Apple
Spotify Adds Audiobook Purchases in iOS App
Spotify continues to update its iOS app to add newly-allowed purchasing options in the wake of Apple's App Store policy changes following a recent US court ruling on third-party payments. The most recent is the ability to buy individual audiobooks, as well as buy hours of "audiobook listening beyond the 15 hours included in Premium each month". Spotify already made it easier to buy a regular Spotify subscription from the app. The new App Store rules for the US make it easier for apps to direct users to third-party payment options, and Apple no longer collects commissions on payments made outside its ecosystem.
Apple Intros New Accessibility Apps, Plus Accessibility "Labels" in App Store
As it does every May for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple has announced a number of new accessibility apps, features, and initiatives. Apple's App Store listings will now include "Accessibility Nutrition Labels", showing which major accessibility features each app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Apple is also introducing Braille Access, a Braille "experience" that can be used to take notes, perform calculations, read books, transcribe conversations, and launch other apps. Accessibility Reader is a new iOS feature "designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision". It gives users "extensive options" for how text is displayed in any app, as well as text in the real world via the Magnifier app and iPhone camera. Apple is also adding many smaller new features across its existing accessibility features, such as Head Tracking, adding new gestures to control your phone, and Name Recognition, "a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called."
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of iOS Developers
Following a judge's ruling last week that Apple has been in contempt of an earlier injunction ruling regarding its App Store fees, law firm Hagens Berman has started a class-action lawsuit on behalf of iOS developers. "The lawsuit’s named plaintiff is Pure Sweat Basketball Inc., a corporation offering an app used by players across the country to train and improve their basketball skills. Had Apple complied with the injunction, as required, Pure Sweat would have been able to sell subscriptions to its app directly to its customers, using 'link-out' buttons directing customers to Pure Sweat's own website." This significantly impacted Pure Sweat's revenue. The firm estimates that more than 100,000 app developers may have experienced similar harm and may be eligible to join the lawsuit. Apple is appealing the judge's recent contempt ruling, but has already changed its App Store policies in the US to comply.
Apple Updates App Store Rules in US to Comply with Court Order, Developers React
Apple has officially updated its rules and practices for its App Store in the US to allow commission-free third-party payments. This follows a court order on Wednesday demanding such. Apple will no longer demand a cut of payments made through non-Apple systems. Apple will also stop requiring a special "entitlement" approval for in-app links to other payment methods, and will remove other restrictions on such links. These changes only apply in the US. The court case in question was filed by Epic Games, which has promised to bring its Fortnite game back to the Apple App Store soon as a result. Spotify has already updated its app to reflect the changes, showing clear subscription pricing and payment links in its iOS app for the first time. Patreon is also working to update its app in response.
Apple Reprimanded for Illegally Taking a Cut of Third-Party Payments
In the ongoing saga of the Epic Games v. Apple legal case over Apple's App Store fees and rules, the judge has ordered Apple to immediately stop collecting fees on purchases made outside of apps. Further, Apple is no longer allowed to restrict how apps point users to third-party payment options. The judge had already issued injunctions to this effect as long ago as 2021, but Apple's selective interpretation of its obligations amounts to "willful" non-compliance, according to the judge. So much so that the judge has requested that the case be reviewed for possible criminal contempt proceedings. Apple said it would comply, but appeal. Epic Games responded that it will bring its Fortnite game back to Apple's App Store "next week".
Meta Disables Apple Intelligence in Facebook and Other Apps
Meta has apparently disabled Apple Intelligence features in Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. This includes writing tools and Genmoji. App developers can opt out of Apple Intelligences for their iOS apps, and Meta appears to have done just that. Meta has been pushing its own AI features in recent years.
Chipolo's New Bluetooth Tracker is Cross-Platform
Chipolo has introduced its newest Bluetooth tracking tag: the Chipolo Pop. Following Pebblebee, Chipolo has made its new trackers cross-platform, meaning they work with either Apple Find My or Google's Find My Device network. The Pop has a simple round "chip" design that comes in six colors. They're rated IP55 for splash protection. The CR2032 battery (the same used by Apple AirTags) is user-replaceable and lasts up to one year. They have a range of 300 feet, but can be found globally via either of the Find My networks. Chipolo also offers its own app, which offers features like adjusting the tracker's ringtone, and using the tracker's button to locate your lost phone, or as a remote trigger for your phone's camera. The Chipolo Pop is on sale now for $29, or $89 for four (under $23 each).
