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  • New Beats earbuds to get immediate software update

    New Beats earbuds to get immediate software update

    Apple’s latest earbuds, the Beats Pro 2, will come with an immediate software update immediately. The earbuds will start with the 7B15 firmware, but a new update, version 7B24, is already available.

    While specifics on the update aren’t detailed yet, the Beats Pro 2 introduces new features like heart rate tracking, which is a first for Apple’s earbuds. They use small LED lights to check your heart rate by sensing the blood flow in your ears.

    In addition to heart rate tracking, these earbuds offer noise cancellation, personalized sound positioning, and enhanced audio thanks to a new sound system and Apple’s H2 chip for better connection.

    Design-wise, the Beats Pro 2 has a much smaller ear hook, now 50% less than the original, comes with more choices for ear tips, are 20% lighter, and have a sleeker charging case that lasts longer.

    To update the firmware, just connect the earbuds to a power source while they’re near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. On an iPhone, you can check for updates by going into Settings, then Bluetooth, and clicking on the Beats icon. Android users will need the Beats app to get these updates.

    You can pre-order the Beats Pro 2 from Apple’s site starting today, with an official release date set for this Thursday, February 13. They’re priced at $250.

  • New iPads and MacBooks coming soon

    New iPads and MacBooks coming soon

    Apple’s suppliers are getting ready for the release of new versions of the iPad Air, MacBook Air, and a basic iPad model.

    According to a report from DigiTimes, the supply chain started sending out these new devices in December. While we don’t know the exact date they’ll be available, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said these new gadgets will hit the market by March or April 2025, possibly even sooner. Gurman also mentioned that a new iPhone SE might be announced this week.

    A report from a Taiwanese publication, which requires a subscription to read, hinted that these new devices will switch to chips made by Apple. Since Apple already designs its own chips for Macs and iPads, this might mean they’re talking about a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, Gurman had previously mentioned that this change might not happen until 2026.

    Gurman also noted that Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip will support Wi-Fi 6E. It’s not clear yet if this will make much difference for users compared to the current Wi-Fi chips from Broadcom. The main advantage could be in how much battery it uses.

    The new MacBook Airs, coming in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, are expected to use the M4 chip. The iPad Air might get the M3 chip, and the basic iPad 11 could either have the A16 chip or the A17 Pro chip. Apart from these chip updates, there aren’t expected to be many other big changes to these devices.

    Source

  • New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    There are more hints that a new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, might be released very soon. Someone with a private account on X shared some codes that show the MacBook Air will have this new chip. The insider info suggests that both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs will feature Apple’s “T8132” chip, which is another name for the M4.

    Back in December, Apple accidentally let slip some details about these new MacBook Airs when they updated macOS Sequoia 15.2. The update included files for new machines labeled as “MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)” and “MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025).”

    Since that slip-up, we’ve been waiting eagerly for the launch. There’s no exact date yet, but Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned that the current stock of M3 MacBook Airs is running low, which often means a new model is just around the corner.

    Apple is also set to launch the new iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2 possibly tomorrow, so the MacBook Air might follow not long after, likely within the next few weeks.

  • New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    We might see the first beta version of Apple’s next big update, iOS 18.4, as early as next week. This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

    What to Expect Next Week

    Next week will be action-packed with the release of Apple’s new Powerbeats with heart rate sensors and the iPhone SE 4. Despite this busy schedule, the iOS 18.4 beta could still appear on February 12 or 13. If Apple decides to wait, the update might come out on February 18, since February 17 is Presidents’ Day, a holiday in the U.S.

    Release Schedule

    Usually, Apple rolls out new betas after software updates, but there’s been a bit of a wait since iOS 18.3, which was released 11 days ago on January 27. We’ll reach the two-week mark on February 10, but Apple sometimes takes longer between updates, especially when they’re packed with new features.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Rumors are swirling that iOS 18.4 will introduce significant updates to Siri, focusing on what Apple calls “Apple Intelligence”. This includes making Siri more aware of what’s on your screen, understanding your personal context, and improving how it works within and across different apps. Given Siri’s past challenges with performance and accuracy, Apple is likely taking extra care with these enhancements.

    More Features

    Besides Siri improvements, the update might include new emojis, changes to default apps in the European Union, and the expansion of Apple Intelligence features to more languages and countries. Apple has already mentioned plans to broaden Apple Intelligence to additional countries in an April update, so we expect iOS 18.4 to be in beta testing until March, setting the stage for a full launch in April.

    This update promises to be a significant step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system, enhancing user interaction and expanding its global reach.

    Source

  • Apple Changes How You Can Buy AppleCare+: Now favors subscriptions

    Apple Changes How You Can Buy AppleCare+: Now favors subscriptions

    Apple has recently updated its AppleCare+ program, shifting the way customers can purchase protection for their devices. According to reports from tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is moving away from one-time payment options for AppleCare+ when you buy it in stores or directly from your device.

