Search results for: “siri”

  • Apple’s AI delays spark worry among leaders

    Apple’s AI delays spark worry among leaders

    Apple made big promises about its new AI features, called Apple Intelligence, when it launched the iPhone 16. However, those tools didn’t show up as planned. Months have passed, and the company keeps pushing back the release. Now, Apple’s top leaders, including Craig Federighi, are growing anxious.

    Recently, Apple shared that its upgraded Siri and other AI features won’t arrive until at least 2026—long after the iPhone 17 hits stores. This means the iPhone 16 won’t have the full experience Apple hyped up. Some tools, like summarizing notifications and editing photos, did launch, but they’re clunky and underwhelming. It seems Apple rushed them out to keep up with the AI trend, and the results have grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons.

    The company’s bosses aren’t happy. Craig Federighi, who leads Apple’s software team, and other executives are speaking up after the latest delay news. This mess has turned into a huge headache for Apple’s image. Fans and the media are frustrated—even loyal Apple users complain online, saying the iPhone 16 feels unfinished.

    Apple Intelligence was meant to transform how people use their iPhones and other devices. It promised to fetch info fast and organize your day like a smart buddy. Instead, users are stuck with weak tools that don’t stack up to competitors. Rumors are swirling that Apple might ditch its current AI plans and start over. If that’s true, the 2026 goal could slip even further.

    This isn’t just about broken promises—it’s about timing. By the time Apple gets its AI ready, other companies might be miles ahead. For now, iPhone 16 buyers are left waiting for features they expected while Apple scrambles to fix its AI stumble.

  • Two new Apple gadgets coming this spring

    Two new Apple gadgets coming this spring

    Apple just finished a busy week of showing off new stuff, but it’s not done yet! Two exciting products are set to arrive this spring. Let’s take a look at what’s on the way.

    AirTag 2: The Next Step for Apple’s Tracker

    The first AirTag came out nearly four years ago, back in early 2021. Over time, Apple has added better privacy features and small updates through software. But now, it’s time for a real upgrade with new hardware.

    The word is that AirTag 2 will show up around May or June. People say it’ll have three big improvements:

    • A stronger signal to find it from farther away
    • A fresh wireless chip
    • Better privacy protection

    We don’t know all the details yet, but one privacy boost stands out: Apple plans to make the speaker tougher to take out. This should stop people from using it in sneaky ways, like tracking someone without permission.

    ‘HomePad’: A Cool New Smart Screen for Your Home

    The product I’m most excited about in 2025 is Apple’s ‘HomePad’—a brand-new smart display. It was supposed to come out in March, but now it’s looking more like April or later. HomePad will fit right in with Apple TV 4K and HomePod, kicking off a fresh category for Apple’s home gadgets.

    It’ll run on a new system called homeOS, blending handy tools like widgets, home controls, and apps such as Photos, Music, and Notes. You’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips around the house. There were big plans for Siri upgrades with HomePad, but Apple says those might wait. So, they could launch it first and add the fancy Siri stuff later.

    Wrapping Up Apple’s Spring Plans

    Apple’s already had a big year with the iPhone 16e, M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, M3 iPad Air, and A16 iPad. Now, AirTag 2 and HomePad will keep the excitement going this spring. After that, Apple’s fall lineup—like the iPhone 17 Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3—will take center stage. It’s shaping up to be a packed year!

  • What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    What new Apple gadgets to look forward to this summer

    Apple recently shared news about its budget-friendly iPhone 16e, along with fresh MacBook Air and Mac Studio models powered by M4 and M3 Ultra chips. With those out of the way, let’s take a peek at what else might pop up from Apple this summer.

    Apple’s Summer 2025 Highlights

    We’re crossing our fingers for updates in at least three product areas before summer ends. Nothing’s set in stone, but here’s what’s on our radar.

    Smart Home Hub

    Apple’s cooking up a new gadget to control your smart home, kind of like a central command station. Picture an iPad-style device that could hit shelves as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That said, he’s hinted that delays might push it later into the year, tied to updates in iOS 18.4 or iOS 19. Another expert, Kuo, predicts a release between April and September 2025. Gurman added in February that it’s still a few months off.

    Mac Pro

    The Mac Pro is due for a summer 2025 refresh, per Gurman. Originally, folks thought it’d get the shiny new M4 Ultra chip, but the recent M3 Ultra launch in the Mac Studio has people second-guessing. Apple’s M4 Max chip doesn’t support a beefier Ultra version down the road, so the next Mac Pro might stick with the M3 Ultra—Apple’s fastest chip yet, they say.

