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Rajesh Pandey - page 7

This sleek Android foldable works with Apple Watch and Mac

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Vivo X Fold 5
Vivo's latest foldable packs impressive Apple integration.
Photo: Vivo China

Apple’s walled garden approach means you can’t use the Apple Watch with a smartphone other than the iPhone. But with its latest Android foldable, Vivo claims full support for the Apple Watch.

The Vivo X Fold 5 even promises deep iPhone and Mac integration, apparently mirroring your calls, messages, and notifications.

No, blockbuster deal between OpenAI and Jony Ive didn’t collapse

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OpenAI buys io
A lawsuit forced OpenAI to take down public details related to its acquisition of Jony Ive's company io.
Photo: OpenAI

OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io have removed all public details about the latter’s acquisition. The much-hyped video announcing the acquisition is also no longer live on YouTube. Contrary to rumors, this is not due to the deal between the two companies falling apart.

The issue stems from a trademark dispute over the name “io” used by Ive’s firm.

How iOS 26 will upgrade your AirPods experience

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AirPods 4 are coming in 2024
iOS 26 will supercharge your AirPods experience.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 will not just make your iPhone better. It will also add several new features to AirPods, improving the already excellent experience of using Apple’s super-popular earbuds.

The changes will further deepen the AirPods integration with the iPhone. Find out all the ways iOS 26 will improve your AirPods experience.

Apple explores acquiring Perplexity AI to supercharge search

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Will Apple acquire Perplexity?
Will Apple acquire Perplexity?
Photo: Apple/Perplexity

Apple reportedly held internal discussions to acquire AI startup Perplexity AI. The latter is an AI-powered search engine. It uses a large language model (LLM) to process the answers and presents them in an easier-to-understand format.

The discussions inside Apple are seemingly at an early level, and it may not even officially provide an offer to the young startup.

YouTube app crashing on iPhone? Reinstall it, says Google.

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you.tube.logo.4
Reinstall the YouTube app to fix the random crashes.
Photo: YouTube

Experiencing random crashes with the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad? Google recommends reinstalling the app to fix the issue.

While the random crashes also affected Android users, Google’s official solution does not require them to reinstall the app.

Apple won’t bring iPhone Mirroring to the EU with macOS Tahoe

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iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia
EU users won't get access to iPhone Mirroring with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe.
Photo: Apple

Apple introduced iPhone Mirroring with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in 2024. But due to regulatory concerns, Apple never launched the feature in the EU.

iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe won’t change that, with Apple confirming it has no plans to bring iPhone Mirroring to Macs in the European Union anytime soon.

iOS 26 features you’ll miss on older iPhones

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iPhone 12 running iOS 26.
Older iPhones will get iOS 26 but with some key features missing.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 introduce a host of new features in addition to the Liquid Glass design makeover that will bring glossy, translucent harmony to Apple’s software ecosystem this fall. However, not all of those advanced features will make it to every compatible device when Apple releases its next-gen operating systems.

If you own an old iPhone or Intel-based Mac, you will miss out on several improvements. Here’s a look at what won’t make the cut.

Apple’s Back to School sale brings free AirPods with Mac or iPad

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Apple 2025 Back to School Promo
Apple's 2025 Back to School promo will get you a free AirPods.
Screenshot: Apple Store

Apple’s yearly Back to School sale is now live in the United States, India and other countries. As part of the deal, eligible students and teachers can get Macs and iPads on education pricing, along with an accessory worth up to $179.

Unlike the last few years, Apple will not bundle a gift card with your purchase. Instead, it will bundle a free accessory, ranging from the Magic Keyboard to AirPods 4 with ANC.

Hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn’t talk about at WWDC25

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iOS 26 hidden features
There are plenty of smaller, hidden improvements in iOS 26.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.

While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the  WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.

Apple will service M2 Mac mini hit by rare power failure issue

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Mac mini with external hard drive, keyboard, trackpad and display sitting on the floor (isometric perspective)
Your M2 Mac mini might need a repair.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple has issued a No Power Issue service program affecting a “very small percentage” of M2 Mac minis. The affected units may unexpectedly fail to power on without warning.

The issue only appears to affect the 2023 M2 Mac mini and no other generation.

1Password unlock presets will cut down on constant unlocks

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1Password app sign in with FaceID
1Password's new app unlock presets promise a seamless experience.
Photo: 1Password

1Password is testing a new unlock system on Mac, aiming to reduce the need for constant reauthentication. The app introduces three preset modes — Convenient, Balanced and Strict — giving users control over how frequently they unlock the app based on their security preferences.

The changes are currently only available on 1Password’s beta channel for Mac.

First iOS 26 beta hints at AirPods Pro 3 coming soon

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AirPods Pro are the best Apple wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation
Will Apple launch the AirPods Pro 3 this year?
Photo: Apple

iOS 26 developer beta hints at Apple launching the AirPods Pro 3 sooner rather than later. The first beta of the OS contains references to the upcoming wireless earbuds.

Conflicting reports surround the AirPods Pro 3 launch. Some point to a fall 2025 release, while others suggest the earbuds might not arrive until 2026.

iOS 26 adds charging time estimates to iPhone Lock Screen

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iOS 26 shows the time remaining on Lock Screen.
iOS 26 will finally tell you how long your iPhone will take for a full charge.
Screenshot: Rajesh PandeyCult Of Mac

iOS 26 introduces a small but useful feature for iPhone users: the ability to view the estimated time remaining for a full charge. This information appears directly on the Lock Screen while your device is charging, giving you a quick glance at how long you need to wait.

