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  • Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple shares new test updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

    Apple rolled out fresh test versions of software updates today for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, covering both the Lightning and USB-C models. These updates carry the version number 7E5080a and are currently limited to developers. This marks the second test update Apple has tried out, following the first one from January, which was labeled 7E5067b.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    We don’t yet know exactly what’s new or different in this update, but we’ll keep you posted if we learn more. For now, regular users still have version 7B21 on their AirPods Pro 2 and 7B20 on their AirPods 4. These won’t change until Apple officially releases the tested software to everyone.

    To get the update, place your AirPods near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s on Wi-Fi, then plug them in to charge. The process might take up to 30 minutes to finish. Want to see which version you’re running? On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button next to your AirPods when they’re connected, and check the number there.

  • Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft has rolled out a fresh Copilot app made just for Mac computers. This means people who use Copilot can now enjoy it through a smooth, Mac-friendly program. Copilot is Microsoft’s smart AI tool, powered by OpenAI tech. It works a lot like ChatGPT, helping users with all sorts of tasks. You can ask it questions, get coding tips, upload pictures for extra details, create text or images, sum up info, dig into research, open shortcuts, and more.

    Now, Mac users can have this handy AI helper right on their screens. The app lets you upload photos, make images and text, use quick shortcuts, switch to dark mode, and explore a feature called Think Deeper. Microsoft Copilot is like a daily sidekick—chatting with it feels natural and boosts learning, growth, and confidence thanks to OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI brains.

    The app itself is free with no extra costs inside, but Copilot offers both free and paid options. For those wanting the newest AI features, Copilot Pro costs $20 per month per person.
    You can grab the Microsoft Copilot app from the Mac App Store at no charge. It works on any Mac with an Apple silicon chip running macOS 14 or newer. [Direct Link]

  • iPhone 17 designs look similar in latest leaks

    iPhone 17 designs look similar in latest leaks

    The iPhone 17 Pro concept picture above is starting to feel like the real deal for Apple’s big reveal this fall. Sonny Dickson, a well-known leaker, recently posted more pictures from CAD files that he says show the designs and sizes of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    “Lots of people are posting the same iPhone 17 CAD drawings,” Sonny shared on X. “So, I decided to show the ones I’ve come across.”

    Sonny also gave us a sneak peek at what an iPhone 17 Pro case might look like, highlighting a new camera layout. With so many CAD leaks popping up lately, all showing the same designs, it’d be a shock if Apple changed things up before the iPhone 17 family officially launches in September.

    The regular iPhone 17 seems like a small upgrade from the iPhone 16, mostly on the inside:

    The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will sport a bigger ridge for their triple-lens camera setup, including a flash, LiDAR sensor, and back microphone. What Apple plans to do with this larger camera area is still a mystery.

    Then there’s the iPhone 17 Air, a super slim model joining the lineup. It might take the place of the iPhone 16 Plus, offering a bigger screen without jumping to the pricier $1200 Pro Max.
    Will a thin body, big display, and just one rear camera make the iPhone 17 Air stand out compared to the regular iPhone 17 or the more powerful iPhone 17 Pro? And what surprises could Apple be hiding in those new camera bumps that stretch across the back? We’ll have to wait and see!

    Source

  • Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

    The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

    First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

    Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

    App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

    Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.

  • Apple Watch “Green” claims face new lawsuit

    Apple Watch “Green” claims face new lawsuit

    Apple has a big plan to make all its products eco-friendly and carbon-neutral by 2030. However, a new lawsuit says the company’s first “green” product—the Apple Watch—isn’t as environmentally friendly as promised. Here’s what’s going on with this legal challenge.

    Buyers Say Apple Tricked Them with False Green Promises

    According to Jonathan Stempel at Reuters, some Apple Watch owners are upset. They’ve filed a lawsuit claiming that Apple’s promise of a “carbon neutral” watch isn’t true. The case, brought to a federal court in San Jose, California, involves seven people who bought the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2. These customers say Apple’s green labels convinced them to buy the watches—or pay more than they would have if they’d known the real story.

