Gurman: iOS 18 to Feature 'Updates' to Control Center
The upcoming iOS 18 update for the iPhone will include unspecified "updates" to Control Center, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
If that sounds familiar, it is because Control Center was rumored to be revamped on both iOS 15 and iOS 17, but neither update ended up introducing any significant changes to the feature, which provides quick access to system functions like Wi-Fi, display brightness, volume, and more. However, both of those rumors proved to be from unreliable sources for Apple leaks, whereas Gurman is a more reputable source.
MacRumors has learned that Apple has internally tested a redesigned Control Center for iOS 18, but we cannot confirm if these changes have been finalized.
WWDC keynote on June 10, and the first beta should be made available to members of the Apple Developer Program immediately after the presentation. The first public beta of iOS 18 will likely follow in July, and the update should be widely released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.
Related Roundup: iOS 18
Tags: Control Center, Mark Gurman
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Apple Vision Pro International Launch Likely Scheduled for July
The international launch of Apple's Vision Pro headset could finally occur in July, just over six months after the device was released in the United States.
A source familiar with the matter told MacRumors that the Apple Vision Pro is now scheduled to launch internationally in July. Separately, MacRumors is aware that some Apple Stores in the UK recently received large deliveries on pallets, believed to be couches designed for Vision Pro demos, that staff are not yet allowed to open. Apple Retail Managers in the UK have been told to begin the process of planning to transition the Avenues to facilitate Vision Pro accessories. Further refreshes of in-store visuals are also planned for July.
The international launch of the Vision Pro is likely to fall in the third or fourth week of July. Given this timing, there is a chance that Apple will confirm the date at its WWDC keynote on June 10.
Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that Apple was highly likely to launch the Vision Pro internationally before WWDC to drive interest in visionOS 2. The United Kingdom, Canada, and China are rumored to be the first markets to receive the product outside the United States.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Tag: United Kingdom
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
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More Advanced AI Siri Functionality Not Coming to iOS 18 Until 2025
Apple is planning a major AI overhaul for Siri in iOS 18, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that the update will let Siri control all individual features in apps for the first time, expanding the range of functions the personal assistant can perform.
Siri will be able to do things like open specific documents, move a note from one folder to another, delete an email, summarize an article, email a web link, and open a particular news site in Apple News. Apple plans to use AI to analyze what people are doing on their devices, automatically enabling Siri features.
To make this happen, Apple engineers had to rearchitect Siri's underlying software with large language models or LLMs, which is also the technology that's been used for chatbots like ChatGPT. Apple has been working on a deal with OpenAI to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT technology into iOS 18, and it is also in talks with Google about incorporating Gemini, but Siri functionality likely relies on Apple's own LLM work.
At launch, the new Siri functionality will be limited to Apple apps, and Siri will only be able to respond to one command at a time. Eventually, Apple wants Siri to be able to respond to multiple commands, such as capturing a photo and then sending it to someone in a message.
WWDC 2024, Apple reportedly does not plan to launch them in September when iOS 18 sees an initial release. Instead, Siri will be overhauled in a future iOS 18 update that's set to be introduced in 2025.
iPhone 15 Pro or later to work, and an M1 or later for iPadOS 18 and macOS 15.
The Information, Apple's AI servers will be powered by M2 Ultra and M4 chips, with Apple planning to use the Secure Enclave to "to help isolate the data being processed on its servers so that it can't be seen by the wider system or Apple." Gurman says that Apple will also provide customers with an "intelligent report" that explains how information is kept safe.
Related Roundup: iOS 18
Tags: Siri, Bloomberg, Mark Gurman
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Spatial Puzzle Game 'Where Cards Fall' Now Available on Apple Vision Pro
Apple is continuing to add to its lineup of Apple Arcade games on the Vision Pro, today adding puzzle game Where Cards Fall.
Where Cards Fall has previously been available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, and it won an Apple Design Award back in 2020. A dreamlike spatial puzzle game, Where Cards Fall is a coming-of-age story that tasks players with building houses of cards to bring memories to life.
