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  • Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.5 and other software updates for developers

    Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.5 and other software updates for developers

    Apple has rolled out the third beta version of iOS 18.5 for developers. This new beta doesn’t bring major new features but focuses on small changes and system improvements. Just like the second beta, this update is mostly about making things smoother and more stable.

    Although there may be a few minor tweaks, nothing big has been confirmed yet. More details about what’s new will likely come out soon. Developers can install the update by going to the Settings app on their iPhones.

    In addition to iOS 18.5 Beta 3, Apple has also released third beta versions of other platforms. If you’re using other Apple devices and like testing beta software, you can try the following:

    • iPadOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • macOS 15.5 Beta 3
    • tvOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • HomePodOS 18.5 Beta 3
    • visionOS 2.5 Beta 3
    • watchOS 11.5 Beta 3
    • Besides the new betas, Apple also shared Release Candidate 2 (RC2) versions for older macOS systems:
    • macOS 14.7.6 RC2
    • macOS 13.7.6 RC2

    These updates are mainly aimed at developers who test early versions before the public release. They help Apple find and fix bugs ahead of time.

  • iPhone 17 Pro may get a new camera design with special coating

    iPhone 17 Pro may get a new camera design with special coating

    Apple is expected to give the iPhone 17 Pro a new look for its camera system. According to a report from analyst Jeff Pu, the Pro model could have a redesigned camera bar on the back, replacing the usual camera bump. This change would make it easier to fit in the new technology that Apple plans to use in 2025.

    One of the biggest upgrades could be a new “metalens” used for the Face ID system. This lens is smaller and thinner than the current plastic ones and could help Apple make the front camera area more compact. The same technology might be added to the rear cameras by 2027.

    The new camera layout may also include a special anti-reflective coating on the lenses. This would help reduce glare and improve photo quality by cutting down on unwanted reflections.

    The regular iPhone 17 is also rumored to get some design updates, but the Pro model seems to be getting the most attention when it comes to camera changes. Apple usually saves the bigger upgrades for its Pro line, and this might be the case again in 2025.

    These changes are still in development, so nothing is confirmed yet. But if true, the iPhone 17 Pro could offer a cleaner design and better camera performance.

  • New Foldable iPhone might not have Face ID, says report

    New Foldable iPhone might not have Face ID, says report

    Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and according to a new report, it may not include Face ID. Instead, Apple could use an under-screen front camera. This design would help keep the display free from notches or cutouts when the phone is unfolded.

    The report comes from The Elec, which says Apple is exploring different designs for its foldable phone. Without Face ID, Apple might focus more on under-display technology and possibly bring back fingerprint unlocking like Touch ID, though nothing is confirmed.

    Apple is said to be testing both vertical and horizontal foldable models. The company has been taking its time to make sure the foldable iPhone meets its usual high standards. A launch isn’t expected until at least 2026. This move shows Apple’s interest in new phone designs while trying to keep the screen clean and modern-looking. Still, a lot could change before the final version is ready.

    Source

  • Apple shares early updates for iPhone, TV, Vision, and Mac

    Apple shares early updates for iPhone, TV, Vision, and Mac

    Beta 1 is now available. It brings small improvements and fixes to make the phone work better. While not a huge change, it’s a step toward a smoother experience. At the same time, Apple released Beta 1 for tvOS 18.5, which powers Apple TV. This update focuses on tweaking the system for better performance.

    VisionOS 2.5 Beta 1 is also out for the Vision Pro headset, offering early tweaks for users to try. These updates aim to polish how the devices run. For Mac fans, macOS Sequoia 15.5 Beta 1 is ready to download. It includes minor updates to boost speed and fix bugs. Nothing flashy, but it keeps the Mac running smoothly.

    These beta versions are mainly for developers and testers who want to explore what’s coming. All these updates show Apple’s focus on improving its gadgets little by little. They’re not big leaps, but they help make everything work nicer. If you’re into testing new stuff, you can grab these early versions now and see what’s new for yourself!

