Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

New Android Foldable Debuts Apple Watch Compatibility Functions

The Vivo X Fold 5: A Possible Revolution for Apple Watch Enthusiasts

The smartphone landscape is in a constant state of flux, introducing innovative features that disrupt traditional norms. One of the most captivating revelations comes from Vivo, which asserts that its forthcoming foldable smartphone, the Vivo X Fold 5, will have support for the Apple Watch, making it the first Android device to achieve such compatibility. This daring claim has ignited both fascination and skepticism, as it raises questions regarding the synergy between Apple’s ecosystem and Android devices.

### The Revelation

In a teaser released on Weibo, Vivo revealed that the X Fold 5 will empower users to answer calls, read messages, and synchronize health data from their Apple Watch directly to the device. If accurate, this assertion could profoundly elevate the user experience for those owning both an Apple Watch and an Android smartphone, especially for those reluctant to transition from iOS due to the seamless melding of Apple products.

### How Will It Function?

Although Vivo’s announcement is thrilling, the practicality of a genuine, native connection between the Apple Watch and an Android device is debatable. Traditionally, Apple has exercised tight control over its ecosystem, making it improbable that the Apple Watch could connect directly to an Android phone. Instead, it is more credible that Vivo is capitalizing on existing integrations observed in recent offerings from other brands, like Oppo, that have sought methods to bridge the divide between iOS and Android.

Vivo has hinted at further features, including direct iCloud syncing and the functionality to utilize the X Fold 5 as an extended display for Mac devices. These capabilities suggest that Vivo is attempting to create a more cohesive experience for users who operate across both platforms, potentially employing a workaround that routes data through an iPhone or other Apple devices.

### The Vivo X Fold 5: Specs and Features

In addition to the compelling Apple Watch compatibility, the Vivo X Fold 5 is making waves for its premium specifications. Early speculations and teasers suggest that the device will showcase state-of-the-art technology, encompassing advanced display features and enhanced durability, possibly offering exceptional dust and water resistance for a foldable smartphone.

As the foldable smartphone segment continues to thrive, the X Fold 5 aspires to distinguish itself not only through its design but also with its groundbreaking features that serve a varied user demographic.

### Conclusion

The Vivo X Fold 5’s assertion of supporting the Apple Watch offers an exhilarating prospect for users eager for a more unified experience between iOS and Android. However, until further details surface, it remains uncertain how this compatibility will operate in practice. As the launch date nears, both tech aficionados and consumers will be keenly observing to see if Vivo can fulfill its ambitious promises, potentially transforming the realm of wearable technology and smartphone interconnectivity.

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Xcode 26 to Bring Support for Various AI Models, Including Claude

# Swift Assist: Broadening Development Possibilities with Xcode 26

On Monday, during the WWDC25 keynote, Apple presented an exciting upgrade concerning Swift Assist, a function aimed at improving the development journey in Xcode. Craig Federighi emphasized that developers can now incorporate their chosen Large Language Models (LLMs) directly into Xcode, signifying a major enhancement of the tool’s functionality.

## What is Swift Assist?

Swift Assist was first revealed at last year’s WWDC but has only recently become available in the Xcode 26 beta. Apple defines Swift Assist as a supporter for developers, intended to simplify coding tasks and enable them to concentrate on more intricate issues and solutions. The feature integrates smoothly into Xcode and is aware of the latest software development kits (SDKs) and Swift language enhancements, guaranteeing that developers have access to the most up-to-date coding resources.

As per Apple, Swift Assist employs a robust cloud-based model, emphasizing privacy and security. Developers’ code is processed to fulfill requests but is not stored on servers, and Apple does not utilize this information to train machine learning models.

## What is the New Swift Assist?

Apple has provided more details about its vision for Swift Assist in Xcode 26, rolling out several fresh features. The refined Swift Assist comprises:

– **Integrated Predictive Code Completion**: Improving the coding experience by foreseeing developers’ requirements.
– **Native ChatGPT Integration**: Offering limited complimentary usage, enabling developers to utilize conversational AI for coding support.
– **Support for Third-Party Providers**: Developers can now integrate a variety of LLMs, including local models, by simply inputting an API key.

