AllYouCanTech

iOS 26 Beta 3 Brings Fresh Color Choices for Default iPhone Background

### New iOS 26 Wallpaper Available in Four Colors

iOS 26 is scheduled to be released for all users this autumn, but Apple is continuously polishing the update via a beta process this summer. The most recent update, iOS 26 beta 3, brings an increased array of color choices for the new default wallpaper.

Annually, Apple introduces a new default wallpaper with multiple color variations. In earlier betas of iOS 26, users were limited to a single blue rendition of the wallpaper. Nevertheless, with the launch of iOS 26 beta 3, Apple has added four unique versions of the wallpaper:

– **Shadow**
– **Sky**
– **Halo**
– **Dusk** (a fresh purple/pink variant)

The first three options—Shadow, Sky, and Halo—are unique representations of blue. In prior beta iterations, users could experience different tones of the traditional blue wallpaper, varying according to the system appearance setting. For example, a lighter hue would show in light mode, while a deeper shade would present in dark mode.

Now, with iOS 26 beta 3, users can relish three entirely distinct blue versions along with the thrilling new Dusk color. This update boosts personalization choices for users, enabling them to select a wallpaper that aligns with their aesthetic.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s latest wallpapers in iOS 26 beta 3? Share your opinions in the comments.

Apple’s Newest AI Study Improves Street Navigation for Users with Visual Impairments

# Advancing Accessibility for the Blind and Low Vision Community: The Potential of SceneScout

There’s an abundance of speculation regarding Apple’s intentions to unveil camera-equipped wearables. Amid the enthusiasm for forthcoming AI-enhanced hardware, one impactful application frequently gets underestimated: accessibility.

## Presenting SceneScout

SceneScout, a fresh research prototype crafted by Apple in partnership with Columbia University, is not a wearable device at this point, but it demonstrates the capability of AI to greatly improve the experiences of blind and low-vision (BLV) users. The researchers underscore a crucial challenge: people with BLV often hesitate to venture out alone in unfamiliar settings due to uncertainties about the physical environment. Conventional navigation tools generally emphasize turn-by-turn directions and landmarks, yet they frequently lack the detailed visual context vital for BLV individuals.

To fill this void, SceneScout merges Apple Maps APIs with a multimodal large language model to deliver interactive, AI-generated descriptions of street view images. This groundbreaking method enables users to investigate entire routes or neighborhoods block by block, obtaining customized street-level descriptions that address their unique needs and preferences.

## Characteristics of SceneScout

SceneScout encompasses two primary modes:

1. **Route Overview**: This mode permits users to understand what they will face along a designated path, including sidewalk conditions, intersections, and visual markers, such as the appearance of bus stops.

2. **Virtual Discovery**: This open-ended mode allows users to detail what they are looking for (e.g., a tranquil residential area with access to parks), and the AI aids them in navigating intersections and exploring freely according to their intentions.

The system functions by anchoring a GPT-4o-based agent within actual map data and panoramic images from Apple Maps. It simulates a pedestrian’s perspective, interprets visible features, and generates structured text in varying lengths—short, medium, or extensive descriptions. The web interface is designed with accessibility in focus, ensuring compatibility with screen readers.

## Preliminary Testing and Feedback

The research team executed a study with 10 blind or low-vision participants, most of whom were adept with screen readers and had technological backgrounds. Participants rated both the Route Overview and Virtual Discovery modes favorably for usefulness and relevance, particularly commending the Virtual Discovery mode for granting access to information that typically necessitates assistance from others.

Nonetheless, the study also uncovered notable limitations. While around 72% of the produced descriptions were precise, some contained inaccuracies, such as wrongly indicating the existence of audio signals at crosswalks or misidentifying street signs. Additionally, some descriptions alluded to outdated or temporary details, like construction sites or parked cars.

Participants observed that the system occasionally made assumptions regarding their physical abilities and the surroundings, highlighting the need for more objective language and improved spatial accuracy, particularly for last-meter navigation. Many expressed a wish for the system to evolve dynamically to their preferences over time rather than depending on static keywords.

## Future Prospects

SceneScout is not yet a commercial offering; it acts as a research exploration of the synergy between a multimodal large language model and the Apple Maps API. However, participants conveyed a strong desire for real-time access to street view descriptions while walking. They envisioned applications that could convey visual information through bone conduction headphones or transparency mode, providing pertinent details as they navigate.

