Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

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

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, being informed about the latest news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a key resource, offering listeners a summary of the day’s major stories. This podcast is accessible on multiple platforms such as iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a dedicated RSS feed for those who choose alternative podcast applications.

### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that focuses on the most important happenings within the Apple ecosystem. Each episode is recorded on weekdays, ensuring subscribers get prompt updates on news, product launches, software releases, and industry developments. The podcast is hosted by Chance, who brings valuable insights and analysis to the table, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about Apple products and services.

### How to Listen

Listeners can conveniently subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily through their chosen podcast platform. By subscribing, you ensure that the latest episodes are sent automatically as soon as they become available. The podcast also provides an ad-free experience and additional content for subscribers who choose the 9to5Mac Daily Plus option.

### Featured Content

Every episode includes conversations on a range of topics pertinent to Apple users. Recent episodes have discussed:

– Examination of new product launches
– Insights on software updates and features
– Conversations about industry trends and competitor actions

Listeners are encouraged to interact with the content by sharing their opinions via email or rating the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This interaction not only contributes to enhancing the show but also helps increase its audience reach.

### Special Offers

9to5Mac Daily is supported by Stuff, a productivity tool aimed at helping users manage their tasks and alleviate mental strain. New users can benefit from a special promotion by applying the code 9TO5 at checkout for a 50% discount on their first year.

### Conclusion

For individuals looking to remain updated on Apple and its ecosystem, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its succinct format, engaging discussions, and ease of access, it is the ideal companion for your daily travels or while juggling tasks at home. Subscribe today to ensure you never miss an episode and stay ahead in the constantly changing world of technology.

**Ferret-UI Lite: A Milestone in On-Device GUI Engagement**

With only 3 billion parameters, Ferret-UI Lite either matches or exceeds the benchmark performance of models that are up to 24 times larger. Here are the specifics.

### A Brief Background on Ferret

In December 2023, a group of 9 researchers released a paper titled “FERRET: Refer and Ground Anything Anywhere at Any Granularity.” Within it, they introduced a multimodal large language model (MLLM) capable of comprehending natural language references to specific components of an image. Since then, Apple has published subsequent papers that broaden the Ferret model family, including Ferretv2, Ferret-UI, and Ferret-UI 2.

Ferret-UI variants particularly built upon the original FERRET functionalities, remedying the limitations of general-domain MLLMs. The foundational Ferret-UI paper underscored that despite significant progress in MLLMs, they frequently have difficulty effectively understanding and interacting with user interface (UI) displays. Ferret-UI was created to better interpret mobile UI screens, including “any resolution” to enhance details and utilize advanced visual features.

### Ferret-UI Lite

Recently, Apple enriched the Ferret-UI lineup with a paper titled “Ferret-UI Lite: Insights from Developing Compact On-Device GUI Agents.” Ferret-UI was founded on a 13B-parameter model aimed at mobile UI comprehension and fixed-resolution screenshots. In contrast, Ferret-UI Lite is a streamlined model crafted to operate on-device while competing with much larger GUI agents.

The researchers observed that traditional GUI agent methodologies often depend on extensive foundation models because of their robust reasoning and planning abilities. However, these models are usually too substantial and resource-intensive for effective on-device functionality. Consequently, they created Ferret-UI Lite, a variant with 3 billion parameters, comprising crucial elements driven by insights on training compact language models.

Ferret-UI Lite harnesses:

– Authentic and synthetic training datasets from various GUI sectors.
– On-the-fly cropping and zooming techniques to enhance understanding of specific GUI segments.
– Supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning strategies.

The outcome is a model that either closely resembles or even surpasses rival GUI agent models that possess up to 24 times its parameter count.

### Innovative Techniques

The infrastructure of Ferret-UI Lite encompasses real-time cropping and zooming methods. The model makes an initial prediction, crops around that prediction, and subsequently re-predicts within the cropped area, compensating for its restricted capacity to process extensive numbers of image tokens.

Another significant advancement is the capability to generate its own training data. The researchers established a multi-agent system that directly interacts with live GUI platforms to create synthetic training examples on a large scale. This system captures the nuances of real-world interaction, including mistakes and unforeseen states, which are hard to replicate with pristine, human-annotated data.

