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Search results for: “one ui”

  • Apple drops iCloud security feature in the UK due to government rules

    Apple drops iCloud security feature in the UK due to government rules

    Apple is taking away a special security option called Advanced Data Protection for iCloud users in the United Kingdom. This tool allowed people to keep their iCloud information super safe with a lock only they could open. But the UK government has told tech companies like Apple to add secret ways into these locks, called backdoors.

    Instead of adding these backdoors and weakening the safety of Advanced Data Protection, Apple decided to remove it completely for UK users. In a message to 9to5Mac, Apple explained that people already using this feature will soon have to turn it off to keep their iCloud accounts working.

    For those in the UK who haven’t turned on Advanced Data Protection yet, the choice is gone. When they try, they’ll see a note saying, “Apple can’t offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to new users in the United Kingdom anymore.”

    If you’re a UK user with this feature on, Apple says you’ll need to switch it off soon to keep using iCloud. Since the safety lock is so tight, Apple can’t turn it off for you—they’ll share a guide to help you do it yourself.

    Apple isn’t happy about this change. They said, “We’re really upset that UK users won’t have this strong protection anymore, especially with more data leaks and privacy risks out there. Keeping your info safe in the cloud is more important than ever. We want to give our users the best security and hope to bring this back to the UK someday. We’ve never made a secret key to unlock our products, and we won’t.”

    Without this protection, the UK government can now ask Apple for data from any iCloud account whenever they want. The new rules even stop Apple from telling users when their info is taken.
    Some iCloud features, like passwords and health data, still have this strong lock for now. But it’s unclear how long that will last with the UK’s new demands. Apple hasn’t said much about what’s next for those parts.

    Source

  • New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    New AirTag tool helps top U.S. airline find lost bags faster

    With the iOS 18.2 update, Apple has added a handy feature to its AirTag trackers, making it simpler to find lost luggage. This new tool, called “Share Item Location,” needs airlines to join in to work. Now, the busiest airline in the U.S. has jumped on board.

    American Airlines may not have the biggest fleet or the most money, but it carries more passengers daily than any other U.S. airline. That’s why its decision to use Apple’s new feature could help tons of travelers track down their missing bags.

    AirTags have been a game-changer for finding lost luggage since they first came out. Before, telling an airline where your bag might be didn’t always mean they could grab it quickly. Now, Share Item Location lets you safely share your AirTag’s spot with the right airline staff.

    Apple teamed up with airlines to set up a secure way to share this info, using the many Apple devices airlines already have. Only a few people can see the location link, and they need to log in with their Apple ID or work email to view it.

    American Airlines says less than 1% of bags get lost, and most are back with owners within a day. With this AirTag feature, they hope to speed that up even more. If your bag with an AirTag gets left behind, you can start a claim by scanning a special QR code at the baggage desk. Want to know which airlines use this feature? Check our updated list here. You can grab a single AirTag on Amazon for just $23.19 or get a four-pack for $79.99 (down from $99.99).

  • EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    Apple has started removing apps from the App Store in the European Union that do not provide trader contact information. Developers were notified that apps missing this crucial data would be taken down by February 17, 2025, and that deadline has now passed.

    Under the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA), apps must list trader details like an address, phone number, and email for customers to see. This is to ensure transparency and accountability from app developers who earn money from sales or in-app purchases.

    Apple has been emphasizing this rule for some time, requiring all new apps and updates to include this trader information. This data needs to be verified by Apple before apps can return to the App Store. The process to add trader information is straightforward, done through App Store Connect.

    However, this requirement has caused some friction, especially among smaller developers or solo app creators who might not have formal business contact details. They argue that this could expose them to unwanted spam or complicate their operations.

    Despite the pushback, the DSA mandates that Apple must display these contact details on the app’s product page within the EU’s 27 member countries. This ensures that users can reach out with any concerns or issues they might have with the app or its developer.

