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Blog Posts

YouTube Refutes Claims of Experimenting with 90-Second Unskippable Ads Despite User Feedback

YouTube has been actively combating the use of ad blockers by encouraging users to either disable these extensions or opt for YouTube Premium subscriptions. Additionally, we’ve observed measures such as temporarily halting playback. The struggle between YouTube and ad blocker users has persisted for some time; meanwhile, its parent company, Google, is also advocating for an increased volume of advertisements, some of them even longer.

In March 2026, Google revealed that YouTube introduced unskippable ads lasting up to 30 seconds on smart TVs to facilitate easier access for advertisers seeking to connect with viewers enjoying the platform in their homes. According to Google, these unskippable ads include either six-second bumpers or 15- and 30-second “CTV-only” (smart TV) non-skippable formats. Predictably, users on the free plan expressed their dissatisfaction regarding this update, with many voicing their concerns online after the announcement. Nonetheless, several users have recently indicated that the unskippable ads have surpassed the initially announced 30-second duration.

Expressing their grievances, numerous users turned to Reddit earlier this week after encountering 90-second unskippable ads, which are significantly longer than the 15- to 30-second ads noted by Google. In spite of these claims, YouTube refutes the existence of 90-second unskippable ads. In response to a post on X discussing the incident, the platform stated, “YouTube does not have a 90-second non-skippable ad format. This isn’t something we are testing right now. We’re looking into this further.”

Users dispute YouTube’s denial of

The Effect of Mac Technology on Handling Mental Clutter

### From iPhone-Exclusive to Every Apple Device: The Journey of Apple’s Journal App

In December 2023, Apple launched the Journal app alongside iOS 17.2, designed to assist users in reflecting on their daily life. Yet, the initial response indicated limitations, most notably its exclusivity to the iPhone and its basic functionalities. Six months later, although iOS 18 introduced improvements, the app was still limited to iPhone users. It wasn’t until a year later that Apple revealed the Journal app’s availability on iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe, indicating a substantial shift in its accessibility and features.

### A Change in Journaling Practices

Previously, numerous users, myself included, depended on third-party journaling applications like Day One, which offered support across multiple devices along with a comprehensive feature set. However, the subscription model frequently discouraged ongoing use. My path altered when I switched to a handwritten journal utilizing the Apple Pencil Pro and Notes app on my M4 iPad Pro. While I valued the tactile feel and the advantages of digital backup, the restriction of using a sole device rendered journaling more deliberate and less impulsive.

### The Mac Experience

Since the Journal app’s debut on the Mac in July 2025, my journaling habits have shifted significantly. The incorporation of the Journal app into my regular workflow on the Mac has allowed it to seamlessly blend into my recording of thoughts and reflections. In recent months, I’ve documented over 86,000 words in 166 days, leveraging the Mac’s features to streamline my journaling process.

The phrase “calm in the brainstorm” deeply resonates with my experience. The Journal app offers a private space for me to swiftly record ideas and reflections throughout the day, boosting my productivity and creativity. Initially, I doubted whether a Mac app could emulate the focused experience of a handwritten journal, but the Journal app has surpassed my expectations, enabling quick entries and effortless synchronization between devices.

### Benefits of the iPhone Version

Even with the perks of using the Journal app on the Mac, the iPhone version stands out as the most feature-rich. It possesses distinctive functionalities like photo suggestions and recent workout data, which are unavailable on the Mac. To address this divide, I frequently refine my entries on the iPhone before syncing them back to the Mac. However, synchronization can be unpredictable, with updates occasionally delayed between devices.

The iPhone app also facilitates customizable options, including entry notifications, the addition of location data, and photo attachments, reminiscent of Apple’s prior iWeb and Photo Journals experiences. The app guarantees confidentiality and security, demanding Touch ID or Face ID for access, and allows users to modify the auto-lock settings for added ease.

### Conclusion

The rollout of the Journal app on the Mac has reinvigorated my journaling approach, making it more integrated into my everyday life. As I anticipate upcoming updates, like those expected in macOS 27, I am eager for the potential improvements that could further enhance the journaling journey across all Apple devices. The transition of the Journal app from a single-device solution to a multi-device experience showcases Apple’s dedication to enriching user engagement and reflection through technology.

Revealed Information on Upcoming iPhone Fold: Title ‘Ultra’, Release Date, and Additional Insights

### iPhone Ultra: Speculations Regarding Apple’s Foldable Smartphone

This past week has been quite eventful for speculations surrounding Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, commonly dubbed the ‘iPhone Ultra.’ Recent disclosures have provided insights into the possible name, release schedule, and supply strategies for this groundbreaking device.

#### The ‘iPhone Ultra’ Title and Release Timing

Reports have emerged suggesting that Apple might actually name its foldable device the ‘iPhone Ultra.’ Leaker Instant Digital has supported this assertion, enumerating the forthcoming models as iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, with the latter set aside for the foldable version. Although naming conventions are subject to change as the release nears, the support from several credible sources indicates that ‘iPhone Ultra’ is a strong possibility.

Regarding release timing, there are varying reports about potential delays. While some sources initially indicated that the foldable could be pushed back, a more trustworthy report from Bloomberg confirms that the device remains slated for a September launch. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital has reiterated this perspective, mentioning that production lines are close to completion and suggesting that the foldable will probably be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 series. Even if there is a delay, it is anticipated to be minimal, potentially just a month.

#### Supply Strategies for the iPhone Ultra

Alongside naming and timing, details about the supply chain have also come to light. Fixed Focus Digital reported that Apple has boosted its inventory of foldable displays by 20%, starting with an initial stock of 11 million units. This increase counters earlier claims that Apple was being excessively cautious with its launch supply. The increase in inventory signifies that Apple is gearing up for a major launch, reflecting confidence in the demand for the iPhone Ultra.

#### Conclusion

As the release date draws near, excitement continues to mount around the iPhone Ultra. With verified reports about its name and a September launch, coupled with enhanced supply strategies, Apple appears ready to make a noteworthy impact in the foldable smartphone arena. For real-time updates and further information on the iPhone Fold/Ultra, interested readers can consult specialized tech news outlets.

Why Your Whoop Might Suggest Increasing Your Testosterone

This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they’re going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here. Last week, our editor-in-chief Nilay Patel messaged me about his new Whoop band, which he’d gotten thanks to […]