Report: iOS 18 and macOS 15 to feature ‘Project Greymatter’ AI tools, AI image editing, and more
Macworld A new report from AppleInsider claims to have inside info about the upcoming AI capabilities of iOS 18 and macOS 15. It mostly jibes with previous reports and rumors, though there are some new specific claims worth mentioning. For example, there’s Project Greymatter, the code name for a host of AI capabilities said to be coming to iOS 18 and macOS 15. Greymatter focuses on using AI for “practical benefits” to users of Apple’s operating system. For example, it’s claimed you’ll be able to ask Siri to catch you up on recent notifications and get a summary of them. You’ll be able to auto-generate text replies to messages or emails, too. Siri is said to be the focal point of a lot of enchantments. Siri is expected to get much richer and more personal responses, through a “new smart response framework as well as Apple’s on-device LLM.” This means Siri will take into account people, companies, calendar events, locations, dates, and more–using all the data on your iPhone to know you better and craft responses that fit into your own actual life. The voice transcription and text summarization features coming to the Notes app will likely be available with Siri, as well. AppleInsider says that Apple has been testing “more natural” Siri voices and text-to-speech improvements, so it should sound less robotic and more emotive. If you have a bunch of Apple devices, you’ll appreciate the ability to use Siri to control media playback and volume across devices, though that feature is not expected until later this year. Photo editing is a core area in which Apple intends to use advanced AI. The “Retouch” tool is said to be replaced by a “Clean up” tool that can remove objects, as similar tools do in other popular photo editing applications. Apple is said to have an internal tool called “Generative Playground” that can use gen-AI to create and edit images, and which is integrated with Messages through an app extension. In Apple’s test environments, AppleInsider claims, it’s possible to generate an image using AI and send it off through iMessage. This is an internal tool but Apple could have a similar feature in the works for end users, though this may be referring to the generative emoji feature. AI image generation is a thorny area and Apple will probably not want to ship anything until it has gone through some strict safety checks. AppleInsider’s report corroborates previous reports about the Notes app; that it will feature voice recording, audio transcription, and support math equations with the ability to solve formulae and generate graphs. The visionOS 2 update for Apple Vision Pro will get a few AI enhancements, too, including better voice control and smart replies in Messages, Mail, and Siri. We’ll learn a lot more about Apple’s AI ambitions in just a few weeks when WWDC kicks off on June 10. iOS, MacOS

Read more »

Apple targets 9 million shipment for iPad Pro OLED screens
Apple is planning to produce a high number of iPad Pro with OLED in anticipation of the upcoming demand, as per research firm Omida. The report claims that the iPad Pro with OLED will make an impact on the OLED market, with Apple ordering 9 million shipment of the component. DigiTimes echoed the sentiment and […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

Read more »

AI masking tools added to Pixelmator Pro
The latest Pixelmator Pro 3.6 on the Macbook focuses on masking, a feature that lets users select objects to delete or edit- hastened by AI. The image editor PixelPro for the Mac acquires big updates multiple times per year, with the latest being a remodel of the tool of the app masking. The quick selection […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

Read more »

Save up to $520 on Sonos speakers, soundbars & subwoofers to use with Apple Music
Give Dad the gift of an upgraded home theater with these Sonos speaker deals that knock up to 25% off bookshelf speakers, soundbars, subwoofers — and even portable smart speakers for summer fun.Pair Sonos speakers with your Apple TV, iPhone or both to create a seamless audio solution when streaming content, listening to music by the pool and more.The early Father's Day sale at Sonos.com discounts popular models by up to 25% like the Roam SL ultra portable speaker, Beam (Gen 2) premium soundbar, and even home theater sets for an enhanced audio experience.Shop the sale Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Read more »

New patent reveals anti-stress feature for iPhone and iPad
Apple is exploring ways on how to get its physiognomy sensor technology from its Apple Vision Pro to render iPads and iPhones capable of detecting stress from a user. Apple is set to add a new health feature wherein your device can detect when you’re stressed. In the 1980’s the whenever the Mac would go […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

Read more »

Connect with 4 monitors using Satechi’s new Thunderbolt 4 dock
Macs are known for limitations on adding external displays. But the new Satechi Thunderbolt 4 DisplayLink dock gives you a great fix. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Apple’s AI strategy for iPhones could accelerate sales growth – IDC
Worldwide smartphone shipments are forecast to grow 4.0% year over year in 2024 to 1.21 billion units, according to IDC… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Apple Puts iPhone Durability Ahead of Easy Repairs, Exec Says
Apple prioritizes device durability over easier repairs, according to John Ternus, the company's head of hardware engineering, in a recent interview with YouTuber MKBHD. "It's objectively better for the customer to have that reliability," Ternus stated, adding that it is "ultimately better for the planet" due to significantly lower failure rates. Apple tests over 10,000 units of each product before release and incorporates real-world concerns into its testing suite. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Read more »

Apple’s Journal app could be blow away with an iOS 18 AI upgrade, as this new third-party app proves
Apple’s WWDC keynote is fast approaching, where the company will unveil all its AI features for iOS 18, macOS 15, and more. I’ve written previously about how Apple has the potential to make AI mass-market with iOS 18 in a way few other companies can. I expect Apple’s presentation to largely focus on AI features that are simple to use and serve existing needs in a more convenient way. There probably won’t be many jaw-dropping moments during the keynote, but rather a lot of nice-to-haves. However, after seeing what a new third-party autobiography app is doing with AI, I’m convinced Apple could have a blow away moment if it showed off an AI-supercharged Journal app. more…

Read more »

Modern lives are messing up menstrual cycles—earlier starts, more irregularity
Earlier and irregular periods are both linked to poor health outcomes.

