News - page 31

Apple’s global App Store ecosystem facilitated an impressive $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales throughout 2024, marking a milestone for the platform, the iPhone giant said Thursday.

“It’s incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses and reach Apple users around the world,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people’s lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations.”

The iPhone could soon take a big leap in wireless charging technology, with new MagSafe 50W charging pucks that support the upcoming Qi 2.2 standard. A well-known leaker found regulatory filings that reveal two new MagSafe charger models from Apple that could enable dramatically faster wireless charging speeds, at least for newer handsets.

WWDC25 is a mere days away. While the hottest news is that iOS, macOS, watchOS and other platforms will get a visual redesign borrowed from visionOS, the question left unasked is … what’s coming to visionOS?

Rumors say there will be new advanced eye tracking features and support for VR hand controllers. But with a full twelve months of development, Apple probably has much more in store for its premium spatial computer.

Here’s what Apple may announce on Monday for the Vision Pro.

A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday shot down Apple’s request to put a hold on a recent judge’s order that opens the App Store to more financial competition.

Apple already made the changes after being ordered to by the federal judge in April, but asked that they be put on hold during the appeal process. A federal appeals court denied the request.

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.

Apple’s much-anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence in China has been indefinitely delayed as the company’s AI partnership with Alibaba faces regulatory roadblocks tied to the intensifying trade war between the United States and China, according to a new report.

For creators who value portability and performance, the U11MINI 4K drone is a dream come true. Weighing less than 249 grams, it avoids Federal Aviation Administration registration hassles while delivering professional-grade image quality, intelligent flight features and one of the longest flight times in its class.

Whether you’re filming epic landscapes or just exploring the skies, this compact drone punches way above its weight.

There’s less than a week to go until WWDC, the annual developer fest where Apple takes the wraps off its latest OS releases. While the rumor mill has mostly focused on iPhone this year, there’s plenty for Apple Watch fans to look forward to.

Rumor has it that the next big watch update — possibly dubbed “watchOS 26,” in line with Apple’s rumored naming convention shakeup — will get a fresh new user interface, Apple Intelligence, conversation transcriptions and a smart AI coach that delivers tailored health and fitness advice.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what’s in store for Apple Watch.

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.

Apple’s A20 chip, which likely will power the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone, reportedly will use a new technology that integrates RAM inside the chip. Bringing the memory closer to the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine might provide significant boosts in performance, battery life and thermal efficiency.

The A20 also would be Apple’s first chip produced using the cutting-edge 2 nanometer process. Rumors that the die shrink would arrive this year now seem to be totally dead.

Apple revealed the winners of its prestigious 2025 Apple Design Awards Tuesday, celebrating 12 exceptional apps and games that showcase the very best of what’s possible on Apple devices. And the celebration of Apple Design Awards-winning apps and games will carry on at WWDC25, Apple said.

“Developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating apps and games that are not only beautifully designed but also deeply impactful,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible group of winners and finalists at WWDC and spotlight the innovation and craftsmanship they bring to each experience.”

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.

Apple quietly expanded its refurbished product lineup in the United States this week, adding 11-inch and 13-inch M2 iPad Air models to its Certified Refurbished store for the first time. Now you can take your pick of Apple refurbished iPad Air 2 models at discounts of around 15% off.

Apple previously made these refurbished iPad Air models available in the United Kingdom. But this marks the first opportunity for U.S. customers to purchase these previous-generation iPad Air models at a significant discount directly from Apple.

Apple TV+ steps up as a front-running candidate to acquire Major League Baseball’s Sunday night games and other premium content currently held by ESPN, according to a new report. This means Apple TV+ might acquire Sunday Night Baseball streaming rights.

That potentially expands the streaming service’s baseball offerings significantly beyond its existing Friday night package, even as it pushes for more sports content across the board.

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will probably receive significant display upgrades, but recent leaks suggest the improvements may not be as comprehensive as initially hoped. While multiple sources have indicated the non-Pro models will finally get high refresh rate screens, a conflicting report now questions whether these will include Apple’s full ProMotion technology.

