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Tag: Apple

  • Apple’s Siri struggles and a new Home system on the way

    Apple’s Siri struggles and a new Home system on the way

    Apple fans have been talking a lot about Siri lately, and not in a good way. Even after years of updates, Siri still has trouble keeping up with other smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. A recent report points out that Siri often messes up simple tasks—like setting reminders or answering basic questions. People say it feels slow and clumsy compared to its rivals.

    Apple has been working on making Siri better, but the changes haven’t impressed users yet. Many hope a big upgrade is coming soon, maybe with smarter features powered by artificial intelligence. For now, though, Siri’s flaws are hard to ignore, and it’s leaving some Apple fans frustrated.

    On a brighter note, Apple has exciting plans for something new—a system called “HomeOS.” Rumors suggest it’s launching this year, and it could shake things up for Apple’s smart home gadgets. HomeOS might be a fresh way to control devices like the HomePod, Apple TV, and even smart lights or locks.

    Think of it as a central hub that ties everything together, making your home tech easier to use. Reports hint that it’ll work smoothly with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so you can manage your home from anywhere. There’s also talk of a new touchscreen device to go with it—something like a smart display to show info or play music.

    While Siri’s struggles are a letdown, HomeOS could be a game-changer. Apple wants to catch up in the smart home world, where companies like Amazon and Google are already big players. If HomeOS delivers, it might give Apple fans something to cheer about. For now, everyone’s waiting to see if it lives up to the hype—and if Siri can finally step up its game too. With these updates, 2025 could be a big year for Apple’s tech lineup!

  • Big updates coming to iOS 19 and iOS 20 for EU users

    Big updates coming to iOS 19 and iOS 20 for EU users

    Apple is gearing up for some major changes to its iPhone software, thanks to new rules from the European Union (EU). The European Commission has set deadlines for Apple to roll out updates in iOS 19 and iOS 20, making the iPhone work better with other devices and apps. These changes will give users more freedom and options, especially in Europe.

    By the end of 2025, likely with iOS 19.2, third-party smartwatches will be able to show and handle iPhone notifications. This means you won’t need an Apple Watch to stay connected. Then, by mid-2026, around iOS 19.4, Apple will let third-party headphones use its cool audio-switching trick—something AirPods already do when hopping between your iPhone and Mac.

    Also by mid-2026, iOS will support alternatives to AirDrop, letting other apps share files just as easily. Finally, by the time iOS 20 rolls out in late 2026, third-party apps will get a shot at matching AirPlay’s streaming magic. These updates aim to make your iPhone play nicer with non-Apple gear.

    Meanwhile, iOS 18.4, coming in April 2025, brings a small but handy tweak to Safari. When you open a new tab and tap the search bar, it’ll now show your recent searches right away. This could save time if you often look up the same things, but it might feel less private—anyone peeking at your screen could see what you’ve been searching for.

    If you don’t like it, you can switch to Private Browsing or clear your history often. Apple might add an off switch for this feature later, based on what users say during testing. These updates show Apple balancing new features with EU demands. iOS 19 will kick off at WWDC 2025 in June, hitting phones in September, while iOS 20 will follow in 2026. From better device support to a smarter Safari, your iPhone experience is about to get a big boost—especially if you’re in the EU.

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • First iPhone 17 Air case shows off new camera bar and button spot

    First iPhone 17 Air case shows off new camera bar and button spot

    Today, well-known leaker Sonny Dickson posted a picture of what he says is an early peek at a case made for Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. “If you didn’t hear about the Air model, you’d think this was for a Google Pixel,” he joked.

    How Case Makers Get the Scoop

    Companies that make phone cases often get a head start by teaming up with Apple or checking out production sites. By watching how things are made and studying early versions, they figure out what the new designs will look like. The iPhone 17 Air is set to have a fresh look with a wide, flat “camera bar” stretching across the top of its back. This style feels a bit like Google’s Pixel phones and shakes up the usual iPhone camera setup.

    From leaked images, it looks like this camera bar will hold just one back camera on the left, with a flash way over on the right. The design is simple and clean, matching the iPhone 17 Air’s super-slim body, which is said to be about 5.5mm thick.

    What the Case RevealsEven with its simple style, the case hints at cool features like MagSafe, an Action button, and a new Camera Control button. You can see a spot for this button on the lower left side of the case in Dickson’s photo. A recent report and some fake models shared earlier by Dickson also back up this detail.

    The iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with a 6.6-inch screen that refreshes fast at 120Hz, a Dynamic Island, a regular A19 chip (not the Pro version), a sharp 48-megapixel camera, Apple’s own C1 modem, and no slot for a physical SIM card anywhere in the world. Like always, Apple will likely show off its new iPhones around mid-September.

  • Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple recently patched a problem in its Passwords app with the iOS 18.2 update in December. This flaw had put users at risk of phishing attacks for three months, ever since iOS 18 came out.

    What Went Wrong with the Passwords App

    A report from 9to5Mac highlighted an Apple security note revealing that the Passwords app was sending unprotected requests for website logos and icons tied to saved passwords. Normally, encryption keeps this data safe, but without it, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network could trick users into visiting a fake site designed to steal their login info. Security experts from Mysk first noticed this issue and told Apple about it in September.

    How Apple Described the Fix

    In the iOS 18.2 security notes, Apple explained the problem simply:

    • Effect: Someone with network access might steal private details.
    • Solution: The app now uses HTTPS to send data securely.

    Apple also confirmed they fixed this across other devices like Macs, iPads, and Vision Pros, not just iPhones.

    Why It Matters

    This glitch left users exposed for months, but Apple’s update finally closed the gap. It’s a reminder that even big companies can miss things—though they acted once the issue was clear. If you’re on iOS 18, grabbing the latest update keeps your info safer from sneaky attacks like these.

  • Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple recently rolled out a software update for its 25W MagSafe Charger, which works with iPhone 12 and newer models, as well as the latest AirPods. The new software version is 2A146, an upgrade from the earlier 2A143 released this year. In the Settings app, this update shows as version 136, up from 133.

    The 2024 MagSafe Charger debuted with the iPhone 16 lineup and can power those devices at a speedy 25W. For older models, like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, it charges at a slower 15W.
    Apple pushes these updates wirelessly and doesn’t share detailed notes about them. So, we’re not sure what improvements or fixes this version brings. To update your MagSafe Charger, plug it in and connect it to an Apple device—there’s no manual way to start the process. Want to check your charger’s software version? Follow the steps in our MagSafe Charger guide.

    In other news, Apple has stopped supporting iOS 18.3.1 as of today. This means iPhone users who’ve moved to iOS 18.3.2 can’t switch back to the older version. Apple launched iOS 18.3.2 on March 10. This move isn’t surprising—Apple often phases out older iOS versions after a new one arrives. Unsigned software can’t be installed because of a server check, blocking users from loading outdated iOS on their iPhones. Right now, iPhones that run iOS 18 can only use iOS 18.3.2.

    By doing this, Apple makes sure devices stay up to date with the latest security upgrades. The iOS 18.3.2 update included key fixes, including one for a flaw that might have been actively targeted by attackers. Keeping your iPhone on the newest software helps protect it from potential risks.

  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Talk about a foldable iPhone has been around forever, but now it’s starting to feel like it might actually happen soon. Reliable sources like analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, along with a Weibo user called Digital Chat Station, say Apple’s first foldable iPhone will have a big 7.8-inch screen when opened and a smaller 5.5-inch screen on the outside. Since these sizes keep popping up in leaks, it seems Apple has locked in some details. Kuo says it’ll open like a book, not flip like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip.

    Jeff Pu also mentioned that Foxconn, the company making it, has started early work on the foldable iPhone. Both he and Kuo think it’ll hit full production by late 2026, so we might see it in small numbers next year—though 2027 feels more realistic. Funny enough, it still feels two years away!

    Analyst Tim Long from Barclays predicts it’ll cost about $2,299 in the U.S., almost double the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,199 price. Kuo adds it’ll have two back cameras, one front camera, a Touch ID button instead of Face ID, and a strong battery. It’ll be super thin—4.5mm open, 9-9.5mm folded—with a titanium body and a hinge mixing titanium and steel.

    Now, let’s peek at the iPhone 18 Pro, still over a year away. Here’s what’s buzzing so far:

    Hidden Face ID

    Analyst Ross Young says Face ID might hide under the screen in 2026, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro could get it. The Dynamic Island might shrink or turn into a tiny camera hole, like on Android phones. It’s too soon to say for sure.

    Adjustable Camera

    Ming-Chi Kuo claims the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48-megapixel main camera will let you tweak how much light it takes in. Unlike older models stuck at a wide-open setting, this could help you blur backgrounds better—though iPhones’ small sensors might limit the wow factor.

    Better Samsung Sensor

    Rumor has it Samsung’s new stacked sensor will boost the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera with clearer, more vibrant photos. This could shake things up since Sony’s been Apple’s go-to sensor maker forever. Exciting times ahead!

  • Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Even though Health Canada gave the green light for AirPods hearing aid and hearing test tools at the national level in December, Canadians can’t use them yet. Stories from CTV News and the Toronto Star this month explain that each province has its own rules holding things up.

    Take Ontario, Canada’s biggest province, for example. There, you need a doctor or hearing specialist to sign off on hearing aids. That’s one reason the features haven’t arrived. The bright side? Apple shared with the Toronto Star that it’s teaming up with Canadian provinces to get the okay to offer these AirPods tools without a prescription. The company wants to roll them out fast but hasn’t said exactly when they’ll land.

    With the hearing aid tool, AirPods Pro 2 can boost nearby sounds. Apple says it’s built for grown-ups who notice mild to moderate trouble hearing—no extra charge to turn it on. Then there’s the quick five-minute hearing test. It checks how well adults hear different sound pitches. Once it’s done, you get a simple breakdown of any hearing loss and tips on what to do next.

    These two options first popped up in the U.S. and a few other places in late October. They’re still spreading to more spots around the world. Canada does have one AirPods hearing feature already: hearing protection. It’s ready to go for users there. All three tools—hearing aid, test, and protection—work only with AirPods Pro 2. Apple’s clearly working hard to get the full set to Canada soon. For now, folks are waiting to see when the provinces give the thumbs-up.

  • iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to pack some exciting upgrades, according to analyst Jeff Pu in a note shared with GF Securities this week. One big change is the rear Telephoto camera, which will jump from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 Pro to a sharp 48 megapixels.

    This upgrade means all three cameras—Fusion, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—on these new models will boast 48 megapixels. That’s a win for anyone who loves snapping detailed shots, especially from a distance. Plus, the phones are expected to sport a fresh look with a rectangular camera bump.

    Memory is getting a boost too. The iPhone 17 Pro models will come with 12GB of RAM, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. More RAM should make things run smoother, especially for multitasking or using Apple’s smart features like Apple Intelligence.

    Screen sizes won’t surprise anyone familiar with recent iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro will stick with a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max keeps its larger 6.9-inch screen. Both are sizes people already know and love.

    Under the hood, these phones will run on an A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process called N3P. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a step up from what’s in the current models, promising better speed and efficiency.

    With these changes, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max sound like they’re shaping up to be powerful tools for photo lovers and tech fans alike. From clearer zoom shots to faster performance, there’s plenty to look forward to when these devices arrive.

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.