Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Taylor Swift Slams Apple, Resulting in Major Modifications to Apple Music

Apple and Taylor Swift: A Decade of Change in the Music Industry

Today, both Apple and Taylor Swift have achieved greater success than ever. Yet, a decade ago, they found themselves at odds over a significant issue that threatened to derail the launch of Apple Music. Here’s a recap of the events.

Apple’s Shift to Streaming Music Encountered an Urgent Challenge

In 2015, Apple was preparing for the eagerly awaited debut of Apple Music. The company invested $3 billion to acquire Beats, primarily motivated by the popular Beats Music streaming service. At that point, Apple had a long-standing reputation for innovation in music, as demonstrated by the success of the iPod and iTunes, both critical during the industry’s move to digital. However, Beats Music and especially Spotify were leading the charge in a significant shift: the transition to streaming.

While Apple generally prefers to create its own solutions instead of acquiring them, the costly and high-profile acquisition of Beats was an exception. Apple Music was developed on the groundwork of Beats Music and aimed to elevate Apple’s standing in the streaming world. Yet, just before its launch, Apple found itself facing a dilemma: Taylor Swift was displeased.

Apple and Taylor Swift Disagreed and Reconciled a Decade Ago

Around a week before the June 30 launch of Apple Music, Swift issued a very public criticism of Apple. She declared her intention to withhold her latest album, 1989, from the service. The reason? Apple’s choice not to compensate artists for streams during the initial three-month free trial of Apple Music. Swift clearly articulated her stance, saying, “We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.” This critique ignited significant controversy in the lead-up to Apple Music’s introduction.

The situation was tense, as Apple aimed to establish itself as a more “artist-friendly” streaming platform compared to Spotify. Ultimately, it didn’t take long for Apple to relent. In several tweets, services chief Eddy Cue announced that Apple Music would revise its payment policy. He stated, “Apple will always ensure that artists are compensated. #AppleMusic will pay artists for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period. We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.” This decision was welcomed by many in the artist community and prevented what could have been a major setback for Apple Music’s launch.

Following these developments, Taylor Swift revealed that 1989 would indeed be available on Apple Music while still remaining off Spotify.

A decade later, both Swift and Apple have experienced tremendous growth. Apple Music, despite lagging behind Spotify in subscriber numbers, has successfully sidestepped any significant artist controversies since that crucial moment.

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Apple Unveils ‘Big Man’: A Fresh Shot on iPhone Short Film Starring Stormzy

Apple’s newest installment in its enduring “Shot on iPhone” initiative stars UK rapper and musician Stormzy in a short film entitled “Big Man.” Directed by Aneil Karia, the film was filmed entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro and narrates the fictional tale of Tenzman, a world-weary artist, and two cheerful, spirited kids who unexpectedly come into his life. Their shared adventure uncovers a more promising path for them all.

The video, which runs for around 20 minutes, continues Apple’s practice of using the Shot on iPhone campaign not solely for product displays but also for narrative-driven, cinematic endeavors. In addition to the film, Apple has released a behind-the-scenes video that showcases how the team brought “Big Man” into existence using the iPhone 16 Pro. This featurette highlights the blend of portability and image quality that Apple offers to both novice and seasoned filmmakers.

Director Aneil Karia provided insights on the filming experience, stating, “I’ve never filmed an entire narrative piece on an iPhone prior. It has been a truly fascinating and energizing experience. It’s significantly smaller than the cameras typically used in television, film, or music video production. The lightness and flexibility that come with it are limitless, in a way.” He further discussed the utilization of Cinematic mode, 4K 120 fps slow motion, and the capability to shoot in Apple Log.

The debut of “Big Man” illustrates the potential of the iPhone 16 Pro in a creative landscape, encouraging viewers to explore the possibilities of mobile filmmaking.

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Apple Camp 2025 Unveils Fresh iMovie Workshops for Children – Sign Up Now Available

**Apple Camp 2023: Complimentary Summer Workshops for Children**

Apple’s complimentary summer workshops for children, referred to as Apple Camp, are returning for another thrilling season. Starting today, parents and guardians can enroll their children for this year’s program, which will occur from June 21 to July 31 at Apple Store locations globally. This effort is part of Apple’s ongoing Today at Apple initiative, aimed at engaging children in interactive technology experiences.

