Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Severance Season 3: Latest News and Details

Severance’s season 2 conclusion took audiences by surprise when it premiered earlier this year, sparking numerous inquiries about what lies ahead for Mark S. and company in season 3. Here’s everything we currently know regarding Severance season 3 on Apple TV+.

## Severance Season 3 Officially Approved by Apple

Severance is the most significant success Apple TV+ has experienced—surpassing even Ted Lasso in acclaim. Thus, it’s no shocker that Apple has officially confirmed the show for another season. The announcement for Severance season 3’s renewal came immediately following the release of the season 2 finale. Fortunately, the creative team behind the series didn’t wait for Apple’s go-ahead before commencing work on the upcoming season, initiating the writing process even prior to the season 3 confirmation.

## Writers are Currently Developing Severance Season 3, Including a Notable Newcomer

In February during a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Ben Stiller revealed that Severance season 3 was “in progress” and a writers room was actively engaged with the show in Los Angeles. Speaking of the show’s writing staff, Puck reported last spring that Severance’s creative team had seen significant changes. Due to reported clashes between creator Dan Erickson and writer-producer Mark Friedman during the first two seasons of Severance, Ben Stiller brought in a crucial new addition. Matt Belloni wrote at Puck:

> Stiller interviewed multiple writer-producers to develop a third season ahead of the likely WGA strike, ultimately bringing on board Beau Willimon, the creator of House of Cards who most recently worked on Disney+’s excellent Andor…Willimon secured a lucrative deal to contribute to Season 3, but he quickly recognized that assistance was required on Season 2, with episode costs soaring to the $20 million range. Thus, for the past several months, Willimon has been instrumental in shaping the latter half of Season 2 and establishing a foundation for Season 3, which has delayed the show considerably in the process.

It appears that, while Willimon made substantial contributions to season 2, it’s in the forthcoming season 3 where we’ll witness a greater manifestation of his influence.

## Ben Stiller Will Not Be Directing This Time Around

Ben Stiller is a significant creative force behind Severance, and that will persist for season 3. However, one essential role he has historically occupied is set to change. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Stiller indicated he won’t be directing any episodes in Severance season 3. The reason? A film project will demand too much of his attention. Stiller directed 11 episodes in the first two seasons of Severance—over half of the total episode count. Thus, his absence from the director’s position could have a considerable impact.

## When to Anticipate Season 3 on Apple TV+

Anyone who’s been following Severance since its initial season knows that the gap between seasons was extended. Due to production challenges, re-writes, and industry strikes, nearly three years elapsed between Severance’s first and second seasons. Currently, the only information we have about the timing for season 3 is that Ben Stiller hopes “not to keep audiences waiting three years this time.” Stiller and creator Erickson have previously discussed their perfectionistic inclinations, so even if Severance season 3 avoids similar complications during production, it’s still improbable that we’ll see the show return in the near future. Realistically, Severance season 3 is likely to arrive on Apple TV+ in 2027— with late 2026 being the earliest possibility we can envision.

Apple TV+ is offered at $9.99 per month and features hit television shows and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking. There are also several ways to watch for free.

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WhatsApp Starts Trialing AI-Powered Writing Recommendations for iOS Users

### WhatsApp Unveils “Writing Assistance” Feature for iOS Beta Users

In its most recent TestFlight update, WhatsApp has rolled out a new functionality named “Writing Assistance,” aimed at improving the messaging experience for iOS beta users. This feature provides suggested replies aligned with the tone established by the user, streamlining the creation of messages that connect with the desired audience.

#### How “Writing Assistance” Operates

As reported by WABetaInfo, when users activate Private Processing in the app settings, they will see a fresh pen icon that replaces the sticker symbol in the chat bar after entering a brief phrase. This icon signifies that the AI assistant is primed to offer writing recommendations. By tapping the icon, users can solicit enhancements to the structure, tone, or clarity of their messages, facilitating more refined and individualized communication.

