Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**TechFest: Celebrating Apple’s Birthday – An Event at the Computer History Museum**

After the successful Apple@50 panel, the Computer History Museum (CHM) will present “TechFest: Celebrating Apple’s Birthday” on March 28. This gathering is sure to be an enjoyable celebration for Apple lovers and tech aficionados alike.

**Event Highlights**

The TechFest will offer an array of activities for all age groups, included with the admission fee to the museum. Participants can look forward to hands-on interactions with vintage Apple computers, brought to you by Retro Roadshow. There will be creative endeavors like crafting Apple-themed party hats, grooving to 50 years of musical classics, and enjoying entertaining games such as “Pin the iPod.”

A standout feature of the event will be the presence of Daniel Kottke, Apple employee number 12, who significantly contributed to the assembly of the original Apple I computer in 1976. Kottke will display a replica of the Apple I that can run ChatGPT, offering a distinctive chance for attendees to connect with Apple’s rich history.

**Admission Information**

Entry to the event is free for children aged 0–7, while tickets for other guests vary from $6.50 to $21.50. This pricing makes it an affordable excursion for families and individuals eager to explore technology and Apple’s heritage.

**Panel Summary**

Last week, the CHM conducted a panel led by David Pogue, featuring prominent Apple veterans, including former CEO John Sculley and other high-ranking executives. The discussion shed light on Apple’s journey and the key moments that influenced the company’s direction. The panel is accessible for online viewing and includes unexpected appearances from important figures in Apple’s past.

**Final Thoughts**

“TechFest: Celebrating Apple’s Birthday” is an essential event for anyone nearby who values technology and the influence of Apple on the industry. With a blend of informative and fun activities, it promises to be an unforgettable tribute to Apple’s 50 years of innovation. For additional details and to buy tickets, visit the official website of the Computer History Museum.

Following its recent announcement regarding the Coruna exploit chain that targets older iOS versions, the company has now disclosed a comparable attack thought to be named DarkSword. Here are the specifics.

## A Few More Reasons to Keep Your Devices Updated

Several weeks ago, Google and iVerify released two reports that provided complementary insights on the Coruna exploit, which exploited multiple iOS vulnerabilities to compromise iPhones operating on outdated system versions.

In the wake of the reports, Apple issued iOS 16.7.15, iOS 15.8.7, iPadOS 16.7.15, and iPadOS 15.8.7, fixing kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities exploited by Coruna.

Notably, earlier today, Apple released a new support document titled “Update iOS to protect your iPhone from web attacks,” stating that “security researchers recently discovered web-based attacks that target outdated versions of iOS through harmful web content.” The document outlines the following:

– If you have kept your iPhone software current, you are already protected. If your iPhone is running an older version of iOS, please update to safeguard your data:
– Devices running the latest, updated versions of iOS 15 through iOS 26 are already secured. If you have not updated your software in a while, update iOS on your iPhone.
– On March 11, 2026, we released a software update for iOS 15 and iOS 16 to extend protection to older devices that cannot upgrade to the newest version of iOS.
– Devices with iOS 13 or iOS 14 must upgrade to iOS 15 to receive these protections and will be notified to install a Critical Security Update in the coming days.
– Apple Safe Browsing in Safari is enabled by default and blocks the malicious URL domains identified in these attacks.

*Note: Users unable to update their device may consider activating Lockdown Mode (if available) to guard against harmful web content and other threats.*

It appears that the new Security post might refer not only to Coruna but also to another exploit chain, which the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) believes to be called DarkSword.

According to GTIG, “multiple commercial surveillance vendors and suspected state-sponsored actors are utilizing DarkSword in various campaigns,” adding that “these threat actors have employed the exploit chain against targets in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine.”

In summary, DarkSword operates similarly to Coruna. It chains multiple vulnerabilities to achieve a complete kernel-level compromise.

Like Coruna, DarkSword is distributed through compromised or decoy websites, then chains multiple stages before deploying payloads such as GHOSTBLADE, GHOSTKNIFE, and GHOSTSABER.

According to GTIG, the CVEs related to DarkSword include:

– CVE-2025-31277 (patched in iOS 18.6)
– CVE-2026-20700 (patched in iOS 26.3)
– CVE-2025-43529 (patched in iOS 18.7.3 and iOS 26.2)
– CVE-2025-14174 (patched in iOS 18.7.3 and iOS 26.2)
– CVE-2025-43510 (patched in iOS 18.7.2 and iOS 26.1)
– CVE-2025-43520 (patched in iOS 18.7.2 and iOS 26.1)

To delve into the technical specifics, refer to GTIG’s report, published in collaboration with Lookout and iVerify, both of which also released their discoveries.

Oh, and ensure that your devices are operating on the latest iOS version.

