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  • Apple’s new ‘HomePad’ gets a cooking boost in iOS 18.4

    Apple’s new ‘HomePad’ gets a cooking boost in iOS 18.4

    The iOS 18.4 beta just dropped, and it’s got a cool surprise: a Food hub and cooking guide in Apple News. But here’s the real kicker—a new gadget I’m calling the ‘HomePad’ is on the way, and this cooking feature feels like it was made just for it.

    iOS 18.4 Brings a Fun Cooking Tool

    People thought iOS 18.4 would focus on making Siri smarter. That’s not in the first beta yet—maybe it’s coming in iOS 18.5. Instead, we got a shiny new food section that’s stealing the show. If you’ve got Apple News+, the News app now has a special Food area. It’s packed with recipes, restaurant details, and a handy cooking mode—perfect for food lovers.

    Apple’s press release explains it best:

    The Food feature lets you explore tons of recipes in a Recipe Catalog that grows daily. The layout is simple and pretty, showing ingredients and steps clearly. There’s a cook mode that zooms in on each step, and you can save recipes to use offline later.

    It’s a lot like how Apple Music shows lyrics or Podcasts display transcripts—a clean, bold look that highlights the text. The step you’re on glows, while others stay faded but readable. It works great on iPhones and iPads, but it’s going to shine on the HomePad when it arrives, probably this spring. Maybe it’ll even get its own Cook app!

    HomePad: Your Kitchen Buddy

    Mark Gurman says the HomePad will be super flexible for any room. It’ll come with parts you can swap—like wall mounts for a security panel vibe or bases with speakers for the kitchen or desk. Apple sees it helping with FaceTime calls while you cook or chat in work meetings.

    I bet there’ll be a fridge magnet option too, even if Gurman didn’t mention it.

    We’ve spotted clues in iOS 18.4’s code about this Home gadget, including something called ‘CookingKit’ that fits the HomePad perfectly. Picture this: a hands-free recipe guide where you just say, “Siri, next step,” and keep cooking.

    Cooking help is only one piece of the HomePad puzzle, but it already sounds like a fresh twist on Apple’s lineup.

  • Trump pushes Apple to drop diversity rules

    Trump pushes Apple to drop diversity rules

    In a loud, all-caps message on Truth Social today, President Donald Trump told Apple to completely stop its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules.

    “APPLE SHOULD DUMP DEI RULES, NOT JUST TWEAK THEM,” he posted.

    This comes right after Apple’s yearly shareholder meeting yesterday. At the meeting, most shareholders said no to a plan that would have asked Apple to get rid of its Inclusion & Diversity goals. The idea came from the National Center for Public Policy Research, a group that says it’s a fair, free-market, conservative think tank. They argued that DEI efforts could bring legal trouble, hurt the company’s image, and cost shareholders money.

    Apple told its shareholders to vote against the plan, calling it an attempt to control how the company runs. The tech giant said it already keeps an eye on its work to follow anti-discrimination laws. During the meeting, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, admitted that laws might force changes to DEI rules later on. But Trump thinks Apple should just drop them entirely. Still, Cook promised shareholders that Apple will always focus on making everyone feel welcome.

    “We work hard to build a place where everyone belongs and can do their best,” Apple shared in its meeting notice.

    Since coming back to the White House, Trump has been against DEI programs. Last month, he made a rule to end DEI in federal jobs. After that, some big tech names like Google have started cutting back on their own DEI plans. This topic stirs up a lot of opinions, so we’ve moved the conversation to our Political News forum. Anyone can read it, but only forum members with 100+ posts can join in.

  • Apple’s Mac growth outpaces top PC brands, leads in AI technology

    Apple’s Mac growth outpaces top PC brands, leads in AI technology

    A recent report shows that Apple’s Macs grew faster than the top three PC brands in the last three months of 2024. Not only that, Apple is also way ahead in computers built for artificial intelligence (AI), holding a 45% share compared to just 15% for its closest Windows rival.

    Mac’s Place in the PC World

    Apple sits in fourth place overall, with a 10% slice of the PC market. It trails behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell, but it saw the biggest jump in sales during late 2024. Experts at Canalys believe Apple is set to keep growing, especially with businesses. They point to a new partner program launching soon that will make it easier for companies to use Macs. This could help Apple win over more business customers by showing how well Macs work in big workplaces—something that’s held them back before.

    Here’s how the overall PC market looks:

    Lenovo: 25%
    HP: 20%
    Dell: 15%
    Apple: 10%
    Asus: 7%
    Acer: 6%
    Huawei: 2%
    Microsoft: 0.4%
    Others: 15%

    Apple Shines in AI Computers

    When it comes to PCs with special AI chips, Apple is the clear leader. In 2024, 17% of all shipped PCs were AI-ready. Apple grabbed 45% of that market, while Lenovo and HP each took 12%. (Note: One part of the report says 54%, but most data sticks with 45%—we’re checking on that.) Experts say AI features aren’t the main reason people buy PCs yet, but they’re growing in importance. Better AI could soon mean smarter, more personal devices, which might keep customers loyal to brands like Apple.

