Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

The newest WhatsApp beta version on TestFlight brings a native CarPlay app, enhancing the app’s functionality beyond the existing voice-controlled interface. Here are the specifics.

### Feature Anticipated to Launch in the Upcoming Weeks

WhatsApp users engaging with the app via CarPlay will likely tell you that the current integration is quite limited. Tapping the WhatsApp icon on CarPlay presently activates Siri, offering options to request it to draft a new message or make a voice call.

However, as reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is developing a thoroughly redesigned WhatsApp experience that transcends the present Siri commands. It unveils a native CarPlay interface enabling users to browse recent chats, access contact details, and start messages or calls without solely depending on voice commands.

From WABetaInfo:

> When users launch WhatsApp from the system launcher, they are greeted with a dedicated chat list screen. This serves as the primary tab of the app, allowing users to view their recent interactions, typically covering conversations from the past 20 to 25 days. Keep in mind that it is not possible to open a particular chat to read its history. This is sensible, as drivers should not be reading full conversations while driving. When not on the road, users can easily retrieve the full chat history on their smartphones.

The updated CarPlay experience is presently accessible to a select group of users testing the app via TestFlight.

It encompasses:
– A new **contact info** interface that allows users to view profile information for each contact;
– A **call history** interface displaying recent calls, including whether they were incoming, outgoing, or missed;
– Support for **favorite contacts** through a dedicated tab.

As typical with any beta feature, there’s currently no information regarding when WhatsApp will officially release it, nor if features will be added or removed ahead of launch.

To find out more about CarPlay support in the WhatsApp beta, follow this link.

# iOS 26.5 Beta 1: Summary and New Features

Apple has officially launched the initial beta version of iOS 26.5 for developers, identified by the build number 23F5043g. This update accompanies similar launches for iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and watchOS, with a public beta anticipated soon. While this iteration does not introduce the highly anticipated new Siri functionalities, it does feature several noteworthy modifications and improvements.

## What’s New in iOS 26.5 Beta 1?

### Suggested Places in Apple Maps

A key enhancement in iOS 26.5 is the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. This functionality will offer users recommendations based on popular local spots, recent queries, and other pertinent information. Users can view these suggestions by tapping within the search box in the Apple Maps application.

### Foundation for Ads in Apple Maps

While advertisements are not yet active in Apple Maps, Apple is gearing up for their rollout. The groundwork has been established for local ads that may display based on users’ locations and search queries, bolstering the app’s monetization approach.

### RCS End-to-End Encryption

Apple continues to bolster messaging security with the introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in iOS 26.5. This feature was initially trialed in the previous beta but did not debut with that version. The current release notes indicate that this feature is on track for public availability.

### App Store Purchase Options

Developers will notice new purchase alternatives in the App Store, featuring a monthly billing model with a 12-month commitment. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility in subscription frameworks, although additional details are awaited.

### EU Changes

iOS 26.5 also brings features tailored for users in the European Union, such as support for Live Activities in third-party accessories. This capability will enable accessories to showcase Live Activities from an iPhone, though specific information about compatible accessories is still forthcoming.

## Additional Changes in iOS 26.5

In addition to the major features, iOS 26.5 encompasses several minor updates:

– **Accessory Pairing**: Improved Bluetooth connectivity for Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad when linked to an iPhone.
– **New Inuktitut Keyboard Layout**: A new keyboard layout designed to accommodate the Inuktitut language.
– **Apple Books Updates**: Teasers of new features for a “Year In Review for 2026,” showcasing various reader accomplishments.
– **Data Transfer Options**: Enhanced capabilities for sharing message attachments during data transfer from iPhone to Android.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.5 beta 1 introduces a blend of new features and improvements, particularly in Apple Maps and messaging security. As the beta testing phase continues, more features may emerge, and users are encouraged to report their discoveries. Stay tuned for the public beta release, expected soon.

### Apple Subsidiary Violated Sanctions Against Russia

The UK has levied a fine of £390,000 (around $516,000) on Apple Distribution International Ltd. (ADI), a branch of Apple, for breaching sanctions imposed on Russia. This measure follows the nation’s invasion of Ukraine and underscores the significance of adherence to global sanctions.

As per a Bloomberg report, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) discovered that ADI executed payments amounting to £635,618 to Okko LLC, a Russian streaming service, during June and July of 2022. At the moment of these transactions, Okko was under UK sanctions due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

#### Breach Details

The payments were processed through UK banks, and ADI proactively informed OFSI about the transactions after recognizing that Okko had recently come under sanctions. The OFSI pointed out that although ADI depended on its affiliates for managing payment operations and performing sanctions checks, the company itself bears legal responsibility for the violation, as it authorized the payments.