Between January and August 2025, revenues from generative AI applications on the App Store almost tripled, primarily fueled by ChatGPT subscriptions. Here are the specifics.

### GenAI apps purportedly contributed nearly $900M in App Store fees in 2025

A recent report from AppMagic (via WSJ) indicates that “Apple’s income from GenAI applications increased from around $35 million in January 2025 to a peak of $101 million in August,” before declining again due to a drop in ChatGPT downloads.

Discussing ChatGPT, AppMagic reveals that OpenAI’s chatbot represented nearly 75% of the total commission increases from generative applications on the App Store, with Grok coming in second at 5%.

As highlighted by the WSJ, this is a significant amount for a company that still does not have a genuine competitor to ChatGPT and akin products, and it serves as a beneficial cushion while Apple navigates its partnership with Google to integrate Gemini as the foundational technology for the updated Siri:

> Its Siri chatbot remains underwhelming by contemporary AI criteria. What Apple possesses that other AI entities lack is a leading status in device manufacturing. Regardless of how sophisticated OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI develop their chatbots, iPhones continue to be a main conduit for reaching consumers.

Apple’s AI strategy contradicts the approaches of rivals who are investing hundreds of billions in chips and data centers to create state-of-the-art large language models. Apple is allocating a small fraction of that budget, instead concentrating on utilizing the personal data users save on their iPhones, along with custom-designed chips, to support an on-device AI approach.

Neither Apple nor Google has revealed the financial details of their collaboration, but Bloomberg reported last year that it is projected to be “approximately $1 billion annually.”

Ironically, it seems this cost may be indirectly financed by Google’s own rivalry on the App Store.

To read the WSJ’s report on AppMagic’s findings, follow this link.

### Recommended on Amazon

FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

# Apple AirTag 2: An In-Depth Look at New Enhancements

The successor to Apple’s AirTag was introduced earlier this year, coming five years after the initial version. Here’s a rundown of every new and enhanced feature in AirTag 2.

## Enhanced Precision Finding with New Ultra Wideband Chip

Precision Finding is a feature that utilizes your iPhone to assist you in accurately locating your lost AirTag through haptic, visual, and audio signals. With AirTag 2, Apple has included a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that allows Precision Finding to function from up to 1.5 times further than what was possible with the initial AirTag. Ensure you have an iPhone that supports this extended range. Additionally, users of compatible Apple Watch models can now employ Precision Finding to locate the new AirTag, a capability that was not offered with the original AirTag.

## Improved Bluetooth for Enhanced Range

Apple states that AirTag 2 features an upgraded Bluetooth chip that “broadens the distance at which items can be tracked.” However, it does not disclose the exact extent of improvement in this regard.

## Amplified Speaker

AirTag 2 includes a speaker that Apple claims is up to 50% louder than that of the original version. If you’ve ever activated your AirTag and struggled to hear its sound, this enhancement is aimed at you. The upgraded speaker enables you to hear AirTag 2 “from up to twice as far away,” according to Apple, facilitating the search for misplaced items.

## New Privacy Measures

The initial AirTag quickly fell prey to misuse by individuals for unwanted tracking. Although Apple has attempted to address this issue through software updates over time, it has also introduced some new privacy measures with AirTag 2. As per Apple, the new AirTag features a range of industry-first safeguards against unwanted tracking, such as cross-platform notifications and unique Bluetooth identifiers that frequently change.

## What Remains the Same: Battery Life, Design, Size, and Pricing

For all the modifications in the new AirTag, there is still a lot that stays unchanged. The battery life remains the same in the new AirTag, with Apple stating “more than a year” of operation before the battery requires replacement. The fundamental design and dimensions of AirTag 2 also correspond with its predecessor, meaning existing AirTag accessories will be compatible with the new AirTag. The pricing of the new AirTag remains unchanged.

Have you transitioned to AirTag 2, and if so, which features influenced your decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### iPhone Sales Rise in China Amidst Growing Competition and Price Increases

Recent findings from Counterpoint Research indicate a significant trend within China’s smartphone sector. While the market as a whole experienced a 4% drop in sales from January to early March, Apple achieved an impressive 23% boost in its iPhone sales during the same timeframe. This article examines the elements driving Apple’s success in a difficult market environment.

#### Increased Costs and Competitive Pricing

The report points out that escalating memory chip costs have forced Android manufacturers to raise their prices. This increase has been substantial enough that even government subsidies have struggled to alleviate the sales decline for these brands. In contrast, Apple has cleverly utilized online discounts and taken advantage of government support that has not benefited its rivals. The base iPhone 17 has stayed attractively priced, enabling Apple to draw in more customers.

Apple’s strength arises from its long-term contracts with suppliers, shielding the company from immediate effects of surging component costs. This approach has allowed Apple to absorb some of the margin pressures while potentially growing its market share in a shrinking market.

