Category: Apple

Apple has recently sparked controversy by sending promotional push notifications to iPhone users through the Wallet app. This notification advertised a limited-time discount on movie tickets for Apple’s upcoming film, “F1: The Movie,” available through the ticket vendor Fandango.

The move has not been well received by many users. A considerable number of people across various online platforms, including the MacRumors Forums and social media, have voiced their frustration about these unsolicited advertisements.

One user expressed their discontent, stating that Apple has begun sending ads as notifications, which they find particularly intrusive. Many users rely on the Wallet app for essential financial management, making it difficult to disable notifications without losing access to crucial information.

Critics also highlight that Apple’s approach appears to violate established guidelines regarding push notifications. According to Apple’s App Store policies, such notifications should not serve promotional purposes unless users have explicitly opted in to receive them.

This has raised concerns about user consent and the integrity of app notifications. Despite the backlash, Apple continues to promote “F1: The Movie,” which is set to release in theaters on June 25 in Europe and June 27 in the U.S. and Canada.

However, as users express their disappointment, it seems that the promotional strategy might have crossed a line. There is a slight silver lining, as the recent iOS 26 beta introduces a new “Offers & Promotions” toggle within the Wallet app.

This feature allows users to manage whether they want to receive special offers and discounts from Apple and its partners. Unfortunately, this option does not extend to users on iOS 18, leading many to feel that they did not consent to receive the push notification ads.

The mixed reactions highlight a significant disconnect between Apple’s marketing strategies and user expectations.

Apple has released a second trailer for its highly anticipated racing film, titled “F1,” featuring Brad Pitt. This film will be presented in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures and marks a significant addition to Apple’s cinematic offerings. In “F1,” Pitt portrays an F1 driver who once had great promise in the 1990s, but his career was nearly derailed by a serious track incident.

Now, after thirty years away from the sport, he is given a chance to revive not only his professional life but also a struggling F1 team led by a former teammate. The movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work in action films like “Tron: Legacy” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” The film is set to be released in theaters on Friday, June 27, positioning it as a potential summer blockbuster.

Following its theatrical run, “F1” will be available for streaming on Apple TV+. Currently, Apple TV+ subscriptions are priced at $9.99 per month or $99 annually, accessible through the Apple TV app on various devices. In tech-related news, Apple has recently enhanced its Sports app to include F1 racing coverage, showcasing the company’s growing interest in motorsport.

Shifting focus to other Apple product developments, rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 series have surfaced, suggesting new features and a potential shift in design. Analysts expect significant updates this year, with new releases likely timed alongside the launch of the iPhone 17 models. Additionally, updates for iOS 26 and watchOS 26 have been spotted in beta versions, hinting at upcoming enhancements including user interface tweaks and new features aimed at improving device functionality and user experience.

As Apple continues to innovate, enthusiasts can look forward to a range of exciting developments in both film and technology.

Apple has partnered with Fandango to offer a special discount for Apple Pay users purchasing tickets for the upcoming Apple TV+ movie F1. Moviegoers can take advantage of a $10 discount when they buy two or more tickets through Fandango using Apple Pay. To redeem this offer, users need to enter the promo code APPLEPAYTEN during checkout.

However, the discounted tickets are only available until June 29, and quantities are limited, making it a first-come, first-served offer. F1, set to be released on June 27, is based on the Formula One World Championship and features Brad Pitt in the lead role as Sonny Hayes, a once-famed driver who returns to the racing scene as a mentor after a life-altering crash. The film includes appearances from notable 2023 Formula One teams and drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, enhancing its authenticity.

Promotion for F1 has been particularly significant, with Apple and distribution partner Warner Bros. Pictures pushing it more than any other Apple TV+ film. The marketing campaign includes ads on platforms like YouTube and social media, including appearances by CEO Tim Cook and Brad Pitt at Apple’s flagship store in New York. Additional promotional efforts have involved unique events and products related to the movie, from special screening events to limited-edition merchandise like a luxury car and themed drinkware.

In an innovative twist, Apple used the iPhone to help film F1, creating a custom camera module that could withstand the extreme conditions of Formula 1 racing. Given that F1 is a sponsor-heavy sport, the film will also showcase various brand placements, featuring notable companies such as KFC and Heineken. This combination of promotional strategies reflects Apple’s significant investment in making F1 a standout release.

