Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

# Personalizing Your iPhone’s Liquid Glass Style in iOS 26

iOS 26 debuted in the autumn, and with the following updates 26.1 and 26.2, it brought new features for customizing the groundbreaking Liquid Glass design. As new users transition to iOS 26, here’s a summary of two efficient methods to personalize your iPhone’s Liquid Glass style.

## #1: Select Your Desired Liquid Glass Appearance

Liquid Glass comes in two primary variants in iOS 26:

– **Clear**
– **Tinted**

You can evaluate these choices by going to Settings ⇾ Display & Brightness ⇾ Liquid Glass.

Both styles possess several similarities, but the Clear variant showcases more transparent UI elements, while the Tinted option boosts opacity and improves contrast. If you’re unsure which style fits you best, experiment with each for a time before deciding. The ‘Clear’ look provides a contemporary vibe, whereas ‘Tinted’ preserves a more traditional iOS 18 feel.

## #2: Personalize Your Lock Screen Clock

The Lock Screen is among the most commonly seen aspects of iOS. In iOS 26, you can alter the appearance of the Lock Screen clock using Liquid Glass.

To start, long-press on your wallpaper and choose ‘Customize.’ Tap on the clock to select the ‘Glass’ design option. When ‘Glass’ is chosen, a slider appears, enabling you to adjust the clock’s transparency to your preference.

Furthermore, you can change the clock’s dimensions. By dragging the bottom-right corner of the clock, you can increase its size on the display.

What are your favorite Liquid Glass styles in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### The iPhone Fold: A New Era in Mobile Design

The buzz around the forthcoming iPhone Fold has ignited conversations regarding its design, especially the ratio of its screens. Historically, smartphones have stuck to traditional aspect ratios, but recent information hints that the iPhone Fold might challenge this standard.

#### Unique Display Ratios

Preliminary expectations suggested that the iPhone Fold would incorporate a standard aspect ratio on its outer display, switching to an inner screen that is taller than it is wide. Nonetheless, new findings propose that the internal display might actually be broader than it is tall when fully opened. This possible alteration indicates an atypical aspect ratio that could transform how users engage with their devices.

#### Imagining the Design

Tangible prototypes crafted by designer Ben Geskin offer a sneak peek into what this new design could entail. These prototypes show the folded device mimicking the dimensions and form of a passport, delivering a distinctive handling experience. The current renders depict a standard iPhone silhouette when closed, but the shift to a wider screen when opened hints at a considerable break from current iPhone aesthetics.

#### Consequences of a Broader Aspect Ratio

Should the information regarding the wider-than-tall inner display prove correct, it could signify a pivotal shift in the smartphone arena. The aspect ratio may affect not just the visual appeal of the device but also its performance. A broader screen could improve multitasking efficiency, lead to a more enjoyable video viewing experience, and provide additional display space for applications.

#### Differentiating in the Industry

Despite some doubt surrounding this unconventional design, Apple may be striving to set the iPhone Fold apart in a crowded marketplace. By embracing a distinctive aspect ratio, Apple could garner attention and forge a unique identity for the device. As the smartphone sector progresses, design innovation remains essential for engaging consumer interest.

#### Final Thoughts

The iPhone Fold is poised to revolutionize smartphone design, especially if it adopts a wider-than-tall display. As we look forward to more details and official updates from Apple, anticipation surrounding this device continues to build. Users are invited to share their opinions and engage in discussions regarding this groundbreaking take on smartphone design.

### A Year in Apple News: Key Moments and Insights

As 2025 draws to a conclusion, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller take a moment to reflect on the notable occurrences that influenced Apple news over the year. From product introductions to software enhancements, this article highlights the key stories that characterized Apple’s environment.

#### Siri Setbacks and Their Impact

Among the most discussed subjects this year was the postponement of updates to Siri. Users voiced their irritation regarding the virtual assistant’s functionality, sparking conversations about the prospect of voice technology in Apple’s ecosystem. These setbacks led to a reassessment of Apple’s strategy towards AI and machine learning, with many speculating on how this may affect upcoming product launches.

