Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Thirteen New Automotive Brands to Incorporate Car Keys into Wallet App Shortly

### Apple Wallet’s Car Key Feature is Growing

Apple has made notable progress in its goal to substitute physical wallets with the Apple Wallet app. One of the prominent features launched in 2020 is the ‘car keys’ function, enabling users to unlock their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch. This feature aims to improve convenience and security for drivers.

#### How Car Keys Operate

The application of car keys differs by manufacturer, presenting a variety of functionalities. Here are some of the principal features:

– **Passive Entry**: As you near your vehicle with your device, it unlocks automatically. Once you are inside, you can start the car, and it locks again when you walk away.

– **Proximity**: You can lock, unlock, and start your vehicle by bringing your device near the door handle or key reader.

– **Remote Access**: Users can lock and unlock their cars remotely and utilize other features via their devices.

A thorough list of currently supported vehicles can be located through various sources, and this list is expected to grow soon.

### Car Keys Coming for 13 New Auto Brands

At the latest WWDC event, Apple revealed that 13 new vehicle brands will soon integrate the car key feature. This expansion is part of Apple’s continuous efforts to improve the capabilities of its Wallet app. The new brands consist of:

– Acura
– Cadillac
– Chery
– Chevrolet
– GMC
– Hongqi
– Lucid
– Porsche
– Rivian
– Smart
– Tata
– Voyah
– WEY

Although no definitive timeline has been announced for when these brands will implement car key support, it is expected that the rollout will take place before the year’s end, especially following the announcement made during the iOS 26 presentation.

With this addition, a total of 33 vehicle brands will be covered by Apple Wallet’s car key feature, reinforcing Apple’s position in the digital wallet market.

### Conclusion

The growth of Apple Wallet’s car key feature represents an important milestone for both Apple and automotive manufacturers. As more brands embrace this technology, users can anticipate enhanced convenience and a smooth integration of their digital and automotive experiences. For those already utilizing car keys within Apple Wallet, feedback on their experiences is welcomed as the feature continues to develop.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Exploring Agentic AI and Extended Access Management

**9to5Mac: Your Ultimate Resource for Apple News and Insights**

In the constantly changing realm of technology, keeping abreast of the most recent advancements, particularly within the Apple ecosystem, is vital for fans, professionals, and casual users alike. 9to5Mac has made a name for itself as a top-tier source for breaking news, comprehensive analysis, and insightful reviews concerning Apple’s products and services.

### Extensive Coverage

9to5Mac addresses a broad spectrum of subjects, including:

– **Product Releases:** Stay up-to-date with the newest iPhone, iPad, Mac, and accessory introductions.
– **Software Upgrades:** Discover the latest features and enhancements in iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
– **Industry Analysis:** Grasp the impact of Apple’s business choices and market tactics.

### Exclusive Content

For those in search of distinct insights, 9to5Mac presents exclusive pieces that explore Apple’s strategies and innovations in greater depth. These articles commonly include insider knowledge and expert perspectives, equipping readers with a well-rounded understanding of the company’s trajectory.

### Detailed Reviews

When contemplating a new Apple device, reviews are crucial. 9to5Mac delivers comprehensive assessments of the latest products, emphasizing their pros and cons. These reviews assist consumers in making informed buying choices based on practical use and expert insights.

### Instructional Guides

Navigating the Apple ecosystem can be somewhat daunting. 9to5Mac provides a variety of instructional guides aimed at helping users fully utilize their devices. Whether it’s setting up a new iPhone, addressing software glitches, or uncovering hidden features, these guides serve as invaluable tools for users of all expertise levels.

### Stay Updated

To stay informed about the latest news and updates, readers should visit the [9to5Mac homepage](http://9to5mac.com/) frequently. Additionally, following 9to5Mac on [Twitter](http://twitter.com/9to5mac), [Facebook](http://facebook.com/9to5mac), and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/9to5mac.com/) ensures you never miss important developments in the dynamic world of Apple news.

### Multimedia Offerings

For those who lean towards visual media, 9to5Mac also runs a

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Tim Cook Celebrates Swift Student Challenge Recipients at Apple Park: A Conversation

### WWDC 2023: Highlighting Swift Student Challenge Awardees

The yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) stands out as a pivotal gathering in the technology sector, unveiling groundbreaking advancements and nurturing the next wave of developers. This year’s festivities commenced with a special event at Apple Park, where the Honored Awardees of the Swift Student Challenge were given the chance to showcase their creative apps to Apple leaders, featuring a surprise appearance by CEO Tim Cook.

