Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Safari 26.4: New Enhancements, Corrections, and Retirements

An update on Apple’s WebKit blog underscores the new enhancements, corrections, and a retirement present in Safari 26.4’s WebKit. This version aims to improve the web development experience by responding to developer input and refining existing features.

#### Key Features

As stated by Jen Simmons, Apple Evangelist with the Web Developer Experience team, the update comprises:

– **44 New Enhancements**: The standout addition is **CSS Grid Lanes**, which simplifies the process of developing intricate visual galleries and layouts.
– **WebTransport Compatibility**: This feature provides a contemporary substitute for WebSocket, facilitating low-latency experiences for applications such as multiplayer games and real-time collaboration tools.
– **Keyboard Lock API**: This new API improves support for keyboard shortcuts, enabling web applications to capture specific keyboard inputs that are typically controlled by the browser. This is especially advantageous for games and creative applications that need oversight over key actions.

#### Retirement

The update includes the elimination of the deprecated `FontFaceSet` constructor from the CSS Font Loading API, in accordance with a conclusion from the CSS Working Group that regarded it as unnecessary.

#### Corrections

Safari 26.4 resolves a total of **191 issues**, enhancing the performance of SVG, tables, MathML, CSS Zoom, and other domains, thereby improving overall browser reliability and efficiency.

For further detailed insights on the updates and features in Safari 26.4, you can check out the [WebKit blog](https://webkit.org/blog/17862/webkit-features-for-safari-26-4/).

Apple Music has collaborated with Ticketmaster and Bandsintown to improve the concert discovery journey for its users. This partnership enables Apple Music to highlight forthcoming concerts aligned with users’ listening preferences, offering quick links for ticket purchases.

Following the recent iOS 26.4 update, Apple Music has rolled out features that allow users to find shows nearby from artists they follow. Concert dates will now automatically populate on artist profiles and in a new Concerts tab within the Search feature, simplifying the process for fans seeking live music events.

Bandsintown has indicated that artists can leverage the Bandsintown for Artists platform to display concert details in two primary sections on Apple Music: an “Upcoming Concerts” area on artist pages for those touring, and a Concerts Tab where fans can explore events by location, genre, and date. Moreover, venues, festivals, and promoters enrolled in Bandsintown Pro will see their events highlighted on Apple Music.

This integration also permits Apple Music to dispatch push notifications about local events customized to users’ listening habits. The collaboration with Ticketmaster further enriches this experience by building on their existing partnership, which already featured event listings across multiple Apple services. Users can now conveniently purchase tickets directly through a new “Get Tickets” button when viewing concert listings on Apple Music.

To utilize these features, users must have an active Apple Music subscription, priced at $10.99 per month, which includes a one-month free trial.

OpenAI has declared the termination of its second iPhone application, Sora, which debuted in September amidst considerable excitement. In contrast to the highly successful ChatGPT, Sora has had difficulty attracting users, prompting OpenAI’s choice to retire the app.

Sora was crafted as a platform for AI video creation, providing users with tools to produce videos from text prompts and a social media feed for content sharing. However, the app encountered major obstacles, especially following OpenAI’s enforcement of stricter regulations regarding intellectual property usage. These limitations curtailed the app’s functionality and attractiveness, ultimately leading to its demise.

In a recent update on X, OpenAI thanked the users who interacted with Sora, recognizing the disappointment associated with its shutdown. The company mentioned that more information regarding the app’s discontinuation and the retention of user-generated content would be forthcoming.

Reports indicate that OpenAI is redirecting its attention away from video AI models, with the Wall Street Journal confirming the wider cessation of these initiatives. Instead, the company is said to be focusing on creating a “super app” that would amalgamate various tools, including ChatGPT, Codex, and its struggling Atlas web browser.

Sora’s inclusion in OpenAI’s lineup seemed a bit out of context, as it appeared to be more of a novelty than a genuine production tool. Despite its initial charm, the app did not garner the necessary user engagement for sustainability. Furthermore, a licensing agreement with Disney, which was part of Sora’s strategy, has reportedly fallen apart due to the app’s unpopularity.

As OpenAI progresses, the discontinuation of Sora represents a notable shift in its strategy, underscoring the company’s dedication to building more cohesive and impactful tools within its ecosystem.

### Apple’s Update Series Continues

Apple has recently persisted in its practice of issuing updates throughout its product range, featuring new firmware for the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. This rollout occurs along with multiple other noteworthy updates for various operating systems and devices.

#### Latest Updates from Apple

In the last few hours, Apple has unveiled a number of updates:

– **iOS 26.4**, **iPadOS 26.4**, **macOS 26.4**, **watchOS 26.4**, **tvOS 26.4**, and **visionOS 26.4** have now been released, introducing new features and enhancements for iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and Apple Vision Pro devices.

– **Beta versions** for these operating systems have also been made available to developers and beta testers.

