account in an unfamiliar place. For example, if your iPhone is stolen and the thief tries to change your Apple ID or reset your password, they’ll need to wait an hour and pass Face ID or Touch ID checks again. This gives users time to react and possibly recover the device.

    Another helpful change is aimed at demo devices in Apple Stores. iOS 17.5 includes a special “Retail Demo Mode” that adds a setting called “Erase All Content and Settings.” This makes it easier for store employees to quickly reset iPhones and iPads after customer use. It’s not meant for regular users, just for demo units in stores.

    Apple is also thinking about the environment. A new “Clean Energy Charging” feature will be available for iPads. This feature already exists on iPhones and helps reduce carbon emissions by charging the device when cleaner energy is being used in the area.

    With these updates, Apple is continuing its focus on user safety and eco-friendly technology, making their devices smarter and more responsible.

  • Apple releases iOS 18.4.1 and MacOS 15.4.1 with important bug fixes

    Apple releases iOS 18.4.1 and MacOS 15.4.1 with important bug fixes

    Apple has rolled out new software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. These include iOS 18.4.1, iPadOS 18.4.1, macOS 15.4.1, watchOS 11.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, and visionOS 1.1.1. All of them are now available to download.

    The updates mainly focus on fixing bugs and improving system stability, rather than adding new features. For iPhone users, iOS 18.4.1 is expected to fix issues with the iOS 18.4 release, which had minor problems affecting app performance and user experience. Apple hasn’t listed the exact fixes but says the update includes “important bug fixes and security updates.”

    Mac users can now update to macOS 15.4.1, which brings similar behind-the-scenes improvements. Again, Apple hasn’t shared detailed patch notes, but the goal is to make the system more stable and secure.

    These updates are recommended for all users, especially since they also include security improvements. You can install them by heading to the Settings app on your device and checking for software updates.

    Apple is also testing iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 in beta, which are expected to bring new features. But for now, iOS 18.4.1 and macOS 15.4.1 aim to make your devices run better and more securely.

  • Better writing and Maps on the go with Apple’s latest updates

    Better writing and Maps on the go with Apple’s latest updates

    Apple’s newest tools make writing and exploring easier than ever. The Writing Tools feature, part of Apple Intelligence, helps polish your words, but it could use a small tweak to shine. Meanwhile, Apple Maps now works on the web and iPhone, bringing handy navigation to more devices.

    The Writing Tools feature is great for fixing typos and smoothing out sentences. I recently tried it while typing on my iPad. I highlighted a paragraph, tapped “Proofread,” and it caught a mistake I missed—like using “I” instead of “I’m.” It did the job, but there’s a catch: it doesn’t show what changed. I had to undo and redo my text to spot the fixes, which felt clunky. If Apple added a way to highlight changes, this tool would be a game-changer. I’m sure they’re already working on it for the next update.

    On the other hand, Apple Maps is now easier to use wherever you are. It’s no longer just an app—it’s on the web, too. Whether you’re on your iPhone or a browser, you can search for places, get directions, and explore with Look Around, Apple’s version of street view. This update makes planning trips or finding new spots simple, no matter what device you’re using. It’s still in beta, so there might be a few hiccups, but it’s a big step forward.

    These updates show Apple’s focus on making everyday tasks smoother. Writing Tools needs a little polish, but it’s helpful. And with Maps on the web, exploring is more flexible than ever. I can’t wait to see how these tools grow.

  • Apple shares early updates for iPhone, TV, Vision, and Mac

    Apple shares early updates for iPhone, TV, Vision, and Mac

    Beta 1 is now available. It brings small improvements and fixes to make the phone work better. While not a huge change, it’s a step toward a smoother experience. At the same time, Apple released Beta 1 for tvOS 18.5, which powers Apple TV. This update focuses on tweaking the system for better performance.