You'll Soon be Able to Set WhatsApp as Your Default Phone & Messaging App on iPhone
In iOS 18.2, Apple added an option to designate a third-party app as the default for calling and/or messaging. Now, third-party apps are starting to support the feature, starting with WhatsApp. The latest beta version of WhatsApp can be set as your default messaging app, default voice calling app, or both. Presumably, the feature will come to the non-beta version of WhatsApp soon. Apple initially developed the feature to appease EU regulators and was expected to limit it to that region, but later rolled out the feature worldwide. It is now part of a whole section in Settings for "Default Apps" that also includes email, Call Filtering, web browser, and Passwords & Codes.
Utah Age-Verification Bill Signed Into Law
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has officially signed a law requiring app stores to verify user's ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple and Google oppose the law and may still challenge it in court.
Spectrum and Xfinity Launch Satellite SOS and Messaging
Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have both launched emergency messaging via satellite for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series Android phones. In the coming weeks, they will also launch non-emergency text messaging via satellite. The service offers basic connectivity in cellular dead zones, and uses the NTN satellite feature of those specific phones. Both Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon's network, and Verizon enabled non-emergency satellite messaging just yesterday. All three companies rely on Skylo to provide this satellite service. NTN is an industry standard and specific technology found only in some phones, that lets a phone communicate directly with existing satellite networks, much like Apple's proprietary satellite features on iPhone. Other satellite services for phones (Starlink and AST SpaceMobile) offer greater phone compatibility, but require new satellites to be launched.
Apple Pledges to Support Encryption in New RCS Standard
The RCS industry standard for enhanced messaging has been updated to officially support standardized End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). Further, Apple has committed to support it in future implementations of RCS in iOS. This will greatly improve the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android phones. Google launched its own implementation of E2EE for RCS in 2020, but the feature was not officially part of the RCS standard until now, with GSMA's RCS Universal Profile 3.0. That is why Google's E2EE feature only worked when both parties were using Google's Messages app. Now, this standardized version of E2EE should enable it for more RCS conversations. Apple has not committed to a specific timeline for adding E2EE to RCS.
Apple Postpones Smarter Siri
Apple has confirmed that it is taking the company "longer than we thought to deliver" a new version of Siri with better awareness of your personal data and the ability to take action within apps. Apple first announced the features as part of Apple Intelligence in the middle of last year. Apple promised an on-device, private "semantic index" of your data (such as recent messages, calendar, contacts, etc.) that Siri could use to answer more questions, more intelligently. When Apple Intelligence finally launched as part of iOS 18.2, it did not include those improvements to Siri, but Apple said at the time that they would roll out "in the coming months". In today's update, Apple says only "we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year." Apple notes that it has launched other improvements to Siri, including "type to Siri and product knowledge, and added an integration with ChatGPT."
Utah Law Would Require App Stores to Verify All Users' Ages
Utah has just passed a law that would require app store operators like Apple and Google to verify users' ages and require parental approval for minors to download new apps. Other states are considering similar bills, but Utah's is the first to pass. Apple has opposed the measures, as it would not only add to its costs, but impact users' privacy. Other companies, like Meta, welcome the laws, as they could effectively shift the burden of confirming age categories from social networks to app store providers, and create a more consistent mechanism for verifying ages.
