Tag: iPhone

  • Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple adds more security and eco-friendly features to iPhones and iPads

    Apple has introduced new updates to make iPhones and iPads both safer and more environmentally friendly. These changes are coming with iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, which are currently in beta testing.

    One important update is a new anti-theft feature that protects your Apple ID and personal data. When this setting is turned on, it adds a delay and extra security steps if someone tries to access your account in an unfamiliar place. For example, if your iPhone is stolen and the thief tries to change your Apple ID or reset your password, they’ll need to wait an hour and pass Face ID or Touch ID checks again. This gives users time to react and possibly recover the device.

    Another helpful change is aimed at demo devices in Apple Stores. iOS 17.5 includes a special “Retail Demo Mode” that adds a setting called “Erase All Content and Settings.” This makes it easier for store employees to quickly reset iPhones and iPads after customer use. It’s not meant for regular users, just for demo units in stores.

    Apple is also thinking about the environment. A new “Clean Energy Charging” feature will be available for iPads. This feature already exists on iPhones and helps reduce carbon emissions by charging the device when cleaner energy is being used in the area.

    With these updates, Apple is continuing its focus on user safety and eco-friendly technology, making their devices smarter and more responsible.

  • Apple Watch to get a fresh look and iPhone takes top spot

    Apple Watch to get a fresh look and iPhone takes top spot

    Apple Watch Update

    The Apple Watch is set for a big change with its next software, watchOS 12. It will borrow a style from visionOS, the system used in Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Expect a modern, slightly see-through design with a floating feel.

    Buttons, menus, and icons will look new, and Apple is exploring ideas for a revamped Home Screen. These updates are still in progress, so we don’t know exactly when they’ll arrive. There’s also talk of adding Apple Intelligence features, like smart tools, to the Apple Watch Ultra, though some doubt this since Apple usually shares such features across many devices.

    iPhone Leads the Market

    Apple’s iPhone grabbed the number-one spot in smartphone sales for the first three months of 2025, beating Samsung. The iPhone 16 series, with its new Apple Intelligence tools, drove huge demand. Even with tough competition, Apple sold the most phones globally, while the overall market grew slightly. Other brands like Xiaomi and Oppo also did well, but Apple stayed on top.

  • New Maps feature comes to iPhone via web

    New Maps feature comes to iPhone via web

    Apple has rolled out an exciting update for iPhone users! As of April 9, 2025, you can now use Maps right from the web. This means you don’t always need the app to find your way—it’s available online too. The feature, called “Maps on the Web,” started as a test last year and is now ready for everyone.

    With this update, you can check directions, look up places, and explore locations straight from your browser. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about a spot, it’s super easy. You can search for stores, restaurants, or landmarks and get details like hours, phone numbers, and even reviews.

    Plus, if you need to move around the map, zooming and panning work smoothly. One cool part? It connects with your iPhone perfectly. If you’re signed into your Apple ID, you can send directions from the web to your phone with just a tap. Need to share a location with a friend?

    You can copy a link and send it their way. It’s all about making things simple and fast. For now, this works in English and on browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Edge. Apple says more languages and features are coming soon, so keep an eye out!

    This update is great for anyone who wants quick access to maps without opening the app—or if you’re on a computer and still want that iPhone connection. This move shows Apple’s push to make its tools more open and easy to use. Whether you’re at home or on the go, “Maps on the Web” brings navigation right to your fingertips. Try it out and see how it fits into your day!

  • Apple raises iPhone prices in India due to new taxes

    Apple raises iPhone prices in India due to new taxes

    Apple has increased iPhone prices in India because of new import taxes set by the government. These taxes, which started on April 1, 2025, add extra costs to products brought into the country. For example, the iPhone 16 now costs about $50 more, while older models like the iPhone 14 have gone up by around $30. This change affects anyone buying a new iPhone in India, whether online or in stores.