Notably, while Ferret-UI and Ferret-UI 2 evaluated themselves with iPhone screenshots and other Apple interfaces, Ferret-UI Lite was trained and assessed in Android, web, and desktop GUI settings, employing benchmarks such as AndroidWorld and OSWorld. This decision likely mirrors the accessibility of reproducible, large-scale GUI-agent test scenarios.

### Performance and Applications

The researchers discovered that although Ferret-UI Lite excelled in short-horizon, low-complexity tasks, it did not perform as robustly in more intricate, multi-step interactions, a trade-off anticipated due to the limitations of a compact, on-device model. However, Ferret-UI Lite provides a local and private agent capable of autonomously interacting with app interfaces based on user demand, thereby enhancing user experience without relying on cloud processing.

To explore further about the study, including detailed benchmark analyses and outcomes, follow this link.

### ‘Dreamer’ in iOS 26 is a Stunning Reinvention of the Default iPhone Ringtone

In the continually changing world of mobile technology, ringtones have largely become secondary, eclipsed by the vast array of features that smartphones present today. Nevertheless, Apple has made a significant push to revitalize this element of the iPhone experience with the launch of new ringtones in iOS 26.

With this latest update, users of the iPhone have access to seven all-new ringtones, most of which are inventive variations of the cherished default ‘Reflection’ ringtone. Among these, the highlight is indisputably ‘Dreamer,’ which has quickly garnered favor among numerous users.

#### The Nostalgic Appeal of Ringtones

Thinking back to the pre-smartphone days, ringtones were a vital aspect of mobile phones, often acting as a means of personal expression. As smartphones advanced, the relevance of ringtones declined, yet Apple’s choice to unveil new options in iOS 26 underscores an acknowledgment of their cultural importance.

#### A New Perspective on a Classic

The ‘Reflection’ ringtone has reached iconic status since it first appeared, and Apple’s decision to reimagine it instead of merely presenting entirely different sounds is praiseworthy. Each of the six new variations captures the spirit of the original while incorporating distinctive elements that enrich the auditory experience.

‘Dreamer’ shines with its charming lo-fi spin, offering a revitalizing interpretation of the recognizable tones. The additional options, including ‘Surge’ and ‘Reflected,’ also provide enjoyable listening experiences, demonstrating Apple’s dedication to excellence in their audio design.

#### Instructions to Change Your Ringtone

For those excited to try out the new ringtones, altering your iPhone’s ringtone is straightforward. Head to Settings, then select Sounds & Haptics, and tap on Ringtone to explore the new selections.

#### Conclusion

With the rollout of new ringtones in iOS 26, Apple has effectively reignited interest in this often-neglected feature. Whether you favor the nostalgic ‘Reflection’ or the innovative sounds of ‘Dreamer,’ there’s something available for everyone to appreciate. Have you tested any of iOS 26’s new ringtones yet? Which one do you like best?

**Safeguarding Your Family’s Privacy in the Digital Era**

In the current digital environment, securing your family’s privacy is more important than ever. The rise of data brokers—businesses that gather and sell personal details—has made privacy protection a pressing issue for numerous households. With hundreds of such entities in operation, manually removing your family’s information from the web can be overwhelming and labor-intensive.

**The Difficulty of Data Elimination**

Even with the legal framework that permits data brokers to trade personal information, individuals frequently encounter obstacles in opting out of these databases. Each data broker follows its own protocols, often intentionally complicated and tedious, making it hard for individuals to effectively request the deletion of their data. Even after managing to opt out, there is no assurance that the data won’t reappear, as brokers can obtain new information at any time.

**Streamlining the Process with Incogni**

Luckily, there are options to ease this procedure. One such option is Incogni, a data removal tool created by the team behind Surfshark. Incogni manages the heavy lifting by contacting over 250 data brokers and people search platforms on your behalf, insisting on the elimination of personal information for you and your family members.

The service not only aids in the initial removal of data but also consistently tracks for any re-emergence of your information in new databases, issuing takedown requests as necessary. This forward-thinking strategy significantly mitigates the risk of spam, junk mail, and possible identity theft for your family.