Apple has recently introduced a new app called “Invites,” aimed at helping users organize events such as birthday parties, graduations, vacations, and baby showers. This innovative tool is intended to make event planning seamless and enjoyable for users. Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud, expressed that “With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together.”

The app integrates features familiar to Apple users, leveraging the capabilities of iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music for easy event organization. Invites allows users to create custom invitations that can be sent to guests. Users can choose backgrounds from their Photos app, select preloaded images, or even use emoji designs.

Additionally, font customization options are available. The app enhances the planning experience by incorporating information from the Maps and Weather apps, providing invitees with important details like directions and weather forecasts. The app also harnesses Apple Intelligence, offering features such as Image Playground for generating original images based on text descriptions and Writing Tools to assist with crafting invitations.

Recipients of invites can RSVP, and senders can track responses easily. Once the event unfolds, users have the option to create a collaborative soundtrack where attendees can share their favorite music. A shared album is also available, allowing guests to view and contribute photos and videos from the event.

Apple Invites is an iCloud+ service, meaning that the creation of invites is exclusive to iCloud+ subscribers, while anyone can respond. It is compatible with all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later and can be downloaded for free from the App Store. iCloud+ subscriptions start at $0.99 per month, offering additional storage beyond the standard 5GB.

Apple’s CarPlay Ultra experience has made its debut with the release of its first videos, offering insights into the highly anticipated iPhone-connected infotainment software. Aston Martin showcased the initial video of CarPlay Ultra, which was succeeded by a comprehensive walkthrough on Top Gear’s YouTube channel, providing an in-depth look at how the system operates in real-life scenarios.

The video depicts various features of CarPlay Ultra, including the setup process, navigation capabilities, customization of the instrument cluster, control of vehicle functions, widget options, and themes that users can personalize. Earlier today, Apple confirmed that CarPlay Ultra is now available for new Aston Martin vehicle orders in North America, with plans to roll out globally over the next year.

For existing Aston Martin vehicles equipped with the next-generation infotainment system, owners in the U.S. and Canada can expect a software update at local dealers that will enable CarPlay Ultra support in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, other automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are in the works of integrating CarPlay Ultra into their vehicles.

The system is compatible with the iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer. In related news, rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are surfacing, with expectations for an aluminum frame unlike the titanium used in their predecessors.

Moreover, iOS 26 is expected to introduce an Adaptive Power Mode aimed at prolonging battery life alongside the existing Low Power Mode. As Apple pushes forward with its innovations, the upcoming devices and updates are generating considerable anticipation among consumers.

Xiaomi has taken a significant step in its technological development by filing a trademark for its second-generation custom chip, the “XRING 02.” This move indicates that Xiaomi is advancing its in-house silicon strategy, similar to Apple’s transition to proprietary chipsets. According to reports confirmed by China’s TianYanCha trademark database, the XRING 02, which is categorized as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), is currently in development. This trademark filing follows the company’s earlier announcement of the XRING O1 chip, its first custom processor produced using a 3-nanometer process.

The XRING O1 made its debut in the Xiaomi Tablet 7 Ultra earlier this year. Xiaomi has been vocal about its aspiration to match Apple’s hardware achievements and vertical integration across its device ecosystem. The company has explicitly stated its ambition to become a leading chipmaker, aiming for its mobile devices to rival the iPhone. In pursuit of this goal, Xiaomi poses the question of whether their chips can stand up to Apple’s renowned silicon.

In addition to the XRING 02, Xiaomi has filed several other trademarks recently, including the XRING T1 and XRING 0. This suggests that the company is looking to develop a comprehensive family of custom processors that can be utilized across various device categories. Such a strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with its A-series, M-series, and S-series chips, which are employed in iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches, respectively. As Xiaomi continues down this path, it aims to carve out its space in the competitive tech landscape.

I woke up today to find a notification on my iPhone’s Lock Screen that caught my attention. The notification isn’t linked to any app—I don’t even use Fandango. When I tapped on it, I was taken to a standard advertisement in Apple Wallet.

It seems that Apple has taken the liberty of sending out advertisements as push notifications, which I find incredibly frustrating. I have a strong dislike for intrusive notifications and typically disable them in any app that attempts to send me ads. This new trend feels intrusive and unwelcome.

Unfortunately, I haven’t discovered a clear way to stop these notifications from appearing. My only option appears to be completely turning off notifications for Apple Wallet, but I would prefer to avoid that if possible. I am curious to know if anyone else has encountered similar notifications and if there’s a solution to manage or eliminate them.