    Apple rolled out these watches in September 2023, saying they were carbon neutral. The company explained it cut emissions and bought carbon offsets to balance things out. But the buyers disagree, pointing to two projects Apple used to claim its eco-friendly status:

    • Kenya’s Chyulu Hills Project
    • China’s Guinan Project

    The lawsuit argues these projects don’t help the environment as much as Apple says. The buyers claim the carbon cuts from these efforts would’ve happened anyway, even without Apple’s involvement. Because of this, they say Apple’s “carbon neutral” label is misleading and not honest.

    What the Lawsuit Wants

    The people suing are asking for money to cover their losses. They also want a court order to stop Apple from calling its products “carbon neutral” in ads or marketing. Since launching those first “green” Apple Watches in 2023, Apple has added more eco-friendly products, like the M4 Mac mini (its first carbon neutral Mac) and the Apple Watch Series 10 lineup. But this lawsuit could challenge how truthful those green claims are. For now, it’s a waiting game to see how the court rules and what it means for Apple’s big environmental goals.

  • 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.

  • A cool secret in the iPhone 16 wallpapers

    A cool secret in the iPhone 16 wallpapers

    Every new iPhone comes with its own special wallpaper, and the iPhone 16 has a neat little surprise baked into its design. At first glance, it’s not super clear when you look at just one phone. But when you check out three of them together on Apple’s comparison tool online, the secret pops right out.

    Here’s the fun part: the wallpaper actually shows off how many camera lenses each iPhone 16 model has. John Gruber, a tech writer, pointed this out. He said Apple cleverly uses the default wallpapers to hint at the number of lenses on each phone. It’s a playful detail the company loves to sneak in every now and then. They’ve done similar things before, often called “easter eggs”—little surprises that show up in special moments. Think of stuff like typing “let it snow” in the Apple Store app for a snowy treat or Siri playing a silly true-or-false game on April Fools’ Day.

    This time, though, the secret isn’t buried too deep—it’s right there if you know where to look. Speaking of cameras, Gruber also checked the thickness of the three iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16e stands out because it doesn’t have a raised camera bump (what he calls a “mesa,” like a flat-topped hill). Not only is there no bump, but the whole camera area—from the lens to the screen—is thinner than the other models, even at their thickest spots.

    This gives the iPhone 16e a clean, simple look on the back, which feels fresh. So, it’s a bit surprising that rumors suggest Apple won’t keep this style for the iPhone 17 Air. Instead, we might see a raised bar across the back. For now, though, the iPhone 16 wallpapers are a fun way to celebrate the cameras—and a cool nod to Apple’s love for little surprises.

  • New iPhone 17e might arrive next year in a yearly pattern

    New iPhone 17e might arrive next year in a yearly pattern

    Apple could roll out an iPhone 17e next year, possibly in February, according to a fresh consumer report. This lines up with a tip from a trusted leaker who says hints of this phone are already popping up in China’s supply chain.

    iPhone 16e Kicks Off a New Trend

    A report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) suggests the iPhone 16e is the start of a yearly lineup of budget-friendly “e” models in Apple’s main series. After launching the regular iPhone 17 in September, Apple might unveil the iPhone 17e in February 2026. The report explains:

    It looks like “e” phones could stick around. After the big iPhone 17 debut in September, we think Apple will bring out an iPhone 17e around this time next year. This is similar to how Google releases its “a” models a few months after its spring flagship launches.

    Meanwhile, a leaker on WeChat, Fixed Focus Digital, shared news of a “new project codename” spotted in Apple’s supply chain. They believe it’s likely tied to the iPhone 17e. This leaker was also the first to call the iPhone 16e by name last December, while others thought it’d just be another iPhone SE.

    Why This Matters

    Before these rumors, we guessed last week that an iPhone 17e might drop in early 2026, around February. A cheaper “e” model mid-year could shake up Apple’s lineup and spark more excitement than rereleasing the same phone in a new color, something Apple has done before. It’d also give buyers a clearer idea of when to expect a new budget option, unlike the unpredictable timing of past iPhone SE releases.

