iOS
iOS is a smartphone OS created by Apple, used exclusively on Apple iPhones. It is a closed platform that only runs apps approved by Apple, usually downloaded from Apple's App Store.
by: Apple
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Apple Joins Google in Offering Passport-Based Digital ID
Apple is launching a new type of digital identification for iPhone (and Apple Watch) that it calls simply "Digital ID". It is based on the user's existing passport and can be used in place of a Real ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. (It does not replace a passport for international travel.) "At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. ... with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future." Not all TSA checkpoints can accept this type of ID yet. Google's Android already supports this unique type of ID — which they call "ID pass" — having announced it over a year ago. On both Android and iOS, the system works the same way: To set it up, you scan your passport with your phone's camera, scan the NFC chip in the passport, and take a moving selfie to verify identity. To use it, just tap the NFC reader at the checkpoint and confirm the requested info to share with TSA. (Your phone stays in your hand.)
Google Makes Maps Smarter, Conversational
Google is rolling out an update to its Google Maps app that integrates Gemini AI and adds several specific new features. Firstly, Google will now give directions using its knowledge of local landmarks, such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" instead of "turn right in 500 feet", and landmarks mentioned this way will be highlighted on the map. Secondly, voice search will be expanded to a full "conversational" AI assistant that can handle multi-step and multi-part questions and commands. For example, you will be able to say "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let’s go there." Finally, if Maps is running, it will now proactively alert you to disruptions on the road ahead, even when you're not actively navigating to a destination. Landmark-based navigation and traffic alerts are rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US. Conversational AI will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks "everywhere Gemini is available", with Android Auto "on the way."
Apple Prepping "Transfer to Android" Feature, Including 3rd-Party Apps and eSIM
Apple is preparing to launch a new feature in iOS called "Transfer to Android" that will make it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone. The feature will be able to wirelessly transfer an eSIM, as well as photos, messages, notes, and more. Third-party app data will also be included where app developers have enabled the feature, which is made possible by the brand-new "AppMigrationKit" API. This API can used for cross-platform transfers in either direction: "AppMigrationKit ... supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android."
Apple Will Let Users Dial Back Liquid Glass Even More
Apple is continuing to refine its controversial Liquid Glass software design, introduced in iOS 26 and Apple's other new software this year. The design was initially introduced with a very clear "glass" look, but was tweaked based on user feedback by the time of final release. Now, the newest beta version of iOS 26.1 adds a new "tinted" option that makes Liquid Glass interface elements look even less transparent. In iOS 26.1 public beta 4, this new "Liquid Glass" setting can be found under "Display & Brightness" in the Settings app.
T-Mobile Launches Limited Data Service Over Satellite
As promised in June, T-Mobile today launched a set of data services on its T-Satellite service (that offers coverage in cellular dead zones using over 650 SpaceX Starlink satellites in orbit). The data services are limited to specific apps, and those apps have been customized to offer "core experiences and critical services" when using satellite coverage. Supported apps include a selection of both device-native and third-party apps, with parity across iOS and Android platforms. Device-native apps supported include Google Messages and Find Hub, Pixel Weather, Apple Music, Weather, and Fitness, and Samsung's Weather app. Third-party apps supported include AccuWeather, X, and WhatsApp, as well as outdoor-focused AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX. WhatsApp supports voice chat, video chat, group chat, and voice memos over satellite. For businesses, newly supported apps include Dialpad, Florian, MultiLine, and T-Mobile Direct Connect.
iOS 26 Now Available, with Visual Intelligence
Apple has released the final, public version of iOS 26. It should be available to download now on most recent iPhones. New features include Live Translation of languages, available for in-person conversations as well as in Messages and FaceTime. The feature currently works with English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). By the end of the year, it will also support Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin, simplified), and Chinese (Mandarin, traditional). Also new in iOS 26 is Visual Intelligence, which applies AI to tell you more about anything on your screen at the moment (by taking a screenshot), or anything in front of you in the real world, using the phone's camera. The update also brings new, more granular parental control features, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design language.
