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  • AW Ultra Now Appears Affordable Compared to Garmin’s Outrageous Pricing

    I had been eagerly waiting for the release of a new Fenix, but after seeing the absurd pricing today, I’m beginning to consider the Apple Watch Ultra as a more sensible option. At this point, I might be ready to move on from Garmin entirely.

    My only hope is that Apple doesn’t follow in Garmin’s footsteps and impose similarly outrageous prices for the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this situation.

    To be honest, if I could snag a discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when the third version is launched, I would definitely take the plunge and make the purchase. The prospect of getting a decent smartwatch at a more reasonable price would certainly sway my decision, especially given my growing frustration with Garmin’s pricing strategies.

    In a competitive market, pricing can significantly influence consumer choices. As we navigate these options, it’s clear that features and performance also play a crucial role, but value for money often weighs heavily in our decisions.

    I hope that brands like Apple will consider this when releasing their new models, as a well-priced smartwatch could capture a broader audience and keep loyal customers satisfied. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the best balance of quality, functionality, and affordability.

    I’m keen to see how these new developments unfold and whether they will align with what consumers are looking for.

  • Discussion on 11.4 Battery Drain Issues: AWu2 Users Share Their Experiences on MacRumors Forums

    Since the update to version 11.4, I’m experiencing significant battery drain with my Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’ve owned the watch since its release, never having issues with battery life, but I’ve recently noticed a 10% drop overnight. I’m wondering if this indicates a decline in battery health. While some users have reported no issues with battery drain after the update, I found that my watch takes an unusually long time to reboot.

    For instance, it now takes about two minutes, compared to the previous 45 seconds. It makes me question if others are experiencing similar delays. I’ve been using sleep tracking continuously, but I realized last night that I had flight mode off, which may have caused the excessive battery drain. Typically, I charge my watch overnight while both it and my phone are in flight mode, ensuring they remain at 100% battery every morning.

    After a year and a half of use, my battery health is still at 99%, and I don’t frequently use GPS, focusing instead on daily swimming workouts. Even after rebooting my watch and phone, or unpairing and re-pairing them, the battery life doesn’t seem to improve. Another user mentioned their battery life returned to normal after 24 hours with a reboot, but my issues have persisted for three days now. I’m hoping for a resolution soon.

    Interestingly, my watch’s behavior has been consistent despite significant changes in usage patterns. For example, I charged my watch last Friday and had only 15% left by Monday, which is quite different from what I previously experienced. Despite various attempts, including a full restoration of my watch, my Apple Watch now struggles to last more than a day. I’m growing increasingly frustrated with these problems.

  • June 2025 Activity Challenge: Join the Fun on MacRumors Forums!

    Hello everyone! It’s great to have you back for another exciting month.

    This time around, I’ve decided to take on a challenge: I plan to double my movement goal for at least two weeks! With summer in full swing, finals approaching, and my graduation just around the corner, things are bound to get a bit hectic.

    Plus, I recently started a new job at NASA L’Space, which adds to the excitement. But I’m ready to tackle it all!

    In addition to my personal challenge, I want to remind you aboutWorld Running Day on June 4th. This event is a fantastic chance to join fellow runners in completing a 5K.

    Not only will you get to enjoy a fulfilling run, but you can also earn some fun iMessage stickers along with an exclusive badge for the Activity app. It’s a great way to celebrate fitness and connect with others who share the same passion.

    So, make sure to lace up your running shoes and get ready to hit the pavement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

    Let’s embrace the spirit of movement this month and motivate each other to reach our goals. Can’t wait to hear about your experiences and accomplishments along the way!

    You’ve got this!

  • Apple Maps Language Preference Option Missing in iOS 18.4

    I recently updated my device to iOS 18.4, and I had high hopes for a feature I had seen during the early beta phase. Specifically, I was excited about the option to change the preferred language in Maps. This seemed like a great addition, and I was looking forward to utilizing it.

    However, after the update, I was disappointed to find that this option is nowhere to be found. I tried turning off the “Always Show Map Labels in English” toggle and even restarted my device to see if that would help, but I still could not locate the language preference setting. Now, I am wondering if Apple removed this feature in a later beta or during the official release of iOS 18.4.

    It’s frustrating because I was eagerly anticipating this functionality. If anyone has more information about the status of this feature, or if there are any workarounds, I would greatly appreciate any insights.

  • iPhone 16 Users Report No YouTube Notifications, While iPhone 13 Received Them

    Has anyone experienced issues with YouTube notifications on the iPhone 16? I recently upgraded from the iPhone 13 and initially thought the transfer process might be the cause of the problem. To troubleshoot, I wiped the iPhone 16 and set it up as a new device, avoiding the transfer altogether. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the notification issue with YouTube.

    Afterward, I decided to redo the quick transfer to restore my data and apps to the new phone. In addition to the YouTube notifications, I’ve noticed that there are several other apps where notifications weren’t coming through on the iPhone 16, even though they worked perfectly fine on my iPhone 13 before I returned it to Apple for trade-in. It’s somewhat concerning, as it seems to be affecting more than just one application. If anyone else is facing a similar situation or has found a solution to getting notifications working on the iPhone 16, I would appreciate any insights or tips.

    It would be helpful to know if this issue is widespread or limited to just a few users. Your feedback could make a difference in resolving this frustrating problem.

  • Discovering “No Location Found” for Child in Family: A Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    Hello! As the family organizer, I’ve recently encountered an issue with my son’s location sharing via Find My.