– Updates for older system iterations have been provided, including:
– iOS 18.7.7
– iPadOS 18.7.7
– macOS 15.7.5
– macOS 14.8.5
– watchOS 8.8.2
– watchOS 5.3.10

– Firmware updates for **AirPods Pro 3**, **AirPods Pro 2**, and **AirPods 4** have also been part of this update batch.

#### Studio Display and Pro Display XDR Firmware Update

The newest firmware update for the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR is now accessible, though Apple has yet to disclose specific details regarding the modifications or improvements featured in Studio Display Firmware 26.4. Users can apply this update by connecting their display to a Mac and going to **System Settings > Software Update**.

If you possess a Studio Display or Pro Display XDR and observe any alterations or bug fixes post-installation of the new firmware, feedback is appreciated in the comments section.

### Conclusion

Apple’s dedication to frequent updates guarantees that users take advantage of the latest features and enhancements across its devices. Keeping your devices up to date is crucial for optimal performance and security.

### iOS 26.4: Eight Fresh Emoji Introduced for iPhone

iOS 26.4 has been released today as the newest update for iPhone, bringing eight entirely new emoji for users. These additions enrich the emoji collection, allowing for more expressive interactions across different platforms.

#### New Emoji in iOS 26.4

The Unicode Consortium, responsible for approving new emoji annually, has officially included these eight emoji in iOS 26.4:

– **Ballet Dancer**
– **Distorted Face**
– **Fight Cloud**
– **Hairy Creature**
– **Landslide**
– **Orca**
– **Trombone**
– **Treasure Chest**

These emoji received approval last summer as part of the iOS 26 batch but are now available for iPhone users. They adhere to the cross-platform emoji standard, enabling users to send and receive them seamlessly across various messaging platforms, including Android devices.

#### Future Emoji

For those curious about what’s on the horizon, possible candidates for iOS 27 include gestures such as left and right thumb signs, a meteor, a squinting smiley face, an eraser, and more. Although they have yet to be approved, they are under consideration for upcoming updates.

With the launch of iOS 26.4, users can anticipate a more colorful and expressive method of communication through emoji.

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

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**Engagement and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback. They can get in touch via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave a rating for the podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Overcast to assist others in discovering the show.

**Conclusion**

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### WhatsApp Keeps Enhancing Its Liquid Glass Aesthetic Before a Wider Launch

The newest beta iteration of WhatsApp for iOS has unveiled hints of a revamped voice player interface, showcasing components influenced by Apple’s Liquid Glass design. This enhancement is part of WhatsApp’s continuous efforts to improve the application’s appearance and functionality, ensuring it aligns with iOS 26.

Last October, reports from WABetaInfo revealed that WhatsApp had begun a limited rollout of its updated interface, which featured the Liquid Glass visual style. Nevertheless, this rollout was limited, and most users are still using the former interface layout.

In spite of this constrained rollout, WhatsApp is actively refining its application. The most recent beta version includes signs of a revised voice notes player that will incorporate Liquid Glass features. This new player is crafted to deliver a hovering, translucent interface that harmonizes perfectly with the overall app aesthetics. Users will be able to listen to voice messages without any visual interruption, improving the clarity and cohesion of the playback experience.

At present, when a user plays a voice note and leaves the chat, WhatsApp shows a banner at the top of the display with basic playback controls, like a progress bar, play/pause toggle, and a cancel playback option. The new design seeks to enhance this experience by presenting a playback bar that corresponds with the Liquid Glass motif.

Although this feature is still in development and not accessible to beta testers, its presence in the TestFlight build implies that Meta is dedicated to refining the app prior to a wider launch of the Liquid Glass interface.

As users look forward to the rollout of these enhancements, many are eager to know if they will soon have access to the Liquid Glass interface.

When Apple launches iOS 27 on June 8, the company may introduce the first specialized Siri application as part of the updated system. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has shared fresh insights regarding Apple’s next move in the realm of AI.

### Siri as a Separate App

Gurman has indicated that Apple is preparing an enhancement for Siri in iOS 27 that positions the virtual assistant more like an independent AI chatbot. Apple has collaborated with Google to utilize the competitor’s Gemini AI models to drive the forthcoming Siri and Apple Intelligence functionalities. Although Apple has yet to release any of these features, they were initially showcased at WWDC 2024.

Apple subsequently postponed its Personal Intelligence features beyond the iOS 18 release timeline. With iOS 26.4 now officially available, there is optimism for the introduction of the first Gemini-enabled Siri and Apple Intelligence functionalities in iOS 26.5.

In the meantime, Gurman notes that Apple has been experimenting with a separate app version of Siri. With iOS 27 imminent, this report suggests that we may witness this come to fruition in June. The dedicated Siri application is undergoing testing on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it is anticipated to function similarly to Messages while taking inspiration from current AI chat applications.