The iPhone 16e Replaces Apple's iPhone SE
Apple has announced the iPhone 16e, the company's new "affordable" iPhone starting at $599, replacing the iPhone SE. (The iPhone SE was last updated in 2022 and started at $429.) The iPhone 16e is powered by the same A18 processor as the standard iPhone 16, supporting Apple Intelligence AI features. The iPhone 16e is also the first iPhone to use an Apple-designed cellular modem instead of a Qualcomm modem. This Apple C1 chip supports 5G and is "the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone". Apple claims the iPhone 16e's battery can last up to 12 hours longer than any iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch for Face ID sensors and no home button, just like the iPhone 14. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield and the phone body is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. The phone features Apple's satellite connectivity, including Messages, Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and location sharing. The iPhone 16e has both wireless and USB-C charging. The single rear camera has 48 megapixel resolution, supporting 2x zoom, 4K video with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and Spatial Audio capture. The iPhone 16e will be available in black or white starting at $599 for 128 GB of storage. It will also be available with 256 GB storage for $699, or 512 GB for $899. Pre-orders start this Friday, with full availability beginning the following Friday, February 28.
TikTok Returns to App Stores
Apple and Google have both made TikTok available to download once again from their respective app stores. Almost a year ago, congress passed a law effectively banning the app over national security concerns, and President Biden signed it. TikTok challenged the law in court, but the effort failed, with the US Supreme Court upholding the law. In spite of this, President Trump's new US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to both Apple and Google assuring the companies that the ban would not be enforced, at least for now.
Apple Brings Apple TV+ to Android
Apple has launched an Android version of its Apple TV app, allowing people to watch the Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass streaming services on their Android device. Apple TV+ includes Apple original TV shows like Severance, Slow Horses, Masters of the Air, and Ted Lasso, as well as original films like Wolfs and Killers of the Flower Moon. MLS Season Pass streams every Major League Soccer match, for all 30 clubs, with no blackouts. Apple TV is available now from the Google Play app store.
UK Demands Unfettered Access to Apple iCloud Data for Everyone, Everywhere
The United Kingdom has secretly ordered Apple to lets its security officials access user data stored in the cloud, even for users located in the US and other countries outside of the UK. Apple will be hard-pressed to comply, as its Advanced Data Protection option offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for iCloud data, meaning even Apple does not have access to the data, by design. The order requires blanket access, not just for specific users under investigation. Apple may stop offering Advanced Data Protection in the UK, but this would not bring Apple into compliance with the order for overseas users. The only path to full compliance would be to stop offering E2EE and create a "back door" for the government. But the existence of any back door also opens the door for foreign spies and criminals to access user data via the same method. The order was issued under the U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, also known as the "Snoopers' Charter". The law makes it makes it a criminal offense for Apple to reveal that the government has even made such a demand. Therefore Google may have already received a similar demand, which would be difficult to confirm. Both companies have been rolling out E2EE for messaging and other services in recent years.
Apple Launches Event Invitation Service
Apple has launched a new service called Apple Invites for iCloud+ subscribers. Apple Invites is available as both a new iOS app and on the web at icloud.com/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create events and invite people to RSVP. Anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they subscribe to iCloud+ or have an Apple device. Invitations can include a custom image and text, both of which Apple Intelligence can help create and/or tweak using generative AI (on compatible devices). Invitations can also include a soundtrack from Apple Music, and include a shared album, to which attendees can contribute photos & videos. Invitations can also link to directions to an address, and include a weather forecast.
Apple Intelligence to be Enabled by Default in iOS 18.3
When initially launch in beta over the last few minor versions of iOS, Apple Intelligence was opt-in, requiring a manual change to enable. In the next update to the OS, it will be turned on automatically, but an option will remain to disable it.
Apple Pausing AI Notification Summaries for News
Apple is tweaking and pulling back on its AI Notification Summaries feature after multiple news outlets complained that it completely changed the meaning of some news headlines. In the new developer beta version of iOS 18.3, the feature is, for now, completely disabled for apps in the News & Entertainment category. Apple is also making it easier to disable the feature for additional specific apps, making it clearer that the feature is still in beta testing, and further distinguishing AI-generated summary text by putting it in italics.
Club Quarters Hotels Support Digital Room Keys on any Smartphone
Club Quarters has completed rolling out digital room keys across all of its hotel locations, with a solution that supports mobile wallets on both Apple iPhones and Google Android phones. This marks a first in the hotel industry. Club Quarters first rolled out digital room keys via its own app in 2017. Now, "arriving guests can easily receive their room key by downloading it from their check-in confirmation email and adding it to a digital wallet on their Apple or Android device." Digital room keys are automatically activated during online check-in, and automatically updated if a guest extends their stay. They also provide access to property amenities like the fitness center. Club Quarters' implementation is compatible with Express Mode and Power Reserve on iPhone, so the digital room key will continue to work for up to five hours after a phone has turned "off" due to low battery. Hyatt started rolling out digital room keys for iPhones in late 2021.
