Author: sparta

iOS 26 Beta 5 Enhances Accessibility of ‘Select’ Button in Mail Application

### iOS 26 Beta Update: Changes to Mail App and User Responses

A minor yet impactful alteration in the iOS 26 beta has caused irritation for Mail app users since it was first introduced in June. Nevertheless, with the arrival of beta 5, Apple has tackled these issues by undoing the debated change.

#### The Complication with Select Mode

In the previous versions of iOS 26 beta (1 through 4), users discovered that engaging the select mode to pick multiple emails for actions such as marking as read or archiving necessitated an additional tap. Though this might appear trivial, it led to considerable frustration among users who believed that vital controls were becoming more concealed behind extra menus, particularly the “…” button.

#### Return to User-Friendly Layout

With the launch of iOS 26 beta 5, Apple has reinstated the “Select” button to its prominent spot at the top of the Mail app’s list view. This modification has been positively received by users who value direct access to key functions without unnecessary processes.

While the “…” button still exists within the app, providing a variety of controls connected to the Mail app’s appearance, positioning an actionable control like “Select” within a menu focused on aesthetic settings was perceived as illogical. The reversal is in line with user feedback that highlights the necessity for easy access to fundamental features.

#### Further Enhancements

Alongside the updates to the Mail app, iOS 26 beta 5 also presents a toggle feature enabling users to alter the swipe direction for mode switching in the Camera app. This improvement demonstrates Apple’s attentiveness to user input and its dedication to enhancing the overall user experience.

#### Conclusion

The modifications implemented in iOS 26 beta 5 reflect Apple’s consideration of user feedback concerning app functionality. By focusing on direct access to crucial features, the company strives to improve user efficiency and satisfaction. As user responses continue to influence future updates, it will be intriguing to see how Apple further tailors its applications to meet user requirements.

Read More
iPadOS 26 Beta 5 Launched Showcasing Improved Multitasking Features

After the launch of iPadOS 26 beta 4 and a subsequent public beta a week later, Apple is set to continue the testing phase of its forthcoming operating system update. The fifth test release further enhances multitasking capabilities, introducing additional Mac-like features that align both devices more closely.

In the earlier beta, iPadOS 26 introduced a Mac-style cursor. When utilizing a Magic Keyboard or a compatible trackpad or mouse, you can quickly shake side to side to temporarily enlarge the cursor.

Moreover, iPadOS 26 beta 5 brings a revamped windowing system, catering to fans of Stage Manager. While the latter allowed for various desktop layouts, the new Windows Tiling mode permits the addition of as many applications as desired. Enhancing functionality further, Apple enables tasks to operate in the background, simplifying the process of exporting a video or downloading a document while simultaneously focusing on another task.

iPadOS 26 beta 5 transforms the iPad into a superior laptop alternative

Apple Reveals Additional Functionalities in watchOS 26 Beta 5

and several new functionalities anticipated to launch later this autumn.

Although you should reconsider before upgrading to the watchOS 26 beta since reverting to watchOS 11 isn’t possible, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Apple is dedicating significant resources to this forthcoming software upgrade. For instance, the company is incorporating the Liquid Glass aesthetic into the Apple Watch along with enhancements to various Watch Faces, a redesigned Control Center and Passcode screens, as well as several other adjustments to the user interface.

Even though Apple has eliminated some Watch Faces and hasn’t indicated the addition of any new ones, watchOS 26 beta 5 enhances the Smart Stack, now offering information suggestions tailored to your location. For instance, the Apple Watch can assist you in retracing your steps, even if you’re disconnected from a cellular network.

New gestures and Apple Intelligence in watchOS 26 beta 5

Scientific Research Discovers Link Between Energy Beverages and Cancer Risk

Nature has pinpointed taurine as a concerning amino acid in the context of leukemia. Researchers found that leukemia cells utilize taurine from bone marrow to promote tumor growth. This raises the issue of whether additional taurine intake from energy beverages could potentially exacerbate leukemia. The findings remain uncertain on this front, yet they have paved the way for new studies concentrating solely on taurine.

The relationship between taurine and cancer

Apple Unveils iOS 26 Beta 5 for iPhone Owners

# iOS 26 Developer Beta 5 Has Been Released

Apple has unveiled the fifth developer beta iteration of iOS 26, with a formal release anticipated next month. The newest build, marked as 23A5308g, comes right on the heels of the initial public beta version launched just a week ago.

Apple characterizes iOS 26 as offering a breathtaking new interface, robust Apple Intelligence functionalities, and innovative methods to maintain connectivity through the Phone and Messages apps. Moreover, it encompasses thrilling enhancements to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.

