AllYouCanTech

Live Activities Arriving on iPad and Mac: Their Operation Explained

**Live Activities: Elevating User Engagement Across Apple Devices**

Apple’s latest software innovation in recent times is Live Activities, a feature on the iPhone that has continually improved. With the launch of macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, Live Activities are now making their entry into the Mac and iPad, each offering a distinct implementation that leverages the strengths of their respective platforms.

### Live Activities Continue to Evolve on Apple’s Platforms

Live Activities were introduced on the iPhone alongside the always-on display feature in the iPhone 14 Pro. This capability offers a practical way to receive live notifications from various applications, enabling users to keep an eye on:

– The ongoing timer
– Food delivery status
– Current sports scores
– And additional updates

Since their debut, Apple has progressively enhanced Live Activities, even incorporating them into the Apple Watch with the Smart Stack. Now, with the arrival of iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Live Activities are reaching new devices, each with a unique approach.

### iPadOS 26 Implements Live Activities for Background Tasks

In iPadOS 26, Live Activities are woven into the new Background Tasks functionality. This advancement addresses an enduring limitation of the iPad, where applications have encountered restrictions in executing processes in the background. In contrast to the Mac, which permits substantial background operations, iPadOS has traditionally restricted background activity to conserve power.

With iPadOS 26, applications can now perform intensive operations—such as lengthy file exports—entirely in the background. Throughout these processes, iPadOS will use a Live Activity to show the progress, allowing users to keep track of background task status in real-time.

### macOS Tahoe’s Live Activities Utilize iPhone Mirroring

In macOS Tahoe, Apple enhances the iPhone Mirroring feature that was introduced in macOS Sequoia, enabling users to control their paired iPhone directly from their Mac. With this update, Live Activities running on the iPhone will seamlessly appear in the Mac’s menu bar.

This integration allows users to view important updates from their iPhone right on their Mac, reducing the need for frequent phone checks. If interaction with a Live Activity is necessary, users can simply click it in the menu bar, which will launch the iPhone Mirroring app and guide them to the app running the Live Activity.

This method significantly contrasts with the iPad’s implementation, highlighting the versatility of Live Activities throughout Apple’s ecosystem.

### Conclusion

The rollout of Live Activities to the iPad and Mac represents a notable enhancement in user-device interaction. By capitalizing on the unique features of each platform, Apple continues to refine the user experience, making it simpler to remain informed and engaged with real-time updates. As these features advance, users can anticipate even more fluid integration and functionality across their Apple devices.

Fresh Snooze Choices for iPhone Alarms in iOS 26

### Alarms Can Feature Custom Snooze Durations in iOS 26

Every day, millions awaken to their iPhone’s alarm, depending on the standard 9-minute snooze duration. However, with the forthcoming iOS 26, Apple is rolling out a long-anticipated feature: the option to establish custom snooze durations for alarms.

For the majority of iPhone users, Apple’s built-in Clock app is the primary choice for setting daily alarms. Even though it’s widely used, it has been unable to provide the flexibility of custom snooze durations for years, confining users to snoozing alarms in 9-minute blocks. Many have adjusted to this constraint, frequently setting several alarms to fit their snooze preferences.

In iOS 26, users will at last have control over snooze durations. Each alarm can now feature its own custom snooze interval, varying from 1 minute to 15 minutes. While the default remains at 9 minutes, modifying it is simple. Users can customize the snooze duration according to the significance of the alarm, permitting shorter or longer snooze periods as desired.

Although this update may appear small, it could greatly improve the user experience for those who have long sought greater flexibility in their morning routines. iOS 26 is currently in a developer beta phase and is expected to launch for all users this autumn.

As users gear up for this update, many may ponder how they will apply the new snooze duration features. Will you make use of this capability in iOS 26?

tvOS 26 Indicates Major Hardware Enhancements for Future Apple TV 4K

**New Apple TV 4K Hardware Anticipated This Autumn**

Excitement is mounting for the upcoming generation of Apple TV 4K, as Apple is said to be preparing to unveil a new model this autumn. The previous update to the Apple TV 4K occurred in 2022, heightening anticipation for this imminent release among tech aficionados and Apple supporters alike.

**Speculated Features of the New Apple TV 4K**

The forthcoming Apple TV 4K is anticipated to feature a variety of thrilling capabilities, such as:

– A more robust A18 or A17 Pro chip
– Integration with Apple Intelligence
– Apple’s inaugural in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modem
– An optional built-in camera

The prospect of a built-in camera is particularly captivating, as it may facilitate new functionalities like FaceTime videoconferencing and gesture-based navigation. This feature would work harmoniously with other Apple gadgets, including the iPhone and Vision Pro.

**tvOS 26 Suggests New Hardware Features**

In tandem with the much-awaited hardware upgrade, Apple has introduced tvOS 26, which presents an array of new features indicating that the new Apple TV 4K may indeed include a built-in camera. The update delivers a fresh design with Liquid Glass, an overhauled TV app, and improvements to FaceTime.