Apple's iPhone 17 Series is Nearly Hack-Proof
Apple has revealed that the new A19 chips in the iPhone 17 series (including iPhone Air) are its first chips to support a new security feature in iOS called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE). This new technology is a big leap in addressing memory safety vulnerabilities, an industry-wide problem and the main attack vector used by mercenary spyware that state-backed hackers use to spy on high-profile targets (among other advanced attacks). One key part of MIE is EMTE (Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension), a memory-safety technology that Apple co-developed with Arm, based on Arm's MTE technology. EMTE assigns a type of security key to each set of data in memory, so applications can't access memory not allocated to them. However, checking those keys can hurt performance, and the timing of the checking process can reveal signals that compromise the keys. Therefore, Apple designed its new A19 chips with separate key-checking hardware that accelerates the process and keeps it secure, enabling real-time EMTE for all critical processes. Apple's research indicates that this technology could all but eliminate the problem of memory safety vulnerabilities. iOS on the iPhone 17 series implements MIE in "the kernel and over 70 userland processes", but Apple is also making this technology available to third-party developers via new Enhanced Security settings in Xcode.
iPhone Air Chases Title of Thinnest Phone
Apple has followed Samsung in creating a super-thin flagship-class phone this year with the new iPhone Air. Like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the iPhone Air uses a titanium body to achieve sub-6mm thickness. While the S25 Edge measures 5.8mm, the iPhone Air beats it slightly at just 5.6mm thick. The iPhone Air replaces the iPhone Plus in this year's iPhone lineup. Besides its thin profile, the Air also brings new blend of specs and features that sits between the standard and Pro models. It has nearly all of the features of a standard iPhone, including new features in the iPhone 17 such as the Center Stage front camera, ProMotion display, and Ceramic Shield 2 display glass. It lacks the wide-angle camera but does have the same 48-megapixel "Fusion" main camera that can double as a 2x tele camera (at 12 megapixels). It does have a faster A19 Pro chip like the Pro models, although with five GPU cores instead of six. One change to get the phone this thin is that all versions worldwide will be eSIM-only. All of the radio modems in the iPhone Air are Apple-designed chips. Following Apple's first 5G modem (the C1) in the iPhone 16e, the Air has a new "C1X" chip that's twice as a fast and 30% more power-efficient. An Apple "N1" radio chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The iPhone Air ships Sept. 19 starting at $999.
iPhone 17 Series Shakes up Formula
Apple has announced this year's iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 series. Instead of a "Plus" model, Apple has introduced a new iPhone Air (covered in a separate article) that's extra-thin and more premium than a Plus model. New in the standard and Pro models are: a new 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera with a larger, square sensor that can capture portrait or landscape orientation without turning the phone, and has automatic framing (cropping). Also new is that all rear cameras are 48-megapixel "Fusion" cameras that perform different functions in 12-megapixel (pixel binning) or 48-megapixel mode (which defaults to 24 megapixel output). In the standard iPhone 17, this means a main camera that can double as a (12MP) 2x telephoto camera, plus a wide-angle camera that can double as a (12MP) macro camera. The Pro models add a 4x telephoto camera that can double as a (12MP) 8x telephoto camera. Apple has also introduced Ceramic Shield 2 display glass across the lineup, which it claims offers 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone 17 gains a new display that's larger (6.3 inches vs. 6.1), has ProMotion dynamic refresh (1–120 Hz), and has an always-on feature. It also gains faster wired charging. A new A19 chip in the iPhone 17 offers 20% faster graphics performance and puts neural accelerators in the GPU cores for the first time. The Pro models come with an even-more-powerful A19 Pro chip assisted by a new vapor-chamber thermal management system. The Pro models come with the largest battery ever in an iPhone, which is even slightly larger in regional versions without a physical SIM card slot. The Pro models also gain ProRes RAW video capture and Genlock (with optional hardware accessory.) The Pro models have an all-new look with an aluminum (instead of titanium) unibody design and larger "plateau" camera hump. All models now come with a minimum 256 GB of storage. In the standard iPhone 17, this means double the memory for the same $799 starting price. However the iPhone 17 Pro sees the starting price hike from $999 to $1099. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (with its larger 6.9-inch display) starts as $1199, just like last year's model. Pre-orders start today, with all models shipping Sept. 19.
Apple Brings 5G to its Smartwatches
Apple has introduced a complete new lineup of Apple Watches, from an affordable new Apple Watch SE 3, to the main Apple Watch Series 11, to the top-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. All of the new models now include 5G cellular connectivity. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also adds satellite connectivity for the first time in an Apple Watch. This enables Emergency SOS features like on the iPhone (free for two years) as well as Find My location sharing and messaging via satellite. The Ultra 3 also has a new display that's larger, brighter, and can refresh once a second in always-on mode (compared to once a minute previously). Battery life is also improved, lasting up to 42 hours. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799. The new Apple Watch Series 11 has new Ion-X glass face that's 2x more scratch-resistant. It also has improved battery life at 24 hours, making sleep-tracking features more practical. Those have also been updated with a new "sleep score" feature. Another new health feature is Hypertension Notifications, where the watch analyzes 30 days of heart data to detect potential high blood pressure, providing a screening service that may alert users to undiagnosed hypertension. Apple expects FDA approval of that feature soon. Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399. Finally, the new Apple Watch SE 3 starts at just $249, but also includes the new sleep score feature and more-durable Ion-X cover glass. This new model brings a long list of Apple Watch features to the SE series for the first time, including always-on display, fast charging, temperature sensor, double tap and wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. All three models go on sale Sept. 19.
