AllYouCanTech

Apple Watch’s Satellite SOS Function Assists in Saving Injured Climber in Colorado

A climber trapped at almost 11,000 feet in the wilderness of Colorado was saved this week due to Apple’s Emergency SOS satellite messaging functionality. Here’s what transpired.

### Glissading incident

As reported by KDVR, a 53-year-old man had reached the peak of Snowmass Mountain on Sunday before starting his descent using a glissading method (which involves sliding down the snowy incline). That’s when he hurt his wrist and realized he couldn’t exit independently.

Without any cellular service, he utilized Apple’s Emergency SOS through satellite messaging to reach out to a family member, who subsequently informed the authorities.

As per officials from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received the notification around 8:25 a.m. on Monday, and Mountain Rescue Aspen was sent to Snowmass Lake.

A group of 17 rescuers trekked in to provide assistance and eventually evacuated the injured climber, at an altitude of 10,980 feet and more than eight miles from the closest trailhead.

### Not merely a “Dear Tim” advertising strategy

As KDVR highlighted, features such as Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite can be vital in situations like this:

> “The rescue team and the sheriff’s office stated that having an emergency device and knowing how to utilize Apple satellite texting can accelerate the rescue. The SOS button can also be employed for assistance, which enables the rescue team to establish direct communication.”

Have you or anyone you know ever needed to utilize Apple’s SOS Emergency service? Has the Apple Watch ever come to your aid in other instances? Share your experiences in the comments.

### Apple Watch offers on Amazon

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

Innovative Additions in Apple Photos for iOS 16

Apple’s Photos application underwent a significant transformation last year, and iOS 26 introduces several new updates. Here’s a rundown of all the new features arriving in the Photos app with iOS 26.

## New Liquid Glass Design

One of the most significant modifications affecting all Apple applications this year is the ‘Liquid Glass’ design in iOS 26. Specifically within the Photos app, you will encounter Liquid Glass UI elements throughout, including the buttons, navigation tabs, popup menus, and more. While your photos and videos continue to be the main visual focus of the app, the implementation of Liquid Glass in Photos isn’t as extensive as in some other applications—but it’s still a refreshing change that’s hard to overlook.

## Tab Bar Navigation Returns

The previous year, when Apple revamped the Photos app in iOS 18, the most notable alteration was in navigation. The beloved tab bar was removed, replaced by a single-screen UI. After receiving a lot of discontent from users, Apple has reinstated tab bar navigation in Photos for iOS 26. Although it’s not a complete return to the exact layout prior to iOS 18, the navigation in Photos is now much more reminiscent of its earlier form, featuring three tabs:

– Library
– Collections
– Search

The Library functions similarly to previous iterations of the app, while Collections brings together all the new, customizable sections introduced with iOS 18.

## Spatialize Photos

A standout feature of visionOS 2 last year was the ability to “spatialize” your photos. Now, iOS 26 brings that functionality to the iPhone through the Photos app. When viewing a photo, a new button located in the top-right corner allows you to view a ‘Spatial Scene’ version of the image. This essentially adds depth to your photo, allowing you to pan around to explore different dimensions. It’s an exciting feature within the Photos app, but it truly excels when using Spatial Scenes as your Lock Screen wallpaper.

## New Customization Settings

Within the new Collections tab, Apple is providing users with even greater customization capabilities than before. While you could already fully customize and reorder the sections displayed in your Photos app, iOS 26 introduces:

1. New viewing settings for your collections
2. The ability to collapse and expand individual collections

For the former, tapping the three dots at the top of the Collections tab reveals three viewing options. You can have all collections uniform in size, either all small or all large, or you can stick with the default option which makes certain collections visually more prominent than others. The option to temporarily collapse specific sections should also make it easier to navigate through your Collections view.