#### Available Tone Options

The “Writing Assistance” feature provides at least three different phrasing alternatives based on one of five selectable tones:

1. **Reword:** Enhances clarity and flow while preserving the original meaning.
2. **Formal:** Modifies language for more serious discussions.
3. **Humorous:** Infuses a light-hearted element into the tone.
4. **Encouraging:** Eases the tone to be more uplifting.
5. **Grammar Check:** Rectifies spelling and grammatical mistakes.

Users can opt to retain their original message or swap it for one of the AI-generated alternatives. Notably, recipients will remain unaware that AI assistance was utilized in formulating the message.

#### Privacy and Data Management

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, highlights that the “Writing Assistance” feature operates utilizing its Private Processing system, akin to other AI features across its platforms. The feature is optional, meaning it is turned off by default and requires manual activation by users.

Meta reassures users that it does not retain personal information, processes messages in an anonymous and secure manner, and only analyzes the message currently in the input field without reviewing the entire chat history.

#### Prospective Availability

Similar to other features presently in beta testing on TestFlight, there is no definitive timeframe for when “Writing Assistance” will see an official launch. Nevertheless, given Meta’s dedication to embedding AI-driven functionalities into its applications, a wider release is expected in the near term.

### Conclusion

The rollout of the “Writing Assistance” feature in WhatsApp marks an important advancement in enhancing user communication through AI-based suggestions. By enabling users to customize their messages according to a variety of tones, WhatsApp seeks to enrich the overall messaging experience while prioritizing user privacy and data protection.

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Latest Additions and Enhancements in iOS 26 Beta 7

**iOS 26 Beta 7: Major Updates and Features**

iOS 26 beta 7 has been made available for iPhones enrolled in the developer beta program. This update introduces multiple significant changes and improvements compared to the earlier beta iteration, iOS 26 beta 6.

### New Power Mode Options

A key enhancement in iOS 26 beta 7 is the rollout of new Power Mode options. This features an **Adapter Power Notifications** setting, aimed at notifying users when their device may throttle performance to save battery life. This feature works separately from the Adaptive Power option, granting users more authority over their device’s performance and power management.

### Revamped Blood Oxygen Measurement Feature

In a noteworthy advancement, iOS 26 beta 7, in conjunction with watchOS 27 beta 7, now offers a **revamped blood oxygen measurement feature** for Apple Watch users in the U.S. This feature had been restricted for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models for several years due to ongoing patent disputes with Masimo. However, Apple has recently obtained the necessary approval for a workaround, which is anticipated to be included in the forthcoming public beta release, making the feature accessible across all compatible devices.

### macOS Tahoe Update

In related developments, the macOS Tahoe beta has also undergone updates, especially regarding the onboarding video for the MacBook, highlighting the device’s notch—though the notch itself is not included. This visual adjustment was initially presented in beta 6 and continues to progress with the latest version.

### Conclusion

As the testing of iOS 26 advances, users can look forward to more updates and enhancements. Apple invites input from developers and users to further improve the overall experience. For those keen on the newest features and updates, staying informed with each beta release is crucial. If users observe any additional changes or features, they are encouraged to relay their findings to the development team.

For ongoing updates, keep an eye on technology news websites and developer community forums.

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Essential Insights from Apple’s Two-Day Conference on Privacy and Artificial Intelligence

**Apple’s Workshop on Privacy-Enhancing Machine Learning: Major Takeaways**

A few months back, Apple conducted the Workshop on Privacy-Enhanced Machine Learning, a two-day hybrid event that took place on March 20–21, 2025, concentrating on privacy, security, and the ethical development of machine learning. Recently, Apple shared the presentations from this workshop with the public, revealing key progress in the area. Below are three major takeaways from the event.

### Brief Note on Differential Privacy

A primary focus in several of the discussed papers is differential privacy, which has emerged as Apple’s chosen approach for safeguarding user information. This method entails injecting noise into user data prior to uploading, complicating efforts to link it back to a specific individual. Apple clarifies that this tactic permits valuable statistical insights while preserving user confidentiality.

