Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Roblox Age Verification: A Contentious Method for Child Safety

Roblox, an immensely popular online gaming platform, has encountered increasing scrutiny regarding its ability to safeguard children from potential threats, especially from adult predators. To address these issues, the company introduced an age verification process designed to restrict interactions between adults and minors within its chat functionalities. However, this measure has ignited considerable debate and discontent among users and parents alike.

#### The Age Verification System

In December of the last year, Roblox initiated a partial implementation of its age verification system, which was fully rolled out worldwide in early 2026. The verification process provides two options: one that relies on government-issued ID and another employing AI technology to assess age from a video selfie. Nonetheless, a significant number of young users do not have access to official identification, making the video selfie method the main avenue for age verification.

Although Roblox assured users that video selfies would solely be utilized for chat permissions and discarded post-verification, numerous parents voiced concerns regarding the privacy ramifications of this requirement.

#### Criticism of the Execution

A report from *Wired* pointed out serious shortcomings in the age verification system, labeling it as “a complete mess.” Users indicated that the AI technology often misidentified ages, mistakenly categorizing children as adults and the other way around. Disturbingly, it was revealed that predators could easily acquire accounts that had been age-verified as children for as little as $4, undermining the core purpose of the verification process.

The community backlash has been fierce, with players voicing their dissatisfaction over not being able to connect with friends and developers urging a reversal of the update. Experts have noted that the AI system does little to alleviate the risks it was meant to address, including the presence of predators on the platform.

#### Roblox’s Reaction

In response to the backlash, Roblox’s chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, recognized the difficulties in launching such a complicated system. He remarked, “You can’t flip a switch while building something that hasn’t existed before,” stressing that anticipating perfection from the start was unrealistic. The company has also acknowledged issues where parents inadvertently set their children’s ages to 21 or older during the verification process and is working on solutions to remedy this.

#### Conclusion

The rollout of age verification on Roblox has underscored the challenges of ensuring child safety in online settings. While the motivation behind the system is laudable, its implementation has raised significant worries about its efficacy and the potential dangers it may pose to young users. As discussions evolve, it is becoming increasingly evident that a more comprehensive and privacy-conscious approach to age verification is essential to safeguard children in digital environments.

**The Ascendancy of Subscription Apps: A Double-Edged Blade**

The realm of app monetization has transformed significantly over the last ten years, with subscription-based models becoming more widespread. Although this method offers advantages for both users and creators, it also brings up issues regarding ongoing costs and viability.

### The Case for Subscription Apps

**User Accessibility**
A key benefit of subscription apps is their user accessibility. Creative professionals often encounter steep initial costs when buying software, which can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Subscriptions enable users to utilize these tools for a monthly fee, making them easier to afford, particularly for those who may need them only intermittently. For example, paying $10 or $20 each month is often far easier than a one-off payment of several hundred dollars.

**Stable Income for Developers**
From the perspective of developers, subscriptions create a more dependable and sustainable revenue stream. This financial certainty can facilitate ongoing development and innovation, ultimately benefiting users with regular updates and fresh features. The subscription approach can also motivate developers to dedicate resources to long-term enhancements rather than merely prioritizing initial sales.

### The Case Against Subscription Apps

Despite the upsides, there exists a considerable drawback to the subscription model: the accumulating cost of various subscriptions. As more apps opt for this structure, users may discover themselves footing the bill for several subscriptions, resulting in a major financial strain. Reports suggest that the average American spends almost $1,000 each year on subscription video services alone, not taking into account other subscriptions like apps, music streaming, and cloud services.

This prompts the question of how much is excessive. As the quantity of subscriptions increases, so does the collective monthly cost. Users might eventually hit a breaking point where the expenses become untenable, leading to a reassessment of their subscriptions.