Apple says that the game features full 3D depth and immersion, and players can use tactile, accessible controls designed specifically for the Vision Pro. There are more than 50 puzzles to solve using imagination and strategic thinking.
part of Apple Arcade, which is priced at $6.99 per month and is also available with the Apple One subscription bundle. For the monthly price, up to six people that are part of a family group can access games, and there are more than 200 titles available. New subscribers can get a three-month trial with the purchase of an Apple device or a one-month trial.
Tag: Apple Arcade
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Apple Shares New Ads Promoting Apple Card
Apple today released a trio of short ads designed to promote the Apple Card, which is Apple's credit card that continues to be limited to the United States.
The Sock, Sweater, and Ladder spots all highlight different Apple Card features. Sock focuses on the Daily Cash back reward, Sweater demonstrates the option to see past purchases, and Ladder shows the ease of paying an Apple Card balance through the Wallet app.
All three ads feature the tagline "Reboot your credit card" and link to the Apple Card website so that potential customers can get more information.
Apple Pay purchases, and three percent cash back at select partner stores and Apple retail locations.
Tags: Apple Ads, Apple Card
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 Available for $714.00 on Amazon
Amazon today has a low price on three models of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, available for $714.00, down from $799.00. Right now only Amazon has this sale, and it does not require a coupon in order to see the discount.
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Green/Grey Trail Loop (S/M), the Blue/Black Trail Loop (S/M), and the Indigo Alpine Loop (Small). Stock on the Blue/Black Trail Loop has been dwindling this afternoon, but the other two models appear well stocked as of writing.
$85 OFF
Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $714.00
Although we tracked a steeper discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 back in March, that sale was a bit of a fluke and only ever appeared for one model and has never returned. This makes today's discounts at Amazon solid second-best prices on the high-end wearable, and they can be delivered as soon as this weekend for Prime members.
$189.00 and the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE for $219.00 right now on Amazon.
Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Apple Brings Tap to Pay on iPhone to Italy
Tap to Pay on iPhone today launched in Italy, allowing individual sellers, major retailers, and small businesses to use the iPhone as a contactless payment terminal.
Retailers are able to take advantage of the NFC chip in the iPhone to accept credit and debit card payments, as well as Apple Pay and other digital payment options. Tap to Pay on iPhone does not require additional hardware and it replaces hardware-based payment systems such as the Square Reader.
Tap to Pay on iPhone is available to payment platforms and payment app developers in Italy. Adyen, myPOS, Nexi, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, and Viva are all supporting Tap to Pay, and Fabrick, Numia, and Sella will also be adding Tap to Pay integration in the near future. Starting today, Tap to Pay on iPhone can be used in all Apple retail stores in Italy as well.
"Tap to Pay on iPhone has revolutionized the checkout experience in many types of businesses in Europe and other countries, and we are happy to partner with payment platforms to support merchants in Italy by offering them a simple, secure and private way to accept contactless payments via iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app, without the need for additional devices," said Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet at Apple. "Over 4.3 million small and medium-sized companies in Italy have long played a key role in the country's economy and, together with payment platforms, developers and developers of apps and payment networks, we are making it easier than ever for Italian businesses of all sizes to accept contactless payments and continue to grow their business."
When a customer makes a purchase, a merchant that supports Tap to Pay on iPhone can accept payment by having the customer bring their credit card, debit card, prepaid card, iPhone, Apple Watch, or other digital wallet close to the merchant's iPhone. The transaction is completed through NFC, with processing done using the Secure Element for security purposes.
Tap to Pay on iPhone requires an iPhone XS or newer model, and a contactless card or device also needed. Contactless cards from American Express, Global Discover Network, Diners, Mastercard, and Visa will work.
Tags: Italy, Tap to Pay on iPhone
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Satechi Launches Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station
Satechi today announced the launch of its latest Mac accessory, the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station. The Docking Station uses DisplayLink software technology to allow a Mac to connect to up to four external monitors, plus it offers 96W power delivery and Thunderbolt 4 transfer speeds.
Made from a space gray aluminum that is meant to match Apple devices, the hub supports up to four extended monitors at 4K/60Hz resolution, or one display at 8K/60Hz. With four displays, two can be connected through Thunderbolt 4 and two through HDMI. Satechi says that this feature is designed to address the single display limit of M1, M2, and M3 chips. M1, M2, and M3 MacBook Pro models support up to three displays with Satechi's dock, while the M3 MacBook Air supports four when in clamshell mode. Machines with Pro and Max chips support up to four displays through the hub.
