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Search results for: “december”

  • New iPads and MacBooks coming soon

    New iPads and MacBooks coming soon

    Apple’s suppliers are getting ready for the release of new versions of the iPad Air, MacBook Air, and a basic iPad model.

    According to a report from DigiTimes, the supply chain started sending out these new devices in December. While we don’t know the exact date they’ll be available, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said these new gadgets will hit the market by March or April 2025, possibly even sooner. Gurman also mentioned that a new iPhone SE might be announced this week.

    A report from a Taiwanese publication, which requires a subscription to read, hinted that these new devices will switch to chips made by Apple. Since Apple already designs its own chips for Macs and iPads, this might mean they’re talking about a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, Gurman had previously mentioned that this change might not happen until 2026.

    Gurman also noted that Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip will support Wi-Fi 6E. It’s not clear yet if this will make much difference for users compared to the current Wi-Fi chips from Broadcom. The main advantage could be in how much battery it uses.

    The new MacBook Airs, coming in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, are expected to use the M4 chip. The iPad Air might get the M3 chip, and the basic iPad 11 could either have the A16 chip or the A17 Pro chip. Apart from these chip updates, there aren’t expected to be many other big changes to these devices.

    Source

  • Siri helps save Florida man after two days

    Siri helps save Florida man after two days

    Daniel Vallaire, a 70-year-old from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, believes Siri was instrumental in saving his life after he suffered a stroke. He was stuck at home, unable to move, for nearly three days last July.

    Vallaire crawled from the bathroom to the living room, struggling to stay awake. He was desperate for help when he remembered Siri could assist him.

    “Hey Siri, call Victoria Vallaire,” he managed to say, and Siri did just that, connecting him to his daughter who had recently moved to California.

    “If Siri wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be here talking to you now,” Vallaire admitted. His call led to his rescue, which was shared by Broward Health in December.

    Recently, Vallaire got to thank the emergency team and medical staff who responded to his call, facilitated by Siri. His daughter has since moved back to Florida to be closer to him after this frightening ordeal.

    Apple has made it easier to use Siri by allowing users to simply say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri” to activate the assistant. This feature has proven life-saving in Vallaire’s case. Additionally, the Apple Watch offers other health-monitoring features like fall detection and atrial fibrillation detection, enhancing the safety of its users. This story highlights how technology can play a crucial role in life-threatening situations, turning everyday devices into lifelines.

  • Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    A week ago, Apple surprised everyone by launching a new app and service named “Invites.” However, this launch has led to some unfair criticism about Apple’s approach to apps, suggesting they operate like Google does with its apps.

    Google is well-known for starting new apps and services but then either shutting them down or merging them into something else. A good example is Google Podcasts, which didn’t last long. There’s practically a “graveyard” of Google apps that didn’t make it.

    After the launch of Invites, some people started to think Apple does the same thing with its apps. But is that really true?

    Not Dead Yet

    Take the Apple Sports app, for example. It’s been around for a year now, and it keeps getting better. People love it so much they’re asking for a widget for their phones. It’s clear this app isn’t just left to die; it’s growing in popularity.

    Then there’s the Journal app, which first appeared with iOS 17.2 in December 2023. By the time iOS 18 rolled out, the app had a significant update to version 2.0, bringing new features like search, sort options, audio transcripts, and more. The only thing missing is an iPad version, not updates.

    Apple Music Classical, initially iPhone-only, expanded to include an iPad app and added features like album booklets. It even got a CarPlay app and Siri support.

    Music Memos’ Legacy

    Music Memos was an app for musicians to record their tunes. It lasted for five years before Apple decided to enhance the built-in Voice Memos app instead. Now, Voice Memos can record two tracks at once, which is great for songwriters who use voice and guitar.

    Clips in the Classroom

    Apple Clips isn’t dead either. It’s thriving in educational settings with features like royalty-free music and templates that teachers can use in their lessons. Instead of abandoning it, maybe Apple should focus on making a simpler video editing app like CapCut, but without the ByteDance connection.