### Is Apple Creator Studio More Attractive?

The recent launch of Apple Creator Studio underscores the intricacies of subscription models. Although many users might be cautious about subscriptions, this specific bundle seems to deliver substantial value, particularly for creative professionals. In contrast, a standard Adobe Creative Cloud Pro subscription can nearly reach $800 per year, while Apple Creator Studio comes at $129 annually or $13 monthly.

Additionally, Apple offers the possibility to buy individual apps outright, enabling users to select the best option for their requirements. This flexibility is a favorable feature of the model, yet apprehensions remain regarding the likelihood of Apple discontinuing outright purchase options in the future.

### Conclusion

The emergence of subscription apps offers a blend of advantages and hurdles. While they improve accessibility and provide developers with reliable income, the accumulated costs can lead to user exhaustion. As the industry progresses, it is essential for consumers to carefully evaluate the worth of subscription services against their long-term financial consequences. The launch of options like Apple Creator Studio may present a more appealing solution, yet the future of app monetization will hinge on how companies strike a balance between accessibility, sustainability, and consumer choices.

### iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes Revealed

We are eight months from the debut of the iPhone 18 series, and today, a trustworthy leaker has shared the display sizes and Dynamic Island plans for Apple’s upcoming devices.

Leaker Digital Chat Station frequently shares supply chain insights on future Apple products. His recent update specifies the screen sizes for the iPhone 18 series—excluding any foldable variants—and details about the Dynamic Island.

Here’s the revised text:

– **iPhone 18** – 6.27″ LTPO 120Hz display featuring Dynamic Island
– **iPhone Air 2** – 6.55″ LTPO 120Hz display featuring Dynamic Island
– **iPhone 18 Pro** – 6.27″ LTPO 120Hz display with a new under-display section
– **iPhone 18 Pro Max** – 6.86″ LTPO 120Hz display with a new under-display section

These screen dimensions are consistent with those found in the iPhone 17 lineup, suggesting that Apple does not intend to implement any changes to screen sizes for this year’s iPhone 18 models. The LTPO 120Hz is also in line with what we currently have across the entire iPhone 17 series.

### iPhone 18 Series May Introduce Two Distinct Dynamic Island Designs

Digital Chat Station mentions that both the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will feature the standard Dynamic Island, likely unchanged from existing models. Conversely, for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, he alludes to a new under-display cutout design.

Speculation has varied on what this will entail. Some reports propose that the new Dynamic Island will merely be smaller while retaining a similar pill form, whereas others suggest a straightforward hole-punch positioned at the top-left part of the display. The absence of the term ‘Dynamic Island’ in today’s update may imply that the latter is more probable.

It’s important to note that this new cutout design is anticipated to be exclusive to the 18 Pro models, while the entry-level iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will be left out.

For more updates on the iPhone 18 Pro, here’s a summary of six rumored changes.

Do you anticipate a smaller Dynamic Island or a hole-punch with the iPhone 18 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Nostalgic Tech: The Spigen Classic LS Case for iPhone 17 Pro

As technology progresses, numerous users find themselves reflecting on the gadgets that influenced their initial computing journeys. The original Macintosh, released in 1984, occupies a significant spot in the hearts of many tech aficionados. In a tribute to this legendary device, Spigen has launched the Classic LS case for the iPhone 17 Pro, merging vintage aesthetics with contemporary functionality.

#### A Homage to the Macintosh 128K

The Classic LS case is crafted as a homage to the Macintosh 128K, encapsulating its nostalgic essence while offering modern features. The case exhibits a retro design that appeals to those who cherish memories of the original Macintosh, making it an ideal accessory for vintage tech enthusiasts.

#### Key Features

1. **Magnetic Alignment**: The case contains a built-in magnetic ring that aligns seamlessly with the iPhone, enabling a smooth attachment experience. This feature also promotes quicker wireless charging, permitting users to power up their devices without the inconvenience of removing the case.

2. **Military-Grade Protection**: Spigen has guaranteed that the Classic LS case surpasses military drop-test standards. It employs Air Cushion Technology in all corners, providing strong protection against falls and impacts. This is essential for users wanting to keep their devices secure from daily mishaps.