#### Apple’s Strategic Advantage

In a recent earnings discussion, Apple leaders, including CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh, expressed optimism in the company’s capacity to navigate the ongoing economic environment. They recognized the likelihood of future price hikes if cost pressures continue, reflecting a proactive strategy to sustain profitability.

Conversely, local Chinese brands such as OPPO and vivo have started increasing prices on certain devices, highlighting their difficulties with component costs. However, Huawei seems to be in a favorable position due to its dependence on domestic suppliers, which may assist it in managing the continuous component shortages more effectively.

#### Future Perspective

The report indicates that the current smartphone market situation is not expected to show significant improvement in the near future. Some relief may be anticipated during China’s midyear shopping festival in June, which typically involves considerable discounts. Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains cautious as manufacturers adjust to the changing market conditions.

For further information, you can read the complete report by Reuters [here](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/apples-china-smartphone-sales-jump-23-start-2026-bucking-industry-trend-2026-03-19/).

**Google’s Gemini Application for macOS: An Encouraging Advancement for Mac Users**

Users of macOS who prefer Google’s Gemini for their AI engagements may soon have a specialized app available. A report from Bloomberg indicates that Google has begun beta testing an early iteration of the Gemini application specifically tailored for macOS, aimed at a limited group of users.

In messages shared with testers, Google made it clear that this preliminary version of the Gemini application for macOS is not fully comprehensive. The company highlighted that it is an early model intended to collect feedback, indicating, “This is an early version of the Gemini for Mac app for your feedback and will have only critical features from the other clients but not all.”

One of the noteworthy features of the macOS version is named Desktop Intelligence. This capability enables Gemini to access the context of the user’s screen, boosting the AI’s ability to retrieve pertinent content from other applications to customize the user experience. As outlined in the testing documents, “When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use.”

The layout of the Gemini application on macOS reportedly mirrors that of its versions on iPhone and iPad, indicating a seamless user experience across devices. Nevertheless, there is presently no confirmed timeline for when Google intends to unveil the complete version of the Gemini application for macOS. The lack of a dedicated application has been a significant gap for Gemini, as macOS users have had to depend on web access to use the platform. Conversely, rivals like Anthropic and OpenAI have already introduced dedicated Mac applications for their respective AI services, Claude and ChatGPT.

As beta testing moves forward, the excitement for a fully operational Gemini application for macOS continues to escalate among users desiring a more integrated and effective AI experience on their devices.

Apple is largely anticipated to reveal its inaugural iPhone featuring a foldable display this year. Nevertheless, the speculated iPhone Fold might actually debut months subsequent to the iPhone 18 Pro.

### iPhone Fold in December 2026

Barclays analyst Tim Long mentions that the launch of the iPhone Fold could occur in December 2026. Traditionally, Apple has unveiled and launched new iPhones in September since the iPhone 5 in 2012, barring 2020. It wouldn’t be unexpected to witness Apple debut its highest-priced iPhone model a few months after the standard flagship iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max variants.

Apple has historically released groundbreaking new models one to two months after announcing the complete lineup. For example, the iPhone X was launched in November 2017, while the iPhone XR and iPhone 14 Plus made their debuts in October of their respective years. Should this pattern persist, we can anticipate Apple to announce the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026.

Recent information suggests that the design of the iPhone Fold is approaching a significant production milestone, indicating that the device is still projected for release this year, albeit a few months after the standard flagship models. The design seems to be finalized, as CAD files have emerged, consistent with earlier precise design leaks.

### iPhone Air 2 in March 2027

Alongside the iPhone Fold, Long predicts Apple will launch either an iPhone 18 Plus or iPhone Air 2 with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in March 2027. The iPhone Air effectively took the place of the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup last fall, and Apple is expected to introduce the first successor to the iPhone Air no earlier than next spring.

The iPhone Fold is anticipated to facilitate running two iPhone apps simultaneously when the display is unfolded, introducing enhanced multitasking features for users.

### Apple Maps in iOS 26: The Influence of the Visited Places Feature

Apple Maps has seen major improvements in iOS 26, unveiling numerous new functionalities that elevate the user experience. Among these, the ‘Visited Places’ feature emerges as a particularly advantageous enhancement, providing users a means to monitor their location history while augmenting search capabilities.

#### Grasping Visited Places

The Visited Places feature in Apple Maps is an opt-in function that enables the app to smartly identify and store locations users frequently frequent, such as eateries and stores. This feature is crafted with user privacy as a priority, using end-to-end encryption to safeguard location information, which remains inaccessible to Apple. Users can conveniently clear their location history with a straightforward swipe.

#### Improving Search Outcomes

A major benefit of the Visited Places feature is its effect on search outcomes within Apple Maps. When users search for locations that have several branches, such as well-known retail chains or local establishments, pinpointing the right one can prove difficult. However, with the Visited Places feature turned on, Apple Maps marks every place the user has previously visited as ‘Visited’ in the search results.

