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  • A Virtual Shift: Why Apple Vision Pro might just lure me back to the Mac

    A Virtual Shift: Why Apple Vision Pro might just lure me back to the Mac

    For years, my iPad Pro has been my trusty digital companion, a versatile device that’s handled everything from writing and editing to browsing and entertainment. I’ve occasionally flirted with the idea of returning to the Mac ecosystem, but nothing ever quite tipped the scales. Until now. A recent development, born from Apple’s foray into spatial computing, has me seriously reconsidering my computing setup for 2025.

    My journey with the iPad Pro began with a desire for simplicity. I was tired of juggling multiple devices – a Mac, an iPad, and an iPhone – each serving distinct but overlapping purposes. The iPad Pro, with its promise of tablet portability and laptop-like functionality, seemed like the perfect solution.

    It offered a streamlined workflow and a minimalist approach to digital life that I found incredibly appealing. I embraced the iPadOS ecosystem, adapting my workflow and finding creative solutions to any limitations.

    Recently, I added a new piece of technology to my arsenal: the Apple Vision Pro. I’d experienced it in controlled demos before, but finally owning one has been a game-changer. I’ll delve into the specifics of my decision to purchase it another time, but one particular feature played a significant role: Mac Virtual Display.

    This feature, which has seen substantial improvements in the latest visionOS update (version 2.2), is the catalyst for my potential return to the Mac. It’s not strictly a Mac feature, but rather a bridge between the Vision Pro and macOS.

    The updated Mac Virtual Display boasts several key enhancements: expanded wide and ultrawide display modes, a significant boost in display resolution, and improved audio routing. While I can’t speak to the previous iteration of the feature, this refined version has truly impressed me.

    Currently, the native app ecosystem for visionOS is still developing. Many of my essential applications, such as my preferred writing tool, Ulysses, and my go-to image editors, are not yet available. This makes Mac Virtual Display crucial for productivity within the Vision Pro environment. It allows me to access the full power of macOS and my familiar desktop applications within the immersive world of spatial computing.

    This brings me back to my original reason for switching to the iPad Pro. Just as I once sought to consolidate my devices, I now find myself facing a similar dilemma. I want to fully utilize the Vision Pro for work and creative tasks, and Mac Virtual Display is currently the most effective way to do so.

    This presents two options: I could divide my time between the Mac and iPad Pro, juggling two distinct platforms once again, or I could embrace a single, unified ecosystem. The same desire for simplicity that led me away from the Mac in the past is now pulling me back.

    I don’t envision wearing the Vision Pro all day, every day. Nor do I plan to use it during all remote work sessions (at least not initially). However, if I’m using macOS within the Vision Pro, it makes logical sense to maintain a consistent experience by using a Mac for my non-Vision Pro work as well.

    The idea of using the same operating system, the same applications, whether I’m immersed in a virtual environment or working at my desk, is incredibly appealing. It offers a seamless transition and eliminates the friction of switching between different operating systems and workflows.

    Of course, there are still aspects of the Mac that I’d need to adjust to if I were to fully transition away from the iPad Pro. But the Vision Pro, and specifically the improved Mac Virtual Display, has reignited my interest in the Mac in a way I haven’t felt in years.

    It’s created a compelling synergy between the two platforms, offering a glimpse into a potentially more unified and streamlined future of computing. Whether this leads to a full-fledged return to the Mac in 2025 remains to be seen. But the possibility is definitely on the table, and I’m excited to see how things unfold.

  • Apple’s Long Game: iPhones expected to receive extended iOS 19 support

    Apple’s Long Game: iPhones expected to receive extended iOS 19 support

    For years, iPhone users have enjoyed a significant advantage over their Android counterparts: lengthy software support. While the exact duration fluctuates, Apple typically offers updates for at least five years after a device’s release. This commitment translates to continued security patches, bug fixes, and even major feature upgrades for older iPhones.

    The recent buzz surrounding iOS 19 highlights this philosophy once again. A report by iPhoneSoft.fr suggests a wide range of iPhones, encompassing several generations, are rumored to be compatible with the upcoming update. This list includes the recently released iPhone 16 series alongside models dating back to 2018, such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.

    This extended support window is particularly noteworthy considering the inclusion of older devices. It suggests that iPhones as old as seven years could potentially receive iOS 19, extending their functional lifespan significantly.

    While the experience on such veteran iPhones might not be identical to the latest and greatest models, it still offers a crucial benefit. Users who cherish their older iPhones can continue to enjoy the security and functionality of a major iOS update, potentially delaying the need for an upgrade.