    Now, if you want AppleCare+ for your iPhone or other Apple products, you’ll mostly have to opt for a subscription plan that charges you either monthly or yearly. For instance, for an iPhone 16 Pro, a monthly subscription would cost you $13.99, while the previous option to pay $269 for two years upfront is no longer available in physical stores or through the device’s settings.

    Apple’s customer service representatives are now telling customers that this switch to subscriptions helps reduce the initial cost of protection and makes sure there’s no break in coverage. This change also pushes customers towards the more comprehensive Theft and Loss plans, where you can replace a lost device for a fee.

    From now on, the primary way to get AppleCare+ is through these subscription models. However, there’s a small exception: if you’re buying your product online from the Apple Store, you can still choose to pay for AppleCare+ in one go during the checkout process.

    For those looking at annual subscriptions, there’s a bit of a saving. For example, AppleCare+ for the Vision Pro can be $24.99 per month or $249 if you pay for the whole year.

    So, if you prefer not to deal with monthly or yearly payments, your only option is to purchase your device and AppleCare+ together online. Otherwise, in physical Apple Stores or via your device’s settings, subscriptions are the way to go.

  • How China rescued Apple but now controls its future

    How China rescued Apple but now controls its future

    A new book titled “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” is set to reveal how a clever decision made back in 1996 has now put the tech giant at the mercy of an authoritarian government. Subtitled “How the World’s Leading Company Got Caught,” this book compiles insights from over 200 former Apple executives and engineers. It serves both as a history lesson and a warning to others…

    We’ve been talking about how Apple’s relationship with China has become more complicated:

    First, there’s the danger of relying too much on one country. For example, the start of the COVID-19 crisis in China showed how quickly manufacturing can be affected. Events like natural disasters or political changes can disrupt business, so it’s smart to spread out manufacturing. Second, the relationship between the U.S. and China has always been rocky. The trade battles during the Trump era were especially bad, but even now, there’s always a chance that trade could be disrupted.

    Third, being closely tied to China is hurting Apple’s image because of human rights issues there. Apple has to follow local laws, which can go against what the company stands for. Written by a journalist from the Financial Times, “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” is due out from Simon & Schuster in May. It gives an insider’s look at how Apple helped make China a powerhouse in electronics but ended up trapped by its own success.

    Apple is not just any brand; it’s the world’s most valuable company, known for the iPhone that changed how we live, work, and connect. Yet, Apple is now in a tricky spot between two superpowers. When Apple was nearly broke in 1996, it decided to move its manufacturing overseas. After trying out eight countries, China’s offer of cheap, plentiful labor drew nearly all of Apple’s production there. As the iPod and iPhone took off, this relationship with China grew deep, helping Chinese manufacturers learn skills that are now used against Western companies.

    “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” traces how a company that once celebrated “rebels” and “troublemakers” has become silent and compliant under increasing control from China.

    Early reviews of the book have been glowing:

    • “A fantastic story, brilliantly shared” – Peter Frankopan, Oxford’s Global History Professor and author of “Silk Roads”
    • “More than just a page-turner; it’s an essential read.” – Robert D. Kaplan, author of “The Revenge of Geography”
    • “A deep dive that’s both unsettling and illuminating.” – Chris Miller, author of “Chip War”
    • “McGee illustrates how Apple’s chase for profit in China might undermine its own future and America’s tech leadership.” – Rana Foroohar, author of “Makers and Takers”
    • “A vivid account of how Apple won China but lost its essence.” – Isaac Stone Fish, author of “America Second”
    • “A must-read for every iPhone user, but a risky one for Apple staff.” – Geoffrey Cain, author of “Samsung Rising” and “The Perfect Police State”

    “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” will hit the shelves on May 13 and is available for pre-order now.

  • Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple has made it clear that it does not support the “Hot Tub” adult app, which was launched for iPhone users in the EU through alternative app stores. In a statement to a tech news site, Apple highlighted its worries about user safety and the damage such apps might do to the trust people have in Apple’s platform.

    User Safety and Trust

    Apple expressed deep concerns about the risks posed by adult content apps to EU users, particularly to children. These apps could shake the confidence that consumers have built-in Apple’s ecosystem over the years. Apple insists it would never permit such an app in its official App Store, despite claims by the app’s distributor suggesting otherwise.

    The company is obligated by EU laws, specifically the Digital Markets Act, to permit the operation of other app marketplaces. This means apps like “Hot Tub” can be distributed through platforms like AltStore, which Apple has less control over.

    Misleading Claims

    In its promotional efforts, AltStore described “Hot Tub” as the first porn app “approved by Apple,” a statement Apple has contested. Even though Apple’s Notarization process checks third-party apps for malware and fraud, it does not regulate content. This allows for apps with content like pornography, drug references, or hate speech to be available on iPhones in the EU, content that would typically not be allowed in the App Store.

