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  • Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    If you owned an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus back in 2016 or 2017, you might be in for a treat. These phones were pretty great, but some had a problem called “Loop Disease.” This issue led to a class action lawsuit a few years back, which got the green light last year. Now, in 2025, those former owners are starting to see some cash.

    The payments are around $200 for each claim, which isn’t too shabby. This money comes from a $35 million settlement, with the lawyers who pushed the lawsuit getting the largest slice of the pie.

    The time to join the lawsuit was up last summer, so if you missed it, you’re out of luck. Apple didn’t admit they did anything wrong but agreed to settle anyway.

    “Loop Disease” supposedly came from pressing on a specific part of the phone, leading to bad sound during calls, especially on FaceTime. How much money you get depends if you had to pay for fixing the phone due to this issue. Those who didn’t pay for repairs will likely get less, with the highest possible payment being $350.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has settled over hardware issues. Last fall, MacBook users with problematic butterfly keyboards also started getting their share from a separate settlement.

    So, if you were one of those affected iPhone 7 users, check your mail or bank account; you might find a pleasant surprise waiting for you.

  • Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to settle a lawsuit about early Apple Watch models. The lawsuit claimed that certain models had a battery problem that made the screens pop or crack (as reported by CNET).

    The lawsuit was filed in a court in California. It involved the first Apple Watch, and the Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models. The claim was that these watches didn’t have enough room inside for the battery to expand normally. When the batteries swelled, they pushed against the screen, causing it to break or come off. Apple said they did nothing wrong, but they’ve decided to settle the case instead of going through a long court battle.

    Here’s how the settlement works: Apple will put $20 million into a fund to pay back people who had problems with their watch’s battery. Each person who qualifies can get $20 for each watch they had issues with, but this amount could go up or down based on how many people claim money. Some of the funds will also cover legal and admin costs.

    If you already told Apple about your battery problem, you don’t need to do anything extra to get paid. You’ll automatically get your money unless you decide you don’t want it by February 24, 2025. If you think you should get money but haven’t told Apple yet, you need to go to the settlement website and submit your details by April 10, 2025.

  • Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps is getting a big update that will make planning trips easier for people driving Ford Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightnings.

    The Apple Maps feature for electric vehicles (EVs) helps you plan your journey by adding stops for charging when you need them. It keeps track of your car’s battery and looks at things like how fast you’re driving, how high the road goes, and how quick the chargers are to figure out when you should charge and for how long.

    Right now, this feature only works with three cars: the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan. Last year, Ford started sending out adapters to let these Ford cars use Tesla’s Superchargers. These cars have a CCS charging port, and the adapter changes it to work with Tesla’s NACS plug.

    However, Apple Maps hasn’t known about this yet. It only shows you where to go for CCS stations. But, that’s going to change. Ford’s lead engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, mentioned in a forum post that the system will soon know about these changes.

    Soon, you’ll be able to see where compatible Tesla Superchargers are right from the navigation in the new 2025 Mustang Mach-E. These locations are already visible on Google Maps for Android Auto users and will soon appear on Apple Maps for those using Apple CarPlay.

    There aren’t a lot of details yet on how this will all work, but it’s expected that Ford drivers with the NACS adapter can tell Apple Maps they can use both CCS and NACS stations. This will help Apple Maps give better, more accurate advice on where to charge.

    As a Mustang Mach-E driver, I’m excited about this update. I hope Ford and Apple will share more soon.

    If you own an electric car, consider charging it at home with solar panels on your roof. To find a good solar installer, check out EnergySage. It’s a free service where you can get personalized solar quotes, compare them online, and get advice from Energy Advisers. This way, you can save money and make sure you’re getting a quality setup without the hassle of sales calls until you’re ready.

  • Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple hits new high in device users, but growth slows down

    Apple announced today that it now has more people using its devices worldwide than ever before. However, the speed at which new users are joining has decreased from last year.

