AllYouCanTech

Apple TV+ Introduces Fresh Music Battle Contest Incorporating K-Pop Elements

Apple TV+ is poised to introduce a distinctive music competition called “KPOPPED,” debuting on August 29. This eight-episode series brings together a mix of global music superstars, such as Megan Thee Stallion and PSY, along with a varied roster of guest artists. The program seeks to remix and reinterpret beloved hits in collaboration with K-pop acts like Billlie, ITZY, and Kep1er.

Led by comedian Soojeong Son, recognized for her performances in “Search Party” and “Servant,” “KPOPPED” was captured in front of a live audience and will drop all episodes at once, appealing to K-pop fans in search of an exciting binge-watching adventure.

The competition features an inventive format that fuses Western pop culture with the dynamic universe of K-pop, offering a novel perspective on the talent show format. The “KPOPPED” trailer can be watched, sparking anticipation for its forthcoming release.

Apple TV+ subscriptions are available at $9.99 monthly, granting access to a range of popular series and films, including “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “The Morning Show.”

Apple推出tvOS 26和watchOS 26的公开测试版2

**Apple Unveils New Public Betas for tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and HomePod 26**

Earlier this week, Apple introduced a fresh batch of developer betas, presenting tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and HomePod 26. Following this, the company has also made public beta versions available for individuals enrolled in Apple’s public beta initiative. Here’s what participants can look forward to with these updates.

### Summary of the New Public Betas

For participants in Apple’s public beta initiative, new software updates are now ready for installation across the complete array of compatible devices, excluding visionOS, which currently does not have a public beta. Apple generally adheres to a sequence of initially issuing developer builds, followed closely by the public beta versions typically within a day or two. This approach aids in pinpointing and addressing any significant bugs before the software is released to a broader audience.

### Stability and Minor Adjustments

The public betas launched today are anticipated to be consistent with the developer versions that were released previously. After several days of usage, feedback suggests that the alterations in tvOS and watchOS 26 seem to be minimal in this latest beta iteration. This aligns with expectations, as Apple typically concentrates on enhancing stability and minimizing bugs during this phase of the development cycle, especially as the company gears up for a major fall rollout.

### What Lies Ahead?

As summer moves forward, it’s likely that Apple will transition its emphasis from rolling out new features or design modifications to honing the existing software, ensuring it is stable and user-friendly by the time the official launch occurs. Users seeking comprehensive updates regarding the new features and enhancements in Apple’s various OS releases can consult specialized articles that summarize the recent changes.

### User Feedback

Apple invites users to share their experiences and any noticeable alterations they detect in the latest betas for watchOS and tvOS 26. Community feedback can be crucial in recognizing issues and improving the overall user experience.

### Final Thoughts

With the introduction of public betas for tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and HomePod 26, Apple remains engaged with its user community in the development process. As users test these updates, the emphasis stays on stability and performance, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming fall launch.

iOS 26 Beta Unveils New Apple Maps Functionality with Possible Practical Advantages

# Apple Maps Introduces AI-Enhanced Natural Language Search in iOS 26

Apple Maps is poised to revolutionize its user interface with the launch of AI-enhanced natural language search in iOS 26. This feature, permitting users to search via conversational phrases, is currently accessible in the iOS 26 beta version, offering a sneak peek into the upcoming advancements in navigation and location services.

## Launch of Natural Language Search

Recent code disclosures suggested that Apple has been developing natural language search functionalities for Apple Maps. This innovation allows users to pose queries in a more natural way, such as “Locate cafes with complimentary Wi-Fi,” instead of depending on conventional keyword searches. This enhancement is in line with Apple’s overarching aim to boost user engagement throughout its ecosystem via AI-driven features.

## Functionality

The new search capability enables users to articulate their inquiries as they would in regular dialogue. For example, during a test of the feature, a user might input “Coffee shops close to Disney World that offer Wi-Fi,” and the app would effectively interpret and deliver relevant results. This function is powered by Apple Intelligence, which has already been successfully utilized in other Apple applications like Photos, Music, TV, and the App Store.

## User Experience

Early feedback regarding the AI-enhanced search in Apple Maps shows a substantial improvement compared to the former search features. Users have indicated that the results are more pertinent and customized to their individual preferences, enhancing the efficiency of navigation and location exploration.

## Summary

The rollout of natural language search in Apple Maps marks a significant advancement in refining user experience. As this feature becomes more widely available, it is anticipated to change the way users engage with the app, simplifying the process of locating places and services. For those exploring the iOS 26 beta, the new search functionality is likely to be a noteworthy enhancement to their mapping experience.

macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 2 Released: Installation Instructions Provided

After a distribution setback, Apple is now launching macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2. Here’s how you can install it and what to look forward to.