It feels perplexing to have ads forced onto my screen in this manner, and I would appreciate any insights from those who have experienced the same issue or have found a way to handle it. In today’s age, where privacy and personal space are paramount, this approach by Apple seems out of touch. I hope there is a way to take back control of my notifications and regain a clutter-free Lock Screen.

Apple has released the second developer betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for testing, just two weeks after the initial beta versions were made available following the WWDC keynote. Developers can download these updates via the Software Update section in the Settings app.

The new operating systems introduce Apple’s Liquid Glass design aesthetic, which emphasizes translucency and glass-like interface elements throughout various features, including the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and app menus. This fresh design aims to enhance user interaction and visual appeal.

New functionalities have been added to core apps such as Messages, Phone, Shortcuts, and Apple Music. Notably, iPadOS 26 introduces a revamped multitasking system that supports multiple app windows, providing a more Mac-like experience.

Currently, these betas are exclusively available to developers, with a public beta expected to launch in July. Both iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are set for a full release in the fall.

In related news, rumors are swirling about the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Reports suggest a switch to an aluminum frame from the current titanium frame of their predecessors.

Additionally, iOS 26 is expected to introduce an opt-in Adaptive Power Mode, designed to optimize performance while extending battery life. Apple continues to refine iOS 26 based on feedback from the initial beta, addressing interface complaints and enhancing the Control Center’s usability.

Overall, the anticipated updates and features of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 reflect Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centered design.

Apple has released the second beta of macOS Tahoe 26 for developers, following the initial beta launch two weeks ago after WWDC. This latest beta can be accessed by registered developers through the System Settings app. macOS Tahoe introduces a Liquid Glass redesign that spans across all recent updates, signifying a significant visual and functional transformation.

Notably, macOS Tahoe marks the debut of the Phone and Journal apps on the Mac, alongside a new cross-platform Games app. One of the most significant enhancements is the overhaul of Spotlight, now allowing users to execute various tasks, such as sending emails, without the need to open dedicated applications. Additional improvements have been made to several core apps, including Messages, Safari, and Notes.

As developers explore the features of macOS Tahoe, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding other upcoming Apple products. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to launch in approximately three months. Recent rumors suggest that these models will feature an aluminum frame, a shift from the titanium frame used in previous versions.

Additionally, an opt-in Adaptive Power Mode is set to be introduced in iOS 26, allowing minor adjustments to enhance battery life. Moreover, Apple may be working towards an all-screen iPhone design, with expectations of a redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone model in the near future. Developers are also examining the tweaks in the second beta of iOS 26, particularly improvements in the Control Center’s appearance, enhancing usability.

In the meantime, a promotion is available for college and university students, offering free AirPods with the purchase of eligible Macs or iPads, further cementing Apple’s commitment to engaging with its educational community.

To the original poster, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading just for Apple Intelligence, especially since it’s disabled on my iPhone 16 Plus. However, using an iPhone stuck on its final iOS version is equally unappealing, as it results in a poor hardware-software experience.

I recently upgraded from an iPhone XR, knowing it wouldn’t support iOS 26. With the holiday season approaching, it felt like the right time to make a change.

The upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro has been a delightful experience. It features the action button, Dynamic Island, improved cameras, and faster performance, which make a significant difference.

My old XR struggled, lacking wireless charging capabilities and having difficulty with public iOS versions. I suspected long before WWDC 25 that the XR wouldn’t support iOS 26, so I embarked on an iPhone hunt once the 16s were released, eventually scoring a great deal on the 15 Pro during Christmas.

Switching from an iPhone XR to a 16 Plus, I had to upgrade due to compatibility. My XR was running iOS 12 but became increasingly laggy once it fell behind.

Although it offered three months of tolerable usage after iOS 18’s release, I eventually turned to my iPad Air 5 with iPadOS 15 for smoother performance. I frequently use visual intelligence on my current device, keeping it accessible on the lock screen and control center.

My decision to upgrade from the iPhone 14 to the 15 Pro was also driven by the appeal of Apple Intelligence and a great carrier discount. While I enjoy the capabilities, including the telephoto lens and the aesthetic of Dynamic Island, I find many features more gimmicky than essential.

As for cases, I have a beautiful pressed flowers case that pairs nicely with my blue titanium 15 Pro. It’s lightweight, provides a good grip, and looks stunning.

I’ve always been drawn to different cases and enjoy the variety they provide.