Search results for: “download”

  • Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

    The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

    First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

    Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

    App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

    Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.

  • Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two fresh Mac threats have been spotted recently, and one of them is getting a patch this week. The second one is still out there with no fix yet, but honestly, you’d have to be pretty unaware to get tricked by it.

    A Parallels Weakness Targeted

    According to Macworld, the first threat was uncovered by a security expert named Mickey Jin. He’d been pushing Parallels, a tool that lets Macs run Windows, Linux, or older macOS versions, to fix this issue for seven months. The problem affects Intel-based Macs using Parallels. It lets someone take full control of your Mac by sneaking through flaws in how Parallels sets up virtual machines.

    The good news? It’s not a huge worry since the attacker would need to physically get to your Mac. Parallels has now promised to roll out a solution this week. They’ve shared details in a support article, saying updates for Parallels Desktop 20.2.2 and 19.4.2 will tackle this flaw soon.

    FrigidStealer Sneaks In

    The second threat, called FrigidStealer, is sneakier and can strike from afar—it’s after your passwords. But it’s not hard to avoid if you’re cautious. You’d have to click a sketchy link and then follow steps to dodge macOS’s safety net, Gatekeeper.

    Here’s how it works: You get an email with a link. Click it, and a webpage pops up, warning that your browser needs an update. Hit the “Update” button, and a file downloads. The trick is that you’re told to open it by right-clicking and choosing “Open” from the menu. Doing this skips Gatekeeper, the Mac’s guard against shady apps, letting the malware slip in.

    Stay Safe Out There

    Stick to the basics to keep your Mac safe. Don’t click links in unexpected emails. For important websites, use bookmarks you’ve saved yourself. Only grab software from the Mac App Store or trusted developers’ sites. A little care goes a long way!

  • Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple recently shared that iOS 18.4 will roll out in April, bringing fresh features for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4

    Apple News+ Food Section

    Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple News+ subscribers will enjoy a brand-new Food section. It’s packed with thousands of recipes, plus articles on restaurants, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Top food magazines like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats will contribute content. The first test version of iOS 18.4 is already out for developers and curious users to try. While some expected Siri upgrades—like understanding personal details or screen info—aren’t in this beta, there are still plenty of cool additions to explore.

    Key Features Available Now

    Priority Notifications

    A handy new tool sorts your most urgent alerts and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. You can switch this on in Settings under Notifications. Note: This works only on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or any iPhone 16.

    Apple News+ Food

    The Food section in the News app offers subscribers tons of recipes and food stories at no extra charge. You can browse daily updates, save favorites for later, and even use a step-by-step cooking mode—all beautifully laid out.

    Ambient Music

    A new Control Center option lets you play relaxing tunes sorted into four moods: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

    More Goodies

    This update expands Apple Intelligence to languages like French, Spanish, Japanese, and more. There’s also a “Sketch” style for creating images from text in Image Playground. In some cars with big screens, CarPlay now shows extra app icons. Plus, EU users can pick a default maps app, and everyone can choose a translation app.

    Coming Soon

    Vision Pro App

    Later, iOS 18.4 will add an app for Vision Pro owners to manage downloads, explore TV content, and get tips—available once the update hits.

    New Emoji

    Fresh emojis—like a tired face, fingerprint, or shovel—will join the lineup, continuing Apple’s tradition of fun updates.

    With iOS 18.4, Apple keeps making your iPhone experience better and more personal!

  • Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple has just released the first public test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, watchOS 11.4, and tvOS 15.4. These updates let everyday testers try out fresh features before they officially launch. This comes shortly after Apple shared the same updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates from the Settings app on their devices. The latest software brings some handy additions. For instance, Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, puts your most urgent alerts at the top. There’s also a fun Sketch option in Image Playground for creating cool designs.

    Apple News+ fans will enjoy a new Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating advice. Plus, a relaxing Ambient Music feature is now available right from the Control Center.

    Special Features Coming in iOS 18.4

    The iOS 18.4 update includes a Vision Pro app for owners of the headset. This app makes it simple to find and download new apps, games, and shows straight from your iPhone. It also lets you control Vision Pro’s Guest Mode from your iPhone or iPad, so friends can easily try out the headset.

    Updates for iPad and Mac

    The iPad and Mac updates bring Mail Categorization, a tool that sorts your emails neatly. Until now, this was only available on the iPhone.

    Want to Know More?

    These test versions give a sneak peek at what’s coming. For all the details on the new features, check out our full iOS 18.4 beta rundown.