Read more »

Tune in to the WWDC24 Apple Music soundtrack
The iPhone giant gets you in the mood for its huge annual software developer conference with a new WWDC24 Apple Music playlist. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

How to join Apple’s beta program and test the new software coming at WWDC
Macworld If you’ve ever wanted to take an early look at new versions of Apple’s operating systems before they launch, and maybe help shape them in the process, then Apple’s beta program is something you should consider. This initiative allows developers and public beta testers to gain access to the updates before they’re released, so they can help test for bugs and give any new features a thorough workout before they’re unleashed on the general public. Apple will reveal the details of the next round of operating system updates at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which kicks off with a keynote on June 10 at 10nam PT. Soon after the keynote closed the first developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15 will arrive and anyone who wants to install them will be able to test them out ahead of the public release in September. In this article, we explain how to get involved with testing the betas, but also point out some of the reasons why you may wish to give it a pass and wait for the final versions to arrive. What is the Apple Beta Software Program? As the name suggests, this is a chance for volunteers to download a beta version of the new operating system for their device and test it out. It’s completely free and you can sign up for beta versions of the following software: iOS iPadOS macOS tvOS watchOS HomePod Software (iOS) The idea is that you install the pre-release software and use it as you would your normal OS and send Apple comments through the built-in Feedback Assistant regarding crashes or other behavioral anomalies that you encounter when testing your apps, or when using the software as you would normally. Developer Beta: Meant for developers who need to get their apps working on the new operating system. The developer beta arrives immediately following the keynote and usually a day or two before subsequent public betas. You need to be a member of Apple’s developer program to install developer betas, but you don’t need to pay the annual $99 fee. Public Beta: Usually a few steps behind the developer beta, which essentially means that the public beta will be slightly more stable. There is usually a slightly longer wait until the first version of the public beta arrives, but once the programs are underway there are usually only a few days between the developer beta being released and the public version arrives. Try out the new Apple operating systems early by joining the beta. Try out the new Apple operating systems early by joining the beta.Apple Try out the new Apple operating systems early by joining the beta.Apple Apple When will the betas come out? The first developer betas will arrive just after the WWDC keynote on June 10, around noon PT. The first public betas are likely to arrive in late June or early July. Is Apple’s beta program free? It’s free to join both the developer and public beta programs. It used to be necessary for developers to sign up for the full Apple Developer Program, which costs $99/£79 a year, but as of 2023, you can get the developer beta with a free developer account. The free public beta testing program is open to anyone with a valid Apple ID (iCloud accounts qualify) who goes to the Apple Beta Software Program page and signs up. How can I get a free Apple developer account? On an iPhone download the Apple Developer app from the iOS App Store. Open the Apple Developer app on your iPhone and tap on Account. Select Sign In. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. Once you are signed in on the Developer app go to Settings > General > Software Update on an iPhone and you should see Beta Updates as an option. The same applies to iPadOS and macOS. Just go to the Software Update section and you will see the availble beta versions. Foundry Foundry Foundry How to get to the developer beta Once you have signed up for a developer account, you will be able to access the developer beta. Here’s how to find it on your device: iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > Software Update. Then turn on Beta Updates and select iOS Developer Beta. macOS: System Settings > General > Software Updates on macOS. Then turn on Beta Updates and select watchOS Developer Beta. watchOS: In the Watch app on your iPhone, select General > Software Update. Then turn on Beta Updates and select watchOS Developer Beta. How to get the public beta To sign up for public betas you’ll need to go to the Apple Beta Software Program site. Select Sign Up Sign in with your Apple ID Follow the prompts to register. Once you have registered, getting the beta on your device is easy: iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > Software Update. Then turn on Beta Updates and select iOS Developer Beta. macOS: System Settings > General > Software Updates on macOS. Then turn on Beta Updates and select watchOS Developer Beta. watchOS: In the Watch app on your iPhone, select General > Software Update. Then turn on Beta Updates and select watchOS Developer Beta. HomePod Software: Home app > Home Settings > Software Update. Then select HomePod Beta Updates and choose the HomePod mini or HomePod (2nd generation) you want to install the beta on. Apple Beta Software Program FAQ Is it safe to install the Apple beta? This is an important question especially now that Apple is making the developer beta more widely available. If you rely on your device for work, we recommend waiting until the full version is released in the fall, but otherwise, beta updates are a personal choice. There are a few reasons why becoming a beta tester for the next version of iOS or macOS might seem attractive. First and foremost, they let you try out new features before they’re released, and sometimes features that are never released. Occasionally, Apple will pull a feature that was beta-tested before the general release. Becoming a beta tester also gives you a chance to shape the development of the software. Your feedback, while not necessary, could be invaluable in stopping a bug or just generally improving the quality of the software on your Mac or iPhone. You will be providing a service to others in ensuring that all bugs are ironed out before the final release. However, beta software, by its very nature, is unstable and it’s worth noting that participating in Apple’s Beta Software Program could cause serious problems with your device. You should consider whether it’s right for you before downloading and installing the pre-release software, which is bound to have bugs and issues that could cause things to go spectacularly wrong. This won’t be helped by the fact that Apple does not offer official support for pre-release software. This means that we would heavily advise against putting it on a device upon which you’re reliant. Bugs in the code could see the device stop working at any moment or in rare cases it could actually “brick” your machine until the next beta update arrives. It’s best to install the beta on an older device if you have one. If you don’t have a spare Mac on hand you should consider installing the macOS beta on a separate volume or running it on an external drive. The threat of bugs and other stability issues is a good reason to think carefully about whether you want to take the risk of using the beta. If you do decide to install the beta software, make sure that you create a full backup beforehand. Check out our list of the best backup software for Mac for some great options. Do you get paid for being an Apple beta tester? No. This is strictly a voluntary pursuit. What does being an Apple beta tester mean? The purpose of the beta program is to provide Apple with feedback about the upcoming release. Expect there to be bugs and general issues—software offered through the beta program are not finished products, by installing it you are agreeing to become a tester and helping Apple to iron out these issues. When you encounter bugs or other issues, you can report them using the Feedback Assistant app. The app will let you provide information about what you were doing at the time of the crash so Apple can diagnose the issue. The main purpose of a beta tester is to locate bugs, but you can also provide feedback on interface oddities and other UI issues. Apple may change things if enough people have problems with the way something is designed—much like Safari in iOS 15. You can also provide feedback on third-party apps that aren’t working as they should. Can I leave the beta program? If, at any point, you decide that you’d like to end your participation in the beta software program, simply turn off beta updates on your device and the next available full release will install once it arrives. You can visit Apple’s Unenroll page or more information. We also have guides on how to remove a beta from your iPhone and your Mac for older devices. Apple Inc, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Mac, MacOS, Personal Software

