AllYouCanTech

Apple Wallet App Unveils Upgraded ‘Pay Later’ Functionality for Transactions

### Apple Wallet Improves Pay Later Features

Since the sudden halt of Apple Pay Later last year, Apple has been consistently incorporating third-party ‘pay later’ services as substitutes. A recent update to the Apple Wallet has made these alternatives more accessible and easier to use.

In the past, Apple Pay supported third-party ‘pay later’ services like Klarna and Affirm, but the procedure was often concealed and cumbersome. Users needed to choose and configure a pay later option during the Apple Pay checkout process, which required double-pressing the iPhone’s side button to initiate Apple Pay, selecting Other Cards & Pay Later Options, and going through the setup process at the point of purchase.

The latest update significantly streamlines this process. As noted by Aaron Perris on social media, Apple has rolled out a new menu in the Wallet app. The ‘Pay Later Options’ feature is available to all Wallet app users on iOS 18 or iOS 26. Users can conveniently access this feature by tapping the ‘+’ button located in the upper-right corner of the app.

This new menu showcases all accessible pay later options, enabling users to finalize the setup process for their selected service before making a purchase. This pre-authorization step boosts convenience and enhances the visibility of these services by incorporating them directly into the Wallet app.

The timing of this update, aligning with the impending iPhone 17 release, indicates a strategic decision by Apple to elevate user experience and engagement with its payment services.

As users become accustomed to these modifications, feedback regarding the experience with pay later options in Apple Pay is welcomed.

Essential Factors for Enhancing Your Wireless Router: The Significance of the Most Recent Standard

### Enhancing Your Wireless Router for a Smart Home: The Significance of Wi-Fi for Matter Certification

If you are contemplating swapping your wireless router, particularly within a smart home setup, it is crucial to select a model that aligns with the latest standards. One of the most important developments in this domain is the launch of the Wi-Fi for Matter certification.

#### Reasons to Upgrade Your Router

As technology progresses, older routers may find it challenging to accommodate the requirements of contemporary smart home devices. Upgrading to a newer model can greatly improve your Wi-Fi connection and boost the reliability of your smart home products. A modern router can offer superior coverage, increased speeds, and enhanced security features.

#### The Significance of Matter Compatibility

Previously, users often sought HomeKit compatibility when choosing smart home devices. However, the attention is shifting toward Matter compatibility. Matter serves as a universal standard that aims to improve interoperability among smart home devices, simplifying their communication with one another.

The Wi-Fi for Matter certification provides two main advantages:

1. **Consistent Connectivity**: It guarantees that your Matter-certified devices maintain a stable and robust connection, reducing disruptions in your smart home network.

2. **Energy-Saving Capabilities**: With a compatible router, battery-operated devices can shift into a prolonged sleep mode to save energy. The router can reactivate these devices as required, improving their efficiency and battery longevity.

#### Essential Features of Wi-Fi for Matter Certification

The Wi-Fi for Matter certification integrates several existing standards, such as:

– **Wi-Fi 6**: Offers quicker speeds and better performance in densely populated areas.
– **WPA3 Security**: Bolsters security for your network, safeguarding against unauthorized access.
– **IPv4 Proxy Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)** and **IPv6 Proxy Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP)**: Enhance communication between devices on the network.

This indicates that when shopping for a new router, you simply need to seek one certification label: Wi-Fi for Matter.

#### Industry Perspectives

Kevin Robinson, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance, underscores the significance of these technologies: “Wi-Fi and Matter are two foundational technologies propelling the next wave of IoT innovation. With Wi-Fi for Matter, we are assisting our members in accelerating the deployment of products that offer the scalability, simplicity, and interoperability that consumers anticipate in their connected homes.”

#### Summary

Upgrading your wireless router to one that includes the Wi-Fi for Matter certification is a wise decision for anyone aiming to improve their smart home experience. With enhanced connectivity, energy efficiency, and security, a modern router can profoundly affect the performance of your smart devices. As the smart home sector continues to develop, ensuring your network is ready to support the latest technologies will keep your home connected and optimized.

