AllYouCanTech

iOS 26.2 Brings Improved Notification Capabilities for iPhone Users

**iOS 26.2: New Features and Notification Improvements**

iOS 26.2 has been launched, bringing a multitude of updates and improvements to Apple’s system applications, along with a significant new feature for notifications designed to enhance the user experience.

### Main Features of iOS 26.2

The update introduces several notable modifications, including:

– **Reminders**: A new ‘Urgent’ alert feature that enables users to prioritize essential tasks.
– **Apple Podcasts**: The arrival of AI-generated chapters, enhancing the listening experience by facilitating navigation through episodes.
– **Apple News**: An updated interface that boosts both usability and design.
– **Apple Music**: The inclusion of offline lyrics, allowing users to sing along even without an internet connection.

### New Notification Feature: Screen Flash

Among the key new features in iOS 26.2 is the capability for the iPhone screen to flash brightly when notifications arrive. This function is especially useful for users who might overlook alerts due to visual or hearing challenges.

#### How to Activate Screen Flash for Notifications

To enable this feature, users can follow these steps:

1. Open the **Settings** application.
2. Go to **Accessibility**.
3. Tap on **Audio & Visual**.
4. Locate the setting labeled **Flash for Alerts**.

In this menu, users will find the option to use an LED flash for notifications, alongside the new ‘Screen’ option. Users can choose to enable only the screen flash, the LED flash, or both for optimal visibility.

When the ‘Screen’ flash is turned on, the iPhone display will light up brightly for a short moment upon receiving a notification, offering a clear alert, particularly when the always-on display is not active.

### Conclusion

The addition of the screen flash feature in iOS 26.2 provides a valuable alternative for users who may not possess an Apple Watch or prefer another notification method. This update, paired with the upgrades to various system applications, highlights Apple’s dedication to enhancing user accessibility and experience.

iPadOS 26.2 Released for iPad: Major Features and Enhancements

# Apple’s iPadOS 26.2: Key Enhancements and Features

Apple has officially launched its newest software update for the iPad, iPadOS 26.2, introducing a range of new features and enhancements that improve the user experience. This update signifies a major advancement, particularly in terms of multitasking abilities and app features.

## Significant Multitasking Improvement

One of the notable features of iPadOS 26.2 is the return of an essential multitasking tool that was previously found in iPadOS 18 but eliminated in the prior version, iPadOS 26.0. Users can now take advantage of drag and drop functionality to arrange apps in various multitasking configurations.

### Improved Drag and Drop Functionality

With this update, users can drag app icons from the dock or Spotlight results and place them in different areas of the screen. This creates a more intuitive multitasking environment. When users hold an app icon over the display, it transforms into various shapes, indicating possible layout options for dropping. Users can opt to launch an app in fullscreen, a half-screen Split View, or as a Slide Over window, offering greater adaptability in managing multiple applications at once.

## Other Features

In addition to multitasking improvements, iPadOS 26.2 unveils several other new features designed to enhance overall usability and functionality. While specific details on these features were not thoroughly addressed, users can anticipate a variety of enhancements that boost performance and streamline tasks.

## Conclusion

iPadOS 26.2 is anticipated to be the final major update for the iPad this year, with a potential beta release for iPadOS 26.3 on the horizon. The return of drag and drop multitasking is a welcomed addition for numerous users, and the extra features further enrich the iPad experience. As users delve into these new functionalities, feedback on the most intriguing features is welcomed.

9to5Mac Daily: December 12, 2025 – News on AirTag Speculations and Upcoming Shazam Enhancements

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

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, keeping up with the newest updates is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily provides a handy way to get up to speed on the day’s top stories, offering listeners informative commentary and analysis on Apple-related subjects.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that presents daily summaries of noteworthy news events within the Apple ecosystem. Each episode is produced on weekdays, guaranteeing that subscribers get prompt updates on everything from product debuts to software improvements and market trends. The podcast is accessible on multiple platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a dedicated [RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily).

**Content and Features**

Each edition of 9to5Mac Daily contains discussions about the most urgent topics within the Apple community. Listeners can look forward to updates on the newest product releases, software modifications, and insights into Apple’s business approaches. The podcast also features a section for listener contributions, fostering audience involvement and interaction.