    VisionOS 2.5 Beta 1 is also out for the Vision Pro headset, offering early tweaks for users to try. These updates aim to polish how the devices run. For Mac fans, macOS Sequoia 15.5 Beta 1 is ready to download. It includes minor updates to boost speed and fix bugs. Nothing flashy, but it keeps the Mac running smoothly.

    These beta versions are mainly for developers and testers who want to explore what’s coming. All these updates show Apple’s focus on improving its gadgets little by little. They’re not big leaps, but they help make everything work nicer. If you’re into testing new stuff, you can grab these early versions now and see what’s new for yourself!

    Apple has finally kicked off the testing for iOS 18.5 today, just as people thought it would. Right now, only developers can try out this first beta version.  A public test version of iOS 18.5 should come out soon, though Apple hasn’t shared any specifics yet. So far, they’re keeping quiet about what’s new in iOS 18.5 too. We’ll keep an eye on the testing process and share updates as they come. The finished version of iOS 18.5 is likely to roll out in May, so there’s still some time to wait.

  • New Apple updates make life easier

    New Apple updates make life easier

    Apple is rolling out some handy updates soon, and they’re set to improve how we use our devices. First, the watchOS 11.4 update for the Apple Watch is bringing a cool change to alarms. If you use Silent Mode, your alarm will now make a sound along with vibrations to wake you up.

    This means you won’t sleep through it if the gentle tapping isn’t enough. You can turn this on in the Sleep app by going to Sounds & Haptics and flipping the “Break Through Silent Mode” switch. It’s a simple tweak, but it could save your morning!

    Meanwhile, there’s a hiccup with the macOS Sequoia 15.4 release candidate for some Mac users. If you’ve got a new M4 MacBook Air or M4 Max/M3 Ultra Mac Studio running its original software, you might hit a snag when trying to update.

    An error pops up saying the update can’t download, even with a good internet connection. The issue? Apple forgot to include the right decryption key for these models. If your Mac was already on the macOS 15.4 beta 4, though, you’re in the clear and can update smoothly.

    Both updates are expected to launch in early April. The watchOS change is ready to go, while Apple needs to fix the Mac issue soon. These little updates show how Apple keeps making our gadgets work better for us!

  • Apple launches iOS 18.4 final test version

    Apple launches iOS 18.4 final test version

    Apple has just rolled out the final test version of iOS 18.4, called the Release Candidate (RC), for developers and eager testers. This update brings some cool new stuff and fixes to make your iPhone work even better. It’s now available to download if you’re part of Apple’s testing crew.

    One big highlight is the improved battery life, which should keep your phone running longer. There are also tweaks to make apps open faster and run smoother. Plus, Apple patched up some bugs that were causing trouble in earlier versions, so things should feel more stable now.

    If you’re in the developer or public beta program, you can grab this update straight from your iPhone’s settings. Just head to the Software Update section, and it’ll be waiting for you. This RC version is super close to the final one everyone will get soon, so it’s a great sneak peek.

    Apple’s been working hard to make iOS 18.4 awesome, and this test version shows off their progress. Keep an eye out for the official release, which should drop any day now!

  • Apple shares final test versions of new software updates

    Apple shares final test versions of new software updates

    Apple has rolled out the release candidate (RC) beta for visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and other updates, giving users a sneak peek before the official launch. These test versions are nearly final, meaning they’re polished and ready for last-minute checks. Alongside this, Apple also dropped macOS Sequoia 15.4 Beta 5, packed with fresh features and fixes.

    For visionOS 2.4 and tvOS 18.4, expect smoother performance and small tweaks to make things work better. The RC beta is a big step, showing Apple is close to wrapping up these updates. Meanwhile, macOS Sequoia 15.4 Beta 5 brings improved security, bug fixes, and a few handy tools for Mac users.

    It’s still in testing, so some changes might pop up before the final version hits. These updates show Apple’s focus on keeping its devices running smoothly. The RC betas are exciting because they hint that the full release is just around the corner. Mac fans can also dive into the latest beta now and see what’s new. Stay tuned—Apple’s big reveal for these updates is coming soon!