**Program Summary**

Apple Camp is targeted at children up to 10 years old and emphasizes creative learning through technology. The sessions offer a distinctive opportunity for kids to engage with Apple products in an enjoyable and interactive setting, while also permitting parents and guardians to join in alongside their children.

**This Year’s Theme: Creating a “Friendship Film” on iPad**

The theme for this year’s Apple Camp is “Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad.” The 90-minute session encourages kids aged 6–10 and their families to explore the realm of filmmaking using iMovie on the iPad. Participants will work together to direct, record, and edit a film that highlights the significance of friendship and community. Apple will supply the necessary iPads for the session, ensuring families are not required to bring their own devices. Additionally, hearing loop technology will be provided for sessions that necessitate sound amplification, with accommodations available upon request.

Every child who takes part will receive a limited edition Apple Camp T-shirt made entirely from recycled materials, underscoring Apple’s commitment to sustainability.

**How to Register**

Enrollment for Apple Camp is now open on Apple’s Today at Apple website. Due to the program’s popularity, spots usually fill up rapidly, particularly in larger cities. Interested families are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Each session is 90 minutes long, and attendance from a parent or guardian is mandatory.

For further details and to register, visit the

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9to5Mac Daily: June 18, 2025 – News on Apple’s Siri Progress and HomePod Theories

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of recent news and advancements is essential, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a vital source, providing a summary of the day’s leading stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that highlights the most important news and updates from the Apple world. It is tailored for listeners eager to stay informed about the newest in Apple products, software updates, and market trends. The podcast is recorded every weekday, ensuring subscribers receive current information.

#### Where to Listen

Listeners can find 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, making it easy to listen from anywhere. The podcast is available on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– Through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) compatible with Overcast and other podcast players.

#### Subscription Benefits

For those seeking an enriched listening experience, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** provides several advantages:

– Ad-free versions of each episode
– Access to exclusive bonus content

Listeners can subscribe by heading to [9to5mac.com/join](http://9to5mac.com/join).

#### Engaging with the Podcast

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener engagement. Fans are encouraged to share their opinions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, listeners can rate the podcast on [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or recommend it on

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Kuo States Apple Has Yet to Conclude Specifications for Foldable iPhone

### The Latest on the iPhone Fold

Ming-Chi Kuo has shared an update on Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, revealing that Foxconn is poised to start the project in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year. Nonetheless, several component specifications for the device are still pending finalization.

One of the key attributes of Apple’s foldable iPhone is anticipated to be its display. Unlike many current foldable Android devices that exhibit a prominent crease, Apple has partnered with Samsung Display to create a display that reduces this concern. Kuo highlights that the foldable display is among the few elements with confirmed specifications, which is essential for forecasting potential shipments. Samsung Display aims to manufacture 7-8 million foldable panels each year to satisfy the demand for the 2026 foldable iPhone, although actual production may take place over a limited time frame, resulting in shipments that may not reach total capacity.

Another expected design element is the hinge, crafted from stainless steel and titanium alloy. Although this component has attracted considerable market interest, its specifications are still not confirmed. Kuo indicates that Foxconn is anticipated to officially commence work on the foldable iPhone initiative in late Q3 2025 or early Q4 2025.

Mass production of the device is not expected to begin until later in 2026, with a rumored launch date in late 2026. The foldable iPhone is believed to feature an approximate 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, making it similar in size to an iPad mini when opened. In terms of thickness, the device is estimated to measure around 4.5 mm when opened and 9.5 mm when closed.

For those keen on the latest news and speculation regarding the iPhone Fold, a specialized guide is available for ongoing tracking of advancements.

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iOS 18.6 and macOS 15.6 Are Now Accessible in Public Beta

**Apple’s Latest Software Releases: iOS 18.6 and More**

Last week, Apple introduced its forthcoming software versions scheduled for release this fall, such as iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. However, the tech titan isn’t done with its existing software cycle, having now launched the initial betas for iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, and other updates.

**Public Beta Rollouts**

Starting June 18, 2025, public beta editions are being distributed promptly following the developer versions. This represents a pivotal advancement in the software update process, enabling more users to engage with the latest functionalities and enhancements.