The hub provides 96W power delivery to the host machine, which is enough to charge even the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Each of the three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports also offer 15W for charging iPhones, Apple Watches, and other accessories, with two ports able to be used at one time for charging purposes. The Thunderbolt 4 ports facilitate data transfers at speeds up to 40Gb/s, and there are two USB-A ports that support transfer speeds up to 10Gb/s. a UHS-II SD card reader is available as well, and it is capable of transferring up to 312MB/s.
Satechi says the dock supports daisy-chaining up to six devices, providing 32Gb/s native PCIe support for external GPUs and Thunderbolt-based storage devices.
purchased from the Satechi website for $300.
Tag: Satechi
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Sonos Kicks Off Rare Sale With Up to 25% Off Popular Audio Accessories
Sonos today has begun its Father's Day sale, offering steep discounts on select home theater audio equipment. This includes record low prices on the Sonos Arc soundbar ($719), as well as various discounted bundles, all of which are rare deals we haven't tracked since earlier in the year.
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Sonos Arc for $719 ($180 off) and Sonos Sub Gen 3 for $639 ($160 off), which are rarely discounted outside of holiday events like this one.
UP TO 25% OFF
Sonos Home Theater Sale
browse this landing page on the Sonos website for everything being discounted.
Speakers and Soundbars
Roam SL Portable Speaker - $127, down from $159
Era 100 Smart Speaker - $199, down from $249
Move 2 Smart Speaker - $336, down from $449
Era 300 Smart Speaker - $359, down from $449
Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar - $399, down from $499
Sub (Gen 3) Subwoofer - $639, down from $799
Arc Soundbar - $719, down from $899
Bundles
Arc + Wall Mount Bundle - $798, down from $978
Arc + Move 2 Speaker Bundle - $1,055, down from $1,348
Arc + Sonos Ace Headphones Bundle - $1,168, down from $1,348
Beam + Sub Bundle - $1,038, down from $1,298
Arc + 2x Era 100 Speakers Bundle - $1,117, down from $1,397
Arc + Sub Bundle - $1,358, down from $1,698
Beam + Sub + 2x Era 100 Speakers Bundle - $1,436, down from $1,796
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Logitech Expands 'Designed for Mac' Range With New Accessories
Logitech today introduced a new lineup of Mac accessories, including the latest MX series keyboards and mice, as well as an ergonomic keyboard.
The new range comprises the MX Keys S for Mac, MX Keys S Combo for Mac, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, MX Keys Mini for Mac in Space Gray, and the Ergo Wave Keys for Mac. The products offer dedicated macOS keyboard layouts and colors that complement Apple hardware.
The MX Keys S for Mac features comfortable, precise typing with smart illumination that adjusts to ambient light and hand proximity. The keyboard also includes Smart Actions via the Logi Options+ app, enabling users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline their workflows. The MX Keys S can connect to three different Apple devices simultaneously, allowing for easy switching with the press of a button. It is available in Space Gray and Pale Gray, and incorporates post-consumer recycled plastic in its construction.
The MX Keys S Combo for Mac includes the MX Keys S keyboard, MX Master 3S for Mac mouse, and an MX Palm Rest, designed to provide an integrated solution for high-performance Mac users. The mouse features quiet clicks, a high-precision 8K DPI sensor, and the MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel for fast, precise scrolling. Both the keyboard and mouse come with customizable options via the Logi Options+ app, allowing for personalized shortcuts.
The MX Anywhere 3S for Mac is a compact mouse designed for portability and high performance. It features ultra-fast scrolling, quiet clicks, and an advanced 8K DPI tracking sensor that works on virtually any surface, including glass. The mouse is built to withstand the rigors of mobile work and includes a USB-C quick charging feature, providing up to 70 days of use on a full charge.
The MX Keys Mini for Mac is a minimalist keyboard optimized for Mac users, now available in Space Gray to match Apple devices. It offers smart illumination, precise typing, and software customization that allows users to create app-specific profiles and shortcuts. This keyboard is designed to improve ergonomics by aligning the shoulders and allowing the mouse to be placed closer to the keyboard.