    Apple’s Notarization guidelines explicitly state that developers cannot suggest that Apple endorses any app’s quality or functionality. Thus, AltStore’s promotional claim appears to violate these rules.

    Apple’s Stance

    Apple has been vocal about its reservations regarding the EU’s regulations, warning that they could lead to the spread of undesirable content. Apple had previously voiced its concerns about this specific app back in December, but the European Commission has not intervened.

    Clarification from Epic Games

    Following Apple’s statement, Epic Games clarified that it does not distribute “Hot Tub” or similar adult apps through its platform in the EU. However, Epic did provide AltStore with a “MegaGrant” to help distribute apps like “Hot Tub” for free.

    Apple’s main message is that while it must comply with EU laws, it does not endorse or approve of all content that can now reach iPhone users through these alternative channels.

     

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  • When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    Apple just released iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3 on January 27, which means we’re all set for the next round of testing. People are excited because the upcoming betas might bring big new features to Siri with Apple Intelligence. But when can we expect this software to come out?

    How Soon Will the New Betas Come?

    Usually, Apple doesn’t wait long between updates. They might drop a new beta just one or two days after the latest software release. However, sometimes there’s a wait of a couple of weeks, especially if there are significant features like in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.

    Looking back at past releases can help us guess when the .4 betas might appear:

    • From iOS 17.3 to iOS 17.4 beta: 3 days
    • From iOS 16.3 to iOS 16.4 beta: 24 days
    • From iOS 15.3 to iOS 15.4 beta: 1 day
    • From iOS 14.3 to iOS 14.4 beta: 2 days
    • From iOS 13.3 to iOS 13.4 beta: 57 days

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Since some Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC in June are still pending, we can expect them in iOS 18.4. Here’s what might be included:

    • Siri Updates: Siri will get smarter with new abilities.
      • Siri’s Personal Context: Siri will remember details from your emails, messages, and photos to help you with tasks like finding files or recalling information.
      • Siri Onscreen Awareness: Siri will understand what’s on your screen, allowing you to do things like adding an address from a text to a contact or sending a photo you’re viewing.
      • Deeper App Integration: Siri will manage tasks across apps, like moving files or editing and sending photos.
    • More Countries: Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages and countries, including English (India), English (Singapore), and languages like Chinese, French, German, and more.
    • New Emoji: The update might introduce new emoji from Unicode 16, like a face with bags under eyes or a shovel.
    • EU Changes: EU iPhone users might soon choose different default navigation or translation apps, thanks to new regulations.

    iOS 18.4 Release Prediction

    After testing through March, Apple is likely to release iOS 18.4 in April 2025. This fits with Apple’s earlier mention of new language support for Apple Intelligence coming in an April update.

  • Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    The new year of 2025 is off to a great start with Apple ready to unveil some impressive gadgets in the coming months. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

    M4 MacBook Air

    Apple’s beloved MacBook Air is getting a boost with the M4 chip. This update is set to include:

    • 16GB of RAM as standard
    • A new nano-texture display option
    • A 12MP camera for better video calls
    • Support for two external displays when the laptop is open
    • Better battery life
    • Keeping the familiar 13-inch and 15-inch designs

    Look for this refreshed MacBook Air sometime in February or early March.

    iPhone SE 4

    The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a must-have for many:

    • It boasts an iPhone 14-like design with an OLED screen and no home button
    • Includes Face ID with a notch
    • Runs on the powerful A18 chip
    • Supports Apple Intelligence, previously only on higher-end models
    • Comes with 8GB of RAM and a 48MP camera
    • Has a USB-C port and Apple’s first self-made 5G modem
    • Priced to be affordable, expected under $499

    This new iPhone SE is slated for a March release.

    ‘HomePad’ Smart Display

    Apple is set to mix things up with the ‘HomePad’, a smart home device:

    • It will focus on voice commands through Siri, home control, and communication
    • You can use apps like Safari and Music, but there’s no App Store
    • The screen size is about that of two iPhones side by side
    • Includes speakers, a camera for FaceTime, and a battery
    • You can mount it on walls or place it on various surfaces
    • It’s designed with security in mind, including features for video and audio intercom

    Though initially expected in March, there might be a slight delay.

    11th Generation iPad

    Apple fans can look forward to the new 11th-generation iPad:

    • It’s likely to feature a new, faster A-series chip with 8GB RAM
    • Could include new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips
    • This update aims to keep the iPad accessible and up-to-date

    M3 iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an upgrade with the M3 chip:

    • Expected to support new keyboard accessories
    • Will maintain the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes

    Apple Watch SE 3

    There’s talk of a new Apple Watch SE:

    • Could be released in the spring, possibly alongside the iPhone SE 4
    • An update from the last SE model which came out in 2022

    These product launches promise a dynamic start to 2025 for Apple, setting the stage for an exciting year with more innovations expected at WWDC and the fall launch season.

  • 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.

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