Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård is poised to appear with Dakota Fanning in an upcoming unnamed international thriller series for Apple TV. This series, produced by Sony Pictures Television, has sparked considerable interest due to its star-studded cast and captivating concept.

Dakota Fanning, recognized for her diverse acting talents, will not only lead the series but also take on the role of executive producer alongside her sister, Elle Fanning. The series will be helmed by Kari Skogland, who has previously been involved in renowned projects like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

The plot centers on Fanning’s character, an undercover Treasury agent integrated within a multibillion-dollar international conglomerate. This conglomerate is portrayed as having widespread political and criminal ties. The narrative intensifies as she navigates her mission while developing emotions for her main target, who is the heir to the corrupt power structure she is probing.

Currently, there is no established release date for the series, and its title remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, given the high caliber of talent involved and the compelling storyline, it is eagerly awaited by audiences.

Apple TV continues to grow its content library, providing a subscription service that showcases a range of popular shows and films. The introduction of this thriller series is anticipated to further enhance its offerings, drawing in a larger viewership.

Apple has broadened the localization support in App Store Connect, enabling developers to translate their app metadata into a total of 50 languages. Here are the specifics.

## 50 Languages Now Available on the App Store

Apple disclosed today that App Store Connect will now facilitate localization in 11 additional languages, which include Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Slovenian, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

With the latest enhancements, developers can now localize their app metadata into 50 languages within App Store Connect, which Apple claims will assist them in reaching users across various languages and markets more effectively.

Here’s the complete list of [supported languages](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/reference/app-information/app-store-localizations), as of today:

> Arabic, Bangla, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (Australia), English (Canada), English (U.K.), English (U.S.), Finnish, French, French (Canada), German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Malay, Malayalam, Marathi, Norwegian, Odia, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Spain), Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese.

Apple indicates that developers can incorporate localized metadata (including app names, descriptions, and screenshots) with their forthcoming app updates for each platform they support. The company also refreshed its App Store badges, launching new localized versions that developers can now utilize in their promotional materials.

To discover more about today’s update, [follow this link](https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=97t4mt64).

**Apple: Commemorating 50 Years of Ingenuity and Influence**

As Apple Inc. nears its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026, the tech powerhouse reflects on an extraordinary journey that commenced in a garage in Cupertino, California. Established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple has transformed from a modest startup into one of the most impactful companies globally, influencing the technological sphere and consumer habits.

Coinciding with this landmark, David Pogue, an experienced technology journalist and correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning,” has published an extensive book titled *Apple: The First 50 Years*. This substantial volume, covering over 600 pages, examines the company’s history, showcasing its achievements, obstacles, and the pivotal people who have shaped its journey.

Pogue’s book is distinguished by its thorough research and the incorporation of insights from over 150 individuals who played key roles in Apple’s story. Among those featured are legendary figures such as Steve Wozniak, former CEO John Sculley, and acclaimed designer Jony Ive. The book also includes viewpoints from current Apple designers, engineers, and executives, providing a unique look into the internal dynamics of the company.

The official synopsis of *Apple: The First 50 Years* highlights its vividly illustrated content and the investigation of both Apple’s significant accomplishments—such as the sale of over 2.2 billion iPhones—and its notable missteps, including the Apple III and MobileMe. Pogue seeks to clarify persistent misconceptions about the company while offering a detailed narrative of the creative strategies and engineering marvels that have characterized Apple.

Critics have lauded Pogue’s captivating writing style, which resonates with the vibrant culture surrounding Apple products. In a review for *The Wall Street Journal*, Jason Snell praised Pogue for his skill in merging the company’s historical narrative with its ongoing metamorphosis, suggesting that upcoming anniversaries may deserve further investigation of Apple’s recent advancements.

*Apple: The First 50 Years* is available for acquisition in both hardcover and audiobook formats, granting fans and newcomers the chance to comprehend the profound influence Apple has wielded over technology and society. For those seeking a preview, an excerpt can be accessed on the CBS website.

As Apple marks this major anniversary, it serves as a symbol of ingenuity, perseverance, and the unwavering quest for excellence, continuing to motivate generations of technology aficionados and professionals.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, being informed about the latest news is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a vital resource, offering listeners a summary of the most important stories associated with Apple and its ecosystem. This podcast is tailored for those who wish to stay attuned to Apple advancements, product releases, software tweaks, and market trends.

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Listeners can conveniently tune into 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, ensuring they never miss an episode. The podcast is accessible on:

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– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and various podcast applications.