For those seeking an enriched experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus provides extra perks, such as ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material. This subscription framework aids the creators and helps sustain the podcast’s quality.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

9to5Mac Daily frequently incorporates sponsorships that offer listeners exclusive deals. For instance, a recent promotion from Backblaze grants a 30% discount to listeners utilizing the code **9to5Xmas**. Such collaborations not only financially support the podcast but also deliver valuable resources to the audience.

**How to Subscribe and Listen**

To make sure you never skip an episode, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily is straightforward. You can discover the podcast on your preferred platform, whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or any other podcast application. This subscription ensures that fresh episodes are sent directly to your device as soon as they become available.

**Engagement and Community**

Listeners are invited to connect with the podcast by sharing their opinions and feedback. You can reach out via email at

Security Updates for Every Apple Operating System in Version 26.2

### Apple Unveils Security Updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS

Earlier today, Apple revealed the launch of important updates for its operating systems, which encompass iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. In conjunction with these updates, Apple has released comprehensive security information addressing a variety of vulnerabilities across its platforms.

#### Major Security Fixes

The updates incorporate essential corrections for several issues impacting the App Store, FaceTime, kernel, Messages, and WebKit. Notably, one vulnerability permitted harmful applications to detect other apps present on the user’s device.

#### In-Depth Vulnerabilities and Corrections

1. **App Store**
– **Impact**: Apps could potentially access sensitive payment tokens.
– **Fix**: Mitigated with extra restrictions.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-46288

2. **AppleJPEG**
– **Impact**: Memory corruption could arise during file processing.
– **Fix**: Enhanced bounds checks.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43539

3. **Calling Framework**
– **Impact**: Possible spoofing of FaceTime caller ID.
– **Fix**: Advanced state management.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-46287

4. **curl**
– **Impact**: Multiple vulnerabilities found in curl.
– **Fix**: Resolved in open-source code.
– **CVE**: CVE-2024-7264, CVE-2025-9086

5. **FaceTime**
– **Impact**: Password fields may be inadvertently exposed.
– **Fix**: Enhanced state management.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43542

6. **Foundation**
– **Impact**: Unauthorized access to files through the spellcheck API.
– **Fix**: Improved verification processes.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43518

7. **Kernel**
– **Impact**: Potential for an app to gain root privileges.
– **Fix**: Resolved integer overflow with 64-bit timestamps.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-46285

8. **WebKit**
– **Impact**: Maliciously designed web content could cause crashes or arbitrary code execution.
– **Fix**: Enhanced memory management and state control.
– **CVE**: Multiple CVEs including CVE-2025-43541, CVE-2025-43529, CVE-2025-14174

#### Availability

The updates are accessible for devices including iPhone 11 and newer, various iPad models, and other compatible devices. Users are advised to apply these updates to safeguard their devices against the recognized vulnerabilities.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s recent updates underscore the company’s dedication to security and user privacy. By addressing these vulnerabilities, Apple intends to bolster the overall safety of its ecosystem, ensuring that users can utilize their devices with increased tranquility. For more information on the updates and corrections, users can consult Apple’s official release notes.

Apple Purchases Two More Structures in Cupertino, Surpassing $1 Billion in Recent Local Property Investments

As Apple’s growth in the South Bay progresses, the company has now secured two additional office buildings for a total of $216 million. Here are the facts.

## Apple’s real estate endeavor persists

Over the last several months, Apple has been engaging in a significant real estate acquisition phase.

Since July, it has acquired the $365 million four-building Mathilda Campus, another duo of nearby buildings for $350 million, and the $166 million three-building Cupertino Gateway complex.

Now, SiliconValley.com reveals that the firm has disbursed $216 million to secure two more office buildings, this time located on Stevens Creek Boulevard, bringing its total real estate expenditure in the region to over $1 billion since June.

Altogether, the properties at 19319 and 19339 Stevens Creek Blvd. comprise 266,500 square feet, and as per official documents submitted earlier this week, Apple made the payment in cash.

When approached for a statement, Kristina Raspe, Apple’s vice president of Global Real Estate and Facilities, remarked:

> “The Santa Clara Valley has been our home for nearly 50 years, and we’re proud to continue investing in world-class facilities here that are designed to foster innovation and collaboration amongst our team members in support of our customers around the world.”

Apple also indicated that, with this latest purchase, its Bay Area expansion will “surpass 1.5 million square feet of office and lab space” this year alone.