    AirTag 2

    Apple’s planning a new AirTag for mid-2025, Gurman reports, though another source bets on May or June. This upgraded tracker will boast a better chip for pinpointing locations, possibly the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip from the iPhone 15. To tackle stalking concerns, the speaker will be harder to yank out. The look won’t change much, but its range might stretch further for sharper tracking.

    iOS 19

    Apple will show off iOS 19 at its June 2025 developer event, with a full rollout in September alongside the iPhone 17. The word is that iOS 18 work is slowing iOS 19 down, so new features might trickle out like they did this year. One rumor hints at a Camera app redo with a visionOS-inspired style—think see-through buttons and a focus on content. A smarter Siri is in the works, too, but it might not arrive until iOS 20, says Gurman.

  • Apple’s new Shazam update makes music syncing easier

    Apple’s new Shazam update makes music syncing easier

    Apple just launched a fresh update for Shazam, the popular music-finding app it picked up in 2018. This new version helps you save songs you tag from outside the app directly to your playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.

    Here’s what you’ll find in version 18.9:

    The update makes syncing your tagged songs to Apple Music and Spotify smoother than ever! Now, Shazam can add tracks you discover using Music Recognition in Control Center, Siri, or Shortcuts to your “My Shazam Tracks” playlist on either service.

    To get everything working, head to Shazam’s settings and switch “Sync your songs” off and then back on. This will refresh all the songs you’ve found before. If you’re using Spotify, you might need to close and reopen the app to see the updated playlist.

    Want to keep your Shazam History safe and available across all your devices? Just turn on iCloud sync in the app’s settings, and you’re good to go. You can grab the latest Shazam update from the App Store now. This simple tweak makes it easier to enjoy the music you love, no matter how you find it!

  • 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!

  • iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    Apple is testing iOS 18.4 right now, and it’s full of cool new stuff. But according to Mark Gurman, the next update, iOS 18.5, will tackle two of Apple’s biggest AI challenges: a smarter Siri and AI features for China.

    What’s Coming in iOS 18.5, According to Gurman

    In his Power On newsletter, Gurman talked about iOS 18.4’s features before hinting at what’s next. He says iOS 18.5 will bring the exciting stuff—like a supercharged Siri that Apple showed off last summer and AI tools for users in China. Normally, a late update like this doesn’t get big changes, but iOS 18.5 is different with two major upgrades.

    A Smarter Siri

    Siri’s big makeover is finally happening. It’ll do all the fancy things Apple promised at WWDC last year—stuff people thought would already be here after seeing the ads. For example, Siri will handle tons of new tasks inside apps and even between them. That means you can ask it to do things by voice instead of tapping around.

    Another neat trick? Siri will see what’s on your screen and help based on that. Plus, it’ll know more about you—like your recent meetings, messages, or places you’ve been. Ask it anything about your life, and Siri will answer like a real helper. Apple’s been tweaking Siri bit by bit, but iOS 18.5 should make it feel brand new.

    AI Features in China

    This won’t affect everyone, but it’s huge for Apple. In China, local phone brands already have their own AI tools, putting pressure on Apple. Bringing Apple Intelligence to China with iOS 18.5 is a must to keep up. iPhone sales there have been slow lately, though Tim Cook says not to panic. He’s hopeful because where AI features are live, sales are better. So, this update could give iPhones a big lift in China.

    When Will iOS 18.5 Arrive?

    Gurman thinks iOS 18.5 will roll out around May, though it might slip to June since iOS 18.4 hits in April. Either way, Apple wants it ready before WWDC 2025 starts. These changes could be a game-changer for Siri fans and Apple’s China market!

  • Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Fresh Apple gadgets could arrive soon

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is gearing up to reveal new products, maybe as soon as next week. Among them are a shiny new M4 MacBook Air, plus updated iPad Air and basic iPad models. The MacBook Air news is super close, while the iPads might take a bit longer.

    What’s Coming This Spring?

    After the iPhone 16e hit the scene, everyone’s buzzing about what Apple’s got next. Rumors point to a spruced-up iPad Air, a new iPad 11, and an M4 MacBook Air—all due for a fresh look soon.
    Gurman notes that stores are running low on the current basic iPad and M2 iPad Air. That’s a big hint that new versions are on the way. We saw the same thing with the iPhone SE 3 stock before the iPhone 16e dropped.

