AllYouCanTech

iOS 18.6 Beta Launch Now Accessible, Together with macOS 15.6 and Other Updates

**New Apple Software Expected Final Updates in Existing Cycle**

Last week, Apple announced its future software releases scheduled for this autumn, featuring iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and others. However, the firm is not yet done with the ongoing software cycle, as it has launched the initial betas for iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, and further updates.

Within Apple, most software developers have concentrated on gearing up for iOS 26 and the new OS versions. Still, the existing OS lineup is slated to receive at least one additional update, probably signaling its final version.

Apple has initiated new x.6 betas across its software platforms, which encompass iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, visionOS 2.6, tvOS 18.6, and more. These updates are anticipated to refrain from introducing major new features; rather, they focus on delivering numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements to boost the stability of Apple’s software.

Performance and stability are vital, particularly at this advanced stage in a software version’s evolution. Historically, Apple has successfully provided some of its most dependable and bug-free updates during this phase.

For those keen on testing the new betas, it is crucial to understand that while iOS 18.6, tvOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and others are expected to achieve stability by their official release, the current beta 1 versions may not yet demonstrate that degree of reliability.

Users are invited to share their feedback on beta 1 for iOS 18.6 and the additional updates in the comments section.

Apple’s Music Application in iOS 26 Brings Favorite Feature from macOS

# Playlist Folders Can Now Be Created in Music App on iPhone and iPad

A significant trend in Apple’s software this year revolves around unification, as evidenced by the new Liquid Glass design and increased feature consistency across platforms. In the effort to enhance app functionality uniformly across devices, a fantastic new feature has arrived in iOS 26’s Music app that was previously only available on the Mac: the ability to create playlist folders.

The Music app has a complicated past of providing different functionalities on the Mac compared to the iPhone and iPad. This variation is partially attributed to the fact that the Mac version of Music was once known as iTunes. While Apple rebranded and updated it years ago, much of the legacy iTunes functionality has persisted, yet it never transitioned to the iOS Music app.

A notable feature that many users have desired for their iPhones and iPads is the option to create playlist folders. The Music app on Mac has always enabled users to organize playlists into folders, which would then sync with other devices. However, users had no ability to create or modify these folders outside of macOS.

Fortunately, iOS and iPadOS 26 have rectified this limitation. Users can now create playlist folders and rearrange playlists among folders directly from their iPhone or iPad. This functionality improves the organizational features of the Music app, allowing users to manage their expanding music libraries more efficiently.

The launch of folder creation in iOS 26 is a noteworthy advancement, particularly for those who do not regularly use a Mac. Playlist folders provide an excellent method to keep music collections organized, and many users are thrilled to finally see this feature on mobile devices.

Alongside playlist folders, iOS 26 has introduced other much-anticipated features, such as pinned music, further improving the user experience.

Did you know that playlist folders were available in Apple’s Music app? Do you think you’ll utilize them in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.

M4 Mac mini Offered at $499 or $120 Off on 24GB Version; 48GB MacBook Pro Reduced by $300 and Additional Discounts Available

**Father’s Day Offers: Incredible Savings on Apple Devices**

With Father’s Day on the horizon, a variety of retailers are presenting noteworthy discounts on sought-after tech items, especially from Apple. This season, consumers can seize a range of offers tailored to diverse preferences, whether it’s for leisure, work efficiency, or personal health. Here’s a summary of the top deals currently available.

### M4 Mac Mini: Budget-Friendly Performance

The M4 Mac mini has experienced significant price reductions, rendering it a compelling choice for individuals in search of a strong yet compact desktop. The entry-level model is priced at **$499**, while the enhanced version featuring **24GB RAM and a 512GB SSD** is now listed at **$849**, showcasing a **$150 reduction** from its standard price of **$999**. This offer is among the finest we’ve encountered, particularly for those requiring a dependable machine for professional or creative tasks.

### MacBook Pro: Enhancement Options

For those in need of a more powerful laptop, the **M4 Pro MacBook Pro** is also discounted. The **16-inch variant** with **48GB of RAM** and a **512GB SSD** is now available for **$2,599**, down **$300** from its regular rate. This model is perfect for professionals who demand superior performance for activities such as video editing or software programming.

### iPad Pro: High-End Tablet Experience

Apple’s **13-inch M4 iPad Pro** stands out among the sales. The **256GB version**, usually priced at **$1,299**, is presently available for **$1,099**, offering a **$200 discount**. If an open-box option is appealing, Best Buy offers the same model for **$941.99**, a savings of **$357**. This tablet excels in both productivity and leisure, delivering a premium experience with its advanced M4 chip.

