Category: Apple

Apple has released the third beta of macOS Tahoe 26 for developers, following two weeks after the previous beta. Registered developers can access the new beta software through the System Settings app. However, there is currently a known issue preventing Apple silicon Macs from downloading this beta, while Intel Macs can be updated without any problems. Apple is expected to fix this server-side bug to ensure broad access.

macOS Tahoe introduces Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign across all updates for this year. Notably, this update marks the debut of the Phone and Journal apps on the Mac, along with a new cross-platform Games app. Enhancements have also been made to Spotlight, allowing users to perform various tasks, such as sending emails, directly from Spotlight without needing to open applications. Several apps, including Messages, Safari, and Notes, have also undergone changes.

For those interested in the specifics, all new features included in macOS Tahoe can be found in a dedicated roundup. The second beta also featured several tweaks worth checking out. Apple is aiming to provide a public beta for testers in the near future, with the official launch of macOS Tahoe scheduled for the fall. Additionally, as we head into July 2025, rumors indicate that Apple is preparing to unveil new products later this year, including the iPhone 17 series expected in September.

While Apple typically experiences a quieter summer, the anticipation for upcoming features and enhancements carries on, including changes to the frames of the new iPhone models. In summary, while developers continue to test the third beta of macOS Tahoe, there’s much excitement surrounding Apple’s upcoming product announcements and feature releases in the coming months.

Apple is reportedly set to release a second-generation iPhone 17e next spring, according to a Korean news source, The Elec. This new model will utilize the same OLED display as the iPhone 16e, which originally debuted in the iPhone 14. The decision to use established production lines and lower-cost components aligns with Apple’s strategy to provide more accessible options for consumers.

The iPhone 16e, launched earlier this year with a starting price of $599, features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port. Display panels for the new iPhone 17e are expected to come from BOE and Samsung, with LG Display potentially contributing as well. In April, a leaker suggested that the iPhone 17e was approaching the trial production stage, with a tentative release planned for May.

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has since confirmed expectations for the launch in the first half of next year. Looking beyond the iPhone 17e, Kuo also indicated that a third-generation “e” device may be introduced alongside the standard iPhone 18 in early 2027. This unusual release timeline stems from Apple’s decision to stagger the launches of its iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e set for spring, six months after the iPhone 18 Pro models.

In the meantime, the iPhone 17 series will be unveiled in September, and early rumors suggest significant design changes for the Pro models. These designs could include an aluminum frame, which marks a shift from Apple’s traditional stainless steel and titanium materials for premium models. As Apple gears up for these releases, the anticipation surrounding the new iPhone series continues to build.

Apple has recently been awarded a patent for an innovative next-generation Apple Pencil. This new stylus is designed to utilize optical sensors, enabling it to function across various surfaces, including popular devices such as the iPhone, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch.

The patent was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is detailed under the title “Input Device With Optical Sensors.” The newly patented Apple Pencil is equipped with advanced optical tracking systems that can detect movement, tilt, rotation, and positioning in a three-dimensional space.

Unlike existing models, this design does not depend on interaction with capacitive touchscreens; instead, it employs sensors embedded in the pencil itself to capture motion and translate it into digital inputs. One notable feature described in the patent is that the tip of the Apple Pencil may be made from a partially or fully transparent material, like cover glass.

This design allows light to pass through the tip, reaching the target surface and returning to the internal sensors. The Pencil can analyze the light data to glean various characteristics of movement, including direction, speed, tilt angle, and rotation, all without needing direct contact with a touch-sensitive display.

Beyond traditional drawing and writing applications, the patent envisions broader functionalities. The Apple Pencil could serve as a spatial controller for a range of system-level actions, allowing for cursor manipulation, file navigation, audio control, or initiating phone calls.

The patent illustrations show the stylus being used with multiple Apple products, showcasing its versatility. While patents do not guarantee immediate development or release of products, they do indicate Apple’s ongoing research interests.

This patent hints at potential advancements in input devices that extend beyond the iPad, reflecting Apple’s exploration of innovative user interface technologies.

