Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

WhatsApp is advancing its Liquid Glass redesign on iOS, with the most recent TestFlight build showcasing updates to message reactions and context menus. Here are the specifics.

### Liquid Glass Redesign Progresses in Beta Before Wider Launch

Last year, after the introduction of iOS 26, Meta initiated a limited test of the Liquid Glass aesthetic applied to the official app’s bottom navigation bar and certain elements of its Chats tab interface.

To date, this rollout seems to remain quite restricted, with the majority of users still experiencing the pre-Liquid Glass design.

In TestFlight builds, however, Meta has consistently been refining the Liquid Glass concept.

Recently, the WhatsApp build on TestFlight showed that Meta is working to incorporate Liquid Glass into the in-chat interface, following a prior beta that presented a similar redesign for the app’s voice message player.

Now, WABetaInfo reports that Meta is set to apply the same upgrade to two additional components of the chat experience: message reactions and context menus.

Like other unannounced WhatsApp features identified by WABetaInfo, the updated interface is not available to beta testers yet. Nonetheless, the site managed to activate it ahead of its official release.

Here’s what WABetaInfo discovered:

> At present, the reaction tray boasts a more solid and opaque look. While the context menu has been refreshed with the Liquid Glass design in the chat list, the context menu for messages retains a simpler background style with limited transparency effects. Consequently, these elements still seem visually inconsistent with other sections of the app that have already embraced the new design language.

As is the case with other unlaunched features identified in WhatsApp’s TestFlight builds, there’s still uncertainty regarding when these updates will reach the App Store version.

Nonetheless, the ongoing appearance of new Liquid Glass references in beta builds indicates that Meta is diligently working on the redesign and implies that an official launch may be approaching soon.

Apple Maps users in Rome and Naples can now enjoy a more comprehensive navigation system, featuring improved 3D visuals of the cities, highlighting significant landmarks, lane markings, crosswalks, transit routes, and road-level guidance for intricate interchanges.

### Enhanced City Experience Now Accessible in Rome and Naples

First introduced in 2021, the Apple Maps Enhanced City Experience has expanded notably, now encompassing 37 cities globally, with the latest additions being Rome and Naples. This feature enables users to discover detailed 3D representations of famous sites such as Rome’s Fontana di Trevi and Naples’s Castel dell’Ovo.

Notable locations are now easier to spot, including Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome and L’antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples. The detailed roadway and landscape information enriches navigation, particularly advantageous for those familiar with the challenging traffic scenario in Italy.

In Rome, users can see 3D landmarks such as Apple Via del Corso, Auditorium Parco della Musica, Borghese Gallery and Museum, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. In Naples, landmarks like the Basilica Reale Pontificia di San Francesco di Paola at Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel dell’Ovo, and Castel Nuovo are emphasized.

The launch of the Enhanced City Experience in these two cities follows its prior introduction in Milan earlier this year. For a full list of cities where this feature is accessible, users can check the official Apple website.

Tomorrow, May 12, signifies the launch of the U.S. Mint’s newest American Innovation $1 coin, honoring Steve Jobs as California’s representative in the initiative. Here’s how to acquire yours.

### Steve Jobs $1 Coin Available Tomorrow, May 12

This year’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program will celebrate Steve Jobs on the coin that signifies California. Initiated in 2018, this program aims to acknowledge American innovation and the remarkable contributions of individuals or groups by issuing $1 coins representing innovation in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories.

In previous years, the initiative has recognized various inventors and their inventions, including the lightbulb from New Jersey, the Hubble Space Telescope from Maryland, and George Washington Carver from Missouri. This year’s coins also pay tribute to Dr. Norman Borlaug for Iowa, the Cray-1 supercomputer for Wisconsin, and mobile refrigeration for Minnesota.

California Governor Gavin Newsom elaborated on his selection of Steve Jobs for the state’s $1 coin, stating, “The innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Steve Jobs embodied the best of California, creating the future we all know today. His determination and fearless pursuit of the California Dream made many American dreams achievable. May we all strive to fill his shoes as we chase our own California Dreams.”