In its formal notice, the OFSI remarked that “the duty of ensuring compliance with sanctions legislation lies with the entity directly accountable for the breach.” This indicates that even if a business entrusts compliance responsibilities to outside parties, it remains responsible for any transgressions.

#### Compliance and Settlement

The matter was settled through an agreement, which the OFSI characterized as a means to secure timely enforcement results. As part of the settlement, ADI accepted the fine and relinquished its rights to a ministerial review and appeal.

This occurrence acts as a reminder for businesses functioning in international markets to uphold strict compliance protocols to prevent sanction violations, particularly in today’s geopolitical landscape.

### Apple Unveils AlarmKit in iOS 26: Updates in Fantastical

Apple has launched a new developer resource named AlarmKit in iOS 26, which has been incorporated into the latest iteration of Fantastical for iPhone and iPad. This major enhancement improves user interaction by enabling tasks and events within Fantastical to present more noticeable alerts, making it easier for users to recognize important notifications.

#### Main Features of the New Fantastical Update

The latest update to Fantastical brings several significant features:

– **Alarm Integration**: Users can now set off alarms directly from tasks and events, ensuring that reminders stand out more.
– **Enhanced Month View**: The month view has been reimagined to better distinguish months and emphasize the chosen month more effectively.
– **Recurring Events Adaptability**: Users can now utilize both timed and all-day events in a recurring series, allowing for increased scheduling flexibility.
– **Event Management**: A new menu bar item has been introduced to let users easily hide and unhide events, located under Edit > Hide.
– **Google Tasks Integration**: Tasks assigned from Google Docs will now integrate seamlessly into Fantastical, boosting productivity for users of both platforms.

Furthermore, the Mac version of Fantastical has also embraced the new menu bar customization feature, facilitating smoother event management.

#### Additional Improvements and Resources

For those keen on delving into the recent updates to Fantastical, further information is available on the [official website](https://flexibits.com/blog/2026/03/new-feature-roundup-volume-3/). The update also offers configurable Apple Watch complications, providing users with the ability to personalize their experience further.

Apple has likewise implemented AlarmKit into its Reminders app in iOS 26.2, highlighting a broader commitment to upgrading task management across its ecosystem.

In summary, the rollout of AlarmKit in iOS 26 signifies a noteworthy progression in how users can oversee their tasks and events, especially through the Fantastical app, which continues to adapt to fulfill user demands.

AT&T has introduced a new ‘OneConnect’ plan that merges wireless services across multiple devices with home internet, with the goal of simplifying connectivity for users.

### AT&T’s New ‘OneConnect’ Plan Provides One Subscription for Unlimited Connectivity

In a time when juggling various subscriptions can be daunting, AT&T’s OneConnect plan aims to enhance the experience. The plan includes “one subscription, one flat monthly rate, and coverage for your wireless and home internet across your devices.”

#### Pricing and Features

The OneConnect plan is crafted to be consumer-friendly, allowing new users to enroll in AT&T wireless and 1 Gig fiber internet in less than five minutes. Major features comprise:

– **First and Only**: AT&T asserts that it is the first and only provider to integrate fast, dependable home internet and wireless service into a single subscription with a unified price.

– **Fast and Simple**: The enrollment process is swift, making it accessible for users seeking a seamless experience.

– **Connected to Everything**: The service runs on America’s most extensive wireless and fiber networks, ensuring a strong connectivity experience.

The ease of flat pricing and the convenience of a single bill for all internet services render OneConnect a significant addition to the market. While not every wireless carrier provides home internet, this plan could motivate similar offerings from other companies.

For further details and to verify availability, visit [att.com/oneconnect](http://att.com/oneconnect).

### Conclusion

AT&T’s OneConnect plan signifies a major move toward simplifying connectivity for users. With its all-in-one model, it may set the stage for more streamlined offerings in the telecommunications sector.

# Apple’s March 2026 Hardware Debut: Fresh Releases and Retirements

Apple’s March 2026 gathering proved to be a pivotal occasion for the tech powerhouse, showcasing a variety of new hardware while also revealing the retirement of numerous current products. This article delves into the newly introduced items and the consequences of the phased-out products.

## Bid Farewell to the Old, Welcome the New

March marked the launch of numerous new devices, augmenting Apple’s collection across diverse categories. Prominent new offerings included:

– Fresh iPhones
– Fresh iPads
– Fresh Macs

Along with these gadgets, Apple presented its Spring 2026 assortment, featuring fresh iPhone cases, Apple Watch straps, and the inaugural partnership between Beats and Nike, resulting in limited edition Powerbeats Pro headphones.

With these new releases, Apple also opted to retire several existing products, such as:

– iPhone 16e
– 11-inch M3 iPad Air
– 13-inch M3 iPad Air
– 13-inch M4 MacBook Air
– 15-inch M4 MacBook Air
– 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro
– 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro
– 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro
– 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro
– Apple Studio Display (2022)
– AirPods Max (USB-C)

These retirements signify a prevalent trend in tech, where older versions are succeeded by newer models.

