Month: September 2025

Apple Wallet Unveils Three New Capabilities for Boarding Passes in iOS 16

Utilizing digital boarding passes on the iPhone has become a widespread habit for many individuals. However, after several years without any updates to this feature, iOS 26 is set to enhance Apple Wallet’s boarding passes with a range of useful new functionalities.

## Apple Wallet presents new incentives for adopting a digital boarding pass in iOS 26

Among the applications receiving the most enhancements in iOS 26 is the Wallet app, which will soon include more Car Key vehicle brands, AI-driven order tracking, US Passport compatibility, comprehensive credit card information, and much more.

Another significant modification to Wallet pertains to travel.

A lot of users store their boarding passes for flights within Apple Wallet, and in iOS 26 those passes will introduce three new features:

1. Live Activities
2. Airport maps
3. Luggage tracking with Find My

Live Activities can be beneficial on travel days, but only specific airline applications are compatible—and features may differ between airlines. In iOS 26, Apple is integrating Live Activity support directly into the Wallet app for boarding passes. This ensures a uniform experience regardless of how advanced (or not) your airline’s app might be.

A great feature of these Live Activities is their shareability, allowing you to send one to a friend or family member who needs to monitor your flight.

Moreover, boarding passes will now display additional information when you view the pass itself. You’ll easily access airport maps, the location of your AirTag-enabled luggage, and the option to report lost bags.

All in all, these three enhancements are set to make your travel experience with iOS 26 more convenient than ever before.

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Launch Date Revealed for JENNIE Beats Solo 4; New Hues for Beats Solo and Studio Pro Surfaced

**JENNIE Special Edition Beats Solo 4 Launch Announcement**

Today, Apple disclosed the launch date for the Ruby Red Special-Edition JENNIE Beats Solo 4 headphones, crafted for enthusiasts of the K-pop icon. These exclusive headphones will be accessible starting this Friday, September 5, at select Apple retail locations.

### Launch Details

The Special-Edition JENNIE Beats Solo 4 signifies the second partnership between JENNIE and Beats. The headphones will be available at the following venues:

– Apple The Grove, Los Angeles
– Apple Fifth Avenue, New York City
– Apple Myeongdong, Seoul
– Apple Jing’an, Shanghai
– Apple Omotesando, Tokyo

As stated by the Beats by Dre account on X, the headphones boast a striking Ruby Red hue, two removable red bows, a coordinating carrying case, and the first decorated UltraPlush ear cushion, featuring one side embellished with symbols inspired by JENNIE.

### Pricing and Availability

The headphones will also be offered in the U.K., with a retail price of $199.99 in the U.S. Interested buyers can register for notifications regarding availability on the official Beats website.

### Product Description

Apple characterizes the new release as follows:

“Beats Solo 4 – JENNIE Special Edition headphones have officially arrived, in a Ruby Red as bright as her album. This fresh iteration of our classic ultralight on-ear headphone includes two attachable red bows to reflect her Ruby era, along with a coordinating carrying case. Moreover, for the first time, we’ve adorned one UltraPlush ear cushion with symbols inspired by JENNIE’s music and distinctive style.”

### Future Releases

Beyond the JENNIE Special Edition, Beats is allegedly gearing up to unveil new headphones and colors shortly. Information shared by Aaron Perris on X indicates that these new models may be revealed in conjunction with next week’s “Awe Dropping” event. Furthermore, the new Powerbeats Fit earbuds are anticipated to be launched in fall 2025.

### Conclusion

The JENNIE Special Edition Beats Solo 4 headphones represent a distinctive fusion of music and fashion, catering to both sound enthusiasts and admirers of the K-pop phenomenon. With their eye-catching design and personalized features, these headphones are poised to create a notable impression upon their launch.

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Steam Deck Enhancement Exceeds Nintendo Switch 2 in Display Resolution

Xbox is set to unveil its inaugural handheld gaming console this year, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. However, in certain respects, the handheld that kickstarted the trend has fallen behind.

When it comes to specifications, the original Steam Deck can hold its own against the top competitors. Nevertheless, the LCD display does not measure up as effectively, especially with the new Steam Deck OLED capturing attention. If you possess an original Steam Deck with an LCD display but prefer not to invest in an OLED variant, an affordable screen upgrade can provide you with superior resolution compared to both the original Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

What makes the DeckHD display superior?

Google Rejects Validity of Gmail Security Alerts, Recommends Password Update

Late last month, news emerged that Google had notified over 2 billion Gmail users. These reports suggested that Google was dispatching urgent alerts to users, urging them to examine their account security to prevent heightened data phishing attempts — a tactic used by hackers to deceive users into revealing their account details through malicious methods. However, Google has since clarified that no such notifications were sent and that Gmail users do not face immediate security threats, contradicting the earlier claims.

“We aim to reassure our users that Gmail’s defenses are robust and effective. A number of inaccurate assertions have recently emerged, incorrectly claiming that we issued a sweeping alert to all Gmail users regarding a significant Gmail security concern. This is fundamentally untrue,” the company stated in a post on its Workspace blog. Google further pointed out that while phishers relentlessly seek new methods to “penetrate inboxes,” its various Gmail defenses continue to block “over 99.9% of phishing and malware efforts from reaching users.”

Even with this in mind, it remains essential to adhere to safe online security measures. This entails regularly updating your password and ensuring it is a strong one that isn’t easily compromised.