## Photos in iOS 26: Wrap-Up

This year’s Photos update demonstrates Apple’s efforts to advance the app while also utilizing iOS 26 to reintroduce some familiarity that users lost with iOS 18. It may not be as feature-rich as the previous year, but following the considerable overhaul, a year of stability could be precisely what Photos users desire most.

Savings on Satechi M4 Mac mini Hubs and SSD Enclosures at 20% Off, Discover My Gear Starting at $24, iPhone 16 Pro Price Cut by $400, and Additional Deals

# Top Apple Offers on Gadgets and Accessories

As the summer sizzles, so do the promotions on Apple gadgets and accessories. This piece showcases some of the top deals currently accessible, featuring Satechi’s newest items, substantial markdowns on iPad Pro models, and more.

## Satechi’s Summer Blowout

Satechi, a prominent manufacturer of accessories for Apple devices, has kicked off a Summer Blowout Sale highlighting impressive discounts on its latest products. Notable mentions include:

### M4 Mac Mini Stand & Hub
– **Price**: $80 (Original $100)
– **Description**: This accessory boosts connectivity options for the Mac Mini, while also integrating a 10Gbps NVMe SSD enclosure. It has multiple ports for USB-A, SD cards, and other connections, making it a valuable addition to any configuration.

### USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure
– **Price**: $96 (Original $120)
– **Description**: This enclosure supports transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps and accommodates various M.2 NVMe SSD sizes. Its sleek design makes it ideal for increasing storage capacity.

### New Find My Accessories
Satechi has launched a fresh lineup of Find My accessories, featuring:
– **FindAll Keychain**: $24 (Original $30)
– **FindAll Luggage Tag**: $36 (Original $45)
– **FindAll Wallet Card**: $28 (Original $35)
– **FindAll Glasses Case**: $40 (Original $50)

These items are equipped with Bluetooth technology and are crafted to assist users in keeping tabs on their items.

## iPad Pro Price Cuts

In anticipation of the July 4th celebrations, Amazon has decreased prices on all 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models by $200. This includes assorted configurations, making it a prime opportunity to buy:

– **Standard Configurations**: All Wi-Fi variants (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB) are offered at a $200 reduction.
– **Open-Box Deals**: Further savings can be discovered on open-box models, with prices commencing as low as $1,013.99 for the 13-inch variant.

## iPhone 16 Pro Discounts

For those in search of a new iPhone, Amazon has also lowered prices on iPhone 16 Pro models:
– **256GB Natural Titanium**: Now available for $925.65, reflecting a $174 reduction from the original price.
– **1TB Black Model**: Was previously discounted by $400 but is currently not in stock.

These refurbished premium devices provide an economical way to acquire a high-quality gadget.

## Final Thoughts

With these incredible offers on Satechi accessories, iPad Pro models, and iPhone 16 Pro devices, it’s an optimal time to upgrade your Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re in the market for chic accessories or robust gadgets, numerous options are available at fantastic prices.

Threads Unveils Independent Direct Messaging and Debuts Visual Highlights

Meta has made remarkable progress in improving its Threads app, celebrating its second anniversary with the launch of a direct messaging feature and a fresh visual highlights option. These enhancements seek to further define Threads as a standalone platform, separate from its Instagram roots.

### Direct Messaging Feature

The highly anticipated direct messaging (DM) function is finally being introduced. Users now have the ability to chat privately within the app, though they must adhere to specific guidelines. DMs are not encrypted, and users can only message those who follow them back on Threads or are mutual followers on Instagram. Moreover, both participants must be over 18 years old.

Future enhancements for the DM feature are anticipated to encompass:

– **Message Controls**: Users will gain the capability to control who can send them messages, including options for those who do not follow them on either platform, along with a designated message requests folder.

– **Group Messaging**: This feature will enable users to participate in discussions with several members.

– **Inbox Filters**: Users will have the means to swiftly identify and reply to crucial messages.

