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  • CarPlay app now lets you stream videos in your car using a web browser

    CarPlay app now lets you stream videos in your car using a web browser

    A new app called Brcast has just arrived on the App Store, bringing a web browser to Apple CarPlay. This means drivers can now watch videos on their car’s screen by visiting websites like YouTube, Twitch, or others through the browser.

    Apple normally doesn’t allow web browsers or video streaming apps on CarPlay, but Brcast found a clever way to work around that. The app doesn’t break any rules because it doesn’t directly stream video through CarPlay. Instead, it mirrors what’s on your iPhone’s screen by using web technology in a smart way.

    To use the app, you install Brcast on your iPhone and open the website or video you want to watch. Then, it shows up on the CarPlay screen. It’s important to note that you’ll need to use your phone to control the app — the car’s screen only shows what’s already playing.

    Of course, this app is meant to be used while parked or by passengers. Watching videos while driving is not safe and should never be done. Brcast is free to download, but if you want more features — like saving your favorite websites — there’s a subscription option starting at $1.99 per month. This is a big step for CarPlay users who’ve been asking for more freedom, especially when it comes to video streaming.

  • Siri Gets Smarter: What’s new with Apple’s updates

    Siri Gets Smarter: What’s new with Apple’s updates

    Apple is making big moves to improve Siri with its Apple Intelligence features. By June 2025, at the WWDC25 event, we’ll see Siri become more helpful and natural to use. This upgrade is part of iOS 19, and it’s all about making your iPhone experience smoother.

    Siri will soon understand you better, thanks to smarter language skills. It’ll pick up on what you mean, even if you stumble over words or switch topics mid-sentence. Imagine asking Siri to plan your day, and it pulls info from your emails, calendar, and messages—all without you spelling it out. That’s the goal!

    The update also ties Siri closer to your apps. It’ll dig into Photos, Notes, or Maps to find answers fast. Want a recipe from a note you saved last month? Siri’s got it. Plus, it’ll team up with ChatGPT for trickier questions, so you get spot-on replies.

    Apple’s keeping your info safe, too. Most of Siri’s work happens right on your phone, not in the cloud, so your data stays private. For bigger tasks, Apple’s secure servers step in, but they promise no snooping.

    This isn’t just a small tweak—iOS 19 and WWDC25 are set to show off a Siri that feels like a real assistant. From handling daily chores to answering tough questions, Siri’s about to get a lot more useful. Get ready for a smarter iPhone life!

  • Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple recently patched a problem in its Passwords app with the iOS 18.2 update in December. This flaw had put users at risk of phishing attacks for three months, ever since iOS 18 came out.

    What Went Wrong with the Passwords App

    A report from 9to5Mac highlighted an Apple security note revealing that the Passwords app was sending unprotected requests for website logos and icons tied to saved passwords. Normally, encryption keeps this data safe, but without it, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network could trick users into visiting a fake site designed to steal their login info. Security experts from Mysk first noticed this issue and told Apple about it in September.

    How Apple Described the Fix

    In the iOS 18.2 security notes, Apple explained the problem simply:

    • Effect: Someone with network access might steal private details.
    • Solution: The app now uses HTTPS to send data securely.

    Apple also confirmed they fixed this across other devices like Macs, iPads, and Vision Pros, not just iPhones.

    Why It Matters

    This glitch left users exposed for months, but Apple’s update finally closed the gap. It’s a reminder that even big companies can miss things—though they acted once the issue was clear. If you’re on iOS 18, grabbing the latest update keeps your info safer from sneaky attacks like these.

  • iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to pack some exciting upgrades, according to analyst Jeff Pu in a note shared with GF Securities this week. One big change is the rear Telephoto camera, which will jump from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 Pro to a sharp 48 megapixels.

    This upgrade means all three cameras—Fusion, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—on these new models will boast 48 megapixels. That’s a win for anyone who loves snapping detailed shots, especially from a distance. Plus, the phones are expected to sport a fresh look with a rectangular camera bump.

    Memory is getting a boost too. The iPhone 17 Pro models will come with 12GB of RAM, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. More RAM should make things run smoother, especially for multitasking or using Apple’s smart features like Apple Intelligence.

    Screen sizes won’t surprise anyone familiar with recent iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro will stick with a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max keeps its larger 6.9-inch screen. Both are sizes people already know and love.

