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  • Apple shares new iOS 18 adoption stats

    Apple shares new iOS 18 adoption stats

    Apple has just released its first insights into how many people are using iOS 18. They’ve revealed that 68% of all iPhones now run iOS 18, with the number jumping to 76% for models released in the last four years. This adoption rate mirrors the pattern seen with iOS 17 last year. The data was collected from devices interacting with the App Store on January 21, 2025, and was made public on Apple’s Developer site.

    Breakdown of Device Adoption:

    For iPhones from the Last Four Years:

    • iOS 18: 76%
    • iOS 17: 19%
    • Earlier versions: 5%

    For All iPhones:

    • iOS 18: 68%
    • iOS 17: 19%
    • Earlier versions: 13%

    iPadOS 18 Adoption:

    For iPads from the Last Four Years:

    • iPadOS 18: 63%
    • iPadOS 17: 27%
    • Earlier versions: 10%

    For All iPads:

    • iPadOS 18: 53%
    • iPadOS 17: 28%
    • Earlier versions: 19%

    These numbers show a similar trend when compared to previous years, indicating a steady pace in updates adoption.

    More About iOS Updates:

    iOS 18 supports the same range of iPhones as iOS 17, going back to the iPhone XS from 2018. This support means that even older models can enjoy new features, security updates, and bug fixes.

    Apple has also made it simpler for users to decide when to update. When iOS 18 was launched in September, users had the option to update to either iOS 18 or iOS 17.7. Choosing the latter meant they could avoid potential issues with a new major release while still benefiting from important security updates.

    The latest minor update, iOS 17.7.2 and iPadOS 17.7.2, released in November, further emphasizes Apple’s commitment to keeping all devices secure, regardless of whether users have moved to the latest iOS version.

  • New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    Get ready for an exciting year for iPhone fans! Alongside the new iPhone SE 4 in spring and the sleek iPhone 17 Air in autumn, Apple’s top-tier Pro models are set to dazzle with these seven new features coming this September:

    Better Selfie Camera

    The selfie camera is getting a major upgrade. Instead of the 12MP we’ve seen, the iPhone 17 Pro will sport a 24MP front camera, bringing selfie quality much closer to the prowess of its back cameras.

    New A19 Pro Chip

    Apple is keeping its tradition of upgrading the chip alive with the A19 Pro, reserved only for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This means the best performance will be exclusive to these models, while the iPhone 17 Air gets the standard A19.

    More Memory with 12GB RAM

    With AI becoming more central to our devices, Apple’s upping the ante by doubling the RAM to 12GB for the Pro and Pro Max models, the highest ever in an iPhone. This jump from 8GB in the previous models ensures smoother AI operations.

    Homegrown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple has been working on its own chips, and now they’re ready. The iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a new combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, only the iPhone 17 Air will get Apple’s custom 5G modem, while Pro models continue with Qualcomm’s.

    Bigger Camera Bump

    The camera setup on the iPhone 17 Pro models will see a larger, rectangular bump, possibly for enhanced photography features. The design includes an aluminum top for strength and a glass bottom for wireless charging.

    Switch to Aluminum Frame

    Moving away from titanium, the iPhone 17 Pro will now feature an aluminum frame. This change from last year’s material choice is intriguing, and we’re eager to learn why Apple made this switch.

    Enhanced Cooling

    AI and high performance need good cooling, so Apple’s adding a vapor chamber and graphite sheet specifically to the iPhone 17 Pro Max to keep things cool under pressure.

    These updates make the choice tougher between sticking with the Pro for top features or going for the slim and stylish Air. Hardware might be peaking, but Apple seems determined to push the envelope further with these innovations.

  • How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    Fans of both Apple and Samsung often argue about who copied whom. While Apple has faced legal challenges over design, Samsung has been quite open about taking inspiration from Apple, especially with the launch of the Galaxy S25.

    Smart Features Borrowed

    We all know Apple has been slow with its AI developments. While Samsung’s phones are packed with smart AI tools, Apple’s AI features are just starting to roll out and are pretty basic. Still, Samsung couldn’t help but notice Apple’s AI offerings.

    Apple’s AI system can work with ChatGPT and is planning to integrate with Google Gemini. Samsung followed suit, making its AI system work with external chatbots, starting with Google Gemini instead of its own Bixby.

    When you use Samsung’s Gemini, you see a text box with a bright border, much like Siri. It handles both text and voice inputs, and when you highlight text, it shows options very similar to Apple’s text editing tools, allowing you to check spelling or format as a table.

    Samsung also introduced call recording, transcription, and summarization in its phone app, features already familiar to iPhone users with iOS 18. Galaxy S25 users can now search for photos by describing them, summarize web articles, and even turn photos into drawings, much like Apple’s Image Playground.

    For privacy, Samsung’s AI can work offline, similar to Apple’s approach to limit cloud usage.

    User Interface Echoes

    During the Galaxy S25 reveal, Samsung introduced One UI 7. It features the Now Bar, which shows live updates like sports scores or timers, much like Apple’s Live Activities.