### The Threads Highlighter

Alongside DMs, Threads is launching the “Threads Highlighter,” a new visual component designed to showcase distinct viewpoints and encourage meaningful conversations. The highlighter will emphasize trending themes and other important topics, appearing in key sections of the app where users explore content. This feature strives to boost user interaction by fostering relevant dialogues.

Both the direct messaging function and the Threads highlighter are accessible globally, underscoring Meta’s dedication to transforming Threads into a platform with its own identity and audience. Significantly, a third of daily Threads users engage with different accounts than those they follow on Instagram, highlighting an expanding and unique community within the app.

Initial Evaluations of Apple TV+ Sci-Fi Series Emphasize Ongoing Enhancement

### Foundation Season 3: Apple TV+’s Bold Sci-Fi Saga Makes Its Return

Apple TV+ is poised to captivate audiences once more with the eagerly awaited comeback of **Foundation** for its third season on **July 11, 2025**. Following a successful second season, the series has received considerable acclaim, with critics referring to it as Apple’s counterpart to **Game of Thrones**.

#### A Brief Overview of Foundation

**Foundation** debuted in the autumn of 2021, adapting Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking sci-fi series, deemed by many as impossible to bring to the screen. While the inaugural season received varied feedback, the second season represented a pivotal shift, unveiling the series’ true potential and depth. With season 3 on the brink, initial responses indicate it could be the best installment yet.

#### Critical Acclaim

The feedback for season 3 has been overwhelmingly favorable. Critics have commended the series for its compelling storytelling, character arcs, and production excellence. Noteworthy reviews include:

– **CBR**: “One of the top shows of the year and essential viewing for all sci-fi enthusiasts.”
– **JoBlo**: “Apple TV+ might have finally discovered its own *Game of Thrones*.”
– **Collider**: “This is the kind of television that elevates the medium…the quality of acting and writing is unmatched.”

#### What to Expect in Season 3

Set **152 years** after the conclusion of season 2, the story tracks the advancement of the Foundation, which has flourished as the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has diminished. The narrative introduces a daunting new foe, a warlord referred to as **“The Mule,”** who represents a substantial danger to the galaxy. The storyline promises intricate dynamics of alliances and confrontations, as pivotal characters such as **Hari Seldon**, **Gaal Dornick**, and **Demerzel** engage in a high-stakes intergalactic game of chess.

Apple characterizes the season as an exhilarating continuation of the saga, underscoring the stakes embedded in this vast universe.

#### The Show’s Reception and Future

Despite its accolades, **Foundation** has not yet achieved the widespread acclaim of other Apple TV+ successes like **Severance**. The complex plot and extensive character lineup may be intimidating for newcomers, but those who commit their time find a rewarding and rich narrative experience.

As the third season nears, fans are hopeful that the show will resonate with a broader audience, potentially setting the stage for a fourth season.

#### Conclusion

With its fusion of grand storytelling and high production values, **Foundation** distinguishes itself as one of the premier offerings from Apple TV+. As it readies to premiere its third season, both new audiences and loyal fans are keen to see how this ambitious adaptation evolves.

For anyone keen on diving into this sci-fi gem, **Apple TV+** is offered at **$9.99 per month**, featuring a selection of renowned shows and films.

New MacBook Speculation Indicates Apple is Embracing iPad-Inspired Characteristics

Apple is speculated to be unveiling a new ‘MacBook’ device later this year or in early 2026, with preliminary information indicating a strategic pivot towards a more iPad-like design for its Mac collection. This upcoming MacBook is likely to have a price range of $699 to $799, rendering it more attainable for a wider audience.

The device is expected to boast a 13-inch screen, akin to the MacBook Air, and will incorporate the A18 Pro chip, which has been utilized in the iPhone for almost a year. While this new MacBook might not cater to those in search of state-of-the-art technology, it demonstrates Apple’s progressing strategy for the Mac.