### AirPods: Savings on Audio

Audiophiles can take advantage of special offers on Apple’s AirPods. The **AirPods Pro 2** are currently priced at **$169**, reduced from **$249**, while the **AirPods 4** start at **$99.99**. These prices represent some of the lowest recorded this year, making it an ideal moment to enhance your audio setup.

### Apple Watch Series 10: Fitness and Fashion

For anyone considering a smartwatch gift, the **Apple Watch Series 10** is available with a **$100 discount**, starting at **$299**. This watch not only monitors fitness but also syncs effortlessly with other Apple devices, making it a versatile present for any dad aiming to remain active.

### Conclusion

This Father’s Day presents numerous chances to save on premium Apple products. Whether you’re buying for a tech-savvy father or treating yourself, these offers deliver fantastic value. Be sure to check stock and act promptly, as these discounts may be fleeting.

WhatsApp Unveils Advertising for Every User: Essential Information Disclosed

**WhatsApp Unveils In-App Advertising: Essential Insights**

WhatsApp has officially unveiled in-app advertising, a feature that has been long awaited. This recent advancement enables businesses to connect with users directly within the app, representing a notable change in the platform’s functioning. Below is a summary of the new advertising options and their effects on user privacy.

### Varieties of Ads in WhatsApp

As detailed by Meta on the official WhatsApp blog, the advertising rollout is now accessible to all users. The ads will be integrated into the **Updates tab** of the app, showcasing the Stories-like ‘Status’ feature along with the Channels list. This indicates that ads will not be displayed in private chats, at least for now.

The advertising experience in WhatsApp will closely mimic that of Instagram Stories, where users can engage with sponsored content in a similar manner. Moreover, users will encounter sponsored channels in the Channels list, offering businesses a new way to interact with potential clients.

### How Ads Will Reach Users

WhatsApp asserts that the ad feature has been developed with user privacy as a priority. Nonetheless, the platform will use certain aspects of personal data to customize the ads presented to users. According to WhatsApp’s blog post, the ads will be influenced by:

– Your location (country or city)
– Your preferred language
– The Channels you follow
– Your interactions with the ads you encounter

Additionally, if users have associated their WhatsApp account with the Accounts Center, ad preferences from other Meta services will also shape the ads shown in WhatsApp.

### Consequences for User Privacy

While WhatsApp contends that it has constructed the ad feature in the most privacy-conscious manner possible, the utilization of personal data raises concerns regarding user privacy. The targeting criteria indicate that users’ interactions and preferences will significantly influence the advertising experience. This may result in a more customized ad experience, but it also necessitates that users stay aware of how their data is being used.

### Prospects for Advertising on WhatsApp

Presently, the two types of ads launching in WhatsApp are the only ones announced. However, as the platform continues to progress, it will be intriguing to observe how advertising may broaden in the future. The introduction of ads aligns with other messaging platforms, such as Apple’s Messages app, which is rumored to be incorporating WhatsApp-like functionalities, potentially heightening competition in the messaging realm.

### Summary

The rollout of in-app advertising in WhatsApp signifies a new era for the platform, offering businesses fresh avenues to connect with users. While the emphasis on privacy is encouraging, users should remain vigilant regarding how their data is used to customize their ad experiences. As WhatsApp navigates this new terrain, monitoring how these modifications affect user engagement and privacy will be crucial.

macOS 26 Live Activities Feature with iPhone on iOS 18

Apple is poised to launch Live Activities on the Mac with the forthcoming release of macOS Tahoe 26 this autumn. A crucial point for users is that there is no need to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 26 for this functionality to operate.

As per details revealed during Apple’s WWDC25 session entitled “What’s new in widgets,” Live Activities from a connected iPhone will be available in the macOS menu bar, as long as the iPhone operates on iOS 18 or newer. This implies that users can reap the advantages of Live Activities without requiring an update to the latest iOS or installing further app upgrades.

### How will Mac Live Activities function?

The operation is akin to that of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, where a simplified incarnation of the Live Activity will surface in the Mac’s menu bar. Users can click on this icon to unveil an expanded view that mirrors what is displayed on the iPhone’s Lock Screen.

Choosing the expanded view will trigger iPhone Mirroring, enabling users to smoothly transition into the native app active on their iPhone directly from their Mac. This integration is designed to function automatically with any pre-existing Live Activity-enabled apps, indicating that developers do not need to amend any code for compatibility.