Special Seasonal Promotions on Apple Accessories, Chargers, Tech Necessities, and Cloud Storage

# 2025 9to5Mac Festive Deal Aggregator

The festive season of 2025 is here, and 9to5Mac has assembled a special selection of savings for its audience. This year’s Festive Deal Aggregator showcases an assortment of items, including leather goods, charging accessories, Apple Watch straps, iPad holders, everyday carry (EDC) enhancements, cloud storage promotions, and more. Numerous deals are available for a limited time, making them ideal for festive shopping or enhancing your technology collection.

## Twelve South

– **Promotion**: 20% off sitewide using code **9TO52025** at checkout.
– **Info**: This promotion is active until December 19 and encompasses all items, including the latest 2025 version Apple Watch Bands and the Curve Mini foldable tablet holder.

## Bluebonnet

– **Promotion**: 20% off across the site with code **9to5** at checkout.
– **Info**: Bluebonnet specializes in American-crafted leather products for Apple gadgets. This exclusive discount applies to their premium handmade leather items, including iPhone and Apple Watch accessories.

## Harber London

– **Promotion**: 15% off everything with code **9to5-15%**.
– **Info**: Harber London presents a selection of exquisite full-grain leather products, from bags to tech sleeves, available at a reduced price until Christmas Day 2025.

## Burton Goods

– **Promotion**: 25% off using code **9to525** at checkout.
– **Info**: Renowned for its stunning leather accessories, Burton Goods is offering this discount until December 15 on products like Apple Watch straps and leather cases for iPads and MacBooks.

## KeySmart

– **Promotion**: Extra 10% off selected products.
– **Info**: KeySmart features a range of wallet accessories and key organizers, with discounts reaching as high as 80% on certain items.

## STATIK

– **Promotion**: Extra 10% off already reduced items with code **9to510**.
– **Info**: STATIK offers distinctive charging accessories, ideal as stocking stuffers or EDC additions.

## SANDMARC

– **Promotion**: 10% off all items with code **9TO5TOYS**.
– **Info**: SANDMARC is celebrated for high-quality titanium Apple Watch bands and leather cases for iPhones, with exceptional discounts available this festive season.

## Bluetti

– **Promotion**: Up to 8% extra savings on power stations.
– **Info**: During Bluetti’s festive sale, readers can benefit from initial discounts of up to 55% along with additional savings by using specific codes for various product lines.

## CardPointers

– **Promotion**: 50% off annual subscription for $45 and a lifetime option for $140.
– **Info**: CardPointers assists users in maximizing credit card rewards and features a Safari extension for convenient access to spending insights.

Stay tuned for further exclusive festive deals from more brands set to be unveiled next week.

Apple Introduces iOS 26.2 Showcasing Liquid Glass Upgrades, CarPlay Enhancements, and More Improvements [Release Notes]

# iOS 26.2: An In-Depth Look at New Functionalities and Upgrades

Apple has officially released iOS 26.2 for iPhone, unveiling an array of thrilling functionalities and upgrades that elevate user engagement. This update is accessible to all users, including those utilizing developer and public beta versions. Below, we delve into the main revisions and enhancements present in this latest version.

## Release Notes

### Apple Music
– **Favorite Songs Playlist**: The Favorite Songs playlist is now featured in the Top Picks area on the home tab.
– **Offline Lyrics**: Users can access lyrics for downloaded tracks without an internet connection.

### Podcasts
– **Automatically Generated Chapters**: This functionality makes it easier to navigate through podcast episodes.
– **Links to Mentioned Podcasts**: Users can directly follow other podcasts mentioned in episodes from the player and transcript.

### Games
– **Library Filters**: Users can search for games by category, size, and other criteria.
– **In-Game Challenge Score Banners**: Real-time notifications inform players when someone gains the lead.
– **Controller Support**: Enhanced compatibility for connected controllers like Backbone and Razer.

### General Enhancements and Bug Fixes
– **Lock Screen Customization**: New options for modifying the look of the Lock Screen with Liquid Glass material.
– **Enhanced Safety Alerts**: Users receive notifications about imminent dangers like floods and natural disasters, including maps and safety tips (available in the U.S.).
– **Reminder Alarms**: New alarms for reminders assist users in effectively managing urgent tasks.
– **AirDrop Codes**: A verification code appears on the receiver’s device for added security when AirDropping with unknown contacts.
– **Apple News Navigation**: Quick links to trending topics are now accessible at the top of the Today feed.
– **Home App Multipack Pairing**: Simplifies the configuration of multiple accessories sold as a bundle.
– **Accessibility Flash Alerts**: The device screen can flash upon receiving notifications.
– **Freeform Tables**: Tables can now accommodate various types of content, dynamically resizing as needed.