By default, developers can activate ChatGPT with a few clicks, subject to a daily request limit. Those with a ChatGPT Plus subscription can log in or use their API key to bypass these restrictions.

The adaptability of Xcode 26 permits developers to install other providers, such as Anthropic, by inputting an API key, thereby accessing leading models in the coding arena. Developers can also choose which models to showcase and designate favorites for easier retrieval.

Furthermore, local models are available. Developers utilizing tools like Ollama or LM Studio can access models operating directly on their devices, offering a personalized coding environment. They can add multiple providers and transition between them effortlessly within Xcode’s Coding Assistant.

## Conclusion

The advancement of Swift Assist aligns Xcode with the contemporary landscape of AI tools, highlighting a model-agnostic, customizable, and modular strategy. This adaptability could markedly enhance the allure of Xcode in a multi-model environment, addressing the varied needs of developers.

As Apple persists in its innovation, the incorporation of LLMs into Xcode signifies a hopeful progression in making coding more efficient and accessible. Developers are invited to explore these new features and share their insights on employing LLMs in their coding workflows.

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iMazing Offers Sophisticated Solutions for Handling Apple Devices and Data

**iMazing: The Ultimate Solution for Apple Device Management**

Long regarded as the benchmark for local backups and data transfers within Apple’s mobile ecosystem to a Mac or Windows PC, iMazing persistently delivers cutting-edge solutions for managing Apple mobile devices either individually or on a larger scale.

The introduction of iMazing 3 last year signaled the start of an expansive vision for the company: to offer scalable, professional-level tools for overseeing Apple mobile devices in personal, educational, and enterprise settings. Together with iMazing Profile Editor and iMazing Configurator, iMazing is swiftly becoming the preferred choice for all things iOS, iPadOS, and macOS—and soon, more.

### New: iMazing Profile Editor 2

The finest method for handling Apple configuration profiles recently undergone its most significant upgrades to date. iMazing Profile Editor 2 features a revamped interface and the new Total App Setup function, simplifying the process of configuring macOS app options more than ever.

Ensure your IT team is taking advantage of iMazing Profile Editor, which is integrated within iMazing for optimal performance with iMazing Configurator, yet also remains available separately at no cost.

### iMazing Configurator is Designed for Scale

For system administrators and enterprise IT, iMazing Configurator offers a robust toolkit for provisioning, supervising, and automating the setup of Apple iOS devices at scale, as well as facilitating MDM enrollment and migration processes.

### Additional Key iMazing Business Features

– Exceptional local device backup with versioning/snapshot capabilities
– Broadened message extraction features including RSMF and signed PDF formats
– Data retention during MDM migrations
– Device diagnostics and application management
– iMazing operates and retains all data locally, rendering it inherently secure and ideally suited for government bodies, along with legal, financial, and other sensitive sectors and businesses.

In summary, iMazing provides a comprehensive collection of tools tailored to improve the management of Apple devices across diverse industries, ensuring efficiency, security, and user-friendliness.

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Xcode 26 Beta Brings New ‘Apple Vision Pro 4K’ Reference Functionality

Apple conducted its WWDC25 keynote yesterday, during which it unveiled a fresh array of software updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS – all encompassed under the new version numbering of ’26’. A new set of OS releases is accompanied by a new version of Xcode.

In the initial beta of Xcode 26, the developer tool employed for creating apps for these updated operating systems, Apple appears to have inadvertently revealed an intriguing detail about Vision Pro – a potential new name.

In Xcode 26, the current iteration of Apple Vision Pro is now designated as “Apple Vision Pro 4K.” This designation only appears when utilizing a new simulator equipped with visionOS 26, while existing simulators for visionOS 2 do not display this new nomenclature.

It’s conceivable that this suggests that lower-cost versions of Apple Vision Pro may feature reduced resolutions, and the names will mirror that distinction. Conversely, it could also indicate that higher-end variants of Apple Vision Pro with enhanced resolutions may be forthcoming.