## Major Updates in iOS 26 Beta Variants

### Enhancements in Beta 2
In iOS 26 beta 2, users benefited from design modifications that featured improved legibility for the Control Center, enhanced menu structuring in Safari, and bolstered accessibility options with borders added to High Contrast Mode.

### Updates in Beta 3
The third beta version brought opacity to certain transparent tab bars and introduced new wallpaper shades, elevating the overall visual appeal of the interface.

### Revisions in Beta 4
Beta 4 reverted the opacity modifications, ensuring full transparency in the Notification Center until it is completely accessed. Furthermore, this version reinstated notification summaries for news and entertainment applications, a feature that had been suspended due to worries about possible misinterpretations of headlines.

## Compatibility and Specifications
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later models, including the iPhone 11 and successors. The latest version to support older devices such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max is iOS 18. Users must upgrade their devices to take advantage of the latest features and design elements. Notably, functionalities that utilize Apple Intelligence necessitate an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model from the iPhone 16 lineup.

Keep an eye on 9to5Mac for continuous updates and a detailed list of modifications in iOS 26 beta.

Read More
iPadOS 26 Beta 5 Released: Major Features and Anticipations

### iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 5: What to Anticipate

The rollout of iPadOS 26 developer beta 5 is underway, bringing forth the latest modifications prior to the software’s public debut set for next month. This update holds importance as it signifies a shift in Apple’s beta testing timeline.

#### Transition to Weekly Beta Releases

As August arrives, Apple usually transitions its beta release timeline to a weekly rhythm. Beta 5 comes roughly two weeks after the launch of developer beta 4 and the inaugural public beta. Traditionally, this timing suggests that Apple is preparing for an increase in update frequency as the public launch draws nearer.

Key aspects of this update include:

1. **Shift to Weekly Releases**: August generally marks a shift to weekly beta releases from Apple, implying that developers should anticipate more updates in a condensed timeframe.

2. **Significant Modifications and Stabilization**: Beta 5 often brings some of the final major changes before the emphasis turns to stabilization. This indicates that while some new features might be added, the upcoming updates will probably concentrate on bug resolutions and performance enhancements.

With just over a month left until the public launch of iPadOS 26, the existing biweekly beta schedule is likely to evolve into weekly updates. Nonetheless, these future releases might showcase fewer prominent changes as Apple fine-tunes the software for its ultimate release.

#### Historical Background

In years past, as observed with iOS 18, beta 5 represented a critical juncture where Apple revealed substantial design updates, especially within the Photos application. Subsequent to this, the focus shifted to troubleshooting and bolstering stability in preparation for the public launch. This trend implies that iPadOS 26 beta 5 could also offer significant updates, as Apple makes ready for a month of minor tweaks.

#### Public Beta Participants

For individuals utilizing the public beta, there is no update available at this moment. However, new public betas are anticipated to be issued within the next day or so, in sync with the developer beta timeline.

#### Community Involvement

As users delve into iPadOS 26 beta 5, feedback is welcomed. If any new features or alterations are identified, users can share their observations in the comments section.

### Conclusion

iPadOS 26 developer beta 5 is a vital milestone in the countdown to the public release, with expected changes and a transition to a quicker beta cycle. As Apple gets ready for the concluding phases of development, users can anticipate a polished experience in the forthcoming public version.

Read More
OpenAI Unveils Two Open-Weight AI Models, Tailored for Apple Silicon Macs

**OpenAI Launches New Open-Weight AI Models: gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b**

OpenAI has announced the launch of two fresh open-weight AI models, gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b, representing a major advancement in the availability of AI technology. These models are now free for download, fulfilling OpenAI’s earlier pledge to release open-weight models this year.

### What Are Open-Weight Models?

Open-weight models are AI frameworks that can be downloaded and run on local devices, removing the necessity for an internet connection to access a model supplier’s server. This capability allows developers to craft tailored applications utilizing these models, promoting innovation and experimentation in AI creation.

### Model Specifications

OpenAI designates the gpt-oss-20b as a medium-sized model, whereas the gpt-oss-120b is regarded as a large-sized model. The smaller version is geared towards systems equipped with at least 16GB of VRAM or unified memory, making it ideal for high-end consumer GPUs and Apple Silicon Macs. Conversely, the larger model necessitates a minimum of 60GB of VRAM or unified memory, which makes it more resource-intensive in terms of hardware requirements.

### Demand for Open-Weight Models

The launch of these models is a reaction to the climbing pressure from competitors, especially after the emergence of DeepSeek in China. OpenAI had not unveiled an open-weight model since 2019, and these new offerings aim to address the increasing demand for accessible AI resources from the team behind ChatGPT.