    His location is no longer being reported, and I’ve checked that all the settings on my phone allow for location sharing. However, when I access his iPad and open the Find My app, it states that he needs to sign in to enable location sharing.

    This situation is complicated because he has a child account. The iCloud settings on his iPad are grayed out since they are managed from my phone.

    While everything appears correct on my device, it seems there is a disconnect with his iPad’s settings, preventing us from establishing the necessary communication for location sharing. I’m unsure how to proceed and would appreciate any suggestions to resolve this issue.

    It’s important for me to maintain visibility of my son’s location for safety reasons, and I’m keen to get it sorted. Any advice from those who may have experienced similar difficulties would be extremely helpful.

    Thank you!

  • Escaping the Two-Step Verification Struggle: Solutions from MacRumors Forums

    I recently changed my phone number, thinking I was making a smart decision. However, this has led to a frustrating situation with various businesses such as Amazon and TikTok.

    They continue to verify my sign-in attempts using my old phone number, which I can no longer access. Consequently, I find myself unable to sign in because I need verification that I cannot receive.

    The cycle of frustration continues—without the ability to verify my identity using the old number, I cannot update my contact information in their systems. These platforms have made it clear that they will not change my number for me.

    Even though I have tried verifying my identity through alternative means like my email address or driver’s license, I still hit a wall. It has now been five days of trying to regain access.

    Moreover, the installation of two-step verification has only compounded my issues. It locks your account to a single phone number, making it difficult to change that number later.

    This has reinforced the tight grip of the verification process, which hinges on access to my old phone number. I feel trapped in this digital maze, unable to connect with services that I once used easily.

    Overall, this experience has been nothing short of hellish. The inability to access my accounts and update my information is incredibly stressful, and it highlights the complications that arise with relying on a single point of access, such as a phone number, for account verification.

    I hope that others can learn from my situation and consider multiple recovery options when setting up their accounts.

  • Why doesn’t iPadOS feel like a full operating system?

    Many users have voiced their dissatisfaction with iPadOS, citing it as restrictive and lacking essential features. A common refrain is the need for a more robust file system that aligns more closely with traditional desktop operating systems. One primary aspect holding back iPadOS is its multitasking capabilities. Many users desire better handling of multiple applications running concurrently, similar to how desktops manage windows and apps.

    Improvements in this area could provide a more seamless workflow for tasks that require switching between several programs. Another significant limitation is the file management system. Users have expressed a need for a more intuitive file system, akin to what is found on macOS or Windows. This could include improved organization features, better access to system files, and a more straightforward method for transferring files between apps, which would enhance productivity and the overall user experience.

    Support for more desktop-class applications is another area where iPadOS falls short. While there are many mobile apps optimized for the iPad, users often look for full-featured software that is available on desktops. Developing robust versions of popular applications and supporting additional software could greatly elevate iPadOS to a level comparable to traditional operating systems. Moreover, expanding peripheral support and allowing for deeper customization would help bridge the gap between mobile and desktop environments.

    Features such as enhanced input methods, better keyboard shortcuts, and increased support for external displays would transform the iPad from a limited mobile device into a more versatile computing platform. Overall, incorporating these enhancements could significantly shift the perception of iPadOS, making it a more powerful alternative to traditional operating systems.

  • Who else fully utilizes their iPad as a tablet without a keyboard?

    I have an M4 iPad Pro that I use with an Apple Folio, and I find that it meets my needs beautifully. The combination of the iPad and the Folio makes for a seamless experience, allowing me to easily carry it around and use it whenever I want. For more intensive writing tasks, I rely on my three Macs.

    They’re perfect for heavy typing and provide the functionality I need for more complex tasks. While the iPad Pro is fantastic for various activities, I purchased it specifically to serve as a tablet, without any intention of using it as a replacement for my laptop. I’m curious about your setup.

    Do you gravitate towards a certain type of device for specific tasks? I have everything I need with my three Macs for typing, and I enjoy the versatility of my iPad for other uses. Ultimately, I believe in using devices according to their strengths.

    The iPad is exceptionally portable and user-friendly, making it ideal for casual browsing or light work. Meanwhile, my Macs can handle the demands of more serious projects and tasks that require a full desktop experience. So, how do you navigate between your devices?

    What preferences do you have when it comes to technology choices and usability? I’d love to know more about your approach.

  • Dim M4 iPad Pro 13 OLED vs. M1 iPad Pro 12.9 mini-LED: Similar experiences?

    I recently received my M4 iPad Pro 13″ and completed the setup. I’m feeling quite disappointed with its brightness levels. Regardless of the settings—be it auto brightness, True Tone, or Night Shift—my new iPad Pro appears significantly dim.

    When set to the middle brightness level, the screen is hardly usable, and it only becomes functional when adjusted to nearly maximum brightness. In comparison, my M1 iPad Pro, which has a mini LED display, is far superior in terms of brightness. Is anyone else experiencing this problem?

    Could my M4 iPad Pro be defective? To illustrate the issue, I’ve taken some comparisons. Both devices have auto brightness, True Tone, and Night Shift turned off.

    In a side-by-side comparison with both screens set to middle brightness, the M1 iPad Pro (located at the bottom) looks approximately 50% brighter than the M4 OLED display at the top. When I set the M4 iPad Pro to maximum brightness and the M1 iPad Pro remains at middle brightness, the difference in illumination is still stark, highlighting the issue further. I’m reaching out to others who own an M1 or M2 iPad Pro with mini LED displays and can also compare them with an M4 OLED iPad Pro.

    Have you noticed similar brightness concerns? Your feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you.