Suggestions included utilizing shorter, “mini” descriptions while walking to underscore critical details such as landmarks or sidewalk conditions, with more detailed descriptions available on demand when users pause or reach intersections. Participants also recommended a new interaction method, allowing users to direct their device in a specific direction to receive instant descriptions, enhancing real-time environmental awareness.

## Conclusion

While SceneScout remains in the research stage and has not undergone peer review, it signifies a substantial advancement towards incorporating AI, wearables, and computer vision to enhance accessibility for blind and low-vision individuals. As technology continues to progress, the prospects for developing more inclusive navigation solutions grow increasingly encouraging.

US Government Seeks Technology to Identify Hidden Language in Mobile Messages

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently inviting proposals from tech companies to create a forensic tool aimed at revealing “hidden language” within messages on smartphones being examined at the border. This effort is intended to enhance the agency’s abilities in detecting potential threats and unlawful activities through sophisticated data analysis.

CBP has indicated that it anticipates companies to modify existing software solutions instead of building new tools from the ground up, citing limited time for development. The request for proposals was spotlighted by Wired, which mentioned that the specifics were listed on a government procurement site.

The agency has detailed specific criteria for the tool, stressing the necessity for it to have advanced capabilities, especially in artificial intelligence. The tool must be able to process a range of file types, including audio, video, images, and text, while detecting patterns and correlations that could support investigations related to border enforcement.

A primary functionality desired by CBP is the ability to sift through text messages to recognize patterns or “hidden language” that might not be readily observable. This feature is meant to accelerate data analysis and enhance decision-making during real-time enforcement activities.

Additionally, the tool should be capable of cross-referencing data acquired from various devices or obtained through different methods, improving the overall investigative process. For instance, it could examine forensically gathered electronic data, such as text messages, pictures, and videos, to identify recurring elements across multiple datasets.

The deadline for submissions is July 10, and CBP has indicated that this is a preliminary inquiry for information, with formal bidding requests anticipated to follow. This initiative underscores the agency’s dedication to utilizing technology to strengthen border security and law enforcement operations.

Anticipated AirPods Pro 3 Set to Offer Much-Needed Feature

**AirPods Pro 3: Expected Advancements in Active Noise Cancellation**

AirPods Pro 3 are presently under development, with the launch date still unspecified. Nonetheless, one of the most thrilling speculated features is the upgrade in active noise cancellation (ANC), an essential element for numerous users.

### The Significance of Noise Cancellation

Since the debut of the original AirPods with the iPhone 7 in 2017, AirPods have undergone considerable evolution. The arrival of AirPods Pro signified a pivotal moment for users aiming for an elevated audio experience, particularly owing to the addition of Active Noise Cancellation. This capability allows users to dive deep into their audio landscape, effectively eliminating undesired background noise.

Many prospective users have voiced worries about discomfort tied to noise-cancelling headphones, like headaches. However, Apple’s design and innovation have mitigated these concerns, rendering the AirPods Pro a favored option. The first generation of AirPods Pro swiftly became popular among users requiring focus in diverse settings, and the launch of AirPods Pro 2, which featured even enhanced noise cancellation, encouraged many to upgrade.

### Speculated Upgrades for AirPods Pro 3

Recent rumors indicate that AirPods Pro 3 will possess substantially improved ANC features. Leaker Kosutami has suggested that the ANC of the new model will be “significantly better” than that of earlier versions. This enhancement appears credible, particularly with the expected incorporation of a new H3 chip, which should boost overall efficiency.

The earlier generation, AirPods Pro 2, employed the H2 chip, which Apple credited for its notable improvements in ANC efficiency. The company noted that the H2 chip allowed the headphones to block out up to twice as much noise compared to the original model. Given this history, there are high hopes that the H3 chip will bring about even greater advancements in noise cancellation technology.

### User Experience and Hopes

For a multitude of users, including those who depend on ANC during their daily tasks—whether at work, while exercising, or commuting—the need for upgraded noise cancellation is crucial. Current AirPods Pro models already provide a notable performance, but there are always situations where users desire even more effective noise attenuation.

As the development of AirPods Pro 3 unfolds, the eagerness for enhanced ANC is tangible. Users are looking forward to a product that not only meets but surpasses their expectations, especially regarding the elimination of disruptive sounds in various settings.

### Conclusion

As we await the formal debut of AirPods Pro 3, the enthusiasm surrounding the anticipated enhancements, particularly in active noise cancellation, continues to rise. For those who have prioritized noise cancellation in their audio experience, the forthcoming model is poised to offer improvements that could transform their listening journey.

