AllYouCanTech

New Capabilities and Enhancements in Apple Maps for iOS 16

# New Features in Apple Maps for iOS 26

The imminent major release for iPhone, iOS 26, brings a Liquid Glass makeover and enhances Apple Maps with additional features. Following substantial refinements last year, Apple Maps is poised to become even more intuitive and user-friendly. Here’s a glimpse at the new functionalities debuting with iOS 26.

## Smarter Daily Activity Monitoring

Apple Maps in iOS 26 takes advantage of the new Liquid Glass design, which refreshes the appearance of buttons and UI components. Nonetheless, the primary emphasis is on two groundbreaking features: **Preferred Routes** and **Visited Places**.

### Preferred Routes

This capability enables Apple Maps to learn from your daily patterns, such as your journey to work. By examining your travel habits, Maps can recommend your preferred paths and proactively alert you of possible delays. Users will also be able to access crucial information about their routes via the ‘Suggestions’ widget on the Home Screen, offering a swift overview of anticipated conditions.

### Visited Places

The **Visited Places** option automatically logs locations you frequent, including restaurants or shops, without necessitating any input from you. This record is kept within the app for future reference and can be viewed through the newly added ‘Visits’ menu in your Library.

## Privacy Considerations

While these functionalities improve convenience, they might trigger privacy issues. Apple reassures users that the preferred routes feature utilizes “on-device intelligence,” indicating that your commuting behaviors remain confidential on your iPhone. Likewise, the Visited Places feature is safeguarded by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that Apple cannot access this information, and it can be effortlessly removed.

## Availability

iOS 26 is presently in beta testing and is anticipated to be accessible to all users this fall.

What are your views regarding the new functionalities in Apple Maps for iOS 26?

iOS 26: Apple Refines Family Features with Upgraded Child Account Configuration and Age-Appropriate App Restrictions

Apple has revealed an extensive array of enhancements aimed at improving parental controls and online security for children and teenagers across its ecosystems. Slated for release with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 this autumn, these features reflect Apple’s dedication to fostering a more secure digital landscape.

### Simplified Setup and Enhanced Defaults for Child Accounts

Apple has simplified the process for setting up Child Accounts through Family Sharing. With the rollout of iOS 18.4 and subsequent versions, default safety configurations will be activated right away, enabling parents to complete account settings at their own pace. The enhanced system will also actively prompt parents to verify their child’s birthdate, ensuring the account is designated as a Child Account and unlocking a comprehensive array of parental controls.

### Share a Child’s Age Range with Apps, Privately

A key enhancement is the capability for parents to share their child’s age range with applications rather than their precise birthdate. This feature, made possible by the Declared Age Range API, permits developers to craft age-appropriate experiences while safeguarding the child’s privacy. Parents can dictate how this data is shared—whether consistently, upon request, or not at all—guaranteeing that children are unable to modify these settings without parental approval.

### Increased Protections for Teens

Previously, Apple’s more stringent content defaults were limited to children below 13. With the forthcoming updates, teens aged 13 to 17 will also receive protections like web content filtering and Communication Safety by default, even if a formal Child Account is not established. This expansion seeks to offer a safer online atmosphere for older youth.

### App Store Introduces More Detailed Age Ratings

The App Store will roll out more granular age ratings, classifying apps into five categories, including 13+, 16+, and 18+. These ratings will seamlessly integrate with Screen Time and Ask to Buy features, facilitating better alignment with teenage usage behaviors.

### Communication Approval for New Contacts

Parents will have increased oversight regarding their child’s communications. When a child tries to reach out to a new number, they will need parental consent directly through the Messages app. This approval mechanism will extend to third-party apps via Apple’s new PermissionKit framework, ensuring a uniform and privacy-respecting protocol.

### Additional Family Enhancements

Apple is also introducing several other updates:

– App Store product pages will display information on whether apps feature user-generated content, messaging, or advertising functionalities, along with any parental controls or age verification tools.
– Apps that exceed content restrictions will not be featured prominently in the App Store if their age ratings exceed established limits.
– Parents can permit downloads for apps with age ratings that surpass restrictions while retaining the capability to revoke access at any moment using Screen Time.
– Communication Safety will now also engage during FaceTime video calls when nudity is detected and will obscure nudity in Shared Albums within Photos.

