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  • Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

    The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

    First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

    Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

    App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

    Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.

  • 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!

  • Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple recently shared that iOS 18.4 will roll out in April, bringing fresh features for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4

    Apple News+ Food Section

    Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple News+ subscribers will enjoy a brand-new Food section. It’s packed with thousands of recipes, plus articles on restaurants, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Top food magazines like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats will contribute content. The first test version of iOS 18.4 is already out for developers and curious users to try. While some expected Siri upgrades—like understanding personal details or screen info—aren’t in this beta, there are still plenty of cool additions to explore.

    Key Features Available Now

    Priority Notifications

    A handy new tool sorts your most urgent alerts and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. You can switch this on in Settings under Notifications. Note: This works only on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or any iPhone 16.

    Apple News+ Food

    The Food section in the News app offers subscribers tons of recipes and food stories at no extra charge. You can browse daily updates, save favorites for later, and even use a step-by-step cooking mode—all beautifully laid out.

    Ambient Music

    A new Control Center option lets you play relaxing tunes sorted into four moods: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

    More Goodies

    This update expands Apple Intelligence to languages like French, Spanish, Japanese, and more. There’s also a “Sketch” style for creating images from text in Image Playground. In some cars with big screens, CarPlay now shows extra app icons. Plus, EU users can pick a default maps app, and everyone can choose a translation app.

    Coming Soon

    Vision Pro App

    Later, iOS 18.4 will add an app for Vision Pro owners to manage downloads, explore TV content, and get tips—available once the update hits.

    New Emoji

    Fresh emojis—like a tired face, fingerprint, or shovel—will join the lineup, continuing Apple’s tradition of fun updates.

    With iOS 18.4, Apple keeps making your iPhone experience better and more personal!

  • New iPhone Mail trick solves a pesky problem

    New iPhone Mail trick solves a pesky problem

    For years, iPhone users have wanted Apple Mail to act differently when moving or deleting an email. Before the latest update, after you trashed or filed a message, the app would jump straight to the next email in your inbox. This was frustrating because it marked that next email as read, even if you didn’t mean to open it. People wished the app would just take them back to the inbox list instead. Good news—iOS 18.4 finally makes that happen!

    This automatic jump to another email after deleting one was odd. Most other email apps don’t do this, which is why some iPhone fans switched to options like Spark or Outlook. But Apple Mail keeps improving, especially with cool new features like email summaries and quick replies powered by Apple Intelligence. This small tweak in iOS 18.4 might just convince those users to return to Apple’s built-in app.

    In iOS 18.4, there’s a fresh setting called “Delete or Move Message Action.” By default, it’s set to “View Next Message,” keeping the old habit alive. But if you switch it to “Don’t Select a Message,” the app won’t leap to another email after you delete or move one. Instead, it takes you right back to your inbox list. From there, you can pick whichever email you want to tackle next and keep sorting through your messages your way.

    Want to try it? Open the Settings app, tap Apps, then Mail, and look for “Message List.” Under that, you’ll see “Delete or Move Message Action” to adjust how it works. This little change, which fans have been asking for, comes with iOS 18.4. It’s still being tested in developer and public betas, but it’ll roll out as a free update for all iPhone users around April. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference in keeping your inbox under control!

  • Phil Schiller wasn’t sure about Apple’s 27% fee for outside purchases

    Phil Schiller wasn’t sure about Apple’s 27% fee for outside purchases

    Phil Schiller, a top Apple leader who helps run the App Store, told a court on Monday that he wasn’t thrilled about the 27% fee Apple now charges for purchases made outside its store. He worried it might upset developers and make Apple look like a bill collector, according to AP News.

    Schiller shared these thoughts during a three-hour talk in court as part of a legal fight with Epic Games. “I wasn’t happy about chasing developers for money,” he said. He feared it would strain Apple’s bond with app makers and change how the App Store works by forcing it to track down payments.

    Even with Schiller’s doubts, Apple’s big decision-makers—including CEO Tim Cook, the former money boss Luca Maestri, and the legal crew—went ahead with the plan. They settled on the 27% fee (a slight drop from the usual 30%) after a 2021 court case with Epic Games. The judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, said Apple wasn’t a monopoly but had to stop blocking developers from pointing users to other payment options outside the App Store.

    So, Apple made a system where developers can get permission to add links to outside payment sites. But there’s a catch—Apple still takes a 27% cut on sales made within a week of clicking those links. Smaller businesses pay 12% instead of 15%. Epic’s boss, Tim Sweeney, called this a sneaky way to dodge the court’s real goal of opening up competition.

    The court talks, set to wrap up by Wednesday, are digging into whether Apple’s following the rules from that earlier ruling. Judge Rogers isn’t thrilled, saying Apple’s team seems fuzzy on how they came up with the payment setup. Court papers show Apple studied how a clunkier outside payment process might push developers back to its own system. This whole clash started in 2020 when Epic pushed to break Apple’s control over in-app purchases, where Apple grabs 15% to 30% of the cash. It’s still a heated battle!

