AllYouCanTech

iOS 26 Unveils AirPlay ‘Video in the Car’ Functionality for Applications through CarPlay

Apple is implementing a major alteration to CarPlay by introducing video playback for the first time since its inception. This novel feature, anticipated to launch with iOS 26, will allow users to view videos on their CarPlay display when the vehicle is parked. The functionality, known as ‘video in the car,’ is outlined on Apple’s developer site.

As stated by Apple, the incorporation of AirPlay video within CarPlay enables users to watch their preferred videos directly from their iPhone when the car is stationary. Developers keen on building CarPlay applications that incorporate video playback are invited to look into the MFi Program for additional details.

In the past, a third-party application successfully brought a CarPlay web browser that enabled video playback, but this capability was later removed following the App Store evaluation process. With the forthcoming iOS 26 update, Apple will officially allow video playback while parked, representing a significant change in CarPlay’s capabilities.

Alongside the video functionality, Apple is upgrading CarPlay with revamped icons, new customization options, widget support, and enhancements to various applications, including Music and Messages. This extensive update strives to elevate the overall user experience within the CarPlay interface.

Apple Unveils Smart Home Applications to Assist in Lowering Electricity Expenses

### EnergyKit: Transforming Smart Home Energy Management

A new framework from Apple, EnergyKit, is ready to alter the way developers build smart home applications that focus on cutting down electricity expenses. Although it currently emphasizes thermostats and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, EnergyKit signifies a major advancement toward enhancing energy efficiency throughout entire households.

#### Existing Smart Home Solutions

Numerous smart home devices are already aiding users in reducing power consumption and expenses. Prominent examples include the Ecobee and Nest thermostats, which efficiently manage heating and cooling. Nonetheless, EnergyKit elevates these functions by introducing more advanced energy management features.

#### Three Major Approaches for Energy Savings

1. **Energy Monitoring**: Employing energy monitor plugs enables homeowners to observe the energy usage of different devices. This information assists in spotting older appliances that utilize too much energy, allowing for informed upgrade decisions based on possible savings.

2. **Automation**: Smart home systems can manage heating and cooling automatically based on occupancy. For example, systems may turn on when someone is nearing home and switch off when the last individual departs, ensuring no energy is wasted.

3. **Dynamic Usage Shifting**: Certain smart devices can recognize when electricity providers are offering reduced rates and modify usage accordingly. EnergyKit will empower developers to embed this feature in their applications, facilitating real-time adjustments based on energy pricing.

#### Features of EnergyKit

The Home app, when linked to utility providers, can already present electricity usage, rates, and availability of clean energy through the Grid Forecast widget, which currently supports PG&E. EnergyKit adds a feature called EnergyKit Guidance, utilizing these data points to generate actionable insights for smart devices.

For instance, an EV application could detect when off-peak power rates apply and activate the car charger. Likewise, an app overseeing an air conditioning system could lower cooling during high-cost periods and raise it when rates decrease.

#### Future Prospects

With ongoing development, EnergyKit holds the promise of facilitating comprehensive energy management in homes, allowing for ongoing adjustments that can greatly reduce power bills. As more developers embrace this framework, the dream of a fully optimized smart home becomes ever more feasible.

### Conclusion

EnergyKit is set to transform energy management in smart homes, equipping developers with the necessary tools to craft applications that not only enhance user convenience but also foster energy efficiency and cost reductions. As the framework develops, it could pave the way for smarter, more sustainable living environments.

iOS 26 Debuts Three Toolbar Layout Choices for Safari Browser on iPhone

**iOS 26 Safari Browser: An In-Depth Look at the Liquid Glass Aesthetic and Fresh Layout Choices**

The iOS 26 Safari browser for iPhone features a revamped design system defined by the Liquid Glass style. This cutting-edge aesthetic incorporates floating toolbars and buttons that gracefully shine through the website content as users navigate, enhancing the overall experience of browsing.

### New Layout Styles

Following the contentious redesign introduced in iOS 15, Safari offers users two layout styles: ‘Tab Bar’ and ‘Single Tab’. In iOS 26, these styles have been rebranded as ‘Bottom’ and ‘Top’, with the introduction of a new default style called ‘Compact’. While these styles retain a familiar feel, they have experienced design modifications to fit the new Liquid Glass concept.