    Currently, there are 2.35 billion Apple devices in active use around the globe. This number shows growth from last year when Apple reported 2.2 billion devices in February 2024. This year, the growth was 6.8%, which means Apple added 150 million more devices.

    Back in January 2023, Apple celebrated having over 2 billion active devices for the first time. Between 2023 and 2024, they managed to increase this by 200 million devices, which was a 10% growth.

    Apple is looking forward to more growth, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence in China. This is planned for April, when the new iOS 18.4 update will support Simplified Chinese and other languages.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, mentioned that the sales of the iPhone 16 have been better than those of the iPhone 15 in places where Apple Intelligence is already available. This shows that new features are still attracting customers, even if the overall growth rate has slowed down.

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

    Source

  • WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp is now developing a feature where iPhone users can use more than one account on the same phone. According to WABetaInfo, this update is aimed at making it easier for people who have both personal and work accounts.

    WhatsApp Feature Update
    Before this, only Android users in the beta program could use multiple accounts. Now, iPhone users testing the app through TestFlight can try this out too. This means you won’t need another app like WhatsApp Business to handle a different account; you can do it all in the main WhatsApp app.

    With the latest beta version, 25.2.10.70, you can choose to make your phone the main account or connect another account by scanning a QR code to use it as a “companion” account. This way, each account keeps its own notifications, chats, backups, and settings. You can switch between accounts easily, without needing another phone.

    Instagram, which is also run by Meta, already allows switching between accounts in its app. Adding this to WhatsApp makes the apps more similar. We don’t know when everyone will get this feature, but since it’s in the testing phase, it might not be too long. There’s still no word on a WhatsApp app for iPads.

    In other news, Meta has recently linked WhatsApp with its Accounts Center, where you manage your privacy and settings across all Meta platforms. Now, you can tweak your settings all in one spot and share your status from WhatsApp to Instagram and Facebook.

  • Apple reaffirms commitment to user privacy amidst Siri lawsuit settlement and Apple cash outage

    Apple reaffirms commitment to user privacy amidst Siri lawsuit settlement and Apple cash outage

    In a move aimed at reassuring users about data privacy, Apple has publicly reiterated its dedication to protecting user information collected through its voice assistant, Siri. This announcement comes on the heels of a $95 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to Siri recordings. Simultaneously, Apple is addressing an ongoing outage affecting its Apple Cash service, causing frustration for many users. 

    The recent lawsuit centered around claims that Siri inadvertently recorded user conversations following accidental activations. Plaintiffs in the case alleged that snippets of these conversations were then shared with third-party advertisers, resulting in targeted ads based on private discussions. Specific examples included individuals claiming to have seen ads for products they had discussed verbally near their Apple devices, such as specific brands of shoes or restaurants, and even ads related to medical treatments discussed with doctors. 

    Apple has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that Siri data has never been used to create marketing profiles, shared with advertisers, or sold for any purpose. In a statement released earlier this week, Apple explained that the settlement was a pragmatic decision designed to avoid the prolonged and costly process of further litigation, rather than an admission of wrongdoing. 

    To further emphasize its commitment to privacy, Apple has provided a detailed overview of the privacy safeguards built into Siri. A core element of this approach is prioritizing on-device processing. By handling as much data processing as possible directly on the user’s device, Apple minimizes the amount of information that needs to be collected and transmitted to its servers. 

    Apple also emphasizes that Siri searches and requests are not linked to individual Apple accounts. Instead, a randomized identifier is used to track data during processing, ensuring anonymity and preventing the association of Siri activity with specific users. This measure is designed to protect user identity and prevent the creation of individual profiles based on Siri usage.  

    Furthermore, Apple states that it does not retain audio recordings of Siri interactions unless users explicitly opt in to participate in a program designed to improve Siri’s performance. Even when users consent to this program, the recordings are used solely for the purpose of enhancing Siri’s functionality and are not used for any other purpose, such as advertising or marketing. 