Today's iOS Update Includes Major New Apple Intelligence Features
Apple has released iOS 18.2, which finally brings several major Apple Intelligence (AI) features, announced as part of iOS 18, to iPhones that support it (iPhone 16 series and 15 Pro models.) This includes Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration in Writing Tools. Image Playground — available both as a standalone app and within Messages — lets users generate an image from a text description and/or from a photo input. The resulting images are stylized rather than photo-realistic. Genmoji works similarly, accepting text or a photo of a person as input within the emoji keyboard, creating a completely custom "emoji" that can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback. Visual Intelligence — exclusive to the iPhone 16 series with its Camera Control — functions similarly to Google Lens. It "can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, and more". It can also forward an image to Google or ChatGPT for more advanced image-based searches. ChatGPT integration in the system-wide Writing Tools enables more advanced text manipulation and generation, as well as complex image generation. Apple has added privacy protections so that a ChatGPT account is not required, OpenAI will not store requests, will not use the data for model training, and users cannot be tracked across sessions. Apple promises additional Apple Intelligence features in the coming months, including making Siri smarter, more context-aware, and more capable.
CFPB to Oversee Wallet / Payment Apps
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today finalized a rule to supervise the largest nonbank companies offering digital funds transfer and payment wallet apps, including Google and Apple tap-to-pay services. The CFPB will monitor companies handling more than 50 million transactions per year for compliance with federal law in three key areas: Privacy and Surveillance, Errors and Fraud, and Debanking. Affected companies will be required to make clear their data protection practices and provide adequate opt-outs for certain data collection and sharing practices. Affected companies must also properly investigate and address incorrect or fraudulent transactions. Finally, consumers will have protections against losing access to these services arbitrarily or without notice.
Apple Will Let You Enlist a Stranger to Help Find a Lost Item
Apple has announced a new feature of its Find My service that will let you share a tracked item's location with anyone. Apple gives the example of sharing this information with an airline employee to help find lost luggage with an AirTag, or a device accidentally left on a plane. "Share Item Location" will appear in the Find My app starting with iOS version 18.2, and currently appears in the new public beta version. Apple already lets users share item location with a contact, but this new feature generates a link that can be shared with anyone, and viewed on any device (not just Apple devices). The shared info can include your contact information. The link automatically stops working as soon as you're reunited with your lost item, or after one week, whichever comes first.
Apple Spending $1.5 Billion to Expand Satellite Service
A securities filing has revealed a new deal between Apple and Globalstar that will see Apple spend around $1.5 billion in exchange for "the expansion of iPhone services" as well as a 20% equity stake in Globalstar. Globalstar already provides the orbital satellite network for Apple's satellite communication service for iPhones, including Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages via satellite. Globalstar currently operates 31 satellites and allocates 85% of its network capacity to Apple. The company has ordered as many as 26 new satellites to replenish and upgrade its constellation. Competitors such as Iridium and Skylo provide similar services for non-Apple phones. All of these services require specific support in phone hardware, while SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are preparing to launch satellite coverage services that work with existing phones.
Apple Intelligence Launches in Beta, Requires Opt-In and Waitlist
Apple has released the final public version of iOS 18.1, which supports a beta version of Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features. Because it's still in beta, access to Apple Intelligence is not automatic. Users must manually opt in and wait for their turn to download the AI models. Apple's support site explains that users should "go to Settings, tap or click Apple Intelligence & Siri, then tap or click Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist. Apple Intelligence is usually available for activation within a few hours of joining the waitlist, though wait times can vary. You will receive a notification when you can activate it on your device. On-device Apple Intelligence models will begin to download after activation." The models take up 4 GB of storage. Apple Intelligence on iOS also requires an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro. It also available only in US English for now. Apple Intelligence includes a smarter Siri, summaries of notifications, messages, & email, search in Photos, writing tools, and more.
