Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple is developing support for Live Activities in third-party accessories with iOS 26.5 in Europe, according to new code reviewed by 9to5Mac. Here are the specifics.

### iOS 26.5 Promises to Be a More Active Point Update Than Normal

Earlier today, we reported that the system incorporates a new “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps, alongside new App Store options for in-app subscriptions.

Now, we can confirm that Apple is planning to implement support for Live Activities in third-party accessories.

According to new code found in iOS 26.5 beta 1, Apple is set to introduce a framework named `AccessoryLiveActivities`, which will enable accessories to receive and show Live Activities from an iPhone.

Similar to the notification forwarding capability, this will be limited to users within the European Union, in line with Apple’s adherence to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

To activate the feature, users will be asked to authorize an accessory to access Live Activities from their iPhone. The system will display an authorization dialog indicating that Live Activities might include “app names and app content, which may contain personal information such as your health data, location data, and purchasing history.”

From that point, users will have the option to select which apps are permitted to share Live Activities with the accessory, or to grant full access, which the company cautions will apply to all current and future apps installed on the device.

Apple has yet to release documentation or make a public announcement regarding the feature. While it remains uncertain which accessories will support it, those that have implemented notification forwarding could be among the first.

Apple is broadening its collaboration with external audio accessories via a new framework named AudioAccessoryKit, designed to improve user experience through automatic audio switching capabilities. This move aligns with Apple’s commitment to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.

### Overview of AudioAccessoryKit

The AudioAccessoryKit framework permits third-party accessory producers to transmit headphone data to iOS devices, allowing the system to effectively control audio routing based on user engagement with the accessories. This feature replicates the effortless experience currently provided by Apple’s AirPods, where audio automatically transitions depending on whether the user is wearing the headphones.

### Current Status and Availability

Currently, the AudioAccessoryKit is unavailable for general usage. It is restricted to developers and users in the European Union. Apple has mentioned that although developers can create and test applications with this framework on a global scale, final customer installations must be conducted on devices logged in with an Apple account from an EU country.

### Development Process

To implement AudioAccessoryKit, developers must initially pair their accessories using another framework known as AccessorySetupKit. Afterward, they must register the accessory with AudioAccessoryKit and indicate which features it supports, like automatic audio switching and placement detection. The accessory’s companion app will be essential by reporting user behaviors—such as wearing or removing headphones—to the iOS system, facilitating real-time audio rerouting.

### Bluetooth Connectivity

The framework additionally accommodates Bluetooth accessories, which can inform about their connected devices. This capability is particularly advantageous in situations where multiple devices are connected, ensuring that the audio source is accurately recognized and managed.

### Compatibility

The AudioAccessoryKit and its related APIs function with iOS 26.4 and above, as well as iPadOS 26.4 and above. Developers keen on acquiring more information about the framework can access further details on Apple’s official developer documentation page.

In summary, Apple’s AudioAccessoryKit signifies a crucial advancement towards improving the interoperability of third-party audio accessories, offering a more cohesive and user-friendly audio experience.

Apple has recently heightened its examination of vibe coding applications, resulting in the app ‘Anything’ being removed from the App Store. This step forms part of a wider initiative against apps that Apple perceives as breaching its App Review Guidelines, particularly those concerning self-containment and code execution.

### Background on Vibe Coding Apps

Vibe coding apps, including Replit and Vibecode, have encountered obstacles from Apple, which asserts that these applications contravene established rules barring the execution of code that modifies the functionality of the app or other apps. Apple emphasized that the concern lies not with vibe coding apps broadly, but with particular breaches of its guidelines and Developer Program License.

The pertinent portion of the App Review Guidelines, 2.5.2, specifies that apps must remain self-contained and are prohibited from reading or writing data beyond their assigned container. They are also disallowed from downloading or executing code that alters the app’s capabilities. Educational apps may download code under restricted conditions, ensuring that the source code is entirely visible and editable by users.

Moreover, section 3.3.1(B) of the Developer Program License limits the downloading of interpreted code unless it does not modify the app’s fundamental purpose.

### Removal of ‘Anything’ from the App Store

The app ‘Anything’ was explicitly singled out by Apple, which referenced section 2.5.2 of the App Review Guidelines as justification for its elimination. The decision followed developer Dhruv Amin’s attempt to upgrade the app to enable users to preview their vibe-coded applications in a web browser, instead of within the app itself. This upgrade was denied, leading to the total removal of the app from the App Store.