    Looking Ahead for Invites

    The future of the Invites app might include tight integration with the Calendar app and could come pre-installed on new iPhones. Its success will depend on turning users into iCloud+ subscribers and having a strong advocate within Apple, similar to how Apple Sports has been championed.

    In summary, Apple’s so-called “hobby apps” aren’t just side projects; they’re part of a broader strategy where apps are nurtured, updated, and sometimes transformed to better serve users.

  • New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    There are more hints that a new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, might be released very soon. Someone with a private account on X shared some codes that show the MacBook Air will have this new chip. The insider info suggests that both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs will feature Apple’s “T8132” chip, which is another name for the M4.

    Back in December, Apple accidentally let slip some details about these new MacBook Airs when they updated macOS Sequoia 15.2. The update included files for new machines labeled as “MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)” and “MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025).”

    Since that slip-up, we’ve been waiting eagerly for the launch. There’s no exact date yet, but Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned that the current stock of M3 MacBook Airs is running low, which often means a new model is just around the corner.

    Apple is also set to launch the new iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2 possibly tomorrow, so the MacBook Air might follow not long after, likely within the next few weeks.

  • New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    A new tool on iPhones is making it simpler for travelers to locate their lost or delayed bags at airports, and now more airlines are using it.

    Tracking Luggage with AirTags

    With the latest update to iOS 18.2, the Find My app now lets you share the location of your luggage if it has an AirTag attached. This means if your bag gets lost, airport staff from participating airlines can help find it more easily.

    This week, airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings started supporting this feature. Before this, airlines like Delta, United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand were already on board.

    Sharing the Location

    If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or newer, you can link the Find My app to share your luggage’s location. Anyone with this link can check a webpage that shows where the luggage is on a map, which updates as the bag moves. Apple has ensured that sharing these links is both private and secure. Only a few airport workers can see the link, and they need to log in with an Apple Account or a partner email to access it.

    The sharing stops as soon as you get your bag back, or it automatically ends after one week.

    Expansion Plans

    Apple released iOS 18.2 in December, and they’re planning to work with more airlines in the coming months to expand this helpful feature. This tool is a game-changer for travelers, making the stress of lost luggage a thing of the past.

  • Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple has made it clear that it does not support the “Hot Tub” adult app, which was launched for iPhone users in the EU through alternative app stores. In a statement to a tech news site, Apple highlighted its worries about user safety and the damage such apps might do to the trust people have in Apple’s platform.

    User Safety and Trust

    Apple expressed deep concerns about the risks posed by adult content apps to EU users, particularly to children. These apps could shake the confidence that consumers have built-in Apple’s ecosystem over the years. Apple insists it would never permit such an app in its official App Store, despite claims by the app’s distributor suggesting otherwise.

    The company is obligated by EU laws, specifically the Digital Markets Act, to permit the operation of other app marketplaces. This means apps like “Hot Tub” can be distributed through platforms like AltStore, which Apple has less control over.

    Misleading Claims

    In its promotional efforts, AltStore described “Hot Tub” as the first porn app “approved by Apple,” a statement Apple has contested. Even though Apple’s Notarization process checks third-party apps for malware and fraud, it does not regulate content. This allows for apps with content like pornography, drug references, or hate speech to be available on iPhones in the EU, content that would typically not be allowed in the App Store.

    Apple’s Notarization guidelines explicitly state that developers cannot suggest that Apple endorses any app’s quality or functionality. Thus, AltStore’s promotional claim appears to violate these rules.

    Apple’s Stance

    Apple has been vocal about its reservations regarding the EU’s regulations, warning that they could lead to the spread of undesirable content. Apple had previously voiced its concerns about this specific app back in December, but the European Commission has not intervened.

    Clarification from Epic Games

    Following Apple’s statement, Epic Games clarified that it does not distribute “Hot Tub” or similar adult apps through its platform in the EU. However, Epic did provide AltStore with a “MegaGrant” to help distribute apps like “Hot Tub” for free.

