From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Granola AI Note-Taking App Launches on Apple Watch for On-Wrist Recording
Granola, an AI-powered note-taking application, has released a new app for the Apple Watch. This allows users to record meetings and take notes directly from their wrist, providing an alternative to using smartphones or laptops for in-person conversations and syncing notes across devices.
Meta pauses subscription plan for Conversation Focus feature on smart glasses after user feedback
Meta has paused its plan to charge a monthly subscription fee for the Conversation Focus feature on its smart glasses, which enhances audio clarity. This decision follows user backlash regarding the proposed fee and rate limits for a feature that operates locally on the device.
AppleCare+ Prices Rise for New Mac and iPad Buyers
Apple has increased the prices of AppleCare+ for new Mac and iPad buyers by $0.50 per month or $5 per year. This move aligns with recent price hikes across Apple's hardware offerings, attributed to rising component costs. Existing customers with AppleCare+ continue on their current plans without any price changes. The AppleCare One bundle, covering three devices, remains priced at $19.99 monthly, offering cost savings for users with multiple devices.
Apple Maps Ads to Bar Home Services, Limit Categories at Launch
Apple is introducing ads to its Maps app in the U.S. and Canada, imposing significant restrictions on certain categories like home services. This differs from Google, which allows more expansive local service ads. Apple aims to focus on local businesses with physical locations, enhancing the user experience by limiting certain ad categories.
Unicode Unveils Nine New Emojis for Enhanced Digital Expression
The Unicode Consortium announced nine new emoji designs, set to launch by spring 2024, including Cracking Face, Meteor, and Monarch Butterfly. These additions target clearer expressions and emotional nuance in digital communication.
Spotify Enhances Release Radar with Customizable Listening Filters
Spotify has introduced new customization options for its Release Radar playlist, allowing users to adjust recommendations by genre and artist. This update, now available on both mobile and desktop, includes improved session controls and a redesigned look. It aims to enhance personalized music discovery for the nearly 9 million weekly users of the playlist.
Robot Lawn Mowers Show Improved Navigation and User-Friendly Features
Recent robot lawn mower models demonstrate advancements in navigation and maneuverability, addressing previous issues with getting stuck. The TerraMow V1000 uses a camera-based TerraVision 2.0 system for automatic mapping, while other models show improvements in RTK and NetRTK navigation, making them more reliable for yard maintenance.
Overcast Creator Marco Arment Releases Unforgetful, a New Task Management App
Marco Arment, developer of the Overcast podcast app, launched Unforgetful, a new task management application for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The app integrates with Apple Reminders data to provide persistent notifications and flexible snoozing options, addressing limitations in the native Reminders app.
Vision Pro demonstrates significant surgical benefits in UC San Diego study
A UC San Diego study, co-authored by analyst Horace Dediu, found that using Apple Vision Pro in endoscopic surgery reduced operative times by 19% and eliminated complications. This demonstrates the device's value in specialized medical fields, despite its niche consumer market positioning.
Qualcomm CEO's statement suggests iPhone 18 Pro may largely drop Qualcomm modems
Qualcomm's CEO stated that revenue from Apple products is expected to decline significantly, indicating that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may predominantly feature Apple's C2 cellular modem instead of Qualcomm's. This shift would mark a major change in the long-standing supplier relationship between Apple and Qualcomm for iPhone cellular components.
Apple's Shift Towards Advertising Raises Privacy Concerns
Apple plans to introduce ads in Apple Maps, a departure from its previous privacy-focused stance. Critics argue that this move may undermine user trust and adversely impact the company's reputation on privacy issues.
Tony Fadell highlights critical issues in AI assistant choices
Tony Fadell argues that selecting AI assistants poses significant questions about their societal impact. He emphasizes the need for developers to consider the behavioral shifts caused by these technologies, drawing parallels with past innovations like the iPhone.
Apple TV announces August content, including new seasons of Ted Lasso and Dark Matter
Apple TV will release new seasons of several shows in August, including "Ted Lasso" (season 4), "Women in Blue" (season 2), "Stillwater" (season 5), and "Dark Matter" (season 2). A new sports docuseries, "The Dynasty: UConn Huskies," will also debut. This content update provides subscribers with new viewing options across comedy, drama, sci-fi, and sports genres.
