AllYouCanTech

Apple Wins Grand Prix Award at Cannes for ‘Shot on iPhone’ Campaign

Apple’s renowned “Shot on iPhone” advertising series has just received one of the pinnacle accolades in the advertising world: the Grand Prix in the Creative Effectiveness Lions category at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Quite impressive for a campaign that originated ten years ago.

The Creative Effectiveness Lions are particularly aimed at recognizing campaigns that demonstrate long-term business success through creativity. This year saw the fourth consecutive increase in submissions for this category, rising by 6.5% compared to 2024.

Nevertheless, out of over 300 entries received, only 17 were honored: three Gold, six Silver, seven Bronze, and the sole Grand Prix, which was awarded to Apple and its agency TBWAMedia Arts Lab.

### Apple’s most enduring campaign receives Cannes’ highest accolade

“Shot on iPhone,” which launched ten years ago, has evolved into one of Apple’s most recognized marketing initiatives, capitalizing on one of the iPhone’s essential selling features. As highlighted in Cannes’ official press release featuring the winners, Counterpoint Research data from 2025 reinforces the camera’s significance in propelling the iPhone to its status as the world’s best-selling smartphone.

Andrea Diquez, Global CEO of GUT and this year’s Jury President for the category, commended the campaign’s ability to merge art with everyday experiences:

> “‘Shot on iPhone’ was granted the Grand Prix for its revolutionary capacity to democratize creativity, transforming ordinary moments into artistic expressions. The campaign distinguished itself as a masterclass in enhancing user-generated content to establish a long-term platform with remarkable execution. When a client dedicates themselves to a long-term initiative rooted in highly creative work that resonates both globally and locally, it becomes magic – this exceptional combination makes it truly worthy of the industry’s highest accolade.”

For Apple, this recognition marks the culmination of a decade of innovative efforts inviting everyday users to demonstrate the potential of the iPhone camera, transforming simple snapshots into a worldwide advertising platform.

Spotify Unveils In-App Mentions of ’24-bit’ and FLAC, Signaling Advancement Towards Lossless Streaming

After years of waiting, the highly anticipated lossless audio feature from Spotify is reportedly close to being launched. Recent updates to the desktop application have uncovered several mentions of “Lossless” streaming, suggesting that higher-quality audio may soon be accessible to users.

### Lossless Options in Streaming Settings

Screenshots from the X account @spicetifyapp, which focuses on Spotify customization, highlight the introduction of “Lossless” in different areas of the Spotify interface. A new audio quality option named “Lossless” is now present in the settings, positioned next to current choices such as High and Very High. This addition is noted as “Up to 1 GB/hour,” allowing playback at 24-bit/44.1 kHz in FLAC format.

Moreover, the Spotify Connect sidebar now shows indications of lossless streaming for connections to compatible devices.

### Enhance Your Headphones Feature

Alongside lossless streaming, Spotify seems to be trialing a feature named “Enhance your headphones.” This feature appears to aim at optimizing playback specifically for certain compatible headphones. Although information is limited, an onboarding card hints that Spotify will implement advanced technology to improve headphone performance, including an option to verify compatibility.

This feature, known internally as “puffin,” is anticipated to be limited to Premium subscribers.

As Spotify approaches the launch of these features, users are left to consider the impact of lossless audio and whether they can perceive the difference between lossless and compressed formats.

Details Surface on Two Major Display Alterations for the iPhone 18 Pro

**Expected Design Modifications for the iPhone 18 Pro Variants**

As Apple prepares for its 2026 iPhone series, there are elevated expectations for the iPhone 18 Pro variants. Although speculation indicates that the physical screen dimensions will stay the same as those of the iPhone 16 Pro series—roughly 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro Max—major design updates are on the way.

### Under-Display Face ID

One of the most discussed innovations is the possible launch of under-display Face ID technology. This long-speculated feature has gained backing from several sources, including display analyst Ross Young and news from The Information. If realized, this would represent a dramatic shift from earlier designs, as it would remove the necessity for a visible hardware section dedicated to Face ID. The Dynamic Island, which presently accommodates the Face ID elements, might still serve for notifications and alerts but could otherwise stay concealed, resulting in a sleeker display appearance.

### HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) Technology

Another expected advancement pertains to the front-facing camera, which is likely to embrace HIAA (hole-in-active-area) technology. This development would minimize the visible aperture for the camera to a solitary pinhole, improving the overall screen-to-body ratio. Notably, reports suggest that this camera opening could be relocated to the top-left corner of the display, a design choice akin to many Android devices. This would position the iPhone 18 as the first model to feature an asymmetric front camera arrangement, further setting it apart from its predecessors.

### Conclusion

While the iPhone 18 Pro variants may not unveil new screen dimensions, the prospect of under-display Face ID and a streamlined camera design could profoundly enhance the user experience and visual allure. As Apple persists in its innovation, these modifications may pave the way for the future of smartphone aesthetics.

iOS 26 Enhancements: Fresh Apple Music Functionality, Improved Vision Pro Personas, and Extra Insights

# WWDC Summary: Discovering New Features in iOS, watchOS, and visionOS

Benjamin and Chance recently connected to chat about the thrilling announcements and features revealed during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). With the enthusiasm still fresh, they explored the newest advancements across Apple’s platforms, including iOS, watchOS, and visionOS.

## Major Highlights from WWDC

In this episode, Benjamin and Chance examined a variety of new capabilities and improvements that Apple rolled out. While specific details weren’t revealed in the overview, listeners can look forward to conversations regarding significant changes that may affect user experience and developer prospects.

## Detailed Look at CarPlay Modifications

In the special segment of **Happy Hour Plus**, Benjamin and Chance offered a practical assessment of the new CarPlay modifications launched in iOS 26. This part is especially beneficial for users who depend on CarPlay for a cohesive driving experience, as it addresses the latest features and upgrades that boost usability and functionality.

## Hosts

The podcast is presented by:
– **Chance Miller**
– **Benjamin Mayo**

Their knowledge and perspectives on Apple’s ecosystem create an engaging discussion, particularly for technology fans and developers.

## Subscribe, Rate, and Review

Listeners are urged to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to back the hosts and remain informed about the latest episodes.

## 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus

For those seeking more exclusive content, subscribing to **9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus** presents several advantages:
– Ad-free versions of every episode
– Pre- and post-show content
– Bonus episodes

Subscriptions are offered for $5 per month or $50 per year at [9to5mac.com/join](http://9to5mac.com/join).

## Feedback

Listeners are encouraged to send in questions and feedback through various channels:
– Twitter
– [Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@ChanceHMiller/110623113919600059)
– Threads
– Email: [email protected]

## Additional Resources

For more information and updates, listeners can check the

EU: Apple and Meta Escape Prompt Sanctions After June 26 DMA Cutoff

**Comprehending the EU’s Digital Markets Act: An Examination of Apple and Meta**

With the initial significant enforcement deadline nearing under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Commission is taking a more cautious stance toward two key targets: Apple and Meta. This article delves into the ramifications of recent changes and the backdrop surrounding these tech enterprises.

### 60-Day Grace Period Concluding on June 26

In April, the European Commission levied fines of €500 million against Apple and €200 million against Meta for noncompliance with DMA requirements. Both firms were afforded a 60-day grace period to rectify these issues, which ends on June 26. Nevertheless, an EU spokesperson verified that no automatic financial penalties would be imposed once this period expires. Instead, any subsequent sanctions will arise following an initial evaluation of each firm’s present practices, granting them an opportunity to respond before any choices are made. This method underscores a continuous dialogue between regulators and the companies involved.

### The April Penalties

Apple’s fine was chiefly connected to its App Store guidelines, which prevent developers from directing users to different purchasing options outside of Apple’s ecosystem. The Commission contends that these actions undermine the DMA’s goals of promoting competition and increasing consumer choice.

Meta encountered fines for its “pay or consent” framework, mandating users either to agree to personalized ad tracking or to pay a subscription fee to opt out. Meta has since rolled out an updated version of this model, asserting it uses less personal data, while the Commission continues to evaluate its adherence to the law.

These fines, although noteworthy, are fairly modest when compared to previous antitrust measures against Big Tech, which frequently resulted in penalties in the billion-euro range. EU officials remarked that the lesser penalties reflect the brief duration of the violations, considering the DMA only came into force in 2023, alongside the Commission’s shift toward fostering compliance rather than merely enacting punitive measures.

### The Political Environment

The implementation of the DMA takes place amid escalating digital trade tensions between the EU and the US. Following new tariffs imposed by Washington on European products, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted at possible counteractions, including a tax on digital advertising revenues. The US Trade Representative has condemned the DMA and similar EU regulations as unjust barriers to American firms.