### Three Research Studies Highlighted from the Event

#### 1. Local Pan-Privacy for Federated Analytics

Presented by Guy Rothblum from Apple, this research builds on a 2010 study aimed at safeguarding data even if an analytics system is breached. The new research emphasizes personal devices and illustrates that when a device undergoes multiple accesses, gathering usage data becomes increasingly difficult without jeopardizing privacy. The experts propose encrypted techniques that enable organizations to collect meaningful statistics while keeping individual actions concealed.

#### 2. Scalable Private Search with Wally

In this session by Rehan Rishi and Haris Mughees from Apple, the emphasis is on preserving user privacy while reducing costs for large-scale encrypted searches. The approach, dubbed Wally, utilizes differential privacy by dispatching authentic queries embedded in fabricated data. As more users access the server at the same time, the quantity of fake noise each participant transmits diminishes, allowing Apple to protect privacy while effectively managing millions of users.

#### 3. Differentially Private Synthetic Data via Foundation Model APIs

Presented by Sivakanth Gopi from Microsoft Research, this investigation delves into creating high-quality synthetic data that maintains the utility of actual user data without sacrificing privacy. The technique, termed Private Evolution (PE), enables API-only foundation models to generate synthetic counterparts of private datasets, achieving or surpassing the effectiveness of traditional model fine-tuning methods while considerably lowering privacy risks.

### Complete Studies List

In addition to the featured videos, Apple released links to all 25 studies showcased during the workshop, which encompass contributions from researchers at Apple, Microsoft, Google, and various academic institutions, including MIT and Carnegie Mellon.

This workshop demonstrates Apple’s dedication to promoting privacy-preserving technologies within machine learning, ensuring that user data remains protected while still allowing for valuable insights and innovations in the sector.

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iOS 26 Proposes Possible Features for the Next iPhone Featuring a Completely Glass, Bezel-Less Design

**iOS 26: An Exploration of Liquid Glass and Its Future Implications for iPhones**

iOS 26 has rolled out a major redesign featuring a new look termed Liquid Glass. This upgrade not only boosts the aesthetic allure of the operating system but also suggests potential design transformations for upcoming iPhone models. Perspectives from Craig Hockenberry, a seasoned iPhone app designer, illuminate how these modifications may herald the next iteration of iPhones.

### Perspectives from a Seasoned App Designer

Craig Hockenberry, who has played a role in iPhone app creation since its launch, recently shared his insights while fine-tuning an app for iOS 26. He emphasized a fundamental design tenet: “you never want a control or container that contacts the screen’s edge.” This tenet resonates with the introduction of safe area insets in iOS 11, which became crucial with the launch of the iPhone X, marked by its notch and home indicator.

Hockenberry also highlighted Apple’s emphasis on “concentricity,” a design objective that seeks to synchronize UI components with the physical hardware of devices. This indicates that Apple is gearing up for a future where screens may transition seamlessly into the device edges, possibly harnessing flexible OLED technology to create a “wraparound” display. Such a design would incorporate safe area insets along the vertical edges, akin to those unveiled for horizontal edges in earlier models.

### Apple’s Design Trends

Hockenberry’s reflections underscore a recurring theme in Apple’s design methodology. The company frequently launches new frameworks or guidelines that might not have an immediate evident function but signal forthcoming hardware advancements. For example, the introduction of safe area insets foreshadowed notable alterations in device design, such as the iPad’s multitasking features.

Although users of iOS 26 may view Liquid Glass as merely a visual enhancement, Hockenberry’s perspectives imply that it is part of a larger strategy that hints at forthcoming hardware evolution. The forthcoming iPhone Fold and the anticipated all-screen, bezel-less iPhone could be shaped by the design principles initiated in iOS 26.

### Conclusion

The design modifications in iOS 26, especially the incorporation of Liquid Glass, may act as a harbinger of significant progress in forthcoming iPhone iterations. As Apple continues to enhance its design ethos, the repercussions for hardware could be substantial, paving the path for devices that deliver an immersive and unified user experience. The community is left to consider how these modifications will influence the next generation of iPhones and what thrilling innovations lie in store.

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macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4 Launched: Installation Manual Ready

### macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4: Guide to Installation and Anticipations

Just a few days following the launch of the third public beta for macOS Tahoe 26, Apple has introduced the fourth public beta. This article offers a thorough guide on whether you should install the beta, the process to do so, and what you can anticipate from this newest release.