    Apple has finally kicked off the testing for iOS 18.5 today, just as people thought it would. Right now, only developers can try out this first beta version.  A public test version of iOS 18.5 should come out soon, though Apple hasn’t shared any specifics yet. So far, they’re keeping quiet about what’s new in iOS 18.5 too. We’ll keep an eye on the testing process and share updates as they come. The finished version of iOS 18.5 is likely to roll out in May, so there’s still some time to wait.

  • macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    When Apple rolled out the second macOS 15.4 beta this month, it quietly tweaked something. Now, the System Settings won’t show how much space Apple Intelligence features are using on your Mac’s storage.

    In the earlier macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 version, anyone with an Apple silicon Mac could check this easily. They’d just go to System Settings, click General, then click Storage, and tap the little “i” button next to macOS to see the details. Simple, right?

    But with the macOS 15.4 beta 2 update, that’s changed. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, clicking the “i” button now shows nothing extra about the storage macOS is using. The details are gone.

    Here’s a twist, though—if you turn off System Integrity Protection (SIP), the info pops back up. SIP is a security feature that stops unapproved code from running, and you can only switch it off in Recovery Mode. It’s handy for app developers testing stuff, but for most people, it’s best left on.

    A developer named @b3lla_dev on iOS says Apple has locked down the Apple Intelligence files. Unless SIP is off, you can’t see them, and that’s messing with the System Settings’ ability to show their size. Apple Intelligence uses a tool called the MobileAsset framework. This system grabs and updates the bits it needs—like machine learning models—so your device stays current without big system overhauls. Apple’s support page says these files can take up to 7GB on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    When storage is low, 7GB is a lot. It could sway people on whether to use Apple Intelligence. Did Apple hide this info on purpose? We don’t know, but users might guess. Perris told Apple about it in a feedback report. The issue’s still there in beta 3, so we’ll see if Apple fixes it. The full macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is set to drop in early April.

  • Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    TSMC, a big partner for Apple, makes chips for millions of their devices each year. But, according to their founder, there was a time when Intel tried to make chips for the iPhone but didn’t do well enough to impress Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook.

    TSMC Founder Wasn’t Worried About Intel Competition for iPhone Chips

    In a recent conversation on the Acquired podcast, Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, talked about the history of working with Apple. One key point was back in February 2011 when Intel was considered for producing iPhone chips.

    At that time, Intel already made chips for Apple’s Macs. However, their attempt at iPhone chip production didn’t go as planned. Chang mentions a talk with Jeff Williams, who said, “We need to take a break from our talks for a couple of months because Intel’s top people have approached Tim Cook to discuss making chips for the iPhone.”

    Chang wasn’t too concerned because, in 2011, Intel didn’t have the same strong reputation it once did:

    “Jeff was talking about the iPhone,” Chang said. “I wasn’t too worried because Intel wasn’t the big deal anymore. I had to agree to Jeff’s request, but I wasn’t really concerned.”
    Later, Cook met with Chang over lunch at Apple’s headquarters, where he reassured Chang by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” explaining that Intel didn’t have the right know-how to be a chip foundry. Chang found this response brief but reassuring.

    Chang also shared insights on Intel’s customer relations:

    “Before Apple became our customer, I knew many of Intel’s customers in Taiwan, like all the PC makers. None of them were fans of Intel. Intel often acted like they were the only game in town.”
    He added that these customers “all wished there was another supplier.”

    You can view the complete interview for more insights into the tech industry’s past.

  • What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    Apple is set to roll out the new iOS 18.3 update next week after months of testing. Even though it’s not a huge update, it does bring some cool new features and fixes for iPhone users.

    Changes in Notifications

    Apple has decided to pause its AI-powered news summaries because they’ve been getting some details wrong. In iOS 18.3, you’ll see summarized notifications in italics so they’re easy to spot. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your lock screen. Apple has promised to make these summaries better in future updates.

