Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

# iOS 26.5: Upcoming Enhancements and Modifications for iPhone Users

After the recent launch of iOS 26.4, Apple is in the process of beta testing iOS 26.5. This article details the fresh features and modifications anticipated for iPhone users with the forthcoming update, scheduled for release next month.

## iOS 26.5 Overview

Apple has rolled out three beta iterations of iOS 26.5, accessible to developers and public beta testers. To manage beta participation, users should go to the Settings app, select General, and then opt for Software Update. A fourth beta iteration is expected to be launched shortly.

## iOS 26.5 Launch Date

The public launch of iOS 26.5 is projected for mid-May, as suggested by developer announcements and historical release timelines.

– iOS 18.5: Monday, May 12
– iOS 17.5: Monday, May 13
– iOS 16.5: Thursday, May 18
– iOS 15.5: Monday, May 16

## New Features and Modifications in iOS 26.5

### Apple Maps: Recommended Locations and Advertisements

iOS 26.5 will incorporate advertisements in Apple Maps, showcasing local ads tailored to user location and search queries. Additionally, a new “Recommended Locations” feature will offer suggestions based on popular spots and recent searches.

### RCS Security

This update will introduce end-to-end security for RCS messaging in the Messages app, which will be enabled by default. Users can adjust this setting under Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging.

### App Store Payment Options

New purchasing alternatives in the App Store will enable developers to present monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This feature aims to provide users with more budget-friendly subscription choices while ensuring clarity regarding payment timing.

### EU Adaptations

iOS 26.5 will bolster compatibility for third-party accessories in the EU, including Live Activities and automatic audio switching. These adaptations are designed to enhance user experience with connected gadgets.

### Magic Pairing

The process of pairing Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, or Mouse will be streamlined. Once connected via USB-C, these devices will maintain a Bluetooth connection without the need for manual re-pairing.

### Additional Modifications

Other minor updates in iOS 26.5 encompass:
– A new Inuktitut keyboard layout.
– Features in Apple Books suggesting a “Year In Review for 2026.”
– Improved data transfer functionalities for sharing message attachments when transitioning from iPhone to Android.

## Summary

Though iOS 26.5 may seem like a minor update in comparison to its predecessor, it brings several significant features and enhancements. As Apple turns its attention to iOS 27, which is anticipated to be unveiled at WWDC in June, users can expect these improvements in the upcoming release.

**Pedometer++ 8.0: An Extensive Update for Apple Watch Users**

Pedometer++ has been a cornerstone in step tracking since it first activated this capability on the iPhone 5s back in 2013. After almost 13 years of ongoing enhancements, the newest version, 8.0, brings a reimagined experience for Apple Watch users, featuring a groundbreaking Expedition Mode and a more intuitive workout selector.

### Expedition Mode: Improved Workout Monitoring

The launch of Expedition Mode marks a crucial upgrade for Pedometer++ Premium members. This feature enables users to monitor various types of workouts while conserving battery life, making it perfect for extended activities such as hiking, walking, or jogging. By disabling continuous heart rate monitoring and utilizing basic heart rate data, Expedition Mode can prolong battery life by as much as 40%. This ensures that users can participate in all-day activities without the concern of their device running out of juice.

### Intuitive Workout Selector

Responding to user suggestions about the revamped Workout app in watchOS 26, Pedometer++ 8.0 delivers a more recognizable and intuitive workout selector. The updated layout allows users to easily scroll and choose their preferred workout type, ensuring a fluid experience when initiating a new activity. The focus on large, distinct touch targets improves usability, making it simpler for users to navigate the app while in motion.

### Fun Design Refresh

The visual refresh in Pedometer++ 8.0 goes beyond the workout selector. The home screen on the Apple Watch has been redesigned with a striking and colorful aesthetic, concentrating on key metrics like steps climbed, miles covered, and flights of stairs. The app employs vivid colors to illustrate progress toward daily step targets, offering a visually stimulating method to monitor fitness successes.

During workouts, users can access a personalized map that shows vital metrics, including heart rate, speed, and elevation variations. The design emphasizes readability, ensuring all necessary information is readily available without overwhelming the interface.

### Summary

Pedometer++ 8.0 is an essential tool for anyone aiming to elevate their fitness tracking journey on the Apple Watch. With its innovative Expedition Mode, intuitive workout selector, and playful design enhancements, it stands out as a notable alternative to Apple’s default Workout app. Whether you are a dedicated fitness aficionado or just beginning your path, Pedometer++ is worth downloading for a more enjoyable and effective tracking experience.