What features excite you the most in AirPods Pro 3? Share your views and aspirations as we look forward to the next iteration of this beloved audio device.

U.S. TikTok Users Set to Get an American-Owned Version of the App

The ongoing TikTok narrative continues, but a recent report suggests we might be nearing a solution. It indicates that TikTok users in the US will receive their own version of the app, which will be owned by an American firm.

This latest update comes shortly after we glimpsed the letter sent to Apple, aiming to convince the company to reinstate TikTok on the App Store, even though it was illegal to do so.

### A Brief Overview

Since January 19, TikTok has been prohibited in the US under a law enacted by Congress. The law includes a clause allowing for the deadline to be extended under specific conditions, but those conditions were not fulfilled. Instead, Trump issued a possibly unlawful executive order to suspend enforcement for 75 days, providing an additional 90 days just last month.

Apple did not accept Trump’s assurances and kept TikTok out of the App Store until the company was later provided immunity by the DOJ. We now have access to this letter, which legal experts continue to claim lacks validity and could be challenged in the future.

Trump consistently insisted he would compel the sale of the app to an American entity, while the Chinese government responded that it would never allow this.

### US TikTok Users Will Get Their Own App

A report behind a paywall in The Information asserts that an agreement has now been established.

> TikTok is developing a new version of its app for users in the U.S., in advance of a proposed sale of the U.S. app to a consortium of investors.

This would allow the primary app to remain under Chinese control, while a separated version of the app would be sold to an American company, with only this version available in US app stores.

The Verge reports this version is set to launch in September.

> TikTok’s team is reportedly working on a new edition of the app — referred to as M2, in reference to the current app’s internal M designation — for launch in app stores on September 5th.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

At first glance, this arrangement seems to provide a possible resolution, but it still requires approval from the Chinese government, which has previously opposed any actions that would grant the US access to the app’s algorithm. That algorithm, which fuels the endless stream of suggested videos, is TikTok’s primary unique selling proposition (USP).

US Attorney General Cautions ICEBlock App Developer to Proceed Carefully

**ICEBlock: The Controversial Application Notifying Users of ICE Activities**

The recent backlash against the ICEBlock application from the White House has thrust it into the spotlight of social networking apps, making it the most downloaded app in the App Store, outpacing well-known platforms like X and Instagram. This rise in usage is primarily due to its capability to notify users about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in their area, a reaction to the heightened immigration enforcement measures implemented by the current administration.

### Background on ICEBlock

Created by Joshua Aaron, ICEBlock acts as an “early warning system” for those who might be impacted by ICE operations. Users can report sightings of ICE agents by marking their locations on a map and supplying additional details such as the agents’ uniforms or types of vehicles. This data is then shared with other users within a five-mile distance, enabling them to take preventive actions.

The app was launched in response to the escalation in immigration enforcement that has resulted in the detention of not only undocumented immigrants but also lawful residents and U.S. citizens. Reports have emerged of tourists and business travelers being apprehended at airports, instilling fear and uncertainty among those thinking about traveling to the United States.

### The White House’s Reaction

The app attracted considerable media attention after a public condemnation from President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They revealed that the administration was considering legal steps against CNN for its reporting on ICEBlock, asserting that the app promotes evasion of law enforcement. This declaration was made during a visit to a new detention center, further underscoring the administration’s position on immigration enforcement.

### Legal Concerns and Free Speech

In a more recent turn of events, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a pointed warning to Joshua Aaron during a live television broadcast, stating, “We are keeping an eye on him… and he should be cautious.” However, legal scholars have contended that ICEBlock falls under the protection of the First Amendment, stressing that the app’s role in disseminating information about law enforcement activities occupies a space within free speech rights.

### The Streisand Effect

The attention garnered by ICEBlock due to the White House’s censure illustrates the Streisand Effect, where efforts to stifle information inadvertently heighten public interest. Following the administration’s threats, app downloads soared, reinforcing its status as a prominent social networking tool.

### Conclusion

ICEBlock has become a notable participant in the ongoing discussion surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. While it seeks to offer a safeguard for individuals who could be targeted by ICE, it also provokes significant inquiries regarding the balance between law enforcement and civil rights. As the app continues to grow in popularity, it remains to be seen how the legal environment will adapt in response to its presence and the wider implications for free speech.

Climate Activists Spray-Paint Apple Store on 5th Avenue to Support Boycott

**Climate Change Demonstration at Apple Store: A Demand for Responsibility**

The iconic Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York turned into the site of a climate change demonstration as activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) vandalized the storefront with spray paint, calling for a boycott of the tech behemoth. The demonstration underscored allegations of hypocrisy directed at Apple concerning its environmental pledges.