    While addressing privacy concerns surrounding Siri, Apple is also currently dealing with a separate issue affecting its Apple Cash service. Users have reported widespread problems with sending and receiving money through the platform, experiencing difficulties such as infinite loading screens and error messages suggesting that Apple Cash needs to be set up even for established users. 

    This multi-hour outage has disrupted peer-to-peer transactions for many Apple users, sparking complaints on social media platforms. Apple has acknowledged the issue on its System Status webpage, confirming that Apple Cash has been experiencing problems since earlier today. The status update indicates that some users are affected and that Apple is working to resolve the issue. 

    It appears that the outage is specifically limited to Apple Cash, Apple’s peer-to-peer payment system similar to services like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App. Apple Pay, the company’s contactless payment platform for in-store and online purchases, appears to function normally.

    This confluence of events – the Siri lawsuit settlement and the Apple Cash outage – highlights the challenges large technology companies face in maintaining user trust and ensuring the smooth operation of complex digital services. Apple’s proactive approach to addressing both issues, through public statements and ongoing efforts to resolve the Apple Cash outage, demonstrates its commitment to transparency and user satisfaction. The company’s emphasis on privacy protections within Siri aims to rebuild confidence following the lawsuit, while the prompt response to the Apple Cash outage signals a dedication to restoring service functionality as quickly as possible.

    Source/Via

  • The Growing Pains of Apple Intelligence: A balancing act between innovation and user experience

    The Growing Pains of Apple Intelligence: A balancing act between innovation and user experience

    Apple’s foray into the realm of artificial intelligence, dubbed “Apple Intelligence,” has been met with both excitement and scrutiny. While the promise of intelligent notification summaries, enhanced Siri capabilities, and creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground is enticing, recent reports highlight some growing pains. This article delves into the challenges Apple faces in refining its AI technology, particularly concerning accuracy and storage demands.

    One of the flagship features of Apple Intelligence is its ability to summarize notifications, offering users a quick overview of incoming information. However, this feature has been plagued by inaccuracies, as recently highlighted by the BBC. Several instances of misreported news have surfaced, including a false claim about a darts player winning a championship before the final match and an erroneous report about a tennis star’s personal life. These errors, while concerning, are perhaps unsurprising given the beta status of the technology. Apple has emphasized the importance of user feedback in identifying and rectifying these issues, and the BBC’s diligent reporting serves as valuable input for improvement. 

    These incidents underscore the delicate balance between innovation and reliability. While the potential of AI-driven notification summaries is undeniable, ensuring accuracy is paramount to maintaining user trust. The challenge lies in training the AI models on vast datasets and refining their algorithms to minimize misinterpretations. This is an ongoing process, and Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement will be crucial in addressing these early hiccups.

    Beyond accuracy, another significant challenge is the increasing storage footprint of Apple Intelligence. Initially requiring 4GB of free storage, the latest updates have nearly doubled this requirement to 7GB per device. This increase is attributed to the growing number of on-device AI features, including ChatGPT integration in Siri, Visual Intelligence, and Compose with ChatGPT. The on-device processing approach is a core element of Apple’s privacy philosophy, ensuring that user data remains on the device rather than being sent to external servers. However, this approach comes at the cost of increased storage consumption. 

    The storage demands become even more significant for users who utilize Apple Intelligence across multiple devices. For those with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the total storage dedicated to AI features can reach a substantial 21GB. This raises concerns for users with limited storage capacity, particularly on older devices. While there is currently no option to selectively disable certain AI features to reduce storage usage, this could become a point of contention as the technology evolves.

    The trajectory of Apple Intelligence suggests that storage demands will continue to rise. Upcoming updates, particularly those focused on enhancing Siri’s capabilities, are likely to further increase the storage footprint. It’s conceivable that we could see requirements reaching 10GB per device shortly, even before the release of major iOS updates like iOS 19. This trend has significant implications for consumers, potentially influencing purchasing decisions regarding storage tiers for new devices.