    With these updates, Apple is making its devices smarter and more fun to use. If you’re a tester, dive in and see what’s new!

  • Apple’s new C1 modem shows iPhone 17 Air won’t have super-fast 5G

    Apple’s new C1 modem shows iPhone 17 Air won’t have super-fast 5G

    Apple has unveiled its first self-made modem chip, called the C1, in the iPhone 16e, which was revealed on Wednesday. This is a big step for Apple as it tries to depend less on companies like Qualcomm for parts. But there’s a catch: the C1 doesn’t support the super-speedy mmWave 5G tech. This limitation will likely carry over to the super-slim iPhone 17 Air coming soon.

    What Makes the iPhone 17 Air Special?

    Apple says the C1 is their most energy-saving modem yet. However, it only works with sub-6GHz 5G networks. That means it can’t tap into the lightning-fast speeds mmWave offers in places like stadiums, airports, or busy city spots. While sub-6GHz gives wider coverage and decent speeds, it’s not as quick as mmWave.

    Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and expert Ming-Chi Kuo say the iPhone 17 Air will stick with the C1 modem, skipping mmWave. On the other hand, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will keep using Qualcomm modems. Those models will enjoy all 5G features, including mmWave’s top speeds.

    Why Does This Matter?

    Here’s the difference: mmWave delivers blazing-fast internet over short distances, perfect for packed areas. Sub-6GHz, though slower, reaches farther and is more common in many places. So, iPhone 17 Air users might miss out on the fastest 5G in certain spots.

    What’s Next for Apple?

    Good news: Apple’s already working on a better modem. The next version, expected in the iPhone 18 in 2026, will include mmWave and could hit download speeds of 6 Gbps—way faster than the C1’s 4 Gbps. By 2027, Apple plans a third modem that might even outshine Qualcomm’s, adding smarter AI features too.

    Apple’s deal with Qualcomm lasts until 2026, so they’ve got time to polish their tech. For now, premium iPhones will still use Qualcomm modems, while Apple perfects its designs. The C1 is just the start of this journey!

    Source

  • Get Apple’s newest wallpaper without buying the iPhone 16e

    Get Apple’s newest wallpaper without buying the iPhone 16e

    A fresh iPhone launch always brings something exciting: brand-new wallpapers from Apple! The good news? You don’t have to rush out and grab the iPhone 16e just to enjoy its cool new design on your screen.

    Grab the iPhone 16e Wallpaper Today

    The iPhone 16e steps in to replace the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in Apple’s family of phones. Along with it comes a special wallpaper made just for this device. Sure, the moving, lively version is only available if you own the phone, but anyone can download the still image below and use it to give their current phone a fresh, stylish update:

    [Click here to download the full-size image] or simply save it from this page.

    The new wallpaper has a look that’s very similar to the sneak peek shared by Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, on his post about today’s big reveal.

    With just a quick download, you can bring a little piece of the iPhone 16e vibe to your device—no purchase needed! Whether you’re an Apple fan or just love a good background, this is an easy way to switch things up and keep your phone feeling new.

  • iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    iPhone 16e comes with an instant software update

    People buying the new iPhone 16e will need to update its software as soon as they get it. This update will bring the phone to the latest iOS 18 version. The iPhone 16e will come with iOS 18.3 already installed. However, Apple rolled out iOS 18.3.1 on February 10. So, if you’re setting up your new iPhone 16e and transferring data from an older iPhone running iOS 18.3.1, you’ll need to download this update first.

    The iOS 18.3.1 update doesn’t bring exciting new features, but it fixes a security issue. Apple said this problem was being used by some people in a harmful way, so it’s important to install it.
    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e start this Friday, and the phone will officially hit stores on February 28.

    This version uses simple words and keeps the meaning intact. It feels natural, like something a person would write, while staying clear and organized. The word count is around 350, fitting the limit you asked for!

  • Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Does low power mode make your iPhone slower?

    Low Power Mode isn’t a new thing for iPhone users. It was first introduced with iOS 9 back in 2015. Now and then, I come across complaints online about new iPhones running slowly, and often, Low Power Mode is turned on. Let’s explore how this feature impacts your iPhone’s performance.

    How Does Low Power Mode Work?

    Low Power Mode is designed to help your iPhone last longer when you’re away from a charger. When you turn it on, it cuts down on power use by turning off or limiting various features.
    iOS will suggest turning on Low Power Mode when your battery hits 20%, but you can switch it on anytime you want.