Download [Pedometer++ 8](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pedometer/id712286167) now from the App Store.

# iOS 26.4: New Features and Improvements for Apple Users

iOS 26.4 has launched a wide array of new features that elevate the user experience across multiple Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and beyond. A key highlight is the introduction of a new alarm function specifically tailored for Apple Watch users, providing enhanced flexibility in managing wake-up alerts.

## Improved Alarm Capabilities for Apple Watch Users

A significant enhancement in iOS 26.4 is the capacity for iPhone alarms to ring even when the user is asleep with an Apple Watch. Previously, if an Apple Watch was worn during sleep, alarms configured on the iPhone would solely activate on the Watch, which could be less effective for individuals who prefer a louder wake-up signal.

### The ‘Always Play on iPhone’ Option

With the innovative ‘Always Play on iPhone’ switch, users can guarantee that their alarms will ring on both their iPhone and Apple Watch. This feature is especially useful for those who might find the haptic alerts of the Apple Watch inadequate for waking up, particularly in a shared sleep setting.

– **Functionality**: When configuring a Sleep Schedule in the Clock app or Health app, users can enable the ‘Always Play on iPhone’ feature. This setting is off by default but can be easily turned on for those desiring a more powerful alarm experience.

– **Advantages**: This feature permits users to take advantage of sleep tracking and the new sleep score function introduced in watchOS 26, while still having the option of a loud alarm to assist in starting their day.

## Other Features in iOS 26.4

In addition to alarm upgrades, iOS 26.4 introduces several other enhancements:

– **Apple Music and Podcasts**: The update presents additional features that improve the usability and functionality of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, allowing users to discover and enjoy content with ease.

– **Personalization Options**: Users can now tailor their iPhones in various new ways, promoting a more personalized experience.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.4 represents a major update that not only enhances alarm functionality for Apple Watch users but also enriches the overall Apple ecosystem with new features for music, podcasts, and personalization. The addition of the ‘Always Play on iPhone’ feature is a welcomed improvement for those who depend on alarms to commence their day, ensuring that they can reap the benefits of both sleep tracking and effective wake-up signals.

**Ted Lasso Season 4: Release Date and What to Anticipate**

Ted Lasso, the cherished Apple TV show, is scheduled to make its comeback for the eagerly awaited fourth season on **August 5, 2026**. The announcement was shared by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who disclosed the release date alongside the inaugural trailer for the upcoming season.

### Release Schedule

The debut will showcase a single episode, followed by weekly releases of subsequent episodes until October 7, 2026. This organized rollout continues the pattern set in earlier seasons, allowing viewers to relish each episode.

### Season Overview

After wrapping up its third season in 2023, there were significant doubts about the future of Ted Lasso. Despite the series’ acclaim and the cast’s eagerness to proceed, it initially appeared as though the narrative might have come to a close. Nevertheless, Apple affirmed the development of a fourth season, much to the fans’ joy.

The official description for season 4 suggests that Ted Lasso will confront his most significant challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team in Richmond. Over the season, Ted and his squad will learn to embrace risks and welcome fresh opportunities, encapsulating the show’s fundamental themes of hope and personal development.

### Returning Cast and Future Seasons

Most of the original cast is poised to return, ensuring continuity and the same appeal that captivated the audience. Furthermore, there are whispers indicating that seasons 5 and 6 are being planned, potentially rounding out a new three-season narrative arc that will further explore the characters and their paths.

### Where to Watch

Fans can revisit the first three seasons of Ted Lasso on Apple TV, which is offered for **$12.99 per month** or via the bundled Apple One subscription at a reduced rate.

### Conclusion

With the launch of season 4 fast approaching, anticipation is rising among fans. The trailer has already ignited conversations about the new trajectory of the series, and audiences are keen to witness how Ted Lasso’s story progresses in this forthcoming chapter.

**Apple’s Investment in Private Law Enforcement: An In-Depth Examination**

A forthcoming report has disclosed that Apple invested more than $1.2 million in just one year to employ police officers for safeguarding three of its retail locations in San Francisco. This financial outlay was arranged through a private security firm, underscoring an increasing trend among technology corporations in the region to engage police services for improved safety.

