Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

# Apple Watch Sleep Monitoring: Comprehending the Sleep Score Feature

The Apple Watch has transformed personal health tracking, and one of its most impressive features is the integrated sleep monitoring capability. Users can effortlessly wear their Apple Watch to sleep, and the device automatically records their sleep patterns without requiring extra apps or specialized modes.

## Improvements in watchOS 26: The Sleep Score Feature

With the rollout of watchOS 26, Apple has elevated sleep tracking by introducing a sleep score feature. This score offers users a visual depiction of their sleep quality from one night to the next, simplifying the understanding of sleep patterns and allowing for necessary modifications.

### Adjustable Sleep Score Alerts

One of the most advantageous elements of the sleep score feature is the option to receive alerts for particular score ranges. After its initial release, Apple enhanced the sleep score system based on user suggestions, improving its functionality and experience.

Each morning, users can get an alert that outlines their sleep score, aiding in the comprehension of their sleep quality. Initially, daily notifications were beneficial for users to get acquainted with the feature. However, many have discovered that personalizing notifications according to score ranges is more effective.

The sleep score falls into five categories:

– **Very Low:** 0-40
– **Low:** 41-60
– **OK:** 61-80
– **High:** 81-95
– **Very High:** 96+

For numerous users, myself included, receiving alerts for high and very high scores may not be required, as a restful night’s sleep should be the expected standard. Instead, concentrating on notifications for OK, Low, or Very Low scores can offer significant insights into sleep quality and prompt reflection on elements that may have led to a poor sleep experience.

To customize sleep score notifications, users can modify settings on either their iPhone or Apple Watch:

– **On iPhone:** Launch the Watch app, scroll to the Sleep section, and tap on Sleep Score Notifications to toggle alerts for specified ranges.
– **On Apple Watch:** Open the Settings app, scroll down to the Sleep section, and tap on Sleep Score Notifications to modify alerts.

## Grasping How Sleep Score is Determined

The sleep score is calculated based on three primary factors:

– **Sleep Duration (50 points):** The total time spent asleep.
– **Bedtime Consistency (30 points):** How consistently a user goes to bed at the same hour.
– **Interruptions (20 points):** Any disruptions that happen during sleep.

This scoring system provides a detailed overview of sleep quality, enabling users to monitor their progress over time.

### Compatibility and Accessibility

The sleep score feature necessitates watchOS 26, which works with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, Apple Watch Ultra and newer, and Apple Watch SE 2 and newer. For those considering an upgrade, the Apple Watch Series 11 is currently offered at a reduced rate of $329 on Amazon, down from its standard price of $399.

For more in-depth information regarding sleep tracking with the Apple Watch, users can visit Apple’s official support page.

In summary, the sleep monitoring capability on the Apple Watch, especially with the improvements unveiled in watchOS 26, provides users with essential insights into their sleep quality. By leveraging the sleep score and customizable alerts, individuals can take proactive measures towards enhancing their overall health and wellness.

NASA’s Reid Wiseman, the commander of the latest Artemis II mission orbiting the Moon, has shared an incredible video taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max that depicts ‘Earthset’—the Earth descending behind the Moon.

### Fresh Video Displays Earth Descending Behind the Moon, Captured at 8x on iPhone 17 Pro Max

We’ve witnessed numerous breathtaking images and videos from NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. Some of these were even recorded on an iPhone. However, Reid Wiseman, astronaut and commander of the Artemis II mission, recently shared a new video that may just claim the title for the most remarkable one yet.

It was filmed with the iPhone 17 Pro Max using 8x zoom, revealing the Earth setting behind the Moon.

[Check out the video from Reid Wiseman on X](https://x.com/astro_reid/status/2046009031613907029?s=61&t=a-bloX1n-TZ50ofqhetO1A):

> Only one opportunity in this lifetime… Like experiencing a sunset at the beach from the most alien seat in the cosmos, I couldn’t resist capturing a cell phone video of Earthset. You can hear the shutter on the Nikon while @Astro_Christina is diligently taking 3-shot brackets and capturing those…  — Reid Wiseman (@astro_reid) April 19, 2026

From Wiseman’s message:

> I could barely make out the Moon through the docking hatch window, but the iPhone was just the right size to capture the view…this is unedited, uncut with 8x zoom, which is quite similar to the view of the human eye. Enjoy.

NASA’s astronaut team has already provided Apple with ample Artemis II content for future ‘Shot on iPhone’ marketing, but this particular piece is quite extraordinary in its own right.

To find out more about how NASA obtained approval to take iPhones on the Artemis II mission, [check our earlier article here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/04/heres-how-nasa-cleared-the-iphone-17-pro-max-for-astronauts-on-artemis-ii/).

iOS 27 is set to be revealed on June 8 during WWDC, and a fresh leak suggests that the software update might discontinue support for four iPhone models. Here are the specifics.

