Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Strava Improves Apple Watch Application with Innovative Live Segments Functionality

### Strava’s Revamped Apple Watch Application: Unveiling Live Segments

For Strava enthusiasts, this moment has arrived after considerable anticipation. The company has undertaken a thorough redesign of its Apple Watch application, featuring the introduction of Live Segments. Here’s how it operates.

Whenever Tim Cook mentions the Apple Watch during Apple’s quarterly earnings call, he stresses that “more than half of Apple Watch sales were to new customers,” underscoring the continual expansion of its user demographic. Strava is witnessing similar growth. In a blog entry outlining this week’s update, the organization reported an almost 20% year-over-year rise in the percentage of athletes uploading data via an Apple Watch, with Apple capturing the top two positions for favorite devices among runners in Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report.

Strava claims that this surging interest led them to reconsider and overhaul its Apple Watch application to deliver “a sleeker, more user-friendly experience for athletes at every level of their fitness path.”

#### Here’s What’s Fresh with Strava’s Newest Apple Watch App Update

The update’s standout feature is **Live Segments**, enabling users to compete against themselves or the Strava community on starred or popular segments—sections of road or trail—globally. As users near a segment, the watch face will show a banner with the segment name and a circle that updates in real time to indicate their progress, showing whether they are ahead or behind their personal best. Haptic signals will also alert users upon entering a starred segment.

Subscribers will benefit from additional features, including:

– **Progress updates:** A countdown displaying the exact remaining distance in the segment.
– **Instant results:** Athletes instantly see how their completed segment time measures up against their personal best.

In addition to Live Segments and the performance-centric redesign, the update also brings:

– **Stats at a glance:** Easy visibility of pace, distance, time, and heart rate while on the move.
– **Streamlined syncing:** Automatic and dependable syncing ability directly to Strava.

Strava is offered for free, with an optional subscription that grants access to extra features.

#### Apple Watch Promotions on Amazon

For individuals aiming to enhance their fitness monitoring experience, consider checking out Apple Watch promotions available on Amazon.

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Threads Unveils Long-Form Posts with Support for Formatted Text Currently in Testing Stage

**Threads Unveils Long-Form Text Attachments: A Fresh Chapter for Microblogging**

On September 4, 2025, Threads, the social networking site crafted by Meta, officially rolled out a highly anticipated feature that enables users to share lengthy posts via “text attachments.” This enhancement signifies a notable progression in the platform’s capabilities, appealing to users desiring to articulate more intricate ideas without the restrictions of conventional character limits.

### The Innovative Feature

In the past, Threads permitted users to submit up to 500 characters per post. While adequate for informal exchanges, the new text attachment functionality allows users to append a formatted segment of text to their standard posts. This improvement facilitates more enriched content, incorporating italics, bold, and underlines, transcending the boundaries of basic text.

When a user shares an attachment, it is displayed within a gray box, which can be expanded by clicking on a “Read more” button. This design selection seeks to maintain a tidy main feed while still allowing access to more comprehensive content.

### Intent and Utility

App researcher Radu Oncescu noted that Threads characterizes the feature as a means for users to “attach longer text and unleash their creativity with styling tools to communicate deeper thoughts, snippets of news, book excerpts, and additional content.” This aligns with Meta’s overarching goal to boost the platform’s attractiveness to creators and foster more substantial dialogues among users.

The current version of the feature does not accommodate embedded media or links, but Meta has stated that user input will inform upcoming enhancements. Unlike other platforms such as X (previously Twitter), where premium users can publish much longer texts, Threads aspires to make this functionality accessible to everyone.

### Official Communication and Character Cap

In a recent statement, Mark Zuckerberg verified the launch of the text attachment functionality, asserting that users can include as many as 10,000 characters in their attachments. The formatting choices extend beyond basic text adjustments, permitting bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough options. Importantly, users can also add an external link at the conclusion of their attached text, enabling the sharing of content from other sources.

Meta highlighted that this feature aims to assist users in conveying intricate viewpoints and engaging their audience, thus enhancing the overall experience on Threads.