## Notable Features in Beta

### AirDrop Codes
A new functionality enables users to AirDrop between devices without needing to be saved contacts for 30 days. This was first introduced in iOS 26.2 beta 3.

### Liquid Glass Level Design
The Measure app has undergone a Liquid Glass-inspired redesign, enhancing the visual presentation while keeping clarity of displayed numbers.

### iPadOS Improvements
iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 reintroduces multitasking capabilities, allowing users to drag app icons from the Dock to activate Slide Over or Split View.

### Default Voice Assistant Code
Leaked code suggests that Apple is working on a feature to substitute Siri as the default voice assistant in Japan, adhering to regulatory requirements.

### Games App Navigation
The Games app now features sorting and filtering capabilities, alongside real-time score updates during gameplay.

### Sleep Score Changes
The Sleep Score system for monitoring sleep has been revised, with “Very High” replacing “Excellent” as the top rating, reacting to user input for more precise evaluations.

### Apple Podcasts Enhancements
AI technology is being used to enhance the Apple Podcasts app, facilitating automatic chapter generation and linking to mentioned podcasts.

### Apple News Design
The News app has been optimized with quick links to popular sections, improving user navigation.

### AirPods Live Translation
Commencing in December, AirPods Live Translation will be available in EU countries, aligning with the full rollout of iOS 26.2.

### Liquid Glass Lock Screen Slider
A new Liquid Glass slider empowers users to modify the translucency of the Lock Screen clock, enhancing customization possibilities.

### Reminders Alarms and Timers
The Reminders app now includes alarms for urgent tasks, offering a heightened notification level that can bypass Focus modes.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.2 introduces a plethora of new functionalities and upgrades that markedly enhance user experience across a range of applications and settings. From improved music and podcast features to better safety notifications and customization choices, this update showcases Apple’s dedication to continuously improving its software ecosystem. Users are encouraged to explore these new functionalities and fully leverage the capabilities available in iOS 26.2.

tvOS 26.2 Launched for Apple TV 4K: Fresh Features and Enhancements

Apple has recently unveiled its latest software updates, which include tvOS 26.2, HomePod 26.2, and visionOS 26.2. This article highlights the key improvements introduced in tvOS 26.2, especially concerning user profiles on Apple TV.

### Apple TV Profiles Receive Two Enhancements in tvOS 26.2

User profiles on Apple TV were rolled out several years back, yet their functionality has only recently become a prominent feature. With the introduction of tvOS 26, Apple prioritized profile selection as the initial screen users see when turning on their Apple TV 4K. The recent update, tvOS 26.2, introduces two important modifications that enhance the accessibility and utility of profiles.

#### Flexible Profile Creation

A key development in tvOS 26.2 is the capacity to establish new user profiles without the necessity of linking them to a specific Apple Account. This adaptability is especially advantageous for different situations, like creating profiles for visitors or kids. Previously, setting up a profile required the creation of a complete Apple Account, often through a Family Sharing setup. Now, initiating profiles is as simple as it is on popular third-party applications such as Netflix and Disney+.

#### Improved Kids’ Profiles

The second significant update pertains to the functionality of children’s profiles. With the latest update, kids’ profiles will influence the content shown within Apple’s TV app. During the setup of a child’s profile, users can set content rating limits, ensuring that only age-suitable TV shows and movies are visible according to the designated restrictions. This feature enables parents to more effectively tailor their child’s viewing experience, simplifying the management of accessible content.

In summary, these updates showcase Apple’s dedication to enhancing the user experience on Apple TV, particularly in the realm of profile management. The ability to conveniently establish a profile for a young child, for example, allows for a more customized viewing experience, guaranteeing that content such as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is highlighted for younger audiences.

While visionOS 26.2 and HomePod 26.2 have also been launched, there have been no new features reported for these updates at this time.

As users become acquainted with the new capabilities in tvOS 26.2, many may contemplate using profiles on their Apple TV for the first time.

Fresh Submissions Reveal Insights into Elon Musk’s Legal Action Against Apple and OpenAI

xAI’s lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI revolves around accusations of anticompetitive behavior, particularly regarding the visibility of its Grok app within the App Store. The lawsuit echoes Elon Musk’s persistent apprehensions since acquiring Twitter, now X, about competition in the AI domain.

