Search results for: “ios 16”

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Right now, Apple Intelligence lets Siri pass some questions to ChatGPT for smarter, more detailed answers than Siri can give on its own. During WWDC24, Apple’s software leader, Craig Federighi, hinted in a chat that they’re open to teaming up with other AI systems, like Google Gemini. A fresh leak suggests this teamwork might happen soon.

    A recent update tied to the iOS 18.4 beta shows “Google” and “OpenAI” listed as outside options for Apple Intelligence. This clue comes from code explorer Aaron Perris, who shared it onX. This doesn’t promise Gemini will pop up in iOS 18.4—especially since Apple Intelligence has faced some slowdowns already—but it strongly hints it’s coming eventually. It could land in a later iOS 18 tweak or roll out with iOS 19. Word is, Apple’s also cooking up its own chatty Siri upgrade for iOS 19.

    Google just dropped some shiny new Gemini 2.0 models, including one built for better reasoning. These might soon show up on iPhones, at least if you’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, or the upcoming iPhone 16e. In short, Apple’s gearing up to mix Google’s brainpower into its tech, giving users more ways to get sharp answers straight from their phones. Stay tuned—big things could be on the way!

  • Visual Intelligence coming soon to iPhone 15 Pro with a future update

    Visual Intelligence coming soon to iPhone 15 Pro with a future update

    Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, and it comes with a cool feature called Visual Intelligence, even though it doesn’t have a Camera Control button. Excitingly, Apple has now shared that this same feature will also arrive on the iPhone 15 Pro through an upcoming software update.

    What is Visual Intelligence?

    With Visual Intelligence, iPhone 16 users can point their camera at things around them—like objects or places—and get helpful info. It can summarize written words, read them aloud, translate languages, search Google for items, or even chat with ChatGPT. Pretty neat, right?

    On the iPhone 16, this feature normally starts with a special Camera Control button. People thought that button was a must-have to use it. But the new iPhone 16e skips that button entirely. Instead, users can turn on Visual Intelligence using the Action button or through the Control Center.

    Apple has now told John Gruber from Daring Fireball that iPhone 15 Pro owners will get Visual Intelligence too, thanks to a future update. Since the iPhone 15 Pro also lacks the Camera Control button, Apple says you’ll be able to launch it from the Control Center or the Action button once the update arrives.

    When Will It Happen?

    Apple hasn’t said exactly which update will bring this feature to the iPhone 15 Pro. They didn’t confirm if it’s iOS 18.4, which is currently in testing and expected to roll out soon. However, since the iPhone 16e hits stores on February 28, iOS 18.4 feels like a strong guess. After the iPhone 16e launch, Apple updated its website, hinting that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in early April. So, iPhone 15 Pro users might not have to wait too long to try out this awesome feature themselves!

  • 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!

  • How Apple fixed my main worry about the iPhone 17 Air

    How Apple fixed my main worry about the iPhone 17 Air

    Apple’s new iPhone 16e is pretty impressive, but it’s not the phone I’m most excited about. That honor goes to the iPhone 17 Air, coming this fall. Today’s news about the 16e has eased my biggest fear about the 17 Air: its battery life.

    This fall, Apple will likely roll out four new iPhones:

    • iPhone 17
    • iPhone 17 Air
    • iPhone 17 Pro
    • iPhone 17 Pro Max

    This lineup is mostly what we’re used to, except the “Plus” model is gone. Instead, we’re getting the iPhone 17 Air. The 17 Air will be super slim, just 5.5mm thick—the thinnest iPhone ever. It’s all about looking sleek, but that comes with some trade-offs. For example, it’ll have only one back camera instead of three and a regular A19 chip, not the fancier A19 Pro.

    For me, though, the real worry was the battery. Apple’s top phones, like the Pro and Pro Max, have amazing battery life now. I never even think about charging them. But with the 17 Air’s thin build, I was afraid the battery would suffer—until today’s update changed my mind.

    The C1 Modem Saves the Day

    Apple’s iPhone 16e launch showed off some cool stuff, including the new C1 modem. This 5G modem, built by Apple, has been in the works for years. We knew it might show up in the 16e, but its perks were a mystery until now.

    Here’s what Apple said in their announcement:

    The C1 modem is Apple’s first-ever modem. It’s the most power-saving modem ever in an iPhone, offering fast 5G while keeping your battery going strong. With Apple’s tech, a fresh design, and iOS 18’s smart power tricks, battery life is better than ever.