### Final Thoughts

The rollout of long-form text attachments on Threads signifies a crucial leap forward for the platform, equipping users with the means to articulate themselves more completely. As Meta continues to obtain feedback and refine its features, the prospect of Threads evolving into a more powerful platform for both creators and casual users is encouraging. With this update, Threads is set to strengthen its standing in the competitive social media arena, addressing the changing demands of its user community.

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9to5Mac Daily: September 4, 2025 – News on Instagram for iPad and More Updates

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple Updates and Analysis**

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, keeping abreast of the newest advancements is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily is a podcast crafted to present the leading stories of the day, giving listeners a brief summary of important news concerning Apple and its ecosystem.

**Podcast Access**

Listeners can effortlessly tune in to 9to5Mac Daily across multiple platforms. The podcast can be found on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts application](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)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and various podcast players

Fresh episodes are recorded every weekday, guaranteeing that subscribers receive prompt updates on the latest news from Apple.

**Sponsoring and Promotions**

The podcast is backed by Backblaze, a cloud storage service that ensures your files remain secure. Listeners can apply the code “9to5daily” at checkout for a 10% discount or try the service for free, making it a fantastic choice for those worried about data loss.

**Content Summary**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily discusses a range of subjects, including:

– Recent product releases
– Software revisions
– Market trends
– Perspectives on Apple’s business approaches

Listeners can look forward to a blend of news, analysis, and insights, rendering it an indispensable resource for anyone captivated by the Apple ecosystem.

**Subscription Choices**

For those seeking to directly support the podcast, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus provides extra perks, such as:

– Ad-free editions of each episode
– Access to bonus material

This subscription framework enables fans to enjoy the podcast without interruptions while simultaneously supporting the producers.

**Engagement and Responses**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can connect via email at

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Apple’s AI Strategy Success Could Be Characterized by Three Essential Words, Based on CNBC

**Apple’s AI Approach: ‘Pay to Play’ Framework After Google Search Deal Ruling**

Earlier this week, Apple was given good news when a judge decided that its profitable search agreement with Google could persist. This decision not only protects Apple’s financial interests but also places the company advantageously in the changing realm of artificial intelligence (AI). According to CNBC, this turn of events hints at a clear yet powerful strategy for Apple in AI: “pay to play.”

### ‘Pay to Play’ as Apple’s AI Approach

With Apple’s $20 billion search agreement with Google appearing secure, investors are increasingly identifying AI as a critical area of focus for the company. However, CNBC’s Jim Cramer contends that the court ruling reveals a bright future for Apple in the AI domain.

Cramer remarked, “Yesterday, Apple had no cards. Today they have all of the cards. Turns out Apple always had an AI strategy: *pay to play*. You pay them, not they pay you.” This viewpoint suggests that Apple can utilize its large user base to negotiate profitable collaborations with AI firms.

As Cramer elaborated, Apple no longer needs to strike billion-dollar agreements with major AI companies. Rather, leading chatbot developers will now have to vie for Apple’s attention, considering the company has over 1 billion active iPhone users. He stressed, “There isn’t a clear winner right now in the chatbot space, but if you can pay Apple a fortune to make yours the default, someone’s going to write that check.”

In summary, Apple can take advantage of its user base by establishing partnerships with top AI firms, enabling them to reach iPhone users without having to create its own AI solutions.

### 9to5Mac’s Insight

While Cramer’s observations underscore the strength of Apple’s devoted user base and its unique hardware-software-services ecosystem, there are worries regarding the long-term sustainability of depending on third-party technologies. Apple’s dedication to user privacy may restrict third-party enterprises from accessing sensitive user information, which is vital for developing a superior AI experience.

The best user experience will likely necessitate a level of proficiency from Siri that has not yet been attained. Therefore, there is optimism for a significant enhancement to Siri in the imminent future, possibly strengthening Apple’s position in the AI arena.

### Conclusion

The recent ruling concerning Apple’s search agreement with Google paves new paths for the company in the AI sector. By adopting a ‘pay to play’ framework, Apple can leverage its vast user base to negotiate lucrative partnerships with AI creators. Nonetheless, the challenge persists in ensuring that any third-party technology aligns with Apple’s privacy regulations and provides an outstanding user experience. As the AI landscape evolves, Apple’s strategy will be closely monitored by investors and consumers alike.