## First and foremost: *should* you go for the beta?

You likely understand the routine: Betas can be erratically buggy. Even if something functions correctly in one release, it doesn’t ensure it will in the next. Just this week, developer beta 5 disrupted compatibility with the timer app I utilize on the menu bar, which had worked seamlessly in previous betas. I’ve also encountered intermittent issues with Finder freezing for a few seconds after switching spaces.

Naturally, your experience may differ. However, if you choose to install the beta, strongly consider [Apple’s recommendation](https://beta.apple.com/faq) to “install it on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac.” Otherwise, ensure you back up your Mac prior to making the transition.

## Steps to install macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2

To get started, the first step is to register for Apple’s public beta program at [https://beta.apple.com/](https://beta.apple.com/). Once completed, follow these instructions:

1. Access System Settings
2. Navigate to General ⇾ Software Update
3. Click the ‘i’ icon adjacent to Beta Updates
4. In the dropdown menu at the top-right, select the macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta
5. Press ‘Done’

## Expected features from macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2

If past patterns hold true, today’s public beta mirrors yesterday’s developer beta 5. That implies you’ll receive a few new system icons, including the redesigned Macintosh HD, which replaced the illustration of a classic spinning hard disk drive with a contemporary SSD design.

Besides that, Apple appears to have utilized this release to focus on backend enhancements and bug remedies, rather than introducing additional user-facing updates, as was done with iOS 26 developer beta 5.

Nonetheless, if you’re currently using an older macOS version and opt to install macOS Tahoe 26 public beta 2, you’ll experience the new Liquid Glass aesthetics, desktop widgets, an enhanced customizable control center, iPhone Live Activities on the menu bar through Continuity, a revamped and more powerful Spotlight, and a lot more.

For a summary of 9to5Mac’s public beta announcements, take a look at these articles:

Are you utilizing the public beta? How has your experience been? Share with us in the comments.

### Mac offers on Amazon

*FTC: We utilize income-earning auto affiliate links.*

iOS 26 Brings Advanced Functionalities in Notes App for Better Tool Utilization

### Apple Notes in iOS 26: An Enhanced Tool with a Dynamic Toolbar

Apple Notes has transformed remarkably from its original form as a basic note-taking app. With every update, especially in iOS 26, it has brought a variety of features that elevate its performance, enabling it to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the top third-party applications out there. Nonetheless, the incorporation of new functionalities introduces the potential for feature overload, which might confuse users. Apple has tackled this issue with a creative approach utilizing a dynamic toolbar.

#### Progression of Apple Notes

Originally, Apple Notes was meant to be a simple tool for capturing quick ideas. As time went on, Apple acknowledged the app’s possibilities and started integrating more sophisticated features, evolving it into a powerful productivity instrument. Nowadays, users can generate checklists, tables, and employ advanced formatting choices, rendering it a flexible option for diverse note-taking requirements.

#### The Issue of Feature Overload

As apps become more intricate, they frequently encounter the problem of feature overload, where a plethora of options can create a messy and perplexing user experience. Apple Notes has succeeded in preserving a harmony between ease of use and functionality, ensuring that users can navigate the app effortlessly despite its growing features.

#### Launch of the Dynamic Toolbar in iOS 26

With the arrival of iOS 26, Apple has unveiled an updated toolbar that improves the user journey. The new dynamic toolbar boasts a total of 18 buttons, with the initial six remaining unchanged from the earlier version. Users can now swipe side to side to reveal further tools, making it simpler to uncover the features they require without inundating them with choices.

The adaptable quality of the toolbar is especially impressive. When users are composing or modifying text, the toolbar adjusts in real-time to showcase the most pertinent tools related to their ongoing task. For example, if a user is editing regular text, the toolbar will display options like bold, italics, underline, and highlight. If several lines of text are selected, the toolbar will change to reveal choices for indenting, outdenting, and creating lists.

This thoughtful design empowers users to concentrate on their writing without the interruption of excessive tools, simplifying the note-taking experience. While the complete array of tools remains reachable through swiping, the dynamic feature lessens the need to sift through countless options.

#### Final Thoughts

The rollout of the dynamic toolbar in Apple Notes for iOS 26 signifies a substantial improvement in the app’s functionality. By emphasizing relevant tools based on user interactions, Apple has successfully reduced the challenges tied to feature overload while elevating the overall experience. As users delve deeper into Apple Notes’ functionalities, the dynamic toolbar is poised to become a preferred feature, rendering note-taking more effective and instinctive than ever before.

