Author: sparta

Apple’s Fitness application on the iPhone began as an accessory to the Activity rings of the Apple Watch. However, with the introduction of iOS 26, Fitness has diversified in multiple ways, even for individuals who do not possess an Apple Watch. Here are three recent updates that can assist in achieving your new year’s objectives.

## #1: Apple Fitness+ workout plans, global expansion

Apple Fitness+ is a valuable asset within the Apple One service package. Apple features a team of exceptional trainers who release high-quality video workouts weekly for users of all experience levels. Whether you are new to exercising or an experienced participant, the blend of engaging coaches, straightforward instructions, motivating music, various difficulty levels, and heart rate monitoring makes Fitness+ a fantastic option overall.

In iOS 26, Fitness+ introduced a Custom Plans feature and broadened its availability to numerous new languages. Fitness+ automatically generates prebuilt Custom Plans tailored to your preferred activities. Utilize Get Started to establish a routine, then maintain it with the Stay Consistent or Push Further plan — or create your own. Plans can be especially useful when attempting to establish a new habit, as many are looking to do at the start of the year. Additionally, the new language support allows more users worldwide to experience Fitness+.

Apple Fitness+ is accessible for $9.99/month or included as part of the Apple One package.

## #2: Manual workout logging

iOS 26.1 introduced a function to the Fitness app that might have preserved my Activity ring streaks in earlier years: manual workout logging. Previously, workouts could only be recorded in the Fitness app after first being initiated on the Apple Watch. However, not every iPhone user possesses an Apple Watch, and those who do—like myself—sometimes overlook logging workouts on their Watch.

Regardless of whether you have an Apple Watch, the new capability for manual workout logging in Fitness is a welcome enhancement. Access the dedicated Workout tab in the Fitness app, and you can select the pencil icon in the top-right corner to log a new workout. Choose your workout type, then enter details such as duration, effort, active calories, and more. The data you provide will affect your Activity rings.

## #3: Live Activities for workouts

Fitness now incorporates Live Activities, allowing you to view details about duration, type, and options to pause or stop a workout directly from the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island while you run your workout. Live Activities for Fitness were launched alongside the AirPods Pro 3, which added heart rate sensing. Apple introduced them as part of its shift away from workouts being solely focused on the Apple Watch.

Whether you are working out with AirPods Pro 3 or not, you can still take advantage of Live Activities to monitor your progress for all workouts you initiate from your iPhone or Apple Watch. Live Activities are among my favorite features of the iPhone in recent years, so I have enjoyed seeing them extended to the Fitness app along with several other Apple platforms this year.

Do you utilize Apple’s Fitness app on iPhone, or do you intend to start shortly? Share your thoughts in the comments.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple Updates and News**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, remaining informed about the newest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily provides a hassle-free method to stay abreast of the day’s leading stories, offering a summary of key events in the Apple universe.

**Podcast Accessibility**

9to5Mac Daily can be found on multiple platforms, making it possible for you to listen from anywhere. The podcast can be accessed on [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), or via a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast platforms. New episodes are produced every weekday, guaranteeing subscribers receive prompt updates.

**Sponsored Promotions**

The podcast includes sponsorship opportunities, like the ongoing offer from Roborock, which features discounts on their premier vacuum models. These promotions are limited-time, prompting listeners to seize the savings while they are available.

**Advantages of Subscription**

For those wishing to improve their listening experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus offers numerous perks. Subscribers get access to ad-free episode versions and exclusive bonus material, making it a valuable choice for dedicated listeners.

**Listener Engagement and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and share feedback. You can contact via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, rating the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Overcast enhances its visibility, helping more individuals discover the show.

**Final Thoughts**

9to5Mac Daily is a vital resource for anyone fascinated by Apple news. With its convenient access, engaging material, and avenues for listener involvement, it distinguishes itself as a trusted source for daily tech updates. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply unwinding at home, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily keeps you informed and connected to the latest in Apple innovations.

### iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Unanticipated Sound During Charging

Shortly after the debut of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, users began voicing their worries regarding a strange issue: a static or hissing sound coming from the speakers while the device is charging. This concern has been raised by a segment of users, leading to discussions on various platforms, including Reddit and Apple’s Support Community.

#### Nature of the Problem

The sound reported by users is reminiscent of an old radio, with accounts indicating that it may arise during audio playback, especially when the volume is reduced. Some users have mentioned that the static noise can be heard even when no media is being played, and in some cases, a faint crackle or hiss is noticeable while scrolling through web pages. This problem seems to persist no matter if the iPhone is plugged into a charger or not.

#### User Experiences

Feedback on the intensity of the speaker issue varies from user to user. While a number have resolved the problem by swapping their device for a new one, others still hear the noise across different models. A notable illustration of the issue can be found in a video uploaded by a user that demonstrates the static noise.

