Search results for: “change”

  • Four cool updates to Apple’s Photos app in iOS 18.4 and a key security fix in iOS 18.3.2

    Four cool updates to Apple’s Photos app in iOS 18.4 and a key security fix in iOS 18.3.2

    Apple’s iOS 18.4 is in testing mode right now, and it brings some neat updates to the Photos app that you might not notice at first. These changes make it easier to use and give you more control. Plus, there’s a small but important security update in iOS 18.3.2. Here’s what’s new!

    #1: Better Ways to Filter Your Photos

    When you’re looking at your pictures or videos, check the bottom-left corner. There’s an icon with two arrows pointing up and down. Tap it, and you’ll see options to sort or filter your stuff. In iOS 18.4, two new filters join the list:

    • Shared With You – Shows only things others sent you.
    • Not in an Album – Find photos or videos you haven’t organized yet.

    Also, if you go to the Albums tab and tap the three-dot button at the top-right, you can now filter to see just Albums or just Folders. It’s a simple way to tidy up what you’re looking at.

    #2: A Fresh Way to Sort Albums

    On the Albums screen, iOS 18.4 adds a new sorting trick. Besides sorting by name or your custom order, you can now pick:

    • Sort by Date Modified – This puts albums you’ve recently tweaked at the top.
    • There’s also a small tweak: “Grid” and “List” views are now called “List View” and “Key Photo.” It doesn’t change how things work, but the new names might feel a bit odd at first.

    #3: Hide Albums for Privacy

    The Photos app has some default albums like Recently Viewed and Recently Shared, which track what you’ve looked at or sent lately. If you’d rather keep those private, iOS 18.4 lets you turn them off. Just go to Settings > Apps > Photos, scroll down, and switch off “Show Recently Viewed & Shared.” Easy!

    #4: Clean Up Deleted Photos Fast

    Want to wipe out all your deleted photos for good? Or maybe bring them all back? In iOS 18.4, the Recently Deleted album has two new buttons: a trash can to erase everything forever and a “Recover All” option to restore them. Super handy!

    Quick Security Update in iOS 18.3.2

    Apple also rolled out iOS 18.3.2 with a fix for a WebKit issue. This bug could let sneaky web content escape its safe zone, but Apple patched it with better checks. It’s an old problem they fixed before in iOS 17.2, and this update just makes it even safer. No recent attacks are known, so you’re good!

  • New iPads and Macs start reaching people worldwide

    New iPads and Macs start reaching people worldwide

    Last week, Apple unveiled fresh updates for the iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio, promising to release them on March 12. Today is Wednesday, March 12 in places like New Zealand and Australia, so folks who ordered these gadgets ahead of time are now getting their hands on them.

    What’s New with the 13- and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air

    Apple’s latest upgrades mostly focus on boosting power with new chips while keeping other changes small. The MacBook Air now has an M4 chip and comes in a cool Sky Blue shade. Meanwhile, the Mac Studio steps up with Thunderbolt 5 ports and a choice between an M4 Max or M3 Ultra chip.

    The budget-friendly 11-inch iPad runs on an A16 chip (which doesn’t work with Apple Intelligence), and the iPad Air got a shiny new M3 chip, better than its old M2. The basic iPad starts at $349, while the iPad Air begins at $599. For laptops, the MacBook Air is Apple’s cheapest option at $999, and the Mac Studio kicks off at $1,999.

    If you didn’t pre-order, you can still head to an Apple Store to grab one of these new iPads or a standard MacBook Air or Mac Studio model. Apple seems to have plenty of the basic iPad and Mac options ready worldwide. Lucky customers in Australia get first dibs at buying them in stores.

    Where You Can Get Them

    Right now, the new iPads and Macs are up for grabs in Australia and New Zealand. Soon, they’ll roll out to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and finally, North America.

    So, whether you pre-ordered or plan to walk into a store, Apple’s latest gadgets are hitting shelves and homes, bringing faster tech to fans everywhere!

  • Popular Apple insider faces claims of skipping payments to artists

    Popular Apple insider faces claims of skipping payments to artists

    Jon Prosser, a well-known figure who shares sneak peeks of Apple products on his YouTube channel, FrontPageTech, is in the spotlight again. This time, it’s not about a big Apple reveal, but because artists say he didn’t pay them for their efforts. Several creators have called out the famous insider, claiming he hired them to make images for his leaks but left them empty-handed.