Despite the withdrawal of ‘Anything’, various other similar vibe coding apps are still accessible, suggesting that Apple’s enforcement may not be consistently applied across all apps in this sector.

### Conclusion

Apple’s stance on vibe coding apps prompts inquiries about the equilibrium between sustaining a secure app ecosystem and promoting innovation in app development. As the circumstances develop, it will be captivating to observe how developers adjust to these guidelines and how Apple persists in enforcing its App Store regulations.

### A Thorough Examination of the ESR Five-Card MagSafe Wallet

In the world of MagSafe wallets, pinpointing the perfect choice can prove difficult. After testing a variety of models, I recently switched from the Apple FineWoven wallet to the ESR five-card MagSafe wallet in black. This article explores the features, functionality, and overall performance of the ESR wallet, emphasizing why it has become my favorite everyday carry.

#### Design and Capacity

The ESR MagSafe wallet is crafted to hold up to five cards, incorporating three specific slots along with a transparent ID window tailored for your driver’s license. This particular ID slot is a key feature, enabling quick access without the need to sift through numerous cards. Furthermore, the wallet has a broader oval slot at the base, making card retrieval simpler—an enhancement compared to other wallets that often render accessing cards tedious.

#### Magnetic Strength

A standout quality of the ESR wallet is its magnetic strength. ESR asserts a holding force of 3,200 grams, which is fourfold stronger than that of the Apple FineWoven wallet. This sturdy magnetic connection guarantees that the wallet stays firmly attached to your iPhone, detaching only when you choose. The dependability of this feature is especially advantageous for those who utilize their wallets frequently throughout the day.

#### Usability and Features

The design of the wallet emphasizes usability. The segregation of cards into specific slots allows you to access your ID without disrupting your credit cards, reducing the likelihood of dropping them—a frequent problem with other wallets. Moreover, the wallet serves as a stand, making it handy for watching videos or video calls, a feature I found particularly beneficial while keeping up with MLB Spring Training from my desk.

#### Material and Compatibility

Made from vegan leather, the ESR wallet is both stylish and eco-friendly. It comes equipped with built-in degaussing protection to shield your cards from demagnetization. Its compatibility is extensive, functioning with all MagSafe-enabled iPhones, except for the iPhone 12 and 13 mini, and it pairs seamlessly with both official MagSafe cases and ESR’s HaloLock cases.

#### Conclusion

In conclusion, the ESR five-card MagSafe wallet has rapidly become my preferred choice due to its considerate design, remarkable magnetic strength, and functional features. Although it does not support Find My, the advantages of having individual slots for IDs and credit cards, along with its durable build, render it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a dependable MagSafe wallet. For those interested, the ESR five-card MagSafe wallet is available for purchase on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4syE1AS).

# Last Day of the 2026 Amazon Big Spring Sale: Unmissable Offers

The 2026 Amazon Big Spring Sale has arrived at its final day, presenting a wide array of offers spanning multiple categories. Customers can discover substantial markdowns on top-selling items, including Apple devices, laptops, and add-ons. This article showcases some of the best discounts that are available as the sale wraps up.

## Major Savings on Apple Devices

### AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2

The AirPods Pro 3 stand out among the offers, with prices significantly reduced. Furthermore, the AirPods Max 2 are available for pre-order with a noteworthy discount. For those aiming to enhance their audio experience, these offers should not be overlooked.

### 1TB M5 MacBook Pro

One of the most appealing deals is on the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, which was initially priced at $1,799 but is currently available for $1,549, showcasing a $250 reduction. This model is equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, making it an efficient choice for professionals and everyday users alike. This offer represents the lowest price seen in over a month, presenting a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a new laptop.

#### Additional MacBook Offers

– **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: $1,049 (Regular $1,099)
– **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/1TB**: $1,249 (Regular $1,299)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/1TB**: $1,449 (Regular $1,499)

## Apple Watch Savings

The sale also presents considerable discounts on Apple Watch models. Buyers can enjoy up to $300 off on various configurations. Notably, the Apple Watch Series 10 Titanium models are discounted by $300 from their regular price, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking premium features at a reduced price.

### Featured Apple Watch Discounts

– **Apple Watch Series 11**: Starting at $299
– **Apple Watch Series 10 Titanium**: $300 off original price

## iPad Discounts

The sale boasts remarkable price reductions on iPads, with starting prices as low as $299. The M4 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro models are featured among the key offers, delivering cutting-edge technology at appealing prices.

