Search results for: “device”

  • Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    With the update, iOS users will notice these apps are more user-friendly. Users can now make Google Translate the default app for translations on iOS. So, when you pick text and choose the Translate button, your iPhone will open the Google Translate app automatically. If your device has iOS 16 or a newer version, you can use this to translate in more ways than Apple’s tool allows.

    Spotify decided to make changes that comply with the rules of Apple’s App Store. Now, if you have Spotify on your iOS device, you can tap a link to discover how to purchase audiobooks. The app won’t help you make a purchase, but it will show you how to find the items for sale elsewhere. Apple made it possible for App Store apps in the EU to provide more information about purchases that take place outside the App Store.

    The Apple Sports app has added a daily newsletter and various other updates. Now, fans can quickly catch up on games and important updates from their favorite teams through the daily email. It also includes useful information before and during matches to help you track the action as it happens. Many of the major sports leagues such as NBA, MLB and MLS, are supported by it. By adding small updates to iOS apps, Apple tries to make the experience both seamless and more user-friendly.

  • Apple stops signing iOS 18.4.1 and iOS 18 adds stronger privacy rules

    Apple stops signing iOS 18.4.1 and iOS 18 adds stronger privacy rules

    Apple now considers iOS 18.4.1 to be unsigned. With this change, it is not possible for people to go back to iOS 18.4 or use iTunes or Finder to restore an earlier version. To ensure iPhones and iPads are always safe and up to date, Apple usually does this. It also ensures your devices are not vulnerable to issues and bugs present in older versions.

    iOS 18.5 does not allow for a backwards update to 18.4.1. Many people are advised to keep their apps updated because the update offers several improvements and bug fixes.

    It’s also worth mentioning that Apple’s iOS 18 contains a privacy feature that has drawn notice. Apple has stopped app developers from using APIs to spy on users. Many apps relied on these APIs to create a personal device signature for users, even when tracking was not allowed. From iOS 18 onward, Apple requires developers to have a helpful reason before using those features.

    Experts who study privacy are praising this decision as a victory for people’s privacy. It brings another barrier to protect your data, reducing chances for secret information collection by companies.

    As a result, iPhones are now even safer for users, promoting their own privacy. Thus, whenever you use iOS 18.5, you not only experience higher performance but also improved privacy.

  • Apple releases important security updates for older iPads and iPhones

    Apple releases important security updates for older iPads and iPhones

    Apple has rolled out new software updates focused on security fixes for older devices. The updates—iOS 17.5.1, iPadOS 17.5.1, and special versions like iOS 16.7.8 and iPadOS 16.7.8—are meant for users who haven’t yet upgraded to newer hardware or software.

    These updates are important because they fix a serious issue that could let harmful apps run code without the user knowing. According to Apple, this security flaw might have already been used in real-world attacks. That’s why they’re recommending that everyone with supported devices install the updates as soon as possible.

    The iOS 16.7.8 and iPadOS 16.7.8 updates are mainly for older models, such as the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and the first-generation iPad Pro. While these updates don’t include any new features, they do patch up key vulnerabilities that could put your device and data at risk.

    Apple found this security flaw in WebKit, the engine that powers Safari and other web apps. A specially crafted web page could take advantage of the issue and harm your device. With this update, that risk is reduced.

    If your device is eligible, you can find the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure your device is charged and backed up before installing.

    In short, while these updates may seem minor, they play a big role in keeping your iPhone or iPad secure from online threats.

  • iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    Recent reports have shed light on what we might expect from Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air. Ross Young’s research suggests this smartwatch will be introduced in 2025 with a smaller screen size of 6.1 inches and will also be thinner and lighter than earlier versions. Preliminary specifications may hint that a new front camera will be placed in a hole, making the phone sleeker. The company is evaluating different materials to make the device slimmer and lighter, including a smaller battery.

    Although Apple is working on new iPhones, it is also being threatened by legal challenges. According to a court filing by Epic Games, Apple is not complying with the order made in the previous ruling. Epic claims that Apple is making it difficult for app makers to tell users about less expensive purchasing options, only bypassing the App Store. Currently, developers can link to payment methods outside of Apple’s app store, but it is a complex and time-consuming process that still involves handing over a portion of their sales to Apple.

    Epic is requesting the court to make sure Apple obeys the original order without any problems. It might change the way iPhone apps function and what developers pay in fees. In brief, Apple is working on plenty of new changes in the iPhone 17 Air, but there are concerns about the limited rules for apps on its app store. As both stories play out, Apple’s future could change significantly.

    Source/Via

  • US government checks Apple’s deal with Alibaba over data concerns

    US government checks Apple’s deal with Alibaba over data concerns

    The deal between Apple and Alibaba is being examined by the U.S. government, mainly regarding data security. Storing iCloud data for Chinese users with Alibaba’s cloud services is allowed by this partnership, which has led to concerns in Washington.

    This is happening during a period when the U.S. and China have high tensions over tech and data privacy. Authorities are studying whether this partnership might endanger user data or break national security rules.

    Apple has made it clear that the relationship with Alibaba impacts only Chinese users. Since 2018, Apple has been complying with China’s laws by storing local user data on servers managed by a Chinese company. Here, the management of iCloud services by Guizhou-Cloud Big Data is carried out with strict attention.

    Apple highlights that all the data is guarded and encrypted on their devices. GCBD, owned by the local government, holds the encryption keys. According to Apple, they do not share user data with the Chinese government unless forced by law.

    Worries remain among U.S. lawmakers and officials that private data could still fall into the hands of the Chinese government. Though the review might not lead to blocking the deal, it underlines American concerns about data protection outside the country.