#### Possible Remedies and Upcoming Updates

As of the current iOS version, 26.2, users who reported the speaker issue in September continue to face the problem. There is optimism that the forthcoming iOS 26.3 update, anticipated to be released in the next few weeks, may rectify this issue, although no definitive proof of a solution has been confirmed yet.

#### Conclusion

The speaker noise issue impacting the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max has sparked concerns among users, triggering discussions and inquiries about possible solutions. As the community awaits the next software update, affected users are encouraged to share their insights and any fixes they may have discovered.

Apple’s AI Strategy: A Prudent Path Amid Criticism

Apple has encountered significant criticism regarding its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, especially after the postponement of several major updates to Siri earlier this year. Nonetheless, a recent report highlights the reasoning behind Apple’s unique stance on AI, which departs from that of its competitors.

### Apple’s Prudent AI Expenditure

Despite the backlash, there is an increasing sense of hope surrounding Apple’s AI strategy as it approaches the new year. Wall Street analysts have started to propose that Apple’s prudent expenditure on AI could ultimately become an asset. A report from *The Information* supports this idea, suggesting that Apple’s leadership possesses a distinct viewpoint on the future of large language models (LLMs).

The report notes that some Apple executives are of the opinion that LLMs will eventually become standardized. This perspective might clarify why Apple has chosen to take a more conservative approach in funding its own AI models compared to competitors like OpenAI, Meta, and Google, which have invested heavily in LLM development.

### The Prospects of LLMs and Apple’s Stance

The notion that LLMs will transition into commodities indicates that Apple is setting itself up to harness existing technologies rather than heavily invest in creating proprietary models. This approach suggests that Apple’s success in AI will depend less on crafting custom models and more on its capability to integrate AI efficiently across its hardware, software, and services.

At present, Apple excels in these domains, which could lay a robust groundwork for its AI projects in the future. By concentrating on enhancing the ecosystem where AI operates, Apple may be able to take advantage of developments in AI technology without facing the substantial costs linked to developing proprietary models.

### Conclusion

While Apple’s AI strategy has faced criticism, the company’s cautious approach might ultimately turn out to be a strategic benefit. As the AI landscape continues to transform, Apple’s emphasis on integration and enhancement could place it in a favorable position in a future where LLMs are broadly available and commoditized. The ongoing trends in this field will be closely monitored by industry analysts and consumers alike.

# iOS 26 Unveils the Preview App: A Fresh Tool for Document Oversight

Apple’s iOS 26 has introduced thrilling enhancements to its platform, among which are two entirely new applications: Preview and Apple Games. Notably, the Preview app stands out as a significant upgrade for users who regularly work with PDFs and images. This article delves into the features and advantages of the Preview app, which is now accessible on both iPhone and iPad.

## Preview App: A Specialized Center for PDFs and Images

The Preview app draws inspiration from its Mac version, offering a dedicated environment for viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images. With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, users can launch this app straight from their Home Screen, simplifying their document handling.

Apple characterizes the Preview app as a utility that empowers users to sketch quickly, view and modify PDFs and images, and make use of Apple Pencil or touch for annotating documents. Users can swiftly access their files from the Files app, create blank pages for notes, and leverage AutoFill to expedite PDF form completion.

## Improved Document Management

Prior to the release of iOS 26, PDFs and images were mainly managed through the Files app, which could be restrictive for users managing numerous documents. The Preview app transforms this situation by offering a more effective means to oversee and engage with these files.

A major benefit of the Preview app is its capacity to support multitasking. Users can open multiple documents at once, facilitating easier switching between them. For example, during a recent home purchasing experience, handling various PDFs became simpler with Preview. Users can have one PDF displayed in Preview while accessing another in the Files app via the Quick Look feature, enabling seamless document navigation.

## Tailored for iPadOS 26

The Preview app is especially advantageous for iPad users, particularly when paired with the new window management system launched in iPadOS 26. Users can organize their workspace by keeping Preview in a larger window on one side of the display while exploring the Files app in a narrower window on the opposite side. This arrangement boosts productivity by allowing quick access to various documents without the need for constant app switching.

Furthermore, Preview provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools that align it more closely with the capabilities found on the Mac. Users can insert and delete pages from PDFs, sign documents using Markup, and effortlessly fill out forms. This expanded toolkit makes Preview a formidable addition to the iOS and iPadOS landscape.

## Summary

The launch of the Preview app in iOS 26 represents a major advancement in document management for iPhone and iPad users. With its specialized features for viewing and editing PDFs and images, as well as improved multitasking abilities, Preview has rapidly become an indispensable resource for those who frequently manage documents. As users continue to discover its features, the Preview app is poised to transform how documents are handled on mobile devices.

What has your experience been with the Preview app in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.