    New Visual Intelligence Features

    If you’ve got one of the iPhone 16 models, you can enjoy enhanced Visual Intelligence. This feature lets you get instant info about things around you by just holding down the Camera Control button. Now, you can add events to your calendar from posters you see in public, and it can even tell you about different animals or plants. Remember, these features are only for the latest iPhone models.

    Calculator App Gets a Boost

    A handy feature is back in the Calculator app with iOS 18.3. Now, when you hit the equals button twice, it repeats the last calculation, which is super useful for things like figuring out compound interest.

    Maybe Something for Black Unity

    There’s a hint in the tvOS update code about a possible “UNITY25” campaign, suggesting Apple might celebrate Black Unity again this year with new watch bands, faces, or iPhone wallpapers. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but we might hear something soon.

    Bug Fixes and More

    iOS 18.3 also fixes some annoying bugs. For instance, Siri won’t make your keyboard vanish when you try to type a request, and Apple Music will stop playing when you close the app, not after the song ends. There’s also talk about adding support for robot vacuums in the Home app, but that seems to be pushed to a later update.

    This update is shaping up to make your iPhone experience smoother and more useful, especially if you’ve got the latest model. Keep an eye out for the official release next week.

  • The Quest for the Seamless iPhone: Apple’s innovative approach to under-display Face ID

    The Quest for the Seamless iPhone: Apple’s innovative approach to under-display Face ID

    For years, the dream of a truly bezel-less iPhone has captivated designers and consumers alike. The vision: a sleek, uninterrupted expanse of glass, a seamless canvas for digital experiences. While the notch and, more recently, the Dynamic Island have served as necessary compromises, Apple’s pursuit of this “single slab of glass” aesthetic continues. A key component of this ambition lies in embedding the TrueDepth camera system, most notably Face ID, beneath the display. Recent developments suggest Apple may be closer than ever to achieving this technological feat.

    The challenge, however, has always been the intricate nature of the Face ID system itself. Unlike a standard camera, Face ID relies on infrared light to map the user’s face in three dimensions. This infrared light struggles to penetrate the dense layers of a typical display, significantly hindering the accuracy and speed of facial recognition. Previous attempts to bypass this issue, such as selectively deactivating pixels, proved inadequate. But a newly granted patent reveals a more elegant and promising solution: manipulating the very structure of the display at a subpixel level.

    Understanding the intricacies of this approach requires a brief dive into display technology. Each pixel on a screen is composed of three subpixels: red, green, and blue. By varying the intensity of these subpixels, a pixel can display a vast spectrum of colors. Apple’s patent proposes selectively removing some of these subpixels in the area designated for the Face ID sensors. This creates tiny, almost imperceptible gaps that allow infrared light to pass through more freely.

    The brilliance of this method lies in its subtlety. Apple proposes only removing a subpixel when it’s directly adjacent to a neighboring pixel with the same color emitter. In essence, the neighboring subpixel “fills in” for the missing one, ensuring that the change is virtually invisible to the naked eye. This ingenious “borrowing” technique maintains color accuracy and image quality while creating the necessary pathways for infrared light.

    Beyond simply removing subpixels, Apple’s patent also suggests streamlining the underlying wiring. Each subpixel has its own set of control lines, and by eliminating the subpixel, the associated wiring can also be removed. This further increases the clear area available for infrared transmission, minimizing interference and maximizing signal strength. This careful optimization extends to the touch-sensitive layer of the display as well. Tiny, subpixel-sized perforations could be introduced in the same areas to further enhance infrared transmission without compromising touch responsiveness.

    The question on everyone’s mind is, when will this technology finally make its debut? Speculation has surrounded previous iPhone releases, with predictions for the iPhone 15 and 16 ultimately falling short. Now, attention has turned to the iPhone 17. Several factors fuel this renewed optimism. Recent reports suggest that Apple is planning a significant reduction in the size of the Dynamic Island, a move that would align perfectly with embedding Face ID beneath the display. This would be the most logical way to achieve such a reduction.