### User Insights and Modifications

The initial reactions during the iOS 15 phase raised issues regarding the repositioning of the Safari URL bar from a fixed location at the top of the display to a floating element at the bottom. This adjustment enabled the URL bar to shrink in size as users scrolled, which some users found confusing. In response, Apple made revisions to the Bottom toolbar layout and restored the conventional Top layout as an option for users.

### The Compact Style

The newly introduced Compact style in iOS 26 bears resemblance to earlier versions from iOS 15. The URL bar is situated at the bottom of the display, slightly away from the edge, and is surrounded by the back button and the ••• button for extra page functionalities. As users scroll down, the interface components shrink, yielding a tidier appearance, which expands once more when scrolling back up.

### Bottom and Top Styles

The Bottom style has evolved from a docked configuration to a floating design while preserving the core aspects of the earlier ‘Tab Bar’ style. This style features a full-width URL bar and navigation controls when expanded but minimizes to take on the appearance of the Compact style as users scroll down.

The Top style continues to be the most conventional choice, with floating toolbars that match the curved edges of the iPhone display. Like the other styles, the toolbar recedes upon scrolling, offering a fluid browsing experience.

### Modifying Safari Layout

Users can conveniently alternate between various Safari layouts in iOS 26 by going to Settings -> Safari -> Tabs, where they can choose from Compact, Bottom, or Top styles.

### Layout Styles Comparison

A comprehensive full-screen comparison of each style is available, highlighting the unique features and capabilities of the Compact, Bottom, and Top layouts in iOS 26 beta 1.

### Considerations for macOS and iPadOS

Notably, while iPhone users enjoy three tab layout options, Apple has eliminated the Compact choice from Safari on macOS 26 and iPadOS 26. It remains unclear whether this alteration is definitive or if the Compact style will make a return later in the beta process.

In summary, the iOS 26 Safari browser delivers an upgraded design and new layout options that cater to user preferences, all while embracing the contemporary Liquid Glass aesthetic.

Craig Federighi Talks About the Setbacks in Making the iPad Closer to the Mac

**iPadOS 26: A Groundbreaking Advancement for the iPad**

iPadOS 26 signifies an important turning point in the development of the iPad, arguably providing the most considerable update the device has ever experienced. This latest operating system changes the iPad into a device that closely mimics a Mac, both in user interface and capabilities.

### The Anticipated Mac-Like Experience

Even though the iPad has been using the same powerful processors as Macs since 2021, the shift to a more computer-like experience has been gradual. Craig Federighi, head of software at Apple, discussed this delay in a recent interview, offering insights into the challenges of modifying the iPad’s software to fully utilize its hardware strengths.

### Highlighted Features of iPadOS 26

One of the most revolutionary features introduced in iPadOS 26 is the introduction of real windowing. Traditionally, the iPad was intended as a single-task device, allowing only one full-screen application at a time. Although features like Slide Over and Split View allowed for some multitasking, they often felt unwieldy. The debut of Stage Manager enhanced usability but still didn’t match the flexibility provided by Mac’s window management.

With iPadOS 26, users can now launch multiple applications concurrently and adjust their windows—resizing, positioning, and layering them as necessary. This update also brings a menubar, further aligning the iPad’s functionality with that of conventional computers.

### The Difficulty of Touch Interaction

Federighi underscored a vital feature of the iPad’s design: it is primarily a touch-based device. This quality requires a quicker response time compared to Macs, which depend on indirect usage via a mouse or trackpad. Users anticipate immediate feedback when engaging with the screen, and any lag could disrupt the user experience.

As the iPad progressed, its user base expanded. More individuals started using keyboards and trackpads, leading Apple to upgrade the iPad’s capabilities to support these interactions. Federighi emphasized that the combination of greater power, larger displays, and a shift in user habits enabled a more Mac-like experience on the iPad.

### Structural Redesign for Improved Performance

One reason older iPads can now handle full windowing, even without features like Stage Manager, is the total redesign of the windowing system in iPadOS 26. This revamp has enhanced background task management and processing, allowing older devices to function at levels that were previously impossible.

