Tag: Update

  • Apple rolls out new firmware update for Airpods Max

    Apple rolls out new firmware update for Airpods Max

    Apple has posted a firmware update for AirPods Max that brings the version to 7E108. Just a few weeks after the March release of 6A325, this update is now available. Apple hasn’t revealed what has changed or what’s new in this update. Still, when a watch receives a firmware update, it’s usually to fix bugs, make sure things run smoothly or enhance the power and connection of the device.

    The AirPods Max will receive automatic firmware updates if they are connected to an iPhone or iPad using Bluetooth. The update can’t be installed manually, so just place your AirPods Max next to your device and make sure they still have power. You can look up your firmware version using the steps below.

    • Set up your AirPods Max on your iPhone or iPad.
    • Go to Settings on your device.
    • Visit Bluetooth.
    • Tap the little information (ⓘ) button that appears next to your AirPods Max.
    • Find the firmware version on the page.

    Updating your AirPods Max is a good idea, even if Apple doesn’t typically release a changelog. Better sound, easier online matches and improvements for problems encountered before are all included. This story will be updated if Apple gives us additional information on version 7E108.

  • Apple adds refurbished iPad Air with M2 chip and previews top iOS 19 features

    Apple adds refurbished iPad Air with M2 chip and previews top iOS 19 features

    Apple has added the iPad Air with the M2 chip to its official refurbished store in the U.S. This model was first released in March 2024, and now you can save some money by getting a certified refurbished version. Prices for the 11-inch iPad Air M2 start at $509, which is $90 less than the original price. The larger 13-inch model is also available at lower prices. Refurbished devices from Apple are fully tested, cleaned, and come with a new battery, new outer shell, and a one-year warranty, just like new products.

    Along with this, Apple has shared a closer look at some of the new features coming in iOS 19, set to release this fall. One helpful update is called Smart Recap. It gives you a summary of missed messages and notifications, making it easier to catch up on what you missed while your phone was away.

    Another new feature is the ability to schedule messages to send later in the Messages app. You’ll also be able to write messages ahead of time and send them at a specific time automatically. Plus, Apple is adding better ways to use apps side-by-side with a feature called Split View, especially useful when your iPhone is connected to a larger display.

    Overall, these updates show how Apple is improving both its hardware options with discounted iPads and its software with useful iOS 19 tools to make iPhones even more helpful.

  • Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    With the update, iOS users will notice these apps are more user-friendly. Users can now make Google Translate the default app for translations on iOS. So, when you pick text and choose the Translate button, your iPhone will open the Google Translate app automatically. If your device has iOS 16 or a newer version, you can use this to translate in more ways than Apple’s tool allows.

    Spotify decided to make changes that comply with the rules of Apple’s App Store. Now, if you have Spotify on your iOS device, you can tap a link to discover how to purchase audiobooks. The app won’t help you make a purchase, but it will show you how to find the items for sale elsewhere. Apple made it possible for App Store apps in the EU to provide more information about purchases that take place outside the App Store.

    The Apple Sports app has added a daily newsletter and various other updates. Now, fans can quickly catch up on games and important updates from their favorite teams through the daily email. It also includes useful information before and during matches to help you track the action as it happens. Many of the major sports leagues such as NBA, MLB and MLS, are supported by it. By adding small updates to iOS apps, Apple tries to make the experience both seamless and more user-friendly.

  • Apple stops signing iOS 18.4.1 and iOS 18 adds stronger privacy rules

    Apple stops signing iOS 18.4.1 and iOS 18 adds stronger privacy rules

    Apple now considers iOS 18.4.1 to be unsigned. With this change, it is not possible for people to go back to iOS 18.4 or use iTunes or Finder to restore an earlier version. To ensure iPhones and iPads are always safe and up to date, Apple usually does this. It also ensures your devices are not vulnerable to issues and bugs present in older versions.

    iOS 18.5 does not allow for a backwards update to 18.4.1. Many people are advised to keep their apps updated because the update offers several improvements and bug fixes.