### Key iPad Promotions

– **M4 iPad Air 11-inch**: Discounted pricing options available
– **M5 iPad Pro 11-inch**: Special pricing for a limited period

## Accessories and Extra Offers

Beyond the main product categories, the sale includes a variety of accessories and charging discounts. In particular, the new AirPods Max 2 are up for pre-order at $529, with possible trade-in discounts of up to $130 offered through Best Buy.

## Closing Thoughts

As the 2026 Amazon Big Spring Sale comes to an end, shoppers have one last chance to capitalize on these time-sensitive offers. With significant savings on Apple products, laptops, and accessories, this sale is a perfect opportunity to elevate your tech for less. Be sure to grab these deals before they vanish!

NASA’s Artemis II mission orbiting the Moon is set to launch tomorrow, April 1, and users of Apple Vision Pro will be pleased to know it’s being recorded in immersive video for a forthcoming release.

### Vision Pro Users Will Soon Get to Experience NASA’s Artemis II Launch in Immersive Video

NASA is preparing to initiate its eagerly awaited Artemis II test flight, which is scheduled to take off at 6:24 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, April 1. The mission, lasting 10 days, will journey around the Moon before returning, launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Film production company Cosmic Perspective has announced on X that it is on-site, ready to film the launch utilizing a Blackmagic URSA immersive camera for Apple Vision Pro. The video reveals the Blackmagic camera primed for the launch. In a subsequent message, Cosmic Perspective affirmed that it’s recording Apple Immersive Video for the Vision Pro.

Cosmic Perspective aims to “share the awe and wonder of space through films and immersive experiences.” It has documented numerous other launches in 3D, 180-degree stereoscopic film, and immersive spatial audio. The team also has an upcoming Apple Vision Pro ‘Rocket Launch VR’ app.

Are you interested in viewing NASA’s Artemis II launch in Apple Immersive Video on Vision Pro? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

### Best Vision Pro Accessories

### Siri’s Future Multitasking Features in iOS 27

Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, has remained a constant in iOS since its debut, yet its advancement has been gradual compared to rivals. Recent updates suggest that substantial enhancements are imminent with the forthcoming iOS 27, especially regarding Siri’s multitasking proficiency.

#### Multitasking Features

As per Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is developing a feature that will enable Siri to process multiple commands from a single request. This upgrade intends to optimize user interactions by allowing tasks such as checking the weather, setting calendar events, and sending messages simultaneously, rather than necessitating users to give commands one by one. This modification is projected to make Siri more competitive in the AI sector, where multitasking is rapidly becoming the norm.

#### Contextual Awareness

The enhancements to Siri’s capabilities will expand on previous improvements rolled out in iOS 18, which boosted Siri’s ability to retain context across successive requests. Nonetheless, the expected update in iOS 27 is poised to offer a more durable persistent context, enabling Siri to comprehend and respond to intricate inquiries with greater efficacy.

#### Background and Future Outlook

Siri was previously viewed as groundbreaking for its natural language processing features, facilitating a more conversational interaction style compared to prior voice command systems. However, its challenges in managing complex tasks have faced scrutiny. The upcoming features in iOS 27, potentially including a Gemini-driven reconstruction, hint at a notable evolution for Siri. This could incorporate modern chatbot functionalities and possibly a standalone Siri application, improving its usability and attractiveness.

Apple is anticipated to present iOS 27 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8, 2026, where further insights into Siri’s enhanced capabilities are likely to be disclosed.

In conclusion, the forthcoming upgrades to Siri in iOS 27 signify a vital progression in rejuvenating Apple’s voice assistant, concentrating on multitasking and contextual awareness to address the advancing needs of users.

iOS 27 is poised to be filled with AI enhancements, featuring the revamped Siri app as its centerpiece. A recent Bloomberg report suggests that iOS 27 may also enhance the iPhone’s keyboard with a novel autocorrect capability.

### iPhone’s Keyboard in iOS 27 Might Provide ‘Alternative Word’ Suggestions as Part of Autocorrect Enhancement

In the recent iOS 26.4 update, Apple implemented some modifications to the iPhone’s keyboard, which it asserts enhance accuracy. Now, per the Bloomberg report, even more significant keyboard improvements could be on the horizon with iOS 27.

Mark Gurman reports at Bloomberg:

> Apple has investigated a refreshed system keyboard that broadens autocorrect by suggesting alternative words, according to the sources. It employs a method akin to tools like Grammarly. A final choice on launching the keyboard tool has yet to be determined. The company has refined its keyboard algorithms in recent days, striving for a superior autocorrect experience.