Chase recently introduced new perks for its premium Sapphire Reserve credit card, including complimentary subscriptions to Apple services. Specifically, cardholders can now enjoy annual subscriptions to both Apple TV+ and Apple Music, offering a value of up to $250 per year.

For those already subscribing to Apple TV+ or Apple Music directly through Apple, these subscriptions will be automatically suspended and replaced by Chase’s complimentary offerings as long as the promotion is active. The complimentary subscriptions will last until June 22, 2027.

However, this perk does not cover Apple One subscription bundles. If you are currently enrolled in an Apple One bundle, you will still incur monthly charges while enjoying the Chase perks, so it’s advisable to cancel the Apple One subscription if you wish to take full advantage of the credit card’s benefits.

In conjunction with these new perks, Chase has increased the annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve from $550 to $795. This adjustment effectively offsets the $250 value of the Apple subscriptions.

Despite the fee increase, Chase asserts that the card now provides more than $2,700 in annual value due to a wide array of additional benefits. Additionally, new Sapphire Reserve cardholders can take advantage of a welcome bonus of 100,000 points, which can be worth over $1,000, along with a $500 travel credit after meeting a minimum spending requirement of $5,000 within the first three months.

Apple has recently revealed that iPhone users will be able to watch videos directly on the CarPlay screen in certain supported vehicles. This development, regarded as one of the most significant new features of the upcoming iOS 26 update, was notably absent from mention during Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote and was instead hidden on the company’s developer website. Utilizing AirPlay, iPhone users will have the capability to wirelessly stream videos to the CarPlay screen. However, to ensure safety, video playback will only be permitted when the car is parked, helping to mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving.

The iPhone will automatically detect when the vehicle is in motion and will pause video playback accordingly. For this feature to function, automakers must add support for CarPlay with AirPlay video, suggesting a gradual rollout across vehicles. While the functionality appears to be available for both standard CarPlay and the higher-end CarPlay Ultra, it is yet unclear whether it will be accessible in existing vehicles or restricted to new models. This feature is particularly advantageous for electric vehicles equipped with CarPlay, as it offers entertainment options for drivers and passengers while the vehicle is stationary at charging stations.

Some electric vehicles, such as Tesla, already provide similar capabilities, enabling users to access content from platforms like Netflix and YouTube while parked. At this point, Apple has not disclosed additional details or visuals related to AirPlay video in the car, and the availability of this feature may differ across countries due to varying safety regulations. Previously, some unauthorized methods existed to watch videos through CarPlay, but now Apple is officially introducing this functionality for users.

Are others noticing a difference in charging speeds with the Apple Watch Ultra 2? I’ve been observing some peculiar behavior when it comes to charging my watch after a workout. When I charge the watch in the evening, an hour after rinsing and drying it, the charging process is noticeably slow. I start at around 35% battery, and it takes about 45 minutes to gain only 30%.

Notably, there’s a delay of 3 to 5 seconds before the watch even recognizes it’s on the charging stand. In stark contrast, if I charge the watch at a different time, without rinsing it first, the charging speed is remarkably quick. I can achieve a 35% gain in just about 20 minutes, and the watch instantly detects that it’s on the stand. This leads me to wonder if the slow charging after rinsing is as simple as residual moisture affecting the process.

Is it possible that even after drying the watch, any lingering dampness impacts the charging efficiency? Or could there be another underlying issue at play? I’m curious to hear if anyone else has experienced similar charging speed discrepancies with their Apple Watch Ultra 2. Understanding this phenomenon could help clarify whether it’s a common issue or if I might need to consider a different approach to charging—especially after workouts.

A user named DJTaurus expressed frustration with syncing photos from a Windows 11 laptop to an iPhone 11. Despite using Apple devices to facilitate the transfer, he found that only 2-3 photos from specific folders were being synced.

This issue persisted even after attempts to resolve it. In response to DJTaurus’s query regarding the “optimizing library” message, another user, FreakinEurekan, suggested that waiting for the optimization to finish might provide clarity.

However, after some time, DJTaurus reported no change in the situation. FreakinEurekan then inquired whether the problem with “some folders” related to the Windows Explorer structure.

They proposed creating a test folder and copying files to see if that might work. They also mentioned the option of using iCloud for Windows, noting that they weren’t familiar with Windows themselves.