**Exclusive Offer for Family Safety**

Incogni presents a family plan that extends protection to you and up to four additional family members. Each user can add multiple contact details, ensuring thorough coverage. Currently, a promotional offer is available allowing users to receive a 55% discount on the annual plan by applying the code “9to5Mac.” Moreover, Incogni provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling you to test the service without risk.

In summary, taking proactive measures to protect your family’s privacy is vital in an era where personal data is a coveted asset. Utilizing services like Incogni can streamline the data removal process and ongoing oversight, offering peace of mind in a progressively intricate digital landscape.

The activity-tracking platform Strava is introducing a fresh set of activity categories, encompassing several that have been highly requested by its user community. Here’s what’s updated.

Strava is incorporating five new activity types into its platform, which include:

– Basketball
– Cricket
– Dance
– Padel
– Volleyball

This enhancement is designed to offer its “180M+ global users more precise methods to document the activities they already enjoy.” Until now, users engaged in any of these five activities had to categorize them under the all-encompassing “Workout” option, but they will now be able to monitor their performance with greater accuracy, in addition to the more than 50 sports types that are already available.

Strava emphasizes that padel is a particularly significant inclusion due to its swift worldwide expansion, boasting around 30 million amateur players. The company also mentioned that it intends to introduce more sports and activities in the future, though specific information regarding which or the timeline for their release has not been disclosed.

Are you a Strava user? Did you notice any of the new categories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV’s newest film, [Eternity](https://tv.apple.com/movie/eternity/umc.cmc.4dlymcfscta2oo4u1whkzaqpl?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.4dlymcfscta2oo4u1whkzaqpl&at=1000l3cvR), has emerged as a significant success shortly after its release, and the impressive array of films scheduled for the rest of the year is likely to sustain Apple’s cinematic achievements.

## Eternity has topped F1: The Movie for a complete week on Apple TV’s charts

The fresh Apple TV film, [Eternity](https://tv.apple.com/movie/eternity/umc.cmc.4dlymcfscta2oo4u1whkzaqpl?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.4dlymcfscta2oo4u1whkzaqpl&at=1000l3cvR), debuted just in time for Valentine’s Day last week and has accumulated significant viewership thus far.

Eternity quickly took over the top position from F1: The Movie on Apple TV’s film rankings.

I was not taken aback when this occurred at first. An A24 romantic comedy featuring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner launching on Valentine’s weekend? Achieving the #1 spot seemed unavoidable.

What has astonished me is how robust its success has remained.

I anticipated that following the weekend surge, Eternity would fall behind Apple’s highest-grossing film ever—F1—on the top charts. Yet even now, a full week post-release, it continues to hold the #1 position in the US.

In summary, it’s another success for Apple—the latest in a series of prosperous film releases.

And the slate of movies set to debut throughout 2026 appears poised to maintain that momentum.

## New Apple TV films scheduled for 2026

Earlier this month, Apple [conducted a star-studded media event](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/03/apple-hosts-apple-tv-media-event-heres-everything-thats-been-announced/) where it revealed some of the most anticipated TV shows and films coming to Apple TV in 2026.

Five future movies were showcased in the presentation, all of which show promise for strong performance.

The dark comedy *[Outcome](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/03/apple-tv-has-new-comedy-coming-soon-starring-keanu-reeves/)* is first on the slate, set to release on April 10, featuring stars such as Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, and Jonah Hill, along with a distinctive storyline.

This summer, pickleball-themed comedy *[The Dink](https://tv.apple.com/movie/the-dink/umc.cmc.5tugaz9vt498ajn7q64ypaqxn?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.5tugaz9vt498ajn7q64ypaqxn&at=1000l3cvR)* will premiere on July 24 as a “hilarious underdog story” featuring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris.