### Conclusion

iPadOS 26 marks a significant milestone in the iPad’s evolution, transforming it into a device that can genuinely be regarded as a computer. With its improved multitasking features and user-friendly interface, the iPad is now more capable of fulfilling the needs of contemporary users. As Apple continues to develop its software, the iPad’s potential will only expand, making it an increasingly flexible tool for both personal and professional endeavors.

Apple’s VisionOS 26 Functionality Indicates Anticipated Innovations in Home Products

This week, Apple revealed visionOS 26, which brings forth spatial widgets—customizable, three-dimensional features that users can attach to their environment while using the Apple Vision Pro headset. These widgets encompass choices for Batteries, Calendar, Clock, Music, News, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Stocks, and Weather, aimed at boosting productivity and delivering glanceable data.

The launch of spatial widgets may also suggest Apple’s intentions regarding a long-speculated smart home device, potentially called HomePad. This gadget is believed to be a wall-mounted or dockable tablet focused on home control, HomeKit scenes, intercom capabilities, and swift access to personal data.

For those acquainted with smart displays like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show, the idea of spatial widgets might seem recognizable. These displays provide concise information, such as weather updates and reminders, making them a significant addition to various households. Nonetheless, the fixed nature of spatial widgets could appear constrained when compared to the contextual intelligence of traditional smart displays.

While spatial widgets offer a constant piece of information, there’s room for more dynamic alternatives, like a Smart Stack that presents context-aware details as required. This concept could smoothly extend to a physical smart display, integrating features like cameras for Spatial Photos.

The newly introduced visionOS 26 spatial widgets are not only visually attractive but also signify Apple’s investigation into ambient information in everyday life. This opens up the possibility that a HomePad could transform into a dedicated dashboard that adjusts to its surroundings, rather than merely being a reconfigured iPad or an Echo Show replica.

In the end, while some might doubt if a HomePad can stand against current devices, the emphasis on crafting a smarter, more cohesive experience aligns with Apple’s design ethos.

Apple Provides Developers with Entry to New Local AI Models: Performance Analytics

**Apple’s Foundation Models Framework: A Revolutionary Tool for Third-Party Developers**

Apple’s latest disclosure at WWDC unveiled a noteworthy enhancement for third-party developers: access to the Foundation Models framework, enabling them to utilize Apple’s on-device AI functionalities. This signifies a critical turning point in the incorporation of AI into iOS applications, allowing developers to introduce features such as document summarization, key information extraction, and structured content generation—all independent of cloud services.

### Competitive Performance

Apple’s Foundation Models framework is grounded in strong performance metrics. Based on Apple’s assessments, their ~3 billion parameter on-device model has delivered remarkable outcomes, especially in image-related tasks, surpassing similar lightweight models like InternVL-2.5 and Qwen-2.5-VL-3B in over 46% and 50% of prompts, respectively. In text processing, it effectively competes against larger models, even exceeding them in certain multilingual scenarios, including Portuguese, French, and Japanese.

This performance showcases that Apple’s local models can provide consistent results for diverse applications without requiring cloud connectivity or data transfers, thereby enhancing user privacy and experience.

### Advantages of Offline Capabilities

A standout feature of Apple’s Foundation Models framework is its offline capabilities. Developers can now build applications that do not necessitate large language models to be included within their apps, leading to smaller app sizes and eliminating the reliance on the cloud for most tasks. This transition not only simplifies the development process but also cultivates a more private user experience.

Apple’s models are engineered for structured outputs via a Swift-native “guided generation” system, enabling developers to effectively steer model responses within their application logic. This functionality is especially advantageous for applications in education, productivity, and communication, offering the benefits of large language models without the related latency, expenses, or privacy issues.

### Implications for Developers and Users

Though Apple’s models may not be the most formidable in the AI sphere, they are fine-tuned for efficiency and accessibility. The combination of free, on-device processing with offline functionalities positions Apple’s Foundation Models as a viable solution for developers aspiring to integrate AI into their applications without incurring extra costs or endangering user privacy.

As developers start to tap into these capabilities, we can anticipate an influx of innovative AI features in third-party iOS applications. This evolution could result in a richer user experience, as applications become progressively skilled at delivering personalized and context-aware functionalities.

