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Search results for: “ios”

  • New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    Apple Notes received some exciting updates with iOS 18 last year, including features like sections that can be folded away, highlighting in different colors, and even recording audio with text transcripts. But there’s one new feature that I’ve been wishing for, which has made a difference for those who use Notes a lot.

    Quick Note Switching in iOS 18

    I’ve got over 2,500 notes stored in Apple Notes. As someone who uses this app daily, I’ve always found one issue annoying: moving from one note to another.

    Usually, it’s not a big deal, but when I need to toggle between a couple of notes quickly, things can get a bit slow. With all those notes, my app is organized into lots of folders and sub-folders, making the task of jumping from one note to another quite a hassle.

    Thankfully, iOS 18 brought a fix for this problem, especially handy for avid Notes users.

    The Recent Notes Feature in Apple Notes

    There’s now a new option in the top-right corner of the Notes app under a three-dot menu, named ‘Recent Notes’. This menu lists the last 10 notes you’ve looked at on your device. You can simply tap on any note in this list to switch to it without having to dig through your folders. This simple addition has transformed how I move between notes, making it much faster and less frustrating.

    While I would appreciate if Apple could make this process even quicker, maybe with one less tap, the change in iOS 18 is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s made my experience with Apple Notes significantly better.

  • Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple is gearing up to introduce a new tool called ‘Party Planner’ with the upcoming iOS 18.3 update for the Calendar app. Here’s how it might stand out from other apps:

    What is ‘Party Planner’?

    This weekend, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg hinted that Apple could release ‘Party Planner’ very soon. He explained:

    The name suggests it’s a fun way to invite friends to hangouts, parties, and work meetings. Apple has wanted to freshen up its calendar app for a while, and this might just be the start of something big. Filipe Espósito, another writer, first spotted this feature in the iOS 18.3 code, hinting at an ‘Invites’ app. It seems Apple is almost ready to launch this new service, which will blend into the Calendar app and might even work with iMessage.

    Three Ways ‘Party Planner’ Could Be Better

    • No Cost, No Ads: Over the years, I’ve tried many scheduling tools, but none were both free and without ads. It makes sense because companies need to make money. For example, Fantastical has cool features, but you pay for them. Doodle is free, but has ads. Since Apple earns most of its money from selling devices, offering ‘Party Planner’ for free is a smart move.
      Easy Calendar Management: ‘Party Planner’ will work with the Calendar app’s ability to handle different calendars all in one place – like Google, Microsoft, or iCloud. This means you can use multiple calendars without switching apps, making life easier for anyone juggling various scheduling systems.
      Photo Sharing Made Simple: After events, sharing photos can be a hassle. People might use AirDrop or set up shared albums, but there’s no easy standard. ‘Party Planner’ could solve this by integrating with the Photos app, allowing event attendees to share pictures directly from the event in the calendar. Maybe there could even be reminders to share photos the day after an event.

    Wrapping Up

    Apple’s Calendar app has been pretty basic for a long time, but with ‘Party Planner’, things are looking up. This feature, combined with new looks and smart features in iOS 18, could make organizing events on your iPhone easier and more fun.

  • EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    In Europe, a new law called the Digital Markets Act lets developers share iOS apps through other app stores, not just Apple’s. This means that for the first time, you can download a special adult app on your iPhone in the EU.

    The app, named Hot Tub, is available on the AltStore PAL, which is like a different app store made by developer Riley Testut. Hot Tub provides a safe and private way to watch adult videos, with no ads or tracking. It’s described as “An elegant, native porn app. Thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and free to use.” Users can look for and watch videos from places like Pornhub and Xvideos right from the app.

    Apple has strict rules against adult content in its App Store in many countries, including the U.S. and the EU. However, with the new EU law, apps like Hot Tub can exist outside of Apple’s control.

    Apple still checks these apps from other stores for harmful software, but they don’t control what kind of content is allowed. This means other types of content like hate speech or adult materials can appear in these alternative app stores.

    Phil Schiller from Apple mentioned in early 2024 that they usually try to keep certain content off the App Store or allow users to choose for themselves. But these controls don’t apply to apps in other marketplaces unless those marketplaces set their own rules.

