AllYouCanTech

Threads Unveils Reply Approvals and Improved Activity Feed Filters

Meta is enhancing the user experience on Threads by launching two new features aimed at giving users more control over their posts and interactions. These updates are intended to enrich the management of conversations and interactions on the platform.

### Reply Approvals

Earlier this year, Threads introduced a function that enabled users to conceal replies from their profiles and automatically filter out inappropriate or spammy responses. Expanding on this, Threads is now implementing a reply approvals feature. This allows users to assess and authorize replies before they are visible to the public. If a user opts to disregard a reply, it will be transferred to an “Ignored” tab for possible approval later.

Meta portrays this feature as a means for users to curate the dialogue surrounding their posts, ensuring that discussions stay pertinent and focused. Users can activate reply approvals for specific posts, permitting them to manage interactions at their own pace.

### Activity Feed Filters

Alongside reply approvals, Threads is rolling out two additional filters in the Activity tab: Mentions and People You Follow. These filters are designed to assist users in quickly locating and engaging with the replies that are most significant to them, enhancing their overall experience on the platform. The new filters will complement the existing options, which include All, Follows, Conversations, Reposts, and Verified filters.

Meta underscores its commitment to enhancing Threads based on user input, and these new features exemplify that commitment. For further information on these updates, users can consult Meta’s official blog post.

Affinity Unveils No-Cost Comprehensive Application Incorporating Native Canva Connectivity

Affinity has unveiled a comprehensive redesign of its design suite, merging all its tools into one app for vector, photo, and layout tasks, and making it permanently free.

### ‘Presenting the brand-new Affinity: professional design, now accessible to everyone”

Starting today, users can acquire the new Affinity app, which integrates vector, photo, and layout tools into a single platform. Affinity is now entirely free, indefinitely.

Ash Hewson, CEO of Affinity, remarked, “There’s no hidden agenda, no simplified version, and no surprises. The same accurate, high-performance tools that professionals depend on daily are now available to everyone, as creative freedom should not incur a cost.”

The all-new Affinity was reimagined to provide a fluid experience for transitioning between vector, photo, and layout tasks. It includes a fully adjustable interface, enabling users to tailor their workspace and tools for quick access.

“Creatives can mix and match tools from the Vector, Pixel, and Layout studios to create a workspace that accommodates their individual workflow. Rearrange panels, select the tools you require, eliminate the ones you don’t, and save various configurations for different projects or tasks. Custom studios can also be shared and downloaded, fostering new opportunities for teams and creative communities to share workflows and learn from each other,” Hewson added.

Affinity’s development was influenced by Canva’s Designer Advisory Board and carried out in partnership with creators. “This launch embodies what professionals have indicated is most important: performance, reliability, and creative freedom,” stated Hewson.

### Affinity + Canva

Following last year’s acquisition of Affinity by Canva, today’s announcement enhances integration between the two platforms. For Canva premium account holders, Canva AI’s tools are now accessible directly within Affinity through the new Canva AI Studio. This includes features like Generative Fill, Expand & Edit, and Remove Background, which improve efficiency while granting designers complete control over their projects.

The integration also provides a streamlined method for sharing Affinity projects to Canva, simplifying collaboration with colleagues or clients.

### Availability

The new Affinity is available today for Mac and Windows, with an iPad version expected to launch next year. Canva users can activate the new Affinity with their current account, while both existing Affinity customers and new users will need to create a free Canva account to download it.

iPad Mini 7 Review After Year One: An In-Depth Look at Its Flexibility and Capability

# The Flexibility of the iPad Mini 7: A Year in Review

The iPad mini 7 has made its mark as a favorite gadget among its users, particularly due to its flexibility and user-friendly nature. Although it may not rank as the most powerful tablet in Apple’s collection, it fulfills numerous roles, making it a preferred option for both families and individuals. This article delves into the device’s specifications, design, everyday functionality, and desired features for future models, assessing its influence over the past year.

## Specs

The iPad mini 7 features remarkable specifications that boost its performance and ease of use:

– **Chip**: A17 Pro (same as iPhone 15 Pro)
– **Display**: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (326 ppi, 60Hz)
– **Camera**: 12MP rear, 12MP front
– **Charging & Port**: USB-C (USB2 speeds)
– **Biometrics**: Touch ID on the lock button
– **Audio**: Stereo speakers (top and bottom)
– **Accessories**: Apple Pencil Pro & Apple Pencil USB-C support

The transition to the A17 Pro chip has greatly enhanced performance, offering improved efficiency along with support for the latest iPadOS updates. This advancement has positioned the iPad mini 7 as a dependable tool for a variety of tasks.

