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  • Apple pushes new Siri features to iOS 19 after delay

    Apple pushes new Siri features to iOS 19 after delay

    Apple recently shared some news that has left fans waiting longer for exciting Siri upgrades. The company said it needs more time to finish some cool new features for Siri, part of its Apple Intelligence plans. It now looks like these updates won’t arrive until iOS 19, instead of the current iOS 18.

    In a short statement, Apple explained that Siri has already improved a lot in the last six months. It can chat better, answer questions about products, and even connect with ChatGPT. But the bigger changes—like making Siri smarter about your stuff and helping with tasks across apps—are taking longer to get right. Apple hinted these might roll out “in the coming year,” which could mean anytime in the next 12 months or as late as 2026.

    This vague timeline has sparked guesses. Some think “the coming year” ties to Apple’s big WWDC event in mid-2025, pointing to an iOS 19 launch in September 2025 with new iPhones. Others, including tech writer John Gruber, agree this sounds like a shift to iOS 19. News outlets like Reuters and CNBC even reported a 2026 delay, and Apple hasn’t corrected them, making the iOS 19 theory stronger.

    These delayed features were first shown at WWDC 2024, with hopes they’d hit iOS 18—maybe in updates like iOS 18.4. Now, it seems they’re set for iOS 19, or perhaps a later tweak like iOS 19.2. The upgrades promise a Siri that remembers your emails, photos, and more, plus better app control.

    Apple also pulled an ad for the iPhone 16 that showed off this unreleased Siri skill. In it, actor Bella Ramsey asked Siri to recall a name from a past meeting, and Siri nailed it fast. But with the delay confirmed, Apple quietly removed the ad from YouTube. Two other ads about email and photo features are still up, though.

    The wait might stretch further. Some insiders, like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, say these Siri tools could slip to 2026 or even get reworked entirely. For now, Apple’s keeping things flexible, but fans are eager for a smarter Siri—whenever it arrives.

  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • This handy Apple Notes tricks makes jotting down ideas a breeze

    This handy Apple Notes tricks makes jotting down ideas a breeze

    Whether you use Apple Notes a lot or just now and then, you might not have noticed a cool new tool that came with iOS 18. It’s all about making note-taking super simple. With the ability to record audio, plus get transcripts and short summaries, Apple Notes has become a go-to for saving thoughts on your iPhone, iPad, or other devices.

    Audio Recordings and Transcripts Do the Hard Work for You

    Apple Notes has come a long way from its early days.

    • Back then, it was just a basic app for typing simple stuff. But with regular updates, it’s turned into a handy, feature-filled tool.
    • One new thing in iOS 18 stands out, even though Apple doesn’t make a big fuss about it.
    • When you’re in a note, tap the attachment button on the toolbar, and you’ll spot a ‘Record Audio’ option.
    • This lets you easily record things like a work meeting, a school lecture, or even your voice memos.
    • Once you’re done, the recording sits right in the note alongside your text, pictures, or doodles.
    • What makes this feature extra awesome is the transcription part.
    • With iOS 18, Apple Notes can turn your recording into written words—sometimes even as you’re still recording.
    • And it gets better! If your device works with AI, you’ll also get a quick summary of what was said, thanks to Apple Intelligence.

    In short, Apple Notes now handles everything for you:

    • It records the audio from your meeting or class.
    • It gives you a transcript to check later.
    • It sums up the key points in a snap.

    No more scrambling to type every word during a busy session. This little trick takes the stress out of note-taking and keeps everything neat and easy to find.

  • Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode, a company known for its easy-to-use smart home security system that works with Apple’s HomeKit, just rolled out a fresh app for Apple TV. This brings all their security tools and smart home controls right to your TV screen. I’ve been using Abode’s setup for over four years and really love what they offer.

    With this new app, Abode users can turn their security system on or off, watch live video from up to four Abode cameras, and look back at saved clips—all without leaving the sofa. The app’s look and feel match the one on your iPhone, so it’s super simple to use and manage your gadgets without digging for your phone.