3. **Durable Materials**: The case is made from a blend of a hard polycarbonate (PC) back and a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) frame. This construction not only enhances scratch resistance but also allows for effortless installation and detachment.

4. **Functional Design**: The elevated bezels surrounding the screen and camera provide extra protection, while precise cutouts and tactile buttons ensure that users effortlessly access all ports and controls.

#### Availability and Pricing

While it remains uncertain whether Apple has officially endorsed the Classic LS case, it is presently offered for sale at a price of $40. Considering its nostalgic charm and distinctive design, its availability may be limited, making it a potentially prized addition for collectors and Macintosh fans.

#### Conclusion

The Spigen Classic LS case for the iPhone 17 Pro transcends being merely a protective accessory; it is a tribute to a landmark moment in technology history. By fusing the timeless design of the Macintosh 128K with modern attributes, Spigen has crafted a product that resonates with both reminiscence and practicality. For those aspiring to infuse a bit of retro style into their modern devices, this case presents an enticing option.

**Hijack Season Two: An Exciting Comeback on Apple TV**

The acclaimed thriller *Hijack*, starring Idris Elba, eagerly returns today with the debut of its second season on Apple TV. While the inaugural season engaged viewers with a tense negotiation on a flight, the latest season relocates the excitement to the Berlin subway system.

As is typical with *Hijack*, audiences are invited to set aside their skepticism to fully experience the gripping narrative. The eight-episode season kicks off today, January 14, with fresh episodes debuting every Wednesday, leading to a conclusion on March 4. For those who enjoy binge-watching, delaying until the finale will provide a complete viewing experience.

Although the narrative for this season is intended to wrap up within these eight episodes, the creators have teased the potential for a third and final season, possibly in movie format, depending on season two’s success.

Critical feedback for *Hijack* has varied, receiving acclaim for its stylish action scenes while also facing criticism for increasingly unlikely storylines. Nonetheless, the series achieved considerable viewership during its initial season in 2023, becoming the second Apple TV original to feature on the Nielsen US streaming chart, following the triumph of *Ted Lasso*.

To view *Hijack*, an Apple TV subscription is necessary, accessible through the Apple TV app on multiple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android phones, Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox. Moreover, Apple TV can be acquired through Amazon Prime Video or as part of the Apple One subscription package.

As fans immerse themselves in the new season, excitement for what’s next in the captivating realm of *Hijack* continues to escalate.

### M5 MacBook Pro: A New Phase of Performance

The M5-driven MacBook Pro was introduced in October of the previous year, signifying a noteworthy progression in Apple’s laptop offerings. Apple has branded the M5 chip as a substantial advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) prowess for the Mac, assuring users of improved performance and efficiency.

#### Overview of the M5 MacBook Pro

At first, Apple rolled out the M5 MacBook Pro with a singular model—the 14-inch option powered by the base M5 chip. The company highlighted the performance enhancements of the chip, especially in AI use cases, which have become crucial in today’s technology landscape.

The M5 chip incorporates an advanced GPU and a Neural Accelerator within each core, boasting up to 3.5 times the AI performance and 1.6 times increased graphics speed relative to its predecessor. Furthermore, the M5 comes with a more efficient CPU, a refined Neural Engine, and enhanced memory bandwidth, which together improve the overall experience, from app launches to executing extensive language models (LLMs) on the device.

The specifications for the M5 MacBook Pro are uniform, featuring a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Users have the option of selecting 16GB or 24GB of memory along with storage choices of either 512GB or 1TB SSD.

#### Anticipated High-End Models

While the initial release was centered on the 14-inch variant, there is significant excitement regarding the future high-end MacBook Pro models. These will consist of the inaugural 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, alongside versions that include the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

Industry predictions indicate that an announcement for these models could be imminent, with January 28 being a possible launch date. This timing coincides with the debut of the new Apple Creator Studio subscription, which caters to the same professional audience as the MacBook Pro.

