Day: June 9, 2025

Key Features to Look Forward to from Today’s WWDC Keynote

Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote is just a few hours away, and if the speculations prove true, this year’s gathering is poised to be a transformative one, both in strategy and platform identity. Here’s a brief summary of the five key highlights to anticipate from today’s keynote.

## 1: UI redesign across all platforms

Apple’s comprehensive design overhaul is set to be arguably the central theme this year, starting with a new naming convention. Apple is anticipated to implement a standardized year-based naming approach, similar to what automakers use, and unveil iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

However, the redesign will extend further. Apple is likely to introduce a novel visual style for all its platforms, called Liquid Glass UI: buttons, tab bars, and other interface components are expected to feature new, reflective, glass-like materials and textures, reminiscent of the visual style that Apple presented with visionOS 1.0.

## 2: Enhanced iPad multitasking and window management

Seasoned iPad users have longed for more Mac-like windowing on iPadOS since before Stage Manager arrived, and this might finally be the year. While Apple is set to unveil an updated Stage Manager today, its new functionality may extend beyond mere tweaks and enhancements.

So today, anticipate floating windows, menu bars, and an entirely reconceived multitasking architecture. There’s also discussion of a greater emphasis on keyboards and trackpads, along with (at long last) a Preview app, which could also reach the iPhone.

## 3: Minor AI developments, yet developments nonetheless

Following numerous reports of miscalculations and internal conflicts, it’s no surprise that Apple might have limited offerings to showcase from its AI endeavors today. Therefore, don’t expect a substantial Siri revamp, nor a Gemini integration announcement, which is reportedly going to remain under wraps until the regulatory winds shift significantly.

Nevertheless, Apple does plan to reveal a few Apple Intelligence enhancements, including upgraded foundational models, on-device AI access for developers, and AI-enabled Shortcuts, which will enable users to create automations via natural language commands.

Apple is also expected to incorporate translation features into iMessage and FaceTime and launch a new battery optimization mode. Finally, the company may disclose its updated vision for Swift Assist, a feature it unveiled last year but has yet to make public. This time, rather than depending exclusively on its own AI, Swift Assist might permit third-party LLM integration, aligning Xcode with other LLM-empowered development environments.

## 4: Enhancements to iMessage

Translation capabilities reportedly won’t be the sole updates coming to iMessage this year. The app is set to receive a range of exciting improvements and new functionalities, such as polling and customizable background images that will synchronize across devices.

Regarding the polling feature, there could also be an AI aspect here, offering intelligent suggestions based on the conversation’s context.

## 5: Significant gaming initiative

One of the more unexpected trends this year? Apple appears to be reinvesting in gaming. Anticipate a new pre-installed Games app that consolidates Arcade, multiplayer options, and will function as a game-exclusive storefront, akin to the App Store.

On the visionOS front, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce Spatial Controller connectivity, including compatibility with PSVR2. It’s a significant step, even if it’s a bit delayed. At the very least, this WWDC may indicate that Apple is once again aiming for a larger role in the gaming landscape.

What are you most eager about? Did you spot anything absent from the list? Share your thoughts in the comments, and ensure to follow 9to5Mac’s comprehensive coverage before, during, and after the event.

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iOS 26 Update Showcases Groundbreaking iPhone 20 Design

Apple is preparing for its yearly developers’ conference, WWDC 2025, which is anticipated to be a pivotal occasion featuring substantial redesigns across its entire range of operating systems. This year, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will undergo a significant design revamp, bringing them closer together than ever. The cohesive user interfaces will enable smooth transitions among devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, providing a uniform and familiar user experience. The updated design will include translucent elements reminiscent of the glassy visionOS software utilized in the Vision Pro.

Beyond the aesthetic improvements, Apple is rebranding its operating systems, adopting the “26” label for all updates. This modification is intended to streamline the recognition of OS versions and their attributes. The redesign isn’t solely focused on looks; it also gears up Apple’s systems for future advancements, inclusive of a possible foldable iPhone and various devices like foldable iPads or Macs and smart AR glasses. The uniform UI will assist these devices in delivering a seamless user experience, enabling smooth transitions between diverse modes and features.