New episodes are produced every weekday, enabling subscribers to get the newest updates as soon as they’re ready.

**Content and Features**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily explores the most impactful stories affecting the Apple community. From product evaluations to software improvements and industry insights, the podcast addresses a broad spectrum of topics that matter to Apple aficionados.

Listeners can also subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which provides extra perks, including:

– Ad-free versions of every episode
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This subscription option enables loyal fans to support the podcast while experiencing an enriched listening journey.

**Engagement and Feedback**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction and feedback. Fans can express their opinions by reaching out via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Moreover, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and recommend it on [Overcast](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857?mt=8&at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) to aid in broadening its audience.

**Conclusion**

For anyone keen on the latest Apple news, 9to5Mac Daily serves as an indispensable resource. With its easy access on various platforms and captivating content, it’s the ideal means to stay informed about everything related to Apple. Whether you’re a casual user or a technology enthusiast, tuning in to 9to5Mac Daily will keep you updated and engaged with the Apple community.

**iOS 26.4: Improved Personal Hotspot Capabilities for Enhanced Data Oversight**

The latest deployment of iOS 26.4 has rolled out an array of fresh functionalities, significantly improving the Personal Hotspot feature. This enhancement is especially advantageous for users who often depend on their iPhone for providing internet access to other devices, including iPads and MacBooks.

Among the key highlights of this update is the incorporation of data usage analytics for every device linked to the Personal Hotspot. This capability enables users to track the amount of data being utilized by each connected device, allowing for better management of data consumption, particularly for individuals on restricted data plans.

To utilize this new feature, users should go to **Settings > Personal Hotspot**. At the lower section of the Personal Hotspot interface, a new **Data Usage** option will surface, but only if the hotspot has been recently active. This option offers a comprehensive overview of data use by device, making it simpler to monitor consumption and prevent surpassing data thresholds.

Moreover, users can clear the data usage statistics by resetting their total cellular usage in **Settings > Cellular**. This function is especially helpful for those who share their hotspot with others or connect several devices.

In the past, Apple kept this data in a different part of the Settings app, which might have been overlooked by numerous users. The visibility of this feature in iOS 26.4 seeks to enhance user awareness and authority over data use.

For those who regularly utilize their iPhone as a hotspot, this update marks a considerable advancement, offering a straightforward method to efficiently manage and oversee data usage.

As the dependency on mobile hotspots continues to rise, the enhancements in iOS 26.4 are well-timed, equipping users with the necessary tools to remain aware of their data usage.

### Tim Cook Rings the Nasdaq Bell Remotely from Apple Park

Earlier today, Tim Cook took part in a distinctive Nasdaq Opening Bell ceremony, celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary from Apple Park instead of the conventional Times Square venue. This event showcased not only the milestone of the company but also the influence of its technology on users around the globe.

In the moments before the bell was rung, Nasdaq Regional Vice President Dylan James reflected on his 16 years of partnership with Apple. Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adina Friedman expressed appreciation to Tim Cook and Apple’s leadership for their unwavering innovation in design, silicon, and software over the past fifty years.

Standing in front of key Apple executives, such as John Ternus, Deirdre O’Brien, Greg Joswiak, Sabih Khan, and Eddy Cue, Cook gave a moving address. He looked back on Apple’s modest origins in Steve Jobs’ garage and highlighted the company’s mission to empower people through technology. Cook recognized the crucial contributions of Apple’s users over the years, noting that they have started businesses, reshaped industries, and crafted art that resonates on a global scale.

In his remarks, Cook credited Apple’s achievements to its users, teams, and shareholders, assuring that the company would persist in pushing the limits of technology to unlock human potential and support its users. He wrapped up with an optimistic outlook for the future, eager for the next 50 years of innovation and collaboration.

As a gesture of gratitude, Cook was presented with a commemorative plaque and trophy, further honoring this important moment in Apple’s history.