#### Introducing the Awardees

**Marina Lee** from the University of Southern California emerges as one of the honored awardees. Her app, **EvacuMate**, is designed to aid individuals during evacuation scenarios, especially in areas susceptible to wildfires like Los Angeles. The app gathers essential resources, including evacuation strategies and air quality updates, delivering crucial information to users in one place.

**Tamera Middlebrooks**, another honored recipient, developed **SwayApp**, a supportive app for physical therapy. This application enables users to monitor their symptoms and uncover specialized exercises, particularly aimed at assisting those affected by vestibular migraines. Tamera is also a participant at Apple’s Detroit Developer Academy, which is dedicated to imparting the skills necessary for iOS application development.

#### Pitching to Apple Leaders

At the event, both Marina and Tamera seized the exceptional chance to demonstrate their apps to press members and Apple leaders. Initially anticipating a presentation to Susan Prescott, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, they were exhilarated by Tim Cook’s unexpected presence.

Marina conveyed her enthusiasm and nerves about presenting to such prominent individuals, remarking on how friendly and approachable they were once her presentation commenced. Tamera recounted the personal drive behind SwayApp, detailing how her experiences with vestibular migraines motivated her to develop a superior tool for symptom management.

#### Perspectives from the Developers

In a follow-up interview after the keynote, both developers expressed their reflections on their paths and the significance of their recognition as Honored Awardees. Marina shared how this acknowledgment fuels her ambition to continue her coding path and aims to inspire future developer generations. Tamera resonated with similar feelings, underlining the affirmation and encouragement she derives from being acknowledged for her dedication and enthusiasm.

Both developers are eager about the new functionalities unveiled at WWDC, especially the cross-platform app integration. They anticipate leveraging new APIs and tools to further enhance their applications.

#### Final Thoughts

The narratives of Marina Lee and Tamera Middlebrooks emphasize the influence of personal narratives in fostering innovation. Their applications not only cater to specific community needs but also embody the essence of the Swift Student Challenge. As they advance their skills and polish their applications, they symbolize the bright future of app development and the beneficial influence technology can wield on people’s lives.

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“Summary of CarPlay Capabilities in iOS 26: Liquid Glass UI, Application Widgets, and Enhanced Apps”

# The Future of CarPlay in 2025 with iOS 26

It turns out that a new CarPlay experience in 2025 doesn’t require an Aston Martin. That’s because iOS 26 introduces a revitalized interface and several new features for CarPlay that everyone can enjoy.

## Liquid Glass Aesthetic

The most apparent update is a new theme that resembles Apple’s Liquid Glass design language seen on the iPhone. In CarPlay, Liquid Glass is visible in app presentation options, buttons, and various interface components.

CarPlay icons now accommodate the following appearance modes: Default, Dark, and Clear. Clear offers a shiny glass-like appearance with settings for Light, Dark, or Auto. My initial favorite is the newly introduced Clear Dark option.

Widgets can now be featured on CarPlay, including those from third-party iPhone applications that don’t have dedicated CarPlay versions. Widgets on CarPlay closely resemble the StandBy widgets on iPhone, as they utilize the same technology.

CarPlay widget stacks can be customized via the iPhone in the Settings app under General > CarPlay > My Car > Widgets. Beyond selecting which app widgets to display, users can turn widgets on/off, switch wallpaper on/off, manage widget suggestions on/off, and control rotation settings.

In my instance, a single widget stack is supported. However, systems with larger screens may have additional stacks that can be adjusted independently. Apple provides an illustrative example.

With the introduction of widgets, the primary app grid is now located on the third CarPlay home screen. Widgets are featured on the first, leftmost home screen. The Dashboard is second and directly to the left of the app grid display. The app grid begins on the third page and expands according to how many CarPlay applications are installed.

## Live Activities in the Dashboard

Regarding the Dashboard, the second home screen is where tiles for Live Activities will be displayed when active, positioned at the bottom right corner.

Fortunately, Apple demonstrates a Live Activity in use.

## Additional Enhancements

Other modifications involve a revamped Music app that reflects the navigation layout of its iPhone counterpart, support for Tapbacks, and pinned conversations in Messages.

CarPlay—the more intelligent, safer means to utilize iPhone while driving—is used over 600 million times daily, and now with iOS 26, it receives enhancements that make it even more visually appealing and user-friendly. The elegant design offers a new compact view for incoming calls, enabling users to identify who is calling without overlooking crucial details such as upcoming directions. iOS 26 also introduces Tapbacks and pinned conversations to Messages in CarPlay, and with the addition of widgets and Live Activities, users can remain informed without diverting their attention from the road. These improvements also extend to CarPlay Ultra, uniting the finest features of the iPhone with those of the car for a deeply integrated, cohesive experience across all displays.