    The C1 really boosts battery life. In fact, the 16e lasts longer than the pricier iPhone 16, beating it in this one big way.

    Good News for the iPhone 17 Air

    Reports say the C1 modem will also be in the iPhone 17 Air. That’s Apple’s clever fix for the battery downsides of its slim design. It won’t match the Pro models, but if it’s close to the regular iPhone 17, I’ll be happy. Battery life matters a lot to iPhone fans. Thanks to the C1 modem, I’m now confident the iPhone 17 Air will keep up without running out of juice too fast.

  • Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple introduces ‘C1’ – its first custom 5G modem for iPhones

    Apple has just revealed its debut custom 5G modem, named “C1”, which will first appear in the brand-new iPhone 16e. The C1 modem plays a key role in enhancing the iPhone 16e’s battery life, making it last longer than any other iPhone with a similar 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.

    By integrating the advantages of Apple’s own silicon technology, the C1 modem stands out as both the first modem Apple made itself and the most energy-saving modem ever used in an iPhone, providing swift and dependable 5G service. The combination of Apple’s silicon, including the C1, the iPhone’s new internal layout, and the smart energy management of iOS 18, leads to an impressive battery performance.

    It’s worth noting that the C1 modem is exclusive to the iPhone 16e; other iPhones still rely on modems from Qualcomm. This step is similar to when Apple switched from Intel processors to its own chips, showing Apple’s strategy to lessen its dependence on external suppliers like Qualcomm for crucial components.

  • 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.

  • Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    The Apple Vision Pro, which just celebrated its first birthday, might soon receive one of its largest updates yet, and you won’t need to buy new hardware to enjoy it. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence, which was initially rolled out for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Until now, this suite of AI features was exclusive to models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, various iPad models with M-series chips, and the latest Macs.

    However, there was no mention of Apple Vision Pro getting these AI enhancements in previous updates. The Vision Pro, powered by Apple’s second-generation M-series chip, has been somewhat left out until now. But that could change.

    Recent whispers from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg hint that Apple might extend Apple Intelligence to the current Vision Pro models. This is exciting news for those who’ve invested in the $3,500 headset, offering new capabilities without the need for an upgrade.

    This rumor comes as a relief, especially after reports suggested that some new Siri features with Apple Intelligence might miss the iOS 18.4 release. Keep an eye out for more updates from Apple in the coming days, including a new product launch scheduled for this Wednesday.

    Top Apple Accessories You Might Love

    • Wireless CarPlay Adapter
    • iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack
    • USB-C Charger for iPhone
    • Apple AirTag for Tracking
    • AirPods 4 for Music Lovers
    • AirPods Pro 2 for Enhanced Audio Experience
    • Apple Pencil Pro for Creatives

    Stay tuned for how these developments could enhance your Apple experience!

  • Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Some people are noticing that Apple’s recent software updates are turning Apple Intelligence back on, even if they had turned it off before.

    If you’ve missed it, Apple released updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, iOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 18.3.1, which include important security updates everyone should install. However, after these updates, some users, including software developer Jeff Johnson, have reported that their devices, especially those showing a Welcome screen after the update, are automatically enabling Apple Intelligence again.

    In our tests, devices like the M4 Pro Mac mini, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and M4 iPad Pro showed different behaviors. The iPhones and iPad kept Apple Intelligence off, but the Mac mini re-enabled it after the update. It seems the key is whether you see a Welcome screen for Apple Intelligence, which doesn’t give you an option to set it up later, forcing you to enable it.

    This automatic reactivation is a worry for those who want control over their device settings, especially since Apple Intelligence needs up to 7GB of storage to work. This space is used for keeping AI models on your device for privacy-focused processing. In previous updates, Apple made Apple Intelligence an opt-out feature, meaning it’s on by default.

    If you want to keep Apple Intelligence off, you should check your settings after updating. On your iPhone or iPad, look in Settings under “Apple Intelligence & Siri.” On a Mac, go to System Settings and check the same place. Have you updated recently? Share your experience in the comments.

    In other news, Apple reportedly decided not to partner with DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, for its Apple Intelligence features. DeepSeek made headlines for creating AI models that are less expensive and use less power, but privacy concerns led to bans on government devices in some countries. Apple needed a local partner for China, looked at several, but seems to be moving forward with Alibaba after initial talks with Baidu didn’t work out. They’ve even submitted a first batch of AI features to China’s regulators for approval.

    Apple also plans to add Chinese language support to Apple Intelligence in an upcoming April update, but this might only apply outside of China until they get the green light there.

    Source/Via

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.