    Trump’s Tariffs Could Slow Things Down

    The PC market is doing well overall, thanks to companies upgrading old machines after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10. But there’s a catch: a new 10% tax on goods from China, introduced by the Trump administration, could hurt. Since most laptops come from China, this could raise prices and slow down sales, especially for everyday buyers and businesses planning upgrades.

  • ChatGPT now works as your Safari search engine with a simple add-on

    ChatGPT now works as your Safari search engine with a simple add-on

    OpenAI recently updated the ChatGPT app, bringing a handy new feature: a Safari Extension. This add-on lets you use ChatGPT as the main search tool for anything you type into the Safari search bar. After you get the latest ChatGPT app update, you can turn on the ChatGPT Search Extension. Just head to the Safari settings in your phone’s Settings app and switch it on. Once activated, every question or topic you enter in the Safari search bar will go straight to ChatGPT Search instead of your usual search engine, like Google.

    When you enable this extension, all your Safari searches will flow through ChatGPT Search, making it your go-to search tool in the browser. The same rules that apply to using ChatGPT still count here—no changes there. To make it work, the extension will ask for permission to connect with Google.com or whatever search engine you normally use. Once you allow it, any search you type will skip your regular engine and head to ChatGPT’s search system instead.

    While there’s no direct way to pick ChatGPT as your favorite search engine in Safari’s main options, this extension gives you a smart way to get around that. It’s an easy fix for anyone who wants ChatGPT to handle their searches. This update keeps things simple and smooth, letting you explore the web with ChatGPT’s help right from the Safari bar. Whether you’re looking up quick facts or digging into something bigger, this add-on makes it happen without extra steps.

  • AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    Apple is gearing up to release a new version of the AirTag around May or June this year, according to a tip from a leaker called Kosutami. This matches what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at earlier, saying a fresh AirTag would drop sometime in mid-2025.

    Here’s a quick look at three exciting updates rumored for the AirTag 2:

    First, it’s said to come with a new Ultra Wideband chip, giving it a tracking range up to three times better than the current AirTag. This tech-first showed up in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. On newer iPhones like the 15 and 16, there’s a handy feature called Precision Finding for People, which helps you spot friends in busy places from as far as 200 feet (about 60 meters) away.

    Next, the AirTag 2’s speaker might be tougher to mess with or take out, making it harder for anyone to misuse it and boosting safety. Finally, the word is it’ll work even better with the Apple Vision Pro, though details on that are still fuzzy. The first AirTag hit the scene at an Apple Event in April 2021. In the U.S., one costs $29, or you can grab four for $99.

    Kosutami is mostly known for collecting early Apple prototypes, but they’ve been right about some big reveals before. For instance, they nailed it when they said the iPhone 16 Pro would have a metal-wrapped battery way ahead of its launch.

    That said, their guess last August about the new AirPods Pro coming “soon” didn’t happen—AirPods Pro 3 is still a no-show. In a fresh update today, Kosutami hinted again at new AirPods Pro and some smart home goodies from Apple. The company’s expected to roll out a brand-new smart home hub this year, plus there’s talk of a Face ID doorbell and a home camera possibly coming in 2026 or beyond.

  • Apple plans to blend modems into its main chip by 2028

    Apple plans to blend modems into its main chip by 2028

    Apple has a big idea: it wants to combine the modem—the part that connects devices to the internet—into its main processor. This move would make its gadgets use less power and cost less to build, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his Power On newsletter, Gurman predicts this change might happen by 2028 at the earliest. Interestingly, that’s also when Apple could start adding its own modem to MacBooks with cellular data, something he’s mentioned before. This time, though, he didn’t tie MacBooks into the modem talk.

    Years ago, Apple toyed with the idea of a MacBook Air that could connect to 3G networks. Back in 2008, Steve Jobs, the former CEO, nixed it because it would take up too much space. A combined chip design could fix that issue.

    Apple recently showed off its first homemade modem, called the C1, in the new iPhone 16e. Unveiled last week, this modem is the most energy-saving one ever in an iPhone. The iPhone 16e, with its 6.1-inch screen, boasts the longest battery life yet—up to 26 hours of video playback. Apple says the C1 is just the beginning.

    Gurman also revealed that Apple is already testing a C2 modem and even a C3, which could launch in 2027. By then, Apple hopes its tech will beat Qualcomm’s modems, a company it’s relied on for years. Word has it the C2 might appear in the iPhone 18 Pro next year.