Here are more visuals provided by Apple that illustrate how CarPlay in iOS 26 looks on various display types.

In conclusion, for the Aston Martin enthusiasts, this is CarPlay Ultra in iOS 26.

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Apple Unveils iOS 26 Showcasing Liquid Glass Redesign, Improved CarPlay, Fresh Games App, and Extra Features

# Apple Introduces iOS 26: An In-Depth Look

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, representing a major leap forward from its earlier version, iOS 18. This new software update brings a completely new design and a wide array of features intended to improve user experience across Apple devices.

## Design Revamp

The most noticeable alteration in iOS 26 is its redesigned interface, which Apple describes as “Liquid Glass.” This aesthetic draws inspiration from the Aqua style seen in previous macOS versions, lending a more refined and lifelike appearance. The Liquid Glass material enhances visuals by reflecting and refracting its environment, resulting in a vibrant interface that enriches the appearance of app icons, widgets, and navigation components.

The refreshed design applies to both the Home Screen and Lock Screen, granting users additional customization capabilities. For example, the Lock Screen features a time display that smoothly adapts to the background image, while spatial wallpapers produce a 3D effect as users shift their devices.

## Improved Features

### Apple Intelligence

iOS 26 incorporates robust Apple Intelligence functionalities, enhancing user-device interaction. Notable features include:

– **Live Translation**: This tool facilitates real-time text and audio translation during conversations on Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, ensuring smooth communication between languages.
– **Visual Intelligence**: Users can now inquire about images or events displayed on their screens and obtain suggestions for calendar entries.
– **Genmoji and Image Playground**: These innovations allow users to craft personalized emoji mixes and images, adding uniqueness to their communications.

### Communication Enhancements

The Phone and Messages applications have undergone notable updates aimed at minimizing distractions and boosting user control:

– **Unified Phone Interface**: The Phone app now merges Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into one view, streamlining navigation.
– **Call Screening**: This function provides information on incoming calls, assisting users in deciding whether to respond or disregard them.
– **Message Filtering**: Users can sort messages from unidentified senders, which will be kept in a separate folder until approved.

### CarPlay Improvements

CarPlay has also seen enhancements in iOS 26, featuring a more user-friendly interface with a compact view for incoming calls and new widgets for easy information access while driving. These modifications aim to boost driver safety and usability.

### Core App Updates

Several essential applications have been improved:

– **Apple Music**: New functionalities include Lyrics Translation and AutoMix, which utilizes AI for seamless song transitions.
– **Apple Maps**: Users can now see their Visited Places and receive tailored route recommendations based on their daily routines.
– **Apple Wallet**: New features include installment payment options and access to real-time flight updates via boarding passes.

### New Apple Games Feature

iOS 26 also brings a fresh Apple Games app, functioning as a central hub for all gaming activities. This app enables users to keep track of their favorite games, explore new titles, and access Apple Arcade, which features over 200 games.

## Accessibility and Privacy

Apple remains dedicated to accessibility with offerings like Accessibility Reader and improved parental controls. The new design also integrates enhanced fingerprinting protection in Safari, ensuring a more private browsing experience.

## Summary

With the rollout of iOS 26, Apple is not just revitalizing its design approach but also enhancing the overall user experience through smart features and upgraded app functionalities. This update is set to make iPhones more user-friendly and enjoyable, showcasing Apple’s dedication to innovation and user contentment. For more comprehensive information, users can check Apple’s official press release and explore the new features directly.

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Apple Introduces macOS Tahoe 26 Showcasing Revamped User Interface, Improved Spotlight, Phone Application, and More Enhancements

### Apple Introduces macOS Tahoe 26: A Detailed Summary

Apple has formally unveiled macOS Tahoe 26, presenting a variety of new functionalities and a revamped user interface designed to improve the overall user experience. This newest version of macOS offers substantial updates, featuring a completely redesigned Spotlight search, the debut of a Phone app, Live Activities integration, and numerous enhancements powered by Apple Intelligence.

#### Revamped User Interface

A key transformation in macOS Tahoe is its visual aesthetic, which includes Liquid Glass UI components, refreshed app icons in the Dock, and an updated Control Center. This new design strives to deliver a more modern and user-friendly experience.