Regardless, this represents an intriguing naming oversight. Only time will reveal whether this holds any substantial significance.

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Apple News+ Enhances Daily Puzzles with Fresh Emoji Game

**Apple Introduces Emoji Game: A Playful Addition to Everyday Puzzles**

In the wake of the recent WWDC25 keynote revelations, Apple has revealed its newest venture into the realm of daily puzzles with the debut of **Emoji Game**. This cheerful challenge encourages players to finish three phrases using emoji, infusing a playful angle into communication.

### A Fresh Addition to Apple’s Puzzle Lineup

**Emoji Game** joins Apple’s growing assortment of News+ Puzzles, which already features beloved games such as Crossword, Mini Crossword, Quartiles, and Sudoku. The game will be available via the Following tab in the News app and will receive daily updates, ensuring that users have access to new content consistently. It will also connect with Game Center, enabling players to monitor their statistics, maintain streaks, and compare scores on leaderboards. Initially, it will be playable in the U.S. and among English-speaking users in Canada.

### Engaging Users with Emoji

Apple states that **Emoji Game** is crafted to bring one of the most favored types of digital communication to life in a fun and interactive way. Players are tasked with using emoji to finish three phrases, aiming to solve the puzzle in the fewest moves possible. This engaging format not only amuses but also prompts users to think outside the box.

### Enhancing the Puzzle Experience

This initiative is not Apple’s first venture into puzzles; the company previously introduced daily crosswords and other games to Apple News+ in 2023, setting the stage for more quick and stimulating content. With the launch of **Emoji Game**, Apple is demonstrating its dedication to boosting user engagement and offering more incentives for daily visits.

The trend of daily puzzles has surged since The New York Times acquired Wordle in early 2022, igniting a series of puzzle-oriented engagement strategies. This resulted in the development of a dedicated NYT Games app that includes popular titles like Connections and Strands. Even platforms like LinkedIn have gotten on board with the trend by adding daily puzzles to promote repeat engagement.

### Cultivating Habits Through Daily Challenges

While Apple may not seek to emulate the triumph of NYT Games, the appeal of daily puzzles is undeniable. These challenges assist in forming user habits, which is vital in a competitive app marketplace where capturing interest is crucial. A quick five-minute emoji challenge could serve as the ideal motivation for users to return to the app frequently.

In summary, **Emoji Game** embodies Apple’s strategic effort to captivate users through whimsical interaction while also leveraging the profitable subscription revenue model. As the game becomes available, it will be intriguing to observe its effect on user engagement and its contribution to Apple’s wider ambitions in the gaming and puzzle domain.

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watchOS 26 Update Retires Five Watch Faces for Apple Watch Users

### The Progression of Apple Watch Faces with watchOS 26

The Apple Watch remains at the forefront of wearable technology, now equipped with nearly 60 unique watch faces in the most recent update, watchOS 26. This upgrade fine-tunes the experience for the Apple Watch Series 10, improving both the display and user interface. Nonetheless, not all alterations have been positively accepted, as Apple has controversially chosen to retire several cherished watch faces.

#### Retired Watch Faces

Last year, watchOS 11 experienced the elimination of four watch faces: the Siri watch face, analog Chronograph, Explorer, and Numerals. This pattern continues with watchOS 26, which has now seen the phasing out of five more watch faces:

– Fire and Water
– Gradient
– Liquid Metal
– Toy Story
– Vapor

The loss of these faces has caused dissatisfaction among users who valued the diversity and innovation they provided.

#### New Introductions

In spite of the discontinuation of some faces, Apple has launched new designs in recent updates, including Flux, Reflections, Pride Harmony, and Unity Rhythm. However, no new watch faces were revealed during the watchOS 26 announcement, prompting speculation that fresh designs could be unveiled alongside future hardware launches.