    Under the hood, these phones will run on an A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process called N3P. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a step up from what’s in the current models, promising better speed and efficiency.

    With these changes, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max sound like they’re shaping up to be powerful tools for photo lovers and tech fans alike. From clearer zoom shots to faster performance, there’s plenty to look forward to when these devices arrive.

  • New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    All four iPhone 17 models will come with a Wi-Fi 7 chip made by Apple, says Jeff Pu, a tech expert who tracks Apple’s suppliers. In a note shared with GF Securities, Pu explained that Apple finished designing this chip in early 2024. It’s set to appear in the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max later this year.

    The iPhone 16 already has Wi-Fi 7, so that’s not new. What’s exciting is Apple creating its own Wi-Fi chip. Last month, Apple introduced its custom C1 modem for 5G and LTE in the iPhone 16e. Now, it’s moving away from companies like Broadcom for Wi-Fi chips and Qualcomm for modems by building its own tech. This helps Apple rely less on others. Another expert, Ming-Chi Kuo, also predicted this Wi-Fi chip switch for the iPhone 17.

    Wi-Fi 7 works on three bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—at the same time with the right router. This means faster internet, less lag, and a stronger connection. Speeds can hit over 40 Gbps, four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, if your device supports it. Expect the iPhone 17 lineup in about six months.

    Pu also shared news about Apple’s first foldable gadgets, set for mass production in late 2026. He says there’ll be a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch screen and a bigger 18.8-inch foldable device. This larger one might blend a MacBook and iPad, likely running macOS instead of iPadOS. That hints at a touch-screen Mac, which is a big deal! Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently said iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates could pave the way for such devices, but a touch-screen Mac this soon seems uncertain.

    Last month, Apple launched the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, part of its shift from Qualcomm. Pu says the slim iPhone 17 Air will use this C1 modem too, matching Kuo’s earlier scoop. Next year, the iPhone 18 Pro models might get a faster C2 modem with better power use and mmWave support in the U.S. Meanwhile, iPhone 17 Pro models will stick with Qualcomm modems for now. Apple’s deal with Qualcomm lasts until March 2027, giving it time to perfect its own chips.

  • iPhone 17 Pro to get a cool new trick for better speed

    iPhone 17 Pro to get a cool new trick for better speed

    Apple’s next iPhone 17 Pro models will come with a fancy cooling system called vapor chamber technology, says a Chinese tipster known as Instant Digital. This upgrade promises to keep the phone running smoothly by handling heat better.

    Lots of top Android phones already use vapor chamber cooling. It spreads heat over a bigger area, stopping the phone from slowing down when it gets too hot. This is super helpful for slim devices like the iPhone that need to stay fast and reliable.

    Rumors about Apple adding this cooling tech to the iPhone 17 lineup aren’t new. Back in January, a Chinese tech site, MyDrivers, said all models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—might get it. But Instant Digital thinks only the Pro and Pro Max versions, powered by the new A19 Pro chip, will have it. “With the A19 Pro and better heat control, these phones will stay fast even during tough tasks,” the tipster explained.

    In a separate update on Weibo, Instant Digital said not to expect big changes to the iPhone 17’s front. “This year’s upgrades are mostly inside and on the back. The front, like the notch and edges, will likely stay the same,” they noted.

    There’s some debate about the Dynamic Island, though. Last month, a rumor hinted that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might get a smaller one, thanks to a new Face ID lens. Analyst Jeff Pu, who’s often right about Apple, agrees. But another expert, Ming-Chi Kuo, says it’ll stay the same size. Apple first added the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, and it’s on most newer models, unchanged so far.

    On the back, Apple’s shaking things up. The iPhone 17 Pro models will swap the old square camera bump for a sleek aluminum bar stretching across the phone. The new iPhone 17 Air, replacing the Plus model, will also get this horizontal bar but with just one camera. The regular iPhone 17, however, will stick to the iPhone 16’s camera style. Look out for these phones next September!

  • Apple’s new Foldable iPad Pro may have hidden Face ID

    Apple’s new Foldable iPad Pro may have hidden Face ID

    There’s exciting news about Apple working on a foldable iPad Pro! A fresh rumor says one of their test models has a special Face ID feature tucked under the screen. According to a tip from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, this test version boasts an 18.8-inch foldable display. It uses a “metal frame lens” to hide the Face ID parts, letting it unlock with facial recognition without needing a visible sensor. No extra details were shared, but it’s a cool hint at what’s coming.