    The Indian government says these taxes will help local companies grow by making imported goods more expensive. Apple, which makes some iPhones in India, still relies on parts from other countries. This means the company can’t avoid the extra costs completely. To cover this, Apple has passed the price hike on to customers instead of taking the hit itself.

    For buyers, this means spending more money on iPhones than before. A student in Mumbai, Priya Sharma, shared, “I was saving for an iPhone 16, but now it’s tougher with the price jump.” Many fans of Apple products are upset, but some understand the government’s goal to boost local businesses. Still, not everyone is happy, and a few are even looking at cheaper options from other brands.

    Apple isn’t the only company affected—other tech brands importing goods might also raise prices soon. Experts think this could push Apple to make more iPhones in India over time, which might lower costs later. For now, though, customers in India will feel the pinch. The company hasn’t said much about future plans, but it’s clear these taxes are shaking things up for iPhone lovers in the country.

  • Exciting new features coming to iPhone and Apple TV

    Exciting new features coming to iPhone and Apple TV

    Apple is working on some exciting new features for its upcoming iPhone 17 and Apple TV. According to recent reports, these devices will share a common feature that will make it easier for users to enjoy their favorite content.

    One of the most anticipated features is the ability to use the iPhone’s camera to control the Apple TV. This means you’ll be able to use your iPhone to navigate through menus, play games, and more on your Apple TV.

    Additionally, Apple is also working on some design tweaks for iOS 19. The new operating system is expected to include some fresh design elements, including updated icons and a new notification system.

    These new features are expected to be announced by Apple in the coming months. As always, Apple is keeping quiet about its upcoming plans, but these rumors give us a glimpse into what’s in store for iPhone and Apple TV users.

  • Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps could soon become the main navigation app for iPhone users in Europe, thanks to new rules. On March 28, 2025, reports hinted that Apple might have to let users pick their default apps more freely in the European Union (EU). This change comes from a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make things fairer for tech companies and give users more choices.

    Right now, iPhones automatically use Apple Maps for directions. But with the DMA, Apple may need to let people choose Google Maps or other apps instead. This would be a big shift, as Google Maps is super popular—tons of people already love it for its easy-to-use features and accurate details.

    The EU has been pushing big tech companies like Apple to open up their systems. This isn’t just about maps; it’s part of a bigger plan to stop companies from locking users into their apps. If this happens, iPhone users in Europe might see a pop-up asking them to pick their favorite map app when they set up their phone.

    For Google, this is great news. More people might switch to Google Maps, especially since it’s already a top choice on Android phones. Meanwhile, Apple might need to work harder to keep users hooked on Apple Maps. Either way, iPhone fans in the EU could soon enjoy more freedom to navigate their way!

  • WhatsApp might soon be your go-to messaging app on iPhone

    WhatsApp might soon be your go-to messaging app on iPhone

    Good news for iPhone users who love WhatsApp! A new update could make it the main messaging app on your phone. Right now, iMessage is the default for sending texts on iPhones. But WhatsApp, which is super popular worldwide, may get a chance to take over that spot.

    This change is tied to a big rule called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. The DMA wants to make things fairer for different apps and give users more choices. Because of this, Apple might have to let apps like WhatsApp become the default for messages. That means when you send a text, it could go through WhatsApp instead of iMessage—pretty cool, right?

    WhatsApp is already working on this. They’ve shared plans to add a feature that lets iPhone users pick it as their top app for texting. This would make chatting easier, especially with friends who use Android or other phones, since WhatsApp works across all devices.

    For now, this is mostly aimed at people in Europe because of the DMA rules. But if it goes well, it could spread to other places too. Imagine texting everyone through WhatsApp without switching apps! It’s still in the works, but it’s exciting to think about. What do you think—would you make WhatsApp your main messaging app?

  • No new small iPhone coming soon

    No new small iPhone coming soon

    Apple fans hoping for a new tiny iPhone might feel let down. A fresh report says the company isn’t working on a smaller version, like the old iPhone Mini, anytime soon. The last small model, the iPhone 13 Mini, came out in 2021, and since then, Apple has focused on bigger screens.