Matic Robot Vacuum Adds Voice and Gesture Control with Matic Cues Update
The Matic robot vacuum has received a software update called Matic Cues, introducing voice and gesture control capabilities. Users can now direct the vacuum to clean specific areas by pointing or using voice commands in over 70 languages, without needing a smartphone app. This update, available from August 13, 2024, precedes a price increase for the Matic robot from $1,245 to $1,495 on September 9, 2024.
Apple TV+ Adds Classic Movies to Streaming Catalog
Apple TV+ has added approximately 20 classic movies to its streaming service, available to subscribers at no additional cost. Films such as "The Martian," "E.T.," and "Zodiac" are now streamable, a departure from the service's usual focus on original content. This expansion provides more content options for existing subscribers and is accessible in regions including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Apple Vision Pro to Stream Live MLB Friday Night Baseball in Immersive Video
Apple will stream four MLB Friday Night Baseball games in immersive video on Apple Vision Pro, starting August 28th with the Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees. These broadcasts will feature dedicated commentary and live graphics, expanding the Vision Pro's immersive content library which previously included NBA games and other experiences. This initiative aims to attract more users to the platform by offering unique sports viewing experiences.
T-Mobile Offers Bill Credits Up to $80 Following July 27 Outage
T-Mobile is providing bill credits ranging from $10 to $80 to customers affected by a seven-hour nationwide outage on July 27. The outage impacted nearly 500,000 users, preventing calls, texts, and cellular data, and customers must contact T-Mobile customer service to receive compensation.
Apple Arcade Adds Block Blast!+ and Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ on September 3
Apple Arcade is expanding its game catalog with the addition of two new puzzle games, Block Blast!+ and Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+, both launching on September 3. Block Blast!+, an ad-free version of the popular mobile game with over 725 million lifetime installs, and Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+, a 2025 App Store Award winner, will be available to subscribers.
LISEN Releases Qi2.2 MagSafe Battery with 25W Wireless Charging and Integrated Cable Lanyard
LISEN has introduced a new Qi2.2 MagSafe battery that supports up to 25 watts of wireless power, addressing common issues like slow charging and heat generation with an active thermal control system. The battery also features a unique lanyard system that stores the charging cable, providing a portable charging solution for Apple devices.
Apple Increases Trade-In Values for Most Devices, Adds New Android Models
Apple has updated its trade-in program, increasing values for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, with some increases reaching nearly 30%. The company also expanded its accepted Android devices to include additional Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and OnePlus models, while lowering values for some older Android phones.
Placing Overheating Phones in Refrigerators Causes Device Damage, Repair Shops Report
A social media trend advising users to cool overheating phones by placing them in refrigerators is leading to device damage, including condensation and thermal shock. Repair shops in Europe and the UK have observed an increase in phones damaged by this method, which contradicts manufacturer recommendations to cool devices naturally.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Coming to MasterCraft Pontoon Boats
MasterCraft Boat Holdings will integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into select pontoon boat models from its Crest and Balise brands, starting next month. This integration will be standard on new Balise models and Crest Conquest and Caribbean models from the 2027 model year, providing marine navigation and other smartphone features directly on the helm display.
TV Time Co-Founder Launches Bingers App to Replace Shut Down TV Tracking Service
Antonio Pinto, a co-founder of the defunct TV Time app, has launched Bingers, a new application for tracking TV shows and movies. Bingers aims to fill the void left by TV Time's closure, which occurred when its owner, Whip Media, shifted focus to AI efforts, and emphasizes community features, allowing former TV Time users to import their data.
Runna App Introduces "Adapt for Heat" Feature to Adjust Workouts Based on Local Weather
The running app Runna has launched a new "Adapt for Heat" feature that automatically modifies workout sessions by reducing running speeds to account for local heat and humidity. This update allows users to plan workouts knowing the system will adapt to environmental conditions, addressing a common reason for skipped or modified runs.
Support for Full School Day Cellphone Bans Reaches New High in US
A new Pew Research Center survey indicates that 48% of US adults now support banning cellphones for the entire school day in middle and high schools, marking the first time support for such bans outweighs opposition. This represents an increase from 36% two years ago. Additionally, 77% of US adults support banning cellphones in middle and high school classes.
Snapchat Introduces "Now Playing" Feature for Real-Time Music Sharing on Snap Map
Snapchat has launched a new feature called "Now Playing" within Snap Map, allowing users to share the music they are currently listening to from streaming services, starting with Spotify. This integration enables friends to see each other's real-time listening activity and interact with the music directly within the app, expanding music discovery on the platform.