DJTaurus confirmed that even when attempting to sync a newly created folder with transferred photos, it did not sync properly, illustrating the ongoing challenges he faced. In the discussion, user mazdamiata210 recommended a potential solution.

They advised DJTaurus to adjust the settings within the Photos application, specifically to switch the “transfer to Mac or PC” option to “keep originals.” This change was expected to improve the syncing process. Eventually, DJTaurus reported that he managed to address the syncing issues by individually syncing each folder, although he found this method to be quite frustrating.

The exchange highlights the common challenges users may face when attempting to sync content across different operating systems and suggests various troubleshooting steps.

I have recently stopped using Apple Music due to issues with my educational subscription status after migrating my account. As a result, I’ve decided to make use of my YouTube subscription and enjoy their music streaming service instead. I maintain a small, yet well-curated library of music that I personally own. Since I’ve moved away from Apple Music, I am looking for a better application to manage my collection.

Although YouTube Music offers the option to upload my music, I have a lot of high-quality tracks, and I believe manual syncing would be the most effective solution for me. With that in mind, I am curious about the best media players for macOS that support syncing with iOS devices. While I’ve always found iTunes to be reliable, my experience with Apple Music has been declining. Consequently, I am open to applications that resemble the user-friendly experience iTunes once provided.

I appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!

Apple has announced its decision to appeal a significant fine of 500 million euros (approximately $570 million) imposed by the European Union for alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The company contends that the financial penalty is unprecedented and exceeds what is required by law.

The fine was issued in April due to Apple’s restrictions on app developers, preventing them from informing users about alternative purchasing options available outside the App Store. The European Commission stated that developers should have the freedom to direct customers to outside purchases.

In its appeal, Apple argues that the Commission’s ruling mandates how it operates its App Store, setting confusing terms for developers and adversely affecting users. Apple expressed commitment to presenting factual evidence to the court, emphasizing its intent to avoid further punitive measures.

Additionally, the European Commission instructed Apple to amend its App Store rules or face further penalties. In response, Apple made necessary adjustments in late June, allowing apps distributed through EU storefronts to link to external deals and provide alternative purchasing options that do not rely on Apple’s in-app purchase system.

Furthermore, Apple is restructuring its fee structure within the EU. By January 1, 2026, developers will face a new fee system that includes a Core Technology Commission, an initial acquisition fee, and a store services fee, with the maximum fee now reduced to 20 percent, down from the previous 30 percent.

The new tiered system aims to offer developers varying levels of service and fees, allowing them to choose a plan that fits their needs. Apple intends to challenge the European Commission’s approach, asserting that the definition of steering has been broadened beyond legal requirements, thereby influencing how the company conducts its business.

Apple has unveiled a completely redesigned Mac mini, now equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips. This update brings a significantly smaller casing, measuring just five by five inches, along with two front-facing USB-C ports and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity—marking the first redesign of the Mac mini in over a decade. The new thermal architecture allows air to flow through the device more effectively, optimizing performance. Customers can choose between the M4 and M4 Pro chips for their Mac mini.

The M4 Pro version boasts a robust configuration, featuring a 14-core CPU, a 20-core GPU, and support for up to 64GB of memory. In comparison, the M4 chip includes a 10-core CPU and GPU, with a base of 16GB of unified memory. Notably, the M4 Pro has 273GB/s memory bandwidth, offering substantial improvements in speed and efficiency. Apple claims that the M4 Mac mini outperforms the M1 model from 2020 by up to 1.8 times in CPU performance and 2.2 times in GPU performance.

The M4 Pro’s GPU, equipped with up to 20 cores, is reported to be twice as powerful as the standard M4’s GPU. This new generation also introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a more powerful Neural Engine. In terms of connectivity, the M4 Pro model features two USB-C ports on the front and three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back, enabling data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s. This advancement more than doubles the speed capabilities of Thunderbolt 4 found in the M4 model.

Furthermore, this iteration of the Mac mini is Apple’s first carbon-neutral desktop. The new Mac mini models are available for pre-order starting at $599, with an official launch set for November 8.