Apple further elaborates on this feature, mentioning that Live Activities from a paired iPhone will be present in macOS Tahoe. For example, a coffee order tracker Live Activity will show both the leading and trailing views in the menu bar. When users tap the Live Activity, the Lock Screen display from the iPhone will materialize, and clicking on it will initiate the corresponding app through iPhone Mirroring. This feature allows for interaction and deep links, much like how iPhone widgets operate on macOS.

In conclusion, if you intend to upgrade your Mac to macOS Tahoe 26 but are unable to upgrade to iOS 26 on your iPhone, you can still utilize Live Activities as long as your iPhone is running iOS 18 or above.

iOS 26 Launches Capability to Duplicate Segments of Text Messages within Messages App

### A Minor but Long-Awaited Enhancement in iOS 26 Messages

With the forthcoming launch of iOS 26, Apple is rolling out a long-desired quality-of-life enhancement for Messages: the capability to copy only a portion of a message rather than the whole message bubble. This functionality addresses a considerable restriction that users have experienced up to this point.

#### How It Works Currently

Previously, copying text in iMessage on an iPhone required users to capture the entire message bubble, with no option to highlight or extract a particular section. This limitation often resulted in tedious workarounds. Users would drag the complete message into the compose field to manually select the required text or would take screenshots and employ OCR tools to retrieve the relevant fragment.

With iOS 26, the procedure is about to change. To take advantage of the new feature, users can long-press on a message, then select “Select” from the pop-up menu. This permits highlighting precisely the part of the text they wish to copy. Users can then opt for functions such as Copy, Look up, or Translate. Furthermore, tapping the arrow offers additional choices, including Search the web, Speak, and Share the highlighted segment.

This update brings iMessage in line with other well-known messaging applications like Telegram and WhatsApp, which have already integrated similar functionalities. The ability to copy specific parts of messages is especially beneficial for longer texts that include lists or detailed instructions, allowing users to extract only the information they require.

Apple has declared that the official rollout of iOS 26 is anticipated this fall, with the initial public beta scheduled to launch in July. This small yet significant improvement is certain to enhance the messaging experience for iPhone users.

Apple Music Executive Evaluates Spotify’s Free Tier as a Significant Error for the Music Sector, Underscores Music as an Artistic Expression

**Apple’s Position on Music Streaming: Advocating for Paid Models**

In a recent discussion with David Israelite, president of the National Music Publishers’ Association, Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president, conveyed his views on the current landscape of the music industry, especially concerning the dominance of free music streaming platforms. Schusser, who oversees Apple Music, TV+, and sports content endeavors, articulated his conviction that providing music for free represents a major error that devalues music as an artistic expression.

Schusser’s remarks capture a wider apprehension within the music sector regarding the effects of ad-supported free tiers offered by rivals like Spotify and Amazon Music. He remarked, “I think it’s insane that 20 years in, we still provide music at no cost. It’s a grave mistake … As a company, we perceive music as art, and we would never wish to distribute art for free.” This viewpoint highlights the necessity of treating music with the same regard as other artistic mediums, which generally entail payment for access.

Apple Music sets itself apart by not providing a free tier, a choice Schusser credits not to financial motives but to a dedication to valuing music. He observed, “we’re the sole service that lacks a free tier, and that’s not due to monetary reasons or anything. We do not have a free service and we will not introduce one. We have no intentions of offering one.” This position resonates with Apple’s overarching business strategy, which has traditionally emphasized premium products and services over advertising revenue.

Drawing an analogy to Apple TV+, Schusser pointed out the success of the series “Severance,” which necessitated payment for access. He contended that the presence of free music services commodifies music and reduces its artistic significance, a sentiment that struck a chord with the audience of music publishers who have been outspoken about dwindling royalties from streaming services.

While Schusser’s statements were warmly received by music publishers, they also mirror Apple’s strategic focus. The company has faced challenges with advertising-driven business models, making a case for paid subscriptions increasingly attractive. Conversely, Spotify supports its free tier by asserting it introduces new listeners to music, ultimately converting these audiences to paid subscribers. They claim to compensate artists billions, more than any other platform, spotlighting a differing method of monetizing music.

As the dialogue around free versus paid music streaming persists, Schusser’s comments illuminate a vital discussion regarding the worth of music and the industry’s sustainability. The conversation is poised to develop as streaming services respond to shifting consumer preferences and the persistent issues surrounding artist compensation.

Apple Improves One-Time Code Autofill Functionality in iOS 26

Apple is perpetually refining its software, with one of the prominent features that has become indispensable for users being the autofill capability for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. This functionality is poised for further enhancement with the impending launches of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe this autumn.