### iOS 27 may exclude iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and others

We’re approaching Apple’s much-anticipated iOS 27 reveal at WWDC. The most recent speculations from this weekend highlighted a revamped Siri design and a possible new Home Screen feature.

Additional notable rumored features of iOS 27 include a substantial Siri redesign, enhancements to Liquid Glass design, and more.

But will your iPhone be compatible with the new update?

Some years Apple withdraws compatibility for older iPhone models, while other years they don’t. However, a recent leak suggests there will be a shift with iOS 27.

Yesterday, Weibo leaker Instant Digital shared a comprehensive list of what is purported to be all iPhone models that will support iOS 27.

Four models capable of running iOS 26 are absent from the list:

– iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone 11 Pro
– iPhone 11
– iPhone SE (2nd generation)

According to the leaker’s information, iOS 27 will necessitate an iPhone 12 or newer. While iOS 26 supported the second-gen iPhone SE, the new update will only function on iPhone SE 3 or newer.

If this is accurate, it will mark two consecutive years that Apple has excluded several iPhone models from its major iOS update. Last year, the iPhone XS generation was left out.

Many of iOS 27’s key features are anticipated to involve Apple Intelligence. Furthermore, those features will demand an iPhone 15 Pro or later. Thus, even if your iPhone can still operate iOS 27, it may not support all the upcoming features.

Would you be astonished if Apple removed the iPhone 11 series from iOS 27 support? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Developers contend that Apple’s App Store ratings are inherently flawed in at least a few significant respects – including the notion that a 4-star rating could potentially be more detrimental than beneficial.

They also underline the tension between users’ desire for an uninterrupted app experience and Apple’s insistence that developers prompt users for ratings and reviews.

Every iPhone developer understands that having their app spotlighted by Apple can be the crucial factor separating obscurity from tremendous success. This, they argue, is where the initial problem with App Store ratings emerges.

## Encouraging/nagging users to review

App users typically dislike being asked repeatedly to rate and review an app, particularly when it disrupts their intended use of the app. Developer Steven Troughton-Smith states that they have no option but to do so, as a substantial number of 5-star reviews is what prompts Apple to showcase apps – and encouraging users is what secures those reviews.

> Rating prompts can determine whether a fantastic app garners five favorable reviews or thousands of them. I would never advise a developer against utilizing the APIs. Not doing so is akin to App Store Editorial demise for most apps, as Apple tends to selectively highlight those with substantial review data.

He suggests that developers should display this prompt when users launch the app, revisiting it every few months. However, others argue that this is the least favorable moment to do so.

> Present it after an action that **concludes** what the user aimed to achieve. Like saving or publishing. But absolutely not after launching the app. I opened the app because I wish to accomplish something with it – this is the worst time for interruptions.

This can be challenging, however, as developers may not necessarily recognize when you have fulfilled your goal.

## A 4-star review is a negative evaluation

Another problem is the inconsistency between user perceptions of the star rating system and how it functions in reality. This mirrors the concern that has arisen with Uber driver ratings.

Logically, one might anticipate the star ratings to function as follows:

– 3 is the standard rating, indicating that the app performed as anticipated
– 4 = ‘Better than expected’
– 5 = ‘Flawless – could not be enhanced’
– 2 = ‘Below expectations’
– 1 = ‘Terrible/unusable’

Developers like Terry Godier assert this isn’t how it operates in practice. Apple is solely focused on 5-star ratings, and if you submit a 4-star review with positive intent, it may inadvertently harm the app’s reputation.

> If your app has a 4.1 star rating in the App Store, any 4-star review will lower that average. In essence, submitting a 4-star review equates to providing a negative evaluation.

## Should Apple transition to thumbs?

John Gruber posits that the solution for Apple lies in discarding the star system to better align it with the rating behavior of the majority of users – which generally involves giving a 5 to an app they appreciate and a 1 to one they disdain.

> Star-rating systems are fundamentally ineffective for aggregation. If you want to compile and average ratings from users, the most efficient system is binary: thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Netflix switched from stars to thumbs in 2017, and YouTube made the transition as far back as 2009. The App Store should adopt thumbs.

What do you think? Should Apple replace star ratings with a like/dislike feature? And how should Apple address the challenge of rating/review prompts?

A judge has determined that the Trump administration should not have pressured Apple and Google into eliminating apps that monitor the activities of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement). A preliminary injunction has been granted, suggesting that the developers of ICE Sightings and Eyes Up are poised to prevail in their assertion that the government stifled protected speech under the First Amendment.

