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  • Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple has just rolled out the second test versions of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—for people who want to try them early. These public test versions let users check out new tools and features before they’re officially available. They arrived just a day after Apple shared the updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone and iPad

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates through the Settings app on their devices. You just need to join the testing group on Apple’s website first. The updates bring some cool stuff for iPhone and iPad users. There’s a feature called Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, which puts your most urgent alerts at the top. Plus, there’s a fun new Sketch option in Image Playground for all Apple Intelligence devices.

    For those who love food and news, Apple News+ subscribers get a fresh Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating ideas. You’ll also find a relaxing Ambient Music option in the Control Center. And now, iPad and Mac users can enjoy Mail Categorization, a handy tool that was once only on the iPhone.

    More Goodies in the Second Test Version

    The second test round adds new emoji characters to play with and introduces the Vision Pro app for iPhone users. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners also get Visual Intelligence, making the update even sweeter. Want to know everything these updates offer? Check out our simple iOS 18.4 features guide for the full scoop. With these test versions, Apple is letting everyday users help shape the future of its software—pretty exciting, right?

  • Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two fresh Mac threats have been spotted recently, and one of them is getting a patch this week. The second one is still out there with no fix yet, but honestly, you’d have to be pretty unaware to get tricked by it.

    A Parallels Weakness Targeted

    According to Macworld, the first threat was uncovered by a security expert named Mickey Jin. He’d been pushing Parallels, a tool that lets Macs run Windows, Linux, or older macOS versions, to fix this issue for seven months. The problem affects Intel-based Macs using Parallels. It lets someone take full control of your Mac by sneaking through flaws in how Parallels sets up virtual machines.

    The good news? It’s not a huge worry since the attacker would need to physically get to your Mac. Parallels has now promised to roll out a solution this week. They’ve shared details in a support article, saying updates for Parallels Desktop 20.2.2 and 19.4.2 will tackle this flaw soon.

    FrigidStealer Sneaks In

    The second threat, called FrigidStealer, is sneakier and can strike from afar—it’s after your passwords. But it’s not hard to avoid if you’re cautious. You’d have to click a sketchy link and then follow steps to dodge macOS’s safety net, Gatekeeper.

    Here’s how it works: You get an email with a link. Click it, and a webpage pops up, warning that your browser needs an update. Hit the “Update” button, and a file downloads. The trick is that you’re told to open it by right-clicking and choosing “Open” from the menu. Doing this skips Gatekeeper, the Mac’s guard against shady apps, letting the malware slip in.

    Stay Safe Out There

    Stick to the basics to keep your Mac safe. Don’t click links in unexpected emails. For important websites, use bookmarks you’ve saved yourself. Only grab software from the Mac App Store or trusted developers’ sites. A little care goes a long way!

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • iOS 18.4 Beta pulled for iPhone 12 models and more

    iOS 18.4 Beta pulled for iPhone 12 models and more

    Last week, Apple released the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. However, they’ve stopped offering it for some devices because of problems. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, the iOS 18.4 beta can’t be installed anymore on the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s also unavailable for certain older iPad Air models and basic iPads.

    The trouble started when the beta caused some iPhone 12 devices and others to get stuck in a “boot loop.” This means the device kept restarting and couldn’t be used. That’s why Apple always reminds users to save a backup of their iPhone before trying beta versions. Early software like this can have big glitches.

    Here’s the list of devices where iOS 18.4 beta 1 is no longer active:

    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Mini
    • iPad 8 (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi and Cellular)
    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Cellular)

    There might have been extra issues with some cellular iPad Air models, beyond just the boot loop. Apple also stopped the first watchOS 11.4 beta for the Apple Watch Series 6. The company is expected to fix these problems and release the betas again for the affected devices, but no one knows when that’ll happen.

    Sadly, this isn’t the first time Apple has had to pull back a beta update because of bugs. For now, if you’re using one of these devices, you’ll have to wait for a more stable version. Always back up your stuff before testing new software—it’s a small step that can save you a lot of headaches!

  • Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple rolls out first test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4

    Apple has just released the first public test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, watchOS 11.4, and tvOS 15.4. These updates let everyday testers try out fresh features before they officially launch. This comes shortly after Apple shared the same updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates from the Settings app on their devices. The latest software brings some handy additions. For instance, Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, puts your most urgent alerts at the top. There’s also a fun Sketch option in Image Playground for creating cool designs.

    Apple News+ fans will enjoy a new Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating advice. Plus, a relaxing Ambient Music feature is now available right from the Control Center.

    Special Features Coming in iOS 18.4

    The iOS 18.4 update includes a Vision Pro app for owners of the headset. This app makes it simple to find and download new apps, games, and shows straight from your iPhone. It also lets you control Vision Pro’s Guest Mode from your iPhone or iPad, so friends can easily try out the headset.

    Updates for iPad and Mac

    The iPad and Mac updates bring Mail Categorization, a tool that sorts your emails neatly. Until now, this was only available on the iPhone.

    Want to Know More?

    These test versions give a sneak peek at what’s coming. For all the details on the new features, check out our full iOS 18.4 beta rundown.

    With these updates, Apple is making its devices smarter and more fun to use. If you’re a tester, dive in and see what’s new!

  • 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!

  • Apple no longer allows downgrade to iOS 18.3

    Apple no longer allows downgrade to iOS 18.3

    Apple has ended the ability to install iOS 18.3 on iPhones, meaning those who updated to iOS 18.3.1 can’t go back to the previous version. The company rolled out iOS 18.3.1 about a week after the release of iOS 18.3.

    iOS Updates

    Apple tends to stop signing older iOS versions shortly after newer ones come out, typically within one to two weeks. Once an older version stops being signed, you can’t put it on your iPhone anymore because of a check that happens on Apple’s servers. This practice pushes people to keep their phones updated. By not letting users revert to older software, Apple makes sure everyone has the latest security fixes.

    Why Update Matters

    The update to iOS 18.3.1 brought several bug corrections and security patches. Notably, it fixed a security hole that hackers were already using, which shows why keeping your iPhone’s software current is crucial.

  • Apple Watch Series 10: Some users report quiet speaker sounds

    Apple Watch Series 10: Some users report quiet speaker sounds

    If you find that sounds from your Apple Watch Series 10 speaker are getting softer over time, you’re not the only one facing this problem.

    The Apple Watch Series 10 in a sleek black color has been receiving feedback from users about its speaker not sounding as loud as it should. People are talking about this on various support forums and social media like Reddit. They mention that the sound gets quiet or muffled, even after using the feature that pushes water out of the speaker after swimming or other water-based activities.

    This issue seems to impact both calls and music playback. It’s not clear yet how common this problem is, or whether it’s because of a flaw in the hardware or a glitch in the software. Apple might offer free fixes if it turns out to be a widespread hardware issue. If it’s software-related, expect a fix in a future update to watchOS.

    The Apple Watch Series 10 came out in September 2024. I haven’t noticed the same issue with my watch, but I’ve only had it for a little over a month and I mostly use my AirPods Pro instead of the watch speaker.

  • Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple has recently stopped allowing users to install iOS 18.2.1 on their iPhones. If you’ve updated to iOS 18.3, you can’t go back to the older version anymore. This change happened because Apple released iOS 18.3 last week.

    Why Can’t You Downgrade?

    When Apple brings out a new version of iOS, they usually stop supporting the old one after about one or two weeks. Once they do this, you can’t install the older version because Apple checks with its servers to make sure only the latest software can be installed. Right now, if your iPhone can use iOS 18, you’re stuck with iOS 18.3 or whatever comes next.

    Why Does Apple Do This?

    Apple does this to make sure everyone’s iPhone is as safe and secure as possible. By keeping everyone on the newest version, they can protect users from old security risks that the new updates fix.

    What’s New in iOS 18.3?

    The latest update, iOS 18.3, comes with several new features and over 20 security fixes. One important fix was for a problem that hackers might have been using to attack some iPhones. This shows why it’s good to keep your phone’s software current.

    In summary, if you’ve moved to iOS 18.3, you’re now stuck there for better security and features. Apple makes these updates to keep your information safe, so it’s wise to stay updated even if you can’t go back.

  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

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