    Since 2018, Apple has been crafting its own modem to ditch Qualcomm’s parts. The two companies have had a rocky past, but they’ve agreed to keep working together until March 2027. This gives Apple plenty of time to polish its own design. Moving away from Qualcomm makes sense as Apple pushes to control more of its tech and boost efficiency in its devices.

  • AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    Apple has shared exciting news: the AirPods Pro 2 now comes with a special hearing aid feature that’s easy to use and available in the United Kingdom.

    AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Support

    Sumbul Desai, a top expert at Apple, said, “We’re thrilled to use technology to improve lives. Bringing this hearing aid option to the UK gives AirPods Pro 2 users a full hearing care experience.” She’s Apple’s vice president of Health.

    This new feature makes everyday sounds clearer for adults who feel they have mild to moderate hearing trouble. Apple says it’s free in countries where it’s offered, and it comes through simple software updates.

    The hearing aid works by using a personal hearing profile. This profile comes from a quick five-minute Hearing Test that checks how well someone hears different sound levels. After the test, users get a result showing their hearing ability and tips on what to do next. The profile also adjusts sound for music, movies, games, and calls on all connected devices.

    Apple first rolled out these hearing tools in the US and a few other places in late October with iOS 18.1. Then, in December, iOS 18.2 brought the Hearing Test to more countries like France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, plus the hearing aid feature to the United Arab Emirates. Now, UK users can enjoy both the test and the hearing aid feature.

    To use these hearing tools, AirPods Pro 2 need firmware version 7B19 or higher. The update happens on its own when the AirPods are charging and near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. This update shows Apple’s focus on making life better with smart, simple tech. UK users can now hear the world around them more clearly, all thanks to their AirPods Pro 2.

  • Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Apple plans to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence

    Right now, Apple Intelligence lets Siri pass some questions to ChatGPT for smarter, more detailed answers than Siri can give on its own. During WWDC24, Apple’s software leader, Craig Federighi, hinted in a chat that they’re open to teaming up with other AI systems, like Google Gemini. A fresh leak suggests this teamwork might happen soon.

    A recent update tied to the iOS 18.4 beta shows “Google” and “OpenAI” listed as outside options for Apple Intelligence. This clue comes from code explorer Aaron Perris, who shared it onX. This doesn’t promise Gemini will pop up in iOS 18.4—especially since Apple Intelligence has faced some slowdowns already—but it strongly hints it’s coming eventually. It could land in a later iOS 18 tweak or roll out with iOS 19. Word is, Apple’s also cooking up its own chatty Siri upgrade for iOS 19.

    Google just dropped some shiny new Gemini 2.0 models, including one built for better reasoning. These might soon show up on iPhones, at least if you’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, or the upcoming iPhone 16e. In short, Apple’s gearing up to mix Google’s brainpower into its tech, giving users more ways to get sharp answers straight from their phones. Stay tuned—big things could be on the way!

  • New MacBook Air with M4 chip coming soon

    New MacBook Air with M4 chip coming soon

    Apple is gearing up to release new MacBook Air models equipped with the latest M4 chip by March, at the very latest, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This timeline aligns with last year’s launch of the M3 MacBook Air.

    MacBook Air in Blue

    Gurman shared these details in his recent Power On newsletter, although he hasn’t pinned down the precise launch date for the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs. Just a week ago, he hinted that the new models would hit the market “within weeks.”

    There’s been buzz about these new MacBook Airs for some time. Initially, they were expected to be Apple’s first big reveal of the new year. However, the spotlight might now go to the iPhone SE 4, which is set to be unveiled this Wednesday.

    Apple actually gave us a sneak peek of these upcoming M4 MacBook Airs back in December. When they released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 update, it included references to new machines listed as “Mac16,12” and “Mac16,13.” These codes hinted at the “MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)” and “MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025).”

    Since that discovery, everyone’s been waiting for these new MacBook Airs to drop. Gurman also noted last week that supplies of the current M3 MacBook Airs are running low, which usually means new models are on their way.

    Source

  • Apple is working hard on a new Studio Screen

    Apple is working hard on a new Studio Screen

    Apple is putting a lot of effort into creating a new Studio Screen, according to tech reporter Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. In his recent newsletter, Gurman shared that this new Studio Screen is expected to hit the market around 2026, along with new Macs with M5 chips.

    He describes the upcoming screen as having the same look as the one we have now, with a 27-inch screen size. Within Apple, it’s known by the code name J427.

    Gurman hasn’t mentioned any new features for this screen yet. But, last week, Ross Young, who knows a lot about screens, said Apple is working on a new 27-inch screen that might use mini-LEDs. He thinks this could be the new Studio Screen, possibly coming out late 2025 or early 2026. Mini-LEDs could make the screen brighter and the colors pop more than the current model.

    The current Studio Screen came out in March 2022 with the Mac Studio. It boasts a 5K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, can get up to 600 nits bright, has a built-in camera and speakers, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the US, it starts at $1,599.

    Source

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