The coins will be up for purchase on May 12, with the following roll and bag selections:

– **$154.50** for a bag of 100 circulating quality $1 coins produced in Philadelphia (product code 26GBC)
– **$154.50** for a bag of 100 circulating quality $1 coins produced in Denver (product code 26GBG)
– **$61.00** for a roll of 25 circulating quality $1 coins minted in Philadelphia (product code 26GRC)
– **$61.00** for a roll of 25 circulating quality $1 coins minted in Denver (product code 26GRG)

The U.S. Mint indicates that orders for both the 100-coin bags and 25-coin rolls are restricted to 10 per household. If you manage to secure one of the coins, be sure to share a photo of it in the comments section below.

Apple has introduced web access for Apple Card Savings, offering both current and past Apple Card users a fresh method to view and manage their accounts beyond the Wallet app. This new capability enables users to reach their Savings accounts via a specialized web portal.

### Web Access to Savings for Apple Card Users

Current and former Apple Card owners can now navigate to [card.apple.com/savings](https://card.apple.com/savings) to carry out various tasks related to their Savings accounts. These tasks include checking current and available balances, examining year-to-date interest earned, annual percentage yield, as well as downloading statements and tax documents.

The web interface is simple, lacking the intricate graphs and navigation options available in the Wallet app. Nevertheless, it acts as a practical alternative for quickly checking Savings balances or retrieving account documents, particularly for users with closed Apple Card accounts.

A Savings account can be created by Apple Card owners and co-owners, permitting users to automatically deposit the Daily Cash accrued from Apple Card purchases. Furthermore, users can add funds through Apple Cash or a linked external bank account.

To set up a Savings account, users need to fulfill certain criteria detailed in [Apple’s support document](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102676). Once these criteria are met, users can open the Wallet app, tap on Apple Card, hit the More button, select Rewards & Offers, and then tap Set Up next to Savings.

To utilize the new web-based Savings management interface, users can [follow this link](https://card.apple.com/savings).

Apple has released four audio recordings along with a research summary from its 2026 Workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning & AI. Here are the specifics.

Apple has shared a fresh entry on its machine learning blog showcasing four prominent presentations from its 2026 Workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning & AI.

During this two-day gathering, Apple researchers and attendees from the wider research community examined “the latest in privacy-preserving ML and AI,” with an emphasis on Private Learning and Statistics, Foundation Models and Privacy, and Attacks and Security.

Here’s what Apple had to say about the event:

Discussions and presentations at the workshop delved into advancements and unresolved issues in privacy and ML, covering topics like federated learning, statistical learning, trust models, attacks, privacy accounting, and the distinct challenges posed by foundation models. These research domains support innovation through thorough privacy and security assessments, linking theoretical frameworks with practical applications.

In its blog entry, Apple spotlighted four presentations, one being the ‘Crypto for DP and DP for Crypto’ talk, delivered by the company’s Research Scientist Kunal Talwar.

Moreover, other highlighted presentations include:
– Online Matrix Factorization and Online Query Release, given by Aleksandar Nikolov from the University of Toronto
– Learning from the People: Discussing S&P Technology for Responsible Data Collection, presented by Elissa Redmiles from Georgetown
– Understanding and Mitigating Memorization in Foundation Models – presented by Franziska Boenisch from CISPA

Apple also showcased 24 published works presented at the workshop, including three papers authored by current and former researchers at the company.

To view all the sessions and access the complete list of referenced papers, follow this link.

Apple has launched iPadOS 26.5, the newest software upgrade that introduces several exciting features for iPad users. Here’s what’s included.

## iPadOS 26.5 introduces enhancements for Apple Maps, Reminders, App Store, along with wallpapers and accessory upgrades

New software is now accessible to iPad users. You can download iPadOS 26.5 through Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Software Update.

