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Garmin Launches New Sleep Band to Substitute for Bulkier Nighttime Watches

This cozy smart band serves as a thorough substitute for Garmin’s range of watches.

(Image credit: Garmin)

Essential Information

  • Garmin has unveiled its latest smart sleep band, the Index Sleep Monitor.
  • This band is capable of gathering and sharing “detailed sleep insights,” including your respiration rate, Pulse Ox, skin temperature, Women’s Health, and more.
  • The company claims the device is comfy and can be washed (gentle cycle), retailing at $169.99 in S-M and L-XL sizes.

Garmin aims to “enhance comfort” while providing valuable health analytics to users during sleep.

Debuting today (June 18) is the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor, a lightweight armband designed to offer a “complete” outlook on your health. The firm emphasized the device in a press announcement, stating that the band can operate for seven nights on a single charge. Garmin’s VP of consumer sales and marketing, Susan Lyman, remarked, “Using this smart sleep band nightly can offer detailed sleep insights and a fuller picture of wellness and recovery.”

Garmin watch. The article showcases the band’s capability to track your sleep statistics, such as sleep phases (light, deep, REM) and HRV status. The following morning, Garmin asserts that your Index Sleep Monitor will transmit its sleep data to provide a Sleep Score, which varies from zero to 100.

9to5Mac Daily: June 18, 2025 – News on Apple’s Siri Progress and HomePod Theories

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News and Insights

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of recent news and advancements is essential, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a vital source, providing a summary of the day’s leading stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that highlights the most important news and updates from the Apple world. It is tailored for listeners eager to stay informed about the newest in Apple products, software updates, and market trends. The podcast is recorded every weekday, ensuring subscribers receive current information.

#### Where to Listen

Listeners can find 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, making it easy to listen from anywhere. The podcast is available on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
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– Through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) compatible with Overcast and other podcast players.

#### Subscription Benefits

For those seeking an enriched listening experience, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** provides several advantages:

– Ad-free versions of each episode
– Access to exclusive bonus content

Listeners can subscribe by heading to [9to5mac.com/join](http://9to5mac.com/join).

#### Engaging with the Podcast

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener engagement. Fans are encouraged to share their opinions by emailing the team at [happyhour@9to5mac.com](mailto:happyhour@9to5mac.com). Furthermore, listeners can rate the podcast on [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or recommend it on

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Kuo States Apple Has Yet to Conclude Specifications for Foldable iPhone

### The Latest on the iPhone Fold

Ming-Chi Kuo has shared an update on Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, revealing that Foxconn is poised to start the project in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year. Nonetheless, several component specifications for the device are still pending finalization.

One of the key attributes of Apple’s foldable iPhone is anticipated to be its display. Unlike many current foldable Android devices that exhibit a prominent crease, Apple has partnered with Samsung Display to create a display that reduces this concern. Kuo highlights that the foldable display is among the few elements with confirmed specifications, which is essential for forecasting potential shipments. Samsung Display aims to manufacture 7-8 million foldable panels each year to satisfy the demand for the 2026 foldable iPhone, although actual production may take place over a limited time frame, resulting in shipments that may not reach total capacity.

Another expected design element is the hinge, crafted from stainless steel and titanium alloy. Although this component has attracted considerable market interest, its specifications are still not confirmed. Kuo indicates that Foxconn is anticipated to officially commence work on the foldable iPhone initiative in late Q3 2025 or early Q4 2025.

Mass production of the device is not expected to begin until later in 2026, with a rumored launch date in late 2026. The foldable iPhone is believed to feature an approximate 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, making it similar in size to an iPad mini when opened. In terms of thickness, the device is estimated to measure around 4.5 mm when opened and 9.5 mm when closed.

For those keen on the latest news and speculation regarding the iPhone Fold, a specialized guide is available for ongoing tracking of advancements.

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iOS 18.6 and macOS 15.6 Are Now Accessible in Public Beta

**Apple’s Latest Software Releases: iOS 18.6 and More**

Last week, Apple introduced its forthcoming software versions scheduled for release this fall, such as iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. However, the tech titan isn’t done with its existing software cycle, having now launched the initial betas for iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, and other updates.

**Public Beta Rollouts**

Starting June 18, 2025, public beta editions are being distributed promptly following the developer versions. This represents a pivotal advancement in the software update process, enabling more users to engage with the latest functionalities and enhancements.

**Final Updates in the Ongoing Cycle**

Internally, Apple has directed a significant portion of its engineering efforts towards the creation of iOS 26 and the additional new operating systems. Nevertheless, the firm remains dedicated to releasing at least one more update for iOS 18 and its related platforms, likely signaling the conclusion of their current cycle.

The newly issued x.6 betas cover a variety of software platforms, including iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, visionOS 2.6, and tvOS 18.6. While these updates are not anticipated to bring substantial new functionalities, they are intended to provide crucial bug fixes and performance upgrades, enhancing overall user stability.