Rounding out the new lineup is the Ergo Wave Keys for Mac, Logitech's first ergonomic keyboard specifically designed for Mac users. It features a unique wave design and a cushioned palm rest, developed by the Logi Ergo Lab to provide day-long comfort. The keyboard is said to promote better posture and reduces strain on the wrists.
via its website and other retailers. The MX Keys S for Mac sells for $109.99, the MX Keys S Combo for Mac costs $199.99, the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac is priced at $79.99, the MX Keys Mini for Mac costs $99.99, and the Wave Keys for Mac costs $59.99.
Tag: Logitech
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Japanese 'My Number Card' Digital IDs Coming to Apple's Wallet App
Apple today announced that support for national My Number Card IDs in Japan will be coming to Apple's Wallet app "late next spring," marking the first expansion of digital IDs in Apple Wallet beyond the United States [Google translation].
Over 100 million Japanese residents currently have My Number Card IDs, which enable them to receive services at over 60,000 convenience stores around the country, through online portals, and in other settings such as hospitals and government agencies.
"The deployment of Apple Wallet's ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets. We will make the My Number Card available in Apple Wallet from the second half of next spring, and we will present your ID while making full use of the security and privacy protection features built into the iPhone. We are very pleased to provide a convenient and convenient way for everyone living in Japan," said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Once loaded into Apple Wallet, a user's My Number Card can be accessed within the app by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, and the ID can then be presented either face-to-face or to a card reader, enabling access to medical services, governmental services, and more.
Tim Cook and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed My Number Card integration during one of Cook's trips to Japan back in late 2022. At the time, Cook said Apple had some concerns over user privacy and security around the IDs, but it appears those concerns have been satisfied to a sufficient enough degree that Apple is now on board with supporting the IDs in its centralized Wallet app.
Tag: Japan
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Japanese 'My Number Card' Digital IDs Coming to Apple's Wallet App
Apple today announced that support for national My Number Card IDs in Japan will be coming to Apple's Wallet app "late next spring," marking the first expansion of digital IDs in Apple Wallet beyond the United States [Google translation].
Over 100 million Japanese residents currently have My Number Card IDs, which enable them to receive services at over 60,000 convenience stores around the country, through online portals, and in other settings such as hospitals and government agencies.
"The deployment of Apple Wallet's ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets. We will make the My Number Card available in Apple Wallet from the second half of next spring, and we will present your ID while making full use of the security and privacy protection features built into the iPhone. We are very pleased to provide a convenient and convenient way for everyone living in Japan," said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Once loaded into Apple Wallet, a user's My Number Card can be accessed within the app by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, and the ID can then be presented either face-to-face or to a card reader, enabling access to medical services, governmental services, and more.
Tim Cook and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed My Number Card integration during one of Cook's trips to Japan back in late 2022. At the time, Cook said Apple had some concerns over user privacy and security around the IDs, but it appears those concerns have been satisfied to a sufficient enough degree that Apple is now on board with supporting the IDs in its centralized Wallet app.
Tag: Japan
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Japanese 'My Number Card' Digital IDs Coming to Apple's Wallet App
Apple today announced that support for national My Number Card IDs in Japan will be coming to Apple's Wallet app "late next spring," marking the first expansion of digital IDs in Apple Wallet beyond the United States [Google translation].
Over 100 million Japanese residents currently have My Number Card IDs, which enable them to receive services at over 60,000 convenience stores around the country, through online portals, and in other settings such as hospitals and government agencies.
"The deployment of Apple Wallet's ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets. We will make the My Number Card available in Apple Wallet from the second half of next spring, and we will present your ID while making full use of the security and privacy protection features built into the iPhone. We are very pleased to provide a convenient and convenient way for everyone living in Japan," said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Once loaded into Apple Wallet, a user's My Number Card can be accessed within the app by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, and the ID can then be presented either face-to-face or to a card reader, enabling access to medical services, governmental services, and more.
Tim Cook and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed My Number Card integration during one of Cook's trips to Japan back in late 2022. At the time, Cook said Apple had some concerns over user privacy and security around the IDs, but it appears those concerns have been satisfied to a sufficient enough degree that Apple is now on board with supporting the IDs in its centralized Wallet app.