#### Key Considerations: Should You Install the Beta?

Installing beta software can have its pros and cons. While it allows an early glimpse at new features and enhancements, betas are frequently fraught with bugs and may result in erratic performance. If you choose to move forward, it is highly advised to heed Apple’s guidance: install the beta on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac. Always back up your data before making any modifications.

#### Steps to Install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4

To install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4, you must register for Apple’s public beta program. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Open **System Settings**.
2. Head to **General** ⇾ **Software Update**.
3. Click the ‘i’ icon next to **Beta Updates**.
4. Choose **macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta** from the dropdown menu in the top-right.
5. Click **Done**.

#### Anticipated Features of macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4

The most recent public beta aligns with developer beta 7, indicating it encompasses a variety of behind-the-scenes enhancements and bug resolutions. As Apple nears the conclusion of beta testing, users can look forward to a more refined experience as we head towards the official launch, expected at the end of next month.

For those who are currently utilizing the public beta, sharing their experiences can offer helpful insights to others contemplating the installation.

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Apple Releases Public Beta 4 for tvOS 26 and HomePod 26

Apple has recently unveiled public beta 4 for tvOS 26, HomePod 26, and additional updates. Here’s what you can anticipate.

### Public beta 4 launches as Apple’s summer testing phase comes to a conclusion

Apple’s summer beta period is beginning to draw to a close. With September just around the corner, beta releases are accelerating.

Earlier today, Apple rolled out fresh developer beta 7 updates for iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and more.

In the past few releases, Apple’s public beta versions have typically been released several days after the developer editions. However, this time, Apple has markedly reduced that timeframe.

Public beta 4 is now available for tvOS 26, HomePod 26, and other upcoming updates from Apple.

This update introduces the same improvements seen in developer beta 7, which concentrated on stability and performance.

Overall, we can anticipate only a few more public betas before Apple’s new operating systems are launched for all users.

That broad public rollout is anticipated to occur in mid-September, which is less than a month away.

If you haven’t joined Apple’s public beta program yet but wish to experience the upcoming updates a month early, you can register at beta.apple.com.

How are the most recent Apple betas performing for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top Apple TV 4K and Home accessories

FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

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LISEN Unveils New 10,000mAh CardMag Power Bank for Easy Charging of iPhone, Apple Watch, and Beyond

# The LISEN CardMag MagSafe Battery Pack: An In-Depth Review

In late July, I got the chance to evaluate the LISEN CardMag MagSafe battery pack while traveling in the Northeast. With extensive use, elevated temperatures, and the complexities of navigating city settings, this battery pack underwent a thorough assessment. Moreover, I was utilizing the iOS 26 beta on my iPhone, which further stressed the battery life.

## Why the LISEN CardMag Distinguishes Itself from Other MagSafe Batteries

Numerous features contribute to the LISEN CardMag being my top preference among MagSafe batteries:

1. **Integrated USB-C Cable**: A major highlight is the built-in USB-C cable. In warm conditions, MagSafe charging can be less efficient as the iPhone tends to overheat, leading to reduced charging speeds or complete interruptions. The incorporated cable facilitates a swift transition to wired charging, ensuring consistent power supply.

2. **Apple Watch Charger**: The CardMag comes with an integrated charger for the Apple Watch, removing the necessity of carrying a separate charging puck. This is especially beneficial for overnight charging or post-exercise sessions.

3. **Digital Display**: Unlike other batteries that utilize indicator lights, the LISEN CardMag showcases a digital display revealing the precise remaining charge and whether it is in the process of charging. This exact information is crucial for effectively managing power during a hectic day.

## Significant Features

The LISEN CardMag features a range of remarkable specifications:

– **MagSafe Charging**: Compatible with iPhone MagSafe charging at 7.5 watts and Apple Watch charging at 2.5 watts.
– **Fast Charging**: The built-in USB-C cable enables 20W fast charging, permitting quick power boosts when necessary.
– **Simultaneous Charging**: It has the capability to charge two devices concurrently, although charging speeds may lessen when employing both wired and wireless charging at the same time.
– **Battery Capacity**: Featuring a 10,000mAh battery, the CardMag can fully recharge an iPhone 1.5 to 2 times, contingent on the phone’s battery size and consumption during charging.