### Real-World Performance

Although the gpt-oss models may not represent the most powerful AI solutions available from OpenAI, they are intended to provide solid real-world performance. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, underscored the potential of the gpt-oss models, spotlighting their practicality and effectiveness across a range of applications.

### Conclusion

OpenAI’s introduction of the gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b models signifies a notable move towards making advanced AI technology more accessible. Developers and enthusiasts can now utilize these open-weight models to devise innovative solutions without the limitations of server dependence. For further details on these models, please visit OpenAI’s official website.

Read More
Potential Leak Discloses Upcoming iPhone 17 Event Date

The iPhone 17 announcement is anticipated to occur in September. Following Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinting that the launch event might take place the week of September 8, a fresh source now asserts that the iPhone 17 event is slated for Tuesday, September 9.

Should this prove accurate, the iPhone 17 series could hit store shelves as early as September 19. At least, that’s what iphone-ticker.de mentions, referencing insider details from German mobile network operators (via MacRumors).

This new source not only reinforces Gurman’s earlier findings, but it also aligns with Apple’s trend of hosting its annual iPhone unveiling in the week following Labor Day in the U.S., which occurs on September 1 this year. With that consideration, after a year filled with numerous reports and leaks about the new device, it appears that the iPhone 17 is just a little over a month away from its official announcement.

The iPhone 17 is nearly here

“iOS 26 Beta 5 Launched Showcasing 14 Fresh Improvements”

iOS 26 beta introduced the following enhancements:

  • Liquid Glass: The menu bars in native applications exhibit greater transparency. On the Lock Screen, Apple has enhanced readability by darkening the area when a notification is displayed.
  • Notification Summaries: The Notification Summaries from iOS 18 have returned. Now, Apple Intelligence can condense news, although Apple cautions that this feature “might alter the intent of the original headlines,” requiring users to validate the information themselves.
  • Call Screening: The Screen Unknown Callers feature offers additional options, including the choice to disable it.
  • Dynamic wallpapers: The latest wallpapers in iOS 26 are now dynamic, shifting colors throughout the day.

Nevertheless, there is much more that users should learn about iOS 26.

iOS 26 represents the most significant iOS redesign thus far

WhatsApp Unveils Enhanced Safety Features to Tackle Scams

WhatsApp is enhancing its security measures with new features aimed at eliminating dubious group invites, misleading messages, and fraudulent ‘get rich quick’ schemes.

What you need to be aware of

– Upcoming WhatsApp features will prevent dubious invites, misleading messages, and deceptive money-making tactics.
– When someone unknown adds you to a group, WhatsApp now offers a preview—information about the creator and the group size—so you can choose whether to remain.
– In one-on-one conversations, WhatsApp is implementing notifications to alert you when an outsider messages you, providing additional context prior to your reply.

WhatsApp is introducing new tools to outsmart scammers who are becoming increasingly devious. The platform is reinforcing its security against dubious group adds, misleading messages, and pyramid schemes masquerading as fast cash opportunities.

To address these risks, WhatsApp is trialing a feature that notifies you when an unknown person adds you to a group. You’ll receive essential information, such as group creator and member count, enabling you to decide whether to leave or stay. Notifications will remain silent until you confirm your intent to stay.

For private chats, WhatsApp is also testing warnings when messaging individuals not saved in your contacts, providing extra context to help you evaluate the legitimacy of the conversation.

Mass account removal

The Meta-owned platform reports that, during the first half of this year alone, WhatsApp removed over 6.8 million accounts associated with scam operations. Many of these are managed by organized criminals in Southeast Asia, often exploiting forced labor. Cybercriminals are said to employ a combination of crypto temptations, quick-money schemes, and phony investment opportunities, all designed to appear just credible enough to catch individuals off-guard.

Scam operations now span multiple platforms, occasionally all at once. A recent incident linked to a scam operation in Cambodia commenced with AI-generated messages from ChatGPT, which drew individuals to WhatsApp and then rapidly redirected them to Telegram and TikTok for fake “paid” tasks. Victims were eventually prompted to deposit funds into a crypto wallet.

This type of multi-platform maneuvering isn’t by chance. It’s a calculated tactic to evade detection by providing each platform only a brief insight into the operations. This is also a factor behind Meta, OpenAI, and other tech entities increasingly collaborating to share insights and disrupt these scams before they escalate.

WhatsApp highlights that scams often initiate with seemingly benign communication: a text, a job offer, or perhaps a DM regarding a lost package or an unpaid invoice.

The platform advises pausing before responding to unknown numbers, scrutinizing any urgent requests, and verifying the identity of the person on the other end. If someone claims to be a friend or relative, confirm their identity using a trusted contact method.

Read More