Tag: Japan
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Halide Camera Team Launches Kino Pro Video App
The developers behind popular photography app Halide today announced the launch of Kino, an app designed for capturing cinematic video. Kino has the tools that professionals need while also providing guidance to amateur videographers.
Kino offers a one-tap video recording feature with support for a range of color presets. The Instant Grade feature allows users to choose presets created by experts or import their own LUTs. By applying color grading while recording, Kino saves time by removing the need for editing.
An AutoMotion feature helps users capture cinematic movement in a shot by using a 180-degree shutter angle by default. When enough ambient light is available, the Auto label will turn green to indicate that it is an ideal time to capture motion.
While the Kino interface is designed to be simple to use, there are a number of pro tools that can be selected. There are options for adjusting exposure with RV adjustment and AE, and WB lock, or there is a full manual mode for control over shutter speed and ISO.
Photos app for easier video management.
For those new to video recording, there are a series of lessons that can be used to learn all of the available features that are in Kino.
App Store for $9.99, a discount of 50 percent off of the standard price. iOS 17 is required. [Direct Link]
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iOS 18 Rumor Recap: Over 20 New Features to Expect as WWDC Nears
iOS 18 is just around the corner, with Apple set to unveil the software update during its WWDC keynote next month. Below, we recap new features and changes rumored for iOS 18, which is projected to be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history.
iOS 18 is rumored to include new AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more customizable Home Screen and other user interface design changes, new features in apps like Apple Maps and Calculator, additional accessibility features, and much more.
on June 10 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, and the iOS 18 beta should be made available to members of the Apple Developer Program immediately following the presentation. A public beta is typically released in July, and the update should be widely released to all users in September.
iOS 18 roundup.
Smarter Siri and Generative AI
new AI features for Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more, according to sources such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and The Information's Wayne Ma.
share details "later this year," and Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak also hinted at AI in a social media post about WWDC 2024.
Generative AI surged in popularity in late 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can respond to questions and other text prompts. The company has also expanded into generative AI tools for images and videos. Other companies like Google and Microsoft have also pushed into the generative AI space, and the technology is quickly evolving.
not expected to include an Apple-designed chatbot, but a partnership with OpenAI will reportedly be announced at WWDC.
More Customizable Home Screen
"more customizable" Home Screen, according to Gurman.
MacRumors exclusively reported that iOS 18 will finally allow users to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid. This means that users will be able to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons. This basic feature has long been available on Android smartphones, and now Apple is bringing it to the iPhone.
iPhone users can already customize the Home Screen with apps such as Shortcuts and Widgetsmith, which can be used to create "blank" app icons and widgets, but Apple's official solution will be much more convenient.
change the color of app icons.
New Accessibility Features
Earlier this month, Apple previewed many new accessibility features coming later this year with software updates like iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. The announcement came one day ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
include Eye Tracking, Vehicle Motion Cues, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts. CarPlay will also be getting more accessibility features with iOS 18, including Sound Recognition, which will allow drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing to turn on alerts to be notified of car horns and sirens.
New Apple Maps Features
MacRumors previously revealed two potential new Apple Maps features coming with iOS 18: custom routes and topographic maps.
With the custom routes feature, Apple Maps users would be able to choose specific roads to travel on while navigating, for reasons such as familiarity or scenic views. This feature is expected to be available in the U.S. only at launch. Google Maps already allows users to create custom routes on the web, and then view them on an iPhone.
Topographic maps first debuted on the Apple Watch last year with watchOS 10, and code suggests that the feature will be expanded to the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro with iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. These maps include details such as trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest for hiking and other outdoor uses.
RCS Support in Messages App
support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting "later" in 2024, so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that timeframe.
Higher-resolution photos and videos
Audio messages
Typing indicators
Read receipts
Wi-Fi messaging
Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation that includes Android users
These features are already available for iMessage and in many third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on the iPhone will extend the features to green bubbles in the Messages app.
More Rumors Per App
Apple Music: With iOS 18, Apple Music will reportedly be able to auto-generate playlists, and there is also a rumor about smarter song transitions.