**Significance of Performance and Stability**

Performance and stability are essential elements of software updates, particularly as a version approaches its end of life. Traditionally, Apple has managed to deliver some of its most dependable updates during this stage, reducing bugs and enhancing overall efficiency.

For users keen on testing the new betas, it is important to recognize that while the final iterations of iOS 18.6, tvOS 18.6, and watchOS 11.6 are expected to be stable, the current beta 1 version may still exhibit some issues.

**User Insights**

Apple invites users to provide feedback on their experiences with beta 1 of iOS 18.6 and other updates, cultivating a feedback community that can assist in improving future releases.

As the software environment progresses, Apple’s dedication to refining its current operating systems while gearing up for new launches underscores its commitment to user satisfaction and technological progress.

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Apple’s Wallet App Launches New Functionality for Stored Credit Cards in iOS 26

Apple’s Wallet application is moving closer to genuinely substituting your physical wallet, courtesy of a new feature in iOS 26 that supports all stored credit and debit cards.

## Complete credit card information can now be stored within the Wallet app in iOS 26

Last year in iOS 18, Apple unveiled a new Passwords app across its systems. While many users have found it beneficial, there were several crucial features missing that led them back to third-party password managers. One of these features was the ability to save full credit card information.

Previously, users were only able to view the last four digits of their credit cards in the Wallet app, which required the use of extra apps to obtain complete card details. However, with iOS 26, Apple has provided a resolution to this issue.

Now available in the Wallet app, there’s a new feature to save comprehensive details about your credit or debit card. Users can simply select a card within Wallet, tap the details icon in the upper-right corner, and discover the new option: ‘Add Physical Card Information.’ This feature enables users to store the entire card number, expiration date, security code, cardholder name, and an optional description.

Apple’s choice to incorporate these functionalities into the Wallet app instead of the Passwords app appears to resonate with user preferences, as many will likely find it easier to access card details all in one location. For those worried about privacy, keeping full card information is completely optional. Apple guarantees users that “Your complete card number, expiration date, and security code are encrypted and stored in your iCloud Keychain. They are accessible only to you and are not utilized for Apple Pay transactions.”

With this enhancement, Apple Wallet is set to become an even more all-encompassing solution for handling payment methods, further minimizing the requirement for physical wallets.

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Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.

### iPadOS 26: A Significant Upgrade for Power Users

iPadOS 26 is recognized as a crucial upgrade that caters to the requirements of iPad power users. In a recent conversation with Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, valuable insights were shared regarding the motivation behind the creation of iPadOS 26, the choice to keep macOS separate from iPad, and the overarching vision for the future of the iPad.

#### Key Insights from the Interview

Federico Viticci, a well-known proponent for optimizing the iPad’s capabilities, interviewed Federighi during WWDC. The conversation focused on the new functionalities of iPadOS 26 and the philosophy that drives Apple’s strategy with its devices.

A primary theme was the ongoing discussion among users about the feasibility of operating macOS on the iPad. Federighi clarified that Apple’s objective is to preserve the individual identities of its devices. He likened this scenario to a “spork,” explaining that merging two exceptional tools typically results in a less effective product. He stressed that while uniformity across platforms is valuable, each device should provide a customized experience tailored to its specific function.

#### The Essence of the iPad

Federighi conveyed that the iPad should not operate macOS, yet it can take cues from Mac features. He believes that both systems can leverage each other’s strengths without sacrificing their distinct personalities. This ideology is vital as Apple continues to enhance the iPad’s functionalities while staying true to its fundamental essence.

#### Development of iPadOS 26

The rollout of advanced windowing and multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 has been a much-anticipated improvement. Federighi attributed the postponement of these features to various factors, including:

– **Performance Limitations**: Initial constraints of the iPad hardware made it difficult to incorporate powerful multitasking features.
– **User Input**: Over the years, Apple has taken the feedback from power users seriously, which has shaped the development of features that meet their expectations.
– **Maintaining the iPad’s Identity**: There was a careful approach to integrating Mac-like functionalities that might overshadow the iPad’s distinctive traits.

#### Conclusion

As we gaze into the future of the iPad, Federighi’s insights offer a clear perspective on Apple’s vision. The company seeks to enhance the iPad experience while safeguarding its unique identity, ensuring it remains a potent tool for users. For a more in-depth exploration of Federighi’s views on the iPad’s essence and the future of iPadOS, the complete interview is accessible on MacStories.

### Best iPad Accessories

For those aiming to elevate their iPad experience, investigating the best available accessories can lead to a substantial enhancement.

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Cutting-edge AI Precisely Assesses Age via Eye Examination

One of the most remarkable domains of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT currently revolves around improved computer vision. AI is capable of comprehending and interpreting information from images. This is the reason we now have highly sophisticated image and video creation models in ChatGPT, Gemini, Firefly, and other AI applications.

Models such as ChatGPT o3 can precisely determine the location of an image by examining its features. Google provides advanced photo editing capabilities within its Photos application, as well as directly in Gemini. These features enable you to modify real photographs in ways that were previously unachievable.