    The news comes from a trusted source who knows about Apple’s plans. They say the tech giant is sticking to larger phones because that’s what most people want. Sales numbers back this up—bigger iPhones, like the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, have been more popular than the Mini ever was. Customers seem to love the extra screen space for watching videos, playing games, or working on the go.

    The iPhone Mini was great for folks who liked a phone that fit easily in one hand or a pocket. But not enough people bought it, so Apple shifted gears. Instead of a new Mini, the company is pouring energy into improving its bigger models with better cameras, faster chips, and longer battery life.

    For now, if you want a small iPhone, you’ll have to stick with older ones like the iPhone 13 Mini or look at other brands. Apple’s focus is clear: big screens are the future, and that’s where they’re headed. Fans of tiny phones might have to wait a long time—or maybe forever—for a comeback.

  • Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV is bleeding cash, dropping around $1 billion each year, according to a recent report. The streaming service, meant to compete with giants like Netflix and Amazon, just isn’t pulling in enough viewers or profits. Experts say Apple keeps pouring money into big-name shows and movies, but the audience isn’t growing fast enough to make up for it.

    Even with popular titles, the costs are piling up way faster than the cash coming in. This has sparked chatter about whether Apple needs to rethink its game plan—maybe tweak pricing, push more ads, or find cheaper ways to create content. For now, the company’s deep pockets are keeping it afloat, but how long can that last?

    Meanwhile, a massive data leak from SpyX, a sneaky stalkerware app, has put millions of iPhone users at risk. This nasty software lets people secretly track others—think call logs, texts, and even locations—without them knowing. The breach spilled personal info from tons of victims, leaving them open to scams or worse.

    Reports say SpyX was sneaky enough to slip past Apple’s tight security, raising big questions about how safe iPhones are. Users are now being told to watch for weird phone behavior and update their devices fast. This mess has sparked a firestorm, with people demanding Apple step up and crack down harder on shady apps like this.

    Both stories show how tricky the tech world can be. Apple’s burning cash to keep its TV dream alive, while iPhone fans are dealing with a creepy privacy scare. The company’s got a lot on its plate—figuring out how to make streaming pay off and keeping users safe from leaks. For now, Apple TV’s losses and the SpyX disaster are tough reminders that even the biggest names can stumble. Fans are left wondering: can Apple bounce back from these hits, or are more bumps ahead? Only time will tell, but it’s clear the pressure’s on.

  • Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    For almost two years, French officials have been looking into a privacy tool on iPhones called App Tracking Transparency. This feature lets people choose if they want apps to follow their activity for ads or not. You’ve probably noticed those “Ask App Not to Track” messages popping up. Now, according to a recent Reuters story, the investigation is almost over—and it doesn’t look good for Apple.

    France Might Stop This Privacy Feature Soon

    The two-year review of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency in France should finish within the next month. And it seems Apple might not like the result.

    Reuters reporter Foo Yun Chee explains:

    French regulators are likely to tell Apple next month to stop this practice, saying it’s unfair to competition. They’ll probably add a fine too. This would be the first time a government blocks this feature. In France, fines for such issues can reach up to 10% of a company’s yearly earnings worldwide.

    So, two big things could happen when this case ends:

    • Apple may have to turn off this feature for people in France.
    • The company could also face a penalty.

    Back in 2023, when this probe began, we noted: “Apple’s being accused of playing favorites and setting unclear, unfair rules about how user info can be used for ads.”

    Apple shared this comment with 9to5Mac during an earlier debate about the feature:

    “We at Apple think your data is yours. You should decide if it’s shared and with whom. App Tracking Transparency just lets users pick whether apps can track them or pass their info to data collectors. These rules are the same for everyone, including us, and we’ve had lots of support from privacy fans and regulators.”

    Beyond France, Germany and Italy are also checking out this feature. Usually, the worry isn’t the tool itself but how Apple uses it for its apps. In the U.S., companies like Meta have complained the most—not regulators. They say this privacy option has hurt their ad income.