While it is still uncertain whether the latest developments are directly shaped by these geopolitical strains, it seems that Apple and Meta have received extra time to adjust to the regulatory environment.

### Conclusion

As the deadline looms, the European Commission’s approach toward Apple and Meta marks a pivotal moment in the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act. The focus on dialogue and compliance rather than swift penalties may indicate a new chapter in the EU’s regulatory approach, carrying wider implications for the interaction between European and American tech companies.

macOS 26 Beta 1 Eliminates Compatibility with 400/800 FireWire Standards

**macOS 26 Tahoe Beta Eliminates FireWire Support: A Major Transition for Legacy Users**

The latest launch of the first developer beta for macOS 26 Tahoe has raised alarms among those who still depend on FireWire technology. Reports suggest that the beta version has stripped support for both FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 standards, representing a major departure from this once-favored interface.

Users on platforms such as Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have recounted their experiences following the upgrade to macOS Tahoe 26 developer beta 1. Numerous individuals have observed that their FireWire devices, including older iPods, MiniDV camcorders, and external drives, are no longer recognized. This alteration impacts a range of legacy hardware that has been utilized for years, with some users expressing a sense of nostalgia for devices that have been essential to their digital lives since the early 2000s.

One user, @NekoMichiUBC, emphasized the effect on first-generation iPods, remarking, “macOS 26 Tahoe dev. beta 1 is no longer compatible with the iPod 1st generation due to FireWire support being deprecated.” Another user, mowd8574, verified that their FireWire 800 external drive disappeared after the update, stating, “I went to System Info, and there should be a FireWire, but it no longer exists.” Additional feedback from users indicated that FireWire 400 peripherals and DV capture capabilities are also affected.

It is crucial to recognize that this is merely the beginning of the beta cycle. Historically, Apple has made modifications based on user feedback during beta testing, which means there is a chance that FireWire support might be restored in upcoming builds prior to the final release later this fall. Currently, Apple has yet to offer any official statements regarding this alteration, but updates may be forthcoming as the beta evolves.

For those who continue to rely on FireWire technology, this development prompts inquiries about the future of their devices and the possible necessity for upgrades. As technology progresses, the cessation of support for older standards like FireWire may compel users to transition to newer interfaces and storage solutions.

In summary, the withdrawal of FireWire support in macOS 26 Tahoe beta marks a significant shift away from legacy technology, urging users to rethink their dependence on older hardware. As the beta testing advances, it remains uncertain whether Apple will respond to these concerns in subsequent updates. Users are encouraged to share their experiences and feedback as the community navigates this crucial change.

Gemini App Launches Video Upload Capability for Android, iPhone, and Web Users

### Google Gemini App Unveils Video Upload and Analysis Capability

The Google Gemini app has rolled out an intriguing new feature that enables users to upload and analyze video clips directly within the application. This improvement is part of a more extensive update, which includes a revamped navigation drawer and the stable launch of Gemini 2.5 Pro.

#### Video Upload and Analysis

As of June 19, the video upload capability has been made available to all users, covering both free and paid accounts. To make use of this feature, users must confirm that they have the latest version of the Gemini app installed on their devices. For iPhone and iPad users, the app can be updated through the App Store, while Android users can update via the Google Play Store. After updating, users can reach the video upload option by tapping the ‘plus’ menu and selecting a video from their “Gallery” or “Files.”

This functionality is not restricted to mobile devices; it is also accessible on the Gemini web platform. Users can effortlessly drag and drop video files into the prompt bar for analysis.

#### How It Operates

The Gemini app allows users to upload their own video files, in addition to the ability to ask questions about YouTube content by pasting links. Once a video is uploaded, Gemini examines the content, enabling users to ask specific questions regarding the clip. For example, users can inquire about details visible in the video, such as the time shown on a smart device or descriptions of scenes.

In a demonstration, a user uploaded a video featuring a Nest Hub and asked what time was shown. The app provided a complete player interface for the video and generated a detailed description of a serene autumn forest scene from another video, illustrating its analytical capabilities.

#### Uploading Videos

To upload a video, users should access the plus menu within the app and select either Gallery or Files. If the feature is activated for their account, they will be able to select videos for upload. However, if the feature is not available yet, the video option will be grayed out, indicating that an upload cannot occur at that time.

Currently, the video upload capability is still being rolled out, and its availability may differ across various accounts and devices. Users have reported functionality on both Android (Google app version 16.23 beta) and iOS, as well as on the Gemini 2.5 Flash and 2.5 Pro versions. However, it is presently unavailable on the web version, which shows a “File type unsupported” message when users try to upload videos.

