Author: sparta

Apple’s Back to School promotions offer a fantastic chance for students, educators, and academic personnel to save on crucial technology. Although the deals generally kick off in the summer for the US and Europe, various nations, including Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and South Korea, have early access to these promotions, which last until March 11.

The Back to School promotion features regular education discounts along with the opportunity to choose complimentary accessories when purchasing qualifying devices like the iPad, MacBook, or iMac. This enables customers to enjoy substantial savings, making certain accessories free while also offering discounts on pricier options.

### iMac Promotions
For individuals acquiring an iMac, the following accessories are offered:
– AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation
– AirPods Pro 3 (available for an extra A$130)

### MacBook Promotions
Consumers purchasing a MacBook can select from a range of accessories, including:
– AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation
– AirPods Pro 3 (available for an extra A$130)
– Magic Mouse
– Magic Trackpad
– Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad

### iPad Promotions
iPad purchasers can choose from these accessories:
– Apple Pencil Pro
– AirPods 4
– AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (available for an extra A$80)
– AirPods Pro 3 (available for an extra A$210)
– A A$199 discount on any Magic Keyboard for iPad

These promotions complement the standard education discounts, making it a perfect opportunity for those involved in the education sector to invest in new technology.

Apple has announced that Chase will take over as the new issuer of Apple Card, succeeding Goldman Sachs, with the change anticipated to take place in about 24 months. Throughout this timeframe, Apple Card holders may continue to utilize their cards as usual, and additional information will be shared as the transition date draws closer.

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, highlighted the pride in how Apple Card has changed the credit card landscape, underlining the mutual dedication to innovation shared by Apple and Chase. Apple has established a new webpage to answer commonly asked questions about the transition.

Key points regarding the transition include:

– Current Apple Card users will not have to reapply.
– Mastercard will persist as the payment network.
– Users should keep settling their balances as they currently do; balances will roll over to Chase after the transition.
– Access to Savings will remain, with further details to be provided later.
– Users can oversee their Apple Card accounts via the Wallet app.
– Existing physical Apple Cards can continue to be used normally, with updates about new cards forthcoming.
– Apple Card Monthly Installments will still be an option for purchasing Apple goods.
– There will be no fees linked to Apple Card, including annual, late, or foreign transaction charges.
– Credit reports will show Chase as the new issuing bank once the transition is finalized.

At present, Apple indicates that there is no action required from Apple Card users for the transition to Chase, and any necessary updates will be shared directly with users as the transition date approaches. Additional information is available on Apple’s website.

# Personalizing Your iPhone with iOS 26: Essential Settings to Adjust

iOS 26 and its updates have rolled out a variety of personalization choices for iPhone users via the Settings app. Below are some key settings that can elevate your iPhone experience.

## Wallpaper Photo Blur on Always On Display

In iOS 26, the Always On Display feature has been updated to blur the wallpaper photo by default. This change is intended to highlight the new Liquid Glass clock more effectively or possibly to save battery power. If you wish to retain the original appearance of your Lock Screen photos, you can easily change this setting back. Go to **Settings ⇾ Display & Brightness ⇾ Always On Display** and switch off the ‘Blur Wallpaper Photo’ option.

## Lock Screen Camera Swipe

For years, users have been able to access the Camera app by swiping left on the Lock Screen. However, with the addition of various options to open the Camera, this gesture has become less common. In iOS 26.1, Apple allows users to turn off the Lock Screen swipe for opening the Camera. To disable this, navigate to **Settings ⇾ Camera** and locate the ‘Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera’ toggle at the bottom. Switching it off will prevent unintentional launches of the Camera app.

## Adaptive Power Feature

The newly introduced Adaptive Power option in iOS 26 aims to prolong battery life without noticeably hindering performance. Unlike the standard Low Power Mode, which significantly limits performance, Adaptive Power makes subtle tweaks, such as reducing display brightness and extending the duration of some activities. You can find this feature under **Settings ⇾ Battery ⇾ Power Mode ⇾ Adaptive Power**. It activates only during unusually high battery usage, serving as a practical solution for users who want to save energy without compromising performance.

## Sleep Detection for AirPods

iOS 26 has brought a new capability for AirPods that senses when you are asleep and automatically pauses media playback. This is especially beneficial for those who listen to audiobooks or podcasts before going to sleep. To activate this option, go to the AirPods settings and enable ‘Pause Media When Falling Asleep.’ This feature is available for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, simplifying your listening experience by eliminating the need to find your place after pausing.

## Summary

The new settings in iOS 26 and iOS 26.1 provide users with greater control over their iPhone experience. Whether it’s personalizing the Always On Display, disabling accidental Camera openings, engaging Adaptive Power mode, or managing AirPods playback, these features can greatly enhance usability and customization. Take the time to explore these settings to tailor your iPhone to your liking.

# Apple iPhone Software Updates Schedule for 2026

Apple is set to launch a range of important iPhone software updates in 2026, featuring the much-anticipated iOS 26 and iOS 27. Here’s a comprehensive schedule of the updates expected this year.

## Which iOS Updates Will Be Released by Apple This Year?

### iOS 26.3

Currently undergoing beta testing, iOS 26.3 is anticipated to bring a variety of improvements:

– Enhanced switching and data transfer between iPhone and Android devices.
– Notification forwarding for third-party smartwatches (EU only).
– Proximity pairing for third-party accessories (EU only).

**Expected Release Date:** Late January

### iOS 26.4

iOS 26.4 is expected to be a significant update, especially for Siri, featuring:

– Personal context capabilities enabling Siri to find specific information in notes, texts, and emails.
– Onscreen awareness allowing Siri to interact with items on the user’s screen.
– In-app actions that enable control of specific app functions via Siri.

These features were originally scheduled for iOS 18, suggesting possible delays.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early February
**Expected Release Date:** Late March or early April

### iOS 26.5

This update is expected to include a new Pride wallpaper to celebrate Pride Month. It is likely to be a more minor update as Apple concentrates on the forthcoming iOS 27.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early April
**Expected Release Date:** Mid May

### iOS 26.6

iOS 26.6 will mainly focus on bug fixes and performance improvements as the final significant update ahead of iOS 27.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early June
**Expected Release Date:** Late July

### iOS 27

As the standout software update of the year, iOS 27 is speculated to include:

– Optimizations for the inaugural iPhone Fold.
– New Apple Intelligence features, incorporating an AI-driven Health app and a revamped Siri interface.
– Emphasis on bug fixes and performance enhancements.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early June (for developers) and mid-July (for public beta)
**Expected Release Date:** Mid September

### iOS 26.7

This update will launch alongside iOS 27 for users who opt not to upgrade to the new version.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early September
**Expected Release Date:** Mid September

### iOS 27.1

iOS 27.1 will present features that were not completed in time for the iOS 27.0 rollout.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Mid September
**Expected Release Date:** Late October or early November

### iOS 27.2

This update will concentrate on refinements, bug fixes, and modifications to new features introduced in iOS 27.0.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early November
**Expected Release Date:** Mid December

## Conclusion

These updates signify the primary software enhancements slated for iPhone users in 2026. While other minor updates will take place throughout the year, these are the major releases that will go through beta testing.

Which new software features are you most looking forward to this year?

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Hub for Daily Apple News and Insights**

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