iOS 18.2 Will Let Users Worldwide Set Third-Party Apps for Messaging, Calling
Apple has decided to lets iOS users worldwide choose their own default apps for messaging and calling, a welcome update for a feature that was previously expected to be limited to the EU to appease antitrust regulators there. The change will come in iOS 18.2, which just entered beta testing. Apple's own developer web site specifically says the feature is "available for all users worldwide". The options will be part of a new, consolidated "Default Apps" section in Settings, which will also contain options for email, Call Filtering, web browser, and Passwords & Codes. The screen also mentions contactless payments, a new option that appeared in iOS 18.1.
Pebblebee's New Trackers Work with Both Apple and Google Find My Networks
Peeblebee has launched a new lineup of "Universal" Bluetooth item-tracking tags that are the first to be compatible with both Apple Find My and Google's Android Find My Device networks. The $35 tags are rechargeable and come in three form factors: Tag, Card, and Clip. The rectangular Tag is the smallest. The round Clip has a lanyard hole ideal for attaching to keys and bags. The Card is 2.8mm thin to fit into wallets and laptop sleeves. The Clip can charge directly via USB-C, while the Card and Tag come with a magnetic charger. The Tag lasts 8 months on a single charge, while the Clip lasts 12, and the Card, 18. All include a buzzer and lights to aid finding when lost, and are rated IPx6 for water resistance. Both the Apple and Google networks work similarly, by leveraging Bluetooth of smartphones and other connected devices worldwide. Encryption and anonymization ensures privacy and security. Cross-platform anti-stalking features help guard against unwanted tracking.
iOS 18 Lets you use Matter Smart-home Devices Without a Hub
Apple has quietly slipped a new smart-home feature into the just-released iOS 18. You can now set up and use a Matter-compatible smart-home device with just your phone, instead of requiring a separate Matter hub device. (Matter is the new open industry standard for cross-platform smart-home technology.) This new feature enables only manual, local control; a hub is still required to operate devices in an automated way, or remotely. Apple says this new feature works with plug-in or hard-wired devices today, while battery-powered devices may require a firmware update to work in this hub-less mode. Matter devices can use Wi-Fi and/or Thread for wireless connectivity. iOS 18 lets any iPhone connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled Matter device. Connecting to a Thread-only device requires an iPhone with a Thread radio. Google also recently started putting Thread radios in its phones, starting with the Pixel 9 series. This implies that Google may add a similar feature to Android soon.
iOS 18 Available to Everyone Today
iPhone users can now update to the final (non-beta) version of iOS 18. This version was originally announced as bringing "Apple Intelligence" AI features, but these have now been postponed until version 18.1 — expected "next month" — or some aspects of it have been pushed back to an even later update. iOS 18.0 still brings many new features, including support for RCS, which will improve conversations with "green bubble" friends using Android. Such conversations will now support high-quality photos and videos, as well as read receipts. iOS 18 also brings new freedom to customize app icons, and a new Control Center with additional Controls and customization. iPhone users can update by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update. iOS 18 is compatible with the iPhone XR / XS, iPhone 11 series and newer, and the iPhone SE 2nd Generation (2020) or newer.