In San Francisco, the hiring of police officers by private entities is legally authorized. Through a local initiative known as 10B, businesses are allowed to contract police officers for supplementary security services, contingent upon the approval of the police chief. This setup enables companies to remunerate at the same hourly rates that the city usually pays officers, rendering it an appealing option for enterprises worried about security.

The report suggests that Apple is not isolated in this practice. Other technology behemoths, such as Airbnb and Salesforce, have similarly made substantial investments in police protection. For example, Airbnb is said to have expended around $428,443 for police presence in 2024, while Salesforce’s spending amounted to approximately $727,907 via a security provider. Apple’s allocation of over $1.2 million for police oversight at its stores positioned it as the second-largest client for such services in that year.

The phenomenon of private enterprises employing police officers is not restricted to San Francisco or California. About 80% of police departments throughout the United States allow officers to engage in private security roles, prompting concerns regarding the ramifications of this practice.

Perspectives on the employment of police for private security are polarized. Detractors contend that it may create conflicts of interest and could potentially drain officers, affecting their core responsibilities. In contrast, advocates argue that this arrangement enhances the visibility of uniformed officers on the streets without incurring additional expenses for taxpayers.

As discussions persist, the practice of hiring private police remains a significant element of the dynamic between law enforcement and the private sector, especially in technology-driven areas like San Francisco.

# Apple’s Coming AirPods: The Initial ‘AirPods Ultra’

Apple is preparing to unveil a new variant of AirPods later this year, rumored to be a premium iteration of the AirPods Pro. Recent information points to these new earbuds potentially being named the first ‘AirPods Ultra.’

## New Innovations and Features

The forthcoming AirPods are predicted to include several cutting-edge features, such as integrated infrared (IR) cameras. This enhancement could facilitate a variety of AI-enhanced experiences, including gesture recognition. The new version might also introduce an advanced H3 chip, aimed at improving the camera functionalities and overall performance.

The expected price for these new AirPods is around $299, which is $50 higher than the current AirPods Pro 3. This model is anticipated to be positioned as a high-end choice, akin to the pricing strategy adopted for AirPods 4, which offers various models based on features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

## The ‘Ultra’ Naming: A Strategic Alignment

Apple has been broadening its ‘Ultra’ branding across several product categories, including the forthcoming iPhone and MacBook models. Reports suggest that the foldable iPhone will be named iPhone Ultra, and a revamped MacBook Pro will be marketed as MacBook Ultra. In light of this pattern, it seems reasonable that Apple will apply the ‘AirPods Ultra’ label to its new earbuds.

Industry insiders, such as Mark Gurman, have suggested that this new AirPods model could signify a major innovation within Apple’s product offerings. The inclusion of cameras and advanced AI functionalities could validate the ‘Ultra’ nomenclature, highlighting the distinctive and futuristic elements of the product.

## Conclusion

While there remains a chance that Apple might opt for a different naming strategy, such as ‘AirPods Pro 3 with AI,’ the ‘AirPods Ultra’ designation fits seamlessly with the company’s existing branding approach. The new AirPods are poised to transform the user experience with groundbreaking features, making them a significant addition to Apple’s growing array of Ultra products.

As excitement mounts for the official reveal, consumers are left to ponder the functionalities and implications of the AirPods Ultra. Will Apple effectively encapsulate the spirit of innovation with this new iteration? Only time will reveal.

Adobe has revealed major updates to its widely-used applications, Photoshop and Lightroom, featuring new AI-driven tools, workflow improvements, and performance boosts. These enhancements are designed to simplify the creative process for users and elevate their overall experience.

### New Intelligent Features in Photoshop and Lightroom

Following the recent launch of the Turntable feature in Illustrator, Adobe is now deploying a comparable functionality in Photoshop. The new **Rotate Object tool** enables users to manipulate assets in 3D space instantly. This tool is integrated into the Transform Image tool options, allowing users to rotate, tilt, and spin objects. Moreover, the **Harmonize button** automatically modifies lighting and shadows to guarantee that the 3D asset seamlessly integrates with the background.

Adobe highlights that the Rotate Object tool is the result of extensive research and teamwork among its teams, including Photoshop, 3D&I, and Firefly. The development included crafting generative and reconstruction models that create 3D assets and upscale images, along with creating a native renderer for real-time manipulation.

Another significant addition to Photoshop is the **Layer Cleanup tool**, which streamlines the organization of layers within a project. This feature automatically renames layers and eliminates any empty ones, considerably lessening the time devoted to manual organization.