With the launch of a budget-friendly MacBook, Apple intends to broaden its Mac portfolio, providing consumers with more alternatives reminiscent of the diversity available in the iPad selection. Presently, the iPad lineup offers several models at varied price ranges, from the entry-level iPad priced at $349 to the iPad Pro at $999. This approach has yielded positive results for the iPad, particularly with the debut of the 13-inch iPad Air.

In contrast, the Mac lineup has typically been restricted, mainly featuring the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The introduction of a new MacBook could draw more users into the Mac ecosystem, potentially altering consumer inclinations towards Macs, mirroring the well-established appeal of iPads.

The expected lineup might appear as follows:
– MacBook for $699-799
– MacBook Air for $999
– MacBook Pro for $1,599

This expansion could assist Apple in competing more efficiently against PCs, which have historically been priced lower. By offering a more affordable entry option with the new MacBook, Apple aims to persuade more users to consider a Mac as their subsequent computer option.

watchOS 26 Debuts New ‘Hints’ Functionality for Improved Watch Face Personalization

watchOS 26 is expected to debut this fall, bringing a variety of new features and improvements for Apple Watch users. Among the most significant enhancements are the introduction of an Apple Notes application, advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, and major updates to the Control Center. Nevertheless, one of the highlight features of this update is the addition of ‘hints’ for the Smart Stack, designed to enhance its discoverability and ease of use.

### Hints in watchOS 26 Address the Smart Stack’s Discoverability Challenge

Since its introduction two years ago, the Smart Stack has been an essential component of watchOS, enabling users to view a stack of widgets by scrolling the Digital Crown while they look at their watch face. The Smart Stack has undergone various enhancements, with the addition of Live Activity support last year boosting its relevance and immediacy.

In watchOS 26, Apple is elevating the Smart Stack by implementing ‘hints.’ These hints aim to provide proactive prompts for actionable recommendations based on contextual information, sensor data, and user habits. Crafted from Liquid Glass, these hints will manifest as subtle visual cues on the display. For example, a hint for the Backtrack feature might be shown when a user finds themselves in a remote area lacking connectivity, or a suggestion for a Pilates session may appear when a user arrives at their regular studio at the anticipated time.

The intention behind these hints is to motivate users to engage with the Smart Stack at moments when it could prove particularly useful. Acknowledging that Apple Watch users primarily interact with their watch faces, Apple has designed these hints to emerge at the lower part of the screen, indicating a Smart Stack prompt.

When a user taps on a hint, they will be taken to the Smart Stack with the corresponding widget highlighted, streamlining access to valuable information without needing to manually search for it.

### Potential Effects of Hints

The launch of hints could greatly improve the Smart Stack’s effectiveness by surfacing the most pertinent widgets upfront, rather than necessitating user searches. However, concerns exist about the possibility of these hints conflicting with watch faces that already showcase widgets at the bottom. If executed successfully, hints could signify a substantial enhancement in how users engage with the Smart Stack, making it a more essential aspect of the Apple Watch experience.

As the arrival of watchOS 26 draws nearer, many are keen to observe how well these hints perform in real-world use and if they fulfill their goal of boosting user interaction with the Smart Stack.

### Conclusion

With the forthcoming launch of watchOS 26, Apple is ready to provide a more personalized and user-friendly experience for Apple Watch owners. The addition of hints within the Smart Stack is a promising advancement that could alleviate current discoverability challenges and facilitate more intuitive access to pertinent information. As users gear up for the fall update, excitement surrounding these new features continues to rise.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Financial Assets Introduce a New Obstacle for Apple in the AI Rivalry

Meta’s revitalized drive into AI is unsettling the entire market, leaving Apple particularly vulnerable. With morale arguably reaching a historic low within Cupertino’s AI departments, Zuckerberg’s spree of multimillion-dollar offers may have already lured away at least one leading researcher from Apple Park. More departures could be imminent.