    Missing Payments

    Prosser has earned a name for himself by showing off Apple gadgets before they hit the market. His spot-on predictions and sharp-looking images often look just like the real thing. But here’s the catch—he doesn’t make those pictures himself. He brings in artists to do it for him.

    The problem? These artists say they’re not getting paid. On X, a creator named Shea pointed fingers at Prosser, saying he drags his feet or skips payments altogether. Shea brought up an old video by artist Randy Vazquez, who said Prosser owed him $1,000 for a job. After months of waiting, Vazquez got just $400—until he posted the video. Only then did Prosser send the rest.

    Shea also mentioned another artist, Asher, who works with Prosser now. Asher reportedly waited three months and got only a fraction of what was promised. Later, Prosser gave him an iPhone 16 Pro, maybe to make up for it. Shea added that the newest artist hasn’t been paid either—unless you count “exposure” as cash.

    Latest Leak and a Heads-Up

    Prosser’s most recent scoop, the iPhone 17 Air, was done with @zellzoi. But Shea has a word of caution for artists thinking about teaming up with him. Sure, Prosser’s leaks get tons of views, putting their work in front of a huge crowd. Still, Shea wonders if that’s worth it when payment isn’t guaranteed.

    Prosser hasn’t answered these claims yet. Sadly, this kind of thing happens a lot in the art world. Many creators get shortchanged, with companies offering “exposure” instead of real money. The trouble is, exposure doesn’t cover rent or groceries—cash does.

  • New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    Apple rolled out iOS 18.4 public beta 3 today, following yesterday’s developer updates. Here’s a simple look at what’s new in this latest version for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4 Beta 3?

    The iOS 18.4 update is a big one coming soon for all iPhone users, expected to arrive next month. For now, beta testers get an early peek. Beta 3 doesn’t add much in terms of exciting new stuff—it’s mostly about fixing bugs and making things run smoother.

    One small change is in Apple Wallet. There’s a new option called “Preauthorized Payments” (it had a different name before). This spot shows merchants you’ve okayed to charge your Apple Pay for things like subscriptions or automatic top-ups. You can also turn notifications on or off for upcoming payments right there. Other than that, beta 3 keeps the same goodies we saw in the earlier iOS 18.4 betas.

    Highlights of iOS 18.4 So Far

    Here’s what’s been added to iOS 18.4 up to beta 3:

    • Priority Notifications to grab your attention
    • Food and recipe ideas in Apple News
    • A fresh style for Image Playground
    • More languages for AI features
    • AI support in the EU

    Visual Intelligence on extra iPhone models

    • Seven fun new emoji
    • An Apple Vision Pro app
    • More app types for default settings
    • Shortcuts for tweaking app options
    • New Control Center tools
    • Better electric vehicle routing in Apple Maps
    • A spruced-up Apple TV app design

    With so much already packed in, it’s no shock that beta 3 is quiet. Fingers crossed beta 4 brings more surprises!

    Other Beta 3 Updates

    Apple didn’t stop at iOS. Public beta 3 is also out for macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. These updates focus on smoothing out glitches too. One cool perk in macOS 15.4 beta 3: you can grab the Sky Blue wallpaper from the M4 MacBook Air.

    iOS 18.3.2 Hits iPhones

    Apple also dropped iOS 18.3.2 today. It’s a small update with bug fixes and security patches. Check it out in Settings > General > Software Update. It’s been a month since iOS 18.3.1, and this one tackles some streaming playback issues, too. More updates like macOS 15.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 are out as well, keeping your devices safe and steady.

  • macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    When Apple rolled out the second macOS 15.4 beta this month, it quietly tweaked something. Now, the System Settings won’t show how much space Apple Intelligence features are using on your Mac’s storage.

    In the earlier macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 version, anyone with an Apple silicon Mac could check this easily. They’d just go to System Settings, click General, then click Storage, and tap the little “i” button next to macOS to see the details. Simple, right?

    But with the macOS 15.4 beta 2 update, that’s changed. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, clicking the “i” button now shows nothing extra about the storage macOS is using. The details are gone.

    Here’s a twist, though—if you turn off System Integrity Protection (SIP), the info pops back up. SIP is a security feature that stops unapproved code from running, and you can only switch it off in Recovery Mode. It’s handy for app developers testing stuff, but for most people, it’s best left on.