Furthermore, Adobe has rolled out **Firefly Boards integration**, which links Photoshop and Lightroom. This integration promotes a fluid transition from the ideation stage to final output, enhancing the creative workflow.

### Improvements in Lightroom

Lightroom is also benefiting from key updates, such as:

– **Enhanced Search Functionality**: Users can now locate photos by describing them in their own terms, making it quicker and easier to find specific images.

– **Film-Inspired Presets**: These new presets provide a nostalgic look, granting users more creative control over their photo editing.

Additionally, performance enhancements in Lightroom feature quicker Assisted Culling and up to five times faster interactive slider performance, which is especially advantageous for efficiently managing large photo shoots.

These updates demonstrate Adobe’s dedication to improving user experience through innovative features and enhanced performance, making both Photoshop and Lightroom more robust tools for creative professionals.

### The White iPhone 4: A Landmark in Apple’s Timeline

The arrival of the white iPhone 4 signifies an important chapter in Apple’s product timeline, commemorated each year by fans and tech aficionados alike. This occasion took place just one week before the author acquired their first iPhone, the white edition of the iPhone 4, and 308 days post the initial release of the black iPhone 4.

#### An Anticipated Debut

Apple’s excitement regarding the white iPhone 4 could be summarized in one word: “Finally.” The company issued six press bulletins leading up to the debut, underscoring the lengthy wait that had emerged as a key narrative. This delay was not the sole story linked to the iPhone 4; the device also underwent criticism due to “Antennagate,” prompting Apple to provide complimentary iPhone Bumper cases to address reception problems. Moreover, the arrival of the Verizon iPhone introduced an additional carrier choice for U.S. users, further boosting the iPhone’s attractiveness.

#### Contextual Background of the iPhone 4

The iPhone 4 was first revealed by Steve Jobs during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2010, with the black version becoming available shortly afterward. Traditionally, Apple had preferred summer launches for its iPhone iterations, with earlier models such as the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS all launching in June or July.

However, the pattern changed with the introduction of the iPhone 4S in October 2011, marking the onset of autumn releases for new iPhone hardware. Since that time, Apple has generally dedicated WWDC to software updates, while hardware announcements have been scheduled for the fall. Recently, the company has also begun to consider spring releases, as observed with the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e.

#### Outlook on iPhone Launches

Moving forward, Apple is anticipated to reveal its flagship models this fall, encompassing the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a speculated iPhone Ultra featuring a foldable screen. This alteration in release strategy showcases Apple’s responsiveness to market dynamics and consumer demands.

In summary, the white iPhone 4 not only symbolizes a crucial moment in Apple’s product catalog but also reflects the company’s changing approach to product releases and customer interaction. As Apple persists in its innovation journey, the legacy of the iPhone 4 continues to represent a vital segment in the narrative of mobile technology.

The recent days have witnessed divergent opinions from AI firms regarding the prospects of smartphones. Perplexity believes AI will primarily benefit iPhones, while OpenAI allegedly contends that its own smartphone could make them redundant.

I would wager significantly that the OpenAI smartphone will either never come to fruition or will end up being a commercial failure, but I still regard the endeavor as positive news for iPhone users.

## Perplexity: AI won’t affect the iPhone

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas holds that AI does not pose a threat to the iPhone; in fact, the opposite is true.

> Here’s my take. I haven’t expressed this before. The phone, the iPhone, is not being disrupted by AI at all. In fact, the better AI performs, the iPhone essentially becomes your digital passport.

He asserts that the iPhone is integral to how we navigate our lives, and that reality is not set to change.

## OpenAI smartphone

Should a Ming-Ching Kuo report be accurate, OpenAI opposes this view. He indicates that the company is developing its own smartphone.

> OpenAI is collaborating with MediaTek and Qualcomm to create smartphone processors, with Luxshare as the exclusive partner for co-design and manufacturing. Mass production is anticipated to commence in 2028.

The firm’s vision is that the operating system will center around AI agents rather than apps. In simpler terms, you won’t launch a particular app to complete a task – instead, you will assign the task to an AI agent.

## OpenAI will be partially correct … eventually

In principle, I believe OpenAI is right in asserting that humans have objectives they wish to accomplish, and that apps are merely one of the tools at our disposal.