### What multimillion-dollar offer spree?

As per recent reports, Meta has presented enormous compensation packages to attract top AI researchers from competitors. Although OpenAI CEO Sam Altman notes that these offers have included bonuses “like $100 million,” Meta executives later specified that these amounts refer to multi-year compensation deals, rather than immediate signing bonuses. Nonetheless, even the clarifications imply that figures in the tens of millions are now competitive, prompting OpenAI to reportedly “recalibrate” its compensation in an effort to halt a talent exodus that has already seen at least six senior researchers moving to Menlo Park.

Here’s *Wired*, which highlighted a memo from OpenAI’s Chief Research Officer, Mark Chen, shared internally:

> “I feel a deep sense of loss right now, as if our home has been invaded and something valuable stolen,” Chen wrote. “Please be assured that we have not been idle.” Chen assured he was collaborating with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and other company leaders “around the clock to address those with offers,” adding, “we’ve become more proactive than ever, we’re adjusting compensation, and we’re exploring innovative ways to acknowledge and reward top talent.”

While most of the spotlight has been on OpenAI, *Bloomberg* reports that some members of Apple’s foundational models team have received offers between $10 million and $40 million annually. At least one senior Apple AI researcher, Tom Gunter, resigned last week, although it’s unclear if he joined Meta. Others are reportedly on the brink of leaving, including the MLX team responsible for Apple’s open-source framework for training models on Apple Silicon.

### But where did this originate?

The recent wave of talent poaching is said to have begun after Mark Zuckerberg became frustrated with Meta’s lagging position in the frontier AI race. Weeks ago, rumors circulated that Zuckerberg was personally reaching out to AI engineers in a bid to recruit them for a new initiative within Meta. That initiative was officially unveiled as the Superintelligence Lab.

Recently, Zuckerberg and his team are reported to have explored or sought acquisitions of companies like Perplexity, Safe Superintelligence, Thinking Machine Labs, and Runway AI. None succeeded, but Meta did manage to effectively acquihire Scale AI, with its former CEO, Alexandr Wang, now leading the Superintelligence Lab.

Meanwhile, Meta has attracted several senior OpenAI researchers and is now openly focusing on the same LLM and computer vision talent that Apple has historically underpaid compared to the wider market. The company is also allegedly attempting to acquire PlayAI, a voice cloning startup, and may have recruited top leaders from Google’s Gemini division.

### 9to5Mac’s perspective

The timing is unfortunate for Cupertino. As reported yesterday by *Bloomberg*, Apple is currently considering whether to outsource significant aspects of Siri’s future to third-party models from OpenAI or Anthropic, a decision that has unsettled morale within Apple’s AI workforce. *Bloomberg* indicates that some employees perceive this shift as a lack of confidence in their efforts, potentially motivating more to seek other job opportunities, especially with companies like Meta offering 2–4 times their existing salaries.

Zuckerberg isn’t taking this lightly, and he clearly understands that he has the shareholders’ approval to invest whatever is necessary to position Meta for the next stage of the AI evolution, postponing profitability for the next decade. If so, he also recognizes that few companies can endure the same strategy or match his offers, particularly if it risks exacerbating existing tensions among employees who already feel undervalued.

Apple, as is its custom, has not commented. However, if it aims to avert falling behind in this new AI era, it may need to reconsider its compensation policies. Otherwise, it won’t merely be licensing models from external sources; it will be witnessing its top talent develop them elsewhere.

Brazil’s Antitrust Authority Considers Possible Sanctions Against Apple for NFC Limitations

Apple is presently dealing with notable legal challenges, comprising a class action lawsuit initiated by Proton in the U.S. and a federal antitrust case in New Jersey that a judge has chosen not to dismiss. Moreover, Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, has proposed sanctions against Apple for its restrictive behaviors concerning the iPhone’s NFC chip and its stipulation for developers to utilize Apple Pay.