OpenAI Unveils Launch of GPT-5, the Newest Enhancement to ChatGPT

OpenAI has formally unveiled GPT-5, its newest cutting-edge model designed to enhance ChatGPT. This announcement comes on the heels of the launch of two open-weight models, one of which is compatible with the Mac, along with initiatives aimed at promoting healthier usage of ChatGPT this week.

## What is GPT-5?

Here’s what OpenAI has shared regarding GPT-5:

> Today we’re presenting [GPT‑5](https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5/), OpenAI’s most intelligent, swiftest, and most beneficial model to date, marking a significant advancement in centralizing intelligence for every business. GPT‑5 integrates and surpasses OpenAI’s previous achievements in frontier intelligence, encompassing 4o, OpenAI o-series reasoning, agents, and [advanced math](https://x.com/markchen90/status/1946571252937728307) functions. GPT‑5 offers substantial improvements in accuracy, speed, reasoning, contextual awareness, structured thought, and problem resolution. The genuine innovation will occur when companies begin leveraging GPT‑5 to envision new applications.

As OpenAI hinted earlier this year, GPT-5 is a cohesive model that encompasses abilities developed through several prior models:

> GPT‑5 operates as a unified system featuring a clever, efficient model aimed at answering most inquiries, a deeper reasoning component (GPT‑5 thinking) for complex challenges, and a real-time router that rapidly determines which model to utilize based on the type of conversation, complexity, tool requirements, and your explicit intent (for instance, if you instruct “think hard about this” in your prompt). The router is constantly refined using real data, such as user model switches, preference rates for responses, and assessed accuracy, enhancing over time. When usage caps are met, a mini version of each model will take over remaining queries. In the near future, we aim to consolidate these features into a singular model.

OpenAI will phase out its former models in favor of this new, integrated frontier model. GPT-5 is deemed a more efficient and accurate model by OpenAI:

> In our assessments, GPT‑5 (with thinking) outperforms OpenAI o3 with 50-80% fewer output tokens across capabilities, including visual reasoning, agentic coding, and graduate-level scientific problem-solving. GPT‑5 is considerably less prone to hallucination compared to our prior models. With web search activated on anonymized prompts reflective of ChatGPT production traffic, GPT‑5’s responses are approximately 45% less likely to include a factual inaccuracy compared to GPT‑4o, and when engaged in thinking, GPT‑5’s responses are about 80% less likely to have a factual error than OpenAI o3.

Importantly, GPT-5 is now the standard model employed by ChatGPT:

> GPT‑5 is the new default for ChatGPT, replacing GPT‑4o, OpenAI o3, OpenAI o4-mini, GPT‑4.1, and GPT‑4.5 for users who are signed in. Simply access ChatGPT and pose your query; GPT‑5 takes care of the rest, automatically applying reasoning when beneficial for the response. Paid subscribers can still opt for “GPT‑5 Thinking” from the model chooser or instruct something along the lines of ‘think hard about this’ in the prompt to ensure reasoning is utilized in generating responses.

OpenAI is also making its sophisticated voice chat mode accessible to all users. Free users can engage with the enhanced voice mode for extended periods, while Plus tier users have virtually no limitations now. ChatGPT is also introducing new personalization features. For instance, conversations can feature personalized color settings. ChatGPT personality options are on the way as well.

## GPT-5 Availability

OpenAI states that GPT-5 is available as of today for ChatGPT Team, Pro, Plus, and free tier users, as well as through the OpenAI API. Paid users will enjoy more extensive access, while free users will receive GPT-5 mini upon reaching usage thresholds.

Enterprise and Edu customers will gain access next week. GPT-5 Pro, which OpenAI refers to as “a version with enhanced reasoning for more reliable and in-depth responses,” will soon be made available to Team, Enterprise, and Edu customers.

Find out more about GPT-5 from OpenAI’s

Public Beta 2 of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Launched

# iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Beta 2: Essential Information

Apple has officially introduced the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta, adhering to its self-imposed deadline for July. This release continues the trend of offering four developer betas instead of the typical three, indicating a dedication to perfecting its software prior to the final launch.

## iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Beta 2

For those keen to experience the newest features, accessing the second public beta is simple. Just head over to the Settings app, choose the General section, and then tap on Software Update to search for the over-the-air updates for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 2.

This second public beta comes after the fifth developer beta, and Apple is expected to unveil the final versions of iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0 in September. Along with these, we might also witness updates like iOS 26.0.1 or even an iOS 26.1 developer beta.