    Samsung’s camera updates mimic some iPhone features from months ago, including the ability to record in log format and tweak audio focus. They’ve also adopted a version of Apple’s Photographic Styles, giving users control over image filters and tones.

    Design Similarities

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra looks strikingly similar to the iPhone 16 Pro with its flat edges and rounded corners, moving away from Samsung’s previous curved designs. The top models now use titanium, while cheaper models stick with aluminum.

    Samsung jumped the gun on Apple’s rumored slim iPhone 17 Air with their Galaxy S25 Edge, choosing style over some features like a third camera. The protective cases for the Galaxy are almost identical to Apple’s transparent MagSafe cases.

    Moreover, Samsung’s upcoming VR headset, Project Moohan, seems inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro, even in its interface design.

    Innovation or Imitation?

    While some might see this as copying, Samsung does bring its own twist to these features. Their version of Photographic Styles, for example, allows for more creative control over image composition. However, in the tech world, where both iOS and Android offer similar functionalities, it’s clear that each company builds upon the other’s ideas to enhance user experience.

    Still, perhaps Samsung could aim for a bit more originality next time around.

  • Apple unveils new tool for app purchases

    Apple unveils new tool for app purchases

    Apple recently introduced a new tool that makes it easier for app developers to manage purchases within the App Store. This tool, called the “Enhanced Buying API,” helps developers offer more options for buying things inside apps.

    What Can Developers Do With This Tool?

    • Large Content Libraries: Apps that have lots of items for sale, like books or lessons, can update their content more easily. This means users can buy new items without any hassle.
    • Creator Content: Apps where creators share their work can now let users buy subscriptions or one-time purchases directly linked to their favorite creators or collections.
    • Custom Subscriptions: For apps that offer subscriptions, developers can now add extra features or content, like special channels or local sports updates, which users can choose to add for an extra fee.

    These new features use Apple’s payment system, which handles everything from collecting payments to dealing with taxes, making it simpler for both developers and users.

    Why Now?

    Apple seems to be updating its app store rules, especially after some pushback from developers and regulators, particularly in Europe. This new API is particularly useful for apps that had unique ways of making money, like platforms where artists or writers get paid directly by fans. For example, in 2022, Apple asked Patreon, a site for creators to get paid by fans, to use Apple’s payment system for transactions within their app.

    This move by Apple aims to make the App Store more adaptable to different kinds of apps while keeping the payment process smooth and secure.

  • Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Macworld argues that Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 has taken inspiration from over a dozen iPhone features. From the phone’s sleek, straight-edged design to how its AI assistant displays, Samsung seems to have borrowed quite a bit from Apple.

    Macworld’s Mahmoud Itani highlights this, starting with the AI features. The Galaxy S25 has integrated AI similar to Apple’s, allowing users to connect with third-party chatbots like Google Gemini, just as Apple does with ChatGPT in its system. When activating Gemini on the Galaxy S25, users see a text box with a colorful, glowing border, which looks a lot like Siri’s interface on iPhones. Additionally, the text selection tool in Samsung’s phone mimics Apple’s Writing Tools, offering options to proofread or transform text into tables.

    Itani goes on to mention other features like the ability to record and summarize calls, perform natural language searches in the photo gallery, and a photo editing tool that resembles Apple’s Image Playground. There’s also a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, called the Now Bar, and enhanced audio features for video recording akin to Apple’s cinematic audio.

    9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
    It’s clear that Samsung often looks to Apple for inspiration. Their strategy seems to involve quickly bringing to market features similar to those rumored or leaked for upcoming iPhones, aiming to beat Apple to the punch. However, Apple isn’t innocent of copying either, as both companies tend to adopt similar technologies once they’re mainstream.

    Ultimately, this mutual borrowing is beneficial. The competitive pressure drives each company to innovate and perfect their offerings, leading to better products for consumers.

  • New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    Apple has just introduced new test versions of software updates for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, including both types with Lightning and USB-C charging cases. This update, tagged with the number 7E5067b, is currently available only for developers.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    It’s not yet known what new features or changes this test software brings, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we learn more. For now, if you’re not a developer, your AirPods Pro 2 will stay on the current software version 7B21, and your AirPods 4 on version 7B20, until this test version goes public.

    How Updates Work

    You can’t manually start these software updates on your AirPods; they happen automatically. When your AirPods are in their charging case and connected to an iPhone or Mac, the update can install itself wirelessly.

  • Apple updates CarPlay information, removes 2024 launch date

    Apple updates CarPlay information, removes 2024 launch date

    Apple has recently updated its website, removing the previously mentioned “2024” launch date for the next version of CarPlay. Just over three weeks into 2025, this change hints at a delay without specifying a new launch window.

    The next version of CarPlay was initially teased to come with cars in 2024, but as that didn’t happen, Apple has quietly adjusted its information. The website still talks about the upcoming CarPlay, suggesting it hasn’t been scrapped, but there’s no new timeline for when we might see it.

    It’s not clear who’s behind the delay – Apple, the car companies, or both. We’ve asked Apple for more details.