CADE’s General Superintendence has indicated that Apple’s conduct creates “artificial barriers” for rivals and obstructs innovation within the iOS ecosystem, which Apple completely oversees. The agency contends that these practices complicate market entry for emerging players and restrict options for both developers and users.

This investigation began following a complaint from MercadoLibre, a prominent e-commerce platform in Latin America, which alleged that Apple was exploiting its market dominance by curbing the sale of third-party digital services and enforcing the utilization of its payment system for in-app purchases. CADE determined that these limitations constitute an abuse of economic power under Brazilian legislation, maintaining Apple’s dominant status and hindering competitors’ ability to function.

CADE has asked its internal tribunal to impose a financial sanction on Apple and enforce remedies to address the antitrust violations, which may involve requiring access to Apple’s NFC hardware and payment systems, akin to regulations imposed by the EU under the Digital Markets Act.

In response, Apple defended its practices, voicing concerns that CADE’s suggested actions could adversely affect the user experience it has developed over the years. The company highlighted that the App Store has offered a safe marketplace for Brazilian consumers and has aided local developers. Apple asserts that it does not possess a dominant position in Brazil, referencing Android’s greater market share, and claims that its NFC platform is accessible to third parties, albeit under its own conditions.

Addigy’s Prebuilt Application Catalog: Simplifying macOS Application Management on a Large Scale

### Optimizing macOS Application Management with Addigy’s Prebuilt App Catalog

The majority of enterprise applications used on macOS platforms are not obtained from the Mac App Store, resulting in considerable difficulties for IT teams responsible for overseeing these applications. The manual tasks associated with monitoring app versions, preparing for deployment, configuring permissions, and ensuring correct installation and updates can be laborious and inefficient. This not only complicates management but also introduces security vulnerabilities when applications fall behind on essential updates. To resolve these challenges, Addigy has launched a new Prebuilt App Catalog, now accessible to all users of its device management platform.

#### Designed for Automation and Security

The Addigy Prebuilt App Catalog is crafted to streamline the deployment and updating of macOS applications throughout Apple device ecosystems. The catalog includes a continually expanding array of frequently used applications that can be deployed and updated without requiring scripting or intricate profile setups. Each application comes prepackaged with all essential device management profiles, which include system extensions and Privacy Preferences Policy Control settings.

Jason Dettbarn, Founder and CEO of Addigy, highlights the time-intensive process of managing macOS applications. He remarks, “Many IT teams devote excessive time to managing macOS applications. With apps updating on their own timelines, the requirement to locate the most recent versions, create deployment scripts, and deal with annoying pop-ups while managing user permissions can feel endless. Now, with Addigy’s prebuilt apps, internal IT and MSPs can simply ‘set and forget’ — assured that users have updated applications which comply with security and regulatory demands, without the need for manual labor or scripting.”

#### Policy Management Without the Hassle

The Prebuilt App Catalog is customized for internal IT teams and managed service providers, featuring search and filter functionalities that allow for quick access to required applications. Administrators can control the update processes, opting to deploy a specific version or activate auto-updates that search for the latest releases every 30 minutes. Furthermore, an Update Only mode permits the updating of existing applications on a device, even if they were not initially installed through Addigy.

Compliance features are built in, allowing IT teams to schedule deployments and enforce update deadlines while reducing disturbances to user productivity. For organizations overseeing multiple groups or clients, Addigy supports inheritance and overrides, enabling a global structure with room for necessary exceptions.

Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs, an early user of Addigy prebuilt apps, expressed excitement for the new system, declaring, “It’s magical. It makes me want to do a dance and jump around the yard!”

#### New Applications Added Weekly

Addigy is dedicated to growing its Prebuilt App Catalog, with new applications being introduced weekly in response to customer input and security demands. As organizations increasingly aim to streamline their Apple device management processes, this cutting-edge catalog signifies a major leap forward for Addigy’s clientele, boosting both efficiency and security in application oversight.