## Design

The iPad mini 7’s design prioritizes portability and comfort. Its compact dimensions allow it to seamlessly fit into bags, purses, and even certain pockets, offering ease of access for users on the move. The device is comfortable to hold in either portrait or landscape modes, resembling a larger, sturdier iPhone.

A noteworthy design aspect is the volume rocker, which adjusts its orientation based on how the device is held. While Touch ID operates effectively, some might prefer Face ID for its greater convenience. Generally, the design stays true to Apple’s industrial design ethos, though there are aspirations for slimmer bezels in upcoming models.

## Everyday Use and Performance

The iPad mini 7 has showcased its reliability for a variety of daily tasks. Its performance remains robust, with quick responsiveness and impressive battery longevity. The display, while not as sophisticated as Pro models, still offers a pleasing viewing experience for the majority of users.

### 1. Casual Use

In terms of casual usage, the iPad mini 7 shines in content consumption. Whether it’s for streaming shows, watching movies, or scrolling through social media, its size makes it effortlessly manageable. Users often favor it over larger devices for its comfortable grip during prolonged viewing sessions.

### 2. Parental Use

As a household device, the iPad mini 7 proves valuable for children’s education. With an abundance of educational games and resources, it encourages interactive learning experiences. The Apple Pencil capability also assists in fostering writing and drawing skills. Furthermore, it can serve as a baby monitor when paired with compatible camera systems.

### 3. Family Home Hub

The iPad mini 7 operates as a hub for controlling smart home gadgets. Its size provides easy access to settings for lights, thermostats, and security cameras, making it a sensible choice for family use.

### 4. Workflow Integration

In professional environments, the iPad mini 7 can be employed for taking notes, editing photos, and even as a primary display during video shoots. The newly introduced windowing system in iPadOS permits multitasking, although some users may find it tricky on the smaller screen.

## iPad Mini 8 Wishlist

Looking to the future, several improvements are desired in the next version of the iPad mini:

– **OLED Display**: For enhanced color precision and contrast.
– **120Hz ProMotion**: To increase display fluidity.
– **Faster USB-C or Thunderbolt**: For speedier file transfers.
– **Face ID**: To simplify unlocking.
– **Smart Connector**: For accessory compatibility and charging options.

## Final Thoughts

After a year of experience, the iPad mini 7 has proven to be an indispensable device for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to families and professionals. Its versatility and user-friendliness make it a notable option within Apple’s offerings. Priced at $499, it frequently undergoes discounts, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a dependable tablet experience.

For those keen on discovering the iPad mini 7’s features, be sure to watch video reviews that highlight its various applications.

Upcoming Apple Launches for November 2023

October is nearing its end, and all indications suggest that Apple is set to unveil new hardware and software in November. Here’s what to anticipate.

## iOS 26.1 and additional software updates

Apple is likely to roll out its next significant batch of software updates within the upcoming week.

iOS 26.1 includes a wealth of new functionalities, such as:

iPadOS 26.1 also reintroduces Slide Over as a partner to the current windowing system. This feature allows you to select an app to hover over other windows, providing a fresh multitasking method that complements the robust enhancements in iPadOS 26.

Most of Apple’s other 26.1 changes are relatively trivial, apart from macOS Tahoe, which presents a similar Liquid Glass ‘Tinted’ option like iOS.

## Three or more new hardware items speculated

Traditionally, Apple usually announces its final major products of the year in October.

This year, we did see the M5 iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro. However, there are still three more new products rumored for release this year, almost certainly debuting in November.

A new **Apple TV 4K** is expected, featuring an upgraded A17 Pro chip that should support Apple Intelligence. The N1 wireless chip will also be part of the package, and a built-in camera may also be a possibility.

**HomePod mini 2** is likewise rumored to launch alongside the Apple TV. Expect enhanced audio quality, updates to several internal components, and possibly new color options.

**AirTag 2** has been awaited for months but has yet to be released. When it arrives, it’s anticipated to feature an improved Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced Precision Finding, along with better security enhancements.

Apple might also surprise us with a budget-friendly 12.9-inch MacBook just prior to the holiday season, though timing rumors suggest early 2026 is more feasible.

## The initial iOS 26.2 betas

Following its typical routine, Apple is expected to issue the first iOS 26.2 betas soon after the public rollout of iOS 26.1.

This means beta testers may gain access to iOS 26.2 as soon as this coming week.