## Conclusion

In summary, the LISEN CardMag is a remarkable battery pack that could be the perfect solution for those in motion. Its compact form, built-in cable, and detailed display elevate it as a preferred option. While Qi2 support would be a welcomed addition, the existing features and performance render it a dependable choice for anyone requiring power throughout the day.

The LISEN CardMag can be purchased on

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iOS 26 Beta 7 Brings New Switch for Battery Alerts

### iOS 26 Unveils Adaptive Power Mode and Notification Options

iOS 26 has rolled out a feature known as Adaptive Power mode, aimed at prolonging your iPhone’s battery longevity. In the recent beta 7 update, Apple has incorporated a specific Settings toggle for notifications tied to this functionality. Here’s an in-depth look at its operation.

#### Grasping Adaptive Power Mode

Adaptive Power is an innovative battery management option that provides a more balanced alternative to the current Low Power Mode. While Low Power Mode notably diminishes performance to save battery, Adaptive Power seeks to harmonize performance with battery preservation more adeptly.

Apple defines Adaptive Power as a feature that engages when battery consumption exceeds typical levels. It prolongs battery life by implementing performance changes such as:

– Dimming display brightness
– Extending the duration of specific tasks
– Enabling Low Power Mode when the battery dips to 20%

The main objective of Adaptive Power is to assist users in optimizing their battery life during periods of unexpected heavy usage.

#### Newly Added Notification Feature

With the launch of beta 7, users are now able to receive alerts when Adaptive Power is actively fine-tuning performance. This feature is intended to keep users updated about modifications being implemented to their device’s performance in the interest of battery conservation.

Users can locate the new notification configurations by heading to:

**Settings ⇾ Battery ⇾ Power Mode**

Here, a fresh toggle labeled ‘Adaptive Power Notifications’ permits users to decide whether they wish to receive alerts when Adaptive Power is functioning. This offers the option of staying informed about battery-saving modifications or allowing the feature to run silently without notifications.

#### User Interaction

As users begin to test Adaptive Power in iOS 26, input regarding its performance and efficiency is welcomed. The addition of notification settings is aimed at improving user awareness and authority over battery management.

#### Summary

The Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26 signifies a substantial advancement in intelligent battery management on iPhones. With the supplementary option to activate or deactivate notifications, users can customize their experience according to their preferences, ensuring they stay aware of their device’s performance modifications.

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tvOS 26 Beta 7 Launched for Apple TV 4K

**tvOS 26 Beta 7: What Developers Can Anticipate**

Apple has just released tvOS 26 beta 7 for developers, representing a significant advance towards the forthcoming public launch of the latest Apple TV 4K software. This update forms part of Apple’s continuous effort to improve the user experience prior to the official launch, which is expected to take place in approximately a month.

### Emphasis on Performance and Stability

The main goal of tvOS 26 beta 7 is to improve performance and stability. While users might not observe major feature changes in this version, the update is vital to ensure that the final version of tvOS 26 operates smoothly for all users. Apple usually prioritizes stability during the concluding phases of beta testing, and this release adheres to that trend.

### Forthcoming Public Release

With the public debut of tvOS 26 on the horizon, developers can anticipate only a handful more beta versions. Apple’s developers are presently concentrating on refining current features based on feedback from beta testers. This method aims to reduce issues once the software is released to the general public.

### User Insights

Developers who have installed tvOS 26 beta 7 are urged to convey their experiences. Feedback from this beta testing period is crucial as it assists Apple in pinpointing and resolving potential concerns before the official launch.

### Summary

tvOS 26 beta 7 signifies a key stage in the evolution of Apple TV’s software, concentrating on stability and performance improvements. As the public release approaches, developers are encouraged to submit feedback to help guarantee a smooth upgrade experience for all users.

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