### A Bit of Context

In July 2025, xAI rolled out Grok 4, launched the Grok Imagine feature, and introduced customizable chatbots, leading to a significant advancement in Grok’s App Store ranking from 60th to 29th, ultimately reaching 5th place after being made free for all users. Musk contended that Apple was deliberately obstructing Grok’s visibility, a claim that was promptly challenged by platform users.

Musk’s allegations resulted in the initiation of a lawsuit asserting that Apple and OpenAI are working together to sustain their monopolies in the AI sector. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s editorial oversight of the App Store enables it to favor OpenAI’s ChatGPT, thereby suppressing competition from other generative AI chatbot creators such as xAI.

### Allegations in the Lawsuit

xAI’s complaint details that Apple is purportedly restricting the discoverability of rival AI applications while endorsing ChatGPT. The lawsuit claims that Apple’s actions aim to inhibit competition within both smartphone and generative AI sectors. Musk argues that Apple, having overlooked AI opportunities, is now safeguarding its smartphone monopoly by advancing OpenAI, which he characterizes as a monopolist in the generative AI chatbot space.

The lawsuit additionally asserts that the exclusive partnership between Apple and OpenAI positions ChatGPT as the sole generative AI chatbot embedded in iPhones, compelling users to depend on it for essential functions, despite the existence of potentially more groundbreaking alternatives like Grok.

### Legal Proceedings and Requests for Evidence

In spite of attempts by Apple and OpenAI to dismiss the case, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman has called for additional evidence. xAI has since requested documents from international firms, including South Korea’s Kakao Corporation and Alipay, to bolster its assertions. The filings indicate that super apps, which integrate multiple features, threaten Apple’s market supremacy and contribute to elevated iPhone pricing.

xAI’s inquiries encompass questions about the financial relevance of super apps, their effects on smartphone switching, and how Apple’s policies influence app distribution and innovation.

### Broader Implications

The lawsuit seems to go beyond App Store rankings, implying that Musk is leveraging legal avenues to tackle broader concerns regarding X’s goals to evolve into a super app in the West. This goal stands in stark contrast to the triumph of Asian super apps, which have prospered under analogous App Store regulations.

The legal approach taken by xAI raises doubts about the legitimacy of its accusations and whether they genuinely confront anticompetitive conduct or merely serve as a strategy to reshape the competitive environment in favor of X.

### Conclusion

The resolution of xAI’s lawsuit could have profound effects on the app ecosystem and competition within the AI market. While the substantiation of xAI’s claims merits scrutiny, the underlying motivations behind the lawsuit may indicate deeper strategic goals rather than an uncomplicated antitrust matter. The courts will ultimately assess the merit of these claims and the future of competition in the AI sector.

iOS 26.2 Brings Fresh Features for Apple Music and Fixes Viral Bug Problems

**Apple Music Upgrades in iOS 26.2: Highlighted Features and Resolutions**

Apple has unveiled iOS 26.2 for iPhone users, bringing forth multiple important updates to Apple Music. This upgrade not only enhances the user experience but also remedies a significant bug that impacted the availability of new albums on the platform.

### New Features in Apple Music

1. **Favorite Songs Playlist in Top Picks**: This update prominently displays the “Favorite Songs” playlist in the “Top Picks” section on the home tab of the Apple Music app. This adjustment is designed to enhance the ease of finding users’ favorite tracks, building on the feature that was introduced in iOS 17.2.

2. **Offline Lyrics Access**: A highly awaited feature is the capability to view lyrics for downloaded songs without an internet connection. This enhancement is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy singing along to their preferred tracks while offline, giving Apple Music a competitive advantage over platforms like Spotify, which still necessitate a network connection to access lyrics.

3. **Resolution for Pre-release Album Bug**: iOS 26.2 resolves a persistent issue where users who pre-saved albums, such as Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl,” could not listen to them immediately upon release. This bug had been a source of frustration for fans and is now fixed, ensuring more seamless access to new releases going forward.

### Conclusion

With the launch of iOS 26.2, Apple Music users can anticipate an enhanced listening experience, courtesy of the newly introduced features and bug fixes. The capability to easily access favorite songs, view offline lyrics, and rectify pre-release album problems improves the overall service functionality. Users can subscribe to Apple Music for $10.99 or as part of the Apple One bundle, making it an attractive choice for music aficionados.