If not during the upcoming week, the new batch of 26.2 betas should be available by the second week of November.

Apple generally launches its x.2 software in mid-December just before the holiday season. This timeline pressure makes it crucial for Apple to begin the beta testing phase—and it’s already a bit behind, with iOS 26.1 debuting a week later than standard.

## Highly anticipated Pluribus series on Apple TV

Apple TV boasts a varied selection of shows and movies set to premiere in November, all of which can be found here.

The highlight, however, is undoubtedly **Pluribus**, debuting on **Friday, November 7**.

Pluribus is a new sci-fi drama from *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul* creator Vince Gilligan.

Considering Gilligan’s involvement, the intriguing subject matter, and Apple’s enigmatic marketing, Pluribus has risen to the level of one of the platform’s most eagerly awaited launches of the year.

*The New York Times* recently referred to Pluribus as “as significant as modern TV gets,” fueling excitement for a potential Severance-level success for Apple.

What are you most eager to see Apple unveil in November? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Dia Browser Incorporates Well-liked Arc Functions to Win Back Users

### The Browser Company Aims to Reclaim Arc Users

The Browser Company has recently rolled out an update to its AI-driven browser, Dia, adding numerous features that users found favorable in its earlier version, Arc. This enhancement is designed to lure back former Arc users to the platform.

A few weeks prior, The Browser Company declared the general release of Dia for macOS, showcasing new capabilities such as Focus Mode, which was first seen in Arc. CEO Josh Miller pointed out that the company intends to integrate more of Arc’s cherished features into Dia, boosting its attractiveness.

The recent update has brought forth additional functionalities reminiscent of Arc, including a sidebar mode. When asked whether Dia is simply a rebranded version of Arc, Miller clarified that Dia’s framework is structured to be more effective for AI, speed, and security, while still incorporating features loved in Arc.

User reactions imply that the approach might yield positive results. Several former Arc users have mentioned a favorable experience with Dia, highlighting features like Focus Mode, vertical tabs, pinned tabs in grid layout, and Google Meet Picture-in-Picture (PIP). One user conveyed their contentment, indicating they were nearly fully transitioning from Arc to Dia.

As competition in the AI-infused browser space escalates, The Browser Company, now under Atlassian’s management, must strive to restore the confidence of users who had previously shifted away from their old browsers. The reintroduction of favored features may assist in rebuilding rapport with users contemplating a second look at Dia.

Apple Anticipates Unprecedented Holiday Quarter in Its Corporate History

Apple has recently disclosed its quarterly earnings for Q4 2025, showcasing a record revenue of $102.47 billion, representing an 8% increase from the same timeframe last year. The company has also indicated an even greater milestone anticipated in the forthcoming holiday quarter.

### Apple Forecasting 10-12% Growth During Holidays for Record Quarter

The iPhone 17 series has demonstrated strong demand, contributing to positive projections for the next quarter ending in December. Apple CEO Tim Cook remarked, “We anticipate total company revenue to increase by 10 to 12% year over year, we project iPhone revenue to rise by double digits, year over year, and we foresee that making the December quarter the best in the company’s history.” This growth outlook is considerably more optimistic than analysts’ predictions, which had earlier estimated revenue of $132.31 billion for the holiday quarter.

Should Apple attain an 11% growth, it could result in around $136.73 billion in revenue, exceeding previous forecasts. Last year, the holiday quarter set a benchmark for Apple with $124.30 billion in total revenue, and with the iPhone 17 series outperforming its predecessor, the iPhone 16, anticipations for ongoing success remain elevated.

The strong reception of the new iPhone models, launched in September, has strengthened Apple’s confidence in its guidance for the upcoming quarter. The projections suggest that Apple is prepared to not only meet but possibly surpass its previous financial records.

### Conclusion

Apple’s recent earnings report and positive forecasts for the holiday quarter underscore the company’s strong performance and the appeal of its products. As the iPhone 17 continues to attract attention, analysts and investors will be keenly observing to determine if Apple can reach its ambitious growth goals.

9to5Mac Daily: October 30, 2025 – Update on AirPods Pro Litigation and Other Updates

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Tim Cook Unveils Broadened AI Integrations for Apple Expanding Beyond OpenAI

### Apple’s Standing in the AI Sphere: Insights from Tim Cook

Alongside Apple’s Q4 earnings conference call, CEO Tim Cook discussed the company’s current position and future ambitions in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm during an interview with CNBC. His statements illuminated Apple’s persistent endeavors and hurdles in embedding AI technologies within its ecosystem.