### Full Speech Excerpt

> “Good morning. Thank you, Adina, and thank you, NASDAQ.
>
> I’m excited to join you to commemorate Apple’s 50th anniversary and to celebrate all of the amazing things our users continue to accomplish with our products.
>
> 50 years ago, Apple started with a grand vision in Steve’s garage, driven by a straightforward yet revolutionary belief that technology should empower people and enhance their lives, enabling them to change the world.
>
> Our team aimed to create tools for everyone: the dreamers, the creators, the visionaries, the individuals who think differently, and all who aspire to make their own mark on the future.
>
> For five decades, our users have left their imprint on the world. They’ve started small businesses and revolutionized industries. They’ve propelled life-saving science forward and created art that resonates with us. They developed apps that touch millions and pioneered innovative ways to learn, create, and engage with the people who are most important. They’ve repeatedly shown that with the right tools, human potential is genuinely limitless.
>
> All of this is achievable due to our incredible teams, the individuals who come to work each day believing, truly believing, that what they’re creating matters.
>
> They consistently challenge themselves to produce the finest work of their lives, and I’m profoundly thankful for the creativity, vision, and commitment they bring to everything they undertake.
>
> I also want to express my gratitude to each one of our shareholders for your confidence, your ongoing support, and your faith in Apple’s mission.
>
> We’ll continue to push the boundaries of what technology can accomplish to unlock human potential, unleash possibilities, and empower our users to shape the future.
>
> Here’s to the next 50 years and to the remarkable things we will continue to create together. Thank you.”

This event not only honored Apple’s history but also set a foundation for its future projects, reinforcing the company’s dedication to innovation and empowerment through technology.

### iOS 26.5 Beta 1 Unveils ‘Suggested Places’ Function in Apple Maps

Apple has launched the initial beta of iOS 26.5, featuring an intriguing addition for Apple Maps known as ‘Suggested Places.’ This feature is designed to improve user experience by offering personalized suggestions for nearby destinations influenced by various criteria.

#### What is ‘Suggested Places’?

The ‘Suggested Places’ function is created to provide users with tailored recommendations that reflect their preferences and activities. According to Apple, these recommendations will be shaped by trending spots in the area, the user’s recent searches, and other pertinent data. This feature is anticipated to assist users in discovering new venues to visit, eat, or explore without the need for lengthy inquiries.

#### How It Works

To utilize the ‘Suggested Places’ feature, users can simply tap within the search box in Apple Maps. The new search setup will present existing buttons for swiftly locating nearby places, along with recent suggestions and two featured ‘Suggested Places.’ This integration is intended to simplify the process of discovering pertinent locations according to user interests and current trends.

#### Future Enhancements

As this is merely the first beta iteration, Apple is expected to refine and improve the ‘Suggested Places’ function with time. Although the initial launch does not present advertisements, future updates might include sponsored suggestions, merging organic recommendations with promotional materials. This strategy aims to preserve a balance between user experience and monetization efforts.

#### User Experience

Preliminary feedback from users testing the beta indicates that the ‘Suggested Places’ feature updates dynamically based on recent searches, offering a customized experience. This adaptability is a promising indication of how the feature will progress, potentially serving as a significant resource for users wanting to explore their environment.

#### Conclusion

The rollout of ‘Suggested Places’ in Apple Maps represents an important advancement towards establishing a more intuitive and user-centric navigation experience. As Apple continues to enhance this feature, it will be fascinating to observe its integration with other capabilities within the Maps app and how users react to the suggestions offered.

### iOS 26.5 Beta 1: New Subscription Choices for Applications

Apple has unveiled the initial beta of iOS 26.5 for developers, presenting a variety of new features and improvements. Among the key updates is the launch of new options for in-app subscriptions, which could greatly influence how developers define their pricing strategies.

#### New Subscription Options

The iOS 26.5 beta release notes reveal that developers will soon have the ability to provide a “monthly with 12-month commitment” subscription option. This new billing model permits users to pay for a service on a monthly basis while committing to an entire year of service. Essentially, this method divides an annual fee into 12 smaller payments, potentially making it more convenient for users who prefer to avoid a one-time larger payment.

Key details from the release notes comprise:

– Developers can access pricing details for subscriptions utilizing this new billing structure.
– There is a specification regarding the billing plan type applicable for subscriptions with this setup.

While it remains uncertain if this new option will replace existing annual plans or be presented as an extra tier, it signifies Apple’s continuous efforts to deliver more adaptable subscription options for both developers and users.

#### Additional Features in iOS 26.5 Beta 1

Alongside the new subscription model, the iOS 26.5 beta introduces several other features. One significant addition is the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps, which seeks to enrich user experience by proposing popular locations. Additionally, the beta reinstates end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, guaranteeing that communications stay secure.

#### Implications for Developers and Users

The introduction of a monthly subscription option with a long-term commitment may motivate more users to subscribe to services they might have previously hesitated to commit to financially. This flexibility can be especially advantageous in a marketplace where subscription services are becoming increasingly prevalent across various sectors.