## Not All Retired Products Found Replacements

Nonetheless, not every retired product was merely substituted by new iterations. Apple made the choice to phase out two complete product lines in March.

To begin, the Pro Display XDR, a 32-inch, 6K resolution screen that launched alongside the revamped Intel Mac Pro in 2019, was put to rest. Although the new Studio Display XDR functions as a symbolic successor, it comes in a smaller 27-inch format and a lower 5K resolution.

In addition, Apple declared the discontinuation of the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio, featuring M3 Ultra and M4 Max processors, had already eclipsed the M2 Ultra Mac Pro in terms of performance, resulting in the discontinuation of the Mac Pro line.

Moreover, Apple stopped providing the top RAM configuration for the Mac Studio, likely due to sourcing difficulties amid a worldwide memory crisis spurred by heightened demands from AI server requirements. This marks a significant change, as the 512GB RAM was previously underscored as a standout feature of the M3 Ultra chip.

Despite the speculation around its successor, the A16 iPad remained obtainable in March. Meanwhile, excitement builds regarding the awaited refresh of the Apple TV 4K, which has not been updated since 2022.

In conclusion, March 2026 was a crucial month for Apple, characterized by thrilling new product unveilings and major alterations to its current lineup. The company’s approach of retiring older products in favor of newer technology underscores the rapid-paced nature of the tech sector.

### Apple TV’s Cape Fear: A Fresh Psychological Horror Thriller

Apple TV is preparing to launch a much-anticipated thriller series called **Cape Fear**, debuting this summer. Created by the iconic pair of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, the series draws inspiration from their 1991 film of the same title. The initial trailer has recently been released, highlighting the psychological horror elements that characterize the series.

#### Notable Talent Behind the Series

Cape Fear is notable for its stellar cast and crew. The series features **Amy Adams**, **Javier Bardem**, and **Patrick Wilson**, who drive the story as a married couple confronting a frightening menace from their past. The affiliation of Scorsese and Spielberg lends considerable prestige to the endeavor, suggesting a captivating viewing experience.

#### Release Timeline

The series is set to launch on **Friday, June 5**, with the first two episodes available at release. Following this, new episodes will drop weekly, concluding on **July 31**. This release approach is designed to generate buzz and sustain viewer interest throughout the summer.

#### Synopsis

The narrative centers on Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson), a seemingly blissful couple whose lives are disrupted when **Max Cady** (Javier Bardem), a infamous murderer they assisted in locking away, is set free. Cady seeks retribution, fostering a tense atmosphere that intertwines psychological horror with thriller nuances. The trailer accentuates these horror themes, teasing the dark and suspenseful journey that lies ahead for viewers.

#### Watch the Trailer

For a peek into the eerie realm of Cape Fear, you can view the newly released trailer [here](https://youtu.be/dSnichjB3-o).

#### Accessibility

Cape Fear will be accessible on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service priced at **$12.99 per month**. Viewers also have the option of a reduced rate via the Apple One bundle. To make sure you don’t miss this exhilarating series, you can [add Cape Fear to your Apple TV Watchlist](https://tv.apple.com/show/cape-fear/umc.cmc.377zdzwefgtzkvykexeca9qrc?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.377zdzwefgtzkvykexeca9qrc&at=1000l3cvR).

As the release date draws near, excitement surrounding Cape Fear intensifies, establishing it as one of the standout productions from Apple TV this summer.

### Shortcuts App Might Acquire AI-Generated Actions in iOS 27

iOS 27 is expected to be revealed this June, and new speculations hint that it could bring a remarkable new feature to the Shortcuts app: the capability to create personalized actions through AI prompts. This addition is part of Apple’s wider initiative to incorporate sophisticated artificial intelligence features into its platform.

Reports suggest that iOS 27 will heavily emphasize enhancements linked to Apple Intelligence. Among the key updates is the debut of a new Siri app, accompanied by systemwide improvements that broaden Siri’s capabilities across devices. Nevertheless, a particularly intriguing advancement pertains to the Shortcuts app, which might soon enable users to formulate distinct actions via natural language voice commands.

According to discoveries highlighted by MacRumors, a new capability is under development that will allow users to design actions utilizing Apple Intelligence models. This builds on the AI functionality that was integrated into the Shortcuts app in iOS 26, which permitted the use of AI models in current shortcuts. The expected update will elevate this concept, enabling the creation of completely new actions based on user prompts.

The incorporation of this feature is anticipated to be in line with the comprehensive Siri overhaul, which will not only improve the new Siri app but also present ‘Ask Siri’ buttons throughout the ecosystem. This implies that users may soon have the ability to craft custom Shortcuts actions merely by giving a voice command or submitting a text prompt.