The most recent update incorporates features across various domains. Here’s what’s included:

– **Wallpapers**: Pride Luminance serves as a new wallpaper option featuring 11 different color variants, along with a custom builder allowing you to select your own colors.

– **Apple Maps**: The Maps application now includes a ‘Suggested Places’ feature on the search screen, which provides recommendations based on trending locations and your recent searches.

– **Reminders**: When deferring a due reminder, you will now see new options with specific times to let you know exactly when the reminder will appear again.

– **App Store**: Users located outside the US and Singapore will notice a new ‘Monthly with 12-month commitment’ option available for in-app subscriptions.

– **Magic Accessories**: You can now set up Bluetooth pairing with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad just by connecting it to the iPad via USB-C.

iPadOS 26.5 is anticipated to be the final significant software update before iPadOS 27 is introduced next month.

Apple is set to announce its upcoming major updates for iPad, iPhone, Mac, and more on June 8 at WWDC 2026.

iPadOS 27 is likely to concentrate significantly on the new Siri and other Apple Intelligence enhancements. Improvements to Liquid Glass and a range of bug fixes are also on the way.

What additional features would you like to see for iPad next? Share your thoughts in the comments.

# iOS 26.5: Main Upgrades and Features for Your iPhone

Apple has just launched iOS 26.5, which brings a variety of key improvements designed to enhance the user experience on iPhones. This update not only introduces new functionalities but also offers a vibrant new wallpaper choice along with a range of bug fixes and security enhancements.

## What’s New in iOS 26.5

As reported by Apple, iOS 26.5 features three significant updates for iPhone users:

1. **End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging (Beta)**: This functionality is now accessible in the Messages app for users with compatible carriers. The rollout will be gradual, boosting the privacy and security of messaging.

2. **Pride Luminance Wallpaper**: A new, colorful wallpaper choice that dynamically reflects a range of colors is now available for download, honoring diversity and inclusion.

3. **Suggested Places in Maps**: This new addition offers recommendations based on nearby trending locations and users’ recent searches, simplifying the process of discovering new places.

In addition to these primary features, iOS 26.5 includes further enhancements:

– **Apple Maps Updates**: Users should anticipate advertisements in search results starting this summer, particularly affecting those in the United States and Canada.

– **App Store Subscription Options**: The update now supports a new 12-month commitment with monthly payment plans for App Store subscriptions, a feature that began in iOS 26.4 but is now crucial for U.S. customers.

– **Improvements to Reminders App**: The Reminders app has been enhanced to be more effective for users.

– **Automatic Pairing for Accessories**: Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad accessories will now pair automatically via Bluetooth after being connected through USB-C.

### Regional Changes

In the European Union, iOS 26.5 implements Live Activity forwarding for third-party accessories where necessary. In Brazil, the update sets the stage for potential sideloading capabilities on iOS.

### Looking Ahead

Apple is preparing to showcase iOS 27, the next major update, during WWDC 2026 on June 8, with the first developer beta anticipated to be launched that same day. This forthcoming version is expected to introduce even more advancements to the iPhone ecosystem.

In summary, iOS 26.5 enriches the iPhone experience through new messaging capabilities, personalization choices, and enhanced app functionalities, while also paving the way for future updates.

# Apple Unveils macOS 26.5

Apple has formally launched macOS 26.5 for all Macs that are compatible with macOS Tahoe. This update comes after the release candidate that was issued last Monday, contrasting with iOS, which saw a second release candidate just ahead of the public launch.

## What’s New in macOS 26.5

In contrast to its forerunner, macOS 26.4, which brought forth several notable features, macOS 26.5 is comparatively modest. The primary enhancement is a new power management setting within the Energy preferences specifically designed for the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac. This functionality lets users power down or restart their Macs using assistive devices.