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iPhone 17 Launch Date Announcement: Anticipated Debut of Apple’s Latest Premier Device

**Anticipating the iPhone 17: Release Date and Expectations**

It has almost been a year since the introduction of Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 series, and anticipation for the iPhone 17 launch is growing. Here’s what to anticipate regarding the debut of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

### September 9 is When the iPhone 17 Will Be Unveiled

Apple has set a steady release rhythm for its products, especially the iPhone, which generally receives yearly updates. The introduction of new iPhones typically takes place around the same period each year, followed by a shipping date roughly a week and a half later.

The iPhone 17 event is officially scheduled for **Tuesday, September 9** at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT. During this event, Apple will disclose all the information about its newest iPhone variants, including the official launch date. The announcement will be available to watch live on multiple platforms.

### When to Expect iPhone 17 to Officially Release

Apple’s official introduction day for new iPhones is remarkably consistent, with all fresh models shipping on a Friday, specifically the Friday of the week after their announcement. Thus, the iPhone 17 release date is projected to be **Friday, September 19**, with pre-orders beginning a week earlier on **Friday, September 12**.

This trend has been noted in prior iPhone releases:

– **2024: iPhone 16**
– Announced: Monday, September 9
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 13
– Release date: Friday, September 20

– **2023: iPhone 15**
– Announced: Tuesday, September 12
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 15
– Release date: Friday, September 22

### iPhone 17 Release Date: Wrap-Up

In conclusion, Apple follows a predictable pattern with its flagship iPhone releases. Based on this historical information, here’s what we can anticipate for the iPhone 17 lineup:

– **2025: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max**
– Announced: Tuesday, September 9
– Pre-orders: Friday, September 12
– Release date: Friday, September 19

As the release date nears, consumers are left to contemplate which new iPhone 17 model they aim to acquire.

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Apple Invites User Suggestions to Improve Browser Interoperability

# Interop 2026: An Invitation for Contributions to Improve Cross-Browser Compatibility

Submissions are now being accepted for [Interop 2026](https://webkit.org/blog/17320/submit-your-ideas-for-interop-2026/), a project that seeks input from users and web developers to better cross-browser compatibility. This yearly initiative aims to collect creative solutions that confront authentic obstacles faced by developers in guaranteeing uniform functionality across various web browsers.

## History of Interop

Interop was initiated in 2022, initiated by a consortium of prominent technology firms, including Apple, Bocoup, Google, Italia, Microsoft, and Mozilla. The project was created to improve interoperability in 15 essential areas that greatly affect the web developer experience. It developed from Google’s [Compat](https://web.dev/blog/compat2021#css_transforms) project, which focused on resolving compatibility challenges between browsers. The achievements of the initial endeavors prompted the establishment of this as an annual event.

## The Aim of Interop 2026

The primary aim of Interop 2026 is to gather suggestions that address particular interoperability issues. The organizers stress the importance of tackling challenges that developers face while striving to ensure their projects operate flawlessly across all browsers, even when applying appropriate progressive enhancement methods. Numerous enduring bugs have been addressed in previous Interop sessions, yet new challenges persist, and the community is urged to highlight these issues.

Apple has emphasized that submitted suggestions must rely on established web standards created by organizations such as W3C and TC39. This guarantees that proposals are anchored in verified technologies, making them more suitable for consideration.

## Submission Requirements

To assist with the submission process, the Interop team has supplied detailed documentation on [Github](https://github.com/web-platform-tests/interop/blob/main/proposal_guide.md). Below are the main criteria for submitting a proposal, as specified by Apple:

1. **Specificity**: Concentrate on a specific interoperability issue. Proposals should focus on one feature or a limited set of related features.

2. **Impact**: Clearly outline the interoperability problem and provide personal use cases to demonstrate the issue.

3. **Value**: Describe the advantages for web developers and users. Justify the proposal’s added value compared to other potential solutions and include evidence of its significance, such as survey data.

4. **Stability**: Provide a link to the stable web standard that defines the relevant technology. Resources like the [MDN web documentation](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/) can be useful for this purpose.