Meta Tests StoryKit AI App for Creating Personalized Children's Stories in Mexico
Meta is testing a new AI-powered iPhone app named StoryKit that generates personalized children's stories. Available only in Mexico, the app allows users to customize characters, settings, and lessons, and outputs stories as picture books, audiobooks, and PDFs. This regional test reflects Meta's growing exploration into AI-driven storytelling applications.
Suno Integrates AI Song Generation into iPhone's iMessage App
Suno now allows iPhone users to generate AI-generated 30-second songs directly within iMessage using text or voice prompts. Both users involved in a conversation need the Suno app installed to generate and share these songs without leaving the chat. This integration provides a new way for Suno's large user base to interact via iMessage by incorporating musical elements into everyday communication.
WhatCable App for Mac Helps Identify USB-C Cable Capabilities
The free Mac app WhatCable enables Apple Silicon users to discover the performance of their USB-C cables, revealing data such as speed, power delivery, and video bandwidth. The app uses macOS data to assess cable capabilities, addressing confusion around USB-C cable specifications. WhatCable provides users a way to optimize their connections and identify faulty cables.
Luxshare Faces 5% Stock Drop on Hong Kong Debut After Record IPO
Luxshare Precision Industry's shares dropped over 5% after its Hong Kong IPO debut, priced at 63.28 HKD per share, raising around $3.1 billion. Investor concerns center on Luxshare's strong revenue dependency on Apple, despite efforts to diversify into automotive and consumer electronics. The listing marks the largest in Hong Kong this year, expanding its existing Shenzhen listing to attract more overseas investors.
Apple March 2026 Security Update Causes Enterprise Printing Glitches
Apple's March 2026 security updates have caused a bug affecting enterprise printing with PaperCut, prompting users to re-enter credentials for each job. This issue is exacerbating help desk requests, emphasizing the need for Apple to address operational stability. The enterprise market is significant for Apple, necessitating swift bug rectifications.
WhatsApp Beta for iOS Shows Customizable Emoji Reactions Feature
WhatsApp is testing a feature in its iOS beta that allows users to customize the default emoji reactions. This change would enable users to replace the standard six emoji reactions with their own choices, potentially enhancing personalization within the messaging app.
Apple Removes Controversial iPhone Billboard in Milan After Watchdog Criticism
Apple removed a billboard in Milan featuring a toddler holding an iPhone after Italy's children's rights watchdog, AGIA, criticized it for normalizing "electronic babysitting." The ad was part of Apple's "Relax, it's iPhone" campaign, which highlights device durability.
Apple TV adds classic movies and announces six new films for fall lineup
Apple TV has expanded its film library by adding numerous classic movies for subscribers and announced six new original films scheduled for release this fall. This move doubles Apple TV's existing film catalog and introduces a mix of mass-market and awards-focused content.
watchOS 27 Leak Reveals New Color Customization Options for Modular Watch Face
A leak from the iOS 27 beta 5 indicates that watchOS 27 will introduce nine new color customization options for the Apple Watch's Modular watch face. This update expands personalization choices for a popular watch face, offering users more aesthetic variety.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Adds Free Apple TV or Apple One Credit
Chase has added new benefits to its Sapphire Preferred credit card, offering cardholders a free year of Apple TV or a monthly credit towards Apple One. This change makes premium Apple services more accessible to users of the Sapphire Preferred card, which has a lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve card.
WhatsApp Beta for iOS Shows Animated Wallpapers and Chat Customization Options
The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS includes references to new chat customization options, such as animated wallpapers and categorized chat themes. This update indicates WhatsApp is expanding personalization features for its messaging platform, which could enhance user experience by offering more visual variety in chat interfaces.
Apple Designates iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro as Obsolete Products
Apple has moved the iPhone X and the 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro from its vintage to its obsolete products list. This change means Apple will no longer provide hardware service or parts for these devices, impacting users who rely on official support channels for repairs.
Apple Card in iOS 27 Introduces Recurring Transaction Tracking
Apple Card in iOS 27 now includes a recurring transaction tracking feature within the Wallet app. This allows users to view and manage their subscriptions and regular payments, including a monthly calendar of upcoming charges. The feature simplifies the process of monitoring recurring expenses, which is increasingly relevant in the digital economy.
iOS 27 Introduces Feature to Save Video Frames as Photos in Apple Photos App
Apple's iOS 27 update includes a new "Save Video Frame as Photo" feature within the Photos app. This allows users to extract high-resolution, properly cropped still images directly from videos, addressing previous limitations of using screenshots.