### Autofill Extending to External Messaging, Email, and Browser Applications

Apple’s autofill function for one-time verification codes has revolutionized the landscape, particularly as a growing number of websites and applications adopt two-factor authentication for improved security. The ease of autofilling these codes has prompted higher usage among Apple device users.

At present, the autofill capability can extract SMS codes from Apple’s Messages application and accommodates 2FA codes within Apple Mail. These codes conveniently show up above the iOS keyboard and are automatically erased post-use. On the Mac, this feature is accessible through Text Message Forwarding, though it is confined to Safari.

With the rollout of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple is broadening this functionality to external applications, representing a notable upgrade. The initial betas of these operating systems showcase three key advancements:

1. **Recognition of SMS Codes in External Messaging Applications**: Users can now autofill SMS codes obtained from third-party messaging applications, extending beyond just Apple’s Messages.

2. **Compatibility with Third-Party Email Applications**: The autofill feature will also cover 2FA codes received in widely used email applications like Gmail, simplifying secure logins for users.

3. **Autofill in External Browsers on Mac**: Users will have the ability to utilize the autofill feature in third-party browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, which was previously limited to Safari.

These enhancements are anticipated to considerably bolster user experience, especially the capacity to autofill codes from Gmail and other prevalent messaging applications on iPhones. The macOS Tahoe update is especially significant, as it permits the autofill function to operate in browsers outside of Safari, a preference for many users.

As Apple persists in its innovative efforts, the extension of the autofill feature to encompass third-party applications in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe is a promising advancement. Users can anticipate a more fluid and secure login process across diverse platforms.

iOS 18.6 Beta Launch Anticipated Soon After Build Number Disclosure

### iOS 18.6 Expected to be the Last Significant Update Before iOS 26 Launches

Apple has recently redirected its attention towards iOS 26, which was unveiled during WWDC. However, prior to the arrival of the next major release, there are signs that iOS 18 will see one last impactful update: iOS 18.6. A trustworthy source from a private X account has hinted that the initial beta version of iOS 18.6 is anticipated to be launched shortly, with the build number 22G5054d.

Although a specific release date for the iOS 18.6 beta has yet to be revealed, the track record of the source indicates that it could happen very soon. Like many updates towards the end of an operating system’s life cycle, the emphasis will likely be on fixing bugs and improving performance rather than rolling out innovative new features.

One rumored addition is the introduction of Apple Intelligence support in China. Earlier reports suggested that this feature was delayed due to trade issues between the U.S. and China, but it seems that regulatory obstacles may have been cleared, enabling Apple to proceed.

While users can expect stability and slight advancements, significant changes are not anticipated in this update. Once the iOS 18.6 beta is released, users on iOS 18.5 will have the option to either try the new beta or upgrade to the upcoming iOS 26.

As excitement builds for the iOS 18.6 beta, numerous users are left pondering whether they will take part in testing this update.

Effortlessly Get Spotify Playlists on Your Apple Watch

**Spotify Improves Download Functionality for Apple Watch and Other Devices**

For dedicated Spotify users, the enjoyment of music while on the move has become significantly smoother. A new feature permits users to remotely queue downloads of their preferred playlists to their Apple Watch or other Apple devices, removing the inconvenience of manual downloads prior to heading out for a walk, run, or bike ride.

In the past, Spotify permitted users to download playlists to a maximum of five devices, but each device required individual management. Although the company had rolled out a feature to manage Apple Watch downloads from an iPhone, the most recent update greatly enhances this functionality. Now, users can initiate downloads from any Apple device, including an iPhone or iPad, and the playlists will automatically download the next time Spotify is launched on the Apple Watch.

As reported by Engadget, this feature is especially advantageous for Premium subscribers. It allows users to begin downloads on one device for another, making it easy for those preparing for a trip or simply wanting to guarantee their playlists are accessible offline across various devices. This capability extends beyond just the Apple Watch; it also accommodates Wear OS devices, widening the availability for smartwatch users.

With the introduction of a “Manage Downloads” button for every playlist, users can effortlessly identify which devices have the music ready for offline listening. This increased clarity streamlines the management of music across devices, ensuring that users can relish their favorite tracks without interruptions.

The deployment of this feature is anticipated to occur worldwide over the coming weeks, promising to enhance the Spotify experience for users who depend on their devices for music during their daily routines. As Spotify continues to innovate, the integration of such features not only boosts user convenience but also strengthens the platform’s dedication to delivering a seamless listening experience.