This improvement streamlines the navigation experience. Users no longer need to remember specific addresses or wade through multiple choices. Rather, they can swiftly spot their desired location by searching for the ‘Visited’ label next to the results, making it simpler to return to familiar spots.

#### User Experience

Numerous users have shared their positive experiences with the Visited Places feature, valuing the ease it adds to their everyday navigation activities. The capability to swiftly find previously visited locations not only conserves time but also alleviates frustration when looking for places in a busy market.

#### Conclusion

The Visited Places feature in Apple Maps on iOS 26 is an important improvement that enhances the app’s overall utility. By offering users a clear representation of their location history, it refines the search experience and augments the overall user satisfaction. As Apple consistently focuses on user privacy while advancing its services, features like Visited Places illustrate how technology can be both practical and considerate of personal information.

Nvidia’s GeForce Now has recently upgraded its game streaming functionalities for the Apple Vision Pro, enabling users to enjoy gameplay at 90 frames per second (FPS) with improved resolutions compared to other VR headsets. This enhancement is especially important for gamers aiming to optimize their experience on Apple’s latest device.

The Apple Vision Pro, driven by the M5 chip, accommodates refresh rates of up to 120Hz, whereas the earlier M2 version allows for up to 100Hz. In comparison, Nvidia’s streaming service offers various tiers with differing capabilities. The free and Performance tiers, available for $10 monthly, are confined to a streaming rate of 60Hz. However, the Ultimate tier, priced at $20 per month, enhances this rate to 90Hz, providing a smoother gaming experience.

For users of the Apple Vision Pro, the Ultimate tier not only improves the frame rate but also enables higher resolution streaming. Reports indicate that the Ultimate tier can produce games at up to 4K 240 FPS and streams at 90FPS, utilizing a robust RTX 5080 equivalent GPU for demanding titles and an RTX 4080 for less resource-intensive games. The default streaming quality is set to Balanced mode, which transmits at 1080p 90FPS. Users have the option to select Custom mode to elevate the resolution to 1440p 90FPS on Quest and Pico headsets or 4K 90FPS on the Apple Vision Pro.

Alongside these enhancements, the Apple Vision Pro is also expected to gain from Nvidia’s CloudXR technology, enabling sophisticated applications such as X-Plane, known as the “world’s most advanced flight simulator,” to operate on the device. This integration, commencing with visionOS 26.4, will further enhance the gaming experience for users of the Apple Vision Pro.

In summary, Nvidia’s GeForce Now service is broadening the gaming opportunities on the Apple Vision Pro, making it an attractive choice for gamers in search of high-quality streaming experiences on Apple’s innovative headset.

### AirPods Pro: Concealed Touch Controls and Gestures

AirPods have progressed considerably since their original launch, especially with the release of the AirPods Pro. Following the latest updates in iOS 26, users can now explore a range of touch controls and gestures that elevate their audio experience. Here’s an extensive summary of the concealed features available through physical interactions with AirPods Pro.

#### New Features in iOS 26

The launch of iOS 26 introduced numerous enhancements to AirPods Pro, especially those that make use of the touch-sensitive stems of the earbuds. Key additions include Live Translation and Camera Remote features, which broaden the methods by which users can connect with their devices without needing to grab their phones.

#### Touch Controls and Gestures

AirPods Pro users can utilize more than 10 distinct touch controls and gestures. Here’s the full list:

1. **Play & Pause Audio**: Press the stem.
2. **Play Next Track**: Double-press the stem.
3. **Play Previous Track**: Triple-press the stem.
4. **Answer Call**: Press the stem when a call comes in.
5. **Mute & Unmute Call**: Press the stem during an active call.
6. **End Call**: Double-press the stem.
7. **Adjust Volume**: Lightly swipe up or down on the stem.
8. **Toggle Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio**: Set either AirPod to execute this action when pressing and holding the stem.
9. **Live Translation**: Press and hold the stem on both AirPods at the same time.
10. **Activate Siri**: Set either AirPod to execute this action when pressing and holding the stem.
11. **Camera Remote**: Press or long-press the stem while the Camera app is running.
12. **Head Gestures**: Nod or shake your head to engage with Siri.

#### Personalization and Settings

Many of these features can be tailored through the Settings app under AirPods, enabling users to further customize their experience. Some features might necessitate manual activation to operate as expected.

For more in-depth information, Apple offers an official support document detailing the controls and gestures for various AirPods models, including the original AirPods from 2016.

#### Conclusion

With ongoing updates and improvements, AirPods Pro provide a comprehensive array of touch controls and gestures that enhance usability and convenience. Whether you’re enjoying music, answering calls, or using Siri, these features make the AirPods Pro a multifunctional accessory for any Apple enthusiast.