These AI abilities related to images aren’t solely employed to create memes or overload OpenAI’s servers. Scientists are crafting AI models that can understand images for various applications, including healthcare.

The most recent research highlighting such progress originates from China.

Scientists from various universities have successfully identified a person’s age with remarkable accuracy by having AI analyze an image of their retina. The findings also indicated disparities between the individual’s age and the age of the eye. The researchers discovered that the age discrepancy provided by the AI can be particularly advantageous for women. A straightforward retinal scan could assist healthcare providers in offering improved support to couples seeking to conceive and to women at risk for early menopause.

Retinal fundus imaging, or an image of the back of the eye, allows doctors to observe microvascular characteristics that reflect systemic aging. An AI developed with thousands of images can then forecast the age of the eye and compare it to the individual’s actual age to “forecast retinal age from fundus images with high accuracy.”

The researchers employed an AI known as Frozen and Learning Ensemble Crossover (FLEX) to estimate retinal age from fundus images. They trained FLEX using over 20,000 eye photographs from more than 10,000 adults across various age groups to teach it how the back of the eye appears as people age. FLEX also examined more than 2,500 images from nearly 1,300 pre-menopausal women.

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Guide for Installing the One UI 8 Beta

If you own a compatible Galaxy phone, you have the opportunity to experience the next Samsung operating system.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Android 16 version is already accessible to users of Google Pixel, but soon Samsung Galaxy users may join them. Following an extensive rollout phase for the One UI 7 update built on Android 15, Samsung has initiated beta trials for the forthcoming One UI 8 operating system. If you possess a qualifying Samsung Galaxy S25 series device, you can currently test the update based on Android 16.

Indeed, the second beta of One UI 8 has already been released for initial testers, and development is moving ahead effectively. If you’re eager to explore the latest Samsung software and fulfill the eligibility criteria, registering for the One UI 8 beta is a quick process. Here’s how to proceed.

Thinborne’s Pixel 10 Series Cases Fly Off Shelves Quickly

The thrill is genuine.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • Recently, Thinborne launched a “Super Thin” case lineup for the anticipated Pixel 10 series, despite the lack of official confirmation from Google regarding device availability.
  • These cases have apparently been quite popular, as Thinborne has reported they’re all sold out.
  • It’s possible that the same four Pixel models will be released this year, as early speculation has pointed to Google codenames along with several leaked images.

Thinborne has unveiled an entire range of “Pixel 10 cases” before receiving any official announcement from Google.

The case manufacturer introduced a new set of Pixel 10 cases to prepare consumers for the series launching later this year. Based on the listing, we can expect a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 XL, and once again a Pixel 10 Pro Fold this year. These cases quickly sold out on their official website. Thinborne promoted its products as “Super Thin” with MagSafe capabilities.

There may be slight modifications with the 10. The cases from Thinborne showcase a larger opening at the top left, likely for the Pixel 10’s SIM slot, which has been rumored earlier. The bottom also exhibits three openings, one for its USB-C port and two for its (supposed) repositioned speakers.

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Investigating Google’s Android XR Approach and Its Significant Gaming Growth

Google executives have recently shared their perspectives on the forthcoming launch of Android smart glasses and headsets, elucidating their features and potential advantages for developers. At the Augmented World Expo 2025, Google highlighted the importance of Android XR as a groundbreaking platform for VR, XR, AR, and smart glasses. The company is working alongside partners such as Samsung, Qualcomm, and Unity to engage developers with this burgeoning technology.

Justin Payne, leading Google’s XR product management team, underscored the significance of multimodal AI and large language models (LLMs) in progressing XR technology. The Gemini API, available via the Firebase AI Logic SDK, is being presented as an essential resource for developers to incorporate AI into their XR applications. Google anticipates extending Android XR software to smart glasses later this year, collaborating with companies like Warby Parker to introduce the initial range of smart glasses.

Hugo Swart, Google’s senior XR director, emphasized the collective effort necessary to cultivate the Android XR ecosystem, involving a range of participants from hardware producers to app developers. The platform intends to offer a cohesive development experience, permitting apps to operate across different devices without fragmentation. Android XR will incorporate fundamental tools such as head/eye/face/hand tracking and 3D reconstruction, tailored for Snapdragon processors.

In the realm of gaming, Android XR is compatible with controllers, Unity, and the OpenXR standard, allowing developers to transition existing VR games to the platform. Nonetheless, obstacles persist, including the scarce availability of Android XR headsets and the necessity for developers to construct their own reference hardware for experimentation. Despite these challenges, Google is dedicated to nurturing the ecosystem, aspiring to ensure developers of a lucrative future with Android XR.

The triumph of Android XR will hinge on the accessibility of cost-effective devices and the readiness of developers to adopt the platform. Google’s collaboration with Samsung and its open-platform strategy are pivotal tactics to promote developer engagement and guarantee the sustained success of Android XR in the competitive XR landscape.

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