#### iOS 26 Redesign Rumors

In the second half of the year, initial rumors concerning the redesign of iOS 26 started to emerge. These rumors suggested a more streamlined interface and newly introduced features aimed at improving user interaction. As excitement grew, both developers and users eagerly anticipated official announcements from Apple, hoping for innovations that would transform their device interactions.

#### Introduction of the iPhone 17 Series

The standout moment of the year was certainly the introduction of the iPhone 17 series. Showcasing state-of-the-art technology and design, the new range garnered favorable reviews from both critics and customers. The iPhone 17 series highlighted enhancements in camera features, battery longevity, and processing efficiency, reinforcing Apple’s standing in the competitive smartphone arena.

### 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus

In the most recent episode of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour, Benjamin and Chance review their annual prediction choices and reflect on who emerged victorious. For those seeking more comprehensive discussions, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Happy Hour Plus, which provides ad-free episodes, additional content, and exclusive insights for a monthly subscription.

### Feedback and Community Interaction

Listeners are invited to participate by providing questions and feedback through Twitter, Mastodon, or email. This engagement cultivates a community of Apple fans eager to exchange their views and experiences.

### Conclusion

As we reflect on 2025, it is evident that Apple continues to innovate and evolve in a swiftly changing technology landscape. With major product introductions and ongoing dialogues surrounding AI and software, the outlook remains promising for Apple and its users.

# The Lowfree Flow84: A Contemporary Mechanical Keyboard Experience

The Lowfree Flow84 signifies a notable advancement in the realm of mechanical keyboards, blending the tactile pleasure of classic mechanical switches with a sleek, low-profile design that echoes Apple’s style. This article explores the features, advantages, and disadvantages of the Flow84, a keyboard designed to appeal to both mechanical keyboard aficionados and casual users.

## What Exactly is a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards fundamentally differ from the chiclet-style keyboards that currently dominate the market, especially within Apple products. Traditional mechanical keyboards feature individual mechanical switches under each key, offering satisfying tactile and auditory responses that enhance the typing experience. These keyboards are renowned for their durability, customization possibilities, and the capacity to provide a more responsive typing experience compared to their scissor-switch counterparts, commonly found in modern laptops.

## The Rise of Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards

Historically, users faced a choice between the compact nature of scissor-switch keyboards and the substantial feel of mechanical keyboards, which typically require a larger space. However, recent innovations have spawned low-profile mechanical keyboards, which preserve the beneficial traits of mechanical switches while minimizing height. This development has made mechanical keyboards more attainable for users who favor a minimalist setup without compromising the typing experience.

## The Lowfree Flow84

The Lowfree Flow84 is a 75% keyboard, featuring 84 keys with a compact layout that excludes the numeric keypad. Its design is notably minimalist, available in black or white, closely mirroring Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The low-profile design is enhanced by shallow keycaps, which, although limiting customization possibilities, provide a sleek look.

### Appearance and Design

The Flow84’s aesthetic is one of its most striking features. The aluminum casing imparts a premium touch, while the copper-look branding plate contributes an element of sophistication. The keyboard also boasts backlighting, manageable via key combinations, augmenting its visual allure in dim environments.

### Customization

While the Flow84 presents a variety of keycap options, it restricts switch customization. The keyboard comes equipped with Kailh switches, specifically Ghost switches for the white variant and Phantom switches for the black version. Users are unable to choose their desired switch type upon purchase, which may discourage some mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to fully tailor their typing experience.

### Sensation and Typing Experience

Despite the limitations regarding switch selection, the typing experience on the Flow84 is commendable. The Ghost switches deliver a smooth, linear sensation that many users find appealing. The build quality of the keyboard is robust, and the overall typing experience is elevated by the keyboard’s weight and stability.