    Furthermore, rumors surrounding a potential “Air” model within the iPhone 17 lineup have added another layer of intrigue. This model was initially rumored to be the most premium in the lineup, potentially showcasing cutting-edge technologies like under-display Face ID. While subsequent information has cast some doubt on the pricing strategy, the possibility of the “Air” model pioneering this technology remains.

    While nothing is certain until Apple officially unveils its next generation of iPhones, the patented technology and the surrounding rumors paint a compelling picture. The dream of a truly seamless iPhone, with no visible interruptions on its display, seems closer than ever. Apple’s innovative approach to subpixel manipulation offers a promising path towards realizing this vision, potentially ushering in a new era of smartphone design. The journey towards the “single slab of glass” continues, and the iPhone 17 could very well be the next major milestone.

  • Apple cuts gas emissions by 55%, rumored to launch lighter Vision headset

    Apple cuts gas emissions by 55%, rumored to launch lighter Vision headset

    Apple has shared some big progress in its environmental work, saying it has cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 55% since 2015. The company also said that almost all iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches now use clean electricity. This update came just before Earth Day and is part of Apple’s plan to be carbon neutral across its entire business and supply chain by 2030.

    Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, said they’re making real changes in the way their products are made, especially through clean energy use. Apple also mentioned that over 320 of its suppliers are now using 100% renewable energy. The company continues to invest in eco-friendly projects around the world, including solar and wind power.

    Meanwhile, rumors are heating up about a new Apple Vision headset called “Vision Air.” It’s expected to be thinner, lighter, and more affordable than the current Vision Pro. While details are still unclear, this new version may drop some features to lower the price, possibly launching by the end of 2025.

    Apple is said to be working on two versions of its headset—one premium and one cheaper. The “Vision Air” would be the budget-friendly model, focused on being comfortable and more accessible. Though nothing is official yet, leaks suggest that Apple is moving ahead quickly with this new design.

    These updates show that Apple is not only focusing on green energy but also working to make its new technology more user-friendly.

  • Apple should pause and polish its software

    Apple should pause and polish its software

    Things have been buzzing with Apple news lately. The company recently shared that the updated Siri won’t be ready anytime soon, and insiders say the cool features promised at last year’s WWDC are still far off. With all this happening, Apple could use a throwback moment—like a new Snow Leopard—to get its software back on track.

    If you’ve used a Mac for a while, say 16 years or more, you might recall Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Back then, Apple didn’t rush out a new Mac OS every year. When Snow Leopard launched, it wasn’t about flashy new tricks or looks. Instead, Apple worked hard to make the software steady and reliable. I started thinking about this after seeing an old WWDC 2009 clip where Bertrand Serlet, a big name at Apple back then, proudly said Snow Leopard had “no new features.” It’s wild to see how much Apple has shifted since those days.

    Apple’s never been quick to say “oops,” but it has owned up to slip-ups before. Think about Steve Jobs talking to the press about the iPhone 4 antenna mess or admitting MobileMe wasn’t great and promising to fix it. I miss that honesty. Today, it’s tough to picture Apple saying, “Hey, this update has nothing new,” or owning up to glitches in front of everyone.

    Fast forward to now—a Bloomberg report says Robby Walker, a Siri boss at Apple, called the delays “messy” and “awkward” in a team meeting. Last June, at WWDC 2024, Apple hyped up Apple Intelligence, but when iOS 18 and macOS 15 dropped, those features were nowhere to be found. Some trickled out later, but the new Siri—yep, the one in iPhone 16 ads—still hasn’t shown up.

    Online, people are grumbling about bugs in Apple’s latest updates, and it’s not hard to see why. Apple should hit pause. Announcing stuff that’s not ready (remember AirPower?) just sets everyone up for disappointment. Now that they’ve admitted Siri’s delay, I hope they focus on smoothing out the rough spots and delivering what they promised. We don’t need big updates every year—give the team time to fix things. A new Snow Leopard vibe could be just what Apple needs.