Category: News

Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26 for developers, addressing a significant concern regarding the Liquid Glass design. One of the primary issues was the visibility of Control Center buttons against multicolored backgrounds. In the latest beta, these buttons have been made slightly more opaque, improving clarity and usability. This change enhances the experience for users, especially when interacting with standard app icons and the glass icon style.

The update also includes several refinements that aim to facilitate a smoother transition to the new operating system when it officially launches this fall. Notable features anticipated in iOS 26 include an opt-in Adaptive Power Mode, which works alongside the existing Low Power Mode. Apple has highlighted that this mode can extend battery life by making minor performance adjustments, such as reducing display brightness or prolonging certain activities. In addition to software updates, rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models suggest several changes, including a switch to an aluminum frame from the titanium frames seen in previous models.

Another expectation is the introduction of a vapor chamber cooling system, which has become popular in high-end smartphones for better heat management. As the beta testing progresses, Apple is expected to roll out more features and improvements. Two new Wi-Fi functionalities, Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware, have been noted in the initial beta code, though they have yet to be enabled. With iOS 26, Apple continues to explore innovative features to enhance user experience while preparing for the full public release later this year.

Apple recently released the second beta of iOS 26, bringing several changes and improvements to the operating system since its initial unveiling at the WWDC keynote. As beta testing is still in its early stages, numerous tweaks have been made to enhance user experience.

One notable change is in the Control Center, where the background of the Liquid Glass buttons now features increased blur, resulting in a more opaque appearance. This enhancement makes the interface easier to read.

Additionally, the Reduce Transparency feature under Accessibility has been improved, reducing the Liquid Glass effect even further. In Safari, Apple relocated the new tab button within the tab management view.

The “+” button for opening a new tab has been moved to the bottom left, aligning it with the layout seen in iOS 18. With the Compact tab bar, users can now access both back and forward options.

The App Store has introduced an Accessibility section in product pages, requiring developers to list the accessibility features supported by their apps. This addition aims to enhance usability for all users.

In the Wallet app, full support for the order tracking feature has been integrated, allowing Siri to scan the Mail app for orders and emails, regardless of whether they were purchased through Apple Pay. This feature reflects Apple’s commitment to improving user convenience.

A new “Alt 1” ringtone option has also been added, allowing users to select it through the Settings app. Furthermore, a new Live Radio widget for Apple Music has been introduced, enhancing the audio experience on devices.

Lastly, the description of Low Power Mode has been clarified, effectively communicating its effects on background activities and processing speeds. Overall, these changes contribute to a more refined and user-friendly experience in iOS 26.

The subreddit dedicated to iPads is the perfect hub for all things related to Apple’s tablet. Here, users can find information, engage in discussions, and stay updated on news about iPads, iPadOS, hardware, and more from the innovative company based in Cupertino.

A recent topic of interest is the introduction of Windowed Apps and Stage Manager for older iPads. This new feature allows users with devices that support iPadOS 16 or later, including the 8th and 9th generation iPads and the 5th generation Mini and up, to enhance their multitasking experience.

Many members of the subreddit have shared their excitement about this update. The ability to utilize Windowed Apps mode and Stage Manager on devices that were previously thought to be limited is a thrilling development.

Users such as myself, who own a 9th generation iPad, have found it particularly impressive to see these functionalities included. This update brings a fresh perspective to how we interact with our iPads, broadening the horizons for productivity and creativity.

Engaging with these new features can lead to a more efficient use of the device and an enriched overall experience. If you’re interested in exploring what these updates mean for your iPad, the subreddit community is always ready to offer insights and support.

In conclusion, the enhancements introduced in the latest iPadOS version truly reflect Apple’s commitment to providing value to its users, even with older devices. Join the conversation in the subreddit and share your thoughts and experiences!

I am considering purchasing an Air M4 with a 10-core GPU to replace my old desktop Windows PC, which is quite bulky and noisy. The Air M4 promises better performance and portability, making it an appealing option.

One of my favorite games is Crysis, which I have played on and off since its release in 2007. I still have a soft spot for this classic game and I often wonder if I can run it effectively on newer hardware.