    For a while, people have whispered about Apple creating a foldable gadget—maybe an iPad or even a MacBook. It’s still unclear which one it’ll be, but it depends on the software Apple chooses.
    Under-screen Face ID has been talked about for iPhones for years, but it hasn’t happened yet. This is the first time we’ve heard it tied to Apple’s foldable ideas.

    Experts at Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) predict that Apple will release an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro with a bright OLED screen in 2027. Meanwhile, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says LG might start making screens for a foldable MacBook—either 20.2 or 18.8 inches—by late 2025.

    A December story from The Wall Street Journal also mentioned Apple designing a bigger foldable device meant to work like a laptop, unfolding to around 19 inches. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds that a giant foldable iPad is in the works, possibly launching in 2028. He says Apple wants it to look smooth, like one solid piece of glass with no fold line.

    On another note, Apple is reportedly building a book-shaped foldable iPhone for next year. Instead of Face ID, it might use Touch ID on a side button—like the latest iPad Air and mini—because of limited space inside.

  • 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 park’s colorful arches are coming back stronger

    Apple park’s colorful arches are coming back stronger

    The bright rainbow arches that once framed the Apple Park Stage are no longer there, as shown in recent Google Maps satellite photos. These arches were a familiar sight in Apple’s keynote videos, so their removal caught many by surprise. However, word is they’re not gone for good—Apple is reportedly planning to rebuild them, this time to last forever.

    Back in May 2019, Jony Ive, a key figure at Apple, shared the vision for these arches in a message to employees. He wrote that the goal was to design a stage that screamed “Apple” the moment you saw it. The rainbow idea clicked right away for a few reasons. It tied back to the classic rainbow logo that’s been part of Apple’s story for years. Plus, it’s a cheerful symbol of the company’s belief in bringing people together. Ive also loved how the arches’ curved shape echoed the circular design of Apple Park itself. He said it’s tough to find anyone who doesn’t smile at a rainbow.

    The stage itself was always meant to be temporary—set up and taken down for big events—while the arches stayed put. Now, Gabriel Iglesias from Ibsix has a hunch they’ll return soon. His take? The original arches weren’t built to last forever and were made with temporary use. But they’ve grown into such a beloved landmark that Apple might want them to stick around for good. The plan seems to be crafting a tougher, sturdier version.

    So, while the rainbow arches are missing for now, it looks like they’re gearing up for a big comeback—ready to shine as a permanent part of Apple Park’s landscape. Fans of the colorful design can likely look forward to seeing them again, bolder and better than before.

  • Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    For almost two years, French officials have been looking into a privacy tool on iPhones called App Tracking Transparency. This feature lets people choose if they want apps to follow their activity for ads or not. You’ve probably noticed those “Ask App Not to Track” messages popping up. Now, according to a recent Reuters story, the investigation is almost over—and it doesn’t look good for Apple.

    France Might Stop This Privacy Feature Soon

    The two-year review of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency in France should finish within the next month. And it seems Apple might not like the result.

    Reuters reporter Foo Yun Chee explains:

    French regulators are likely to tell Apple next month to stop this practice, saying it’s unfair to competition. They’ll probably add a fine too. This would be the first time a government blocks this feature. In France, fines for such issues can reach up to 10% of a company’s yearly earnings worldwide.

    So, two big things could happen when this case ends:

    • Apple may have to turn off this feature for people in France.
    • The company could also face a penalty.

    Back in 2023, when this probe began, we noted: “Apple’s being accused of playing favorites and setting unclear, unfair rules about how user info can be used for ads.”

    Apple shared this comment with 9to5Mac during an earlier debate about the feature:

    “We at Apple think your data is yours. You should decide if it’s shared and with whom. App Tracking Transparency just lets users pick whether apps can track them or pass their info to data collectors. These rules are the same for everyone, including us, and we’ve had lots of support from privacy fans and regulators.”

    Beyond France, Germany and Italy are also checking out this feature. Usually, the worry isn’t the tool itself but how Apple uses it for its apps. In the U.S., companies like Meta have complained the most—not regulators. They say this privacy option has hurt their ad income.

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