    For more detailed guidance on how to comply with these new regulations, developers can visit Apple’s official website. This move signifies a growing trend towards more transparency in digital markets, although it does present new challenges for some in the development community.

  • Apple’s edge in the race for home Robots as Meta joins the game

    Apple’s edge in the race for home Robots as Meta joins the game

    A recent report hints that Apple and Meta might soon be rivals in the world of humanoid robots. Meta, known for social media, is reportedly pouring a lot of money into building robots that can help with tasks around the house. If Apple moves forward with its home robot plans, it could have a big upper hand over Meta.

    Apple’s Robot Dreams

    When most people hear “robot,” they picture a sci-fi helper that looks human and handles chores—a sort of robotic assistant. Apple is said to be working on something like this. Last year, Bloomberg called it a “skunk-works project,” meaning a small team is experimenting with it, separate from Apple’s usual products. I’ve said before that this kind of robot might take ten years or more to become real. A recent update suggests even a simple tabletop robot could be years away, despite cute designs like a table lamp.

    Meta’s Push into Humanoid Robots

    According to Bloomberg, Meta is excited about AI-driven humanoid robots and sees them as a major focus. The company is investing heavily in this area, aiming to create robots that act like humans and assist with physical tasks. Meta is starting with household chores and has already begun talks with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI. On Friday, Meta told its staff about the new robot team. Interestingly, the first robots might not carry Meta’s name. Instead, Meta wants to supply the AI brains for robots made by other companies, though Meta-branded robots could come later.

    Could Apple and Meta Clash?

    I still think fully capable home robots are a long way off. But if multiple companies start competing, things could speed up. Meta’s entry might push Apple to take its robot project more seriously, moving it from a side experiment to a bigger priority.

    Apple’s Big Advantage

    Having a humanoid robot at home might feel strange or even creepy for many people. It could be like having a stranger in your house—one with cameras everywhere. Apple’s strong focus on privacy and its trusted reputation could give it a major edge in winning over customers.

  • 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

  • Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    The Apple Vision Pro, which just celebrated its first birthday, might soon receive one of its largest updates yet, and you won’t need to buy new hardware to enjoy it. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence, which was initially rolled out for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Until now, this suite of AI features was exclusive to models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, various iPad models with M-series chips, and the latest Macs.

    However, there was no mention of Apple Vision Pro getting these AI enhancements in previous updates. The Vision Pro, powered by Apple’s second-generation M-series chip, has been somewhat left out until now. But that could change.

    Recent whispers from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg hint that Apple might extend Apple Intelligence to the current Vision Pro models. This is exciting news for those who’ve invested in the $3,500 headset, offering new capabilities without the need for an upgrade.

    This rumor comes as a relief, especially after reports suggested that some new Siri features with Apple Intelligence might miss the iOS 18.4 release. Keep an eye out for more updates from Apple in the coming days, including a new product launch scheduled for this Wednesday.

    Top Apple Accessories You Might Love

    • Wireless CarPlay Adapter
    • iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack
    • USB-C Charger for iPhone
    • Apple AirTag for Tracking
    • AirPods 4 for Music Lovers
    • AirPods Pro 2 for Enhanced Audio Experience
    • Apple Pencil Pro for Creatives

    Stay tuned for how these developments could enhance your Apple experience!

  • When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    When to expect the iOS 18.4 test version

    Apple finished the iOS 18.3 test phase a few weeks back, and we’re usually quick to see new test versions. But, we’re still waiting for the first test of iOS 18.4. The good news is, we might not have to wait much longer.

    iOS 18.4’s first test should come out next week

    Apple typically sticks to a schedule where new test versions come out soon after a big update goes live. This time, however, we’ve had a longer wait than usual. iOS 18.3 went public at the end of January, and here we are in mid-February, still without the new test. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we could see the iOS 18.4 test sometime between the middle of this week and early next week.

    Siri in the New iOS

    This week has passed without any new test releases, but next week looks promising.