### A Fresh Siri Interface

The revamped Siri experience is expected to feature a new design. Apple last updated Siri as part of iOS 18, and the appearance has predominantly stayed the same through iOS 26. The upcoming Siri layout in iOS 27 on the iPhone is projected to include:

– Siri situated at the top of the screen within the Dynamic Island, the compact interface unveiled in 2022.
– Upon activation, Siri will prompt the user to “Search or Ask.”
– A pill-shaped indicator labeled “Searching” will show up while processing a request, accompanied by a glowing Siri icon.
– When results are available, the interface will extend into a larger translucent panel with Apple’s Liquid Glass design, permitting users to engage in a dialogue.

In addition to a Siri app and redesign, Gurman reports that Apple is seeking to integrate Siri throughout the system in innovative ways with an “Ask Siri” toggle. Apple is also expected to unveil a “Write with Siri” feature.

For additional insights, you can read the complete report at Bloomberg. As we approach WWDC season, Apple has confirmed the dates for its developer conference: June 8 through June 12.

Apple has recently introduced a set of software updates, including iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS 26.4, along with fresh firmware for several AirPods models. This update is notable as it aligns with the expected launch of the AirPods Max 2.

### Latest AirPods Firmware

The updated firmware version, **8B39**, has been made available for these AirPods models:

– AirPods Pro 3
– AirPods Pro 2
– AirPods 4

While there is speculation that the AirPods Max 2 may also be compatible with this firmware, official confirmation is still awaited.

### Features and Improvements

Apple has stated that certain functionalities of the newly launched AirPods Max 2 will necessitate the latest firmware in conjunction with iOS 26.4. Although iOS 26.4 does not introduce any particular features for AirPods, the firmware update is anticipated to improve overall performance and stability.

Currently, Apple has not released comprehensive notes regarding this firmware update. Generally, AirPods firmware updates concentrate on bug fixes and performance enhancements. Users can look forward to these updates improving their listening experience, even though specific changes have not yet been outlined.

### Installation Process

In contrast to other Apple devices, users cannot manually install firmware updates for AirPods. The update process takes place automatically under specific conditions, such as:

– The AirPods must be in proximity to a paired iPhone.
– The AirPods should be situated in their charging case.

This automatic update mechanism guarantees that users obtain the latest enhancements without the need for additional actions.

### User Feedback

Apple invites users to provide feedback about their experiences with the new firmware. Comments on any noticeable changes in performance or features are encouraged, as they assist the company in gauging user satisfaction and identifying improvement areas.

### Conclusion

The rollout of firmware 8B39 for AirPods signifies a crucial advancement in boosting the functionality and performance of Apple’s wireless audio devices. As users look forward to additional information and potential features associated with the forthcoming AirPods Max 2, the priority remains on ensuring that existing AirPods models consistently deliver a superior audio experience.

# iOS 26.4: Upgrades to CarPlay

Today, iOS 26.4 has been unveiled, bringing major improvements to CarPlay, featuring two new functionalities for users and setting the stage for forthcoming upgrades.

## AI Voice Assistant Applications

With the release of iOS 26.4, Apple has added support for a fresh category of applications: ‘voice-driven conversational apps.’ This update permits the integration of AI chatbots into CarPlay, allowing users to engage with assistants like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude while on the road.

To maintain safety, Apple has established clear prerequisites for these AI applications. They must initiate directly in voice mode and are restricted from showing text or visuals to reduce distractions. Presently, users are unable to set another AI assistant as their default in place of Siri.

This update is particularly notable for users who often utilize third-party AI assistants, improving the capabilities of CarPlay during driving.

## New Ambient Music Widget

Alongside AI voice assistant support, iOS 26.4 presents a new widget for CarPlay: the Ambient Music widget. This addition enables users to explore mood playlists for Chill, Productivity, Sleep, or Wellbeing, mirroring the options found on the iPhone Home Screen.

To set up the Ambient Music widget, users can go to Settings ⇾ General ⇾ CarPlay ⇾ Widgets on their iPhone. This enhancement reflects Apple’s dedication to broadening widget functionality within CarPlay.

## Coming Soon: Video Functionality in the Car

Apple has also teased the forthcoming introduction of video support in CarPlay, a feature that was supposed to debut with iOS 26.0 but ultimately did not. Insights from the iOS 26.4 beta cycle imply that this feature is approaching, with developers already showcasing its potential layout.

Nevertheless, Apple has yet to confirm if video support will feature in the final release of iOS 26.4. Should it be launched, a gradual rollout is anticipated, pending approvals from automakers for their vehicles.

## Conclusion

The enhancements in iOS 26.4 represent a significant leap for CarPlay, especially with the advent of AI voice assistant applications and the Ambient Music widget. As Apple progresses in developing new features, users can anticipate improved functionality and ease of use while driving.