The iOS 26 public beta 2 is anticipated to reflect the features found in the fifth developer beta. Users can expect several improvements, including:

– A new option to change the Camera mode swipe direction.
– The reappearance of the Select button in the Mail app.
– A refreshed AirDrop icon.
– Various other minor tweaks and enhancements.

For those wishing to take part in the public beta, signing up is straightforward and free. Visit

iPhone 17 Case Reveals, Modifications in iOS 26 Beta 5, and Tim Cook’s Perspectives on AI

### Apple News Update: iOS 26 Beta 5 and Beyond

In the latest installment of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller explore the newest updates within the Apple ecosystem, centering on the release of iOS 26 beta 5. This update has ignited conversations among users due to a significant alteration in the Camera app, where Apple has chosen to retain the reversed scroll direction, a feature that has baffled many.

#### Main Points from iOS 26 Beta 5

– **Reversed Scroll Direction in Camera App**: Users have voiced their bewilderment over Apple’s choice to stick with the reversed scroll direction in the Camera app. This modification has elicited a range of responses, with some users valuing the consistency while others find it unintuitive.

– **iPhone 17 Case Rumors**: New leaks indicate that Apple is set to introduce lanyard holes in its silicone cases for the iPhone 17. This innovation marks a first for Apple, potentially enabling users to attach lanyards for easier handling and convenience.

– **Tim Cook’s AI Vision**: In a recent speech to staff and investors, Tim Cook shared an optimistic perspective on Apple’s trajectory in artificial intelligence. His address highlighted the company’s dedication to embedding AI throughout its product offerings, aiming to enhance user experience and sustain a competitive edge.

#### Happy Hour Plus Discussion

In the podcast’s extended segment, Benjamin and Chance discuss the uncertain future of the default search agreement between Apple and Google. This collaboration has been a major revenue driver for Apple, and any alterations could significantly impact both companies.

#### Hosts

– **Chance Miller**: An experienced tech journalist focusing on Apple products and services.
– **Benjamin Mayo**: A specialist in Apple news and analysis, offering insights into the latest trends and updates.

#### Subscribe, Rate, and Review

Listeners are invited to subscribe to the 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus for an ad-free experience, exclusive pre- and post-show content, and bonus episodes. Subscriptions are offered at $5 per month or $50 annually.

#### Feedback and Interaction

Listeners can interact with the hosts by submitting questions via Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, or by emailing feedback to [email protected].

For more insights and updates, visit

Current Promotions: M3 iPad Air Reduced by $150, Alongside Deals on iPad Mini 7, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, and Additional Items

### Current Apple Gear Discounts: An In-Depth Analysis

In the newest installment of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break, a remarkable assortment of next-generation Apple items is presently being offered at unmatched prices. This article will outline the top bargains on the M3 iPad Air collection, iPad mini 7, MacBook Air/Pro, and various accessories.

#### M3 iPad Air Collection: Record-Breaking Prices

The M3 iPad Air collection has experienced extraordinary price cuts, featuring discounts of **$150 off** on different models. Retailers such as Amazon and Target are promoting these offers, with prices commencing as low as **$449.99** for the 11-inch version. The 13-inch versions are also priced competitively, with the lowest being **$649 shipped**.

– **11-inch M3 iPad Air**: From **$449.99**
– **13-inch M3 iPad Air**: From **$649**

Both retailers have a variety of colors and storage choices, although Target presently provides a more extensive selection.

#### iPad Mini 7: Up to $100 Off

The new iPad mini 7 is witnessing considerable price reductions, with costs declining by **$100** on all storage sizes and colors. Discounts begin at **$399 shipped**. While Amazon has a limited assortment, Target offers a wider variety of configurations.

– **iPad mini 7**: From **$399**

This version is noted for its budget-friendliness while accommodating advanced features like Apple Intelligence.

#### MacBook Air/Pro Price Cuts

The M4 MacBook Air and Pro series are also part of the current promotions, showcasing significant price reductions. The M4 Mac mini is being offered at one of the best prices on record, with the 24GB model priced at **$699** and higher configurations benefiting from discounts of up to **$200 off**.

#### Accessories and Charging Offers

Alongside the primary product discounts, a range of accessories and charging options are also available at appealing prices. These offers can enhance the overall Apple experience, making it an opportune time to invest in additional equipment.

#### Apple Watch Series 10: $100 Off

Amazon has various configurations of the Apple Watch Series 10 available at **$100 off** the standard price. The smaller models start at **$299 shipped**, whereas the 46mm version is offered for **$329**. This reduction signifies one of the best prices since the last Prime Day.

