Search results for: “widget”

  • 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.

  • Early Surprise: Customer snags Powerbeats Pro 2 before official launch

    Early Surprise: Customer snags Powerbeats Pro 2 before official launch

    The much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 from Apple is set to hit the market this Tuesday. But, in a surprising twist, one Walmart shopper managed to grab a pair before the official announcement, as revealed in a Reddit post from the weekend.

    “I spotted them locked up at my local Walmart,” shared the Reddit user. “I asked if I could buy them, and they let me.”

    Apple had previously teased the Powerbeats Pro 2 with a video last year, showcasing a sleeker, taller design than the first Powerbeats Pro released in 2019. The new model is rumored to come with several upgrades, including the H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, heart rate sensors for exercise, and vibrant new colors like Electric Orange.

    Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds are expected to feature active noise cancellation, which wasn’t available in the previous version. This chip should also enhance sound quality and extend battery life. In the U.S., the Powerbeats Pro 2 are expected to retail for $249.

    Got em
    byu/FoodOk4536 inbeatsbydre

  • Apple releases first update for new party app

    Apple releases first update for new party app

    Apple has just introduced an update for their brand-new app called Party Invites, which was released for iPhone users on Tuesday. This app lets you make fancy digital invitations for your events.

    Just one day after its release, Apple came out with Party Invites version 1.0.1, fixing some issues in the first version.

    Here’s what’s new in Party Invites version 1.0.1:

    • The app now runs smoother and doesn’t crash as often.

    If you had any trouble with the app slowing down or stopping unexpectedly, try updating it and see if it works better.

    Curious about how cool these invitations can look? Check out the example I made, which is inspired by the invitation for the iPhone 5s launch. Many people noticed that the design of that event’s invitation looks a lot like the Party Invites app icon.

  • Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple has been knocking it out of the park with new iPhone apps, but when it comes to supporting the iPad, they’ve been striking out.

    First in line was the Journal app, which only came out for iPhone users when iOS 17.2 was released. Even with the update to iOS and iPadOS 18, while the iPhone app got plenty of enhancements, iPad users were left out in the cold.

    Next up was Apple Sports, which made its debut on the iPhone a year ago. It’s improved a lot since then, but there’s still no iPad version. We’re all waiting to see if an iPad app or at least a widget will show up soon.

    Then there’s Apple’s new Invites app, which lets you send out invites to any device. However, if you’re using an iPad, you won’t find a dedicated app for it yet.

    On a brighter note, the iPhone versions of Sports and Invites do work on iPads, providing some relief for iPad users.

    The lack of a Journal app for iPad is particularly frustrating because, unlike other apps, it’s built into the system. This means iPad users can’t even use the iPhone version in a workaround like Stage Manager mode.

    Many thought Apple had moved past the days of iPhone-only apps, especially after finally bringing apps like Weather and Calculator to the iPad. But these new, exciting apps are still iPhone-exclusive.

    Apple’s pitching some great new apps, but when it comes to hitting home runs with iPad versions, they might need to call in a pinch hitter.

  • Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    The latest watchOS 11.3 update has accidentally messed up updates for some older Apple Watches, according to what people are saying on social media.

    If you have an Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or the first Apple Watch SE, you might run into a problem. These models can’t move to the new watchOS 11, and now, there’s a glitch that stops them from getting the last big update for watchOS 10, called watchOS 10.6.1.

    If your Apple Watch wasn’t on watchOS 10.6.1 before the new updates came out, you won’t be able to install it now. So, if you’re using one of these older watches with an older software version, you’re stuck. Also, some of these watches won’t connect to your iPhone if they’re on an older version of watchOS 10.

    This problem only affects the older models that can’t go beyond watchOS 10, specifically those not already updated to 10.6.1 from last August. Apple is expected to sort this out soon, so keep an eye out for a fix.

  • New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    As we get closer to the release of the new iPhone SE 4, fake models of the phone have appeared online, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect – or not expect.

    These fake phones, which are just for showing what the real one might look like, were posted on X by a user named Majin Bu. They shared photos and a small video to highlight the design.

    There’s been a lot of talk about whether this new iPhone SE would have a new kind of screen cutout called ‘Dynamic Island’ or just the old ‘notch’. From these models, it seems like it’s going to stick with the notch, similar to the iPhone 14. You can see the camera cutout for selfies on the front, and there’s only one camera on the back, just like we thought. The phone also has a glass back and an aluminum frame.

    Rumors about new buttons like an Action Button or a Camera Control Button don’t seem to be true, according to these models. They look a lot like earlier leaks from another leaker, Sonny Dickson.

    Apart from what you can see, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a new, quicker A18 processor, Apple’s own modem chip, and 8GB of RAM. This RAM amount is what’s needed for Apple’s new smart features. The camera will probably be the same 48-megapixel one used in the iPhone 16.

    Apple is likely to launch this new iPhone SE in March or April. It’s meant to be their cheapest phone, and while it might cost a bit more than before, they’re trying to keep it under $500.

  • iPadOS features you might miss but should use

    iPadOS features you might miss but should use

    I’ve shared before that my iPad Pro is my go-to device for work, even though I have a Mac Mini. The hardware is stunning, and the way it handles single apps is just perfect. With iPadOS 18, Apple introduced tons of new features that make this love affair even stronger. Let’s dive into some lesser-known but super useful features.

    1. Easy Unit Converter

    iPadOS 18 finally brought a calculator app to the iPad, but it’s the built-in converter that’s a game changer. Whether you need to change centimeters to feet, Pascals to Bar, or dollars to Rupees, it’s all there. Plus, it works offline, so no internet? No problem!

