Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple Unveils Public Beta 2 of iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and More**

Yesterday, Apple unveiled beta 2 of iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, along with additional updates for developers. Today, the public beta version has also been released for users enrolled in Apple’s public beta program.

### What to Anticipate from iPadOS 26.5 Public Beta 2 and More

For those participating in the public beta program, new software updates are now available for installation. Anyone looking to join the beta software program can visit [beta.apple.com](http://beta.apple.com) to gain early access to future updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more.

The public beta 2 launched today reflects the builds that were provided to developers just a day before. Following a day of testing, users have observed that the changes in this beta version seem minimal in comparison to beta 1, which was released a few weeks ago.

A significant update includes a new popup in Apple Maps that shares information about upcoming ads set to launch in the US and Canada this summer. Apart from this, users have found it difficult to pinpoint any noteworthy new features.

The initial beta of iOS 26.5 and its related updates brought several improvements, including end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app, a new Suggested Places feature in Maps, and various smaller enhancements.

As testing proceeds, users are encouraged to share any new findings from beta 2 in the comments section.

### Conclusion

With the rollout of public beta 2 for iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and other platforms, Apple continues to enhance its software offerings. Users can anticipate exploring the new features and enhancements as they engage in the beta program.

Apple has officially ceased signing iOS 26.4, following the recent launch of iOS 26.4.1. This modification means that users can no longer revert their devices from the latest version to the former one. The choice to stop signing older versions generally suggests that Apple considers the current release to be stable or that it tackles significant security issues identified in previous builds.

The deployment of iOS 26.4.1 was mainly focused on delivering bug fixes for iPhones. Importantly, the release notes did not highlight any major security updates, and there were no listed CVE entries concerning this version on Apple’s security webpage. Nonetheless, users have indicated that the update effectively fixed an iCloud syncing problem, which was one of the primary enhancements noted post-update.

For those contemplating a downgrade to iOS 26.4, the chance has now elapsed, as Apple has closed the signing window for that version. This action is part of Apple’s continuous strategy to motivate users to remain updated with the latest software, which typically encompasses enhancements and fixes that boost overall device performance and security.

**Gemini in Chrome: Unveiling the New Skills Feature**

Gemini in Chrome on desktop is about to elevate user experience with the launch of a new Skills feature. This groundbreaking addition enables users to swiftly execute commonly used prompts, optimizing workflows and conserving precious time. Additionally, it acts as an educational resource, illustrating the functionalities of Gemini while engaging with various webpages.

**Grasping Skills**

Skills are primarily one-click workflows that can be initiated by entering a forward slash (/) in the prompt box. This feature functions on the current webpage being viewed and can also reach other selected tabs via the ‘+’ button. By easing the execution of routine tasks, Skills strive to enhance user interactions with Gemini.

**Preserving and Organizing Skills**

Google motivates users to save prompts they consider useful for later reference, removing the need to search through chat history for repeated actions. At the end of chats, Gemini will encourage users to save their Skills, letting them assign a name and an identifying emoji for effortless recognition. This personalization element boosts user engagement and simplifies the management of frequently utilized prompts.

**Skills Library**

Alongside creating personalized Skills, users can browse a repository of existing Skills accessible at chrome://skills/browse. This library organizes Skills into various categories such as Learning, Research, Shopping, and Writing, offering users a selection of options for frequent tasks and workflows. For example, users can effortlessly calculate protein macros for recipes under Health & Wellness, produce side-by-side product comparisons in Shopping, or examine lengthy documents for critical information in Productivity.

**Practical Applications**

The Skills feature unveils a multitude of practical uses. Users can analyze product ingredients, choose gifts by aligning budgets with recipient preferences, and transform data into infographics for enhanced understanding. The adaptability of Skills allows users to customize their browsing experience based on their unique requirements.

**Safety Protocols**

To ensure user safety, Skills prompts will necessitate confirmation before carrying out sensitive actions, such as adding events to calendars or dispatching emails. This measure helps preserve user control over their interactions with Gemini.

**Accessibility and Management**

The Skills feature is being introduced to Gemini in Chrome on desktop starting today. Users can reach their stored Skills on any signed-in Chrome desktop device by typing the forward slash (/) in Gemini and clicking the compass icon for management features.

In summary, the new Skills feature in Gemini for Chrome signifies a major improvement in how users can engage with web content. By offering quick access to frequently used prompts and enhancing user knowledge about Gemini’s functionalities, this feature is set to boost productivity and streamline online tasks.

**Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus Bundling Now Accessible via Prime Video**

Apple TV has unveiled a compelling offer for its subscribers, enabling them to add Peacock Premium for merely $2 a month, which raises the total subscription fee to $14.99 per month. This bundle was formerly exclusive to Apple or Peacock directly. Now, Prime Video users have a new option, allowing them to combine Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus through Amazon’s service.

**Bundling Information**

Beginning now, Prime Video users can enroll in the Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle for $19.99 monthly. This rate is elevated compared to the Apple direct bundle due to the provision of the ad-free edition of Peacock. Apple TV is listed at $12.99 monthly, while Peacock Premium Plus is priced at $16.99. Thus, at $19.99, the bundle still presents a savings of $9.99 monthly when compared to subscribing to both individually.

For users desiring an ad-free viewing experience, this $19.99 bundle is also obtainable through Apple directly. However, Apple subscribers have the special benefit of accessing the more budget-friendly $14.99 bundle, which offers the ad-supported Peacock version.

**Advantages of Bundling**

As streaming services continue to escalate their costs, bundling presents a tactical method to save on monthly subscriptions. With the proliferation of streaming platforms, numerous users find themselves financing multiple services. Bundling can ease the subscription process while delivering monetary relief.

**Final Thoughts**

In conclusion, the newly available bundling option for Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus via Prime Video offers a significant opportunity for subscribers aiming to enhance their streaming experience while economizing. Whether choosing the ad-supported or the ad-free option, users can revel in a wide array of content at a lowered price.

Rumors regarding this autumn’s upcoming iPhone 18 series continue to circulate, but there remains one crucial detail that remains uncertain: how many iPhones will Apple introduce?

## iPhone Air 2 will decide if Apple has four new models this autumn, or a reduced selection of just three

There’s a strong consensus regarding various elements of this autumn’s iPhone series.

For instance, multiple reports indicate that the base iPhone 18 model won’t debut until early 2027—a significant alteration for the autumn collection.

Nevertheless, at least three new models are definitely on the way:

– iPhone 18 Pro
– iPhone 18 Pro Max
– iPhone Ultra / Fold

Rumors have provided us with a clear picture of the enhancements to anticipate on iPhone 18 Pro.

New colors will likely encompass a rich red, a more compact Dynamic Island is on the way, several camera enhancements, improved battery life, and much more.

Similarly, there has been substantial chatter recently about the iPhone Ultra—Apple’s inaugural foldable device.

However, information regarding Apple’s next iPhone Air remains sparse and even conflicting.

Several sources have indicated that the iPhone Air 2 won’t launch until spring 2027. Nonetheless, one well-known leaker has repeatedly asserted that Apple will introduce it this autumn alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.

This leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, has a track record of supply chain insights that lend additional credibility to his claims. He also stated that the new Air will be a minor update with few external modifications, which might clarify why there have been so few rumors from alternative sources. If Apple isn’t making significant changes, it’s easier for the new model to go unnoticed.

The contradictory reports, however, leave it uncertain whether Apple’s iPhone 18 series this autumn will feature the usual four new models or just three.

Personally, I tend to believe the Air 2 will debut this autumn so Apple can maintain its standard four-model collection. But if a new iPhone Air is genuinely on the way, we can expect more leaks related to that in the coming summer as mass production accelerates.

Do you anticipate Apple releasing the iPhone Air 2 this year, or will they have a more limited iPhone 18 lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Best iPhone accessories

# Apple AirPods Pro 3: An In-Depth Review

Apple introduced the [AirPods Pro 3](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ) in September 2025, and after using them consistently for more than seven months, I’ve compiled observations on their performance across different situations, including workouts, Zoom calls, travel, and casual listening. The most notable aspect has been Apple’s ongoing enhancements to the product since its debut. Below, I explore the design, audio quality, ecosystem features, health capabilities, and my concluding thoughts on the AirPods Pro 3.

## Design & Battery

The design of the [AirPods Pro 3](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ) is quite similar to that of the AirPods Pro 2, with minor adjustments that improve usability. The earbuds and charging case have been made a bit smaller, increasing their portability. Important specifications include:

– Up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
– Total battery life of up to 24 hours with the charging case
– IP57 rating for resistance to sweat, water, and dust
– Compatibility with USB-C, MagSafe, and Apple Watch chargers
– 5-minute quick charge offers 1 hour of playback
– Removal of the physical pairing button

Although I was not a fan of removing the physical pairing button, the new touch-sensitive pairing control is user-friendly. Battery life has been enhanced with longer listening durations per charge, despite the overall case charge decreasing from 30 hours to 24. This adjustment hasn’t greatly affected my usage, as prolonged listening sessions are infrequent.