### Portability and Battery Duration

At 12.5 inches by 5 inches and weighing 1.3 pounds, the Flow84 is fairly portable, making it suitable for travel. However, its battery life is rated at 40 hours, necessitating more frequent charging compared to other alternatives on the market.

## Pricing and Final Thoughts

The Lofree Flow84 is available at $159, with periodic discounts reducing it to $139. Although more affordable options exist, the Flow84 distinguishes itself through its design and typing experience, particularly for users in search of a keyboard that aligns with an Apple-centric environment.

In summary, the Lowfree Flow84 is an enticing option for those seeking a low-profile mechanical keyboard that merges aesthetics with practicality. While it presents some limitations in terms of customization, its overall design and typing experience make it an appealing choice for both newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard users.

The European Union has claimed responsibility for the new interoperability features in iOS 26.3. The bloc maintains that these improvements will stimulate a marketplace for innovative products and services.

The most recent beta release focuses on making iOS more accessible, particularly by enhancing support for third-party smartwatches.

### New iOS 26.3 Features

The latest developer beta introduces three new functionalities, two of which are designed to improve compatibility with third-party hardware.

The most notable change is a Transfer to Android feature, enabling users to shift all their data to a new Android device in a fashion akin to setting up a new iPhone. Apple states in the Settings app, “Position your Android device next to this iPhone to connect and initiate the transfer process.” Once linked, iPhone users can wirelessly transfer their photos, messages, notes, apps, and more, including their phone number, to the new Android device. The latest Android beta reflects this with a feature for transitioning from Android to iPhone.

Another key feature is Notification Forwarding, which allows iPhone notifications to be displayed on third-party smartwatches, much like they appear on the Apple Watch. This feature is limited to users in EU countries to adhere to antitrust regulations.

### EU Takes Credit

The Wall Street Journal reports that the European Commission has pointed out that both features were required to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The Commission is pleased with the beta version of Apple’s iOS 26.3, asserting that developers can now test interoperability with the new functionalities arising from an EU inquiry into the company’s terms for connected devices in March under the Digital Markets Act.

A representative for the Commission remarked, “The DMA opens up new possibilities for developers to launch innovative products and services in Europe. This marks another move toward a more interconnected digital ecosystem for the advantage of all EU citizens.”

**Anna’s Archive: The Contentious Scraping of Spotify’s Music Catalog**

Anna’s Archive, a platform that claims to be the largest open repository in history, has recently garnered attention by announcing that it has scraped an incredible 99.6% of all music found on Spotify. This extensive initiative has led to the download of nearly 300 terabytes of information, which the platform intends to offer for torrenting.

The site characterizes its actions as a “backup” of Spotify, highlighting its goal to safeguard humanity’s knowledge and culture across various forms of media, not limited to text. Historically, Anna’s Archive has concentrated on archiving books and documents but has now expanded into the domain of music preservation. The organization claims to have uncovered a technique to scrape Spotify on a large scale, enabling it to establish a significant music archive.

Although Anna’s Archive has managed to capture only about one-third of Spotify’s total 256 million tracks, it contends that the 86 million tracks it has preserved represent nearly all of the music that users actually engage with. The site utilized Spotify’s “popularity” metric to prioritize which tracks to scrape, concentrating on those with a popularity rating above zero.

In its evaluation of the data, Anna’s Archive has disclosed some fascinating insights. For example, it discovered that the three most popular songs on the platform have a total stream count that exceeds the combined streams of the least popular 100 million songs. The top three tracks include:

– **Billie Eilish** – “Birds of a Feather” with 3.137 billion streams
– **Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars** – “Die With A Smile” with 3.075 billion streams
– **Bad Bunny** – “DtMF” with 1.124 billion streams

In reaction to the scraping, Spotify has acted by disabling the accounts responsible for the data extraction. A spokesperson for the company indicated that they have put new measures in place to prevent such copyright breaches and are actively monitoring for any suspicious activities. Spotify remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights of creators and opposing piracy.