    One cool perk comes with Abode’s 24/7 recording option. If you’ve got it turned on, you can scroll through hours of video or skip to important moments right on your Apple TV. So, if a motion alert pops up during your favorite show, you can check it out instantly—no iPhone needed. Plus, if you use Abode CUE for smart home tricks, you can tweak certain devices straight from the app’s main screen.

    As an Abode user myself, I love how this app lets you check your security from almost any device—iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and now your TV. The design stays the same across all these, which keeps things familiar. The Apple TV app store doesn’t get many new apps beyond streaming ones, so it’s exciting to see Abode step up with something fresh.

    Abode plays nicely with HomeKit too. You can control the system through Apple’s Home app, but the real win is how Abode’s sensors—like ones for doors, windows, or motion—work as HomeKit devices. This lets you add them to HomeKit scenes and automations for extra convenience. Want to know more? Check out Abode’s blog about their new Apple TV app (and an updated Google TV one too), or grab an Abode starter kit on Amazon.

  • Apple’s big foldable phone: Coming Soon?

    Apple’s big foldable phone: Coming Soon?

    People who watch Apple closely are saying something interesting: Apple might be making a phone that folds open like a book. This isn’t just a rumor; a well-known analyst, someone who knows a lot about Apple’s plans, believes it’s happening.

    This foldable phone is expected to be big, like a small tablet, when you open it up. Imagine a regular phone, but you can unfold it to get a much larger screen! That’s the idea. Now, it’s not going to happen tomorrow. The people who know about this think we won’t see this foldable iPhone until 2025. That’s a while away, but it means Apple is working on something big.

    Why is this exciting? Well, foldable phones are a new type of gadget. They let you have a big screen in a smaller, easier-to-carry device. Apple is known for making things that are easy to use and look good, so if they make a foldable phone, it could be cool.

    Of course, things can change. Plans can change, and Apple might decide to do something different. But right now, it looks like a big foldable iPhone is on the way. What does this mean for us? It means we might have a new way to use our phones in the future.

    We might watch videos, read books, or play games on a big screen that fits in our pocket. And because it’s Apple, it’s likely to be something special. So, keep your eyes open. In a couple of years, we might see Apple’s version of a foldable phone, and it could change how we use our devices.

    Source

  • SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot, the company behind my go-to Find My wallet tracker, has just released an exciting new product: the SwitchBot Roller Shade. These smart blinds bring affordable and flexible window solutions to your home.

    The Roller Shade stands out as one of the lower-cost smart blinds you can buy. Plus, it comes with an adjustable bar that fits window widths from 22.8 to 72.8 inches. While you’ll need to trim the fabric, the shade’s box slides in and out for a perfect fit—no need to stress about exact measurements before buying.

    Want to refresh your room’s look? You can swap out the shade fabric easily to match your style. You might even reuse your existing curtains and just add the motor part to turn them into smart blinds.

    If you own a SwitchBot Hub 2, these shades connect to the Apple Home app through Matter support. (Note: The hub is a must—they don’t work with Matter on their own.) Once linked, you can use the Apple Home app or Siri on your iPhone, HomePod, or other Apple devices to control them. A handy slider lets you set how far the shade rolls down, and you can add them to automations—like raising them at sunrise or lowering them at night.

    The shades come with a built-in battery that lasts up to eight months per charge, making them fully wireless. Or, for a hands-off option, attach a solar panel to keep them powered without ever plugging in. Visit SwitchBot’s website for more details. Priced at $199, these shades are a steal in the smart home world, especially with a discount of over $70 available online right now. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to upgrade your windows with smart tech!

  • Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple has just rolled out the second test versions of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—for people who want to try them early. These public test versions let users check out new tools and features before they’re officially available. They arrived just a day after Apple shared the updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone and iPad

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates through the Settings app on their devices. You just need to join the testing group on Apple’s website first. The updates bring some cool stuff for iPhone and iPad users. There’s a feature called Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, which puts your most urgent alerts at the top. Plus, there’s a fun new Sketch option in Image Playground for all Apple Intelligence devices.