The iOS 26 redesign is also preparing for the upcoming non-foldable iPhone, currently referred to as iPhone 20, anticipated in 2027. The foldable “iPhone Fold” will necessitate smooth switching between iPhone and iPad modes, and the enhancements in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 are structured to guarantee that app experiences are consistent across all platforms.

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Pixel Owners Get Access to New Pixel VIPs Widget Ahead of Schedule

Monitor the immediate location and latest activities of your key contacts, all from your home screen.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Key information to note

  • The VIPs widget is appearing on select Pixel phones sooner than expected.
  • You can pin essential contacts with real-time notifications, recent discussions, and their map locations.
  • These contacts receive a decorative badge in your Favorites and prominent placement in Google Contacts.

Shortly after being discovered in a Google testing application, the Pixel VIPs widget is already reaching some Pixel devices.

Google is evidently accelerating the launch. The widget was initially thought to debut alongside the Google Pixel 10 series. Yet, the Pixel VIPs widget has begun to make surprise appearances.

9to5Google, several Pixel users were unexpectedly prompted with an app update Sunday night, indicating that Google is prepared to deploy it now.

Official Apple Merchandise Showcases Vintage Designs for WWDC 2025 Exclusive Edition Launch

### Apple Introduces Exclusive Merchandise for WWDC 2025

As excitement grows for the forthcoming iOS makeover, Apple is also honoring its legacy with a nostalgic touch in its newest exclusive merchandise. To celebrate WWDC 2025, the Apple Park store is presenting a range of clothing featuring the renowned rainbow Apple logo and the timeless Garamond typeface, stirring feelings of nostalgia among fans and collectors similarly.

#### A Tribute to the Past

The merchandise consists of t-shirts and hoodies embellished with Apple’s original rainbow emblem, a design that has become emblematic of the brand’s narrative. Offered in both black and white, these items accentuate the vivid hues of the logo, making them eye-catching. Furthermore, the incorporation of the Apple Garamond font lends an additional layer of appeal, attracting not just Apple aficionados but also those who value typography.

#### Exclusive Availability

The Apple Park store has a cherished history of providing distinctive Apple-branded attire and memorabilia, particularly during WWDC. This year’s limited-edition products are available solely at the Apple Park venue, rendering them essential for attendees and visitors. Considering the popularity of such items, it’s probable that resellers will soon emerge on platforms like eBay, eager to seize the opportunity.

#### Visual Appeal

CNET has gathered visuals highlighting this year’s collection, which showcase impressive designs that honor Apple’s legacy. The mix of contemporary apparel styles with vintage branding creates a distinctive blend that resonates with both loyal fans and new patrons.

#### Conclusion

For those wishing to commemorate WWDC 2025 with a piece of Apple heritage, the limited-edition merchandise at Apple Park offers an ideal chance. With its combination of nostalgia and modern fashion, these items are bound to be treasured by collectors and Apple enthusiasts alike.

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Samsung Browser Unveils Sneak Peek of Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7

Looks like Samsung got a bit ahead of itself—the Galaxy Store has just unveiled its browser ‘for Fold 7 and Flip 7.’

(Image credit: Samsung)

Key information to consider

  • Samsung has casually verified the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 by featuring a browser app named after them.
  • The “Samsung Internet Browser for Fold 7 and Flip 7” appeared on the Galaxy Store, leaving no ambiguity regarding the devices’ titles.
  • The browser is visible only on devices operating Android 16 with One UI 8 (under a different name), yet both editions are the same—simply a beta wearing a different label.

Following a surge of leaks and speculation regarding the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, Samsung inadvertently disclosed the precise names themselves—in the most surprising manner possible.