iPhone 16 Brings More Features to All Price Points, Including New Camera Control
Apple has announced the iPhone 16 series, which — compared to previous years' models — does not restrict as many key features to the Pro models, or to the most-expensive Pro Max model. For example, the all-new Camera Control on the side comes on all four models. All four models can also run Apple Intelligence thanks to the new A18 series of chips with 16-core Neural Engine, although Apple has delayed Apple Intelligence until iOS 18.1 (and some features of it until a later update). The smaller iPhone 16 Pro also has the 5x telephoto camera that was previously exclusive to the Pro Max. The new Camera Control detects light and firm touches, as well as swipe gestures. This provides a faster way to launch the camera and snap photos and videos, as well as adjust settings. A new Visual Intelligence feature lets you use the camera to summon business info from Maps, or add an event to your calendar by pointing at a poster. For other visual searches, it seems to rely on Google Image Search or ChatGPT to identify what you're looking at. The ultra-wide camera has been upgraded with auto-focus, and it captures more light, and doubles as a macro camera. The standard models also gain larger batteries. The Pro models have new, larger displays (6.3- and 6.9-inch) with thinner bezels. They retain titanium bodies and advanced triple cameras. The ultra-wide cameras have been upgraded to 48 megapixels and auto-focus. A new A18 Pro chip has several upgrades over the standard A18 chip in the non-Pro models, including a 6-core GPU (instead of 5-core) and larger CPU caches. This enables it to be 15% faster than last year's A17 Pro. A new thermal system enables up to 20% better sustained performance for gaming, and hardware-accelerated ray-tracing is now up to 2x faster. Upgraded ISP and media functions on the Pro chip enable pro-quality 4K video at 120 fps for new Cinematic Slow Motion features, including real-time color grading and Dolby Vision. The Pro models can also capture Spatial Audio with video, thanks in part to four new "studio-quality" microphones. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively (both with 128 GB storage, also avail. with 256 or 512 GB). The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, with 128 GB storage (also avail. with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB). The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1199, with 256 GB storage (also avail. with 512 GB or 1 TB). Pre-orders begin Friday, with the phones in stores Sept. 20.
AirPods 4 Come With or Without ANC
Apple has announced the 4th-generation AirPods, which come in two versions that look identical but have very different features. As with the AirPods 3, they come with or without a wireless charging case. Both charging case options are now standardized on USB-C, but only the wireless charging version adds a speaker for use with Find My when lost. The pricier model is known as "AirPods 4 with ANC", which — as the name implies — come with Active Noise Cancellation. This includes advanced ANC features like Transparency mode (for hearing a blend of outside noise), Adaptive Audio (intelligent Transparency mode that adapts to a the noise environment), and Conversation Awareness, which lowers media volume when you start speaking to someone. AirPods 4 with ANC will sell for $179. The non-ANC AirPods 4 do not have these features, but sell for just $129. They do still have many new features, including Apple's new H2 chip, a "new acoustic architecture" for better sound, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. They also have AI-powered background noise removal, and the ability to answer yes/no questions from Siri with a head nod. The USB-C case is also now smaller, while maintaining 30 hours of total battery life.
Apple Watch Series 10 Puts Larger Display in Thinner, Lighter Body
Apple has refreshed the Apple Watch in its tenth generation with a refined design that's both thinner and lighter, while making the display larger and adding multiple all-new features. The new display is up to 9% larger than the previous generation and offers up to 40% more brightness when viewed at an angle. The aluminum body is 10% thinner and 10% lighter. The premium material option is now polished titanium, which is 20% lighter than the previous stainless steel option. The hardware now includes a loudspeaker than can play music, a larger coil for faster charging (80% in 30 minutes), and a depth gauge + water temperature sensor that automatically activate in water. The new S10 chip that powers the watch includes a 4-core Neural Engine for AI features, including background noise filtering on outbound phone calls and a new Sleep Apnea detection feature. (The Sleep Apnea feature will also come to last year's models via software update.) New apps include: Translate, Tides, and Vitals. The Workout app gains a new kayaking mode. A new Photos face overlaps a person with the displayed time, much like the similar feature already on iPhone. Finish options for aluminum include an all-new polished Jet Black, plus brushed silver and rose gold. Titanium color options include gold, slate gray, and "natural". As usual, it's available in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, which are compatible with 41mm and 45mm bands for older models (respectively). Pricing starts at $399 for the aluminum version; add $30 for the larger size and/or $100 for cellular connectivity. The titanium version is only offered with cellular, starting at $699; add $50 for the larger size. Pre-orders start now; shipping Sept. 20th.
AirPods Pro Turn Into Hearing Aids with Software Update
Apple has announced a software update for the existing AirPods Pro 2 that will turn them into certified over-the-counter hearing aids for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The update also brings a new Hearing Test feature that performs a detailed at-home hearing text in five minutes. Finally, a new Hearing Protection mode lets you hear your surroundings while dynamically adjusting for dangerously loud sound levels.
