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Apple has recently released the third developer betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for testing. These updates come just two weeks after the second beta versions were made available. Developers registered with Apple can download the new beta software through the Software Update section within the Settings app.

The latest iterations of iOS and iPadOS showcase Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, emphasizing transparency and a glass-like appearance throughout the interface. This aesthetic extends to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Control Center, along with various menus and buttons in applications. The updates also bring enhanced functionality to apps like Messages, Phone, Shortcuts, and Apple Music, along with revamped features in CarPlay.

Notably, iPadOS 26 introduces a new multitasking system that allows users to manage multiple app windows simultaneously, akin to a Mac experience. While currently exclusive to developers, Apple intends to release a public beta soon, aiming for a full launch in the fall of this year. The third beta presents minor changes compared to the second version, including additional adjustments to the Liquid Glass design, as Apple continues to refine its software.

In other news, the upcoming iPhone 17 series is anticipated to introduce a shift from stainless steel and titanium frames to aluminum for the Pro models. Expected to be unveiled in September, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will also feature different display sizes: 6.3 inches for the Pro model and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. These advancements are part of a wider array of new Apple products that are rumored to be launched later this year, ensuring that the tech giant remains active during the summer months.

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.