#### Marketing Synergy

The link between the introduction of the new MacBook Pro models and the Apple Creator Studio subscription creates a strategic marketing advantage for Apple. By coordinating the release of hardware along with software tailored for creative professionals, Apple can effectively engage its target market.

The speculation regarding the January 28 launch is further substantiated by Apple’s historical trend of unveiling new products on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making it a feasible scenario.

### Conclusion

The M5 MacBook Pro signifies a notable advancement in Apple’s laptop technology, especially in AI performance and graphical capabilities. As anticipation grows for the high-end models, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max, Apple continues to push boundaries and cater to the requirements of creative professionals. The forthcoming announcements are set to further elevate the MacBook Pro lineup, reinforcing its status as a preferred option for users in search of powerful and efficient computing solutions.

Apple is presently contending with a major deficit of glass cloth, a vital element in the fabrication of chip substrates for its gadgets, especially iPhones. This deficit is anticipated to continue until at least the latter half of 2027, resulting in a bottleneck for the firm’s supply chain and production efficiency.

Glass cloth fiber is preferred for its dimensional accuracy, rigidity, and capacity to enable rapid data transmission, rendering it an indispensable material in the creation of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and chip substrates. The leading supplier of advanced glass cloth is Nitto Boseki, a Japanese firm that manufactures almost all of the high-grade varieties necessary for technology leaders.

The appetite for glass cloth has surged due to the AI surge, with enterprises like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon also pursuing this material for their AI chips. This heightened competition has triggered a supply shortfall similar to the recent memory chip crisis, elevating prices and complicating procurement efforts for Apple and others in the sector.

In light of the shortage, Apple, alongside AMD and Nvidia, has dispatched teams to Japan to negotiate with Nittobo for extra supplies, yet these attempts have seen limited success. The company is also considering alternative suppliers, including a smaller Chinese producer, Grace Fabric Technology, and is collaborating with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to enhance the quality of materials from these new sources.

Despite the interest from new market entrants, such as Taiwan Glass and Taishan Fiberglass, the technological challenges in producing high-quality glass cloth are considerable. The fibers must be extremely thin, perfectly rounded, and devoid of bubbles, which makes it challenging for newcomers to fulfill the strict quality standards of major tech firms.

Qualcomm, another significant player in the mobile chip arena, is also impacted by the glass cloth deficit, with no immediate remedies in sight. The ongoing supply challenges present a considerable obstacle for the tech sector, as companies endeavor to sustain production levels amid rising demand for cutting-edge electronic devices.

Apple’s Collaboration with Google: The Future of Siri Enhanced by Gemini

Apple has recently revealed a major collaboration with Google, utilizing Google’s Gemini AI model to improve its Siri voice assistant. This partnership seeks to elevate Siri into a more proficient and intelligent assistant, offering users more precise and contextually appropriate responses.

In-house Finetuning, No Google or Gemini Branding

This collaboration permits Apple to finetune the Gemini model autonomously, customizing it to fulfill its particular needs. Although Apple can ask for modifications from Google, the main authority over the AI’s functionality resides with Apple. Importantly, the AI responses produced through this partnership will not contain any branding from Google or Gemini, guaranteeing a seamless Apple user experience.

Enhanced Knowledge and Emotional Support

A primary enhancement expected from the Gemini-powered Siri is its capability to provide thorough answers to queries regarding general knowledge. Rather than just listing links, Siri will strive to deliver detailed responses. Additionally, Apple is concentrating on boosting Siri’s ability to offer emotional support, addressing users’ feelings of loneliness or distress with more compassionate and conversational replies.

Challenges in Providing Emotional Support

While the aspiration to enhance emotional support is admirable, it carries substantial risks. There have been documented instances where users faced negative outcomes following interactions with chatbots. Ensuring that Siri can appropriately manage delicate situations will be crucial as Apple navigates this intricate domain.