Apple Arcade Unleashes Two Significant Titles Incorporating a Common Essential Feature

Apple Arcade has just unveiled two significant new offerings for its subscribers: NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily. In conjunction with their debut, an interview with Apple Arcade’s senior director sheds light on the increasing trend of IP-centric games launching.

## NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily are now live, part of a recent influx of IP-driven titles

Apple Arcade has established a pattern of releasing fresh titles monthly, typically on the same day. For September, today marks that launch day.

Among the newly released titles, two stand out prominently:

*NFL Retro Bowl ’26* features a fresh Retro Bowl Championship Leaderboard that enables players to engage in matches corresponding with the 2025 NFL season games.

*Jeopardy! Daily* is a daily puzzle experience filled with unique clues crafted by the beloved show’s writing team.

Both titles are designed to attract a wide range of users, yet they share a significant commonality: they are based on well-known existing IP.

The NFL and Jeopardy, of course, are both immensely recognizable brands and properties.

This trend has become more apparent with the latest Arcade launches.

## The rationale behind Apple Arcade’s increased focus on IP-based games

In an interview released today by The Verge, Apple Arcade’s senior director Alex Rothman acknowledged the success of IP-driven titles while contending that they aren’t monopolizing the service. Instead, they are part of a strategy to “meet the diverse needs of Apple users.”

> “We’re not exclusively going all in on IP,” Rothman stated. “It’s a diversified mix, as we cater to a wide player demographic.” While Rothman is aware of the criticisms Arcade has received, he insists that Apple is committed to the Arcade for the long term. “We are genuinely passionate about games,” he remarked. “It’s not just the Arcade team; it resonates throughout the company.”

The heightened focus on IP is not confined to Apple Arcade, but mirrors broader trends within the industry.

A notable point from the article is that Apple now “links its partner developers with major IP holders for collaboration chances.” This is how one of Arcade’s biggest hits, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, was created.

> “I believe *Hello Kitty* presents an intriguing story,” Rothman mentioned. He explained how the indie developer Sunblink initially released a game named *Heroish* on Apple Arcade in 2022. Rothman remarked that *Heroish* was “exceptionally high quality” and considered Sunblink an excellent collaborator to introduce a *Hello Kitty* game to Arcade. “We succeeded in bringing Sunblink together with Sanrio to create something truly unique,” Rothman noted. “Numerous attempts have been made over the years to develop *Hello Kitty* games, none of which succeeded until we paired Sunblink with

Apple Highlights Brazilian Study on Local App Store Effectiveness

As the App Store encounters mounting regulatory scrutiny in Brazil, a report showcased by Apple today indicates that iOS applications earned R$63.8 million ($11.7 million) in the nation last year, with the majority of that income subject to no commission fees. Here are the specifics.

## A little context

Similar to numerous countries worldwide, Apple has been battling against challenges in Brazil, striving to persuade local authorities to maintain the App Store structure.

In late 2022, MercadoLibre, the largest online marketplace in Latin America, lodged an antitrust complaint against Apple, alleging unfair practices concerning the App Store.

Since that time, Apple has experienced a mix of successes and setbacks in legal matters, and it presently has until October to adhere to directives that entail permitting sideloading on iOS and alternative payment options apart from its own.

Currently, Apple and CADE (the country’s competition authority) are collaborating to resolve the specifics, while Apple continues to seek to change the current situation. So far, the company has achieved a few delays, but the deadline is reportedly approaching for October.

## Insights from today’s report

The report brought to light by Apple today was carried out by Silvia Fagá de Almeida, an MBA lecturer at Fundação Getúlio Vargas.

The report determined that the App Store produced R$63.8 million ($11.7 million) for developers in Brazil last year, with 90% of that income free from Apple’s commission.

It further observed that Brazilian developers recorded a total of 570 million app downloads worldwide last year, with 53% of that total originating from users outside Brazil.