    AltStore was among the first new app stores to appear in the EU after Apple changed its rules to follow the EU’s new law. These alternative stores have to pay a small fee for each app download, but thanks to a special grant from Epic Games, AltStore doesn’t charge users to download it anymore.

    Hot Tub might need to pay Apple a fee if it gets many downloads or makes a lot of money. It’s free to use, but there’s also a paid version. Apple’s rule from May 2024 says smaller apps don’t pay this fee for the first three years if they make less than 10 million euros annually.

    Right now, Hot Tub is in testing mode and only available in the EU. People in the U.S. can’t download it because they can’t get apps from outside Apple’s App Store.

    Source

  • Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Why new iPhone owners love Apple’s AI

    Apple announced the iPhone 16 as the first model designed specifically for Apple’s AI features. But until they shared how many phones they sold, we weren’t sure if people would care. Now, it’s pretty clear they do.

    iPhone 16 is Doing Great with AI

    Last week, Apple reported their biggest earnings ever, with revenues hitting $124.3 billion. When you look closer, you see that their main products – iPhone, iPad, and Mac – are selling well. iPads and Macs did particularly well, maybe because of AI, or maybe not. The iPhone 16 didn’t sell as much as last year’s model but still did quite well.

    Here’s why it’s good news:

    Tim Cook said that the iPhone 16 is selling better than the iPhone 15. This is a big deal. What’s even more telling is that the iPhone 16 sells better in places where Apple’s AI features are available. Right now, these features aren’t available in Europe or China. And China is where the iPhone isn’t doing as well, showing that AI might be a key factor.

    What Does This All Mean?

    It looks like Apple’s AI story is hitting the mark, at least for now. Apple can celebrate the iPhone’s success, but making their AI even better is the next big challenge.

    Is Apple Intelligence Really That Good?

    Even if you’re not sure if Apple’s AI features are impressive, people are paying more to get the AI-focused iPhone 16 than they did for previous models. The places where AI isn’t available are facing temporary sales issues, which could mean big opportunities for Apple in the future. So, it’s a win for Apple’s AI, a win for iPhone sales, but the next big question is: will people keep loving the AI once they start using it?

    How will customers feel about it?

    We’ll get some answers with the updates coming in iOS 18.4, but the real test will be with the launch of iOS 19 in June.

  • Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    If you’re a Mac or iPhone user with a Microsoft 365 subscription, there’s some news you should know. Microsoft has announced that the Defender VPN service will stop working at the end of February 2025. According to a support document from Microsoft, they haven’t given a clear reason, but it looks like not many people were using this feature.

    The document states, “The privacy protection (VPN) feature within Defender will no longer be available after February 28, 2025. We regularly check how our features are used and how well they work. We’ve decided to stop this feature to focus on new areas that will better meet what our customers need.” This change was first noticed by the site Windows Latest.

    For those who don’t know, Microsoft Defender VPN was not widely known because it was only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and some US territories. It didn’t expand to other countries.

    Although it provided some privacy protection, it wasn’t helpful for those wanting to access content from different countries, like watching videos not available in their region. This is because, unlike other VPNs like NordVPN, you couldn’t pick which server to connect to; it automatically chose one near your location.

    Source

  • Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

    We’ve had a quiet start to 2025 with Apple products, with the only big news being the launch of the Black Unity Sport Loop. But spring is just around the corner, and Apple is gearing up to release five significant new gadgets.

    New iPhone SE

    The iPhone SE is set for its most substantial update since its introduction in 2016. This new model, possibly named the iPhone 16E, will ditch the home button for a modern look like the iPhone 14. It will also be the first iPhone to use Apple’s modem instead of Qualcomm’s, and it will switch to a USB-C port. This could be a game-changer for budget iPhone users.

    New iPad

    The entry-level iPad, which hasn’t been updated in over two years, is expected to get a boost with support for Apple Intelligence. Featuring the A17 Pro chip, this update will keep the same look but enhance performance significantly.

    M4 MacBook Air

    The MacBook Air is getting a minor update with the new M4 chip. While there won’t be many changes beyond this new processor, it might come sooner than expected, possibly before spring. This could mean faster and more efficient computing for users.

    Updated iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an update, adopting the M3 chip. Alongside, there might be a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, enhancing its usability as a laptop alternative.