Integrating Different Systems

Apple’s method of combining traditional command-based systems with advanced AI functionalities has presented challenges. The new Siri will retain its capacity to execute simple tasks, such as setting timers, while also integrating more refined language processing to comprehend and respond effectively to ambiguous inquiries.

Gradual Rollout of Features

The deployment of the Gemini-enhanced features will be phased, with some functionalities expected to debut in the spring. More advanced capabilities, such as Siri’s potential to recollect past conversations and proactively assist users, are anticipated to be revealed at Apple’s annual developer conference in June.

In conclusion, Apple’s collaboration with Google to harness the Gemini AI model marks a significant advancement for Siri. By augmenting its capabilities and emphasizing user experience, Apple aims to redefine how users engage with their devices, transforming Siri into a more intelligent and supportive assistant.

Apple TV has revealed a multi-episode documentary series centered around the extraordinary life of tennis icon Andre Agassi. This announcement aligns with the sixteenth anniversary of Agassi’s memoir, “Open: An Autobiography,” which received praise for its candid depiction of his life, encompassing his challenges with fame, identity, and addiction.

Agassi’s professional tennis journey, which lasted over twenty years from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, was highlighted by notable accomplishments, including eight Grand Slam singles titles and a Career Grand Slam. He attained the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 101 weeks.

The documentary series, helmed by Emmy Award-winning director Chris Smith, seeks to narrate Agassi’s “exciting, intricate and motivating story.” Smith has previously worked with Apple TV on the documentary series “Hollywood Con Queen” and possesses a wealth of experience in prestigious documentaries, including “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond” and “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.”

Although the announcement has sparked enthusiasm, no specific premiere date for the Agassi docuseries has been disclosed, suggesting that viewers may have to wait a while before it is accessible. Apple TV, which provides a subscription service priced at $12.99 monthly, showcases a range of popular shows and films, including “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.”

Since 2021, Shazam has been utilizing its vast dataset to recognize rising artists prior to their mainstream breakthrough, using early song-recognition patterns. The platform has recently introduced its Fast Forward 2026 lineup, featuring a varied selection of talent ready to make substantial waves in the music scene.

### This Year’s Fast Forward Playlist

Shazam’s Fast Forward playlist for 2026 showcases 65 artists spanning 20 genres, including Afro-Beat, Country, Electronic, K-Pop, Rock, and Urban Latino. This effort seeks to highlight fresh talent that is attracting attention on the platform.

Shazam refers to its Fast Forward list as a means to look ahead at some of the most encouraging artists being uncovered through its service. The playlist acts as a forecasting tool, emphasizing those anticipated to create a significant impact in the upcoming years.

In previous years, Shazam has effectively pinpointed artists before their breakout phases, such as Benson Boone and Young Miko in 2023, Ayra Starr and Teddy Swims in 2022, and aespa in 2021.

### Listening to the Playlist

The complete Fast Forward 2026 playlist is available on [Apple Music](https://apple.co/45qdAoX) and [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ckYEkUc1HYSgXM1dRKBAJ?si=6eb668ee5f924b42). The description of the playlist underscores the significance of Shazam’s data, which mirrors millions of user inquiries globally. These inquiries come from a variety of sources, including TikTok videos, advertisements, and casual listening sessions, rendering Shazam a crucial tool for forecasting future music trends.

The playlist showcases a broad spectrum of artists, from K-pop group CORTIS to Alabama country musician Kashus Culpepper and Irish rock ensemble Florence Road, reflecting a remarkable diversity from around the world.

### Subscription Information

To enjoy the playlist on Apple Music, a current subscription is necessary, priced at $10.99 per month, with a one-month free trial for new subscribers.

In conclusion, Shazam’s Fast Forward 2026 playlist offers an exhilarating preview of the music future, spotlighting artists who are poised to boost their popularity and influence in the years to come.