#### Insights into the Design

Apple has provided a glimpse into the creative process behind certain watch faces. Designer Alan Dye highlighted the significance of practical effects over digital counterparts, mentioning that the design team incorporated tangible elements to achieve a more genuine experience. This hands-on methodology involved collaboration among art directors, color specialists, graphic designers, and model creators.

#### Summary

As Apple persists in its innovation with the Apple Watch, finding the right balance between rolling out new features and preserving user favorites remains challenging. While the latest watchOS updates deliver improvements and fresh designs, the discontinuation of selected watch faces highlights the continuously changing realm of technology and design. Users of the Apple Watch Series 10 can find solace in the enhanced display and the new functionalities available, despite having to say goodbye to a few familiar faces.

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iOS 26 Unveils Three Additional Features for Boarding Passes to Enrich Your Travel Journey

# Apple Wallet Presents More Incentives to Utilize a Digital Boarding Pass in iOS 26

The use of boarding passes on your iPhone has become a standard practice. However, after years without modifications to the feature, iOS 26 is set to elevate your Apple Wallet boarding passes in several important ways.

Yesterday, Apple revealed iOS 26 along with a host of new features it brings. One focal point is the Wallet app, which is poised to incorporate new Car Key compatible brands. Another major alteration concerns travel.

Many of us store our boarding passes for flights within Apple Wallet, and in iOS 26, those passes will introduce three new features:

1. **Live Activities**
2. **Airport Maps**
3. **Luggage Tracking with Find My**

Live Activities can prove beneficial on travel days, although only select airline apps offer support—and capabilities will differ from one airline to the next. Nevertheless, in iOS 26, Apple is embedding Live Activity support into the Wallet app for boarding passes, providing a uniform experience regardless of the airline.

An added feature with these Live Activities is that they are easily shareable, enabling you to send one to a friend or family member who requires tracking of your flight.

Moreover, boarding passes will reveal new information when accessed. Users will be able to easily view airport maps, locate AirTag-equipped luggage, and report lost bags.

These three modifications are set to improve your travel experience with iOS 26, making it slightly more convenient than in the past. What are your thoughts on the new features arriving for boarding passes? Share your opinions in the comments.

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tvOS 26 Improves Apple Music Sing and Turns iPhone into a Karaoke Microphone

### Enhancements to Apple Music Sing: Turning Your Apple TV into a Karaoke Haven

For those who have been reveling in Apple Music Sing on their Apple TV, there’s thrilling news coming soon. Apple has recently revealed an update that will enable users to use their iPhones as wireless microphones, with their voices resonating through the Apple TV’s speakers. This upgrade is set to enhance the karaoke experience significantly.

#### Let It All Out

Last year, Apple launched Apple Music Sing, a feature that allows users to diminish the vocal track on most tracks available on Apple Music, enabling them to be in the spotlight and display their vocal abilities. With the forthcoming rollout of tvOS 26, this feature is about to become even more engaging. Users will have the ability to convert their Apple TV into a fully operational karaoke system, welcoming numerous singers who can participate using their own iPhones.

The new features will encompass the capability to sing along, organize songs in a queue, and express emoji reactions that will show up on-screen during performances, creating a vibrant and captivating karaoke experience.

#### Major Lyrics Initiative for Apple Music

Besides the karaoke functionalities, tvOS 26 will unveil new instruments for lyrics translation and pronunciation, enriching the overall user experience. As per Apple, the Lyrics Translation function will cater to select songs in several languages, including:

– English to Chinese (simplified)
– English to Japanese
– Korean to Chinese (simplified)
– Korean to English
– Korean to Japanese
– Spanish to English

The Lyrics Pronunciation tool will aid users with select songs in various scripts, comprising:

– Cantonese to Jyutping
– Chinese (simplified) to Pinyin
– Hindi to Romanized Hindi
– Japanese to Romanized Japanese
– Korean to Katakana
– Punjabi to Romanized Punjabi

These features aspire to make singing along to songs in different languages more manageable and enjoyable.

