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 Improves its Switch-to-Android Tool
Google has announced that select Pixels and new Samsung foldable phones will be the first Android phones to come with a new and improved, built-in transfer tool for users switching from an iPhone. The new tool can wirelessly transfer your Google Account, passwords, Wi-Fi credentials, and even your eSIM. This is in addition to data already supported by such tools, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendar. Google says the new tool will come to more Android devices soon.
Apple Releases First iOS 27 Public Beta Version
Apple's "2027" OS software has now entered public beta testing. Those who wish to participate can now opt in to Apple's beta program (if they haven't already) and update to an early version of iOS 27 on their iPhones. As usual, Apple cautions that the software "may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software". Apple says they "strongly recommend installing on a secondary system or device". iOS 27 includes a new Siri AI, and other AI improvements. It also promises to be faster, even on older iPhones. These beta OS versions come with a Feedback Assistant app for reporting any issues to Apple.
iOS 27 Code References Foldable iPhone
The tools and materials released to developers yesterday for the forthcoming iOS version 27 include multiple references that strongly suggest the software is designed to support a yet-to-be-announced foldable iPhone. These include specific new values named "foldState", "angleDegrees", and "DeviceDisplayCount". The naming makes sense for some kind of foldable iPhone with a hinge and multiple displays. Such a phone has been rumored to be under development for several years, but never confirmed until now. The iPhone Air laid groundwork for a potential foldable iPhone, as achieving that thin-ness is necessary for a practical foldable (for it to not be too thick when closed). It remains unconfirmed if or when Apple might actually launch a foldable iPhone, but this at least seems to confirm that Apple is working on one and closer to potentially releasing it.
iOS 27 Intros Siri AI
Apple has announced iOS 27, which includes a wide range of new and refined features. As expected, a major focus is on smarter versions of Apple Intelligence and Siri. Siri is now "Siri AI" and has its own app with a history of conversations. Siri and the Spotlight search tool use a new index of your data and new AI models to provide more relevant results. Siri is also more conversational, answering multi-step prompts with an understanding of context, including what's on your screen at the moment, your messages, and your calendar events. Siri's voice can now be customized by speed and "expressiveness" (on some iPhones). The camera app also gains a new Siri Mode where you can ask questions about anything the camera is pointed at. Parental controls also get an update, with new screen-time controls for specific categories like Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. The Safari web browser also gets a new "Ask to Browse" feature that lets parents approve each new web site a child wants to visit. Automatic blurring of sensitive imagery has been expanded from just nudity to violent and "gory" content as well. Across various Apple apps, more tasks can now be completed with natural language prompts via Apple Intelligence with context awareness. For example, in Shortcuts, automations can be created and tweaked by simply describing what you're like the automation to do, greatly simplifying what could previously be a complex process. Similarly, new events can be added to your calendar with a simple description, with the app automatically looking up and adding details like a business address. Apple has also rewritten its CPU scheduler for better overall performance, particularly on older iPhones. Many apps should now load 30% faster. The OS should also be smarter and smoother when transitioning from a weak Wi-Fi signal to the cellular network. Finally, the Passwords app can now, with one tap, upgrade weak or compromised passwords for you. iOS 27 will work on all iPhones supported by iOS 26, all the way back to the iPhone 11. A beta version for developers will be available today, with a public beta version due in July, and the final version this fall.
Auto-Generated Video Captions Coming to iPhone
Apple is previewing several new accessibility features coming "later this year". The most important might be video subtitles (captions) that are automatically generated on-device for uncaptioned videos. This includes video content "recorded on iPhone, received from friends and family, or streamed online." This feature is coming to most Apple platforms, including iPhone. Google added a similar feature, called Live Caption, to Android seven years ago. Apple is also enhancing its existing VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader features with AI, enabling queries that use more natural language, follow-up questions, and more detailed responses. Apple is also adding a new API that will support adding a human interpreter to an ongoing FaceTime video call within a sign language interpretation app.
Google Shows Off New Smart Glasses
Google has revealed more details of its forthcoming Android XR smart-glasses platform, including a sneak peak at two of the designs that will launch this fall. The first Android XR glasses will be an "audio" type that does not include any kind of display. Later, Google plans to launch a "display" type that does. All of them will act as an extension of your smartphone (iOS or Android), performing similarly to Bluetooth earbuds but with a camera. This lets you access the Gemini assistant hands-free, with both voice and visual input to answer questions and perform common tasks. Google has partnered with Samsung and Qualcomm for the technology, as well as Warby Parker and Gentle Monster for the designs. Google provided a number of examples for how they might be useful: You can ask Gemini about anything you see, such as learning the name of that cloud formation or quickly decoding a confusing parking sign. It can also do real-time language translation of someone speaking to you, or of text in front of you. It can give you turn-by-turn directions, knowing which way you're facing. You can manage calls and messages, or summarize missed messages. You can also snap photos and videos, and even mix in AI. For example, you can ask it to "take a picture and put everyone in funny hats". It can also access third-party apps such as getting an Uber. Gemini can be summoned by saying "Hey Google" or just tapping the side of the frame. Google did not detail any specific privacy features related to the camera. Specific launch timing and pricing was also not revealed.