    2. Sharing Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing Wi-Fi with friends is now easier, even if they don’t have an Apple device. The new Passwords app lets you create a QR code for your Wi-Fi:

    • Open the Passwords app.
    • Click on Wi-Fi.
    • Select your network.
    • Tap ‘show QR code’.
    • Let your guest scan the code. They’re connected!

    3. Formatting Drives

    This was a big one for me. Now, you can format drives or SD cards right from the Files app:

    • Connect your SSD to your iPad.
    • Long press the drive in the Files app.
    • Tap ‘erase’.
    • Choose your format.
    • Tap “erase” again. Done!

    4. Turn Apps into Widgets

    Customizing your home screen just got easier. Now, you can turn any app into a widget directly:

    • Long press an app icon.
    • If it has a widget, you can change it right there without going into settings.

    5. Hide Unwanted Web Content

    Safari’s new feature lets you hide annoying parts of web pages:

    • Go to any page in Safari.
    • Tap the three dots in the URL bar.
    • Choose ‘Hide Unwanted Content’.
    • Tap what you want to hide.
    • Click ‘hide’. It’s gone until you decide otherwise!

    These features really make your iPad experience smoother and more tailored to your needs. Check out these hidden gems and make your iPad work even better for you.

  • Apple updates CarPlay information, removes 2024 launch date

    Apple updates CarPlay information, removes 2024 launch date

    Apple has recently updated its website, removing the previously mentioned “2024” launch date for the next version of CarPlay. Just over three weeks into 2025, this change hints at a delay without specifying a new launch window.

    The next version of CarPlay was initially teased to come with cars in 2024, but as that didn’t happen, Apple has quietly adjusted its information. The website still talks about the upcoming CarPlay, suggesting it hasn’t been scrapped, but there’s no new timeline for when we might see it.

    It’s not clear who’s behind the delay – Apple, the car companies, or both. We’ve asked Apple for more details.

    Back in 2022, at WWDC, Apple gave us a first look at this advanced CarPlay. It would work closely with the car’s own systems, showing up on multiple screens like the dashboard and control panel. Features include an FM radio app, personalized widgets, and controls for the car’s climate directly from CarPlay, all tailored to match the brand and model of the vehicle.

    Even though the launch has been pushed back, there are signs it might still happen. New code in the latest iOS beta mentions CarPlay, and Apple has recently added new images to an EU database.

    Aston Martin and Porsche had shown off what their instrument clusters might look like with this new CarPlay, but they haven’t put it into use yet. Apple had promised support from a list of car makers including Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, among others, though it’s uncertain if all are still on board.

    Apple’s recent statement reaffirms their commitment to the project:

    “The next CarPlay version is designed to blend Apple’s technology with each car maker’s unique style. We’re working with various car companies to make sure this happens, and they’ll share more when their new models are ready.”

    No new date was given for when we might see this updated CarPlay in action, keeping everyone guessing about its arrival.

  • Apple drops to third in China’s smartphone market due to declining sales

    Apple drops to third in China’s smartphone market due to declining sales

    Apple has seen a big drop in iPhone sales in China, moving from the top spot to third place in the last three months of 2024. According to a report from Counterpoint Research, iPhone sales in China decreased by 18.2% compared to the previous year in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    This left Apple with a 17.1% share of the market, behind Huawei with 18.1% and Xiaomi with 17.2%. Just a year before, Apple was leading with a 19% share. This is the first time since the U.S. banned Huawei that Apple has been outranked by a Chinese company.

    Several reasons explain Apple’s struggles in China. One is the tough competition from local brands, and another is that Apple’s new “Apple Intelligence” feature, launched with the iPhone 16 in September 2024 in the U.S., isn’t available in China because of local laws.

    Apple might work with Chinese companies to offer these features later. Meanwhile, Huawei has done well, growing by 15.5% thanks to AI in their Mate 70 and Nova 13 phones. The overall smartphone market in China also shrank by 3.2% in the same quarter, being the only period in 2024 with less growth.

    Despite this, Apple held onto third place, with sales figures close to Xiaomi’s.

  • Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple Unveils ‘HomePad’: A smart home hub with innovative features

    Apple is set to revolutionize home tech with its upcoming ‘HomePad’, a new smart display designed to blend seamlessly into your living space. Here are the five core features that will define this device:

    1. 7-inch Square Display: Initially rumored to be a 6-inch screen, the HomePad has been upgraded to a 7-inch display. Its design resembles a square iPad, roughly the size of two iPhone 16 Pro Max models side by side, offering a compact yet functional interface.

    2. New Operating System – ‘homeOS’: The HomePad introduces a novel operating system, possibly named ‘homeOS’. This OS combines elements of the Apple Watch’s interface and the iPhone’s StandBy mode, dynamically adjusting the display based on the user’s proximity for an interactive experience.

    3. Widget Support: Following the trend set by StandBy mode, the HomePad will support widgets, allowing users to customize their home screen much like on an iPhone or iPad. While the inclusion of third-party widgets remains uncertain, Apple’s recent macOS updates suggest they might extend this functionality.

    4. Versatile Accessories: To adapt to various home environments, Apple is crafting multiple attachments for the HomePad. These include wall mounts for security panel aesthetics and bases with additional speakers for kitchen, bedroom, or office use, ensuring the device fits into your home’s aesthetic and functionality needs.

    5. Enhanced Siri with AI: Unlike current Apple home devices, the HomePad will feature an AI-enhanced Siri, thanks to integration with technologies like ChatGPT. This upgrade promises to handle a broader array of commands and understand user context better, aiming to reduce those all-too-common “I’m sorry” responses from Siri.

    The HomePad promises to be more than just a smart display; it’s envisioned as a central hub for smart home control, video calls, and more, making daily life more connected and intuitive.