### Ongoing Initiatives and Developer Resources

These new features are built upon Apple’s existing safety protocols, which encompass age ratings, content restrictions, and features like Ask to Buy and Find My. Developers will also gain access to frameworks that support parental oversight, personalized experiences for managing screen time, and tools for identifying and obscuring sensitive content.

All updates will be launched later this year, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to establishing a safer digital environment for families. For additional details, visit

Apple Music Improves Lock Screen Interaction with Latest iOS 26 Layout

# Fullscreen Artwork for Apple Music Introduces Vibrancy to iOS 26 Lock Screen

iOS 26 brings a noteworthy redesign termed ‘Liquid Glass’ for the iPhone, featuring a multitude of enhancements to the Lock Screen. A notable addition is the fullscreen artwork for Apple Music, which aims to enrich the user experience by rendering the Lock Screen visually lively.

## A New Era for Album Graphics

Apple Music has historically offered distinctive album artwork that transcends the typical square shape, with some pieces even showcasing subtle motion. While this expansive artwork has been limited to the Music app until now, iOS 26 alters that by incorporating it into the Lock Screen.

## Enriched Lock Screen Experience

With the latest iOS 26 update, when users play any media, the Lock Screen presents a revamped design that prominently features the artwork. The album art takes priority, displaying larger and more aesthetically pleasing than ever.

For Apple Music in particular, the fullscreen layout is especially captivating. The artwork not only occupies the entire screen but also moves in sync with the music being played, introducing a level of interactivity and vibrancy.

## Always-On Display Functionality

For iPhones with an always-on display, users can appreciate this fullscreen artwork even when the screen is dim. As the device awakens—whether by tapping or lifting it—the artwork animates gracefully, producing a fluid transition that enhances the overall listening experience.

## Conclusion

The launch of fullscreen artwork for Apple Music in iOS 26 is a minor yet significant feature that enhances how users interact with music on their devices. It converts the Lock Screen into a platform for artistic expression, making every listening experience more immersive.

What do you think about Apple Music’s new fullscreen Lock Screen artwork in iOS 26? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple Watch Series 10 Reduced by $100, Nomad 15W MagSafe Charging Stations Available from $54, and Apple Pencil Promotions

### Daily Apple Deals: Savings on iPads, iPhones, and Accessories

Current Apple promotions are presenting substantial discounts on a wide range of products, making it an amazing time for shoppers to invest in new devices or accessories. Prominent deals feature $100 off the iPad mini 7, discounts of up to $400 on the M4 iPad Pro, and comparable savings on the iPhone 16 Pro. Furthermore, there are offers on the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods Pro 2, along with price reductions on accessories such as the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Nomad charging stations.

#### Apple Watch Series 10: $100 Off

For anyone considering gifting the Apple Watch Series 10, now is the moment to take action. The newest models have a $100 price cut, reducing the starting price to $299. This offer applies to both the 42mm and 46mm models, which usually sell for $399 and $429, respectively. While premium options are also available, the standard aluminum models provide great value for the majority of users.

#### Apple Pencil (USB-C): Best Price of the Year

The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is now offered at $60, nearly 25% off its regular price of $79. This promotion, available through Woot, includes items in “brand-new, pristine condition” but may be shipped in non-retail packaging. The Apple Pencil is compatible with a vast array of iPad models, including the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air iterations.

#### Nomad Charging Stations: Significant Discounts

Nomad has significant markdowns on its 15W MagSafe charging stations. The Base One Max, which normally retails for $149, is now available for $89, while the Stand One model is priced at $54, down from $99. These charging stations are recognized for their superior build quality and performance, making them a solid investment for Apple device owners.

#### iPhone 16 Pro: $400 Off

Amazon is currently offering the unlocked black titanium 1TB iPhone 16 Pro at a major discount of $400, lowering the price to $1,099. This Renewed Premium model is in excellent shape and includes a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. With the imminent launch of the iPhone 17, this offer presents a fantastic chance to obtain a high-end device at a lower price.

### Conclusion

With these ongoing promotions across various Apple products, consumers have a unique chance to save on premium devices and accessories. Whether you’re aiming to upgrade your gadgets or find the ideal gift, now is the perfect time to seize these discounts.