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Rajesh Pandey - page 9

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

Apple sees stronger iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 adoption across devices

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iOS 18 logo inside an iPhone frame
iOS 18 adoption outpaces iOS 17.
Logo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Ahead of iOS 19‘s unveiling at WWDC25 next week, Apple shared updated iOS 18 adoption figures. As of June 4, 2025, the OS powers 88% of all iPhones launched in the last four years.

This number drops slightly to 82% when considering all active iPhones. More iPhones have adopted iOS 18 than iOS 17 during the same timeframe last year.

Apple Watch Control Center might open up to third-party apps

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Apple Watch Control Center
watchOS 12 could give the Apple Watch's Control Center a big upgrade.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The upcoming version of watchOS reportedly will shake up the Apple Watch’s Control Center by adding support for third-party widgets. Right now, it only surfaces toggles for Wi-Fi, Battery, Focus mode, and other system settings.

However, like the iPhone, Apple supposedly will open the watchOS Control Center and allow for greater customization.

iOS 19 may turn your AirPods into a remote camera button

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Apple AirPods 4 review
iOS 26 could make the AirPods Pro even better.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 19/iOS 26 will reportedly enhance the AirPods experience by introducing new head gestures. The earbuds will also become smart enough to stop audio playback when you fall asleep while wearing them. Plus, you may finally be able to use the AirPods as a remote shutter for the camera.

With every new major iOS release, Apple added new features to AirPods as well. It appears the company may continue that trend this year as well.

iOS 19 will bring smart upgrades to Messages and Music apps

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iOS 19 render logo
iOS 19 will offer more than a redesign.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly will introduce several enhancements to its Messages, Notes and Music apps as part of iOS 19. New additions in the Messages app include automatic translations and support for polls. And the Music app will enhance the Now Playing view on the Lock Screen by adding animated, full-screen album art.

macOS 16 rumors: What to expect at WWDC25

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Image of the Apple logo with
The next major macOS release could pack bigger changes than anticipated.
Illustration: ChatGPT

WWDC25 is nearly here, with iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 possibly set to steal the spotlight. However, the latest rumors indicate you shouldn’t count macOS 16 out just yet, as it might bring more upgrades than expected. It might not even be called macOS 16, if Apple’s rumored switch to year-based release names happens. (We’ll refer to it as macOS 16 until the big switch happens.)

With June 9 fast approaching, here’s a breakdown of what macOS 16 could bring to the table.

Instagram app for iPad moves closer to launch

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Instagram for iPad mockup
iPad may finally get a native Instagram app.
Illustration: ChatGPT

Meta finally released a native WhatsApp app for iPad last week, following years of user requests. Now, the company appears to be going “full steam ahead” with an Instagram app for Apple’s tablet.

The app may launch as early as this year, with internal testing already underway.

Hands-on video shows chunkier iPhone 17 Pro Max design

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iPhone 17 Pro Max rumors
Would you accept a thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max for better battery life?
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 17 Air should become Apple’s lightest and thinnest iPhone yet later this year. In contrast, the company will seemingly take the opposite direction with its Pro Max model, making it thicker and heavier.

A hands-on video of an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy unit reveals what could be its final, noticeably thicker design.

How Raycast transforms the way I work on my Mac [Awesome Apps]

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Raycast on Mac render
Raycast transforms how you get things done on a Mac.
Photo: Raycast/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Awesome Apps

Anyone who’s used a Mac for years understands the value of Spotlight search, as it can quickly help you search through your Mac, email, apps, and system settings. But if you want to take things to the next level, check out Raycast — a powerful Spotlight alternative that goes beyond simple search.

From setting reminders and tracking flights to running Terminal commands and finding files, Raycast is built for speed and efficiency. It really is a Swiss Army knife for your Mac. Here’s how I use it to supercharge my productivity on the Mac.

iOS 19 could finally fix the Android eSIM transfer headache

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iOS 19 and Android eSIM transfer
iOS 19 might address a big flaw with eSIM transfers.
Illustration: ChatGPT

Apple could make moving eSIMs from iPhone to Android easier with iOS 19. Evidence found in the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 suggests that Apple and Google are working closely to achieve this.

Currently, it’s not possible to directly move an eSIM from an iPhone to Android.