By news@appleinsider.com (Malcolm Owen) Updating the software on a just-bought iPhone could become a thing of the past, with a new system rolling out to Apple Stores in April that will update the software on devices still in the packaging.iPhone 15 Pro on a BoxWhen buying new products with computing capabilities, one of the first things to happen after opening the box and turning it on is to check for software updates. It now appears that Apple is preparing to introduce new hardware in its retail outlets to help prevent users from having to deal with the task.The system, initially leaked in October, is said in Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg on Sunday to be called “Presto.” Taking the form of a small metal cubby, the idea of the device is to be able to provide power to an iPhone and trigger an iOS software update, without removing any of the packaging surrounding the iPhone at all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Apple TV+ has now been with us for almost half a decade, and it appears to have been a success financially — but it’s certainly a hit for audiences.Apple TV+ being promoted in an Apple Store in 2019Unbelievably, it was back in 2019 when Oprah Winfrey revealed she was switching to the newly-announced Apple TV+. She also revealed why — “Apple is in a billion pockets, y’all,” she said.Apple TV+ is really only available on those of the billion who have subscribed, though, or are on a free trial. At times Apple has really pressed on that trial option, offering generous free months, or bundling it in with every tier of the Apple One bundle. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Using its new powers under the Digital Markets Act, the European Union has announced sweeping probes into US Big Tech, including multiple investigations of Apple.As of early March 2024, Apple has enabled the creation of third-party rivals to its own App Store, specifically and solely because it has been forced to under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). As part of that same DMA, the EU now has the authority and regulatory powers to investigate qualifying firms and, if it sees fit, apply steep fines for any perceived breaches of the law.Now the EU has formally announced the start of several such investigations, covering Apple, Meta, and Google’s parent company Alphabet, with some elements also pertaining to Amazon’s dealings with some of these firms. For Apple, the investigation covers:App Store steering rules Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Speaking at a Chinese conference on reducing carbon emissions, Tim Cook has revealed that Apple is already using AI to help with its moves to be carbon neutral and specifically around how it recovers and recycles materials.Tim Cook (Credit: Apple)Cook was in China for the opening of Apple Jing’an in Shanghai, and spent some time speaking with local developers, users and students. He’s also now been talking at China’s Carbon Neutrality and Global Climate Governance conference,As spotted by Bloomberg, he has also revealed that far from being behind the industry on the use and development of Artificial Intelligence, AI is already deeply embedded in the company for its own business benefit. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Charles Martin) Among a slew of new features reported to be coming to iOS 18 later this year, the home screen is said to be more customizable for users.Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple will make it easier for users to customize the home screen in iOS 18, but doesn’t go into any details on the rumored feature. Apple has previously said that it believes that iOS 18 will be its biggest update to the iPhone ever.The new version is widely expected to debut Apple’s efforts in upgraded machine learning, neural networks, and AI as fully integrated across the OS.Apple’s iOS 18 update is expected to bring new accessibility features. Prime amongst them is an expansion of the existing “Conversation Boost” feature in AirPods Pro into a more complete “hearing aid””hearing aid” type technology. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Charles Martin) Apple CEO Tim Cook, currently in China for talks with suppliers, told state media there that the Apple Vision Pro will come to mainland China later this year.Cook was responding to a question from reporters at the China Development Forum in Beijing. He added that the company will further invest in research and development opportunities there.Apple has previously said that the Apple Vision Pro is coming to other countries outside the US, but until now has provided no firm timetable. Further announcements could come as early as the WWDC event in June.Cook also helped launch Apple’s latest Jing’an Apple Store in Shanghai. It has been rumored that Apple is also in talks with firms such as Baidu for assistance with AI-related technologies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Amber Neely) On April 8, a thin band of North America, Canada, Mexico will be in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, and you probably don’t want to use your iPhone to capture it. Here’s how you can snag some pictures of the event without ruining your equipment.Image Credit: NASA/Bill IngallsAs the 2024 solar eclipse approaches, you may be interested in capturing this rare astronomical event through photography. The eclipse offers a unique opportunity to witness the moon briefly blocking the sun — and if you’re in the path of totality, it’s even more stunning.If you love astronomy, capturing a solar eclipse photo is the perfect way to remember such a rare event. All you’ll need is a few tools at your disposal and a little bit of practice. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Christine McKee) The cost of a lifetime Babbel language learning subscription just dropped to $139.97, reflecting a $460 discount off retail and ringing in within $10 of the lowest price on record.The steeper price cut on a lifetime of Babbel is courtesy of StackCommerce, with the language learning tool dipping to $139.97 for a limited time only.Buy for $139.97Babbel is a leading provider of educational software, helping users of all skill levels learn a new language or build on existing language skills. Continue Reading on AppleInsider
By news@appleinsider.com (Charles Martin) High altitude combined with bad weather caused a group of hikers to become stranded, but they were rescued within 24 hours thanks to SOS via Satellite for iPhone.A family of hikers had hiked from the Salmon River Trailhead of Mt. Hood on Tuesday, ultimately climbing eight miles to an elevation of 3,500 feet. Due to changing weather and dropping temperatures, they used the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature to summon help.According to a report from Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office a call for help came in at 7:30pm. Due to worsening conditions, the family was advised to shelter in place as rescuers tried to reach them.Ground crews using all-terrain vehicles were deployed, but couldn’t reach them due to the changing conditions until 6am the following morning. Rescuers found the group “cold, wet, and dyhydrated, but otherwise okay.” Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Christine McKee) Blowout savings are in effect for standalone Microsoft Office licenses, as well as Microsoft 365 12-month subscriptions. Save up to 90% on the software this weekend.If budget is front and center and you want the lowest price period on Office, the 2019 Home & Business for Mac suite of tools is available for $24.99. This software is no longer supported as per Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy, so security updates will not be available. However, you can use the apps on one Mac computer. Please note: Office 2019 does not include Microsoft Teams.Get Office 2019 for $25Prefer a standalone Office license that is still supported by Microsoft? Home & Business 2021 is on sale for $69.99. Enjoy using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote on a single Mac, without the need to maintain a subscription. This 72% discount off MSRP delivers excellent savings on the popular software. Continue Reading on AppleInsider