#### Fresh Features

**Phone App Access**
For the first time, macOS users can utilize the Phone app directly on their Macs. This feature enables users to view recent calls, manage their contacts, and listen to voicemails effortlessly, creating a seamless connection between their iPhone and Mac.

**Revamped Spotlight Search**
The Spotlight search feature has undergone a complete redesign. Users can now view results from files, folders, events, and applications in a consolidated format. Furthermore, documents from third-party cloud storage are included in the search results, and new quick actions facilitate contextual commands according to the search findings. Importantly, the revised Spotlight experience also includes listings from apps on the user’s iPhone, which can be accessed via iPhone Mirroring.

**Live Activities**
iPhone’s Live Activities are now available on Mac, enabling users to receive real-time updates, such as flight tracking, directly from their desktop.

#### AI-Driven Enhancements

macOS Tahoe features numerous AI-based improvements, such as live language translation within Messages and FaceTime. The Shortcuts library has been upgraded to include Apple Intelligence actions, with enhancements made to functionalities like Genmoji and Image Playground.

#### Gaming Improvements

A new Games app has been launched, functioning as a central hub for all gaming-related activities. Users can monitor their friends’ gaming statuses and access a new Game Overlay, which provides quick access to settings and friend chats without interrupting the full-screen gaming experience.

#### Additional Changes

Other significant updates in macOS Tahoe include:

– **Messages**: Customizable backgrounds and the option to create polls in group conversations.
– **Journal App**: Newly launched on the Mac, offering a space for personal reflection and note-taking.
– **Photos App**: Introduces new functionalities like Pinned Collections and enhanced filtering options.
– **Reminders**: Improved with Apple Intelligence for automatic task organization into sections.
– **Notes**: Users can now import and export notes in Markdown format.

#### Release Information

macOS Tahoe is presently available in developer beta and is anticipated to be accessible to all users later this year. With its extensive array of new features and enhancements, macOS Tahoe 26 is set to provide a more integrated and user-friendly experience across Apple devices.

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watchOS 26 Brings New Apple Watch Faces Taking Advantage of the Improved Display of Series 10

# Apple Watch Series 10: Improved Features and Watch Faces

The Apple Watch Series 10 presents major enhancements, especially with its display and watch face functionalities. A key highlight is the enhanced display that features a quicker refresh rate, enabling certain watch faces to indicate seconds ticking even while in always-on mode. This improvement, however, is not available for all watch faces at the time of launch. The forthcoming watchOS 26 software update, scheduled for release this fall, is expected to extend this capability to a wider selection of watch faces.

## Series 10 Improved Faces

Initially, only three watch faces were compatible with the always-on display mode featuring a ticking seconds indicator: Flux, Reflections, and Activity Digital. Apple has subsequently rolled out updated variations of the Pride and Unity watch faces, increasing the total to five compatible faces.

With the introduction of watchOS 26, multiple existing watch faces will acquire the capability to show a ticking seconds hand while in always-on mode. Significantly, the California and Utility watch faces will now incorporate this feature, representing a move towards more classic clock designs, which were missing in the original five supported watch faces.

The following watch faces will exhibit analog seconds in the supported list in watchOS 26 beta 1:

– Activity Analog
– Activity Digital
– California
– Color
– Contour
– Count Up
– Flux
– GMT
– Infograph
– Meridian
– Metropolitan
– Nike Analog
– Numerals Mono
– Pride Harmony
– Reflections
– Stripes
– Solar Analog
– Unity Rhythm
– Utility

On the other hand, some watch faces capable of displaying seconds do not yet offer this functionality in always-on mode. These include:

– Chronograph Pro
– Kaleidoscope
– Lunar
– Mickey Mouse
– Modular Compact
– Palette
– Pride Analog
– Pride Celebration
– Solar Dial
– Snoopy
– Unity Bloom
– Unity Lights
– World Time

The lack of certain watch faces, notably Chronograph Pro, which includes analog seconds in a sub-dial, is significant. Modular Compact, with its digital seconds display, along with the analog styles of Solar Dial and World Time might also gain from future enhancements.

Despite these exclusions, the introduction of traditional clock-style faces in watchOS 26 boosts the Apple Watch Series 10’s attractiveness for users who favor analog watch styles.

## Watch Face Gallery

Although watchOS 26 does not bring forth new watch faces, it arranges existing ones into a fresh watch face gallery. This gallery sorts watch faces into several categories, including:

– New Watch Faces
– Health and Fitness
– Photos
– Clean
– Data Rich
– Pride Collection
– Dress Watch
– Tool Watch
– Bold
– Playful
– Unity Collection
– Colorful
– Astronomy
– World Scripts
– Motion
– Nike Collection
– Digital Time
– Analog Time

Moreover, there are specific sections dedicated to the Apple Watch Ultra and Hermes models. Users can investigate these sections directly on their Apple Watch or via the Watch app on their iPhone.