Regarding commission charges, the report disclosed that:

> “(…) most Brazilian developers selling digital products and services qualify for a lowered 15% commission on transactions made through in-app purchases or paid downloads (for instance, via the App Store Small Business Program and the Video Partner Program). The majority of Brazilian developers incur no commission fees to Apple, and among those who did incur a fee in 2024, 78% availed themselves of the reduced rate.”

Notably, the report also categorizes the income generated via the App Store (the totals sum to 101% due to rounding adjustments):

– 10% was from digital products and services
– 79% was from physical products and services
– 12% was from in-app advertising

Alongside the report, Apple also emphasized that Brazilian consumers downloaded 1.5 billion apps last year, and that the country’s App Store recorded 25.5 million visits per week.

Apple also highlighted its local programs for developers, including 10 Apple Developer Academy hubs throughout Brazil, and success stories like Moises, the 2024 iPad App of the Year, as examples of local apps achieving worldwide growth. The company positioned these as evidence that the App Store should be perceived as a launchpad rather than a restricted environment.

The complete post can be found (in Brazilian Portuguese)

Five Brands Anticipated to Reveal CarPlay Ultra Accessibility on iPhone 17 Event Day

### iPhone 17 and the Future of CarPlay Ultra: What to Anticipate

As the technology sector prepares for the eagerly awaited iPhone 17 debut, another important advancement is approaching: Apple’s CarPlay Ultra. Set for September 9, this date not only signifies the reveal of the newest iPhone but also aligns with the IAA Mobility expo in Munich, where automotive progress will be prominently featured.

#### CarPlay Ultra: A New Chapter for In-Car Technology

CarPlay Ultra epitomizes Apple’s ambitious drive into the automotive arena, seeking to bolster the connectivity of iPhones with vehicle systems. While the iPhone 17 event is projected to steal the spotlight, the IAA Mobility expo provides a distinctive platform for car manufacturers to demonstrate their backing for this innovative feature. Hyundai is expected to play a pivotal role, likely introducing its version of CarPlay Ultra during the event.

#### Hyundai’s Contribution and Possible Announcements

Hyundai’s dedication to CarPlay Ultra is especially significant. The automaker is forecasted to present its interpretation of this technology, potentially even ahead of the iPhone event, owing to the timing of the expo in Germany. With press briefings planned for the German morning and afternoon, U.S. audiences might receive updates overnight, generating excitement around Hyundai’s advancements.

#### Wider Automotive Support

While Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 concept EV is a spotlight feature, there is conjecture that CarPlay Ultra might span beyond this model. Numerous car manufacturers, including Kia, Genesis, Ford, and Porsche, are also engaging in the IAA Mobility expo. Although none have publicly confirmed announcements regarding CarPlay Ultra, their participation indicates a collective movement to embrace this emerging technology.

#### The Significance of the IAA Mobility Expo

The gathering of various automakers at the IAA Mobility expo marks a crucial juncture for CarPlay Ultra. This year’s exhibition is poised to be vital for the future of in-car technology, as it may establish the foundation for broad adoption across different brands. Even if the iPhone 17 launch garners most of the media focus, the developments showcased at the auto show could transform the automotive technology landscape.

In summary, while the iPhone 17 is certain to be a highlight next week, the introduction of CarPlay Ultra and the backing from significant automakers at the IAA Mobility expo could indicate a major turning point for Apple’s role in the automotive sector. As the event unfolds, attention will be directed towards both the technology and automotive fields to observe how these advancements will influence the future of connectivity on the roads.

Apple Music Upgrades Essential Feature at a Perfect Time

### Enhancements Coming to Apple Music with iOS 26

Apple Music is poised to undergo its most substantial update in years with the rollout of iOS 26, introducing thrilling new functionalities to elevate the listening experience, especially for those who appreciate engaging with song lyrics.

#### Two iOS 26 Improvements for Apple Music Lyrics

The forthcoming update will bring two significant upgrades to the lyrics feature in Apple Music:

– **Translation of Lyrics**
– **Pronunciation of Lyrics**

These functionalities are designed to enhance the experience of enjoying music in various languages. With the Lyrics Translation feature, users will be able to view the original lyrics alongside their translations in their chosen language. This allows listeners to grasp the meaning of songs in real time, enriching their musical enjoyment.