You can get an even more detailed breakdown in the Battery sub-menu in the Settings app.

iOS 26 fixes the awkward iPhone back gesture

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iOS 26 tweaks the swipe gesture
iOS 26 tweaks the swipe-back gesture
Screenshot: Rajesh PandeyCult Of Mac

Apple may finally solve a major navigation issue on iPhones with iOS 26. It tweaks the swipe-to-go-back gesture to trigger from anywhere, not just the edge.

In iOS 18, going back requires swiping from the left edge of the screen. The problem? Reaching that corner with your thumb can be tough, especially on larger Pro Max models.

iOS 26 Adaptive Power mode boosts iPhone battery life under pressure

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iOS 26 announcement
iOS 26 introduces a new Adaptive Power mode for a longer iPhone battery life.
Photo: Apple

iOS 26 adds a new Adaptive Power Mode to newer iPhones to extend their battery life under heavy load. It will achieve this by lowering the display brightness and making other under-the-hood changes.

Additionally, iOS 26 revamps the Battery Usage menu, providing more details about power consumption from various apps.

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 compatibility list: Will your device get the update?

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Apple devices on compatibility list: Which devices will get new operating systems macOS 26, iOS 26, watchOS 26, iPadOS 26
Apple's newest operating systems drop support for some older devices.
Photo: Apple

Apple kicked off WWDC25 Monday by showing off iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26. The company’s latest operating systems debut a new unified Liquid Glass visual design and pack several other improvements. Not every iPhone, iPad, or Mac will make the cut this year, though.

Find out the full list of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs eligible for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 below.

iOS 26 reimagines the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold Assist

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iOS 26 bento box
The Phone app gets smarter and powerful in iOS 26.
Photo: Apple

Apple reinvents the act of making, taking and dodging phone calls with the updated Phone app in iOS 26, thanks to a bold new design and the addition of several cutting-edge features. They include Call Screening and Hold Assist, enabling you to screen unwanted calls before answering them.

“This year, we’re giving you the option to choose a new, unified layout that brings your favorites, recents and voicemails,” said Darin Adler, Apple’s vice president of internet technologies, during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote video. “So, your most used features are right at your fingertips without having to switch views.”

macOS 26 Tahoe debuts with sleek design and smarter Spotlight

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macOS Tahoe running on Macs
macOS Tahoe brings the "Liquid Glass" design to Macs.
Photo: Apple

Like iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe follows Apple’s new yearly naming scheme. It also adapts the new Liquid Glass design, using glassy UI elements and updated system icons.

But that’s not it. macOS 26 Tahoe includes a redesigned Control Centre, a revamped Spotlight, and, for the first time ever, brings the Phone app to the Mac.

“macOS is the heart and soul of the Mac, and with Tahoe, we’re building on what users love most. Whether you’re a power user or just getting started on Mac, there’s something for everyone, with even more features to turbocharge productivity and make working across Mac and iPhone more seamless than ever before,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering.

Goodbye iOS 19, hello iOS 26: Apple switches to year-based names

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iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 naming scheme
Going forward, Apple operating systems will be named after the upcoming year.
Image: Apple

In a significant shift in its software branding strategy, Apple is moving away from its traditional iOS and iPadOS version numbering. Instead, the company announced the move to a year-based naming convention at WWDC25.

So, rather than iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, the company will market its releases this year as iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Apple’s other operating systems will also adopt the same naming style.

“We’re unifying our version numbers across all our platforms. Our releases for the fall that will power us through the coming year, 2026, will be version 26,” said Craig Fedrighi during WWDC’s opening keynote.

Apple retail stores could soon ease carrier promo rules

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Apple Store in Atlanta
Apple's Back to School promo goes live soon, too.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s yearly Back to School promo will supposedly go live in the US later this month. Like every year, the company will bundle gift cards with selected devices as part of the promo.

Additionally, Apple will double the carrier promos in its retail stores from late June to boost iPhone sales.

Apple’s 2027 iPhone makeover will start with iOS 26

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2027 iPhone Render
2027 iPhone may build on iOS 26's new visual design.
Photo: ChatGPT

Apple’s new visual language for iOS 19/iOS 26 reportedly will lay the groundwork for its upcoming hardware products. This will include a revamped design for the 2027 iPhone, dubbed “Glasswing.”

The device apparently will feature an all-glass design, with a “extraordinarily slim bezels” and a notch-free display.

iOS 19 wish list: Apple needs to deliver these features

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iOS 19 Wish list
iOS 19 can make up its missing AI features with other changes.
Illustration: ChatGPT

iOS improvements over the years have made the iPhone more customizable, more useful and more fun. But iOS 19 (which might be called iOS 26 instead) could raise the bar even higher by adding the features on my wish list.

Leaks strongly suggest the iPhone’s next operating system update will introduce a bold new visual design, drawing heavy inspiration from visionOS, which powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. But that visual overhaul — part of a project reportedly called Solarium that will unify the look and feel of all Apple operating systems — should not be the sole talking point during the iOS segment of next Monday’s WWDC25 keynote.

From long-overdue interface changes to smarter multitasking and better system controls, iOS 19 (or iOS 26, if Apple goes ahead with a rumored change to its naming system) has the potential to push the iPhone experience forward in meaningful ways.

With WWDC25 just days away, here’s what I hope Apple delivers with its next big update.

watchOS 12 could play nice with older Apple Watch models

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Apple Watch Series 9 with Mulberry Sport Band on desk
watchOS 12/26 will apparently work with your old Apple Watch.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly does not plan to drop support for any older Apple Watch models with watchOS 12 (or watchOS 26). A leaker indicates the upcoming watchOS release will support Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models — the same as watchOS 11.

Apple discontinued support for several older Apple Watch models with the release of watchOS 11 in 2024