In summary, the Apple Watch Series 10, along with the impending watchOS 26 update, offers an enhanced experience for users, especially those who value the look of analog watch faces.

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9to5Mac Daily Update: June 9, 2025 – Highlights on Liquid Glass, iOS 29, and Beyond

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest news, trends, and insights is essential, particularly for Apple aficionados. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a dependable source for daily summaries of the most important stories within the Apple ecosystem. This podcast is crafted for those seeking to remain attuned to Apple advancements, ranging from product launches to software updates.

**Podcast Accessibility**

9to5Mac Daily is available on multiple platforms, allowing listeners to engage at their leisure. The podcast can be accessed on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)

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New Capabilities Unveiled for AirPods by Apple

Apple has revealed two upcoming features for AirPods that will be available on certain existing models – including a feature reminiscent of the EarPods era.

## Camera Control

You might remember that during the era of wired EarPods, they could be utilized as a remote shutter release for taking photos. This capability is now making its way to AirPods, enabling you to activate the camera from a distance, perfect for group photos when you’ve placed your iPhone on a tripod or supported it in another manner.

> Taking pictures from afar is simpler than before with **camera remote**. While utilizing the Camera app or other compatible third-party camera applications on iPhone or iPad, creators can press and hold the AirPods stem to capture a photo or initiate a video recording, and an additional press-and-hold will halt the recording. For those who enjoy recording themselves while singing or dancing, these new features facilitate performing in sync with a soundtrack while also documenting the video.

## Studio Quality Audio Recording

Last year, Apple introduced Audio Mix for the iPhone 16, employing AI to selectively filter audio by including or excluding various elements. One aspect of this technology is Studio, which aims to mimic a recording studio by focusing on sounds close to the microphone.

Apple has now made this functionality available for AirPods, allowing them to serve as a [wireless lavalier microphone](https://amzn.to/4dVajA6).

> Enhancing content creation is now achievable with **studio-quality audio recording**. Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can capture their content with superior sound quality, even while moving or in noisy settings thanks to Voice Isolation. Equipped with the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio, users can expect a more natural vocal texture and clarity during iPhone calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-supported applications. Studio-quality audio recording and enhanced call quality are compatible across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, while also working with the Camera app, Voice Memos, dictation in Messages, video conferencing platforms such as Webex, and suitable third-party camera applications.

## Pause Playing When You Fall Asleep

For those who use AirPods in bed to keep from disrupting their partner, they will now recognize when you drift off to sleep and automatically pause playback in all applications.

## Automatic CarPlay Switching

Apple has additionally introduced automatic switching between AirPods and car speakers when utilizing CarPlay.

## Availability

[Apple states](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/airpods-now-more-versatile-with-studio-quality-audio-recording-and-camera-remote/) that the features will be accessible on three models:

> The new AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 features will launch this fall as a complimentary firmware update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.

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Availability of the Release Date for iOS 26 Public Beta

**Apple’s Significant Operating System Revamp: A Glimpse at the New Features and Enhancements**

Apple has recently revealed a notable upgrade across all its operating systems, bringing forth a new system theme defined by Liquid Glass components. This update signifies a change in Apple’s naming strategy, moving towards a streamlined numbering system aligned with the calendar year. Consequently, users will now encounter versions identified as iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, iPadOS 26, and visionOS 26.

### Highlighted Features of the Update

The revamped Liquid Glass theme is crafted to elevate the visual charm and user interaction across all devices. This aesthetic transformation is more than superficial; it strives to foster a more unified and contemporary interface that resonates with Apple’s vision for its ecosystem.

### Public Beta Launch

For individuals who are not part of the developer community, Apple has simplified access to these new updates. A public beta will be ready for complimentary installation beginning in July. This will enable users to trial the new features and offer feedback ahead of the official rollout, which is anticipated in the autumn, likely around September.

At present, the developer beta 1 is being distributed, allowing registered developers to immediately implement the updates. For those keen on the public beta, Apple has not indicated a specific start date, but it is expected to align with the beta 3 phase in early July, following the trends of previous years.

### Involvement in the Public Beta Program

The Apple Beta Software Program will provide public betas for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that visionOS will not be part of the public beta program, as public beta installations are presently unsupported on the Apple Vision Pro.

Anyone wishing to join the public beta can register at

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