For instance, while listening to “Dos Oruguitas” from the *Encanto* soundtrack, users can savor the Spanish lyrics while simultaneously seeing the English translations.

Lyrics Pronunciation, conversely, will offer phonetic representations of the lyrics beneath the original text. This feature is especially helpful for those who wish to sing along in the original language, assisting them in articulating the words more accurately.

Both upgrades are expected to be particularly advantageous with the forthcoming HomePod Touch, a device anticipated to serve as a pivotal hub for music listening in households.

#### HomePod Touch: Ideal Hub for Apple Music Lyrics

The HomePod Touch, expected to launch next spring, is set to transform how families engage with music at home. Featuring a screen, this device will enable users to view lyrics effortlessly while reveling in their favorite tracks.

Currently, many families encounter difficulties while attempting to sing along during music sessions, as the existing HomePod setup lacks a display for lyrics. The introduction of the HomePod Touch will remove the necessity to consult an iPhone for lyrics, facilitating a more seamless and enjoyable communal experience.

The integration of the newly introduced lyrics features from iOS 26 with the HomePod Touch is anticipated to foster a more immersive and less interruptive environment for music enjoyment, allowing families to connect more deeply with their favorite songs.

As the launch of the HomePod Touch draws near, many users are keen to discover how these new features will enhance their listening enjoyment. The combination of Apple Music’s lyrics enhancements and the HomePod Touch is likely to make singing along to music more accessible and pleasurable for everyone.

Discounts on Technology: $1,200 Off 8TB M4 Pro Mac Mini, $300 Off MacBook Pro, iPhone 15, Nomad Leather iPad Case, and Additional Offers

**Remarkable Offers on Apple Products and Accessories: September 2025**

In this installment of *9to5Toys Lunch Break*, we showcase some of the most substantial price reductions currently available on Apple items and accessories, ideal for tech aficionados aiming to enhance their equipment.

### M4 Pro MacBook Pro Discounts

The M4 Pro MacBook Pro range is experiencing considerable markdowns ahead of the forthcoming Apple event. At present, Amazon is presenting a **$300 price decrease** on the 24GB/512GB M4 Pro MacBook Pro, lowering the price to **$1,699** from its standard price of **$1,999**. This promotion is one of the best we’ve tracked this summer and corresponds with prior holiday price cuts.

### iPhone 15 Pro Savings

As we near the release of the iPhone 17, Amazon is delivering great savings on the previous-generation iPhone models. The **256GB iPhone 15 Pro** is now priced at **$370 off**, available for **$729.55** in Amazon Renewed Premium condition. Originally listed at **$1,099**, this model presents an exceptional chance for those wishing to obtain a top-tier smartphone without the latest price tag.

### M4 Pro Mac Mini Deal

For individuals seeking a robust desktop option, B&H is providing an outstanding deal on the **M4 Pro Mac mini** equipped with **64GB of RAM** and **8TB of storage**, now at **$3,199**—a remarkable **$1,200 off** the regular list price of **$4,300**. This setup is perfect for professionals in need of extensive storage and memory for resource-intensive applications.

### Accessory and Charging Offers

Alongside the hardware promotions, discounts are also available on accessories. Notably, **Nomad** is providing a **20% discount sitewide** for *9to5* readers, applicable to a range of products including Apple Watch bands, MagSafe charging stations, and more. To capitalize on this offer, apply the code **9to520** at checkout.

### Conclusion

With these significant markdowns on Apple items and accessories, now is a prime opportunity to think about upgrading your tech. Whether you’re in the market for a new MacBook Pro, an iPhone, or accessories, these offers present substantial savings that shouldn’t be overlooked.

iPhone 17: Anticipated Variants Expected to Include Enhanced RAM and Storage Space

**Apple’s iPhone 17 Event: Expected RAM and Storage Enhancements**

With the upcoming Apple iPhone 17 event scheduled for September 9, 2025, excitement is mounting as TrendForce has published its latest forecasts for the new series. This report emphasizes considerable enhancements in RAM and storage for multiple models, reflecting the changing requirements of technology and user expectations.

