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  • Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Apple keeps a close eye on security, and they’ve just released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to tackle some security weaknesses. It’s wise to update your devices right away to keep them secure.

    iOS 18.3

    Available for:

    • iPhone XS and newer
    • Various iPad models from the 3rd generation Air onwards

    Security Fixes:

    • Photos Access: If someone could physically access your unlocked device, they might have seen your photos. This has been fixed with better security checks.
    • AirPlay: Several issues have been resolved, including risks of system crashes or memory problems when on the same network as an attacker. Also, remote attackers could mess with your apps or even cause them to crash, but not anymore thanks to these updates.
    • ARKit: Now, opening a bad file won’t crash your apps.
      CoreAudio and CoreMedia: Parsing risky files could lead to app crashes, but Apple has tightened up these areas.
    • ImageIO: Handling images won’t cause your system to slow down or crash.
    • Kernel: Apps trying to gain too much control or run harmful code have been stopped by new security measures.
    • Safari: Visiting malicious websites could trick you, but the update adds better protection against this.
    • SceneKit: There was a chance for user information to leak through file parsing, which has been fixed.
    • Time Zone: Now, sensitive contact details won’t appear in system logs.
    • WebKit: Web browsing could lead to privacy issues or system crashes, but these have been addressed.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3

    AirPlay, AppKit, AppleGraphicsControl, and More:

    • Like iOS, macOS has patched issues with AirPlay, preventing crashes or memory corruption.
    • AppKit and other components have been secured to prevent unauthorized access to user data or system crashes.
    • AppleMobileFileIntegrity: Several fixes ensure apps can’t tamper with protected parts of your system or access private data.
    • Kernel: Enhanced to prevent apps from gaining excessive permissions or causing system instability.
    • Safari and WebKit: Improved to safeguard against deceptive websites and ensure web content doesn’t cause disruptions.
    • SceneKit: Just like on iOS, file parsing is now safer.
    • Time Zone: Privacy has been bolstered to keep contact details out of logs.

    watchOS 11.3

    For Apple Watch Series 6 and Later:

    • Similar security enhancements have been applied, focusing on AirPlay, CoreAudio, CoreMedia, ImageIO, Kernel, and WebKit to prevent unauthorized access, crashes, or performance issues.

    Updating your devices is crucial for maintaining security. Always check for the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are protected against known vulnerabilities.

  • Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple has just launched watchOS 11.3, a big update for the Apple Watch. This new version works with the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, all Apple Watch Ultra watches, and the Apple Watch SE 2.

    To get watchOS 11.3 on your watch, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 18.3. Just open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, and then Software Update. Remember, your watch should have at least 50% battery and be on its charger before you start the update.

    A cool new feature in watchOS 11.3 is the Black Unity watch face. This face goes perfectly with a new band that Apple also released today. The idea behind both the watch face and the band is to celebrate diversity and unity, with designs made by Black artists and their friends at Apple.

    For more details on what else watchOS 11 brings to the table, check out our summary on watchOS 11.

  • Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple has recently rolled out iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, bringing new features and improvements to iPhones and iPads. This update follows six weeks after the release of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2.

    Updating Your Device

    To get the new software, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Apple also updated iPadOS to version 17.7.4 for older iPads that can’t handle the latest iPadOS 18.

    New Features for iPhone 16

    For those with iPhone 16 models, iOS 18.3 introduces Visual Intelligence. Now, you can add events to your Calendar just by taking a picture of a poster or flyer. Plus, it’s easier to identify plants and animals around you.

    Changes in Notifications

    This update also tweaks how notifications work. It makes notification summaries easier to manage from your Lock Screen and changes their appearance to stand out better by using italic text. However, for now, summaries for news and entertainment apps are paused to avoid sending out confusing alerts.

    Bug Fixes and Enhancements

    • The Calculator app now repeats your last calculation if you tap the equals sign again.
    • Fixed a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you start typing a request to Siri.
    • An issue where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed Apple Music has been sorted out.

    Note

    Some of these new features might not be available everywhere or on every Apple device. For more on security updates, check out Apple’s support page at:

    Apple Support

    Looking Ahead

    • We’re looking forward to iOS 18.4 beta, which is expected to bring new Apple Intelligence features for Siri, enhancing your interaction with your device even further.
  • New small HomePod coming soon after long wait

    New small HomePod coming soon after long wait

    It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new model of the tiny HomePod. Launched with the iPhone 12 back in November 2020, fans have been waiting for over four years for a refresh. Good news is, it looks like the wait is almost over with a new version expected to hit the shelves by the end of this year.

    homepod mini thumb feature
    According to recent reports from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is gearing up to introduce the updated HomePod mini sometime at the end of 2025. This new model will come with Apple’s own special Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which supports the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard. This is a step up from the Wi-Fi 4 that the current model uses, promising better and faster connections for enjoying music or using Siri.

    Though specifics are still under wraps, there’s talk that the new HomePod mini might include a more advanced “S” processor, better sound, fresh color choices, and an updated Ultra Wideband chip for quicker handoffs between devices. The current version uses the S5 chip from the 2019 Apple Watch Series 5.

    Alongside this, Apple is also rumored to be working on a new smart home hub. This device could have a display from 6 to 7 inches, set up either on a wall or on a stand with its own speaker, somewhat like the HomePod mini.

    However, while this new hub will support Apple’s smart tech, the upcoming HomePod mini won’t. For more insights on the HomePod mini, check out our detailed overview.

  • Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple is working on a new version of its visionOS software, which currently powers the Apple Vision Pro, to make it work with smart glasses. This move is part of their plan to offer more popular augmented reality (AR) products that are less bulky than their current headset.