### A Brief Overview of the ICE Tracker Dispute

The dispute began with an application called ICEBlock, which enabled users to report sightings of ICE agents. After receiving criticism from the White House, the app experienced a surge in popularity, illustrating the Streisand Effect. The US Attorney General cautioned the developer to “be careful,” resulting in Apple removing the app from its App Store. Lawmakers interrogated Apple regarding its actions, and Meta disbanded a Facebook group with a comparable objective. The House Judiciary Committee later initiated an investigation into whether the DOJ illicitly coerced Apple and Google into removing these applications.

### Judge Issues Developers an Injunction

The developers of ICE Sightings and Eyes Up initiated legal action, contending that the government was infringing upon their First Amendment rights by restricting their speech. Judge Jorge L. Alonso of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a preliminary injunction, indicating that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their lawsuit. The ruling prevents the federal government from compelling platforms to eliminate these applications.

The plaintiffs receive support from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which expressed optimism regarding the ruling. FIRE noted that the court’s verdict safeguards the reporting on ICE activities utilizing publicly accessible information.

Apple is presently caught up in a major antitrust confrontation in India, staring down the possibility of an enormous $38 billion penalty owing to its unwillingness to engage with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This predicament arises from claims that Apple has exploited its leading role in the smartphone landscape by failing to provide necessary financial documentation.

Traditionally, Apple has faced antitrust examination on a global scale, mainly focusing on its App Store policies. The firm requires iPhone users to acquire applications solely through its outlet, establishing commission rates that developers must adhere to in order to access iOS consumers. While Apple argues that it does not have a commanding position in the overall smartphone app market—highlighting Android’s greater share—regulators have concluded that Apple’s grip on the iPhone sector is significant enough to warrant investigation.

In India, the circumstances are somewhat distinct. By 2021, Apple’s share of the Indian smartphone market was just 4%, a figure that has risen to around 9% since then. This relatively minor market presence complicates the CCI’s stance, as it must navigate the subtleties of market dominance within this framework. Apple is challenging the CCI’s jurisdiction in court and has sought a halt to enforcement actions until the legal matters are settled, resulting in its non-compliance with requests for financial disclosures.

The CCI has sharpened its approach towards Apple, signaling a prompt move to impose penalties since the company has not submitted the required financial information since October 2024. The commission has scheduled a final hearing for May 21, 2026, and has offered Apple a short extension to meet the financial information request. Legal analysts suggest that failure to comply may impede Apple’s ability to dispute the extent of the fine.

Even with the looming $38 billion penalty, it is essential to recognize that numerous jurisdictions calculate antitrust fines based on a proportion of global revenue, and no nation has yet imposed penalties nearing this amount. This scenario raises concerns regarding the justification for the CCI’s requests and Apple’s reluctance to supply the desired data, particularly since its global revenue figures are publicly accessible.

In conclusion, Apple’s persistent antitrust challenges in India underscore the intricacies of market regulation and the obstacles encountered by corporations operating within a global framework. The resolution of this case could carry significant consequences for Apple’s operational practices and regulatory compliance approaches in the future.

**Apple Silicon: A Revolutionary Factor for Local AI Models**

Apple Silicon has surfaced as a formidable entity in the area of local AI model execution, displaying remarkable optimization that attracts an expanding user audience. The need for high-performance Macs, especially the Mac Studio and Mac mini, has increased substantially, resulting in significant shortages. This phenomenon is fueled by numerous factors, including the requirement for robust computing agents, yet many buyers are particularly searching for Macs with considerable unified memory, perfect for executing local large language models (LLMs).

**The Possibility for Apple as a Server Provider**

In the past, Apple has engaged in server solutions, such as the Xserve and a rack-mountable edition of the 2019 Mac Pro. Nevertheless, the lack of a direct successor to these products creates a void in the market. With AI’s ascendance, there is a strong argument for Apple to re-enter the server domain, especially as users want to utilize macOS and Apple services without depending on personal devices. The growing acclaim of headless Mac minis functioning as perpetual servers highlights this necessity.

Should this pattern continue, Apple might realistically investigate a cloud-based server model similar to Amazon Web Services (AWS), enabling customers to remotely access macOS and Apple Silicon for a subscription cost. Apple already has some foundational infrastructure for this initiative, as indicated by its Private Cloud Compute project, which is presently underutilized but ready for growth as Apple enhances its AI competencies.

**The Profitable Opportunity Ahead**

The chance for Apple to engage with the server market is substantial, particularly when considering that a large share of Amazon’s earnings originates from AWS rather than retail transactions. As Apple persists in excelling in the consumer market, venturing into cloud computing services could yield a new revenue source, especially within the AI realm. Leasing compute power on Apple Silicon servers might emerge as a favored solution for users aiming to evade the high expenses of acquiring premium hardware.

With CEO Tim Cook’s expected exit, there could be a chance for new leadership to adopt this approach, particularly with individuals like John Ternus, who has a solid hardware background, potentially leading the charge.