Additionally, this fall, Apple spotlighted three major premieres:

– *[Mayday](https://tv.apple.com/movie/mayday/umc.cmc.shin43vzfoz3h4ggx41z8rf?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.shin43vzfoz3h4ggx41z8rf&at=1000l3cvR)*, a buddy comedy/action thriller with Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, arrives on September 4
– *[Matchbox The Movie](https://tv.apple.com/movie/matchbox-the-movie/umc.cmc.31qa8j1tn2cnpyk3fx43w928d?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.31qa8j1tn2cnpyk3fx43w928d&at=1000l3cvR)*, an action-adventure piece starring John Cena and Jessica Biel, is set for release on October 9
– *[Way of the Warrior Kid](https://tv.apple.com/movie/way-of-the-warrior-kid/umc.cmc.21vzhs44oeejdkoxenkcdmre0?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.21vzhs44oeejdkoxenkcdmre0&at=1000l3cvR)*, set to debut later this year, is generating considerable buzz.

### Xcode 26.3 Receives a Second Release Candidate

Apple is deploying the second Release Candidate (RC) of Xcode 26.3, which will include agentic coding functionalities. This update holds significance as it incorporates AI coding instruments like Anthropic’s Claude Agent and OpenAI’s Codex, improving the development experience for coders.

Earlier this month, Apple revealed that Xcode 26.3 would acquire these cutting-edge coding features, intending to optimize the coding workflow and boost productivity. The initial Release Candidate of Xcode 26.3 was launched around the same period as RC versions of iOS 26.3, macOS 26.3, and other platforms. Nevertheless, when these operating systems officially debuted on February 11, Xcode 26.3 was noticeably missing, suggesting that further enhancements were required.

The introduction of Xcode 26.3 Release Candidate 2 indicates that Apple is still fine-tuning the software to ensure it adheres to the high standards anticipated by developers. Although the specific modifications between RC 1 and RC 2 have not been disclosed, the extra release signifies a dedication to quality and performance.

Developers who have had the chance to experiment with Xcode 26.3’s agentic coding functionalities have shared favorable feedback, emphasizing the potential of these AI integrations to boost coding efficiency. With the arrival of RC 2, it is expected that the final version of Xcode 26.3 might be ready for developers as soon as next week, assuming no unexpected complications arise.

As the development community eagerly looks forward to the official launch, input on the agentic coding aspects remains encouraged.

# The Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400: A New Benchmark in Smart Lock Innovation

Smart locks have transformed home security by removing the reliance on conventional keys. Nonetheless, many still lack convenience, particularly during instances when your hands are occupied. The advent of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology aims to resolve these problems, with the Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400 leading this advancement.

## What is UWB, and Why Is it Important?

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is a short-distance wireless communication standard that delivers accurate location tracking. It is the same technology utilized by Apple for Precision Finding in AirTags. The Aqara U400 harnesses UWB to ascertain not only your closeness to the lock but also your precise direction, improving the auto-unlock feature that numerous smart locks currently offer. Unlike traditional Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB ensures a more dependable and seamless experience, positioning itself as a likely standard for future smart locks.

## Matter over Thread with Aqara U400

The Aqara U400 operates on the Matter over Thread protocol, significantly boosting its functionality. Thread is quicker than Bluetooth and does not congest your Wi-Fi network, enabling rapid responses in the Home app. This capability is especially advantageous for households with diverse ecosystems, allowing Android users to manage the lock via Google Home or Amazon Alexa, while Apple users benefit from complete integration with HomeKit.

### Key Attributes

– **Home Key**: Users can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door, offering an alternative to auto-unlock.
– **Fingerprint Scanner**: A biometric scanner is embedded in the keypad for enhanced security.
– **Passcode**: A concealed touchscreen keypad illuminates for guests, with passcodes overseen through the Home app.
– **Physical Key**: The lock features a rekeyable keyway, compatible with existing house keys.

## Power

The Aqara U400 uses a rechargeable lithium battery, rated for about six months per charge. While some users may prefer standard AA batteries for easy replacement, the addition of a USB-C port allows for convenient charging without the need to detach the lock from the door. This feature is particularly handy for those who might have a portable power bank available.

## Conclusion on Aqara U400

The Aqara U400, alongside the Level Lock Pro, signifies the apex of smart lock technology currently on the market. With its integration of Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Matter over Thread, and user-centric features like PIN code management in the Home app, it establishes itself as a top choice for smart home aficionados. The synergy of these technologies makes administering a smart lock through Apple Home more effective than ever.