#### Future Updates

While the video upload feature is a substantial enhancement to the Gemini app, Google has not yet updated the integrated camera functionality to permit video capture directly within the app. As the app continues to evolve, users can anticipate additional upgrades and features that will enhance their experience.

#### Conclusion

The launch of video upload and analysis in the Google Gemini app signifies a significant advancement in how users can interact with multimedia content. This feature not only boosts user engagement but also broadens the app’s functionality for various applications, from educational endeavors to creative projects. As Google progresses in refining and expanding the capabilities of the Gemini app, users can look forward to a more adaptable and robust tool for their requirements.

Current Offers: M4 Mac mini available for $469 (Record Low), M4 Max Mac Studio Reduced by $200, M4 MacBook Air Listed at $829, plus Additional Deals

# Current Apple Promotions: Price Cuts on iPhones, Macs, and Accessories

As of today, Apple fans can benefit from considerable discounts on a range of products, especially the newest iPhone and Mac models. This piece outlines the top offers available, featuring price reductions on the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, M4 Mac mini, MacBook Air, and more.

## iPhone Promotions

### Unlocked iPhone 15 Offers
Woot has just introduced a fresh listing for unlocked iPhone 15 devices, providing “pristine” units that have never been used by customers. The starting price is **$549.99 shipped** for the 128GB variant, which is a notable drop from the original cost of **$799**. The 256GB and 512GB versions are also up for grabs at **$579.99** and **$649.99**, respectively. These prices represent discounts of up to **$349 off** the regular retail cost.

## Mac Promotions

### M4 Mac Mini
The entry-level model of the **M4 Mac mini** has reached a record low price of **$469 shipped**, reduced from its usual price of **$599**, indicating a **$130 discount**. This offer can be found on Amazon and is among the best prices noted for this model.

### M4 MacBook Air
The **16GB M4 MacBook Air** in Sky Blue is now available for **$829 shipped**, a decrease from **$999**, resulting in a **$170 discount**. This is the lowest price currently available online for this model. Moreover, the enhanced **16GB/512GB variant** is now selling for **$999**, down from **$1,199**.

### M4 MacBook Pro
The **14-inch M4 MacBook Pro** has also experienced a price reduction, now retailing for **$1,399**, down from **$1,599**. This $200 discount makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a robust, portable Mac.

## Accessories and Additional Promotions

### AirPods Price Cuts
The **AirPods Pro 2** are presently priced at **$169**, reduced from **$249**, while the standard **AirPods 4** begin at **$99.99**. These promotions highlight some of the best prices seen this year for these sought-after accessories.

### iPad Air Price Cuts
All variants of the **M3 iPad Air** are now at least **$100 off**, with the 11-inch model starting at **$499**. This reduction applies to all colors and storage options, making it an ideal moment to acquire an iPad Air.

## Conclusion
With these impressive discounts on iPhones, Macs, and accessories, now is the perfect time for consumers to think about upgrading their Apple devices. Whether you’re hunting for a new phone, a powerful Mac, or essential accessories, the current offers provide meaningful savings across all categories.

Apple Explores Cutting-Edge Approach to Improve AI’s Compatibility with Users’ Writing Preferences

As increasing numbers of users depend on AI for tasks such as drafting emails and summarizing documents, one prevalent issue persists: the results often come off as overly generic. Even when advanced models like ChatGPT or Gemini receive comprehensive prompts, they seldom capture a user’s specific tone or voice without substantial manual adjustments. Apple is now introducing a potential fix.

In a new research publication set to be presented at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2025) next month, Apple researchers introduce PROSE, a method aimed at assisting large language models in more effectively discerning and adopting a user’s unique writing preferences by directly learning from their previous writing samples.

### How PROSE operates

The fundamental concept of PROSE (Preference Reasoning by Observing and Synthesizing Examples) is to advance beyond the standard alignment techniques of today, such as prompt engineering or reinforcement learning based on human feedback. Instead, the AI formulates an internal and interpretable profile of the user’s genuine writing style.

Rather than necessitating the user to manually supply style guides or modify numerous AI drafts, PROSE functions in two phases:

1. **Iterative Refinement**: The AI systematically compares its generated responses with actual examples from the user, fine-tuning its internal “preference description” until it yields an output that closely resembles the user’s writing.