The updated silicon-foam hybrid tips are a significant enhancement, providing passive noise cancellation benefits and ease of cleaning.

## Sound Quality

When comparing the [AirPods Max 2](https://amzn.to/4sDxB3h) to the [AirPods Pro 3](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ), the latter impressively achieves 99% of the audio quality at a considerably lower cost. While lossless audio through the Max 2 indicates more distinctions, the average user is likely to favor the AirPods Pro 3’s performance in wireless mode.

Active noise cancellation has shown considerable advancements, effectively isolating background noise in various settings. Transparency mode is still excellent, offering a natural listening experience while amplifying voices as needed. The audio range and separation stand out, making them suitable for all types of content, from music to podcasts and phone calls.

## Ecosystem and Smart Features

The [AirPods Pro 3](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ) showcase the strength of Apple’s ecosystem, featuring:

– Instant pairing with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices
– Automatic switching between devices
– Find My integration with a speaker in the case
– Adaptive Audio that modifies according to the surroundings
– Automatic volume adjustments
– Conversation Awareness that reduces volume during speech
– Head gesture controls for managing calls and notifications

These features significantly enhance the user experience, allowing the AirPods Pro 3 to feel seamless and intuitive for everyday usage.

## Health Features

A noteworthy element of the AirPods Pro 3 is the incorporation of health features, which include:

– Built-in hearing test capability
– Medical-grade hearing aid functionality for mild to moderate hearing impairments
– Conversation Awareness for improved clarity in loud environments
– Integrated heart rate sensor with Health app compatibility

These features extend well beyond standard audio use, offering important health insights and assistance, particularly for users with hearing difficulties.

## Final Take

After six months of usage, the [AirPods Pro 3](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ) remain my top recommendation for Apple users in search of headphones. They provide outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation, and a continually evolving feature set. While there is room for improvement, such as a larger battery case and a lack of customizable EQ, the overall offering is appealing, particularly given their current price of under $200 on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4enYVyJ).

As Apple persists in innovating, the AirPods Pro 3 are set to become a crucial part of the Apple ecosystem, paving the way for forthcoming enhancements and features.

**Google One Presents Exclusive YouTube Premium Discount for Subscribers**

Google One has unveiled an exclusive limited-time offer for YouTube Premium subscriptions aimed at its Premium subscribers. This initiative follows the prior announcement regarding an expansion in AI Pro storage capacity.

**Eligibility and Offer Details**

The discount is solely accessible to Google One Premium subscribers who are subscribed at $9.99 per month for 2 TB of storage or higher. Subscribers on the Basic (100 GB for $1.99/month), Standard (200 GB for $2.99/month), and Google AI Plus ($7.99/month) plans do not qualify for this promotion. Moreover, the offer is confined to users residing in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, or the United States.

Qualified subscribers will get a 50% reduction on a YouTube Premium subscription for 12 months. The regular price for YouTube Premium is presently $15.99 per month (or $159.99 annually) in the United States, following a recent price hike.

**How to Redeem the Offer**

The offer remains valid until April 29. To benefit from this discount, users must first terminate their current YouTube Premium subscription and then resubscribe via the Google One website. Comprehensive instructions for this process are available on Google’s support page.

**Additional Information for Subscribers**

It should be noted that AI Pro subscribers already receive a minor discount on YouTube Premium, while AI Ultra members have this service included in their subscription benefits.

For additional information regarding the offer and to enroll, users can visit the Google One sign-up page dedicated to YouTube Premium.

**Related Articles and Resources**

– [What Gemini features you get with Google AI Plus, Pro, & Ultra](https://9to5google.com/2026/04/11/google-ai-pro-ultra-features/)
– [Google AI Plus arrives in the US for $7.99, Google One 2 TB upgraded](https://9to5google.com/2026/01/27/google-ai-plus-us/)
– [Should you switch to Google AI Plus?](https://9to5google.com/2026/01/31/google-ai-plus-downgrade/)

This promotional initiative from Google One underscores the company’s continuous commitment to enhancing value for its subscribers, especially in the domain of digital entertainment through YouTube Premium.