In other words, base iPhone 17 and super-thin iPhone 17 Air may lack what makes ProMotion what it is.

Apple doesn’t have as many Apple Intelligence features to announce at WWDC25 as it did during last year’s developer conference. However, a handful of new AI features should arrive, including Apple Intelligence-generated Shortcuts automations, an Apple Intelligence API for developers, and AI-powered health tips. Apple’s foundation language model itself will also be improved, with versions in four different sizes currently in testing.

Here’s what to expect on Apple Intelligence next Monday during the WWDC25 keynote.

WWDC25, this year’s edition of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, will take place June 9 to 13, offering Apple enthusiasts and developers a comprehensive look at upcoming software innovations in the latest iOS, macOS and other platforms, the company said recently. The WWDC25 schedule, updated this week with the new moniker “Sleek Peek,” offers developers and users alike plenty of excitement.

The mostly online annual tech showcase promises groundbreaking updates across Apple’s ecosystem while also welcoming over 1,000 developers and students to a special in-person celebration at Apple Park.

Updates: Apple Developer’s WWDC25 web page added the name “Sleek Peek” for developer conference proceedings. Lots of new user interface design elements to take a look at, for one thing, as suggested in our looks ahead to what we expect will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. Updates are also expected for tvOS 26, watchOS 26 and visionOS 26. Apple also set up the YouTube livestream page, so you can sign up for alerts, like when the Keynote starts.

Classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein has performed on stages around the globe, from solo recitals to collaborations with prestigious orchestras. Famed composer Philip Glass even wrote a concerto specifically for her to perform. But stage fright nearly ended it all — until iPad saved her career, according to a new interview.

We’re used to iPhone saving lives and what-not, so it’s cool to see Apple’s tablet get some credit.

Apple officially filed an appeal against the European Union’s Digital Markets Act interoperability requirements Friday. That’s no big surprise, and neither is the reason why. Apple argues the regulations pose significant privacy and security risks to iPhone users, while also stifling innovation.

Apple submitted its challenge to the EU’s General Court in Luxembourg, targeting the commission’s March decision that requires Apple to make iOS more compatible with rival products, including smartwatches, headphones and VR headsets.

Apple reportedly chose “Tahoe” as the name for the upcoming macOS version, according to a new report. This marks the third significant redesign of the Mac operating system since the company began using California-themed naming conventions in 2013.

The name macOS Tahoe, inspired by the iconic Lake Tahoe resort area, signals Apple’s commitment to delivering another major visual overhaul to its desktop platform.

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.

Is your Mac’s performance getting a little sluggish? If your machine takes more time to do things than it used to — and that darned spinning beach ball keeps showing up — it’s time for some digital spring cleaning. What’s an effective, intuitive and affordable tool for the job? BuhoCleaner, a Mac maintenance app from Dr.Buho.

BuhoCleaner is available in both free and paid versions. With coupon code CTM25BC05 you can get up to a 70% exclusive discount.

I tested it on my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and noticed a significant performance boost after just a few simple scans. The machine became noticeably more responsive when opening apps and files.

The Apple TV+ adventure movie Fountain of Youth shot to the top of the charts the first week it hit streaming, according to two companies that track ratings. The flick stars John Krasinski and Natalie Portman in a dangerous hunt for the legendary spring with the power to restore the lost youth of anyone who drinks from it.

Plus, the sci-fi comedy Murderbot, the crime drama Your Friends and Neighbors, and the comedy The Studio all continue to pull in large audiences. Apple TV+ subscribers have plenty of popular content to enjoy this week.

Danny Boyle will soon bring the infected back to the big screen in ways that would make any iPhone cinematographer jealous. The acclaimed director behind the original 28 Days Later returns for the long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later. And he uses cutting-edge iPhone technology alongside traditional filmmaking techniques to create what he calls a “poor man’s bullet time” effect (a la The Matrix movies), according to a new report.

Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed series Severance will expand beyond its upcoming third season, possibly including two spinoffs and merchandise, according to recent revelations from director Ben Stiller and star Adam Scott in a new interview. That news alongside Severance season 3 progress should delight fans of the dystopian workplace drama as much as any “overtime contingency” could.