### Key Features from Previous Release

To provide some background, macOS 26.4 brought a series of enhancements, including the return of Safari’s compact tab view and a Charge Limit feature that allows users to set their Mac’s maximum charge between 80% and 100%. Moreover, it introduced notifications to alert users about applications that might stop working due to the upcoming end of Rosetta support.

### System-Wide Enhancements

Although macOS 26.5 does not add Mac-specific features, it introduces several system-wide upgrades. These updates include advancements in end-to-end encryption for RCS, Live Activities support for third-party accessories in Europe, and a new “Suggested Places” function in Apple Maps.

### New App Store Pricing Option

Another significant change that comes with macOS 26.5 is the launch of a new pricing model on the App Store: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This model enables users to divide annual plans into monthly payments while still necessitating a commitment to the entire term. This feature is accessible to users worldwide running macOS 26.4 or newer, except for those in the United States and Singapore.

## Release Information

The build number for macOS 26.5 is 25F71, which corresponds to the release candidate from the prior week.

In conclusion, while macOS 26.5 may not boast as many features as its predecessor, it still introduces meaningful enhancements and improvements that reflect Apple’s continuing dedication to user experience and system security.

### New Licensing Mandate for Betting Applications in Brazil

In light of the recent updates to Brazil’s betting regulations, Apple has declared that developers are now required to secure a legitimate Brazilian betting license for distributing fixed-odds betting applications on the App Store. This mandate is designed to guarantee adherence to local laws and regulations governing the betting industry.

As per Apple’s statement on its Developer blog, the required license must be provided by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the governing authority responsible for managing Brazil’s betting sector. The SPA functions under the Ministry of Finance and is responsible for granting authorization, regulating, and supervising various betting activities, such as fixed-odds betting, commercial promotions, and lotteries.

Applications that feature gambling functionalities, as shown by selecting ‘Yes’ to the gambling inquiry in the age rating questionnaire within App Store Connect, are obligated to present this license. Additionally, these applications will automatically be assigned an A18 age rating in Brazil, denoting the age limitation related to gambling activities.

To commence the verification procedure, developers must submit a revised version of their application. Merely updating the App Review Information section in App Store Connect will not initiate a review. The submission must encompass:

– License information in the App Review Information section.
– License specifics in the Notes field.
– Any supplementary documents attached via the file attachment field.

Alongside acquiring the required license, developers are reminded that their applications must conform to all local disclosure and warning mandates, including the provision of gambling risk warnings. Apple advises that developers seek legal advice if they have any inquiries regarding compliance.

For additional information about these updates, developers can visit the official Apple Developer website.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has permitted Apple to pursue documents from Samsung in South Korea as part of its ongoing antitrust litigation against the Department of Justice (DOJ). This advancement occurs as Apple seeks to acquire internal data from Samsung, which it views as a key third party in the matter due to its rivalry in the smartphone, smartwatch, and app distribution sectors.

Apple’s appeal to secure these documents was filed under the Hague Evidence Convention, a legal structure that enables courts to gather evidence from foreign parties in civil or commercial disputes. The company contends that Samsung’s internal information is vital for its defense against claims of monopolistic behavior by the U.S. government.

However, the DOJ has criticized Apple’s timing, implying that the company should not have waited nine months to submit this request. The DOJ also expressed concerns that utilizing the Hague Convention might unnecessarily extend the discovery phase and influence the trial timeline. They underscored that Apple should be ready for the chance that evidence from South Korea may not be accessible in a timely manner if the court approves the request.

In spite of the court’s endorsement, it is crucial to recognize that this does not ensure that Samsung will acquiesce to the request. The issue will now move through the Hague Convention process in South Korea, where local authorities will decide how to manage Apple’s appeal. Samsung retains the right to contest or decline to supply some or all of the requested documents.

This case underscores the intricacies of international legal procedures and the challenges companies encounter in antitrust lawsuits, especially when it involves evidence from foreign entities. As the circumstances evolve, it will be essential to keep a close watch on how the Hague Convention process progresses and what ramifications it might have for both Apple and Samsung.