    It’s also worth mentioning that Apple’s iOS 18 contains a privacy feature that has drawn notice. Apple has stopped app developers from using APIs to spy on users. Many apps relied on these APIs to create a personal device signature for users, even when tracking was not allowed. From iOS 18 onward, Apple requires developers to have a helpful reason before using those features.

    Experts who study privacy are praising this decision as a victory for people’s privacy. It brings another barrier to protect your data, reducing chances for secret information collection by companies.

    As a result, iPhones are now even safer for users, promoting their own privacy. Thus, whenever you use iOS 18.5, you not only experience higher performance but also improved privacy.

  • Apple releases important security updates for older iPads and iPhones

    Apple releases important security updates for older iPads and iPhones

    Apple has rolled out new software updates focused on security fixes for older devices. The updates—iOS 17.5.1, iPadOS 17.5.1, and special versions like iOS 16.7.8 and iPadOS 16.7.8—are meant for users who haven’t yet upgraded to newer hardware or software.

    These updates are important because they fix a serious issue that could let harmful apps run code without the user knowing. According to Apple, this security flaw might have already been used in real-world attacks. That’s why they’re recommending that everyone with supported devices install the updates as soon as possible.

    The iOS 16.7.8 and iPadOS 16.7.8 updates are mainly for older models, such as the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and the first-generation iPad Pro. While these updates don’t include any new features, they do patch up key vulnerabilities that could put your device and data at risk.

    Apple found this security flaw in WebKit, the engine that powers Safari and other web apps. A specially crafted web page could take advantage of the issue and harm your device. With this update, that risk is reduced.

    If your device is eligible, you can find the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure your device is charged and backed up before installing.

    In short, while these updates may seem minor, they play a big role in keeping your iPhone or iPad secure from online threats.

  • macOS 16 will bring smarter settings and better app features

    macOS 16 will bring smarter settings and better app features

    Apple is getting ready to show off macOS 16 at WWDC 2025, and it looks like this update will focus on making everyday tasks on your Mac easier and smarter. While we won’t see big design changes, some useful features are on the way.

    One of the biggest updates will be a smarter System Settings app. Right now, it’s harder to use compared to the old System Preferences. Apple plans to fix this by making it more organized and easier to navigate, especially with better search.

    Another key change is coming to the Calculator app. For the first time in many years, it’s getting a fresh design. The new version may look like the iOS calculator, but it will also include a history log and unit conversions. Plus, a redesigned Math Notes feature will let you write out math problems and get answers using Apple Pencil or keyboard.

    Apple Notes is also improving. You’ll be able to solve math problems directly inside notes with a feature that works with Math Notes. This should be handy for students or anyone working with numbers.

    Finally, the Safari browser is expected to get an “Intelligent Search” option, which uses AI to summarize webpages. This could help you find important info faster without reading everything.

    These updates show Apple is focused on useful changes instead of big visual updates. We’ll know more when WWDC begins on June 10.

  • Epic brings Fortnite back to iOS and Apple tests new Safari update

    Epic brings Fortnite back to iOS and Apple tests new Safari update

    Epic Games has once again submitted Fortnite to Apple’s iOS App Store for approval in the European Union. This move follows Apple’s previous rejection in March, where it cited rule violations. Epic has shared that the new version was updated to meet Apple’s feedback. If approved, Fortnite will soon be playable again on iPhones and iPads in Europe through the Epic Games Store app.

    This situation is unfolding under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which allows alternative app stores on iOS. Apple was fined nearly €2 billion for not following DMA rules properly. Epic has been very vocal about Apple’s restrictions and has accused the company of making the app review process difficult for competitors.

    At the same time, Apple released a new version of its Safari Technology Preview, version 219. This special version of Safari is used for testing upcoming web features. It includes updates to Web Inspector, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and more. Anyone with a Mac can download it, including users on macOS Sonoma and Ventura.