    A developer named @b3lla_dev on iOS says Apple has locked down the Apple Intelligence files. Unless SIP is off, you can’t see them, and that’s messing with the System Settings’ ability to show their size. Apple Intelligence uses a tool called the MobileAsset framework. This system grabs and updates the bits it needs—like machine learning models—so your device stays current without big system overhauls. Apple’s support page says these files can take up to 7GB on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    When storage is low, 7GB is a lot. It could sway people on whether to use Apple Intelligence. Did Apple hide this info on purpose? We don’t know, but users might guess. Perris told Apple about it in a feedback report. The issue’s still there in beta 3, so we’ll see if Apple fixes it. The full macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is set to drop in early April.

  • A fresh face for iOS 19 might outshine Siri’s upgrade

    A fresh face for iOS 19 might outshine Siri’s upgrade

    A report from Bloomberg hints that iOS 19 could bring a major makeover, the biggest since iOS 7 hit the scene in 2013. macOS 16 might get a similar bold update, too. While details are slim, it seems Apple might shake up the flat design we’ve known for over ten years.

    Back with iOS 7, Apple swapped out the old 3D and lifelike touches for a simpler, flat style that’s stuck around ever since. Now, the report suggests the new vibe will take some cues from visionOS, the software behind Vision Pro. Think round app icons, see-through menus, and a stronger sense of depth with shadows—features that stand out compared to today’s iOS and macOS. How much of this 3D flair will work on flat screens is anyone’s guess, but it sounds like our devices could feel fresh later this year.

    Our editor-in-chief, Chance Miller, jokingly said a big redesign might steal the spotlight from Siri’s slow progress. Honestly, though, I bet more Apple fans will notice a new look than care about Siri’s updates. Don’t get me wrong—I’d love a smarter Siri. I use voice commands a lot, from dictating messages to running my smart home with a quick shout to my HomePod. A sharper Siri that handles bigger tasks? Sign me up.

    I’ve been rooting for a truly clever Siri for years. In 2015, I dreamed of it working with apps so I could just say what I want, and my phone would figure it out. Apple finally promised that a decade later, but now it’s delayed even more. Here’s the tricky part: Siri started in 2011, and while it’s grown a bit, it’s not much smarter. People expect it to flop, so many have stopped bothering with it. With so few fans left, upgrades might not grab attention.

    A new look, though? That’s a game-changer. iOS 7’s shift sparked love and hate, but no one ignored it. A 3D twist for iOS 19—maybe even with modern, real-life vibes—will likely stir the same buzz. Some will cheer, and some will grumble, but it’ll hit harder than any Siri fix, now or later.

  • Apple to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple to update Home app and expand Apple Pay in UAE and Qatar

    Apple is making some big changes soon. They’re updating the Home app for HomeKit devices and bringing Apple Pay to more banks in the UAE and Qatar. Here’s what’s happening in simple terms.

    Home App Gets a Must-Do Upgrade

    Back when iOS 16 came out, Apple rolled out a new setup for the Home app to make smart home devices work better. Until now, switching to this new setup was up to users, but that’s about to change. Apple will soon make everyone upgrade to the new HomeKit system.

    Hints found in the iOS 18.4 beta 3 update, shared with developers recently, show that the old HomeKit setup won’t work anymore. A message in the app says the old version will stop soon, urging users to update to keep their smart devices running smoothly. Apple says this new setup is faster and more dependable. It first showed up in iOS 16.2 beta but had issues, so Apple paused it. They brought it back with iOS 16.4 in February 2023.

    The catch? If you upgrade, older iOS or macOS devices can’t use the Home app anymore. Some people avoided updating for this reason, but soon, everyone will need to switch to keep using their HomeKit gadgets. No exact date is set, but it might tie into iOS 19. The iOS 18.4 update, expected in early April, will also add more languages to Apple Intelligence.

    Apple Pay Grows in UAE and Qatar

    Apple Pay is already in the UAE and Qatar, but more people will soon get to use it. Apple is teaming up with local card networks—Jaywan in the UAE and Himyan in Qatar—to let their customers pay with iPhone or Apple Watch.

    Code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 shows this is in the works. Jaywan has shared plans to boost digital payments in the UAE, including support for Apple Pay and Google Pay. They’ve also partnered with big names like Visa and Mastercard and even Samsung for its wallet app. Himyan’s been quiet, but support seems likely. With Apple Pay, users can add cards to the Wallet app for easy, contactless payments in stores or online. This should roll out around April when iOS 18.4 goes live. These updates mean better control of your smart home and easier payments in more places!

  • Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    The European Union (EU) is set to charge Apple a small fine for not following the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to Reuters. This law helps keep big tech companies in check, and Apple seems to have slipped up.