**Final Updates in the Ongoing Cycle**

Internally, Apple has directed a significant portion of its engineering efforts towards the creation of iOS 26 and the additional new operating systems. Nevertheless, the firm remains dedicated to releasing at least one more update for iOS 18 and its related platforms, likely signaling the conclusion of their current cycle.

The newly issued x.6 betas cover a variety of software platforms, including iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, visionOS 2.6, and tvOS 18.6. While these updates are not anticipated to bring substantial new functionalities, they are intended to provide crucial bug fixes and performance upgrades, enhancing overall user stability.

**Significance of Performance and Stability**

Performance and stability are essential elements of software updates, particularly as a version approaches its end of life. Traditionally, Apple has managed to deliver some of its most dependable updates during this stage, reducing bugs and enhancing overall efficiency.

For users keen on testing the new betas, it is important to recognize that while the final iterations of iOS 18.6, tvOS 18.6, and watchOS 11.6 are expected to be stable, the current beta 1 version may still exhibit some issues.

**User Insights**

Apple invites users to provide feedback on their experiences with beta 1 of iOS 18.6 and other updates, cultivating a feedback community that can assist in improving future releases.

As the software environment progresses, Apple’s dedication to refining its current operating systems while gearing up for new launches underscores its commitment to user satisfaction and technological progress.

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Apple’s Wallet App Launches New Functionality for Stored Credit Cards in iOS 26

Apple’s Wallet application is moving closer to genuinely substituting your physical wallet, courtesy of a new feature in iOS 26 that supports all stored credit and debit cards.

## Complete credit card information can now be stored within the Wallet app in iOS 26

Last year in iOS 18, Apple unveiled a new Passwords app across its systems. While many users have found it beneficial, there were several crucial features missing that led them back to third-party password managers. One of these features was the ability to save full credit card information.

Previously, users were only able to view the last four digits of their credit cards in the Wallet app, which required the use of extra apps to obtain complete card details. However, with iOS 26, Apple has provided a resolution to this issue.

Now available in the Wallet app, there’s a new feature to save comprehensive details about your credit or debit card. Users can simply select a card within Wallet, tap the details icon in the upper-right corner, and discover the new option: ‘Add Physical Card Information.’ This feature enables users to store the entire card number, expiration date, security code, cardholder name, and an optional description.

Apple’s choice to incorporate these functionalities into the Wallet app instead of the Passwords app appears to resonate with user preferences, as many will likely find it easier to access card details all in one location. For those worried about privacy, keeping full card information is completely optional. Apple guarantees users that “Your complete card number, expiration date, and security code are encrypted and stored in your iCloud Keychain. They are accessible only to you and are not utilized for Apple Pay transactions.”

With this enhancement, Apple Wallet is set to become an even more all-encompassing solution for handling payment methods, further minimizing the requirement for physical wallets.

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Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.

### iPadOS 26: A Significant Upgrade for Power Users

iPadOS 26 is recognized as a crucial upgrade that caters to the requirements of iPad power users. In a recent conversation with Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, valuable insights were shared regarding the motivation behind the creation of iPadOS 26, the choice to keep macOS separate from iPad, and the overarching vision for the future of the iPad.

#### Key Insights from the Interview

Federico Viticci, a well-known proponent for optimizing the iPad’s capabilities, interviewed Federighi during WWDC. The conversation focused on the new functionalities of iPadOS 26 and the philosophy that drives Apple’s strategy with its devices.

A primary theme was the ongoing discussion among users about the feasibility of operating macOS on the iPad. Federighi clarified that Apple’s objective is to preserve the individual identities of its devices. He likened this scenario to a “spork,” explaining that merging two exceptional tools typically results in a less effective product. He stressed that while uniformity across platforms is valuable, each device should provide a customized experience tailored to its specific function.

#### The Essence of the iPad

Federighi conveyed that the iPad should not operate macOS, yet it can take cues from Mac features. He believes that both systems can leverage each other’s strengths without sacrificing their distinct personalities. This ideology is vital as Apple continues to enhance the iPad’s functionalities while staying true to its fundamental essence.