### Conclusion

With these significant discounts across a broad array of Apple products, now is the perfect moment for consumers to contemplate upgrading their devices. Whether in search of the latest iPad, a robust MacBook, or a fashionable Apple Watch, the current sales present noteworthy savings that are not to be overlooked.

Influence of macOS 26 Icon Approach on Mac Users Versus Developers

# macOS Tahoe: Icon Modifications and User Feedback

In discussions surrounding iOS 26, Liquid Glass and clarity have garnered significant attention regarding the iPhone’s software overhaul. Conversely, the updates to app icons on the Mac have elicited strong reactions from macOS Tahoe users. One specific alteration arguably complicates Mac usability.

## Transitioning from Finder to Macintosh HD

The shift began with the app anchored in the first slot of the Dock: Finder. Apple abandoned years of tradition in macOS 26 beta 1 by reversing the standard color scheme of the blue and white Finder face(s) icon. Fortunately, this was corrected in the second developer beta.

More recently, it’s the lesser-seen Macintosh HD icon alteration that has ignited a reaction. In macOS 26 developer beta 5, Apple replaced the traditional icon featuring a detailed spinning platter hard disk drive.

While the icon was visually appealing, the metaphor became outdated when Apple transitioned to solid state drives. However, by that rationale, it could be deemed equally unreasonable to utilize a vintage telephone glyph for the Phone icon, but let’s not delve too deeply into this.

To enhance accuracy, Macintosh HD should ideally be labeled as Mac SSD or Apple Drive since it’s not actually a hard disk drive. I’m not inclined to support modernizing the name for fear of losing the final official reference to the Mac’s complete title.

There are two primary grievances that resonate regarding the new Macintosh HD icon.

Firstly, Mac users find it perplexing why the drive features holes. The USB-C shaped hole is somewhat logical, but the three headphone jack-shaped holes appear merely decorative rather than functional. Of course, a more literal Mac disk icon would resemble a computer chip rather than resembling a typical Samsung external SSD — but with holes.

The second common piece of feedback is the inconsistency in the perspective of the drive icon compared to the Apple logo. The drive is angled to display the top and front, while the Apple logo seems to depict the drive viewed from directly above.

I must admit, my initial response was “oh, cool, Apple should market that as an external SSD,” but then I remembered, Apple’s internal SSD upgrade costs are enough to deter me.

## Mac Users Can “Adjust” Drive Icons

The Macintosh HD icon issue isn’t as pronounced as the Finder change, however.

For one, the Mac operating system does not show Macintosh HD on the desktop by default as it did in earlier versions. Thus, only users who opt to display it on the desktop will see it. You can toggle its visibility from Finder’s Settings panel.

macOS also permits customization of any drive icon, including Macintosh HD, so you can always keep the previous icon and revert if nostalgia strikes.

Conversely, Finder is permanently on the Dock and cannot be tailored by the user.

## Some Users Experience Blurry Icons

Aside from Finder and Macintosh HD, the Mac operating system does share some of the clarity discussions related to Liquid Glass on iOS and iPadOS. This is attributed to the glass layer effect employed on many of Apple’s app icons that are largely unified with those on the iPhone and iPad now.

While these icons appear more striking when enlarged, the intricate designs can seem blurry when reduced to practical sizes. The degree of blurriness largely depends on how effectively the icon can be perceived by the observer.

Someone with exceptional vision may manage to discern the level of detail at smaller sizes. I’ve never had stellar vision, and I’m certainly among those who view Apple’s new icon style as somewhat unclear and straining to the eyes.

Apple’s initial attempt at the Photos app icon was the most egregious, although boosting the saturation improved it in recent betas. The most unfortunate occurrences, for me, involve the automatic modifications Apple is implementing on third-party app icons.

## Apple’s Gray Box Strategy Affects Mac Users

Apple aims to motivate developers to refresh their app icons for the new layered glass aesthetic. macOS Tahoe also confines every icon into a uniform squircle shape. App icons that utilize a different squircle or fall outside the boundaries of a rounded square are relegated to a gray box.

As with iOS 26, macOS Tahoe automatically applies a layered glass appearance to select third-party app icons. Slack and iA Writer are two examples within my Dock. Slack could benefit from a saturation boost to appear less blurry to me, and perhaps that adjustment will occur post-beta. Apple’s Numbers app icon also seems blurry and not at Retina quality due to the automatic effect, but hopefully, it will be refined when iWork apps receive updates for macOS 26.

Regarding the gray box that