Observant individuals over at Galaxy Club noticed something clever in the Galaxy Store: a browser app plainly named “Samsung Internet Browser for Fold 7 and Flip 7.” It’s Samsung’s proprietary app designed to compete with the top mobile web browsers. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Fold 7 and Flip 7 eradicates any doubts about which devices it’s intended for.

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Pixels to Get New Feature Boosting Battery Life

The latest battery health functionality aids in enhancing the longevity of your Pixel’s battery.

Important details:
– Google’s latest battery health functionality intends to prolong Pixel phone battery life by altering voltage and charging according to usage patterns.
– This feature, revealed in a Pixel 9 APK analysis, will be located within battery health settings and may initially be optional for Pixel devices, excluding the Pixel 9a.
– The launch of the battery health functionality is expected alongside the Android 16 update this summer.

Google is set to unveil the highly anticipated battery health feature for Pixel devices. While the company introduced the feature alongside the Pixel 9a, with its rollout planned for later this year, new discoveries provide a glimpse into what users can anticipate.

APK teardown expert AssembleDebug (via TheSpAndroid) has successfully activated the feature on the Pixel 9 and has disseminated screenshots. It appears to be embedded within the Battery health settings, just below the Charging optimization option on the Pixel phone. It will likely be an optional feature that can be toggled on or off. However, it may not be optional when it becomes available for the Pixel 9a.

As suggested by its name, activating the feature assists in managing long-term battery health and efficiency. The feature description elaborates, “as your battery ages, you might observe slight variations in charging efficiency and battery capacity. Batteries are consumable parts that degrade over time and offer fewer hours between charges. Replacement is recommended for older batteries.”

Essentially, the new software feature will modulate the battery’s peak voltage in increments starting from 200 charge cycles up to 1000 charge cycles to aid in stabilizing “battery performance and aging.”

As the battery progresses in age, the feature will adjust the charging speed of the phone based on the modified battery capacity. However, the settings for the feature are not user-customizable, as noted by the search giant in an associated support page. In summary, the assistance feature ensures your Pixel phone operates as efficiently as possible with the battery until it’s time for a replacement.

According to AssembleDebug, the feature is not yet officially being rolled out but may soon become available on some Pixel phones with Android 16 this summer. The latest Settings Services app on the tested Pixel 9 appears to have incorporated the necessary parameters for the battery health assistant feature, suggesting that the rollout is imminent.

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Apple Might Bring Back a Product That Was Discontinued: Here’s the Procedure Involved

In 2020, Apple astonished many by making a comeback in the small smartphone realm with the iPhone 12 mini, a device that incorporated the same technology as the iPhone 12 into a sleek 5.4-inch design. Despite its groundbreaking initiative, the iPhone mini had a brief market presence, only lasting two years with the debut of the iPhone 13 mini before it was supplanted by the larger iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone mini targeted a specific segment of users who favored smaller phones, a preference that Apple had previously recognized with the inaugural iPhone SE in 2016. Nonetheless, the iPhone mini faced challenges in gaining popularity, mainly because of its pricing. At $699, many buyers chose the larger alternatives that provided superior battery longevity for just an additional $100. This sensitivity to pricing likely played a role in the differing levels of success between the iPhone mini and the original iPhone SE.

In early 2023, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a 6.1-inch gadget offered at $599, which ignited conversations about the possibility of a new iPhone mini within the ‘e’ series. A speculative iPhone 16e mini priced at $499 could attract consumers in search of a compact phone without the premium associated with larger models. The ongoing research and development for the mini design might ease the process of re-entering the market.

Moreover, reports indicate that Apple could implement a staggered launch schedule beginning in 2026, potentially providing better opportunities for a forthcoming iPhone 18e mini. This approach could boost awareness and interest in a smaller device, rendering it a more feasible choice for consumers.

While the chance of a new iPhone mini is still unclear, the appetite for compact smartphones remains strong. For those looking for smaller devices, refurbished iPhone 13 mini models are obtainable at reasonable prices, presenting an appealing option for consumers who prefer a more compact form.

