AllYouCanTech

### New AirPods Pro 3 Firmware Now Available

Apple has introduced an updated firmware for AirPods Pro 3 users, coinciding with the forthcoming iOS 26.3 update. The new firmware, marked by build number **8B34**, supersedes the earlier version 8B30 that was released just before the holiday season.

Firmware updates for AirPods are crucial as they often bring bug fixes, enhancements in performance, and sometimes add new features. However, Apple has yet to share comprehensive release notes for the new firmware on its official AirPods firmware page, which generally indicates “Bug fixes and other improvements.”

#### Steps to Install the Newest Firmware

In contrast to iOS updates, AirPods firmware updates cannot be installed manually. The update process happens automatically under certain conditions. To make sure your AirPods Pro 3 obtain the newest firmware, follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is switched on.
2. Connect your AirPods to your device via Bluetooth.
3. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Plug in your charging case to a power outlet.
5. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Keep the lid shut and ensure the AirPods stay within Bluetooth range of your device.
6. Wait for a minimum of 30 minutes for the firmware update to complete.
7. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
8. Verify the firmware version to confirm the update.

#### Final Thoughts

Keep an eye out for any new features or modifications that might be unveiled in the latest firmware. Have you upgraded to the new 8B34 firmware for your AirPods Pro 3? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Receive an Apple Watch at No Cost as a Fitness Incentive

For several years, John Hancock has been offering members of its Vitality Plus life insurance program the chance to obtain an Apple Watch by participating in regular physical activities. The program has recently broadened its offerings to feature the newest models, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This initiative aims to promote healthier living while granting members valuable fitness devices.

### Operational Mechanism of the Program

Through the Vitality program, John Hancock enables life insurance clients to accumulate points through routine exercise. These points can be used to offset the monthly fees for a new Apple Watch. Initially, members are required to pay $25 plus tax for their Apple Watch, with the outstanding amount split into 24 monthly payments. The more active a member becomes, the lesser their monthly fees.

#### Getting Started

1. **Sign Up for a Vitality Member Account**: Complete the Vitality Health Review (VHR) to evaluate your health condition.
2. **Purchase Your Apple Watch**: Select from the Apple Watch SE, Series 11, or Ultra 3 and make the upfront payment of $25 plus tax. Be aware that higher-tier models may need an additional initial payment.
3. **Monitor Your Workouts**: Utilize your Apple Watch to keep track of various workout types, including walking, running, biking, and swimming.

### Accumulating Points

Members can greatly diminish their monthly fees according to the points gained through their workouts. Below is a summary of the costs linked to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 depending on the points accrued in a month:

– **Zero Points**: $15.50 per month
– **240 Points**: $12.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $7.00 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

For the Apple Watch SE:

– **Zero Points**: $9.25 per month
– **240 Points**: $7.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $4.25 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

### Methods to Accumulate Points

Points can be gained through daily physical activities. A “Standard” workout yields 20 points, which entails:

– **Step Count**: 10,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 30 minutes

An “Advanced workout” provides 30 points and necessitates:

– **Step Count**: 15,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 45 minutes

### Final Note

The John Hancock Vitality program presents a distinctive opportunity for life insurance clients to acquire an Apple Watch while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. By monitoring workouts and accumulating points, members can significantly lower their monthly expenses for the device. For further details and to register, visit the [John Hancock Vitality website](https://www.johnhancock.com/life-insurance/vitality/apple-watch.html). This program is exclusively available to Vitality Plus life insurance members.

Apple has unveiled the second beta iteration of iOS 26.3 for public beta testers, representing a major update following the initial beta release nearly a month ago. This latest version arrives after a holiday hiatus during which Apple suspended public beta updates.

Among the most significant enhancements in iOS 26.3 beta 2 is the foundation for end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging within the Messages app. A user on social media brought attention to this development by discovering code references that indicate certain carriers will endorse this encryption feature. The presence of the code string ‘SupportsE2EE’ implies that Apple is gearing up to incorporate complete RCS end-to-end encryption, possibly aligning with the public rollout of iOS 26.3.

Apple has earlier pledged to back end-to-end encryption for RCS in future releases, and while it is still unclear if iOS 26.3 will be the version to provide this feature, the new code is a promising sign of its pending introduction.

In addition to RCS upgrades, iOS 26.3 beta 2 preserves several functionalities first introduced in the initial beta, such as a new option for transferring data from iPhone to Android, enhancements to the wallpaper gallery, a notification forwarding capability for users within the European Union, and various other improvements.

As beta testers delve into the new functionalities, feedback and discoveries from the community are welcomed, encouraging a cooperative atmosphere for improving the iOS experience.

Apple has restarted its beta update process following a holiday hiatus, launching public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and more. This recent batch of public betas comes on the heels of the recently released developer beta 2.

The 26.3 software series seems to be fairly minimal in terms of new features. The key enhancements are located in iOS 26.3, which brings a tool for migrating data from iPhone to Android, improvements to the wallpaper gallery, and new settings designed for EU users. Other updates within the 26.3 series haven’t disclosed any substantial changes aside from bug fixes and performance enhancements.

As the beta cycle progresses, there could be unexpected developments, but it is anticipated that the updates will arrive shortly, setting the stage for a more feature-rich 26.4 cycle. Users are invited to share any discoveries from beta 2 for iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, or any other updates in the comments.

**Verizon’s FCC Petition: Modifications to Phone Unlocking Policy**

Verizon has recently achieved success in its request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to alter the regulations regarding the unlocking of phones, leading to a less customer-friendly policy for its users. This adjustment is noteworthy, as it reshapes the environment for consumers intending to change carriers.

### FCC’s Ruling on Device Unlocking

The FCC has provided Verizon with a waiver permitting the company to lock phones to its network for longer durations. Formerly, Verizon was obligated to unlock devices 60 days post-activation. This latest decision indicates that Verizon will now only need to comply with the voluntary unlocking guidelines established by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). According to this policy, prepaid devices may be unlocked one year after activation, while postpaid devices are only eligible for unlocking after meeting contractual commitments, device financing arrangements, or early termination fees.

### Consequences for Consumers

This ruling complicates the process for consumers wishing to transition from Verizon to alternative carriers. The previous stipulation permitted automatic unlocking after 60 days, affording a clear pathway for customers wanting to migrate. Now, patrons must wait a complete year and initiate a request for unlocking, which adds complexity to the entire procedure.

### Context of Verizon’s Unlocking Regulations

Traditionally, Verizon has functioned under different unlocking regulations when compared to its rivals. While the majority of carriers adhere to the one-year unlocking stipulation, Verizon’s earlier guidelines were partly influenced by strategic decisions made during significant commercial undertakings. For example, when Verizon secured licenses for 700 MHz spectrum in 2008 and during its 2021 merger with TracFone, it committed to specific unlocking stipulations.

### Justification for the FCC’s Decision

The FCC defended its ruling by claiming that the earlier unlocking policy encouraged unlawful activities, such as phone theft, which could be leveraged for fraudulent purposes. Verizon supported this viewpoint, asserting that the former regulations unintentionally aided international criminal organizations at the detriment of legitimate customers.

### Summary

For Verizon users, this policy adjustment signifies a significant shift in the management of phone unlocking. The new requirement not only prolongs the waiting period for unlocking devices but also adds layers of difficulty to the process of changing carriers. As the telecom sector continues to transform, consumers will have to navigate these developments thoughtfully.