### RAM and Storage Upgrades Anticipated for Most iPhone 17 Models

TrendForce’s predictions suggest that Apple is set to unveil significant improvements in memory and storage alternatives throughout the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s a summary of the anticipated RAM specifications:

– **iPhone 17**: 8GB (same as iPhone 16)
– **iPhone 17 Air**: 12GB (an increase from 8GB in 16 Plus)
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 12GB (an increase from 8GB in 16 Pro)
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 12GB (an increase from 8GB in 16 Pro Max)

These RAM enhancements are likely a response to the growing dependence on artificial intelligence and on-device processing capabilities, which necessitate more memory for optimal performance.

Regarding storage configurations, Apple is anticipated to initiate substantial modifications as well:

– **iPhone 17**: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
– **iPhone 17 Air**: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (higher starting storage, eliminates 128GB option)
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (higher starting storage, eliminates 128GB option)
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB

Significantly, Apple is elevating the base storage to 256GB for the Air and Pro models, indicating a notable shift in their storage strategy.

While numerous RAM upgrades have been expected, the rise in base storage for the Air model is a novel development that could attract consumers seeking more value in their devices. Moreover, TrendForce has suggested that the iPhone 17 Air may feature premium pricing that surpasses current analyst predictions, indicating that Apple might counterbalance higher costs with expanded storage options.

As the event draws near, consumers are contemplating which iPhone 17 model and storage variant will meet their requirements best. The amalgamation of upgraded RAM and storage alternatives positions the iPhone 17 series as an appealing option for both new and existing Apple customers.

### Conclusion

As we await official confirmations from Apple, the insights shared by TrendForce lay the groundwork for what could be a groundbreaking year for the iPhone series. With enhanced RAM and storage selections, the iPhone 17 series is set to satisfy the rising demands of contemporary technology and consumer desires.

Kuxiu Unveils X40 Turbo Featuring Qi2.2 Rapid 25W Charging for iPhone Users

**Wireless Charging and iPhones: The Progression with Qi2.2 and Kuxiu’s X40 Turbo**

Wireless charging has revolutionized how we energize our devices, with a significant evolution in the connection between wireless charging technology and iPhones over the years. While Android devices adopted wireless charging sooner, Apple was more gradual, introducing Qi wireless charging with the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in 2017. At first, this technology allowed for charging at a limited 7.5W, which was not very efficient. Nevertheless, developments like MagSafe and the Qi2 standard have enabled iPhones to charge at 15W. The newest innovation, Qi2.2, promises even quicker, cooler, and more efficient charging, with Kuxiu at the forefront with its latest X40 Turbo charger.

### The Kuxiu X40 Turbo: Specifications and Features

Kuxiu has built a strong reputation for crafting high-quality, dependable chargers, and the X40 Turbo is no exception. Below are the primary specifications:

– **25W Rapid Charging**: Compatible with Qi2.2 devices offering a charging speed of 25W, while non-Qi2.2 devices charge at 15W.
– **Multi-Device Capability**: Can quickly charge Apple Watch and AirPods.
– **Compact Construction**: 25% smaller and sleeker than the original X40 stand.
– **Temperature Regulation**: Keeps a maximum temperature of 40°C for safe and effective charging.
– **Included Accessories**: Comes with a USB-C to USB-C braided cable, a 45W power adapter, and a hard shell carrying case.

The X40 Turbo is engineered to charge an iPhone 16 Pro from 0 to 80% in just under an hour, making it a potent option for users desiring efficiency.

### Comprehending Wireless Charging Standards

As wireless charging technology progresses, it’s crucial to grasp the distinctions between various standards:

1. **Standard Qi Wireless Charging**: Supported by all iPhones from the iPhone 8 onwards, this standard charges at 7.5W. It does not necessitate magnetic alignment and is suitable for overnight charging, albeit slower.