Calculator: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 are rumored to feature a revamped Calculator app with several new features, including a sidebar that lists recent calculations, an improved interface for converting units, integration with the Notes app, and more. That means the Calculator app will finally be available on iPads.
Calendar: Two apps rumored to be integrated on iOS 18 are Calendar and Reminders. This would allow users to schedule and organize reminders directly within the Calendars app, without needing to open the Reminders app.
Freeform: iOS 18 is rumored to add a new "Scenes" option to Apple's drawing app Freeform. This feature would allow users to select specific sections ("scenes") on the canvas for easier navigation.
Health: Apple is reportedly planning new AI-powered features for its Health app, but no specific details are known yet.
Keynote, Numbers, and Pages: Alongside iOS 18, Apple reportedly plans to update its iWork suite of productivity apps with new generative AI features for auto-generating slides in Keynote, writing faster in Pages, and more.
Mail, Photos, and Fitness: These apps will reportedly be "overhauled" with iOS 18. AI-powered photo retouching is reportedly coming to the Photos app with iOS 18, and the Mail app could gain suggested replies to emails, but no other specific details are known yet for these apps.
Messages: In addition to RCS support, it has been rumored that the Messages app will use generative AI to auto-complete sentences more effectively, and to auto-generate custom emojis for users based on the content of messages.
Notes and Voice Memos: With iOS 18, the Notes app is expected to be able to display mathematical notation, allowing users to include more types of algebraic equations and formulas in notes. The app is also rumored to gain a built-in audio recording tool, eliminating the need to switch over to the Voice Memos app. In addition, both Notes and Voice Memos could gain the ability to transcribe audio.
Safari: iOS 18 is likely to add a browsing assistant to Safari, which could summarize web pages and more. A new "Web Eraser" feature that would allow users to remove certain elements from web pages has also been rumored.
Shortcuts: With iOS 18, users will reportedly be able to automate complex tasks more easily with the Shortcuts app.
While they are not dedicated apps, it has also been rumored that generative AI technology will allow the iPhone's virtual assistant Siri and built-in search tool Spotlight to respond to more complex questions and search queries.
Related Roundup: iOS 18
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Apple TV App Likely Coming to Android Smartphones, Job Listing Shows
Apple's TV app could be available on Android smartphones and tablets in the future, according to a job listing spotted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple is seeking a senior Android software engineer to join the Apple TV app team. The engineer would be tasked with leading the development of "an application used by millions to watch and discover tv and sports," which heavily suggests that Apple plans to make its TV app available on Android smartphones and tablets.
With the Apple TV app, Android smartphone and tablet users would have a more convenient way to access the Apple TV+ streaming service, instead of having to rely on tv.apple.com on the web. The app also provides access to MLS Season Pass, includes a storefront for purchasing or renting movies and TV shows, and more.
handful of apps on Android phones, such as Apple Music, Move to iOS, and a Beats app.
Tags: Android, Apple TV Plus
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Get Up to $80 Off the M2 iPad Air With Amazon's New Discounts
Apple's M2 iPad Air models are less than a month old, and Amazon has up to $80 off select models this week. We're tracking deals across the entire Wi-Fi M2 iPad Air lineup, although the steepest discounts will be found on 13-inch models.
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$569.00, down from $599.00. You'll also find deals on the 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models below, all of which are in stock on Amazon with delivery dates as soon as the end of the week for Prime members.
$30 OFF
M2 11-inch iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $569.00
$40 OFF
M2 11-inch iPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $659.00
$20 OFF
M2 11-inch iPad Air (512GB Wi-Fi) for $879.00
$65 OFF
M2 11-inch iPad Air (1TB Wi-Fi) for $1,034.00
$754.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $799.00. Similar to the 11-inch devices, all Wi-Fi models are on sale this week, and for the larger display iPad Airs these discounts reach up to $80 off original prices.
$45 OFF
M2 13-inch iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $754.00
$50 OFF
M2 13-inch iPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $849.00
$65 OFF
M2 13-inch iPad Air (512GB Wi-Fi) for $1,034.00
$80 OFF
M2 13-inch iPad Air (1TB Wi-Fi) for $1,219.00
The iPad Air is Apple's middle-tier iPad model, equipped with an LCD Liquid Retina display, True Tone support, four unique color options, Touch ID, relocated front-facing camera, and two new size options with the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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iOS 18's Cloud-Based AI Features Will Have Strong Privacy Protections, Report Says
iOS 18 is widely expected to include new generative AI features for the iPhone, with a mix of on-device and cloud-based processing, and a new report has outlined Apple's alleged privacy measures for the cloud-based features.