    Together, these two stories show how both Apple and Epic are working to shape the future of apps and web browsing in Europe. While Epic pushes for more open access, Apple continues to update its tools and browsers to stay ahead. The tech landscape in the EU is changing fast, and this is only the beginning.

  • Apple adds expert reviews to Maps, Music transfer tool, and smarter Calendars

    Apple adds expert reviews to Maps, Music transfer tool, and smarter Calendars

    Apple just rolled out a few new updates across its apps that aim to make your experience better and more helpful.

    First, Apple Maps is getting more reliable. It now includes expert-sourced information in its place cards—those little cards you see when you tap on a location. Instead of just showing reviews from users, Apple has teamed up with travel pros like Lonely Planet, The Infatuation, and others. These expert tips help you discover good places to eat, fun spots to visit, and hidden gems in cities like New York, London, and Paris. More cities will be added soon.

    Next up, Apple Music is making it easier to switch from other music apps. A new feature lets users import their playlists and libraries from services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music straight into Apple Music. This means you won’t lose your favorite songs if you switch. Apple is using a tool made by SongShift to make this happen, and it’s built into the Apple Music app.

    Lastly, Apple’s Calendar app is quietly getting smarter. It now shows a daily task list—things you’ve added to your Reminders app—right in your calendar. This makes it easier to stay on top of your day. The feature is great, but one small thing could make it even better: letting users choose which reminders appear. Right now, it shows all of them, even the ones that aren’t tied to a specific time.

    These updates show how Apple is making its apps more useful and connected.

  • Apple tvOS 18.5 improves dolby atmos sound syncing

    Apple tvOS 18.5 improves dolby atmos sound syncing

    Apple has released tvOS 18.5 for Apple TV users, and one of the key improvements is better audio syncing for Dolby Atmos speakers. This update should help users who noticed that surround sound, especially Dolby Atmos, sometimes didn’t match the picture perfectly.

    With tvOS 18.5, Apple added a new feature in the Home Theater settings called “Wireless Audio Sync for Dolby Atmos.” This option helps fix sound delays when using Dolby Atmos speakers, especially when the Apple TV is connected to a HomePod or other wireless speakers.

    Before this update, Apple TV already had a general wireless audio sync tool, but it didn’t always work well with Dolby Atmos. This new setting focuses only on Dolby Atmos, making the syncing more accurate.

    To use this feature, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Wireless Audio Sync. Make sure your iPhone is nearby, because Apple TV uses it to check and fix any sound delay. Apple says this update helps sound effects feel more in sync with what’s happening on the screen. This makes movies and shows more enjoyable, especially when you’re using a wireless audio setup.

    tvOS 18.5 is now available for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models. If you haven’t updated yet, you can check for it in Settings > System > Software Updates. This small update brings a big improvement for those using Dolby Atmos, giving a smoother, more immersive audio experience.

  • iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    Apple has announced new accessibility tools coming with iOS 19, making the iPhone even more helpful for people with different needs.

    One major upgrade is to the Personal Voice feature. With iOS 19, users who have speech difficulties will be able to type what they want to say, and their iPhone will speak it using their own synthetic voice. It also works with Live Speech across calls and FaceTime, helping people communicate in real time.

    Another helpful tool is Vehicle Motion Cues. This feature helps reduce motion sickness for those who feel dizzy while using their iPhone in a moving car. It adds animated dots on the screen to match the vehicle’s movement, which helps the brain adjust better.

    Music Haptics is also coming. This feature lets deaf or hard-of-hearing users feel music through the Taptic Engine. They can experience rhythm and sound using vibration. Developers can add this feature to their own apps with a new API.

    CarPlay is getting smarter too. iOS 19 will add support for voice control in supported cars. This means users can do more with their voice while driving. There’s also color filters and bold text options to make the display easier to read.

    These updates will be released later this year with iOS 19. Apple says they are part of a larger push to make their products more inclusive for everyone.