As the launch date nears, numerous users are enthusiastic about the prospect of forming custom Shortcuts actions with AI in iOS 27. This progression could greatly elevate the user experience by making automation more user-friendly and intuitive than ever before.

**Samsung and Apple: A Comparative Examination of Blood Pressure Monitoring in Smartwatches**

Seven years ago, Samsung embarked on the journey to incorporate blood pressure monitoring within its smartwatch offerings. Recently, this feature has secured regulatory approval for use in the United States, representing a pivotal achievement for the company. At the same time, Apple has also ventured into blood pressure monitoring, although with a distinct methodology.

### Samsung’s Blood Pressure Monitoring Methodology

Samsung’s blood pressure monitoring capability, which first appeared with the Galaxy Watch Active, has now been extended to users in the U.S. However, it necessitates that users possess a conventional blood pressure monitor. The technology estimates blood pressure by calibrating values and variations based on measurements taken with an upper arm cuff, which must be utilized every 28 days for optimal accuracy. Compatible Galaxy Watches can measure both systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate utilizing internal sensors.

This process requires a dedication from users to consistently calibrate their devices, which could be perceived as a trade-off for gaining more in-depth insights into their cardiovascular wellness.

### Apple’s Hypertension Alerts

Conversely, Apple’s method is more direct and accessible. The Apple Watch monitors for indications of hypertension and alerts users if they may be displaying symptoms of elevated blood pressure. If a notification is triggered, users are advised to monitor their blood pressure readings twice daily for a week with a separate blood pressure monitor, in line with standard medical recommendations.

This feature is accessible on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and subsequent versions. By emphasizing notifications instead of direct measurements, Apple enhances the user experience while still promoting proactive health management.

### Conclusion

Both Samsung and Apple have progressed in embedding blood pressure monitoring into their smartwatches, yet their methodologies vary considerably. Samsung’s approach necessitates regular calibration with a traditional monitor, while Apple’s framework offers alerts based on observed hypertension signs. As users evaluate which smartwatch best aligns with their health monitoring requirements, the decision may ultimately hinge on their preference for direct measurement versus notification-driven tracking.

### AirPods Max 2: An Evolution in Audio Innovation

The eagerly awaited assessments of Apple’s AirPods Max 2 have started to appear, highlighting considerable enhancements in active noise cancellation (ANC), audio fidelity, and the addition of Adaptive Audio capabilities. These improvements are primarily credited to the cutting-edge H2 chip, which boosts the overall functionality of the headphones.

#### Engineering Mastery Behind AirPods Max 2

In a recent conversation with TechRadar, Tim Millet, Apple’s Vice President of Platform Architecture, elaborated on the engineering principles driving the AirPods Max 2. He pointed out that the design and operation of the headphones are mainly influenced by the product’s requirements instead of the constraints of chip engineering. This methodology permits Apple to develop highly specialized chips designed specifically for their products.

Millet expressed, “When we build chips at Apple, it’s always about the product. We don’t sell chips out in the open market, and this gives our team really the luxury of knowing exactly what they’re building for.” This emphasis on integration guarantees that the AirPods Max 2 are fine-tuned for performance, with the H2 chip serving as a strong foundation for forthcoming upgrades.

#### Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

A prominent feature of the AirPods Max 2 is its enhanced ANC, reported to be 1.5 times more effective than that of the previous model. Eric Treski, Apple’s Director of Audio Product Marketing, clarified that this enhancement is consistent across various frequencies, rather than selectively improved for certain ones.

Treski clarified, “We take that average at 1.5 times across an average of all frequencies. We’re not cherry-picking individual frequencies or a certain range.” This holistic improvement is especially striking considering that the physical design of the AirPods Max 2 has not changed from the initial version.

The advancements in ANC are owed to the processing capability and refined algorithms provided by the H2 chip. Treski remarked, “ANC — achieving those enhancements to 1.5 times without altering the hardware — is incredibly challenging. That’s all thanks to the compute power and the advanced algorithms with H2.”

#### Future-Proofing Through Software Upgrades

Another thrilling aspect of the AirPods Max 2 is the possibility of ongoing enhancements through software updates. Millet alluded to the H2 chip’s potential to deliver continuous improvements, stating, “H2 is this platform that continues to demonstrate that it has continued headroom.” This implies that users can look forward to their headphones evolving and improving over time, ensuring durability and value.

#### Conclusion

The AirPods Max 2 embody a notable progression in audio innovation, merging exceptional sound quality with superior noise cancellation and the expectation of future enhancements. With the H2 chip at the heart of the device, Apple persists in redefining the potential of wireless audio, rendering the AirPods Max 2 an attractive option for both audiophiles and casual users. For in-depth insights, readers can visit the complete interview on TechRadar and explore detailed reviews available online.