Some aspects of this feature don’t appear too different from the current iOS offerings. Nonetheless, the revamped iOS 27 keyboard is anticipated to be smarter and provide more beneficial suggestions than its former versions.

These insights regarding the keyboard upgrade were included in a larger report discussing new Siri functionalities, such as the capability to process multiple requests within a single query. While not explicitly mentioned, it seems probable that the new autocorrect feature may depend on some type of Apple Intelligence data, potentially restricting it to AI-capable iPhone models.

iOS 27 will be fully revealed on June 8 at WWDC, and with each new report, it seems to be the sort of AI-rich release that many users have been looking forward to.

Are you interested in an iOS 27 system keyboard that includes alternative word suggestions? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The newest WhatsApp beta version on TestFlight brings a native CarPlay app, enhancing the app’s functionality beyond the existing voice-controlled interface. Here are the specifics.

### Feature Anticipated to Launch in the Upcoming Weeks

WhatsApp users engaging with the app via CarPlay will likely tell you that the current integration is quite limited. Tapping the WhatsApp icon on CarPlay presently activates Siri, offering options to request it to draft a new message or make a voice call.

However, as reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is developing a thoroughly redesigned WhatsApp experience that transcends the present Siri commands. It unveils a native CarPlay interface enabling users to browse recent chats, access contact details, and start messages or calls without solely depending on voice commands.

From WABetaInfo:

> When users launch WhatsApp from the system launcher, they are greeted with a dedicated chat list screen. This serves as the primary tab of the app, allowing users to view their recent interactions, typically covering conversations from the past 20 to 25 days. Keep in mind that it is not possible to open a particular chat to read its history. This is sensible, as drivers should not be reading full conversations while driving. When not on the road, users can easily retrieve the full chat history on their smartphones.

The updated CarPlay experience is presently accessible to a select group of users testing the app via TestFlight.

It encompasses:
– A new **contact info** interface that allows users to view profile information for each contact;
– A **call history** interface displaying recent calls, including whether they were incoming, outgoing, or missed;
– Support for **favorite contacts** through a dedicated tab.

As typical with any beta feature, there’s currently no information regarding when WhatsApp will officially release it, nor if features will be added or removed ahead of launch.

To find out more about CarPlay support in the WhatsApp beta, follow this link.

# iOS 26.5 Beta 1: Summary and New Features

Apple has officially launched the initial beta version of iOS 26.5 for developers, identified by the build number 23F5043g. This update accompanies similar launches for iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS, with a public beta anticipated soon. While this iteration does not introduce the highly anticipated new Siri functionalities, it does feature several noteworthy modifications and improvements.

## What’s New in iOS 26.5 Beta 1?

### Suggested Places in Apple Maps

A key enhancement in iOS 26.5 is the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. This functionality will offer users recommendations based on popular local spots, recent queries, and other pertinent information. Users can view these suggestions by tapping within the search box in the Apple Maps application.

### Foundation for Ads in Apple Maps

While advertisements are not yet active in Apple Maps, Apple is gearing up for their rollout. The groundwork has been established for local ads that may display based on users’ locations and search queries, bolstering the app’s monetization approach.

### RCS End-to-End Encryption

Apple continues to bolster messaging security with the introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in iOS 26.5. This feature was initially trialed in the previous beta but did not debut with that version. The current release notes indicate that this feature is on track for public availability.

### App Store Purchase Options

Developers will notice new purchase alternatives in the App Store, featuring a monthly billing model with a 12-month commitment. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility in subscription frameworks, although additional details are awaited.

### EU Changes

iOS 26.5 also brings features tailored for users in the European Union, such as support for Live Activities in third-party accessories. This capability will enable accessories to showcase Live Activities from an iPhone, though specific information about compatible accessories is still forthcoming.

## Additional Changes in iOS 26.5

In addition to the major features, iOS 26.5 encompasses several minor updates:

– **Accessory Pairing**: Improved Bluetooth connectivity for Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad when linked to an iPhone.
– **New Inuktitut Keyboard Layout**: A new keyboard layout designed to accommodate the Inuktitut language.
– **Apple Books Updates**: Teasers of new features for a “Year In Review for 2026,” showcasing various reader accomplishments.
– **Data Transfer Options**: Enhanced capabilities for sharing message attachments during data transfer from iPhone to Android.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.5 beta 1 introduces a blend of new features and improvements, particularly in Apple Maps and messaging security. As the beta testing phase continues, more features may emerge, and users are encouraged to report their discoveries. Stay tuned for the public beta release, expected soon.