I want to know if the Air M4 can handle Crysis with a decent framerate, ideally between 80 to 120 fps. I came across some information suggesting that the M1 chip managed to run Crysis “almost okay,” but the performance wasn’t impressive.

Given that the M4 boasts enhanced graphics capabilities, I’m curious whether it can provide a significantly better gaming experience for Crysis. Has anyone here tried playing Crysis on the Air M4?

I’m eager to hear about your experiences and whether the performance meets expectations. The combination of nostalgia for the game and the desire for smooth gameplay is driving my inquiry.

I’m looking for a solution that will allow me to enjoy Crysis without compromising on performance. If the performance of the M4 is indeed a notable improvement over the M1, it could be the perfect choice for my gaming needs.

It’s exciting to think about the potential of playing a beloved game on a modern, lightweight machine.

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a new SSD, specifically the CRUCIAL BX500 1TB 2.5 SATA3 SSD (CT1000BX500SSD1). However, I’m uncertain about its compatibility with my computer.

My intention is to use this SSD for Opencore 1.0.0 and Monterey. Unfortunately, I have had a previous experience where I bought a different SSD, the Verbatim Vi550 S3 1TB, which led to constant system freezes.

This has been quite frustrating, and I want to ensure that I do not encounter the same problem again with my next purchase. I’m reaching out for assistance to confirm whether the CRUCIAL BX500 SSD will work smoothly with my setup.

It’s important for me to choose a reliable SSD, as I want to avoid buying another device that might not be compatible or might cause issues. Thank you in advance for your help!

I appreciate any guidance or insights you can provide concerning the compatibility of the CRUCIAL BX500 SSD with my computer system. Best regards!

I think I may have inadvertently upset some residents at the old folks home when I brought up the topic of streaming music. While I consider myself part of the older generation, I’ve always embraced new technology. I grew up with vinyl records, transitioned through 8-tracks and cassette tapes, moved on to CDs, and even indulged in downloading music through Napster.

Eventually, I settled into the era of buying songs on iTunes and now rely on streaming via Apple Music. The surge in downloadable music began as a response to the rampant illegal downloading of songs. The music industry had to find a way to combat piracy, leading to legal alternatives.

The problem is that many people find it easier and more appealing to download music for free through peer-to-peer applications rather than shelling out large amounts of money. Streaming services provide a solution similar to having a radio that plays music for you, though my experience with Apple Music has been a bit disappointing in terms of discovering new and enjoyable songs. While I find Spotify performs better in this area, I’ve given up on it.

I encourage those who love older forms of music to continue enjoying them, but I believe streaming is the future of how most people will access music. Niche markets, like vinyl records, will always exist, as evidenced by their resurgence. There will always be demand for physical music formats, and companies will respond by providing those products.

Similarly, if there is enough interest in downloading MP3s, there will be services available to meet that need.

I completely agree with your perspective. The weight difference of just 0.7 lbs is negligible, and while an M2 or newer MacBook Air would suit my needs fine, I find it hard to give up the benefits of a 120Hz display and the convenience of an SD card slot for photography.

I also can’t emphasize enough how useful the additional third USB-C slot has been. The MacBook Air is indeed lightweight and sleek, but the 14-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly heavier or thicker.

Considering the enhanced performance and additional features you get, the minor loss in portability seems worth it to me. For those who currently own a MacBook Pro with the M1 chip or later, would you ever consider switching back to the MacBook Air?

I miss the Air’s slim design, but I’m hesitant to return due to the superior display quality of the Pro. In my case, I recently retired my 2013 MacBook Air and purchased a 2025 M4 MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.

It’s an incredible machine, and I’m looking forward to using it for many years to come! I also think the MacBook Air is excellent for everyday tasks.

I own a 14-inch M4 Pro along with a 15-inch M2 Air for work. The Pro has advantages such as a better display, superior speakers, microphones, and a fan, but it is also thicker and heavier than the Air.

