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  • Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi has added a cool feature to its new A6 Avant e-tron, an electric wagon, letting it use Apple’s digital car key for the first time in Audi’s electric lineup (reported by Mac4Ever). With Apple Car Keys, you can unlock your car using an iPhone or Apple Watch that has NFC or Ultra Wideband tech. The key lives in the Wallet app on your device. To open the car, just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s NFC reader—simple as that.

    A quick tap on the door handle starts the unlock process. For safety, you can use Face ID to confirm it’s you, but there’s also an Express Mode that skips this step for a speedy unlock. The A6 e-tron is the second car built on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a system Audi shares with Porsche. This hints that Porsche’s upcoming cars might also get this digital key feature soon.

    Last October, MacRumors spotted some updates in Apple’s Wallet app code, showing that Apple was getting ready to roll out digital car key support for certain Volvo, Polestar, and Audi models.
    Apple first launched its digital car key feature in 2022.

    Since then, a handful of car brands like BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM have jumped on board. If you’re curious about which cars work with this feature, Apple keeps an updated list on its CarPlay model webpage. This move by Audi makes driving a bit more high-tech and convenient, and it’s exciting to think Porsche might follow suit with its own electric models!

  • Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple recently rolled out a fresh app called “Maps Surveyor” on Friday, designed for people eager to help make Apple Maps better. This app lets users gather info about their local areas—like snapping pictures—and send it straight to Apple. But it’s not open to everyone just yet.

    What’s the Deal with Maps Surveyor?

    The app’s description says, “Surveyor assists Apple in upgrading Maps by grabbing details like street sign photos and roadside sights while following a set path.” It’s free to download from the App Store, but it looks like Apple made it for a select group of users.

    Once you install it, the app asks you to open another app called Premise. This platform pays people small rewards for doing easy tasks, like answering questions, sharing personal details, or taking pictures of certain spots. In short, it’s a place where users earn cash for helping out.

    According to MacRumors, hints in the app’s code show that Apple plans to team up with Premise to invite folks to improve Maps and get rewards in return. Users will need to attach their iPhone to a mount sideways and use Maps Surveyor to snap photos along a planned route.

    A Quiet Start

    The list of companies that provide data for Apple Maps doesn’t include this new app yet—maybe because it’s brand new. Apple already uses its own cars to drive around cities worldwide, collecting info to polish up Maps. The Surveyor app seems like an extra way to get help from everyday users.

    Right now, Maps Surveyor is only available in the United States. If you’ve got an Apple device and want to pitch in, you can still use the “Report an Issue” feature in Apple Maps to share your thoughts with the team. This quiet launch shows Apple’s ongoing effort to make its mapping tool sharper and more reliable, one photo at a time!

  • Apple should pause and polish its software

    Apple should pause and polish its software

    Things have been buzzing with Apple news lately. The company recently shared that the updated Siri won’t be ready anytime soon, and insiders say the cool features promised at last year’s WWDC are still far off. With all this happening, Apple could use a throwback moment—like a new Snow Leopard—to get its software back on track.

    If you’ve used a Mac for a while, say 16 years or more, you might recall Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Back then, Apple didn’t rush out a new Mac OS every year. When Snow Leopard launched, it wasn’t about flashy new tricks or looks. Instead, Apple worked hard to make the software steady and reliable. I started thinking about this after seeing an old WWDC 2009 clip where Bertrand Serlet, a big name at Apple back then, proudly said Snow Leopard had “no new features.” It’s wild to see how much Apple has shifted since those days.

    Apple’s never been quick to say “oops,” but it has owned up to slip-ups before. Think about Steve Jobs talking to the press about the iPhone 4 antenna mess or admitting MobileMe wasn’t great and promising to fix it. I miss that honesty. Today, it’s tough to picture Apple saying, “Hey, this update has nothing new,” or owning up to glitches in front of everyone.

    Fast forward to now—a Bloomberg report says Robby Walker, a Siri boss at Apple, called the delays “messy” and “awkward” in a team meeting. Last June, at WWDC 2024, Apple hyped up Apple Intelligence, but when iOS 18 and macOS 15 dropped, those features were nowhere to be found. Some trickled out later, but the new Siri—yep, the one in iPhone 16 ads—still hasn’t shown up.

    Online, people are grumbling about bugs in Apple’s latest updates, and it’s not hard to see why. Apple should hit pause. Announcing stuff that’s not ready (remember AirPower?) just sets everyone up for disappointment. Now that they’ve admitted Siri’s delay, I hope they focus on smoothing out the rough spots and delivering what they promised. We don’t need big updates every year—give the team time to fix things. A new Snow Leopard vibe could be just what Apple needs.

  • Siri’s late arrival saved Apple from a big mess

    Siri’s late arrival saved Apple from a big mess

    Apple’s decision to hold off on releasing new Siri features has sparked some tough headlines lately. It even led to a big team meeting where one boss called the situation “messy and awkward.” But here’s the thing—waiting might have kept Apple out of an even bigger problem.