Update your password regardless

Numerous companies, including Google, have begun advocating for more passwordless login alternatives such as passkeys. Nonetheless, passwords have not been completely eliminated. Thus, even if you employ another login method, you should always ensure your password is robust and difficult to crack. While changing your password every six months or so is an option, it is no longer as critical as it once was. Instead, focus on the strength of your password. Security professionals now assert that frequently changing your password is less crucial, and some even argue that excessive changes may be counterproductive.

While Google asserts that Gmail accounts are not under heightened risk at the moment, safeguarding your account should always be a priority. First, verify that your chosen password is strong. Next, ensure that you’re not using that password elsewhere, as reusing passwords across multiple accounts or services increases the risk of it being exposed or compromised.

That said, it is important to acknowledge that Gmail scams are indeed real. You should never trust phone calls purporting to be from Google, as these scams are becoming increasingly common as call spoofing technologies become more accessible due to AI advancements.

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The Conclusion of the iPhone’s ‘Dull’ Period is Scheduled for Next Week

Apple introduces its new flagship iPhones annually, featuring a range of enhancements. However, following several years of fairly stagnant design innovation, the iPhone 17’s launch is set to commence multiple years of thrilling new advancements that signify the end of the recent ‘tedious’ iPhone phase.

## iPhone design innovation has for too long been stagnant, but that phase is behind us

If you’ve been an Apple follower for some time, you probably recall the period when new iPhone reveals stirred much more hope and enthusiasm. Yet more recently, while there’s still significant excitement surrounding iPhone launches, there has also been a mounting skepticism and apathy from numerous consumers. One contributing factor appears to be the absence of significant hardware redesigns. The previous year’s iPhone 16 largely resembles the iPhone 15, which in turn resembled the iPhone 14, and so forth.

Apple’s infrequent design updates make sense for a product nearing two decades in existence. Nevertheless, as a result, it has become increasingly challenging to respond to the common inquiry I receive from friends and family: “What’s new with this year’s iPhone?” There are numerous new features introduced each year, but a revamped design consistently emerges as more impactful than the finer details such as updated display technology, an extra button, and similarly minor changes. Thankfully, however, rumors suggest that this recent ‘tedious’ iPhone period will conclude next week.

## iPhone 17 Air will herald years of fresh design innovation

During its event on September 9, Apple is anticipated to unveil four models of the iPhone 17. Many people will likely be drawn to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max due to their robust camera setups, extensive battery life, and additional enhancements. However, the iPhone 17 Air is certain to attract significant attention with its remarkably slim and entirely new design.

Reportedly, Apple’s new Air version will be merely 5.55mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone ever created. Initial impressions from dummy units have been exceedingly favorable. Unbox Therapy noted that the Air “feels futuristic” upon handling, asserting that no one would opt for another model after experiencing it. While there will certainly be valid reasons to overlook the Air—specifically, shorter battery life and a single rear camera—it’s the kind of thrilling new design that has been absent for years.

Reports suggest this is only the beginning for Apple. The following year is set to unveil the iPhone Fold, Apple’s inaugural foldable model. With growing consumer enthusiasm for foldables, the iPhone Fold could potentially be a considerable success among users. Then, in 2027, Apple is reportedly getting ready for a special ‘iPhone 20’ model featuring a distinctive all-glass structure. This new model will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone and represent a new advancement akin to what the iPhone X introduced in 2017.

Approaching two decades since the iPhone’s introduction, it seems we are on the brink of a new era of design innovations. Which upcoming iPhone model excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Faces Continued AI Talent Flight as Four Staff Members Depart for Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic

**Apple’s AI Talent Exodus: A Rising Concern for the Tech Giant**

Meta’s recent recruitment surge has brought to light a worrying trend for Apple, as the tech giant confronts a substantial brain drain within its artificial intelligence (AI) divisions. The exit of pivotal figures, including Jian Zhang, Apple’s Lead AI Researcher for Robotics, to Meta’s Robotics Studio, signifies a crucial juncture for Apple’s AI aspirations.

### A Diminishing Workforce

The phenomenon of talent departing from Apple is not an isolated incident. Reports suggest that Jian Zhang’s departure follows that of Frank Chu, who directed Apple AI teams focused on cloud infrastructure, training, and search. These exits are indicative of a broader trend, with Apple’s Foundation Models team experiencing the loss of around ten members, including its leader. This team played a vital role in the development of the Apple Intelligence platform, designed to strengthen Apple’s standing in the competitive AI arena.

### Significant Exits

Jian Zhang managed a small team focused on automation technology and AI applications in robotics. His departure is particularly alarming as it coincides with the exits of three additional Foundation Models engineers—John Peebles and Nan Du to OpenAI, and Zhao Meng to Anthropic. Such losses may impede Apple’s capacity to innovate and effectively compete within the AI industry.

### Tactical Adjustments

In response to these hurdles, Apple is reportedly reassessing its strategy for AI development. Internal conversations imply a possible shift towards utilizing external technologies rather than relying exclusively on developing in-house models. This transformation could represent a strategic realignment as Apple aims to elevate its AI capabilities, especially considering the stagnation of its AI-driven Siri project, which was introduced at WWDC24 but has yet to debut in the market.

### Prospective Paths

Apple is also investigating potential acquisitions, with firms like Mistral and Perplexity under consideration. Furthermore, collaborations with established AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are being explored, signaling an eagerness to partner to fill the void left by departing talent.

### Final Thoughts

As Apple traverses this challenging terrain, the loss of vital AI researchers prompts questions regarding its future in the AI sector. The company’s ability to draw in and retain top talent will be essential in determining its success in an ever-increasing competitive landscape. How Apple manages this talent exodus will be closely monitored by industry analysts and rivals alike.

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