    Apple’s Vision Pro Challenges

    The Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, hasn’t been as successful as hoped. Many people have found it too heavy to wear for long periods, too pricey, and it also tends to get hot. Since it was released, interest has dropped, and sales haven’t met Apple’s goals.

    In his newsletter, tech journalist Mark Gurman shared that Apple’s Vision Products Group is now focusing on something lighter and more like the smart glasses Meta made with Ray-Ban. However, it might take at least three years before these glasses are ready, as there’s still a lot of research needed.

    User Studies and Software Development

    Apple is actively testing how people react to different features and interfaces for these glasses at their offices. They’ve named this project “Atlas,” which is being managed by the Product Systems Quality team. This team is part of Apple’s hardware division.

    The research is happening in a secretive spot in Santa Clara, not far from their main office in Cupertino. Last year, Apple let go of some workers there, but those left are focusing on AR tech. They also have a place to test new screen technologies.

    Future Plans for Vision Pro

    Apple is not giving up on the Vision Pro entirely. They’re planning to make a cheaper version with simpler parts, hoping to sell it for about the price of their top-end iPhone, around $1,600. They wanted to launch this model by late 2024, but they’re still perfecting the design.

    Gaming Collaboration

    Additionally, Apple is teaming up with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to the Vision Pro, aiming to make it better for gaming. This partnership has been going on for a few months now.

    By focusing on these new, more accessible AR products, Apple hopes to expand its reach in the tech market and make AR part of everyday life.

  • Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple retail stores are preparing for “merchandise and marketing updates” next week, as reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. While Gurman hasn’t directly tied these updates to a specific product launch, he pointed out that this timing aligns with Apple’s yearly release of its Black Unity watch band for the Apple Watch.

    Apple has introduced a Black Unity campaign in late January for the past four years. This campaign typically includes a new Apple Watch band, a special watch face, and an iPhone wallpaper inspired by the Pan-African flag’s colors. Recent findings in the tvOS 18.3 update code, referencing “UNITY25,” suggest the Black Unity campaign will likely return in 2025. If this is the case, Apple may announce it next week.

    Apart from the Black Unity watch band, there’s no confirmation about other product releases next week. However, Apple is anticipated to unveil new MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip in early 2025, as well as the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Gurman’s update, however, didn’t hint at these products being part of next week’s announcements.

    In addition, Apple is expected to roll out iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and other software updates after a month of beta testing. While the upcoming merchandise updates could hint at exciting news, keeping expectations in check is wise. There’s always the chance these updates are more routine than groundbreaking.

    Source

  • Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Rumors have been swirling that Apple might ditch the ‘iPhone SE’ name for the next model coming this spring. Instead, it could be called the ‘iPhone 16E’. This change might sound odd, but it actually fits well with what we know about the upcoming phone.

    What’s New with the iPhone 16E?Here’s what we expect from this new model:

    • Design Inspired by iPhone 14: It will have a notch for Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED screen.
    • Powerful A18 Chip: It will support Apple’s new AI features.
    • USB-C Charging: Replacing the old Lightning port.
    • Camera Upgrade: A single 48MP back camera, similar to those in the iPhone 15.
    • New 5G Modem: Apple’s first self-designed modem.

    This would be the most significant update to the SE series since 2020. The last SE, released in 2022, just got a new chip and 5G, but kept the same look.

    Pricing ConcernsThere’s talk of pricing the iPhone 16E at $499, which feels low considering its specs. Apple sells the iPhone 14 for $599 and the iPhone 15 for $699. How could they offer a newer phone with advanced features for less?

    • Cost-saving Components: Apple might use their own modem to cut costs, and cheaper display panels from BOE and LG instead of Samsung’s.

    But even with these savings, would Apple really price it so low?

    Why ‘iPhone 16E’ Makes SenseIf priced at $499, the iPhone 16E would undercut the iPhone 16 by $300, which includes extras like the Dynamic Island and an extra camera. Calling it the 16E could justify a $599 price, making it seem less like a budget option but more of a streamlined part of the current lineup.

    Moreover, it would highlight that the iPhone 15, which might still be sold, doesn’t have the latest features like Apple Intelligence.

    A New Name for a New EraThe ‘SE’ has always meant a smaller phone, but with a 6.1-inch screen, that’s no longer accurate. ‘iPhone 16E’ tells customers it’s part of the latest series, potentially boosting sales by clearly showing its place in the lineup.

    This naming could also help consumers understand the phone’s place in time, especially if Apple starts labeling models by year rather than generation. In summary, renaming the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E could be Apple’s smart move to align the model with its current offerings while managing expectations around price and features.

  • iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    Apple’s new iPhone 17 phones coming out this year will keep the Dynamic Island the same size, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

    Kuo shared on social media that he doesn’t think the Dynamic Island will change much on any of the iPhone 17 models. This goes against what people thought before, as there were whispers about making it smaller.

    Last year, another analyst, Jeff Pu, talked a lot about Apple using something called a “metalens” for the Face ID system in the iPhone 17 Pro, which would make the Dynamic Island thinner. But now, it seems that might not be happening.

    The Dynamic Island was first seen with the 2022 iPhones, and it hasn’t really changed since. People have been hoping Apple would make it smaller to give more space on the screen, but it looks like that’s not going to happen just yet.

    Even though the Dynamic Island isn’t changing, Apple has other plans for the iPhone 17’s design. They’re introducing a very thin model called the “iPhone 17 Air”, which will be the first big design update in a while. Both the iPhone 17 Air and the Pro versions are expected to have new camera setups arranged horizontally.

    For more details on what’s new with the iPhone 17 series, check out our summary on the iPhone 17.

  • 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.