Read more »

SmartGym gets multi-equipment lists, personalized weights, alt exercises, and more
SmartGym for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac is out with a major update today. The new release brings a top-requested feature – tracking multiple equipment lists as well as the ability to personalize weights, give alternative exercise suggestions, a new Summary Screen for Apple Watch, and more. more…

Read more »

Apple preps Apple TV+ app for Android
Apple is prepping a version of its Apple TV+ app for Android, a sign the firm is finally bringing its streaming service to iPhone knockoffs… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Read more »

Logitech updates Designed for Mac range with new keyboard and mice
Logitech has expanded its Designed for Mac' collection of peripherals, adding more keyboards and mice to the Apple-inspired range.Logitech's new Mac-specific peripherals collectionAlongside its expansive catalog of accessories for various computing devices, Logitech also has a Mac-specific range. The Designed for Mac collection has been around for a while, consisting of accessories that give off a Mac-like appearance while retaining Logitech's features.On Thursday, Logitech added a new lineup of Logi for Mac items to its collection. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Instagram enhances Notes feature by adding support for likes, mentions, and prompts
Today Instagram is rolling out a handful of enhancements to its Notes feature, including adding support for likes, mentions, and the ability to post prompts that others can respond to. more…

Read more »

M4 vs M3 and M2: What’s improved with the new Apple Silicon?
The new iPad Pro has debuted as Apple’s first device with the M4 chip, jumping up from the M2. How does the latest Apple Silicon improve over its predecessors? Here’s a detailed look at M4 vs M3 and M2 on CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and more. more…

Read more »

Apple 1TB M4 iPad Pro new low + Nano-Texture $365 off, Sonos AirPlay 2 speakers from $199, M3 MacBook Pro deals, more
Your Thursday edition of the best Apple (and Apple-adjacent gear) deals has arrived. Today we are headlining with the headliner M4 iPad Pros, including new all-time low pricing on the high-end 13-inch 1TB configuration as well as a sizable $365 price drop to secure the banger 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Cellular model at a major discount. From there, we move on to the entry-level M3 MacBook Pro that has now dropped back down to $1,400 at $199 off followed by rare price drops on Sonos AirPlay 2 speakers and home theater gear. Head below for a closer look in today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break. more…

Read more »

PDF Editor, PDF Book Reader works with iPhone/iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro
PDF Editor PDF Book Reader is a user-friendly, comprehensive PDF editor for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and iMessage. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »

Today in Apple history: Apple marks massive iPod touch milestone
On May 30, 2013, Apple marked the sale of the 100 millionth iPod touch by launching a new, stripped-down model with a budget price of $229. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Read more »