I would love to simply grab my iPhone, instruct Siri regarding what I actually want to achieve, and then receive confirmation a few seconds or minutes later that the task has been completed. For instance, tell Siri to arrange a trip, confident that it knows all my preferences for airlines, seating, hotels, etc.; that it can utilize my frequent flyer miles for the journey; that it has access to my calendar to ensure the timings align; and so forth.

I do believe we will ultimately reach that point, and once we do, the notion of human-operated apps will be at least somewhat obsolete. However, this certainly isn’t going to happen by 2028! Given the current blunders made by AI systems, it will be a significant amount of time before I’ll trust an agent with any important tasks, let alone something as complex as managing travel arrangements.

Even when it eventually does occur, this doesn’t imply we will abandon our iPhones. The Apple ecosystem will grow even more crucial in this interconnected landscape, and the attractiveness of the iPhone maker’s privacy strategy will only heighten.

## But I wish for it to happen

Nonetheless, although I believe an OpenAI smartphone would fail, I would be truly pleased to see the company take the plunge. It will expedite the shift beyond apps and into AI-agent delegated tasks, and it will compel Apple to advance more quickly in this direction.

We won’t be relinquishing our iPhones, but they will become smarter and faster due to this competitive impetus.

### Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock Review: A Significant Step Ahead in Connectivity

Thunderbolt 5 was introduced in September 2023, representing a notable upgrade in the Thunderbolt standard, set to gradually supersede Thunderbolt 4. Featuring improved bandwidth, display support, and enhanced capabilities, the rollout of Thunderbolt 5 has been rather gradual, with many devices simply upgrading from Thunderbolt 4 without meaningful modifications. Nonetheless, Satechi’s Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock distinguishes itself by delivering real enhancements and functionalities. After utilizing it for over two weeks, here’s what you should be aware of.

#### Specifications and Connectivity

The Satechi CubeDock is designed to serve as a powerful, single-cable solution for Mac configurations, merging high-speed data transfer, power delivery, display output, and storage expansion. Its design resembles an M4 Mac mini, with connectivity options that include:

**Front Ports:**
– 3.5mm headphone connector
– SD & microSD card reader (UHS-II)
– USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, up to 30W)
– USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)

**Back Ports:**
– 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
– USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
– USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
– Thunderbolt 5 host port (to Mac)
– 3x Thunderbolt 5 ports
– Kensington lock slot

#### Key Features of the CubeDock

The CubeDock utilizes Thunderbolt 5’s features, providing:

– Up to 120Gbps bandwidth
– Up to 140W host charging
– Storage speeds reaching 6000MB/s
– Multi-display support:
– Single 8K 144Hz
– Dual 8K 120Hz
– macOS: dual 6K displays
– M5 Pro / M5 Max Macs: up to 3 displays
– Built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slot (up to 8TB)

Importantly, it facilitates 140W fast charging for the 16-inch MacBook Pro and offers several Thunderbolt 5 ports, enabling high data transfer rates. The integrated M.2 NVMe SSD slot provides read/write speeds of up to 6000MB/s, boosting workflow efficiency.

#### Personal Experience

In my setup, I connected the CubeDock to an M5 MacBook Pro and a 40-inch 5K display, along with various peripherals. The dock has excelled, keeping cool due to its integrated fan and offering instant ejection for SSDs and SD cards—an upgrade from my previous Caldigit TS5+.

The most impressive feature for me has been the integrated NVMe storage. I installed a 4TB Samsung 990 NVMe drive dedicated to my Final Cut Pro workflow, enabling effortless access to projects and assets. The speed matches that of internal storage, allowing me to work directly from the external drive without any slowdowns.

Although the CubeDock does not include a dedicated HDMI or DisplayPort, this has not posed any issue for my Thunderbolt video output requirements. A straightforward USB-C to HDMI dongle can effectively mitigate this limitation.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock is available for purchase on Amazon and Satechi’s website, with a retail price of $399. A promotional 10% discount lowers the price to $360. In comparison to the Caldigit TS5, which lacks the M.2 NVMe slot but provides similar ports, the CubeDock is attractively priced.

#### Final Thoughts

Satechi’s Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock ranks among the top Thunderbolt docks available, improving connectivity, power delivery, and display support while including an NVMe slot and an elegant design. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to optimize their work environment. I would rate it a 9.5/10, with the only downside being the lack of built-in HDMI or DisplayPort.

If you are contemplating a Thunderbolt dock that can energize your entire workspace and add significant value, the Satechi CubeDock is certainly worth your consideration.