As for taking the 14-inch Pro on the road, I consider it portable enough for travel, but I prefer the idea of having a base 13-inch Air for lighter tasks, especially when processing photos. While I could travel with the Pro, I’d feel more comfortable keeping it at home due to the sensitive information stored on it.

So, I am considering waiting for a good sale on the Air; it would be a better fit for traveling and could lead me to eventually downsizing my gear to an 11-inch iPad as my devices age.

I must say, I’m not impressed with the recent changes. The constant promotion of Apple News feels overwhelming, especially when I have no interest in it. It seems like another nail in the coffin for user experience.

MacRumors should strive for logic, and this doesn’t align with the kind of content I expect from the platform. It’s amusing that the latest news item is weather-related. However, what caught my attention today was something unexpected.

My weather app frequently surprises me with its reporting, and today’s article was particularly fascinating. It discussed radio signals originating from beneath Antarctica. The fact that these signals have a low angle of 30° suggests they have traveled through thousands of miles of rock, which shouldn’t be possible according to our current understanding of physics.

Typically, rock absorbs these signals, yet these seem to behave differently from any known particle. This could mean we’re potentially discovering a new particle or even the elusive first signs of dark matter. Not bad for a weather app!

Nevertheless, I still prefer to seek out news on my own terms. If I wanted updates, I would do so independently. I can only imagine what’s next; perhaps news will start appearing in my email app because it’s deemed contextually relevant.

At least I can appreciate that there’s no over-the-top drama in how these changes are presented.

Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature, introduced last year, has received significant updates in iOS 26, enhancing its utility and competitiveness against similar capabilities on Android devices. One major improvement is the addition of onscreen awareness, allowing Visual Intelligence to function not just with the camera but also with existing content on your device. In iOS 26, users can utilize Visual Intelligence on screenshots.

To do this, capture a screenshot by pressing the volume up button and the side button simultaneously. Following this, you can exit the Markup interface by tapping the pen icon at the top of the display. Once out of Markup, the Visual Intelligence options become available.

A standout feature is “Highlight to Search,” which enables users to draw over objects within a screenshot to conduct a targeted image search. This feature operates similarly to Android’s “Circle to Search” and defaults to using Google Image Search. Apple showcased additional support for apps such as Etsy during their keynote event, indicating a potential for further integrations.

For more general inquiries, users can tap the Ask button to pose questions about their screenshots, with responses generated via ChatGPT. The Search button accesses Google Search for additional information. Notably, if your screenshot contains relevant details like dates or times, these can be directly added to your calendar.

Moreover, Visual Intelligence now supports the quick identification of a wider array of objects, including art, books, landmarks, and sculptures, alongside previously recognized animals and plants. A glowing icon appears when an identifiable object is recognized, allowing users to touch it for more information. Currently, Visual Intelligence is available on compatible devices, specifically iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 models, with the public launch of iOS 26 expected in September.

This weekend, Amazon is offering the AirPods Pro 2 at the lowest price of the year, now priced at $169.00, down from the regular retail price of $249.00. Customers can benefit from free shipping, with estimated delivery around June 19, although Prime members may receive their orders even sooner. This price reduction matches the best we have seen in 2025, making it an appealing opportunity for those interested in upgrading their audio experience. Additionally, the AirPods 4 are also available during this sale for the lowest ever price of $99.00.

For more savings, shoppers can explore various Apple deals through different platforms where weekly bargains are summarized, ensuring that tech-savvy customers can capitalize on those enticing offers. In related news, excitement is building around the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 Pro models, rumored to feature an aluminum frame—a departure from the titanium used in previous versions. Analyst Jeff Pu has hinted that Apple will launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 later this year alongside the new iPhone lineup. The new watch promises internal upgrades while maintaining a similar design to its predecessor.

Furthermore, Apple is set to introduce several enhancements in macOS Tahoe, including an overhauled Terminal app that will feature 24-bit color support. As for iOS 26, Apple confirmed compatibility with iPhone models starting from the iPhone 11 series, which means earlier models will no longer receive major software updates but will still receive security updates for a few years. Lastly, it appears that the release of the AirPods Pro 3 might be delayed to 2026, diverging from earlier projections.