Three powerful slogans were prominently showcased on the glass front of the store, featuring messages such as “Boycott,” “Dump Trump, Apple!” and “Tim + Trump = Toxic.” While a section of the demonstrators shouted in support, the act of graffiti was reportedly carried out by one individual, who was quickly apprehended. Apple security staff were observed scrubbing the paint, focusing on removing the slogan that mentioned CEO Tim Cook.

Extinction Rebellion accused Apple of having perceived double standards, highlighting that while Cook has openly claimed that addressing climate change is essential, he has also contributed to former President Donald Trump, known for dismantling environmental safeguards. XR representative Miles Grant stressed the critical nature of the situation, asserting, “They’ve betrayed their customers and the planet at the most pivotal time in human history.”

The demonstration was not limited to Apple; other tech corporations like Google and Meta faced criticism as well. Grant pointed out that the executives of these firms, who previously advocated for the Paris Agreement, are now supporting an administration that diminishes environmental protections and favors fossil fuel interests.

Moreover, XR expressed apprehensions regarding the environmental toll of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which they contend are major contributors to carbon emissions. Specifically, Google has experienced a rise in its greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% since 2019, primarily due to the energy requirements of AI data facilities.

In summary, Extinction Rebellion’s demonstration at the Apple Store acts as a vivid reminder of the escalating conflict between corporate behaviors and environmental stewardship. The organization is encouraging consumers to boycott tech firms they believe promote authoritarianism and facilitate fossil fuel expansion, demanding enhanced accountability in addressing climate change.

Apple Submits Official Appeal Regarding €500 Million DMA Penalty in the EU

### Apple Challenges €500 Million Penalty from European Commission

As expected, Apple has officially contested the €500 million penalty levied by the European Commission for purported breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This penalty signifies a pivotal point in the continuous examination of large tech corporations by European authorities.

#### Context of the Penalty

In April 2025, the European Union imposed its inaugural fines under the DMA, targeting both Apple and Meta. The Commission pointed to Apple’s anti-steering practices within the App Store as the justification for the penalty, highlighting that the figure was established based on the seriousness and length of Apple’s non-compliance with the regulations.

In March 2024, Apple announced considerable amendments to its App Store policies in the EU, which encompassed the introduction of alternative app marketplaces, updated business agreements for developers, and support for third-party browser engines. These modifications were part of Apple’s approach to align with the new regulatory landscape established by the EU.

#### Latest Adjustments to App Store Policies

In light of the penalty and persistent regulatory pressure, Apple made additional alterations to its App Store regulations in the EU. These alterations specifically focused on the anti-steering policies that formerly limited developers from guiding users to alternative payment options. Apple unveiled new business agreements designed to streamline these transactions, aiming to adhere to the DMA while circumventing further fines.

Apple’s communication to 9to5Mac indicated concerns that the European Commission’s requirements could negatively impact both developers and users, asserting that the Commission’s directives regarding App Store operations were excessive. The company underscored that these changes were implemented to avoid incurring daily fines from the Commission.

#### The Appeal Argument

In its appeal, Apple asserts that the European Commission’s ruling and the associated penalty surpass legal norms. The company contends that the Commission’s shifting definitions of steering have complicated adherence. For example, Apple had previously modified its guidelines to permit EU developers to link to external payment options. Nonetheless, the Commission’s redefinition now encompasses promotions for in-app alternative payment solutions and links to third-party app marketplaces.

Apple also criticized the EU’s imposed structure concerning the Store Services Fee, which comprises several tiers. Initially established at 10% for developers under the EU’s alternative business terms, this fee structure has been modified to include two distinct tiers:

– **Tier One: 5% Fee**
– Limited access to a designated set of essential App Store services, including app distribution and delivery, along with trust and safety measures.

– **Tier Two: 13% Fee (reduced to 10% for members of the Small Business Program and long-standing subscriptions)**
– Full access to all services currently offered by the App Store.

Apple contends that the EU dictated the characteristics included in each tier, such as transferring app discovery features to the second tier.

#### Summary

Apple’s challenge against the €500 million penalty underscores the ongoing frictions between prominent tech firms and regulatory entities in the EU. As developments unfold, the ramifications for developers, users, and the wider tech environment are yet to be determined. The result of this appeal could establish crucial precedents for the operation of digital marketplaces under the DMA and similar regulations globally.