    New Siri Features Weren’t Ready Yet

    Pushing back iOS updates doesn’t look good, especially when the news paints it in a harsh light. But what’s way worse? Releasing key features that flop. According to notes leaked from that meeting, that’s exactly what Apple dodged with Siri.

    Mark Gurman shared that an exec, Walker, explained the delay happened because the new tech wasn’t up to par. It worked decently only about two-thirds to 80% of the time. He said they’d rather keep improving it so people could actually trust it. Features that only work some of the time? That’s a no-go for Apple. Even 80% isn’t solid enough. Can you imagine them sending out something that shaky? I sure can’t.

    Why Siri’s Delay Was a Smart Move

    These Siri upgrades weren’t small tweaks—they were a big deal. Apple hyped them up last June, promising a smarter assistant that knows your texts, schedule, and more. If they’d rolled out nearly a year later and still messed up, it’d be a bad look. Worse, though, these features are meant to handle important stuff. If they failed even a little, it could cause real headaches.

    Take this example from John Gruber: Imagine asking Siri when your mom’s flight lands. It says, “4:30, on time,” so you head to the airport. But if it’s wrong and she lands at 7:30—or worse, 1:30—you’re either waiting forever or leaving her stranded. That’s the kind of trust Siri’s supposed to earn. If it shipped half-ready, it’d be a disaster for Apple.

    There’s an old saying from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto: “A late game can turn out great, but a rushed one stays bad forever.” Games and phone updates aren’t identical, and some debate if he even said it. Still, it fits here. A delayed Siri could end up awesome. A rushed one? That’d hurt Apple and us for good.

  • Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple’s iOS 19: A fresh look is coming, here’s what we know

    Apple seems to be cooking up something big for iOS 19, possibly the largest update since iOS 7 hit back in 2013. While the company hasn’t spilled all the details yet, little hints have been popping up in their recent work. By peeking at new iPhone apps and designs, we can guess what’s in store for iOS 19. Let’s break it down.

    New Apps Drop Big Hints

    It’s been over a decade since Apple gave iOS a major makeover with iOS 7. Since then, changes have been small and steady, keeping the system familiar. But five recent apps—and one huge redesign—offer some exciting clues about iOS 19.

    Here’s the lineup of Apple’s latest apps built from scratch:

    • Journal
    • Apple Sports
    • Image Playground
    • Apple Invites
    • Apple Vision Pro (coming in iOS 18.4)

    These apps look different from each other, but they share some key features that point to iOS 19’s direction. One big clue? They’re ditching the classic iPhone tab bar.

    Goodbye, Tab Bars

    For years, tab bars have been a staple of iPhone apps, sitting at the bottom of the screen—like in the original Phone and Clock apps. They’re still around today, mostly unchanged. But Apple’s moving away from them. New apps like Journal, Sports, and Invites hide navigation in menus near the top instead of using tab bars. Even older apps, like Photos, got a makeover last year, swapping the tab bar for a smooth, single-page layout.

    What does this mean for iOS 19? Expect more apps to drop tab bars and switch to a simpler, one-page style. Apps like Music, App Store, Health, and News still use tab bars now, but iOS 19 might freshen them up with this new look.

    More Design Clues

    There’s more to spot in Apple’s recent apps. Parker Ortolani, a design expert, noticed that apps like Apple Sports and Invites feel different—almost like they belong on visionOS or watchOS. They’ve got bright backgrounds, glassy buttons, and bold, layered shapes. Apple Invites adds big cards and a focus on content. These touches hint at a lively, modern vibe for iOS 19. Reports say iOS 19 will borrow ideas from visionOS, and these app designs—think floating elements and colorful layers—back that up. It’s looking like a bold, fresh update is on the way!

  • Apple knows its smart features aren’t wowing iPhone fans

    Apple knows its smart features aren’t wowing iPhone fans

    Apple’s new smart features, called Apple Intelligence, rolled out with iOS 18, but they’re not convincing people to buy new iPhones. That’s what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said recently. He also thinks Siri’s recent flops will hurt iPhone sales in 2025, and the market is starting to agree.

    Back in July, Kuo warned that hopes for Apple Intelligence boosting iPhone upgrades were too high. By January, he was even blunter, saying the excitement around these features had dropped a lot. Why? There was a big gap between Apple showing them off in June and their launch starting in October.

    Kuo still feels the same, especially after Apple delayed some key Siri upgrades tied to Apple Intelligence. These were promised for iOS 18 but got pushed back. According to Kuo, Apple already knows these smart tools aren’t impressing anyone. Because of this, the company gave its suppliers cautious shipment numbers for iPhones.

    Lately, people in the market are growing unsure about iPhone sales and Apple Intelligence, especially Siri. This matches Kuo’s earlier guesses. He says Apple’s low shipment predictions to suppliers earlier this year show they saw the weak response coming.

    The delays with Siri are also turning people off. This could hurt sales of the iPhone 16 and even the iPhone 17 soon. Last week, Apple admitted that some Siri features, like understanding personal details and working better with apps, won’t arrive until next year. The company didn’t expect fans and tech experts to be so upset about it.