**Conclusion**

Apple’s status as a preeminent technology entity is firmly established, with iPhone sales showing robust performance. However, the rapidly evolving field of AI offers a chance for Apple to broaden its business approach. By providing cloud-based compute services on Apple Silicon, the company could not only satisfy the increasing demand for AI functionality but also develop a sustainable revenue model that stretches beyond one-off hardware sales.

### WWDC26: Looking Ahead to iOS 27

With WWDC26 occurring in just under two months, Apple is set to present its forthcoming iterations of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and more. Speculations surrounding iOS 27 indicate that this year’s edition will mainly prioritize stability, featuring few new elements. Nonetheless, Apple is anticipated to fulfill its AI commitments at last.

Even though substantial updates are scarce, iOS 27 will unveil some light personalization options, featuring a new capability that permits users to swiftly undo and redo adjustments on their home screen.

#### Streamlined Customization in iOS 27

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 27 will incorporate a home screen toggle for undoing and redoing modifications. This functionality will be part of the current customization menu, which presently enables users to add widgets, alter icon themes, and more.

Gurman points out that this will represent a modest enhancement, particularly for individuals who often modify their icon and widget arrangements. The existing long-press menu on the home screen provides choices like Add Widget, Customize, Edit Wallpaper, and Edit Pages. The inclusion of “undo” and “redo” buttons will make it easier to reverse or reapply changes.

Thus, if a user alters their home screen layout and wishes to revert the change, they can do so without hassle. Conversely, if they mistakenly undo a change they appreciated, they can swiftly bring it back. The scope of the undo/redo history is yet to be defined, but it is expected to enable quick iterations.

In addition to the undo and redo functionality, iOS 27 will present a new Liquid Glass slider, giving users the ability to modify the look of their Liquid Glass beyond the existing Clear and Tinted options.

The primary emphasis of iOS 27 will be on enhancing performance and stability, which should also yield improved battery life.

As the launch date nears, users are eager to discover what improvements and features will be incorporated in iOS 27.

### Apple’s Siri Overhaul in iOS 27: A New Chapter for Voice Assistance

Apple is prepared to reveal major transformations to its voice assistant, Siri, with the forthcoming iOS 27 update. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the overhaul seeks to improve user engagement and refresh the design, making it more akin to modern AI chatbots.

#### Visual Overhaul

The revamped Siri interface is set to showcase a new aesthetic inspired by the visuals for Apple’s WWDC26. This design features a luminous effect that stands out particularly well in dark mode, boosting visibility and user interaction. Upon activation, Siri will emerge from the Dynamic Island—a pill-shaped element located at the top of the iPhone display—expanding to reveal a prompt that says “Search or Ask,” paired with a glowing cursor.

This visual transformation represents the second redesign of Siri since the debut of large language models (LLMs), following a previous version that included a rainbow lighting effect. The latest redesign is expected to deliver a more unified and visually attractive experience.

#### Improved Functionality

In addition to the visual enhancements, the new Siri will launch a variety of features aimed at refining user interaction. Users can engage in continuous dialogues, issue multiple requests within a single statement, and gain from enhanced personal context and screen awareness. This progression is driven by new foundational models employing Google Gemini technology, which is set to significantly boost Siri’s capabilities.

Moreover, a separate Siri app will be introduced, facilitating easy access to past conversations. The integration of search functionalities between Siri and Spotlight is also anticipated, simplifying the overall user experience.

#### Expected Launch

Apple is likely to present the new Siri at its annual WWDC conference, planned for June 8. This update is projected to be one of the standout features of iOS 27, showcasing Apple’s dedication to improving its voice assistant’s capabilities and user experience.

In conclusion, the impending redesign of Siri in iOS 27 signifies a substantial advancement for Apple’s voice assistant, offering a more interactive, functional, and visually engaging experience for users.

In the most recent issue of Mark Gurman’s Bloomberg newsletter, it has been indicated that the upcoming version of Mac Studio may not launch until October. At present, the Mac Studio is offered in M3 Ultra and M4 Max setups, yet customers are encountering significant shipping delays, with some models entirely out of stock.

A revamp of the Mac Studio is certainly overdue. Nonetheless, supply chain issues are hindering Apple’s capacity to provide what is expected to be the M5-powered upgrade. Initially, Apple had targeted a release around the mid-year mark, but this schedule has since been delayed by several months.

The tech sector is currently contending with shortages in memory and storage, and Apple is not exempt from these obstacles. It seems that Apple has favored the shipment of laptops, as most variations of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are easily obtainable. In contrast, the inventory for Apple’s desktop Macs is becoming more limited, with most Mac mini and Studio configurations back-ordered by at least a month, and multiple options entirely unavailable for purchase.

There had been thoughts that the delays were related to a forthcoming M5 Mac Studio update, but Bloomberg’s insights imply otherwise. If you were looking forward to a new Mac Studio announcement prior to WWDC in June, it may be necessary to revise those expectations.