#### Expansion Aspirations on the Agenda

Apple’s recent collaboration with OpenAI marks a key advancement in its AI strategy, as emphasized by Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software. Federighi pointed out that Apple plans to incorporate various AI models, including Google’s Gemini, into its offerings. This announcement surfaced in the context of Google’s antitrust challenges, implying that both entities might be anticipating judicial outcomes before solidifying partnerships.

Even with the favorable resolution of Google’s antitrust matters, Apple has yet to verify any new alliances with AI providers. Nonetheless, the company is eagerly gearing up for the rollout of Model Context Protocol (MCP) across its platforms, such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. MCP, crafted by Anthropic, aims to promote interoperability between diverse AI models and user applications.

Moreover, Apple is broadening its Image Playground feature to accommodate additional third-party AI models beyond just ChatGPT. However, definitive plans for further collaborations have yet to be revealed. When asked by CNBC, Cook mentioned that Apple aspires to work with more partners over time, although he refrained from providing specific information.

#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Cook’s comments arise amid Apple’s efforts to tackle its perceived deficiencies in the AI sector. While the company has successfully launched machine learning features—such as car crash detection, real-time translation through AirPods, and high blood pressure alerts on the Apple Watch—there is an increasing public demand for more sophisticated, interactive AI offerings. These offerings, often leveraging large language models (LLMs), are anticipated to carry out tasks on behalf of users.

Apple has encountered setbacks in meeting timelines for new AI functionalities and has witnessed a significant talent drain, with essential AI staff departing for rivals such as Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Cook’s ambiguous promise of collaborating with additional partners does little to ease worries surrounding Apple’s immediate AI strategy. It serves as a reminder that tangible advancements and short-term initiatives remain undisclosed, particularly following a company-wide meeting designed to reassure employees about Apple’s dedication to AI progress.

As the sector advances, a pressing question lingers: Is Apple poised to announce a novel AI partnership? The excitement persists as stakeholders await greater insights into Apple’s AI strategy.

Sales Catalysts in Apple’s Q4 2025: Examining Upgraders Versus Newcomers by Product Segment

On the earnings conference call today, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh provided insights into the sales performance of the company’s key product categories for Q4 2025. Below is a comprehensive summary of the insights shared.

### iPad

While discussing iPad revenue, Parekh pointed out that sales remained unchanged compared to the previous year, indicating a tough comparison with the same quarter last year when the release of new iPad Air and iPad Pro models significantly drove up sales. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the performance was better than anticipated.

Parekh remarked, “The install base hit an all-time record with a September quarter high for upgraders, and over half of the customers who bought an iPad in the quarter were new to the product.” This shows that despite record upgrades, a significant portion of iPad sales went to first-time buyers.

### Apple Watch

Apple does not report Apple Watch revenue as a separate figure, choosing instead to categorize it under “Wearables, Home, and Accessories.” Still, Parekh reiterated a familiar point: most sales of the Apple Watch were to newcomers. He commented, “Both the Apple Watch and AirPods install bases attained new all-time highs. More than half of the customers acquiring an Apple Watch in the quarter were new to the product. Additionally, we set a September record for upgrades on the Apple Watch.” This indicates that the Apple Watch is continuing to broaden its user base, signifying strong demand from new users.

### Mac

The Mac category saw a 13% year-over-year rise in revenue, although Parekh did not go into great detail about this segment. He noted, “the Mac install base achieved another all-time high, with nearly half of those who bought a Mac being first-time purchasers.” This suggests that, unlike the iPad and Apple Watch, the majority of Mac customers were existing users choosing to upgrade instead of new customers transitioning from different platforms.

### iPhone

For the quarter that concluded on September 27, the iPhone brought in $49 billion in revenue, which marks a 6% rise from the same quarter last year. Parekh mentioned that this represented a slight 1% increase from Q4 2024, which indicates stable sales as the new iPhone season approaches. He stated, “the iPhone active install base surged to an all-time high, and we established a September quarter record for upgraders.” Similar to the Mac, this suggests that the majority of iPhone sales were driven by existing users upgrading their devices rather than new customers moving from Android.

### Summary

In summary, although every product category witnessed unprecedented highs in their install user bases, the sales dynamics differed. Most sales of iPhones and Macs stemmed from upgrades, while a significant portion of iPad and Apple Watch sales were credited to first-time buyers. This trend underscores Apple’s capability to draw in new users while also retaining and upgrading their current customer base.

Did you upgrade or acquire an Apple product for the first time last quarter? Share your thoughts in the comments.