Apple's AI servers will supposedly be powered by a combination of M2 Ultra and M4 chips that it uses in Macs and iPads. According to The Information's Wayne Ma, Apple plans to utilize the Secure Enclave in its chips "to help isolate the data being processed on its servers so that it can't be seen by the wider system or Apple." Technical details about the Secure Enclave are outlined in Apple's Platform Security Guide.
With the confidential-computing approach, Apple will be able to handle processing of AI-related data in the cloud while making it extremely difficult for hackers to gain access to the data even in the event of a data breach. It would also reduce Apple's burden of having to hand over personal data from its servers in the event of a government or law enforcement request.
The report added that Apple has a longer-term goal of offloading the processing power of future wearable devices to servers powered by Apple silicon chips. This move could allow Apple to design a thinner and lighter Vision Pro headset, or future Apple Glasses.
on The Information's website.
Related Roundup: iOS 18
Tag: The Information
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Apple Pushes Back Against India's New Digital Market Regulations
Apple, Google, and Amazon are urging India to reconsider its proposed Digital Competition Bill, citing concerns over increased user costs and potential reductions in investment (via Reuters).
A U.S. lobby group representing major technology companies has asked the Indian government to rethink the proposed legislation that closely mirrors the European Union's Digital Markets Act. The request was made in a letter sent by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), a part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to India's Corporate Affairs Ministry. The proposed Digital Competition Bill aims to regulate the market power of large digital firms with global revenues exceeding $30 billion and at least 10 million local users.
The Digital Competition Bill seeks to introduce measures to prevent companies from exploiting non-public user data and from giving preferential treatment to their own services over those of rivals. The bill would also remove restrictions on sideloading apps.
The USIBC has raised concerns that these regulations could lead to significant repercussions for targeted companies like Apple. According to the council, the draft Indian law is "much further in scope" than the EU's regulations, potentially resulting in reduced investment in India, higher prices for digital services, and a decreased range of services available to consumers.
Tags: Apple Antitrust, India
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Apple TV: The Latest Rumors About a New Model and Possible $99 Price
It has been over a year and a half since the current Apple TV was released, so you may be wondering when a new model will be released. Below, we recap rumors about the next-generation Apple TV, including new features and lower pricing.
The current Apple TV 4K was introduced in October 2022. Key new features compared to the previous model from 2021 include a faster A15 Bionic chip, a larger 128GB storage option, a slightly thinner and lighter design, HDR10+ support, a USB-C port on the Siri Remote, a lower $129 starting price vs. $179, and more.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that a new Apple TV was on track for release in the first half of 2024:
Beyond the future smart displays and new speaker, Apple is working on revamping its TV box. A new version with the current design is in the works for the first half of next year with a faster processor, the people said.
With only one month remaining in the first half of 2024, it is unclear if this timeframe remains accurate. A new Apple TV could be unveiled at the WWDC keynote on June 10, but no hardware announcements have been firmly rumored for the event.
Here is when the previous five Apple TV models were announced:
Third-generation Apple TV 4K: October 2022
Second-generation Apple TV 4K: April 2021
First-generation Apple TV 4K: September 2017
Apple TV HD: September 2015
Third-generation Apple TV: March 2012
faster processor than the current A15 Bionic chip, and even lower pricing. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the next Apple TV could have a sub-$100 starting price.
Both the second-generation (2010) and third-generation (2012) versions of the Apple TV were priced at $99 in the U.S. at launch, and Apple eventually lowered the price of the third-generation model to $69, so there is precedent for a sub-$100 Apple TV that would better compete with low-priced streaming devices sold by Google, Amazon, and Roku.
adding a built-in camera to a future model. tvOS 17 added a FaceTime app to the Apple TV, allowing for users to have video calls by using the rear camera on a connected iPhone or iPad. If the Apple TV gained a built-in camera, users would no longer need to rely on an external device for video calls on the TV.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater
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