2. **Consistency Verification**: To prevent fixation on a single example, which may not accurately reflect the user’s overall writing style, the AI verifies that any inferred preference (e.g., “use concise sentences” or “begin with humor”) remains consistent across various writing samples.

Essentially, PROSE creates a self-evolving style profile, tests it against multiple user examples, and uses that as a foundation for future outputs.

### Why this is significant for Apple Intelligence

Though the paper does not specifically name Apple products or services, the link is clear. As Apple delves further into personalized assistant functionalities, methods like PROSE could significantly impact Apple Intelligence’s ability to create texts that resonate more closely with each individual user.

With Apple also enabling developers to access its local models through the recently announced Foundation Models framework, envisioning a future where any application could utilize a system-wide, highly personalized writing assistant to enhance its writing capabilities is feasible.

### A new benchmark has emerged

In the research, Apple additionally presents a new benchmark dataset called PLUME (Preference Learning from User Emails and Memos) for assessing writing-style alignment techniques such as PROSE.

This supersedes an earlier dataset (PRELUDE) and aims to address common problems with LLM personalization assessments, such as superficial preference definitions or unrepresentative tasks.

Utilizing PLUME, the researchers juxtaposed PROSE with prior methodologies, including another preference-learning approach known as CIPHER and conventional in-context learning (ICL) techniques.

The outcome? PROSE surpassed CIPHER by 33% on crucial metrics and even outperformed ICL when paired with advanced models like GPT-4o.

Notably, the paper also indicates that merging PROSE with ICL offers the advantages of both approaches, resulting in up to a 9% enhancement over ICL alone.

### The overarching trend: AI that adapts to you and encourages ongoing engagement

The PROSE initiative aligns with a larger trend in AI research: enhancing assistants to be not only smarter but also more personalized. Whether it’s through on-device fine-tuning, preference modeling, or context-aware prompts, the race is on to bridge the gap between generic LLM outputs and the distinct voice of each user.

Naturally, genuine personalization carries substantial business incentives, as it lays the groundwork for ultimate platform lock-in. However, that is a topic for another discussion.

Siri AI Enhancements, Foldable iPhone Unveiling, and AirPods Pro 3 Release Schedule: Recent Speculations Clarified

### Apple Product Speculations: Weekly Briefing

This week’s installment of **Rumor Replay** at *9to5Mac* showcases several captivating updates concerning forthcoming Apple devices, including news on Siri’s AI improvements, the expected iPhone Fold, delays for AirPods Pro 3, and indications of a new Apple TV 4K.

#### Siri’s AI Developments Confirmed for 2026

In the latest WWDC presentation, Apple confirmed the postponement of Siri’s AI enhancements but offered no further specifics. Nonetheless, it has now been established that these updates are planned for a 2026 launch, particularly focusing on iOS 26.4 in the spring. Apple’s initiative to revamp Siri’s framework aims to guarantee the quality of these improvements, raising hopes for a notable enhancement in performance.

#### iPhone Fold Manufacturing Update

Ming-Chi Kuo has provided insights on the much-anticipated ‘iPhone Fold.’ Apple has completed the display components, which will feature a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. While initial product assembly is expected to start later this year, critical specifications, especially concerning the device’s hinge, remain in the finalization stage. This development suggests that a 2026 debut for the foldable iPhone is increasingly plausible.

#### AirPods Pro 3 Postponement

The release of AirPods Pro 3, initially expected this fall, is now anticipated to be delayed until 2026. Analyst Jeff Pu has verified previous reports that significant new hardware for AirPods will not materialize this year. This alteration in schedule implies that consumers might have to wait longer than expected for the next generation of AirPods.

#### Upcoming Apple TV 4K with Integrated Camera

Recent software updates have pointed towards a new Apple TV 4K, likely incorporating a built-in camera. Reports indicate that the forthcoming tvOS 26 will support new FaceTime functionalities, suggesting that Apple may be gearing up to embed a camera into the Apple TV 4K. This addition could enhance the device’s capabilities and align with Apple’s broader ambitions in visual technology.

### Conclusion

This week’s speculations illustrate a blend of excitement and delays for various Apple devices. With substantial Siri upgrades postponed to 2026, promising advancements for the iPhone Fold, and the AirPods Pro 3 facing setbacks, Apple fans have much to anticipate, though some patience will be necessary. The indications of a new Apple TV 4K also point to thrilling progress in Apple’s home entertainment strategy.