Apple Watch has launched two fresh Activity challenges this month to inspire users to reach specific fitness milestones in honor of Earth Day and International Dance Day.

### Earth Day and International Dance Day Activity Challenges

Later this month, Apple Watch users will have the opportunity to earn exclusive digital rewards, including new iMessage stickers, by taking part in these challenges.

#### Earth Day Challenge

The initial challenge aligns with Earth Day on April 22. Participants are invited to log any 30-minute workout using the Workout app or any application that tracks workouts in Health. Completing this challenge will reward users with a distinctive accolade.

> “This Earth Day, April 22, log any 30 minute workout with the Workout app or any app that tracks workouts in Health to secure this accolade. The earth will appreciate your efforts.”

#### International Dance Day Challenge

A week later, on April 29, the International Dance Day challenge will occur. Users can receive an accolade by recording a Dance workout lasting 20 minutes or more, once again utilizing the Workout app or any compatible app that records workouts in Health.

> “Showcase your dance talents for International Dance Day. Secure this accolade by logging a Dance workout of 20 minutes or more on April 29. Track it with the Workout app or any app that integrates workouts into Health.”

### Ongoing Activity Challenges

Apple routinely arranges Activity challenges associated with different holidays and events. Earlier this year, a ‘Ring in the New Year’ challenge was conducted to encourage healthy habits as the new year started.

### Conclusion

These challenges not only promote physical activity but also offer a delightful way for Apple Watch users to connect with their fitness ambitions. Whether you intend to engage in the Earth Day challenge or display your dancing prowess on International Dance Day, these occasions are an excellent chance to remain active and gain recognition for your achievements.

Apple has officially unveiled its integrated enterprise tools suite, now referred to as Apple Business, which takes the place of the former Apple Business Essentials. This updated platform is designed to improve organizational capabilities and streamline user interactions.

### Business Essentials has transitioned to Apple Business

Apple Business 2.0 brings a revamped design and enhanced features, featuring a new Liquid Glass app icon. A notable addition is the directory feature, which enables users to quickly find and connect with colleagues, thus facilitating communication and collaboration within organizations.

### Support for Apple Vision Pro

For the very first time, the Apple Business app is compatible with Apple Vision Pro, broadening its functionality across various devices. The app works seamlessly on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, ensuring it is accessible to a diverse range of users.

Apple Business 2.0 is ready for download on the App Store, offering businesses a comprehensive set of tools to boost productivity and connectivity. For additional information, visit the [Apple Business website](https://www.apple.com/business/).

# iOS 26 App Icons Can Be Automatically Color-Matched to Your iPhone or Case Color

Apple has remarkably improved the customization features for iPhone users lately. A prominent capability introduced in iOS 26 is the automatic tinting of app icons to align with the color of your iPhone or its case. This functionality not only offers a personalized touch but also fosters a unified appearance between hardware and software.

## Enhanced Customization in iOS 26

The path towards enhanced personalization started with iOS 18, which enabled users to customize app icons on the Home Screen, including a Tinted look. With iOS 26’s arrival, Apple has broadened these choices by adding two new tinting capabilities:

1. Tint that corresponds with your iPhone’s color.
2. Tint that corresponds with your iPhone’s case color.

This improvement recognizes that numerous users favor a consistent visual theme across their devices, facilitating a seamless look.

## How to Color-Match Your Home Screen Icons to Your iPhone

To take advantage of this new feature and tint your app icons to correspond to your iPhone or its case, adhere to these straightforward steps:

1. Long-press on an empty area of your Home Screen.
2. Tap the ‘Edit’ button that shows up in the top-left corner.
3. Select ‘Customize’.
4. Tap ‘Tinted’.

After completing these steps, four icons will appear at the bottom of the screen, positioned just above the ‘Light,’ ‘Dark,’ and ‘Auto’ options. The leftmost button will let you color-match your app icons to your iPhone’s color, while the neighboring button will match them to your iPhone’s case color.

This feature is especially delightful for users who often switch their cases, as it allows for a swift update of the Home Screen aesthetic to harmonize with various outfits or styles.

## Compatibility with Cases

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the case matching feature may not be compatible with all cases. It works with Apple’s official MagSafe cases, and certain third-party cases might also be compatible, but this can differ based on the specific case design.

Have you experimented with the new Home Screen app tint settings in iOS 26? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.