Significantly, tvOS 26 will refine the FaceTime experience on Apple TV, rendering it more tailored and in sync with iOS. Highlights include:

– Contact Posters displaying a contact’s image and name during FaceTime calls
– Broadened Live Captions in various languages
– On-screen alerts for FaceTime audio and phone calls

These enhancements suggest that Apple is gearing up for a more cohesive FaceTime experience on Apple TV, which would be greatly augmented by a built-in camera.

**Conclusion**

The forthcoming Apple TV 4K is poised to be a notable enhancement, particularly with the possible incorporation of a built-in camera. As Apple steadily enhances its software and hardware capabilities, the integration of FaceTime directly into the Apple TV experience could transform it into a more widely adopted feature. With the launch anticipated this autumn, consumers are keen to discover how these innovations will enrich their home entertainment experience.

Apple Unveils Fresh Spam Features in iOS 26 to Tackle Scammers

### New Spam Protection Tools in iOS 26: A Transformative Development for Users

Earlier this week, at its annual WWDC keynote, Apple revealed a variety of new features for iOS 26, showcasing notable improvements in spam protection tools. Although the announcement did not feature new security or privacy functionalities, the advancements designed to tackle spam calls and messages are set to enhance the user experience for those dealing with unsolicited communications.

#### Call Screening: An Innovative Method for Unknown Calls

One of the prominent features launched in iOS 26 is Call Screening, which boosts the capabilities of the Phone app. When users receive a call from an unfamiliar number, the iPhone will answer it silently in the background. The caller is then prompted by an automated voice to provide their name and the reason behind their call. This information is transcribed in real-time and shown on the Lock Screen, enabling users to choose whether to ignore the call, pick it up, or send a typed reply that is conveyed aloud to the caller.

Moreover, iOS 26 brings the capability to report voicemails as spam, a feature that was missing before. Users can now flag unwanted voicemails, which Apple may utilize to enhance its spam detection algorithms, akin to the “Report Junk” function in Messages.

While the current Call Screening feature demands user action to verify the authenticity of a call, forthcoming updates may integrate AI to automate this task, making it even more proficient in filtering out spam.

#### Improved Messaging Experience

Apple has also redesigned the Messages app in iOS 26, implementing a categorization system that sorts incoming text messages into separate folders: Messages, Unknown Senders, Spam, and Recently Deleted. This new format resembles an email inbox, promoting more efficient message filtering.

Texts from recognized contacts will appear on the main Messages page, while communications from unknown senders will be moved to a distinct folder. This adjustment is particularly advantageous for users who frequently receive scam texts, as it helps maintain their primary messaging interface uncluttered.

The addition of the Spam folder intends to further address unwelcome messages. Although the spam detection algorithms might still need improvement, the potential of this feature to shield users from scams is considerable. In 2024, U.S. consumers reportedly lost $470 million to scams initiated through text messages, underlining the pressing need for effective spam protection.

#### Conclusion

The new spam protection tools in iOS 26, such as Call Screening and the revamped Messages app, signify a proactive effort by Apple to tackle the escalating problem of unwanted communications. While these features may not equate to a major revamp of security and privacy protocols, they are a much-appreciated enhancement for users aiming to reduce distractions and safeguard themselves from scams. As Apple continues to improve these tools, the prospect for enhanced spam detection and user experience looks promising.

WWDC25 Wraps Up Today: Did It Meet Anticipations?

**WWDC25: A Summary of Apple’s Recent Innovations**

Today signifies the end of WWDC25, Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developers Conference, where the technology leader revealed a range of updates and new functionalities. As the keynote speeches and sessions conclude, the community is left to contemplate the announcements and their significance for the future of Apple products and services.

### The Most Challenging WWDC in Recent History

This year’s WWDC received a blend of excitement and doubt. Many participants and viewers approached the conference with worries arising from Apple’s recent difficulties, particularly related to its AI efforts and the ongoing strains with the developer community. The possibility of a major cross-platform UI overhaul and a brand name update contributed to the enthusiasm, but the real question was whether Apple would confront its recent errors and the increasing dissatisfaction among developers.

Some analysts feared that Apple might keep its typical quietness on controversial topics, while others aspired to a more reconciliatory stance, including possible adjustments to App Store regulations or recognition of developer grievances.

### Advantages and Disadvantages

Ultimately, Apple provided only a brief acknowledgment of its issues with Siri, yet it lacked a thorough response to the wider challenges at play. The familiar storyline of Apple’s affection for developers was noticeably missing, with many feeling it was supplanted by a more defensive narrative regarding its contributions to the developer ecosystem.

Regardless of these inadequacies, WWDC25 presented some encouraging developments. The debut of Liquid Glass technology holds potential for future uses, and the iPad finally addressed several long-awaited user demands, representing a major advance in its progression. Moreover, the revelation of the Foundation Models framework could become a crucial element in Apple’s strategy going forward.

The overall atmosphere of the conference remained positive, marked by Apple’s signature humor and a strong emphasis on its technical plans, leaving many to consider the ramifications of these announcements.

As the aftermath of WWDC25 settles, the community is keen to express their opinions. Were the new features and updates sufficient to thrill users, or did the conference’s tone leave something wanting? The dialogue continues as Apple fans and developers alike reflect on what this year’s conference signifies for the future of the Apple ecosystem.