5. **Testability**: Refer to the [WPT test](https://wpt.fyi/results/?label=experimental&label=master&aligned) coverage regarding the proposal. If more tests are required, specify how they may be created.

Participants are encouraged to explore [previous proposals](https://github.com/web-platform-tests/interop/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aclosed%20label%3Afocus-area-proposal) for inspiration and can either

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Upcoming iPhone Event Summary, Continuing Google Collaboration, and Prospective Siri Innovations

### Expectation for Upcoming Events and Technological Innovations

As technology aficionados ready themselves for an exhilarating week ahead, Benjamin and Chance offer an extensive overview of the events to look forward to. This week is set to be brimming with remarkable announcements and progressions in the tech realm. In addition, they explore some captivating queries that remain unresolved, paving the way for a spirited conversation.

#### Google Search Agreement and Antitrust Issues

In a major development, the Google search agreement has successfully evaded antitrust examination, which could have presented significant hurdles for the tech behemoth. This news prompts inquiries about the future of rivalry in the technology sector and its implications for both consumers and enterprises. The ramifications of this agreement could influence the terrain of digital services and advertising.

#### Upcoming Siri Redesign

In additional updates, details regarding a redesign of Siri have surfaced, igniting interest among Apple enthusiasts. The expected upgrades aim to improve Siri’s capabilities and user experience, potentially positioning it as a more formidable competitor in the virtual assistant arena. As Apple persists in its innovations, the effectiveness of these modifications will be observed closely.

#### Happy Hour Plus Discussions

In the most recent episode of 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance talk about the Google Pixel’s remarkable 100x zoom features. They engage in a conversation about the advantages of integrating artificial intelligence into camera technology, examining how AI can enhance photography and the user experience.

For those keen on delving deeper into discussions, subscribing to Happy Hour Plus provides an ad-free experience, along with exclusive pre- and post-show material and bonus episodes. This subscription is available for $5 monthly or $50 yearly.

#### Hosts and Community Interaction

The show features **Chance Miller** and **Benjamin Mayo** as hosts, who encourage listeners to connect with them through various channels. Feedback and inquiries can be directed via Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, and listeners are invited to email [email protected].

#### Conclusion

As the technology landscape continues to progress, the conversations surrounding forthcoming events, the Google search agreement, and Siri’s upgrades are just a few of the subjects that demonstrate the vibrant nature of the industry. Keep an eye out for more insights and analyses from Benjamin and Chance as they explore these advancements.

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Anticipated Features of the iPhone Fold and AirPods Pro 3: An In-Depth Summary

### Apple Product Speculations: iPhone Fold, iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and Vision Air

This week’s installment of Rumor Replay from 9to5Mac brings to light numerous captivating updates concerning forthcoming Apple devices, such as the iPhone Fold, iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and the awaited Vision Air. Here’s a detailed examination of what to anticipate.

#### iPhone Fold: Complete Screen Display and Advanced Features

New insights indicate that the much-anticipated iPhone Fold could showcase a complete screen display. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the gadget will forego under-display Face ID, favoring Touch ID integrated with the side button instead. Nonetheless, JPMorgan has mentioned that the iPhone Fold might feature an under-display front camera, potentially enabling a design free from cutouts.

Moreover, Apple has allegedly raised its shipment forecasts for the iPhone Fold, estimating 8-10 million units for the coming year, an increase from earlier projections of 6-8 million. This adjustment mirrors rising expectations for the device, with forecasts for 2027 now estimated at 20-25 million units.

#### iPhone 17 Pro: Enhanced Thermal Performance and Redesigned Case

As per leaker Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are poised for considerable thermal advancements, improving battery efficiency and capacity. These enhancements are anticipated to yield superior display brightness in outdoor scenarios, better performance for resource-intensive applications, and overall improved battery longevity.

Additionally, leaked designs of Apple’s new transparent case for the iPhone 17 Pro exhibit a redesign featuring a white overlay, making it less clear than prior iterations. The motivation behind this alteration remains uncertain, but it may be connected to improvements in MagSafe or reverse wireless charging functionality.