#### Design and Usability Advances

In addition to the new karaoke capabilities and lyrics instruments, tvOS 26 will feature Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the interface. Users can also anticipate improvements in user experience, such as simplified profile switching and a more efficient sign-in process for tvOS applications.

The developer beta for tvOS 26 is now available, with a public beta anticipated to be released next month. This update is set to significantly boost the Apple TV experience, particularly for music aficionados and karaoke fans.

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Download the Newest iPadOS 26 Backgrounds in Light and Dark Themes

### iPadOS 26 Backgrounds: A New Aesthetic for Your Device

If you’ve just upgraded to the official iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 backgrounds, you can now round out your look with the new iPadOS 26 light and dark backgrounds. These backgrounds are crafted to elevate the visual experience on your iPad, delivering a harmonious appearance across your Apple devices.

#### Design Attributes

The iPadOS 26 backgrounds share a comparable design style with the iOS 26 backgrounds, showcasing transparent arcs and stacked glass gradients. However, the iPadOS iterations are a broader and more spaced-out reimagining, making them perfect for the iPad’s larger display. This design selection not only preserves uniformity across Apple’s ecosystem but also enhances the visual allure for iPad users.

#### How to Obtain and Set the Backgrounds

To acquire the new iPadOS 26 backgrounds, simply click on the images available in the download area and save them in high resolution. After downloading, you can apply them as your wallpaper through the Photos app or the Settings app on your iPadOS device.

#### Improvements in iPadOS 26

Alongside the new backgrounds, iPadOS 26 brings several robust features designed to enhance the user experience. These include:

– **Enhanced Window Management and Multitasking**: Users can look forward to a more streamlined way of managing multiple apps and windows, boosting productivity.
– **Redesigned Files App**: The Files app has been revamped for better functionality, making file organization more user-friendly.
– **Expanded Support for Background Tasks**: This feature allows applications to execute tasks in the background, enhancing overall performance and user satisfaction.

For more comprehensive information about these features, you can consult the official announcement from Apple.

#### Additional Information

In addition to the iPadOS 26 backgrounds, you can also download the latest macOS Tahoe 26 and iOS 26 backgrounds to ensure a consistent appearance across all your devices. For continuous updates and in-depth coverage of WWDC25, check out the dedicated news hub.

By revitalizing your device with these new backgrounds and features, you can elevate your digital workspace and enjoy a more integrated Apple ecosystem.

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Apple Unveils ‘AirPods Pro 3’ Information in Latest iOS 26 Beta Launch

### iOS 26 Code Specifically Mentions AirPods Pro 3

The recent debut of the initial iOS 26 beta has revealed an intriguing update for Apple fans: a reference to the forthcoming ‘AirPods Pro 3’ has been found within the code. This discovery, reported by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, represents the second notable leak surrounding the next iteration of AirPods.

Moser’s finding emphasizes that the term ‘AirPods Pro 3’ is specifically cited in the iOS 26 beta code. Although precise information regarding the characteristics of the new AirPods is still limited, speculation is already abundant about possible improvements and advancements that may accompany this new offering.

This leak follows an earlier indication from another Apple software release last month, which included the term “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” a shift from the previous language that merely referred to the “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation.” The direct mention of ‘AirPods Pro 3′ in the latest iOS 26 beta enhances the chances of their forthcoming release.

The release timing for the AirPods Pro 3 seems to correspond with Apple’s standard product cycle, hinting at a possible announcement during the upcoming iPhone 17 event, anticipated in September. Initial rumors, including those from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggested a potential postponement until 2026 for new AirPods; however, the recent findings indicate that a fall launch is more likely.

As excitement escalates, many are keen to discover what new features and upgrades the AirPods Pro 3 will introduce. The iOS 26 update is scheduled to release in mid-September, and the tech community is buzzing with speculation about the new AirPods’ functionalities.

In summary, the identification of ‘AirPods Pro 3’ in the iOS 26 beta code not only validates the product’s existence but also ignites enthusiasm for its potential launch later this year. As we await additional announcements, the question lingers: what innovations will Apple unveil with its next generation of AirPods?

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