    For those who love food and news, Apple News+ subscribers get a fresh Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating ideas. You’ll also find a relaxing Ambient Music option in the Control Center. And now, iPad and Mac users can enjoy Mail Categorization, a handy tool that was once only on the iPhone.

    More Goodies in the Second Test Version

    The second test round adds new emoji characters to play with and introduces the Vision Pro app for iPhone users. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners also get Visual Intelligence, making the update even sweeter. Want to know everything these updates offer? Check out our simple iOS 18.4 features guide for the full scoop. With these test versions, Apple is letting everyday users help shape the future of its software—pretty exciting, right?

  • Apple resists UK’s push for iCloud access

    Apple resists UK’s push for iCloud access

    Apple has taken a bold step by filing a legal challenge with the UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal. This move aims to block the UK government’s request for secret access to private iCloud data, according to the Financial Times.

    iCloud Privacy vs. UK Rules

    Earlier this year, the UK demanded that Apple create a hidden way—called a backdoor—to access encrypted information stored in iCloud by users around the world. The UK based this order on its Investigatory Powers Act. Apple, however, refused to follow through. Instead, it pulled a security feature called Advanced Data Protection from the UK. This tool gives iPhone, iPad, and Mac users strong encryption for their iCloud files, keeping them private.

    Apple is ready to stand firm against the UK to safeguard user privacy. The legal fight it started could be reviewed in court as early as this month. Due to strict UK laws, Apple can’t openly talk about the government’s order, so the case might happen quietly, out of the public eye.

    What’s at Stake?

    Apple has warned before that it would rather stop offering some iCloud services in the UK than weaken its security. For now, it’s only removed Advanced Data Protection, but other popular tools like FaceTime and iMessage could also disappear if the UK keeps pushing. The government says it needs this access to tackle terrorism and child abuse cases.

    Apple has a history of resisting such demands. Back in 2016, it fought the U.S. government when asked to unlock an iPhone tied to a shooting in San Bernardino, California. After a big legal clash, Apple held its ground. Interestingly, the U.S. now supports strong encryption to shield users from foreign cyber threats.

    A Bigger Picture

    The U.S. is also checking if the UK’s request breaks the CLOUD Act, a law that stops the UK from seeking data on American users—and the other way around. This could spark more tension between the two nations over privacy rules.

  • Apple beats lawsuit over iCloud storage pricing

    Apple beats lawsuit over iCloud storage pricing

    For many iPhone users, iCloud storage is a tricky topic. The free 5GB plan often feels too small, but paying monthly for extra space isn’t everyone’s favorite choice. Recently, Apple faced a lawsuit in the US about how it handles iCloud pricing, but a judge threw the case out.

    Judge Tosses Out Claims Against Apple

    According to Mike Scarcella at Reuters, a lawsuit accusing Apple of unfairly controlling the digital storage market and overcharging for iCloud was dismissed. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee in San Jose, California, ruled that the people suing Apple didn’t prove the company broke any federal or state competition laws. She did, however, give them a chance to rewrite and resubmit their case.

    The lawsuit claimed Apple forced iPhone users into using iCloud by making it the only option for backing up important data, like device settings. The people suing said this gave Apple too much control, letting it charge higher prices for storage. Apple strongly disagreed with these accusations.

    Why the Case Didn’t Hold Up

    Judge Lee wasn’t convinced by the arguments. She pointed out that if Apple’s prices were so high, other companies would jump in to offer cheaper options and steal customers. She also said there’s no proof that users have to buy iCloud storage or that Apple unfairly dominates the cloud storage world.

    What This Means

    From my view, this ruling suggests Apple’s iCloud plans—like the free 5GB tier and the paid options—aren’t going anywhere soon. The company came out on top this time, and unless the lawsuit gets a major redo, things will likely stay the same for iPhone users.

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