    This research highlights that the transfer of global tech deals is being carefully scrutinized, especially if they feature nations with rocky relations.

  • Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic Games has accused Apple of not letting them put Fortnite back on the App Store in the United States and in Europe. The issue started when Apple reopened Epic’s developer account in Sweden, which should have let the company put its app store in the country and let people play Fortnite on their iPhones again in the EU under the new Digital Markets Act.

    However, Epic says Apple won’t let Epic’s developer account go through in the United States, and is keeping it from moving forward or even stopping it altogether in Europe, too. Epic claims Apple is making these moves so it doesn’t have to face competition from the Epic Games Store, and so Fortnite can’t come back to iPhones.

    According to Epic, Apple is using a few rules and not making it clear what they mean to slow down the progress of competing apps. Even though Apple had let Epic have their developer account in Sweden, they still haven’t finished everything they said they would do. Epic says Apple’s actions show that they don’t care about following the basic rules set in place to make app markets fair.

    Epic also said that because of the delay in the legal processes, they won’t be able to open the Epic Games Store or launch Fortnite for iOS in the EU this year. This is the latest round of a fight that’s been going on between the two companies. Epic is still working to give developers more freedom and is trying to make it easier for people to get apps on iPhones and other iOS devices without Apple having such tight control over that process. Apple has not yet said anything in public about the new claims Epic has made.

  • Apple stops signing iPadOS 17.7.7 after new update

    Apple stops signing iPadOS 17.7.7 after new update

    Apple has officially stopped signing iPadOS 17.7.7, which means users can no longer downgrade from iPadOS 17.5 to this older version. This change comes shortly after the release of iPadOS 17.5 earlier this week.

    When Apple stops signing an iOS or iPadOS version, it prevents users from installing that version through iTunes or Finder. This is part of Apple’s usual process to encourage people to stay on the latest software, which often includes important security updates, new features, and bug fixes.

    iPadOS 17.7.7 was mainly designed for older iPads that are not compatible with iPadOS 17. These devices include models like the iPad Pro (9.7-inch and 12.9-inch 1st generation) and iPad (5th generation). For users of those devices, iPadOS 16.7.8 remains the most recent supported version.

    If you’ve already updated to iPadOS 17.5, there’s now no official way to go back to 17.7.7. Apple typically makes this move shortly after a new release to protect users and make sure devices are running the most secure and stable version.

    This also highlights Apple’s focus on forward compatibility and its intent to keep all supported devices on up-to-date software for better performance and security.

  • Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Fortnite fans hoping to play the game on iPhones in the EU will have to keep waiting. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, says Apple still hasn’t allowed Epic’s developer account to go live, even though Epic was hoping to relaunch Fortnite on iOS in Europe this year.

    Back in March, Apple restored Epic’s developer account after the EU passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which pressures big tech companies to allow fair competition. Epic planned to use this opportunity to bring its own app store and Fortnite back to Apple devices in the EU.

    But things haven’t moved forward since then. Sweeney recently shared that Apple has not approved Epic’s final app store submission. Without this approval, Epic can’t release anything—not even a test version of Fortnite or its game store. According to Sweeney, they submitted their final version weeks ago but have heard nothing.

    This delay is causing frustration at Epic. Sweeney says Apple is “stonewalling” them, meaning they’re not giving updates or moving the process along.

    Apple hasn’t commented on the situation, and it’s unclear why they’re holding back approval.

    The EU’s new rules were designed to stop these kinds of delays, so if Apple continues to block Epic, regulators might step in. For now, though, Fortnite fans in Europe will just have to stay patient.

  • Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Apple just revealed a new smart home device called HomePad, and it’s packed with exciting features designed to make your home smarter and more connected. Here are five key features you should know about:

    1. Easy setup with iPhone
      Setting up HomePad is super simple. Just bring your iPhone close to it, and it automatically syncs your Apple ID, Wi-Fi settings, and more—just like setting up AirPods or a HomePod.

    2. Works with Matter
      HomePad fully supports Matter, the new smart home standard that works with devices from different brands. This means you can control smart devices from Apple, Google, Amazon, and others—all from the same app.

    3. Multi-display support
      HomePad supports multiple displays at once. So, you can control smart lights from the kitchen while watching a camera feed in the living room. It makes multitasking across rooms easy and smooth.

    4. Hand off FaceTime and calls
      You can start a FaceTime call on your iPhone and then transfer it to the HomePad instantly. It even works with other video calling apps, making your video chats more flexible.

    5. Smart home automation with Siri
      Siri on HomePad helps automate tasks like locking doors at night or turning off lights when you leave home. You can also set up routines that adjust based on time or who’s in the house.

    Apple hasn’t given a release date yet, but these features show they’re aiming to make HomePad a powerful hub for your smart home.

  • Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and new details suggest it could have a small hole-punch camera on the outer screen. This information comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says Apple has ordered samples of this type of camera for testing. This camera design would allow Apple to keep the outer display mostly full-screen while still including a front-facing camera.

    A hole-punch camera is a small circular cutout in the screen, similar to what we see in some Samsung and Android phones. Apple currently uses Face ID and a notch or Dynamic Island for the front camera in regular iPhones, but this could change for the foldable model.

    This outer screen is expected to work even when the phone is folded. Kuo also said that Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely open vertically, like a flip phone, instead of folding like a book. Earlier reports said Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026.

    Apple is taking its time with foldable devices. While companies like Samsung and Huawei already sell foldable phones, Apple is testing different designs and display tech before moving forward. Reports suggest Apple is trying to make sure the screen doesn’t crease and the design is durable enough for everyday use.

    In short, Apple’s future foldable iPhone might come with a sleek outer display and a hole-punch camera, offering a clean design and possibly a new user experience.