  • 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 tweaks words to steer clear of Porn app misunderstanding

    Apple tweaks words to steer clear of Porn app misunderstanding

    Apple recently made a small tweak to dodge a tricky situation that made it seem like they were okay with a porn app popping up for iPhone users in the EU through a third-party app store. This mix-up sparked some confusing news headlines, but Apple sorted it out by switching just three words in an email they send to app developers.

    The Porn App Mix-Up

    Last year, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to let third-party app stores onto iPhones. Apple wasn’t thrilled about it and even made the process of using these stores a bit of a hassle to discourage people. One big worry for Apple was losing control over what kinds of apps could sneak onto the platform—like pornography, which they’ve always kept out of their own App Store.

    Apple still gets to check apps for safety before they’re allowed in these third-party stores. That’s what happened with an app called Hot Tub, designed for browsing adult content. After Apple’s safety check, the app’s developer got the green light from AltStore, a third-party store, which then claimed Apple “approved” it.

    Technically, this was sort of true. After Apple confirms an app meets security and privacy rules, they send an email saying it’s “approved” for release. But that wording caused a headache. Apple pushed back, saying they didn’t actually support the app. They explained that EU rules forced them to let it onto third-party stores like AltStore, even if those stores don’t match Apple’s strict standards for user safety.

    A Quick Word Swap

    To clear things up, Apple changed the email’s phrasing. Here’s the switch:

    • Before: “The following app has been approved for distribution”
    • Now: “The following app is now ready for distribution”

    AltStore’s Riley Testut pointed out the update, joking about what might’ve prompted it. Tech writer John Gruber called it a smart move—keeping the message clear for developers while making it obvious Apple isn’t cheering for every app that passes the safety check. With this tiny tweak, Apple dodged a big misunderstanding without missing a beat.

  • What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    Apple just dropped the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. It doesn’t have all the Apple Intelligence goodies we were expecting, but there are still some cool updates worth checking out.

    Priority Notifications

    There’s a new feature called Priority Notifications that puts your most urgent alerts at the top. It’s off by default, but you can switch it on in Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. Once it’s active, Apple Intelligence will highlight key notifications on your Lock Screen.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    Image Playground now has a Sketch style, adding to Animation and Illustration. It used to be just for Image Wand, but now you can pick it as a third option. Switch styles by hitting the “+” button in the app. Plus, the “Winter Holidays” theme is gone, replaced with a fresh “Spring” vibe.

    More Languages for Apple Intelligence

    New languages include French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. There’s also local English for Singapore and India.

    Apple News+ Food Section

    For Apple News+ users, iOS 18.4 brings a Food section packed with recipes, restaurant stories, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Big names like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats contribute content. You’ll find a Recipe Catalog that updates often, a cook mode with step-by-step help, and an option to save recipes offline.

    Chill with Ambient Music

    A new Ambient Music feature lets you add soothing sounds to Control Center. Choose from Sleep, Chill, Productivity, or Wellbeing. Tap one, and it plays random tunes from that vibe. Skip tracks or see what’s playing via Dynamic Island or the Now Playing widget.

    Mail Gets Organized on iPad

    iPadOS 18.4 upgrades the Mail app with categories. Important emails land in the Primary section, while others sort into deals, newsletters, orders, or social updates. This was already on iPhone with iOS 18.2.

    Privacy Dots Stand Out

    Those tiny dots showing camera or microphone use? They’re now on the left of the menu bar with a bold black background, making them easier to spot.

    Siri’s New Accents

    Siri gets two fresh Australian voices to mix things up.

    Genmoji Gets Clearer

    The Genmoji icon on the Emoji keyboard now says “Genmoji” instead of just a colorful smiley, so it’s simpler to find and use.

  • Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Apple rolled out the first iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 betas today, bringing the refreshed Mail app to iPad and Mac users for developers to try.

    What’s New in the Mail App on Mac

    The updated Mail app now sorts your emails automatically into neat groups. The most urgent messages land in the Primary category. Other emails get split into sections like shopping orders, newsletters, special offers, and social updates.

    There’s a handy “Transactions” area that gathers receipts, order details, and delivery updates. This makes it super simple to track purchases and shipping info. Then, there’s an “Updates” section for things like newsletters, doctor appointment reminders, and subscription messages. Plus, a “Promotions” category holds emails about sales and deals.

    When you open the app after the update, this grouped view is what you’ll see first. But if you prefer the old-school style, just tap the top-right corner to switch to a basic list of all emails in order by date—no categories. If your device supports Apple Intelligence, the Primary inbox will highlight key emails so you can focus on what matters most. Time-sensitive messages from Transactions, Updates, or Promotions will also pop up in Primary.

    Apple already added this email-sorting feature to the iPhone with iOS 18.2. Now, it’s available on Mac and iPad too, making it easier to stay on top of your inbox across all your devices.

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