    Apple’s New Smart Home Display

    Apple is entering the smart home market with a new display product, tentatively called ‘HomePad’. This device will have a 7-inch screen, can be mounted on a wall or attached to speakers, and will integrate with Apple Intelligence for smarter home control.

    Wrapping Up

    Beyond these, an updated AirTag with a new ultra-wideband chip is on the horizon. However, updates for products like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro won’t arrive until mid-2025. Additionally, iOS 18.4 is expected in spring, introducing the last of the new Apple Intelligence features from WWDC24, including an improved Siri. These updates promise to make spring 2025 an exciting time for Apple fans looking for both performance and design enhancements.

  • Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

    This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

    Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

    We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

  • New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    Are you tired of hearing about DeepSeek? This popular chatbot from China has taken over tech news and even topped the App Store charts. But with fame comes risk, as it’s now linked to scams, phishing, and dangerous software for Mac users. Here’s what you need to know.

    Welcome to our weekly security update, where we talk about keeping your Apple devices safe amidst the latest threats.

    Scams and Fake Apps

    Cyble, a well-known cybersecurity company, has been tracking various scams that use DeepSeek’s popularity. Scammers are tricking people into scanning QR codes for fake crypto deals or offering fake investments. There are also fake DeepSeek apps for Mac that look real, but the catch is, there’s no official DeepSeek app for Mac.

    Malware Alert

    The latest scam involves spreading AMOS, a notorious type of Mac malware, disguised as a DeepSeek app. AMOS, written in Swift, can work on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. Hackers charge $1,000 a month to use this malware, which communicates with a cybercriminal’s server to steal your personal data like passwords, credit card details, and more.

    How It Works

    Here’s how you might get tricked:

    • You download a fake DeepSeek app from a website or an email.
    • The scammer tells you to open Terminal and drag a file into it.
    • What looks like a safe file actually runs harmful scripts, putting your Mac at risk.

    Protecting Yourself

    With macOS Sequoia, Apple made it harder for unsigned apps to run, but hackers have found ways around this by using Terminal. Remember, DeepSeek only has apps for iOS and Android, so any Mac version you see is not legitimate. Also, avoid using DeepSeek altogether because of privacy issues; in China, laws allow for extensive data access and censorship.

    Your Thoughts?

    Are you concerned about DeepSeek’s privacy issues? Share your thoughts with us.

    Stay safe out there, and keep your devices secure by being wary of what you download and where it comes from.

    For more on Apple security:

    • DeepSeek has raised privacy alarms, leading to investigations in the US and Europe, with the app already removed from Italy’s App Store.
    • Security flaws named SLAP and FLOP could expose your web tabs on Apple devices.
    • A court has put limits on how much data the FBI can search from tech companies under FISA.
    • Google Ads are still being used by hackers, despite Google’s advanced tech and resources.

    Stay informed and stay safe!

  • Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple CEO Tim Cook shared some exciting news during the company’s latest earnings report. In April, Apple Intelligence will start supporting eight new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

    This update, expected with iOS 18.4, will also include tailored English support for people in India and Singapore. Until now, Apple Intelligence has only been available in English-speaking countries like the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    Cook highlighted how crucial these features are, saying, “Once you begin using them, it’s hard to go back.” He pointed out the email summary feature as a standout, noting that he uses it every day to sift through his numerous emails.

    Apple Intelligence has been rolling out new tools since iOS 18.1, but its language options have somewhat limited its worldwide use. This expansion aims to make these helpful features accessible to a broader audience, enhancing user experience across different regions.

  • Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple announced today that it now has more people using its devices worldwide than ever before. However, the speed at which new users are joining has decreased from last year.

    Currently, there are 2.35 billion Apple devices in active use around the globe. This number shows growth from last year when Apple reported 2.2 billion devices in February 2024. This year, the growth was 6.8%, which means Apple added 150 million more devices.

    Back in January 2023, Apple celebrated having over 2 billion active devices for the first time. Between 2023 and 2024, they managed to increase this by 200 million devices, which was a 10% growth.

    Apple is looking forward to more growth, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence in China. This is planned for April, when the new iOS 18.4 update will support Simplified Chinese and other languages.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, mentioned that the sales of the iPhone 16 have been better than those of the iPhone 15 in places where Apple Intelligence is already available. This shows that new features are still attracting customers, even if the overall growth rate has slowed down.

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