#### AirPods Pro 3: Features for Health Monitoring

An unnamed source has provided insights about the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, revealing that they will feature heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing capabilities. Furthermore, a speculated Live Translation function is likely to be postponed until a future software update, expected in iOS 26.1.

These health-centric features correspond with earlier reports about Apple’s focus on incorporating more health tracking functionalities into its audio devices, although there is lingering doubt regarding the reliability of anonymous sources.

#### Vision Air: Anticipated Weight and Pricing

Looking forward, Apple is projected to unveil the Vision Air, a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to the Vision Pro, in 2027. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the Vision Air could be over 40% lighter and more than 50% less expensive than its predecessor. This transition is expected to render the device more accessible to a larger audience.

#### Conclusion

The latest speculations surrounding Apple’s forthcoming products reveal thrilling advancements, especially concerning the iPhone Fold and improvements in the iPhone 17 Pro. As Apple progresses in innovation and expands its product offerings, the anticipation for these devices continues to build. What do you think about these speculations?

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Apple TV+ Reveals Season 3 Preview for Eugene Levy’s ‘The Reluctant Traveler’

### The Hesitant Voyager featuring Eugene Levy: Season 3 Synopsis

Since its launch in 2023, Eugene Levy’s travel program, **The Hesitant Voyager**, has enthralled Apple TV+ viewers with its distinctive mix of humor and exploration. As the series prepares for its eagerly awaited third season, Levy is ready to embark on fresh adventures, this time joined by various well-known companions.

#### Season 3 Launch Date

The third season of **The Hesitant Voyager** is set to debut on **September 19, 2023**. This season promises an exhilarating journey across numerous iconic locations, highlighting both well-known and exotic places.

#### Anticipations for Season 3

Throughout its initial two seasons, the series has taken audiences from Finland to Italy, Portugal, and the U.S., providing a combination of everyday encounters and exhilarating adventures. In season 3, Levy plans to push his limits, venturing further beyond his comfort zone as he explores destinations like **Austria, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Mexico, South Korea, and the United States**.

Apple characterizes this season as a voyage where Levy will face his fears and expand his worldview. He will be accompanied by prominent guests, including **Eric Nam**, a Korean-American singer and actor, and **Jofra Archer**, a fast bowler for the England cricket squad. Other notable figures, such as **Michael Bublé** and the **Prince of Wales**, are also expected to make guest appearances throughout the season.

#### Trailer and Viewing Choices

A teaser for the forthcoming season has been unveiled, offering fans a glimpse of the escapades in store. Viewers can revisit the first two seasons of **The Hesitant Voyager** on Apple TV+ in preparation for the new season.

Apple TV+ is offered at **$12.99 per month**, boasting a range of popular shows and films, including **Severance**, **The Morning Show**, and **Silo**.

For those keen on travel, humor, and the discovery of diverse cultures, **The Hesitant Voyager featuring Eugene Levy** is poised to be a captivating and enjoyable viewing experience this autumn.

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iOS 26 Unveils Seven Fresh iPhone Ringtones Ready for Preview

The default ringtone of the iPhone is well-known, but in iOS 26, Apple has launched several alternative options. There are seven brand new ringtones, primarily remixed versions of the recognizable default.

### New Ringtones in iOS 26 Provide Remixed Takes on Default ‘Reflections’ Sound

Apple has consistently offered a collection of iPhone ringtones that serve as substitutes for the system default. However, iOS 26 is the first instance of expanding the recognizable default ringtone with multiple new remixed versions.

In the Sounds & Haptics section of the Settings app in iOS 26, users can discover a total of seven new ringtones. Six of these new additions are remixed interpretations of the iPhone’s original ‘Reflection’ tone. The available selections for Reflection now comprise:

– Default
– Buoyant
– Dreamer
– Pond
– Pop
– Reflected
– Surge

The top choice remains the same, while the others present fresh variations on a classic favorite.

Apple’s choice to remix the Reflections ringtone exhibits a considerate strategy, enabling customization while preserving a familiar backdrop. For users looking for something completely different, iOS 26 features another option: the whimsical and entertaining ‘Little Bird’ ringtone, which is anticipated to appeal to many.

In summary, these seven new ringtones enhance the array of other features introduced in Apple’s revamped Phone app in iOS 26.

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