    Back in 2022, at WWDC, Apple gave us a first look at this advanced CarPlay. It would work closely with the car’s own systems, showing up on multiple screens like the dashboard and control panel. Features include an FM radio app, personalized widgets, and controls for the car’s climate directly from CarPlay, all tailored to match the brand and model of the vehicle.

    Even though the launch has been pushed back, there are signs it might still happen. New code in the latest iOS beta mentions CarPlay, and Apple has recently added new images to an EU database.

    Aston Martin and Porsche had shown off what their instrument clusters might look like with this new CarPlay, but they haven’t put it into use yet. Apple had promised support from a list of car makers including Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, among others, though it’s uncertain if all are still on board.

    Apple’s recent statement reaffirms their commitment to the project:

    “The next CarPlay version is designed to blend Apple’s technology with each car maker’s unique style. We’re working with various car companies to make sure this happens, and they’ll share more when their new models are ready.”

    No new date was given for when we might see this updated CarPlay in action, keeping everyone guessing about its arrival.

  • Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple has launched a fresh update for its test browser, known as Safari Technology Preview, which was introduced back in 2016. This browser lets people try out new features before they’re added to the regular Safari browser.

    Image of Safari Technology Preview Update

    The latest update, version 212, brings several improvements and fixes to various parts of the browser including:

    • User Verification
    • Drawing and Graphics
    • Styling with CSS
    • Web Forms
    • JavaScript
    • Page Loading
    • Network Connections
    • PDF Viewing
    • Visual Display
    • SVG Graphics
    • Text Handling
    • Web APIs
    • Developer Tools

    This version of the test browser works on computers with macOS Sonoma or the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia.

    You can get this update through the Software Update feature in your System Preferences or System Settings if you’ve already installed the browser from Apple’s site. For all the details on what’s changed, check out the update notes on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview page.

    The purpose of Safari Technology Preview is to get input from both users and developers on how to make the browser better. You can use this test browser alongside your regular Safari without needing a special developer account. It’s a great way for anyone to help shape the future of web browsing.

  • New Update for Luminar Photo Editor: Now works with RAW and iCloud on Apple devices

    New Update for Luminar Photo Editor: Now works with RAW and iCloud on Apple devices

    The Luminar Mobile app for photo editing has just added some cool new features. With the latest update, version 2.2, you can now edit RAW images right on your iPhone, iPad, or even the Apple Vision Pro. This is especially handy for Vision Pro users since the device doesn’t have its own photo editing tools in the Photos app. If you’re into editing photos, you’ll want to check this out.

    Here’s what’s new in Luminar Mobile 2.2:

    RAW Image Editing

    Now, you can edit photos from many big camera brands in RAW format. This means you get to use pro-level tools to adjust things like brightness, contrast, and color. You can make your pictures look just how you want with lots of detail.

    Keep Track of Your Changes

    Every edit you make is saved automatically. This way, you can go back to your work whenever you want. It’s like having a history book for your edits, so you can always see what you’ve changed and make further tweaks if needed.

    Sync Your Edits with iCloud

    If you use more than one Apple device, you’ll love this. Now, your edits will sync across your devices using iCloud. Start editing on your phone, and pick up right where you left off on your iPad or another device.

    Better App Design

    The app’s look and feel have been improved based on what users have said. It’s now easier to use, with a nicer layout. For those using an iPad, tools for adjusting color and adding effects are easier to find. There’s also a new button to go back to your original photo if you decide you want to start over.

    This update makes Luminar Mobile a great choice for anyone looking to do more with their photos on Apple devices.

  • What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    Apple is set to roll out the new iOS 18.3 update next week after months of testing. Even though it’s not a huge update, it does bring some cool new features and fixes for iPhone users.

    Changes in Notifications

    Apple has decided to pause its AI-powered news summaries because they’ve been getting some details wrong. In iOS 18.3, you’ll see summarized notifications in italics so they’re easy to spot. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your lock screen. Apple has promised to make these summaries better in future updates.

    New Visual Intelligence Features

    If you’ve got one of the iPhone 16 models, you can enjoy enhanced Visual Intelligence. This feature lets you get instant info about things around you by just holding down the Camera Control button. Now, you can add events to your calendar from posters you see in public, and it can even tell you about different animals or plants. Remember, these features are only for the latest iPhone models.

    Calculator App Gets a Boost

    A handy feature is back in the Calculator app with iOS 18.3. Now, when you hit the equals button twice, it repeats the last calculation, which is super useful for things like figuring out compound interest.

    Maybe Something for Black Unity

    There’s a hint in the tvOS update code about a possible “UNITY25” campaign, suggesting Apple might celebrate Black Unity again this year with new watch bands, faces, or iPhone wallpapers. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but we might hear something soon.

    Bug Fixes and More

    iOS 18.3 also fixes some annoying bugs. For instance, Siri won’t make your keyboard vanish when you try to type a request, and Apple Music will stop playing when you close the app, not after the song ends. There’s also talk about adding support for robot vacuums in the Home app, but that seems to be pushed to a later update.

    This update is shaping up to make your iPhone experience smoother and more useful, especially if you’ve got the latest model. Keep an eye out for the official release next week.

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