Search results for: “features”

  • 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!

  • iPhone 17 Pro to shine with better video tools

    iPhone 17 Pro to shine with better video tools

    The iPhone 17 series is still about seven months from hitting the shelves, but chatter about it is already buzzing. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shared some insights in his weekend newsletter called Power On, Apple is set to highlight the iPhone 17 Pro’s upgraded video skills when it’s revealed later this year. He didn’t spill the beans on exact details, though.

    Here’s what he mentioned:

    In previous years, Apple put more effort into boosting the camera’s photo-taking powers. This time, they’re switching gears to focus on video upgrades. The aim for the 2025 iPhone lineup is to pull in vloggers and video makers, encouraging them to ditch separate cameras and rely on the iPhone for more of their projects. Expect Apple to push these video features when the new phones launch in September.

    Over time, iPhones have already gained cool video tools like Action mode for steady shots, Cinematic mode for that blurry background effect, and other neat tricks. Several reports also suggest the iPhone 17 Pro will sport a fresh look for its rear cameras. A supposed sneak peek of the design showed a big rectangular camera strip with rounded edges on the back. Word is, it’ll pack three 48-megapixel cameras.

    Gurman also dropped a reminder that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is still on track for 2026. With these updates, it seems Apple’s cooking up something exciting for video fans and creators alike!

  • iPhone 17 Pro set to be your go-to video recorder

    iPhone 17 Pro set to be your go-to video recorder

    A recent report from Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter reveals that Apple is gearing up to make the iPhone 17 Pro a game-changer for video recording. While the company has long focused on perfecting photos, it’s exciting to know that video is finally getting some serious attention.

    Apple has been working hard to make the iPhone the ultimate camera replacement. For years, they’ve aimed to build the best camera system you can carry in your pocket. Now, they’re ready to take it up a level by improving video features. iPhones have always done a decent job with video, but Apple wants to make them even better.

    According to Gurman, Apple’s big plan for the 2025 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, is to win over vloggers and video creators. They want these folks to ditch their separate cameras and rely on iPhones instead:

    A key aim for the 2025 models is to convince vloggers and other video makers to switch from traditional cameras to iPhones for more of their projects. Expect Apple to highlight these upgraded video skills big time when the new phones launch in September.

    The report doesn’t spill the beans on exactly how Apple will boost the iPhone 17 Pro’s video game, but more details should pop up soon. This shift sounds pretty cool to me, and I’m curious to see what’s coming next!

    Source

  • Apple set to release new MacBook Air with M4 Chip soon

    Apple set to release new MacBook Air with M4 Chip soon

    Apple is getting ready to roll out a fresh take on its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops, powered by the new M4 chip. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the big reveal is expected to happen in March.

    Talk about this M4 MacBook Air has been buzzing for a while now. Hints of it popped up in the macOS 15.2 beta back in December, making it seem like the launch was close. Gurman had even hinted that the MacBook Air would hit the market before other spring releases, like the iPhone 16e and iPad Air. But while the iPhone 16e is already out, the MacBook Air has kept us waiting.

    That wait might finally be ending soon. Gurman says Apple is gearing up for a March launch and is busy getting its marketing, sales, and store teams ready. He also mentioned that the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models are running low in stock at stores, which could be a sign the new version is on its way.

    As for what’s new with the M4 MacBook Air, the details are slim. The star of the show is the M4 chip, but there could be a few other upgrades too. Some possibilities include faster Thunderbolt 4 ports (instead of the current USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 setup), a better Center Stage camera for video calls, and maybe even a nano-texture screen option to cut down on glare.

    These features have already shown up in other Macs with the M4 chip, so they’d make sense here too. Apple fans won’t have to wait much longer to see what’s in store. With March just around the corner, the new MacBook Air could be here before we know it!

    Source

  • Apple releases early test versions of tvOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4

    Apple releases early test versions of tvOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4

    Today, Apple shared the first test versions, or betas, of its upcoming watchOS 11.4 and tvOS 18.4 updates. These are meant for developers to try out and test before the official release.

    Developers who are signed up with Apple can grab these early versions directly through the Settings app on their devices, like the Apple Watch or Apple TV.

    So far, Apple hasn’t spilled the beans on what’s new in these updates. We don’t have details about any fresh features or changes yet. But don’t worry—if anything exciting pops up as developers dig into these betas, we’ll make sure to add that info here and keep you posted.

    These betas are a chance for developers to explore and help Apple smooth out any bugs before the updates reach everyone. Stay tuned for more as we learn what’s in store!

  • Apple drops iCloud security feature in the UK due to government rules

    Apple drops iCloud security feature in the UK due to government rules

    Apple is taking away a special security option called Advanced Data Protection for iCloud users in the United Kingdom. This tool allowed people to keep their iCloud information super safe with a lock only they could open. But the UK government has told tech companies like Apple to add secret ways into these locks, called backdoors.

    Instead of adding these backdoors and weakening the safety of Advanced Data Protection, Apple decided to remove it completely for UK users. In a message to 9to5Mac, Apple explained that people already using this feature will soon have to turn it off to keep their iCloud accounts working.

    For those in the UK who haven’t turned on Advanced Data Protection yet, the choice is gone. When they try, they’ll see a note saying, “Apple can’t offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to new users in the United Kingdom anymore.”