For those looking to enhance their home security, the Aqara U400 is available for purchase on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4tbtPzC).

**OpenAI’s Hardware Aspirations: The Smart Speaker and More**

OpenAI is stepping into the hardware realm, partnering with acclaimed designer Jony Ive to create a new series of devices. A recent article from *The Information* indicates that the first product set to debut is a smart speaker, expected to arrive on the market early next year.

### Smart Speaker: The Initial OpenAI Offering

The smart speaker, projected to be priced between $200 and $300, will showcase cutting-edge features, including a camera that can collect data about its users and the environment. This capability might enable the device to identify objects and even partake in discussions occurring nearby. Furthermore, the speaker will utilize facial recognition technology akin to Apple’s Face ID, allowing users to make purchases simply by recognizing items.

### Additional Products in Progress

Aside from the smart speaker, OpenAI is allegedly developing two other groundbreaking products: smart glasses and a smart lamp. These gadgets are part of a wider strategy to weave AI into everyday items, enhancing user engagement and experience.

### Collaboration Dynamics

The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI is intricate. While Ive continues to manage his design firm, LoveFrom, which is tasked with crafting potential designs for OpenAI devices, the actual development of hardware and software is overseen by OpenAI’s internal team. This split of responsibilities has led to some friction, with reports of delays in design updates and communication challenges between the teams.

Additionally, merging members from the Io team, acquired by OpenAI, with the current hardware team has posed further challenges, complicating the development process.

### Competitive Environment

As OpenAI gears up to release its smart speaker, the competitive environment is intensifying. Apple is also pushing its own AI initiatives, which include a lineup of wearables and new HomePod products. The competition between these two technology behemoths will be closely monitored as they both strive to innovate within the AI-focused hardware sector.

### Conclusion

OpenAI’s entry into hardware, commencing with a smart speaker designed by Jony Ive, signifies a notable advancement in the integration of AI into consumer products. With sophisticated functionalities and an emphasis on user interaction, the forthcoming products may transform how consumers interact with technology in their everyday routines. As the launch nears, excitement for these devices is anticipated to increase, sparking discussions regarding their possible influence on the market.

### Current Offers on Apple Products: An In-Depth Look

At this moment, there are numerous noteworthy discounts on well-liked Apple products, presenting an excellent opportunity for consumers to think about refreshing their devices. This article showcases the most recent offers on the 1TB M4 MacBook Air, 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro, and the 11-inch 1TB M5 iPad Pro, along with their accessories.

#### 1TB M4 MacBook Air Price Reduction

At present, the 1TB M4 MacBook Air is undergoing an uncommon price reduction. This model is celebrated for its elegant design and strong performance, making it a favored selection among users looking for a dependable laptop for both personal and professional purposes. The current discount renders it an enticing choice for anyone shopping for a new MacBook.

#### 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro Price Cut

The 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro is currently offered with a $200 reduction, reducing its cost to $1,649. This model is perfect for professionals who need strong performance for activities like video editing, graphic design, and software engineering. The Space Black version is slightly more expensive at $1,692, while the silver model is available for $1,599 at B&H, making it a competitive option against other sellers.

#### 11-inch 1TB M5 iPad Pro at Amazon

In a surprising development, Amazon has listed the 11-inch 1TB M5 iPad Pro at its most affordable price ever, with a discount nearing $200, lowering the price to $1,399.99. This model is especially attractive for users requiring a portable yet powerful tablet for creative endeavors, productivity, or entertainment. The iPad Pro comes in both Silver and Space Black shades, catering to various aesthetic preferences.

#### Accessory Discounts

Alongside the notable discounts on Apple gadgets, there are also remarkable deals on accessories. Apple’s black USB-C cables can be found for as little as $10 with Prime shipping, while the black braided Thunderbolt Pro Cable is priced at $31, indicating a 55% discount. These accessories are vital for users aiming to improve their connectivity and charging options.

#### Conclusion

With these ongoing deals, now is an ideal moment for consumers to invest in Apple products. Whether upgrading to a new MacBook, iPad, or simply expanding your accessory collection, the current discounts offer considerable savings. Be sure to verify the specific retailers for availability and additional incentives to optimize your purchase.