Apple Updates its Pro Earbuds
Apple has introduced the AirPods Pro 3, its newest top-end Bluetooth earbuds. One headline feature is a new heart rate sensor, which allows fitness tracking features (in both Apple and third-party apps) that would have previously required an Apple Watch. It also supports live language translation, via an AI language model running on a paired iPhone. Foreign language audio is automatically made quieter as you listen to the translation. When you speak, a translation is displayed on your iPhone's display, with an option to speak the translation aloud. Apple has also improved the durability with an IP57 rating for dust and water (up from IP54). ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) has been improved to be twice as effective as the previous generation (4x better than the original AirPods Pro). Finally, earbud battery life has been improved to eight hours, (with ANC on, compared to six hours before,) although total battery life with the charging case has been reduced from 30 hours to 24. The price remains at $249 and they ship Sept. 19.
Apple Releases Public Beta of iOS 26
The next version of iOS, version 26 (newly numbered by year), has reached the milestone of a public beta version now available. iOS 26 introduces Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, as well as new features like Live Translation. Interested users can install the beta version of iOS 26 on their iPhone. As always, beta software is not final and could be buggy or damage your data. It is not recommended to install a beta version of any OS on any primary or critical device.
Apple Pushes Ad for its Newest Movie to iPhones
Many iPhone users today received a push notification from the Apple Wallet app promoting the new "F1" movie made by Apple. The unsolicited ad took the form of a $10 discount code for use with Fandango. A beta version of iOS includes a setting to opt out of "Offers & Promotions" from Apple Wallet, but the current stable version of iOS does not. Today's ad, and introduction of the new setting, both imply that Apple intends to send more notifications like this in the future.
Apple Expands Child Safety Protections and Options for Parents
Apple today announced new features for its child-safety and parental controls features in its platforms, including iOS for iPhones. Apple will be expanding its number of age range categories to include under-13, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Apps with an overall rating exceeding a child account's age range will not be featured in the App Store, although they can still be searched, and parents can grant an exception to download. Further, a new Declared Age Range API will let developers query the age range — but not sensitive info like precise age or birth date — to tailor in-app content to be age-appropriate. App Store listings will now show whether an app makes use of this new API, and flag apps that allow messaging or show user-generated content. Apple is expanding its Communication Safety technology to FaceTime and Shared Albums in Photos, so that any nudity detected will automatically be blurred in those apps when using a Child Account. Apple is also changing the process of creating Child Accounts to ensure they are more restricted by default. Controls for parents are also being streamlined in some areas, and expanded with more options in other areas.
Apple iOS 26 Brings a New Look and Long List of New Features
Apple has revealed iOS 26, the next major version of iOS (the current version is 18). It introduces a major new design language that Apple calls Liquid Glass, which is coming to all Apple devices, not just iPhone. Accompanying the new look is a home screen option with "clear" icons and widgets. Apple has also improved its smart wallpapers to automatically adjust the time size and photo framing to make room for notifications, as well as add 3D effects. The OS intros two major new AI features: Visual Intelligence is now integrated into the screenshot function, making it easy to perform image searches based on whatever is on your screen (instead of just using the camera). It will also offer to automatically create a calendar entry when it detects a date/time. And an "Ask" button lets you ask ChatGPT about what's on your screen. A new Live Translation feature provides real-time language translation for phone calls, messages, and FaceTime. It uses Apple's own AI models. Also in Messages, Apple promises improved AI spam detection, and all messages from unknown senders automatically get sent to a special "unknown sender" folder that doesn't trigger a notification (with exceptions for certain types of time-sensitive messages.) Groups chats also get typing indicators, polls, and custom backgrounds. In the Phone app, a new design puts favs at the top, with a timeline below that, combining recent calls and voicemails. Apple is also borrowing a few ideas from Google with Call Screening and Hold Assist, where the phone can take over annoying parts of calls for you. An all-new Games app shows your Leaderboards and lets you create challenges with your friends. It also shows updates for your existing games, and provides personalized suggestions for new games. The Music app gains AutoMix to blend song transitions like a DJ. It also add Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation. CarPlay now supports widgets and Live Activities. Several other apps have been redesigned with simpler controls, including Camera and Safari. Developers also gain access to Apple's own on-device models with the new "Foundation Models framework". Apple is releasing iOS 26 to developers today, with a public beta version expected next month. The final version is expected "this fall". iOS 26 will run on iPhone 11 and later.