    The growing storage demands and occasional inaccuracies raise a fundamental question: is the value proposition of Apple Intelligence outweighing the associated costs? While the potential benefits are significant, Apple needs to address these challenges to ensure a positive user experience. This includes prioritizing accuracy in AI-driven features, optimizing storage usage, and potentially offering users more granular control over which AI features are enabled on their devices.

    The future of Apple Intelligence hinges on the company’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively. By prioritizing accuracy, optimizing storage, and responding to user feedback, Apple can realize the full potential of its AI technology and deliver a truly transformative user experience. The current situation serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the complexities of integrating AI into everyday devices and the importance of continuous refinement. As Apple continues to invest in and develop this technology, the focus must remain on delivering a seamless, reliable, and user-centric experience.

    Source/Via

  • Siri helps save Florida man after two days

    Siri helps save Florida man after two days

    Daniel Vallaire, a 70-year-old from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, believes Siri was instrumental in saving his life after he suffered a stroke. He was stuck at home, unable to move, for nearly three days last July.

    Vallaire crawled from the bathroom to the living room, struggling to stay awake. He was desperate for help when he remembered Siri could assist him.

    “Hey Siri, call Victoria Vallaire,” he managed to say, and Siri did just that, connecting him to his daughter who had recently moved to California.

    “If Siri wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be here talking to you now,” Vallaire admitted. His call led to his rescue, which was shared by Broward Health in December.

    Recently, Vallaire got to thank the emergency team and medical staff who responded to his call, facilitated by Siri. His daughter has since moved back to Florida to be closer to him after this frightening ordeal.

    Apple has made it easier to use Siri by allowing users to simply say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri” to activate the assistant. This feature has proven life-saving in Vallaire’s case. Additionally, the Apple Watch offers other health-monitoring features like fall detection and atrial fibrillation detection, enhancing the safety of its users. This story highlights how technology can play a crucial role in life-threatening situations, turning everyday devices into lifelines.

  • Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    Apple doesn’t have a Graveyard of apps

    A week ago, Apple surprised everyone by launching a new app and service named “Invites.” However, this launch has led to some unfair criticism about Apple’s approach to apps, suggesting they operate like Google does with its apps.

    Google is well-known for starting new apps and services but then either shutting them down or merging them into something else. A good example is Google Podcasts, which didn’t last long. There’s practically a “graveyard” of Google apps that didn’t make it.

    After the launch of Invites, some people started to think Apple does the same thing with its apps. But is that really true?

    Not Dead Yet

    Take the Apple Sports app, for example. It’s been around for a year now, and it keeps getting better. People love it so much they’re asking for a widget for their phones. It’s clear this app isn’t just left to die; it’s growing in popularity.

    Then there’s the Journal app, which first appeared with iOS 17.2 in December 2023. By the time iOS 18 rolled out, the app had a significant update to version 2.0, bringing new features like search, sort options, audio transcripts, and more. The only thing missing is an iPad version, not updates.

    Apple Music Classical, initially iPhone-only, expanded to include an iPad app and added features like album booklets. It even got a CarPlay app and Siri support.

    Music Memos’ Legacy

    Music Memos was an app for musicians to record their tunes. It lasted for five years before Apple decided to enhance the built-in Voice Memos app instead. Now, Voice Memos can record two tracks at once, which is great for songwriters who use voice and guitar.

    Clips in the Classroom

    Apple Clips isn’t dead either. It’s thriving in educational settings with features like royalty-free music and templates that teachers can use in their lessons. Instead of abandoning it, maybe Apple should focus on making a simpler video editing app like CapCut, but without the ByteDance connection.

    Looking Ahead for Invites

    The future of the Invites app might include tight integration with the Calendar app and could come pre-installed on new iPhones. Its success will depend on turning users into iCloud+ subscribers and having a strong advocate within Apple, similar to how Apple Sports has been championed.

    In summary, Apple’s so-called “hobby apps” aren’t just side projects; they’re part of a broader strategy where apps are nurtured, updated, and sometimes transformed to better serve users.

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