    That said, this depends on the iPhone 16e doing well. If sales flop, the “e” line might fade away like the iPhone “mini” or the “Plus” model, which we don’t expect to see in the iPhone 17 family. The iPhone 16e’s sales numbers will likely clue us in on its future.

    iPhone 16e Hits Stores Soon

    The iPhone 16e comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, a USB-C port, an Action button, and a 48-megapixel camera with 2x zoom. It also has Apple’s new 5G “C1” modem. It’ll be available starting February 28 in stores and for pre-order deliveries.

  • iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    Early tests of the iPhone 16e’s cell signal strength reveal some exciting news. A Chinese tech site, Geekerwan, ran several 5G checks on the iPhone 16e using a fake cell tower set up in their lab. Overall, the iPhone 16e worked just as well as the iPhone 16 for staying connected, with similar speeds and dependability. Plus, Apple’s promise of better power use seems spot on. Geekerwan found that the new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e used much less energy than the Qualcomm modem in the iPhone 16.

    The best part? The iPhone 16e didn’t show any big surprises—it matched the iPhone 16’s performance nicely (though it doesn’t have mmWave support). They also tested both phones on a subway ride. Speeds went up and down, but all iPhone 16 models had about the same number of signal drops and connection quality.

    Looking at power use, the difference was clear. Apple says the C1 modem saves up to 25% more energy, and the numbers back that up. In strong signal areas, the iPhone 16 used 0.88 watts on 5G, while the 16e only needed 0.67 watts—that’s about 24% less. In weak signal spots, the 16 averaged 0.81 watts, and the 16e stayed at 0.67 watts, a 17% drop.

    For real-life battery tests, the iPhone 16e lasted 7 hours and 53 minutes streaming video on 5G. The iPhone 16 managed 7 hours, and the 16 Pro hit 6 hours and 54 minutes. So, the 16e outlasted them by nearly an hour. The bigger Plus and Pro Max models, with larger batteries, reached about 8.5 hours.

    Still, it’s tricky to know if the longer battery life comes from the C1 modem alone or the 16e’s bigger 3961mAH battery, which is 12% larger than the 16 Pro’s. It looks like Apple boosted the iPhone 16e’s staying power with both a smarter modem and a roomier battery.

  • iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    Apple’s smart system, called Apple Intelligence, needs a lot of memory to work well—at least 8GB. Since Apple wants to make this system even smarter, people are saying the iPhone 17 Pro models could come with 12GB of memory.

    iPhone 17 Pro Set for a Memory Boost

    Talk about the iPhone 17 Pro having 12GB of memory isn’t new. Last August, expert Ming-Chi Kuo said this might happen after Apple showed off Apple Intelligence at its big 2024 event. Now, it’s looking more likely that these new iPhones will get a memory upgrade this year.

    Jeff Pu, another expert from GFHK Tech Research, told investors (in a note shared with 9to5Mac) that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will jump to 12GB of memory from the 8GB in today’s models. He says the growing need for AI tricks is pushing phone and computer makers to add more memory. “The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will switch to 12GB of fast LPDDR5 memory, which could bump up smartphone memory use by 3.5% across about 100 million new iPhones,” Pu explained.

    Last year, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max had 8GB of memory, while the regular models got 6GB. In 2024, Apple gave 8GB to the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus too. That’s why Apple Intelligence only works on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer phones. The just-released iPhone 16e also has 8GB and runs Apple Intelligence.

    More memory in the iPhone 17 Pro will help it stay ready for the future. It also suggests Apple might add new AI features that need extra power—features only these models could handle. For example, Apple recently upgraded all its Macs, even the older M2 MacBook Air, to 16GB of memory.

    What Else Is Coming with the iPhone 17?

    Rumors say the whole iPhone 17 family will look different. Expect a fresh camera setup and video tools perfect for vloggers. There’s also talk of a super-thin iPhone model that could sit between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro, maybe replacing the Plus version. These new iPhones should arrive in September.

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