Trump Expands Tariff Threat to All Smartphones
After threatening a 25% tariff against Apple this morning unless they start making iPhones in the US, President Trump clarified this afternoon that the threat applies to all smartphone makers. The tariffs would start at the end of June.
Fortnite Returns to Apple iOS App Store
Following a years-long legal battle that has fundamentally reshaped the economics of Apple's App Store, the popular game Fortnite has triumphantly returned to the App Store. Fortnite's developer, Epic Games, led the lawsuit against Apple's tight restrictions on third-party payments. Other apps, including Spotify, have also reacted quickly to the legal ruling that forced Apple to loosen those restrictions in the US.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Motorola/Bullitt Satellite Dongle is Now the HMD Offgrid
Following the collapse of Bullitt a year ago, HMD has picked up the rights to the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, and will release a tweaked version called the HMD Offgrid. The small Bluetooth device gives any Android or iPhone satellite connectivity where cellular service isn't available. HMD claims to have enhanced the service with better coverage, better plans, and new enterprise features. They also redesigned the SOS button to reduce accidental presses. The basic functions are otherwise similar. It can automatically share live location data with up to five contacts. Its messaging function works from the dedicated app, but you can text any phone number, and messages you send come from your phone number. It can be configured to share location at intervals from every three minutes to four hours. With 30 minute intervals, the 600 mAh battery can last at least three days. The device is rated IP68 and military-grade rugged. In the US, service is available up to 70 miles from shore (coverage includes Hawaii and Alaska). The Offgrid connects to the Viasat network through a partnership with Skylo. Focus Point handles SOS response, and they have partnered with Overwatch X for rescue operations when necessary (at no additional charge). The device goes on sale this month for $199 from hmd.com. Service plans start at $80/year for the "Freedom" plan which includes unlimited manual check-ins and 350 messages. Live tracking costs 10¢ per ping. A higher-end "Unlimited" plan runs $15/month for unlimited messages, check-ins, and SOS services. Live tracking can be added to that plan for $5/month. Activation fees may also apply.
Verizon Gives Premium Customers More Reliable Video Calls
Verizon today announced "Enhanced Video Calling", a network feature that provides guaranteed bandwidth for certain customers' video calls even when and where the network is congested. The feature is now included with the Unlimited Ultimate and Business Unlimited Pro 5G plans. Currently, it only works with iPhone (14 or newer, running the just-released iOS 18.2). It works automatically with "applications like Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom". The feature utilizes a feature of 5G networks called network slicing.
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.
Department of Justice Seeks to Separate Chrome and Google Search from Android
The Department of Justice has officially requested that Google sell off its Chrome web browser and stop making Google the default search engine in web browsers and on phones, including both Android phones and iPhones. The request is the DoJ's proposed remedy in an ongoing federal anti-trust case in which the court has already found Google guilty of maintaining an abusive monopoly. Google would further be barred from favoring its own services — such as its Gemini AI and YouTube — in Android. The DoJ also wants Google to be required to sell off its Android OS "if its oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct." Google responded that the proposal pushes "a radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America’s global technology leadership." Google points out that barring deals for Google Search placement in web browsers would actually hurt browser competition, as Mozilla's Firefox browser is financially dependent on its deal with Google.
Google Makes it Easier, Faster to Set Up a new Android Phone
Google today announced a number of new features and updates that improve the experience of setting up a new Android device, particularly around moving apps and data from your old device, be it and iPhone or Android phone. Previously exclusive to Pixel devices, several different Android manufacturers now include or support Android Switch, Google's app that guides you step-by-step through setting up a new device and transferring your data. Wireless transfer is supported, but more types of data can be transferred from an iPhone when using a cable. Further, Google has made cable transfers from iPhone 40% faster. Google is also starting to roll out the option to run Android Switch after the initial setup process. This option is currently available on the Pixel 9 series, but is "coming to more Android phone makers in 2025". Finally, Google is rolling out a Restore Credentials feature that lets app logins transfer seamlessly when upgrading from one Android device to another. This will mean individual apps should no longer require you to log in again when setting up a new device.
Google Brings its AI App to iPhone
Google has released its Gemini app for iOS, bringing the full features of its flagship AI tool for consumers to iPhone for the first time. Some features of Gemini were already available via the Google search app. But new Gemini app includes Gemini Live, which lets you have a multi-part conversation with the AI model. It also provides access to multi-modal searches, such as queries that include an image. Image generation is also supported, as well as Extensions, which links Gemini to your data in other Google apps such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, YouTube, and more. Some features require a paid subscription.
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.