    Apple’s main message is that while it must comply with EU laws, it does not endorse or approve of all content that can now reach iPhone users through these alternative channels.

     

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  • Discover your 2025 music journey with Apple Music replay

    Discover your 2025 music journey with Apple Music replay

    The latest Apple Music Replay playlist for 2025 is now ready for you to check out. Many users have noticed that this year’s Replay playlist has appeared in their music collections today.

    Apple Music Replay keeps track of your favorite songs, albums, and artists all year long. This playlist isn’t static; it changes throughout the year, giving you a glimpse of your music tastes up to the current month. By December, you’ll have a complete summary of your year in music.

    This feature is great for Apple Music fans because it lets you keep tabs on your music habits as the year goes by. Currently, the Replay ’25 playlist shows your listening trends from January 2025, and it will keep updating as the year moves forward.

    To find your Replay playlist, just go to the bottom of the Home screen in your Apple Music app. Once you see the playlist card, you can tap it and save it to your Library for quick access later. It will refresh itself with your most recent listening activities.

    For more insights, you can visit the Apple Music Replay website. There, you can see stats like how many minutes you’ve listened, who your top artists and albums are, and if you’ve hit any listening milestones. These details will grow with each passing month, starting from January 2025.

    Source

  • Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple is reportedly gearing up to add support for PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, according to tech journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This exciting news follows months of collaboration between Apple and Sony, which was first mentioned back in December.

    The partnership aims to introduce the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to Vision Pro users. Apple has been in talks with Sony for quite some time and has also been engaging with game developers to ensure these controllers can be used in their games. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience on Vision Pro by offering more precise control options.

    Gurman suggests that this feature is still on track for release and is expected to come with an upcoming software update, potentially part of visionOS 3. This update would not only benefit gamers but also allow users to navigate the operating system more accurately.

    While this move could make playing games on Vision Pro more enjoyable, it’s not yet clear if it will lead to a broader selection of games or increase sales. Currently, you can’t buy these PlayStation VR controllers on their own from Sony, which might affect how quickly this feature can take off once it’s available.

    This project marks a significant step for Apple in improving the utility and appeal of the Vision Pro, blending the best of both companies’ technologies to enrich user interaction in virtual spaces.

    Source

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

    Source

  • Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Big changes coming with iOS 18.3 for Apple’s smart features

    Next week, iOS 18.3 will roll out. It doesn’t bring a lot of new stuff, but it’s a big deal for Apple’s smart features because of a daring move by Apple.

    Apple’s Smart Features Turned On by Default in iOS 18.3

    Apple has decided that with iOS 18.3, its smart features, which they call Apple Intelligence, will be turned on automatically for everyone with a compatible device.

    These smart features first appeared with iOS 18.1 back in October and got some cool updates in December with iOS 18.2. But until now, you had to choose to turn them on yourself. Now, Apple is saying, “We’re turning them on for you.”

    One Smart Feature Takes a Break

    It’s not all smooth sailing for AI at Apple. They’ve had some trouble with their smart summaries for notifications, which sometimes got the news wrong. So, in an interesting twist, while Apple is confident about turning on AI by default, they’re also being careful.

    In iOS 18.3, they’re going to temporarily turn off the smart summaries for apps in the News and Entertainment categories. It’s rare for an update to take away something that was there before, but Apple is doing this to work on making it better before bringing it back.

    Apple Still Cautious with AI

    Apple has always been careful with AI. During the early testing phases and even after making these features available to everyone with iOS 18.1, they made people wait to use them, ensuring everything worked right.

    One of Apple’s key promises is to design AI with care. They check everything from how they make the AI to how it’s used, working to avoid any misuse or problems. User feedback helps them keep improving.

    What’s Next for Apple Intelligence?

    With iOS 18.3, we see Apple sticking to those promises. They’ve had a long testing phase before making AI automatic. Yet, they’re still cautious, pausing one feature to get it right. Will people mind having these features turned on without asking? We’ll see. But for now, Apple seems to be doing it at the right time and in the right way.

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