As users evaluate the advantages of a discounted monthly payment plan relative to traditional annual subscriptions, developers may discover themselves equipped with more tools to attract and retain clientele.

#### Conclusion

With the iOS 26.5 beta 1 now accessible for testing, developers are urged to explore the new subscription options and ponder how they might integrate them into their applications. As the app subscription landscape continues to transform, these modifications could play a vital role in shaping user engagement and revenue structures in the future.

Would you consider adopting the new monthly with 12-month commitment option if it came with a discount? Share your views in the comments.

# No New Siri and Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26.5

The recent rollout of iOS 26.5 beta 1 by Apple has ignited conversations among users and developers regarding the expected Gemini-powered enhancements for Siri and Apple Intelligence. Despite the enthusiasm for these functionalities, they are conspicuously missing from this beta edition, prompting speculation about their eventual introduction.

## Background on Apple Intelligence

Apple first launched Apple Intelligence in June 2024, presenting an array of features that were systematically incorporated into subsequent iOS iterations, including iOS 18.1 to iOS 18.4. Nevertheless, the eagerly awaited Personal Intelligence functionalities, anticipated to elevate user experience with in-app interactions and contextual awareness, did not appear in the iOS 18 release timeline.

With the rollout of iOS 26, Apple modified its versioning system to sync with the forthcoming year, resulting in elevated expectations for new features. The lack of Gemini-powered improvements in iOS 26.5 implies that users might need to wait until iOS 27 for these enhancements.

## Future of Siri and Apple Intelligence

The first beta of iOS 27 is projected to be unveiled in just over two months, with the final iteration expected in September. Although there’s a chance that Apple could surprise users with changes in forthcoming iOS 26.5 betas, current signals indicate that the company is concentrating on the development of these features for the next major launch.

Apple’s dedication to refining Siri and Apple Intelligence has been clear since the declaration of a more tailored Siri in March 2025. The incorporation of ChatGPT and other interactive capabilities represented a major leap forward, but the release of the more sophisticated features has encountered delays.

In January 2026, Apple and Google disclosed a partnership to create Gemini-powered enhancements for Siri and Apple Intelligence. This collaboration aims to utilize Google’s cutting-edge AI technology while upholding Apple’s privacy policies. The anticipation is that these upgrades will offer a more personalized and contextually aware Siri experience.

## Delays and Expectations

Reports suggested that Apple originally planned for iOS 26.4 to be the launchpad for Gemini-powered features. However, internal testing obstacles led to the deferral of these updates, with numerous functionalities now likely deferred to iOS 27. This alteration in the timeline has left users eager for the next significant update, especially with the WWDC 2026 event nearing on June 8.

As Apple gears up for the future, the emphasis seems to be on ensuring that the Gemini-powered features are thoroughly refined and prepared for a successful launch. While the lack of these functionalities in iOS 26.5 is disappointing for some, it underscores Apple’s commitment to providing a polished and innovative experience for its users.

In conclusion, although the current beta version of iOS 26.5 lacks the expected Siri and Apple Intelligence enhancements, the forthcoming iOS 27 is set to deliver notable advancements in AI capabilities, improving the overall user experience on Apple devices.

Apple has revised its inventory of vintage and obsolete products, introducing various models that could impact users of older devices. The newest entries feature select versions of the Apple TV HD, iPad mini, and MacBook Air.

### New Additions to Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete Products List

If you possess an older Apple TV, iPad mini, or MacBook Air, your device may now be categorized as ‘obsolete’ or ‘vintage’ by Apple. As reported by MacRumors, the revised list contains:

**Obsolete Products:**
– Apple TV HD, 32GB
– iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi
– iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular

**Vintage Product:**
– MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)

It’s crucial to understand that several newer MacBook Air iterations, including the 2020 Retina version, have also been classified as vintage. Apple classifies products based on their discontinuation date rather than their original release date.

As per Apple’s support documentation, products are termed vintage if they haven’t been sold for over 5 years but less than 7 years. On the other hand, products are marked as obsolete if they haven’t been sold for more than 7 years.

### Service Availability

Vintage products still qualify for service from Apple and authorized partners, provided that parts are in stock. However, obsolete products can no longer receive service from Apple.

For those retaining older devices like the Apple TV HD or iPad mini 4, it’s significant to note that Apple is anticipated to unveil a new Apple TV 4K later this year, and an iPad mini featuring OLED technology is also expected.

This update acts as a reminder for users of older Apple products to evaluate their options as technology progresses.