The actions of Anna’s Archive prompt crucial questions regarding copyright, data ownership, and the ethics of digital archiving. As the discussion progresses, the ramifications of such extensive data scraping on the music industry and the rights of artists are yet to be completely understood.

### Apple @ Work: Insights from MacPaw’s Mac Admins Survey 2026

In the constantly changing tech landscape, overseeing Apple devices within the workplace has become increasingly vital for organizations. The latest episode of Apple @ Work features Alexander Tatarchuk, who elaborates on the results of MacPaw’s Mac Admins Survey 2026. This survey offers important insights into the challenges and trends experienced by IT professionals managing Apple devices.

#### Key Findings from the Survey

The Mac Admins Survey 2026 brings to light several significant trends and obstacles that organizations face while overseeing Apple devices. Some of the principal findings include:

1. **Device Management Challenges**: Numerous IT professionals report facing issues in handling a variety of Apple devices, especially in settings with diverse operating systems.

2. **Security Concerns**: Given the increase in cyber threats, security continues to be a major concern. The survey reveals that organizations are progressively investing in solutions to safeguard their Apple devices from possible vulnerabilities.

3. **Adoption of Unified Platforms**: There is a rising trend towards the implementation of unified management platforms that simplify the deployment and supervision of Apple devices. This method not only boosts efficiency but also lowers expenses.

4. **Remote Work Impact**: The transition to remote work has greatly affected how organizations manage their devices. IT teams are adjusting to provide support for remote employees while ensuring that security measures are upheld.

5. **Training and Support**: The necessity for continuous training and support for both IT personnel and end-users is highlighted. Organizations are acknowledging that investing in training can lead to improved device management and greater user satisfaction.

#### The Role of Mosyle

Mosyle distinguishes itself as a premier solution for organizations seeking to effectively oversee their Apple devices. As the sole Apple Unified Platform, Mosyle incorporates all essential tools for deploying, managing, and securing Apple devices without any hassle. With over 45,000 organizations depending on Mosyle, it has demonstrated to be a cost-efficient solution that alleviates the intricacies of Apple device management.

#### Conclusion

The insights from MacPaw’s Mac Admins Survey 2026 highlight the significance of proficient device management in today’s workplace. Organizations must remain aware of the latest trends and challenges to ensure they are prepared to manage their Apple devices effectively. With solutions such as Mosyle, businesses can optimize their processes and concentrate on what is most important—enhancing productivity and security in their operations.

For further insights and to listen to the complete discussion, tune into the latest episode of Apple @ Work.

Cloudflare has published its 2025 Cloudflare Radar Year in Review, showcasing the trends it detected over the year as one of the leading internet infrastructure providers globally. Here’s a look at Apple’s performance.

### Trends related to Apple in 2025, according to Cloudflare’s report

As per Cloudflare (via MacMagazine), Apple secured the third position in the Internet Services ranking, which assesses major online services based on their relative popularity using Cloudflare’s global DNS data.

The data from Cloudflare indicates that Apple surpassed TikTok early in the year and maintained a strong third place until around July, when it began alternating positions with Microsoft.

Nonetheless, “Apple concluded the year at #3,” with Microsoft experiencing better tool performance compared to 2024. TikTok finished the year in the 10th position, enduring a challenging year due to regulatory issues that may be nearing resolution.

Cloudflare also pointed out that “iOS devices accounted for 35% of mobile device traffic worldwide,” with Android taking the remaining 65%. However, “the share of traffic from iOS increased slightly year-over-year, rising two percentage points to 35% in 2025.” They observed that although Monaco was an exception with a 70% iOS share, 27 countries reported that Android represented over 90% of mobile traffic, such as Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Malawi, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia.

Here’s how Cloudflare assesses mobile traffic:

> “By examining the User-Agent header data included with each Web request, we can determine the distribution of traffic by client operating system throughout the year. Android devices generate the bulk of mobile device traffic globally, attributed to the diverse range of price points, form factors, and device capabilities.”