    Last year, the EU found that Apple wasn’t playing fair with its App Store rules. Specifically, it didn’t let app makers tell users about cheaper options outside the store. In June, EU competition boss Margrethe Vestager called out Apple for some “pretty big” problems with following the DMA. She wasn’t impressed with the changes Apple made, saying they didn’t meet expectations for a company of its size.

    To fix this, Apple updated its App Store rules in Europe last year. It allowed apps to be sold outside the store and added new payment options. After feedback from the EU, Apple also tweaked its rules in August to make it clearer that developers could share outside deals. These quick updates can be tricky to follow, so developers in the EU can check Apple’s website for the latest rules.

    The DMA lets the EU fine companies up to 10% of their yearly global sales, but Reuters sources say the focus is on getting companies to follow the rules, not hitting them with huge penalties. Things might also shift because U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries fining American firms like Apple. Plus, with nthe ew EU leadership, the fine might not be as tough as it could’ve been last year. The EU hasn’t set the fine amount yet, but a decision is expected soon.

    Meanwhile, in Brazil, Apple’s facing similar heat. The government there is pushing Apple to allow sideloading—installing apps from outside the App Store. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, plans to bring the game back to iOS in Brazil by July after these changes. Apple has until June to follow Brazil’s rules or face daily fines. Though Apple’s appealing the decision, it may have to adapt, just like it did in Europe, where sideloading is already allowed.

  • Ford drivers can now use Tesla chargers with Apple Maps

    Ford drivers can now use Tesla chargers with Apple Maps

    Ford has exciting news for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners! If you use Apple Maps EV Routing through CarPlay, you can now find routes that include Tesla Superchargers and other chargers using the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This update makes charging on the go even easier.

    Before this change, Apple Maps EV Routing didn’t include Tesla’s Superchargers. Now, Ford drivers can enjoy this perk without needing a software update. All you need is an iPhone running iOS 17 or higher connected to CarPlay. To make it work, go to Apple Maps Settings and choose NACS chargers as your preferred network. You’ll also need a Fast Charging Adapter that works with NACS stations.

    Apple launched its EV Routing feature in 2023 to help electric vehicle drivers plan trips. However, it’s only available for a few models, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Porsche Taycan. Car companies must add support for it to function with their vehicles.

    This handy tool uses real-time info from your car to suggest the best route. It looks at things like hills on the road and your battery level to decide when you’ll need to stop and charge. If your battery runs low, Apple Maps will guide you to the closest compatible charger, so you’re never stuck.

    People first noticed hints of NACS support in iOS 18.4, but Ford says you don’t need to wait for that update. Apple made this change remotely, so it’s ready to use right now. With this update, Ford drivers can hit the road with more confidence, knowing they’ve got access to Tesla’s charging network alongside other options.

  • iOS 19 set to deliver a fresh look for iPhones and more

    iOS 19 set to deliver a fresh look for iPhones and more

    Apple is gearing up to give iPhones, iPads, and Macs a major makeover with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, according to Bloomberg. This update, coming later in 2025, promises to shake up how these devices look and feel, making them work together more smoothly.

    The company plans to refresh icons, menus, apps, windows, and buttons with a simpler, cleaner style. Navigating your device should also become easier. These updates are said to be much more than just a new coat of paint—they’ll bring the biggest change to iOS since iOS 7 and to macOS since Big Sur.

    The new design takes some inspiration from visionOS, the system used in Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Think rounded app icons, see-through effects, and a touch of 3D flair—but it’s not an exact copy. Apple hopes this fresh vibe will spark excitement for its latest gadgets and shift focus from delays in its Apple Intelligence Siri upgrades.

    We’ll get our first peek at this revamp during the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2025. After that, it’ll be tested for a few months before rolling out to everyone in the fall. Rumors of this big redesign have popped up three times now. Sources say iOS 19 will borrow some ideas from visionOS, like a simpler layout and translucent touches. The Israeli site The Verifier first hinted at this shift, though it thought it’d come with iOS 18—seems they got the details right but the timing wrong.

    Tech insider Jon Prosser also chimed in, showing off a redesigned Camera app with see-through menus in a YouTube video. He thinks these changes might spread to the Home Screen and beyond. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman backed this up, saying the update will unify Apple’s systems with a fresh, easy-to-use look.

    One big question remains: Will iPhone app icons go fully round like visionOS, or stick with their current shape? Gurman didn’t confirm either way. Still, expect iOS 19 to feel lighter and more modern if these rumors hold true. Mark your calendars for WWDC 2025 in June for the official reveal!