    This extended support stands in stark contrast to the historical landscape of Android software updates. Traditionally, Android users faced a much shorter window, often receiving updates for just 2-3 years. However, the tide seems to be turning. Major players like Google and Samsung are increasingly prioritizing software support, mirroring Apple’s commitment. These companies now offer updates for up to seven years, a remarkable improvement compared to the past.

    While the gap between Android and iOS in terms of total support duration is narrowing, another crucial factor remains: timeliness. One of the historical frustrations with Android updates has been the lag between their release and their availability on individual devices. Months often elapsed before users of specific phones could experience the latest OS.

    This has prompted Google to adjust its release strategy. Android 16, for instance, is expected to launch in mid-2025 instead of the usual Q3/Q4 timeframe. This shift aims to grant manufacturers more time for optimization and integration, potentially leading to faster and more streamlined rollouts for users.

    In conclusion, Apple’s commitment to extended iOS support continues to be a valuable selling point for iPhone users. The prospect of receiving major updates for older models like the iPhone XS series exemplifies this philosophy. While Android is making strides in the realm of software support, the issue of timeliness remains a hurdle to overcome. As Google adjusts its release strategy and manufacturers prioritize optimization, the landscape for Android updates might evolve further, potentially leading to a more user-friendly experience for Android users in the future.

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  • The RCS Puzzle: Apple’s iPhone and the missing pieces

    The RCS Puzzle: Apple’s iPhone and the missing pieces

    The world of mobile messaging has been evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant advancements in recent years has been the rise of Rich Communication Services, or RCS. This protocol promises a richer, more feature-filled experience than traditional SMS/MMS, bringing features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and enhanced group chats to the forefront. Apple’s recent adoption of RCS on the iPhone was a major step forward, but the rollout has been, shall we say, a bit of a winding road.

    Let’s rewind a bit. For years, iPhone users communicating with Android users were often stuck with the limitations of SMS/MMS. Blurry photos, no read receipts, and clunky group chats were the norm. RCS offered a potential solution, bridging the gap and offering a more seamless experience across platforms. When Apple finally announced support for RCS, it was met with widespread excitement. However, the implementation has been anything but uniform.

    Instead of a blanket rollout, Apple has opted for a carrier-by-carrier approach, requiring individual approvals for each network to enable RCS on iPhones. This has led to a rather fragmented landscape, with some carriers offering an enhanced messaging experience while others remain stuck in the past. It’s like building a puzzle where some pieces are missing and others don’t quite fit.

    The latest iOS updates have brought good news for users on several smaller carriers. Networks like Boost Mobile and Visible have recently been added to the growing list of RCS-supported carriers. This is undoubtedly a positive development, expanding the reach of RCS and bringing its benefits to a wider audience. It’s encouraging to see Apple working to broaden the availability of this important technology.

    However, this piecemeal approach has also created some notable omissions. Several popular low-cost carriers, such as Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, are still conspicuously absent from the list of supported networks. This leaves their customers in a frustrating limbo, unable to enjoy the improved messaging experience that RCS offers. It begs the question: why the delay? What are the hurdles preventing these carriers from joining the RCS revolution?

    Perhaps the most glaring omission of all is Google Fi. This Google-owned mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) has a significant user base, many of whom are iPhone users. The fact that Google Fi is still waiting for RCS support on iPhones is a major point of contention. It’s a bit like having a high-speed internet connection but being unable to access certain websites.

    Reports suggest that Google is essentially waiting for Apple to give the green light for RCS interoperability on Fi. It appears that the ball is firmly in Apple’s court. This situation is particularly perplexing given that Google has been a strong proponent of RCS and has been actively working to promote its adoption across the Android ecosystem. The lack of support on Fi for iPhones creates a significant disconnect.

    Adding to the confusion, Apple’s official webpage detailing RCS support for various carriers completely omits any mention of Google Fi. This omission extends beyond RCS, with no mention of other features like 5G and Wi-Fi Calling either. This lack of acknowledgment doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that RCS support for Fi is on the horizon. It raises concerns about the future of interoperability between these two major players in the tech industry.

    The current state of RCS on iPhone is a mixed bag. While the expansion to more carriers is a welcome development, the fragmented rollout and the notable omissions, especially Google Fi, create a sense of incompleteness. It’s clear that there’s still work to be done to achieve the full potential of RCS and deliver a truly seamless messaging experience across platforms. One can only hope that Apple will streamline the process and accelerate the adoption of RCS for all carriers, including Google Fi, in the near future. The future of messaging depends on it.

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