    For example, John Gruber, a well-known Apple writer, recently shared a detailed piece pointing out Siri’s problems. Many agree with him, feeling Apple has struggled to make Siri better for a long time. Others have chimed in too, upset about the big promises Apple made last year about its smart Siri features—followed by delays that make people doubt Apple can keep up with rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

  • Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Why Apple’s iOS 19 makeover could be a bold win

    Apple is said to be working on a major iOS 19 update that could bring the biggest look change to the iPhone in over ten years. This is a daring step for Apple, and while it comes with some risks, it might just turn out to be a smart move.

    Why Changing iOS 19 Is a Big Deal

    The last time Apple gave the iPhone a huge software facelift was with iOS 7, back in 2013. That’s a long stretch 12 years without a major refresh. When iOS 7 came out, people were thrilled with its sleek, modern vibe. But not everyone loved it. Some felt the new style, led by designer Jony Ive, looked cool but wasn’t practical—think hard-to-read text or tricky buttons.

    Since then, Apple has played it safe, avoiding big redesigns. Why? Probably because so many people—billions now—use iPhones every day. With such a huge crowd depending on it, any misstep could upset users and hurt Apple’s image.

    Risks of a New Look

    Today, Apple is a giant compared to 2013, with way more iPhone fans worldwide. These users count on their phones for everything. So, if iOS 19 feels confusing or annoying, it could spell trouble for Apple’s reputation—and its profits. I’m excited about a fresh design, but I bet plenty of users might feel uneasy hearing about such a shake-up.

    Why It’s Worth a Shot

    Still, there are good reasons to take this chance. For one, a shiny new iOS could steal the spotlight from Apple’s struggles with Siri and AI tech. A bold redesign might grab attention—especially from younger users who care more about a cool look than fancy AI tools. Plus, there’s a bigger point: if Apple stops updating how iOS looks and works, it risks falling behind. Sure, they add new features yearly, but tweaking the core design is different.

    No system is flawless, and Apple needs to keep iOS fresh to stay ahead, even if it means a big leap. I used to think huge redesigns like iOS 7 were a thing of the past—small updates seemed safer. But if rumors are right, Apple’s ready to go all in with iOS 19. After years of the same old style, maybe it’s time for a change.

  • Apple Music Classical now available online

    Apple Music Classical now available online

    Apple Music Classical, which recently added support for CarPlay, is now reaching another exciting platform. As of today, you can enjoy Apple Music Classical right from your web browser for the first time.

    In a statement shared today, Anjali Malhotra, the Global Director of Apple Music Classical, explained:

    “Apple Music Classical keeps growing and finding new ways to connect amazing musicians and their work with fans everywhere, all in one place. With the web version now live, people who love listening on their computers can explore over 5 million songs and 50 million details about classical music.”

    Unlike the regular Apple Music service, Apple Music Classical is built just for classical music fans. It comes with special features, a smart design, and tools like expertly picked playlists, a search made for classical tunes, and more.

    With Apple Music Classical, it’s simple to find any piece in the world’s biggest classical music collection. The search lets you look up songs by composer, title, conductor, orchestra, instrument, or opus number. Plus, it offers top-notch sound quality with high-resolution lossless audio and immersive Spatial Audio, bringing your favorite classics to life in a fresh way.

    You’ll also find carefully chosen playlists, detailed composer stories, and over 50,000 booklets with deep notes and translations. It even has the only worldwide classical music chart, making it the go-to spot for classical music lovers. You can grab the Apple Music Classical app from the App Store. The service comes with a regular Apple Music subscription or as part of the Apple One package.

  • UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

    The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

    The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

    Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

    Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

    To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

    The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

  • Apple’s strongest Mac yet lacks one cool trick

    Apple’s strongest Mac yet lacks one cool trick

    Apple’s brand-new Mac Studio, powered by the M4 Max or M3 Ultra, is now out for everyone to grab. To go along with its release, Apple updated a help page that shows which power settings this Mac Studio can use—and which ones it skips. The result might catch you off guard.

    Yes, the Mac Studio has a Low Power Mode, but it’s missing High Power Mode. Early reviews say this Mac Studio is the most powerful Mac Apple has ever built. Whether you pick the M4 Max or M3 Ultra version, you’re getting a machine that’s a total beast.

    But what if you want to tone down all that strength sometimes?

    Apple’s updated help page about Power Modes (spotted by MacRumors) says the new Mac Studio lets you switch on Low Power Mode. Why would you bother? Apple explains it does two handy things: it keeps the fans quiet for jobs needing silence and cuts down on energy use if your Mac stays on all the time. These are solid perks for a feature you might think isn’t needed on a Mac Studio.

    Here’s the odd part, though: High Power Mode isn’t an option. Apple says High Power Mode lets the fans spin faster, giving extra cooling so the system can handle super heavy tasks better. When it’s on, you might notice more fan noise. It sounds like a great fit for a machine as strong as the Mac Studio, right?

    But for some reason, it’s not included. You can use High Power Mode on certain MacBook Pros and even the M4 Mac mini, but can you use it on the new Mac Studio? Nope, it’s left out. This missing feature stands out since the Mac Studio is such a powerhouse. It’s a curious choice by Apple that’s got people scratching their heads!

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