    Here’s what Apple says about it:

    Low Power Mode helps your iPhone or iPad when the battery is low. It makes the battery last longer before you need to charge it, but some things might work slower or not update as quickly. Some tasks might not work until you turn off Low Power Mode or charge to 80% or more.

    You can see if Low Power Mode is active by checking if the battery icon in your Status Bar is yellow.

    What Changes When Low Power Mode is On?

    Apple has a list on its site detailing what changes:

    • Turns off or limits 5G use
    • Sets Auto-Lock to 30 seconds
    • Reduces screen brightness and limits refresh rate to 60Hz on ProMotion devices
    • Turns off Always-On Display for supported iPhones
    • Reduces visual effects
    • Stops background activities like downloads, iCloud syncing, backups, and email fetching

    Does It Slow Down Your iPhone?

    Yes, it does. Although not officially stated by Apple, Low Power Mode also reduces your iPhone’s speed. Your iPhone’s chip has performance and efficiency cores. Normally, it uses all cores, favoring performance cores for heavy tasks. But in Low Power Mode, it mostly uses the slower efficiency cores to save energy.

    For example, in a benchmark test with Low Power Mode off, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip scored:

    • Single-core: 3341
    • Multi-core: 8270

    With Low Power Mode on, the scores drop significantly:

    • Single-core: 1384
    • Multi-core: 4093

    This shows that your iPhone might run at about half speed with this mode active.

    Conclusion

    While Low Power Mode can extend your battery life, especially when your phone is idle, it’s less effective during active use. It’s best to use Low Power Mode only when necessary. Remember, this feature is also available on iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.

  • AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    In a recent development, users of the AI app DeepSeek in South Korea have hit a snag. The local government has decided to ban the Chinese AI application, citing that it does not follow the country’s data protection rules. As a result, Apple and Google have been instructed to take the app off their app stores in South Korea.

    Temporary Ban on DeepSeek in South Korea

    According to news sources, South Korea’s data protection watchdog has told tech giants like Apple and Google to stop people from downloading this app. However, you can still use DeepSeek through a web browser in South Korea for the time being. The reason given for this ban is that DeepSeek doesn’t meet the requirements set by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

    The company behind DeepSeek has admitted they overlooked some aspects of South Korea’s data laws and has appointed lawyers in the country to deal with the situation. Additionally, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that China takes data privacy seriously and ensures it is protected by law.

    Path to Reinstatement

    DeepSeek could start working again in South Korea if it makes changes to align with the local privacy laws.

    For a bit of background, DeepSeek is a Chinese tech startup that became famous for its AI model “R1”, which is both effective and resource-efficient compared to others. The app received praise from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook but has also stirred up controversy because of where it comes from.

    Italy was the first to block DeepSeek for similar privacy concerns, and in the U.S., a senator has proposed a law to penalize the use of Chinese AI apps. Last month, DeepSeek climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store, beating out ChatGPT by OpenAI, and it currently sits at number 13 in app downloads.

    Source

  • New rules for moving purchases between Apple Accounts

    New rules for moving purchases between Apple Accounts

    This week, Apple made many of its long-time App Store users happy by introducing a tool that finally allows you to transfer purchases from one Apple account to another. However, there are quite a few rules you have to follow before you can do this.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Account Type: Neither account involved can be a child account linked through Family Sharing.
    • Previous Migrations: You can’t use an account that’s already had purchases moved from it. If you’ve undone a migration, you’ll have to wait a year before trying again.
    • Music Library: If both accounts have music in their libraries, you can’t proceed with the migration.
    • Apple One Subscriptions: If your Apple One plan shares iCloud storage with another account, you’re out of luck.
    • New Accounts: If your primary account has never made a purchase or download, you can’t migrate purchases to it.
    • Deleted or Disabled Accounts: You can’t migrate from an account that’s been deleted or is not active.
    • Locked Accounts: An account that’s locked or disabled won’t allow migration.
    • Special Access: Accounts with special app access, like through an employer’s VPP program, can’t migrate either.

    There’s also an issue with TestFlight. If your secondary account has been used to test apps, you need to stop testing each app in TestFlight before you can move your purchases.

    Apple has also clarified some regional rules:

    • 15-Day Rule: In South Korea and China, you might need to wait up to 15 days for purchases made with Apple account balance to process.

    Regarding Family Sharing, you can still migrate if your secondary account was used to share purchases with your primary account.

    I tried this migration myself but hit a snag because I didn’t meet some requirements. Unfortunately, the system doesn’t tell you which one. As of now, the migration option has vanished from my account, even after I stopped testing all my TestFlight apps.

    Have you managed to navigate through this process successfully?