2. **Qi2 Wireless Charging**: This standard enhances charging speed to 15W and includes magnets for better alignment. While akin to Apple’s MagSafe, Qi2 is a universal standard backed by several manufacturers.

3. **Qi2.2 Wireless Charging**: The most recent advancement, Qi2.2, elevates charging speed to 25W and requires devices to maintain temperatures under 40°C for certification. It retains the magnetic alignment feature.

In summary, Qi2.2 significantly boosts the practicality of wireless charging for everyday applications, and the Kuxiu X40 Turbo is among the first chargers to embrace this standard.

### Practical Experience with the X40 Turbo

Using the X40 Turbo revealed remarkable performance. The charger is noticeably smaller, lighter, and constructed from high-quality CNC aluminum. During trials with an iPhone 16 Pro starting at 10% battery, the charger consistently provided around 24W, occasionally reaching 25W. The device remained only slightly warm after 30 minutes of charging, showcasing effective heat management. The phone charged from 10% to 80% in under 50 minutes, a stunning accomplishment for wireless charging.

### Compatibility with iPhones

Presently, only the iPhone 16 series fully supports the 25W charging capability of Qi2.2. Older iPhones will still charge at 15W using the X40 Turbo. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is also anticipated to support this faster charging standard.

### Pricing and Availability

The Kuxiu X40 Turbo retails for $79.99 on Kuxiu’s website, available in black and silver. This price includes the 3-in-1 charger, a braided cable, a 45W charging adapter, and a carrying case, providing great value for users looking to enhance their charging experience.

### Conclusion

With the launch of the Kuxiu X40 Turbo and advancements in wireless charging technology, users can experience quicker and more efficient charging for their devices. As the wireless charging landscape continues to evolve, the X40 Turbo emerges as a compelling choice for those with iPhone 16 and future iterations. The ease of placing a phone on a charger and obtaining a significant charge in a short duration offers reassurance for users on the move.

Exposed Data Unveils Bright Orange Color Choice for iPhone 17 Pro

### Expecting the iPhone 17: Thrilling Color Choices and Features

As the clock ticks down to Apple’s eagerly awaited iPhone 17 event, excitement is rising among tech aficionados and Apple supporters alike. Set for September 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, the event is expected to showcase the newest advancements from the tech behemoth.

#### Final Leaks and Speculations

With only five days left before the event, credible sources have started to release last-minute leaks that indicate what consumers might anticipate. Notably, informant Sonny Dickson has shared pictures of what are presumed to be Camera Control buttons for the iPhone 17 hardware. These visuals display a range of colors, including yellow, green, blue, pink, and black. However, the most notable color grabbing attention is a lively orange, reminiscent of the hue used on the Apple Watch Ultra Action button.

#### A Daring New Color Selection

The addition of a daring orange shade for the iPhone 17 Pro could signify a major shift from Apple’s conventional color range. Traditionally, Apple has been cautious with its color selections for the Pro line, often favoring more muted shades. If the rumors prove accurate, this vibrant orange could represent the most daring color option yet for an iPhone Pro model, appealing to buyers seeking a unique and striking device.

#### Community Feedback and Hopes

As the reveal date draws near, the community is alive with thoughts regarding the possible color options. The idea of a vibrant orange iPhone 17 Pro has ignited conversations among enthusiasts, with many voicing intrigue about how this color will be embraced in the market. The introduction of such a bold shade could draw in a new segment of users who value personalization and distinctiveness in their devices.

#### Conclusion

The forthcoming iPhone 17 event is poised to be a pivotal moment for Apple, with the likelihood of introducing groundbreaking features and thrilling color choices. As we await the formal announcement, the tech community stays enthusiastic to see if the speculated vibrant orange iPhone 17 Pro will materialize. Keep an eye out for updates as Apple discloses its latest offerings, and feel free to share your opinions on these possible color options in the comments.