Anker's New Fast Wireless Chargers for iPhone Bring Portability, Affordability
Anker has revealed a new lineup of MagGo chargers in various form factors, that support Qi2 and fast wireless charging at up to 15 watts. Additionally, they feature Apple's Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) technology, which provides more stable and efficient charging. The "MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)" is an all-new triple wireless charger with one fast-charging pad for a phone, and two 5-watt pads for a watch and earbuds, for example. It folds up into a small ball-like shape for travel. It's available starting today for $90 in white, black, or pink. The "MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand)" offers a premium wireless charging stand with a minimalist design for just $40. It features and a "mechanical rotation system" that offers unique tactile feedback when turning the phone 90º. It's available now in black or white. The "MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)" brings full-speed 15-watt charging to a battery that attaches magnetically and is slim enough to hold comfortably in hand while charging. It also includes automatic temperature management to further ensure hand comfort. It's available in white or pink for $70. Anker will also offer the travel charger and power bank in green later this year.
California Mobile ID Coming to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
This fall, California's existing mobile-ID (mID) program will expand to support an official state-issued ID within Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. (Currently, CA's mobile-ID only works within the state-issued app.) California will join Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and Ohio in supporting IDs in Apple Wallet. Most of those states also support mID in Google Wallet, as both companies' Wallet apps use the same international standard (ISO/IEC 18013-5) to implement mID. The primary use case today for mID is presenting ID to TSA at select airport checkpoints, including some terminals at LAX and SFO. It can also be used for age verification in some apps. When used in person, your phone stays in your possession. ID is presented by tapping your phone or showing a QR code. Only the limited information required is transferred, and you must give active permission. mID in Apple Wallet works on both iPhones and Apple Watch.
Apple Opens up NFC on iPhones with iOS 18.1
Apple is officially opening up the NFC functions of iPhones to third-party apps with the forthcoming iOS version 18.1. This will enable tap (AKA "contactless") transactions in apps other than Apple Wallet. Examples include "in-store payments, car keys, closed-loop transit, corporate badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty and rewards cards, and event tickets, with government IDs to be supported in the future." Users will even be able to designate an alternate wallet app as the default for tap payments, instead of Apple Pay. Apple is releasing new APIs for developers to access both NFC and the Secure Element hardware that Apple uses to store sensitive information securely. Multiple government regulators around the world have pressured Apple to open up NFC to third parties. As it has done with other concessions to regulators, Apple is restricting access to these new APIs, requiring a contract, fees, and special approval to receive an "entitlement" to use the new APIs.
iOS 18 Reaches Public Beta
Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 18 intended for curious non-developer iPhone users. iOS 18 introduces a bevy of new features, including more customizable home screen and Control Center, redesigned Photos app, and many new features in Messages. As usual, beta versions of OS software should not be installed on anyone's primary device that they rely on. To install a public beta of iOS, users must first enroll in Apple's beta program.
Apple Loosens Some Repair Restrictions
Apple has quietly issued a new paper revealing plans to make it easier to repair iPhones and improve functionality when using third-party parts. Currently, when an iPhone detects that a third-party part has been installed, it disables certain features that require calibration. This includes True Tone — which auto-adusts white balance on the display — and battery health metrics. Those restrictions will be lifted starting later this year. Instead, a small warning will be displayed. Apple will also stop requiring a device serial number when purchasing parts via Apple's Self Service Repair store. The changes come as a wave of new "Right To Repair" laws are being passed in multiple US states and countries abroad.
iOS 18 Brings Fast Pairing to 3rd-Party Wireless Accessories
Apple has quietly introduced a way for third-party wireless accessory makers to implement a new pairing process on iPhone and iPad that's as fast and easy as the one Apple uses for its own AirPods. This "AccessorySetupKit" API is new in iOS 18, currently available in beta for developers. Once users have the manufacturer's app installed, pairing can be as simple as turning on the accessory and bringing it near the phone. A pop-up automatically appears on the phone, and one tap can complete the process, without having to open an app or go into Bluetooth settings. Apple has recently come under government scrutiny in multiple parts of the world for abusing its market position and platform control.