In summary, Apple’s Foundation Models framework signifies a substantial advancement in the integration of AI within the iOS environment. By emphasizing efficiency, privacy, and accessibility, Apple is not only improving the developer experience but also setting the stage for a new era of AI-powered applications that address user needs without the shortcomings of conventional cloud-dependent solutions.

WhatsApp Unveils AI-Enhanced Summaries for Unread Conversations

### WhatsApp Launches AI-Driven Message Summarization Functionality

WhatsApp is in the process of piloting a groundbreaking AI-driven functionality that seeks to improve user engagement by summarizing unread messages within chats, groups, and channels. This functionality, currently being implemented on Android devices, follows advancements in Apple’s AI summaries for notifications, though Apple’s capabilities are restricted to specific devices.

#### Mechanism of Operation

The new functionality, termed “Private Processing,” is optional, granting users the choice to activate it. When enabled, if a user has a considerable accumulation of unread messages, a new button titled “Summarize with Meta AI” will supersede the typical “X unread messages” alert. By selecting this button, users gain a brief overview of the active conversation, facilitating a quicker catch-up without having to browse through multiple messages.

#### Privacy Aspects

WhatsApp underscores its commitment to user privacy with this functionality. The company states that no message content is retained or associated with the user. The entire summarization procedure occurs in a secure, confined environment in the cloud, and the summaries are erased immediately post-processing. Furthermore, the functionality is automatically turned off in conversations employing Advanced Privacy settings, ensuring that no AI involvement happens in those situations, even with end-to-end encryption active.

#### Availability Status

Currently, the message summarization functionality is accessible only to a select group of users engaged in the Android beta program. WhatsApp has yet to disclose information concerning its rollout for iOS users or specifics about language support and regional compatibility.

### Future Additions: Writing Assistance

Alongside message summarization, WhatsApp is also working on another AI-centric feature known as “Writing Help.” This functionality aims to aid users in polishing the tone or clarity of their messages prior to sending. Like the message summarization feature, “Writing Help” will also leverage the Private Processing framework to ensure the safeguarding of user privacy.

### Final Thoughts

WhatsApp’s rollout of AI-driven functionalities such as message summarization and writing assistance signifies the increasing trend of incorporating artificial intelligence within communication platforms. As these features evolve, users will gain the ability to enhance their messaging experiences while ensuring privacy remains a priority. The deployment of these functionalities will be closely monitored by users eager to discover how AI can elevate their interactions on the platform.

Apple Unveils SF Symbols 7 Beta Showcasing New Animations, Variable Drawing, Gradients, and Other Improvements

# SF Symbols 7: An In-Depth Look at Apple’s Latest Icon Toolkit

Apple has just introduced the beta version of SF Symbols 7, a major upgrade to its system icon toolkit, which aligns with the launch of new design materials and resources for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. This update brings hundreds of new icons, improved animation tools, and enhanced transitions, representing a crucial development in the design environment for Apple platforms.

## Key Highlights of SF Symbols 7

### Draw On and Draw Off

SF Symbols 7 features two new animation presets that enable symbols to animate into and out of visibility. These animations utilize the layered composition of symbols, allowing developers to orchestrate movement across various icon components. There are three available playback styles: animating the full symbol at once, offsetting layers for a more dynamic appearance, or displaying layers in sequence.

### Draw Animations

To support the new animations, Apple has introduced a tool that allows developers to position guide points and manage stroke order and direction. Options such as bidirectional movement, adaptive end caps, and draw attachments offer additional control over the animation process, suitable for all weights and sizes from Ultralight to Black.

### Variable Draw

Expanding on the idea of Variable Color, Variable Draw provides more dynamic visual feedback, perfect for illustrating strength or progress. When symbols are annotated correctly, layers can animate smoothly in a data-driven fashion, giving designers better control over visual communication.

### Improved Magic Replace

The Magic Replace tool, which assists with transitions between related symbols, has been upgraded. This improvement enables smoother transitions when two icons share an enclosure shape, resulting in more cohesive and visually appealing symbol transitions, especially in interfaces where rapid visual feedback is crucial.