    Keep in mind, that Monday, February 17 is President’s Day in the US, so don’t count on a release then. Also, on Wednesday, February 19, Apple has a big product reveal planned, so they might not want to overshadow it with a software update. That leaves Tuesday, February 18 as a likely day for the iOS 18.4 test version.

    While there’s always a chance it could be delayed, a release next week seems pretty sure, especially since Apple has already announced that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. They need to start testing soon for the new features in Apple Intelligence and Siri.

    A Longer Gap Between Tests is Rare but Not New

    It’s not common for three whole weeks to pass between test releases, but it has happened before. Here’s how the last few years looked:

    • 2024: iOS 17.3 went live on January 22, with the first iOS 17.4 test on January 25.
    • 2023: iOS 16.3 was released on January 23, and the first iOS 16.4 test came on February 16.
    • 2022: iOS 15.3 launched on January 26, followed by the first iOS 15.4 test on January 27.

    So, while this longer wait is unusual, it does have precedent, showing that Apple sometimes changes up its schedule.

  • Netflix won’t be part of Apple TV after all

    Netflix won’t be part of Apple TV after all

    Recently, some Netflix viewers in the U.S. noticed something unusual. They saw Netflix shows and movies appearing in the “Continue Watching” list on the Apple TV app. This led to rumors that Netflix might finally be working with Apple TV.

    However, it turned out to be just a mistake. Netflix confirmed to a news site that the appearance of their content in the Apple TV app was not intentional. They quickly fixed the error, pulling their shows and movies back from the Apple TV’s queue.

    Netflix has long chosen to keep its service separate from the Apple TV app. This means if you’re using an Apple TV, you won’t find your Netflix watch list mixed in with other services like Apple TV+, Hulu, Disney+, Max, or Amazon Prime Video. Instead, Netflix wants its users to use its own app to keep track of what they’re watching and find new things to watch.

    This approach by Netflix means that fans of the service have to switch between apps if they want to manage their viewing across different platforms on Apple devices. While other streaming services have embraced integration with Apple’s system for a smoother experience, Netflix continues to stand alone. This decision might be based on keeping control over their user experience or other strategic business reasons not fully public.

    So, if you were excited about potentially seeing all your streaming in one place with Apple TV, you’ll have to wait a bit longer or manage your Netflix watching separately.

  • New rules for moving purchases between Apple Accounts

    New rules for moving purchases between Apple Accounts

    This week, Apple made many of its long-time App Store users happy by introducing a tool that finally allows you to transfer purchases from one Apple account to another. However, there are quite a few rules you have to follow before you can do this.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Account Type: Neither account involved can be a child account linked through Family Sharing.
    • Previous Migrations: You can’t use an account that’s already had purchases moved from it. If you’ve undone a migration, you’ll have to wait a year before trying again.
    • Music Library: If both accounts have music in their libraries, you can’t proceed with the migration.
    • Apple One Subscriptions: If your Apple One plan shares iCloud storage with another account, you’re out of luck.
    • New Accounts: If your primary account has never made a purchase or download, you can’t migrate purchases to it.
    • Deleted or Disabled Accounts: You can’t migrate from an account that’s been deleted or is not active.
    • Locked Accounts: An account that’s locked or disabled won’t allow migration.
    • Special Access: Accounts with special app access, like through an employer’s VPP program, can’t migrate either.

    There’s also an issue with TestFlight. If your secondary account has been used to test apps, you need to stop testing each app in TestFlight before you can move your purchases.

    Apple has also clarified some regional rules:

    • 15-Day Rule: In South Korea and China, you might need to wait up to 15 days for purchases made with Apple account balance to process.

    Regarding Family Sharing, you can still migrate if your secondary account was used to share purchases with your primary account.

    I tried this migration myself but hit a snag because I didn’t meet some requirements. Unfortunately, the system doesn’t tell you which one. As of now, the migration option has vanished from my account, even after I stopped testing all my TestFlight apps.

    Have you managed to navigate through this process successfully?

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