    If you’re a UK user with this feature on, Apple says you’ll need to switch it off soon to keep using iCloud. Since the safety lock is so tight, Apple can’t turn it off for you—they’ll share a guide to help you do it yourself.

    Apple isn’t happy about this change. They said, “We’re really upset that UK users won’t have this strong protection anymore, especially with more data leaks and privacy risks out there. Keeping your info safe in the cloud is more important than ever. We want to give our users the best security and hope to bring this back to the UK someday. We’ve never made a secret key to unlock our products, and we won’t.”

    Without this protection, the UK government can now ask Apple for data from any iCloud account whenever they want. The new rules even stop Apple from telling users when their info is taken.
    Some iCloud features, like passwords and health data, still have this strong lock for now. But it’s unclear how long that will last with the UK’s new demands. Apple hasn’t said much about what’s next for those parts.

    Source

  • Apple Store offline before iPhone 16e pre-orders begin

    Apple Store offline before iPhone 16e pre-orders begin

    Apple’s online store is currently unavailable as the company prepares for iPhone 16e pre-orders, set to start at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. For the past few years, Apple has chosen this early morning time for pre-orders, moving away from its older habit of starting at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time.

    Shoppers in 59 countries and areas—like Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.—can place their pre-orders for the iPhone 16e once the store is back online.

    The iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest budget-friendly phone, priced at $599. It’s the newest version of the iPhone SE and the cheapest option in Apple’s lineup right now. This phone mixes features from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch for the TrueDepth camera, a flat-edged aluminum body, a tough Ceramic Shield front, a single back camera, and a fast A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence.

    With the iPhone 16e, Apple is saying goodbye to some older tech. You won’t find Lightning ports, LCD screens, or 64GB storage anymore. Plus, 6.1 inches is now the smallest screen size Apple makes. In the U.S., it starts at $599 and comes in white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB.

    Source

  • iPhone 16e speed test, memory, and charging details unveiled

    iPhone 16e speed test, memory, and charging details unveiled

    The iPhone 16e comes with the A18 chip, but its graphics part is a bit different from the one in the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has a 5-core GPU, while the iPhone 16e has a 4-core GPU. This small change affects how fast it handles graphics.

    A new speed test from Geekbench, spotted by MySmartPrice, shows what this means for users. The iPhone 16e scored 24,188 points in graphics testing. That’s about 13-15% lower than the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Even so, most people upgrading from older iPhones won’t feel this difference. The phone still runs much better than older models.

    The test also reveals that the iPhone 16e has 8GB of memory. This is great news because it means the phone will stay fast and work well with Apple’s smart features for years to come. Another detail comes from a filing in China. It shows the iPhone 16e can charge quickly using a USB-C cable, up to 29W. This is close to the 30W speed of the iPhone 16. We’ll need more tests to be sure it hits that 29W mark, but it looks promising. For wireless charging, it supports Qi at 7.5W. However, it doesn’t work with MagSafe.

    The iPhone 16e starts at $599, and you can pre-order it today. The first shipments will arrive on Friday, February 28. This phone uses a slightly toned-down A18 chip compared to the iPhone 16. Companies sometimes do this—taking chips with a small flaw and using them in cheaper models. Here, the GPU has one less core, but the main power (a 6-core CPU) stays the same.

    For its price, the iPhone 16e still offers strong performance. More tests will show how it handles daily tasks and games, but it’s a solid choice for the cost. Pre-orders begin today at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, and it’ll be available in 59 countries by the end of February. Running on iOS 18.3.1, this phone is ready to impress budget-friendly buyers.

    Source/Via

  • What new Apple gadgets are coming this spring?

    What new Apple gadgets are coming this spring?

    Apple just revealed its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, and now everyone’s curious about what’s next. This spring, we’re expecting some exciting updates from Apple. Let’s dive into the products we’re pretty sure will get a refresh before the season ends. Plus, there’s a chance Apple might surprise us with something new!

    M4 MacBook Air

    The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops are getting a boost with the speedy M4 chip. Don’t expect a new look—the focus is all about power. Tech insider Mark Gurman says these refreshed MacBook Airs are “almost here,” likely hitting stores later this spring. With stock running low in Apple stores, the launch could be super close!

    iPad Air

    The iPad Air is up for an upgrade, possibly with an M3 or M4 chip. It might also come with a cheaper Magic Keyboard made for affordable iPads. Rumors are mixed—some say it’ll get the M3 (a bit older than the iPad Pro’s M4), while Gurman hints it could jump to the M4. A trusted source from January backs the M3 idea. No big design changes are expected, and Gurman says it’s coming soon.

    Budget-Friendly iPad

    Apple’s working on an 11th-generation iPad with a faster chip and Wi-Fi 6E support. It’ll likely include the new C1 modem chip from the iPhone 16e. Gurman reports it’ll run on the A17 Pro chip—found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPad mini 7. This chip powers Apple Intelligence, so the iPad should have at least 8GB of RAM to handle those cool AI features. Shipments reportedly started in December, so it’s on the way!

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a gadget to control your smart home, like a central “Command Center.” This iPad-style device might launch as early as 2025, per Gurman. But he also warns it could slip to later in the year because it needs updates from iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Analyst Kuo predicts a release in mid-to-late 2025. For now, Gurman says it’s still a few months off. Spring’s shaping up to be a big season for Apple fans—stay tuned!

  • 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