    Here’s a quick recap: The iPad 11 should get a boost with the A17 Pro chip, making it Apple’s budget-friendly option with Apple Intelligence. The iPad Air might see some inside upgrades, like an M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard.

    When Will We See Them?

    All these goodies are set to roll out this spring, though some will pop up sooner. Gurman predicts a Mac announcement could hit as early as next week—probably the M4 MacBook Air. The iPad updates are coming too, but don’t expect them in the next few days, per his latest scoop.

  • What’s coming to your iPhone with iOS 19

    What’s coming to your iPhone with iOS 19

    The iOS 19 update is still a few months away, but exciting whispers about what’s next for your iPhone are already spreading. Here’s a simple rundown of what we’ve heard so far.

    A Fresh Look for the Camera App

    One big rumor is a brand-new Camera app. Back in January, Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech shared a YouTube video showing off what it might look like. The standout change? See-through menus for camera settings, inspired by the sleek style of visionOS, which runs Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

    This redesign lets you see more of the camera’s viewfinder than in iOS 18. The controls are split into Photo and Video sections at the bottom. You’ll find options like recording spatial videos, setting a photo timer, and tweaking video resolution or frame rate, which pop up at the top when needed. It’s unclear if this cool, visionOS-like style will spread to other parts of iOS 19, but it’s a possibility!

    A Smarter, Chatty Siri

    Siri is getting a major upgrade in iOS 19. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says it’ll be “more talkative” thanks to smarter tech, making it act more like ChatGPT. This means Siri could handle trickier questions and tasks. Apple might show off this new Siri when they announce iOS 19, but it won’t fully launch until spring 2026—likely with iOS 19.4. For now, iOS 18.2 brings ChatGPT to Siri, with Google Gemini joining later, plus other handy upgrades in iOS 18.4 or 18.5.

    Features Rolling Out Over Time

    Expect many of iOS 19’s goodies to arrive in stages, from iOS 19.1 to 19.4, rather than all at once.

    Which iPhones Will Work?

    According to iPhoneSoft.fr, iOS 19 should run on every iPhone that supports iOS 18. That includes models from the iPhone XS and XR (released in 2018) up to the iPhone 16 series. Some features might skip older phones, though.

    When’s It Coming?

    Apple will likely tease iOS 19 at WWDC in June 2025, with betas starting then and the full release hitting in September. Get ready for a fresh iPhone experience!

    Compatible iPhones

    • iPhone 16
    • iPhone 16 Plus
    • iPhone 16 Pro
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15
    • iPhone 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13
    • iPhone 13 mini
    • iPhone 13 Pro
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
  • Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    The iOS 18.4 update was meant to include new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence, but Apple decided to hold off on those for more testing. Even so, this update still brings some cool additions that’ll make it worth downloading when it arrives in April.

    Important Alerts First

    Apple shared the idea of Priority Notifications at WWDC in June 2024, and now it’s finally here. This handy feature has been eagerly awaited since iOS 18 launched in September.

    With Priority Notifications, your phone figures out which alerts matter most by looking at the timing and details. For example, if you’re waiting for a food delivery, that alert jumps to the top when it’s almost time. It works the same for anything urgent or tied to a schedule.

    You’ll need to switch it on manually in the iOS 18.4 beta by going to Settings > Notifications > Turn On Priority Alerts. Once it’s active, these key alerts appear at the top of your Lock Screen in a special box with a clear icon. Swipe down to see the rest of your notifications as usual.

    Fun with Image Playground

    When Image Playground first came out, it let you create pictures in two styles: Animation and Illustration. A third option was always planned, and now it’s here with the iOS 18.4 beta—Sketch. Sketch gives your images a hand-drawn look, different from the 3D Animation style or the bold, simple Illustration vibe. Apple calls Sketch “detailed and scholarly,” with beautiful drawings on plain backgrounds. Animation has a playful, 3D cartoon feel, while Illustration uses strong lines and bright colors.

    More Languages Supported

    With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence will work in new languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. It’ll also support English tailored for India and Singapore.

    When’s It Coming?

    Apple has released one beta of iOS 18.4 to developers and testers so far. Another beta is expected next week, with testing running through March. The full release is set for early April.

    What About Siri?

    There’s still hope the delayed Siri features might sneak into a later iOS 18.4 beta, but with just a month left, it’s doubtful. Instead, they’ll likely land in iOS 18.5. Normally, big updates don’t hit in a .5 release, but Apple’s been rolling out iOS 18 features bit by bit—and iOS 19 might even be delayed to focus on perfecting iOS 18.

  • 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.