### A few interesting insights

Beyond Apple, Cloudflare’s 2025 Radar Year in Review presents additional valuable observations about the wider web and tech landscape:

– Global Internet traffic experienced a 19% increase in 2025, with marked growth commencing in August.
– Starlink traffic saw a twofold increase in 2025, including contributions from over 20 new countries/regions.
– Anthropic achieved the highest crawl-to-refer ratio among the top AI and search platforms.
– Google remains the leading search engine, with Yandex, Bing, and DuckDuckGo lagging significantly behind.

To explore the Cloudflare Radar 2025 Year in Review, click this link.

OpenAI has embraced the trend of personalized year-end recaps similar to Spotify Wrapped with “Your Year with ChatGPT,” which is currently being rolled out to users in the U.S. and certain other countries. Here’s how to access yours.

### OpenAI Embraces the Wrapped Trend

In a message shared on X, OpenAI announced that “Your Year with ChatGPT” is now available to users in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia who are utilizing the most recent version of the ChatGPT app. This feature depends on memory and chat history, so it is exclusively available to those who have those settings activated.

If you have these options enabled, you will likely notice a “Your Year with ChatGPT” banner as soon as you launch the app. Clicking on it will display a Stories-style interface featuring intriguing nuggets, highlights, and trends from your ChatGPT interactions over the past year, all of which are shareable.

TechCrunch elaborated on what the feature entails: OpenAI incorporates engaging visuals and customizes the experience by presenting “awards” based on your ChatGPT usage throughout the year. For example, you may receive the “Creative Debugger” accolade if you’ve leveraged the chatbot to address a challenge or navigate a concept.

Additionally, the app generates a poem and an image themed around your interests for the year. OpenAI mentions that “Your Year with ChatGPT” is limited to individual accounts, making it unavailable for Education, Enterprise, and Team users. If you reside in one of the supported nations but cannot view the highlight upon opening the app, you can directly request it from ChatGPT.

Today’s launch of “Your Year with ChatGPT” comes just days after OpenAI integrated a holiday-themed easter egg in ChatGPT, where Santa rewards the user with either a good or bad gift based on their actions over the previous year.

### Apple Commits to Long-Term Development in China

In a recent discussion with Li Chenggang, China’s International Trade Negotiator and Vice Minister of Commerce, Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan underscored the firm’s dedication to sustained development and investment in China. This declaration follows a series of assurances from Apple leaders about their commitment to the Chinese market, especially considering the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics and the company’s initiatives to diversify its supply chain.

#### Background

Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook traveled to China, where he reassured Chinese officials of Apple’s continued commitment to investing in the area. His statements coincided with a resurgence in iPhone sales in China, emphasizing the significance of the Chinese market for Apple’s overarching business strategy.

#### Recent Developments

During his conversation with Chinese officials, Sabih Khan reaffirmed Apple’s enduring relationship with its Chinese partners. Per a report from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Khan remarked that Apple appreciates the capabilities and potential of China’s supply chain. He outlined the firm’s intentions to keep boosting investments across various sectors, such as supply chain development, research and development, and social welfare projects within China. Khan stressed an emphasis on intelligence, sustainability, and integration to realize shared benefits and win-win scenarios.

#### Economic Impact

In the previous fiscal quarter, Greater China represented 14% of Apple’s overall revenue, highlighting the area’s importance to the company’s financial stability. Despite Apple’s ongoing endeavors to diversify its production, particularly for devices aimed at the U.S. market, China continues to be a crucial center for manufacturing and assembly.

Apple’s reaffirmation of its commitment to China embodies a strategic choice to sustain robust connections with one of its largest markets while navigating the intricacies of international trade affairs. As the company persists in investing in the region, it intends to cultivate a collaborative setting that advantages both Apple and its Chinese partners.

### Conclusion

Apple’s ongoing investments and commitment to China indicate its awareness of the country’s essential role in its global operations. As the company adjusts to evolving market conditions and geopolitical obstacles, its emphasis on long-term development in China is likely to remain an integral part of its strategy moving ahead.