Cross-Platform RCS Messaging Gaining Encryption
Apple and Google have jointly announced the rollout of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messaging between Apple and Android devices. When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can't be intercepted and read while in transit between devices, improving privacy and security. Encryption will be on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations. On both platforms, a small lock icon will confirm when an RCS chat is encrypted. The feature requires iOS 26.5 or, on Android, the latest version of the Google Messages app. It also requires carrier support. The two companies still describe the feature as in "beta". E2EE was officially added to the RCS standard a little over a year ago, and Apple pledged to support it at that time.
Apple Reaches $250 Settlement for Failing to Deliver AI Siri as Advertised
A class-action lawsuit against Apple for false advertising has reached a settlement of $250 million. Apple showed off a smarter, personalized version of Siri at its WWDC event in 2024 and promised to ship the feature by the end of that year. This was specifically advertised as one several Apple Intelligence features of the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro. But the feature never shipped. Apple waited until March 2025 to admit that the feature was delayed. Consumers who purchased a an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro may be eligible for part of the settlement if it's approved by a judge.
Insta360 Launches Screen Accessory for Better Selfies
The Insta360 Snap is a new phone accessory with a display (and optional ring light) that makes it easy to frame and shoot photos of yourself using your phone's higher-quality rear camera. The Snap can attach to the back of a phone magnetically (via MagSafe) and uses a wired connection to the phone via USB-C. The display is a touchscreen that mirrors the phone's main display, allowing full camera control. This also makes it compatible with third-party camera and social media apps. It's compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, as well as higher-end Android phones (that support DisplayPort via USB-C Alt Mode.) A magnetic ring is included to add magnetic attachment to phones that don't already have it. The version with integrated lighting lets the user adjust the light color and brightness. The Insta360 Snap is available now for $90 with light, and $80 without.
Samsung Brings Support for Apple's AirDrop to S26 Series
Samsung is starting to bring compatibility with Apple's AirDrop to its Android phones via a phased software update. Google announced last November that it was adding AirDrop compatibility to Android's similar Quick Share feature. At the time, Google said rollout of the feature would start with its own Pixel 10 series, then expand to "more Android devices" over time. Quick Share and AirDrop are both designed to allow easy wireless sharing of files and content between two nearby devices, but were previously not compatible between iOS and Android. Samsung's rollout will start today with the Galaxy S26 series — the company's newest flagship phones — in South Korea. It will then expand to other regions, including North America, and then expand to other Samsung devices.
AT&T Launches New Samsung Phone for Kids
AT&T is launching a new version of the Samsung Galaxy A16 with software fully tailored for use by kids, including comprehensive parental controls. The "AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone" joins an existing watch and tablet in AT&T's amiGO lineup. AT&T is also updating its amiGO watch with a more durable version. All amiGO devices support location sharing, geo-fencing, screen-time limits, approved contacts, app and settings control, and schedules for "school time", etc. The app for parents is available on both Android and iOS. The AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone is available now for $210, or $3/month.
iOS 26.2 Fixes Major Security Flaws
All iPhone and iPad users should update their system software immediately, to fix a range of potential security issues. These includes two issues with WebKit (the core web browser software used by both Safari and most apps) that Apple says "may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals".
Anker's Tiny New iPhone Charger has a Display
Anker has launched a new "Nano" smart charger for iPhones with a "smart display" and controls for a "tailored" charge. This tiny charger can charge at up to 45 watts, providing 50% more power while being 47% smaller compared to an Apple 30-watt charger. It has unique plug prongs that fold 180º. It will be available January 20 for $40.
Clicks Launches New Ways to Add a Physical Keyboard to Your Life
Clicks — the company previously known for its keyboard cases — has announced two entirely new types of products: The Clicks Power Keyboard is a magnetic wireless charging power bank that snaps to the back of your phone but also has a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard. Attached to a phone, it can be used in portrait or landscape orientation, and has multiple slide positions for phones of different sizes. It works with both iPhones and Android phones. It can also be used by itself as a small Bluetooth keyboard for a tablet, TV, or VR headset. Its battery is rated 2,150 mAh. The Clicks Communicator is a full-on Android 16 smartphone that can be used as a primary phone, or as a companion device to a traditional smartphone. It's designed to discourage "doom-scrolling" by having a smaller, 4.03-inch display. It has a notification light on the side that can light up in different colors for different contacts and/or apps. The physical keyboard is touch-sensitive for scrolling, and has a fingerprint sensor built into the space bar. It also has a 3.5mm headset jack. Its features are otherwise robust, with 5G (including good support for US networks), a 50 megapixel main camera (with OIS) and 24 megapixel front camera, 4,000 mAh battery, Qi2 wireless charging, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and 256 GB of storage that's also expandable. The Power Keyboard will run $109, or $79 for those who pre-order soon. It ships this spring. The Communicator has a full price of $499, or $399 for those who "reserve" one before February 27. Those who pay in full when they reserve will receive two free back covers (worth $100 total). The Communicator will ship "later this year".
Europe Forces Apple to Open up More of iOS
Apple will add new interoperability between iPhones (and iPads) and non-Apple devices in two key areas starting with iOS 26.3, in response to Europe's Digital Markets Act. In Europe only, iOS 26.3 will allow third-party devices like smartwatches to receive notifications and react to them. Pairing Bluetooth devices like earbuds will also potentially get easier with Proximity Pairing, where you can simply bring two devices near each other to pair them. These features were previously proprietary to Apple devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and, for now, will remain that way in the rest of the world. The features do require work on the part of device makers in order to be supported. Developers can start that work now with beta versions of iOS 26.3, while the features are expected to be "fully available in Europe" in 2026.
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.