#### Development of iPadOS 26

The rollout of advanced windowing and multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 has been a much-anticipated improvement. Federighi attributed the postponement of these features to various factors, including:

– **Performance Limitations**: Initial constraints of the iPad hardware made it difficult to incorporate powerful multitasking features.
– **User Input**: Over the years, Apple has taken the feedback from power users seriously, which has shaped the development of features that meet their expectations.
– **Maintaining the iPad’s Identity**: There was a careful approach to integrating Mac-like functionalities that might overshadow the iPad’s distinctive traits.

#### Conclusion

As we gaze into the future of the iPad, Federighi’s insights offer a clear perspective on Apple’s vision. The company seeks to enhance the iPad experience while safeguarding its unique identity, ensuring it remains a potent tool for users. For a more in-depth exploration of Federighi’s views on the iPad’s essence and the future of iPadOS, the complete interview is accessible on MacStories.

### Best iPad Accessories

For those aiming to elevate their iPad experience, investigating the best available accessories can lead to a substantial enhancement.

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Apple Introduces Exclusive Promotion for Apple Card Registrations: Get $100 in Daily Cash

### Apple Card Sign-Up Bonus: A Limited-Time Opportunity

Apple has recently rolled out a new sign-up bonus for the Apple Card, which is available for a limited duration. Although the Apple Card generally does not provide sign-up bonuses, the company sometimes initiates unique promotions through social media and targeted emails.

#### Current Offer Details

At this moment, new applicants can obtain a **$100 sign-up bonus** after spending **$500** within the first **60 days** of card membership. This appealing offer is valid until **July 7th**. Interested individuals can access the offer via the

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ChatGPT Unveils Image Creation Capability in WhatsApp

### OpenAI’s ChatGPT on WhatsApp: A New Chapter of Convenience and Creativity

In December, OpenAI unveiled its ChatGPT WhatsApp contact as part of the “12 Days of OpenAI” holiday revelations. This integration enables users to engage with ChatGPT straight through WhatsApp, delivering a smooth experience without needing to hop between different applications. Although this iteration of the chatbot is somewhat restricted compared to its web and desktop versions, it has recently introduced a remarkable feature: image generation.

#### The Attraction of ChatGPT on WhatsApp

For numerous users, the ease of accessing ChatGPT via WhatsApp is a considerable benefit. This integration facilitates straightforward communication and the capability to forward messages to ChatGPT, boosting workflows and everyday interactions. Moreover, certain mobile carriers do not consider WhatsApp data usage against monthly data allowances, making it an economical choice for users.

To begin utilizing ChatGPT on WhatsApp, users must save the number 1-800-ChatGPT (1-800-242-8478) in their contacts and start a chat. However, it is crucial to recognize that the feature set is still restricted, lacking options like Canvas, though it now features image generation powered by OpenAI’s advanced image model.

#### Image Generation: An Ongoing Development

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding image generation, users might face varying outcomes with this feature. Initial evaluations indicated that the image generation function did not operate for some users, prompting inquiries about possible regional restrictions or rollout challenges.

In assessments performed by the 9to5Mac team, image generation became accessible only after linking the WhatsApp number to a ChatGPT account. OpenAI has imposed a limitation of one image generation per day for non-linked accounts, but users noted that even their initial attempts did not produce results, leading to dissatisfaction.

#### Unlocking Additional Image Generations

To improve the image generation experience, OpenAI motivates users to associate their WhatsApp number with their primary ChatGPT account. This linking procedure permits a greater limit on image generations. Users can begin this by sending the message “Link my WhatsApp with ChatGPT” to the ChatGPT contact in WhatsApp. If the request is acknowledged, the chatbot will reply with a link to connect the accounts.

Once linked, users can anticipate the following advantages:

– Their WhatsApp phone number will be connected to their ChatGPT account.
– Discussions in WhatsApp, both before and after linking, will be retained as part of the ChatGPT conversation history, subject to the same data controls as their ChatGPT account.

#### Conclusion

The integration of ChatGPT into WhatsApp marks a notable advancement towards making AI more reachable and user-oriented. While the image generation feature is still developing, the convenience of having ChatGPT easily accessible in a widely used messaging app is a strong incentive for users to delve into this new functionality. As OpenAI persists in refining this service, users are encouraged to convey their experiences and feedback to assist in shaping its future.

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