### Gradient Rendering

SF Symbols 7 now offers automatic linear gradient generation from a single source color, whether it is system-defined or custom. These gradients function across all rendering modes, introducing a subtle lighting effect that adds depth and refinement while ensuring legibility.

### Localized and Platform-Ready

The update encompasses hundreds of new symbols and improvements to existing ones, conforming to Apple’s new universal design language. It now caters to a wider variety of localized variants across numerous scripts, including Latin, Greek, Cyrillic, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Devanagari, and additional Indic systems. These enhancements are accessible across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

## Conclusion

SF Symbols 7 is a comprehensive library of over 6,900 symbols crafted to integrate perfectly with Apple’s San Francisco font, making it an essential asset for designers and developers aiming to produce consistent, native-looking applications on Apple platforms. The beta version requires macOS Ventura or later, and developers are encouraged to delve into the new features through the WWDC25 session titled “What’s new in SF Symbols 7.”

iOS 26 Improves Wallet by Focusing on Its Most Neglected Feature

### Wallet’s Order Tracking Receives AI Enhancement in iOS 26

This year signifies major progress for the Apple Wallet application, especially with the rollout of new features like car keys, boarding passes, and digital IDs. Among these improvements, the order tracking feature, often ignored, is getting a much-deserved upgrade in iOS 26.

#### The Difficulty of Order Tracking

The Wallet application has encountered difficulties in maximizing its potential due to dependence on external partners. Features such as digital IDs have experienced slow uptake as states gradually adopt them, and car keys have been impeded by automakers’ reluctance to relinquish control to Apple.

Order tracking made its debut in iOS 16 with the intention of centralizing online purchase information from multiple retailers into a single accessible spot within the Wallet application. Nonetheless, the feature has struggled because of limited merchant support, leaving numerous users without a practical order tracking experience.

#### The Imminent Upgrade

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple intends to address these concerns by improving the order tracking functionality. According to Apple’s press announcement, the Wallet application will now employ AI to recognize and summarize order tracking information from confirmation emails sent by merchants or delivery services. This will enable users to view detailed order information and progress updates in one handy place.

This method taps into the ubiquitous nature of confirmation emails linked to online purchases, a tactic that seems apparent in hindsight but wasn’t feasible until now due to technological constraints.

#### AI Integration and Device Prerequisites

The revamped order tracking feature will leverage Apple Intelligence to extract vital details from emails, meaning that users will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to access this enhanced experience. If successful, this improvement could turn the Wallet application into a centralized hub for managing online purchases, simplifying order tracking for users.

#### Conclusion

The order tracking enhancement in iOS 26 marks a notable advancement for the Apple Wallet application, addressing a longstanding void in its functionality. As users look forward to this enhancement, it remains to be seen how well it will integrate with current merchant systems and enhance the overall user experience.

watchOS 26 Brings New Wrist Flick Action for Compatible Apple Watch Models

# watchOS 26: New Wrist Flick Gesture

An exciting addition arriving this fall with watchOS 26 for the Apple Watch is the wrist flick gesture. This cutting-edge gesture grants users another hands-free approach to engage with incoming notifications.

## What is the Wrist Flick Gesture?

The wrist flick gesture enables Apple Watch users to effortlessly handle notifications. It complements the current double tap feature, improving the overall experience for users. Apple states that the wrist flick gesture functions as follows:

When a user raises their wrist to check a notification but isn’t prepared to respond, they can swiftly rotate their wrist over and back to dismiss the notification. This gesture can be utilized to:

– Dismiss notifications
– Mute incoming calls
– Quiet timers and alarms
– Return to the watch face

The wrist flick gesture leverages the Apple Watch’s accelerometer and gyroscope, coupled with a machine learning model that interprets wrist movements.

## Compatible Apple Watch Models

The wrist flick gesture works with the following Apple Watch models:

– Apple Watch Series 9
– Apple Watch Series 10
– Apple Watch Ultra 2

These models also accommodate the double tap gesture, making them the most advanced regarding user interaction capabilities.

## Availability

At present, watchOS 26 is accessible in developer beta, with a public beta scheduled for release in July. The official public launch is anticipated later this fall.

For those seeking a comprehensive overview of compatibility, a complete guide is available detailing all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26.