In summary, Apple has the chance to once again cater to the small smartphone market, particularly as standard iPhones continue to expand in size. The possible return of the iPhone mini could serve a devoted customer base, making it a compelling addition to the iPhone family.

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Three Possible Benefits of Apple’s Alleged AI Smart Glasses Compared to Meta Ray-Bans

Apple is said to be unveiling its own AI smart glasses next year, based on a recent Bloomberg article. Although Apple is stepping into the arena after its rivals, there are several possible benefits the company might deliver with its new offering.

The forthcoming AI smart glasses are anticipated to include cameras, microphones, and speakers, akin to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. These glasses will connect with Siri, feature Visual Intelligence capabilities, facilitate phone calls, play music, translate conversations, and provide turn-by-turn navigation. Furthermore, Apple is working on custom silicon to boost the performance of these smart glasses.

Three main feature propositions could elevate Apple’s product beyond the current market options:

1. **In-Depth Integration with Siri**: Unlike Meta’s AI, which lacks personalized comprehension, Apple’s glasses could take advantage of a more sophisticated version of Siri that grasps user context. This would facilitate smooth interactions without the need to reach for an iPhone.

2. **Superior Camera Quality**: While size limitations persist, enhancing camera quality is crucial. Current models, like Meta’s Ray-Bans, have faced criticism for delivering soft and unrealistic image quality. Apple could significantly improve this feature.

3. **Enhanced Notification Management**: While Meta’s glasses provide restricted notification handling on Android, Apple could design a more cohesive experience. Synchronizing with the iPhone’s Focus mode would enable users to receive notifications solely from chosen apps, improving the functionality of the glasses.

With these attributes, Apple AI smart glasses could turn into an attractive offering, particularly for iPhone owners. The synergy with existing Apple devices may deliver considerable value, assuming the pricing is kept reasonable.

Meanwhile, Meta Ray-Bans can be found at a reduced price, making them an appealing choice for those interested in smart glasses.

What are your views on the possibilities of Apple AI smart glasses?

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Matthew McConaughey Takes the Lead as the Courageous School Bus Driver in Apple’s Latest Rescue Thriller

Apple Original Films is acquiring notable momentum as it approaches the latter part of 2025, showcasing a collection of feature films that merge star talent with compelling drama. Among the eagerly awaited premieres is “F1,” a fast-paced racing drama starring Brad Pitt, which has already received positive reviews from critics. Moreover, “Highest 2 Lowest,” a slick crime thriller from A24 featuring Denzel Washington, presents a contemporary reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low.” Another remarkable title set to release is “The Lost Bus,” a rescue thriller headlined by Matthew McConaughey, inspired by actual events.

Helmed by Paul Greengrass (“United 93,” “Captain Phillips”) and co-penned by Greengrass and Brad Ingelsby, the creator of “Mare of Easttown,” “The Lost Bus” stars McConaughey and America Ferrera as two unexpected heroes amid the turmoil of the 2018 “Camp Fire” in Butte County, California. McConaughey plays a school bus driver, while Ferrera embodies a committed teacher, as they endeavor to guide 22 children to safety during the most devastating wildfire in California’s history.

Apple has recently unveiled “The Lost Bus” with a powerful teaser trailer that nearly lets spectators sense the smoke in the atmosphere. The film takes cues from journalist Lizzie Johnson’s book “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” informed by her coverage for the San Francisco Chronicle during the onset of the fire. The swiftly spreading blaze rapidly engulfed communities, turned landmarks to ash, and compelled residents to seek refuge. Johnson’s work provides an intricate narrative of the day, emphasizing systemic shortcomings from outdated utility systems to insufficient emergency alerts and the escalating effects of climate-induced disasters.

With “The Lost Bus,” Apple converts this story into a captivating drama adorned with breathtaking visuals. The film, produced by Jason Blum and Jamie Lee Curtis, is set to be a significant streaming and theatrical release for fall 2025, with detailed release information to be revealed at a later time.

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