Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple’s Legal Conflict with Masimo Regarding Blood Oxygen Capability: Recent Updates**

Apple Inc. is presently involved in a legal conflict with the health technology firm Masimo concerning the blood oxygen tracking capability of the Apple Watch. Recent updates in this matter have notable consequences for both entities and consumers.

**Preliminary Decision by ITC**

The primary important update originates from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), where Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya delivered a preliminary decision stating that Apple’s modified blood oxygen capability does not infringe upon Masimo’s patents. This conclusion is significant as it indicates that Apple has effectively adjusted its technology to evade legal issues while still providing a comparable health monitoring function.

The revamped feature, introduced in the U.S. in late 2023, relocates much of the processing from the Apple Watch to the linked iPhone. Users can start a blood oxygen measurement on the watch, but must check the results on their iPhone, effectively altering the operation of the feature and possibly evading the patent concerns brought up by Masimo.

Judge Bhattacharyya’s ruling is provisional and will undergo examination by the entire ITC Commission for a conclusive verdict. Apple has voiced contentment with this decision, stressing its dedication to innovation in healthcare technology.

**Federal Circuit’s Support of Exclusion Order**

In a different yet related event, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has endorsed the ITC’s initial exclusion order regarding the original iteration of the blood oxygen capability. This order bans the sale of the original Apple Watch blood oxygen feature within the United States, a ruling that previously compelled Apple to cease sales of specific models.

While Apple may continue distributing the redesigned edition of the Apple Watch, the original feature remains prohibited. This ruling emphasizes the enduring challenges Apple confronts in managing patent disputes while striving to preserve its market position.

**Conclusion**

The legal conflict between Apple and Masimo showcases the intricacies of patent law in the swiftly changing technology and health industries. As Apple modifies its products to align with legal requirements, consumers may gain from ongoing advancements in health monitoring technologies. The results of these legal proceedings will be monitored closely, as they may establish precedents for future technology and patent conflicts.

### Today’s Tech Offers: Unmissable Savings on Apple Products

In the latest edition of **9to5Toys Lunch Break**, a selection of Apple products can be found at remarkable discounts, making it an ideal moment for tech aficionados to enhance their devices. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the top deals available.

#### AirPods Pro 3: $50 Off

The AirPods Pro 3 are now being offered with a $50 discount, presenting one of the best prices we’ve seen. These wireless earbuds are celebrated for their outstanding sound quality, active noise cancellation, and comfortable design, making them an essential accessory for Apple users.

#### MacBook Air Savings: Up to $300 Off

The **13-inch 24GB M4 MacBook Air** is experiencing a price reduction of $200, now priced at **$1,199**. This variant includes 512GB of storage and is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance yet portable laptop. However, stock is limited, so potential buyers should move quickly.

For anyone interested in larger models, the **15-inch M4 MacBook Air** has been reduced by $300, lowering its cost to **$1,299**. Apple also launched the M5 models, which offer expanded storage choices, but the M4 models remain a great value.

#### New 13-inch M4 iPad Air: Lowest Price Yet

The new **13-inch M4 iPad Air** is now available at a record low price of **$735.49**. This model is ideal for users desiring a lightweight tablet with robust performance. While the discount is currently limited to the purple version, other models in the M4 range are also discounted.

#### 2TB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro: $200 Off

For those seeking premium tablets, the **2TB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro** is now priced at **$2,099**, a $200 reduction from its original cost. Additionally, Best Buy features an open-box listing at **$1,894.99**, offering a significant savings of over $400.

#### Accessories and Charging Deals

Apple’s **240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable** is now available for **$18**, and there are notable discounts on accessories like the **Apple Crossbody Strap**, with savings up to **62% off**. AirTags are also obtainable for under **$16** each, providing an economical solution for tracking personal belongings.

#### Studio Display Discounts

The **2026 Studio Display** is currently discounted by $100, bringing its price to **$1,499**. This model features standard glass and a tilt-adjustable stand, making it an appealing selection for users aiming to upgrade their workspace.

#### Apple Watch Series 10: Massive Discount

One of the highlight deals is the **46mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular**, now available for **$369.91**, a remarkable **$429 off** the original price. This model includes a premium Slate Titanium Case and Milanese Loop, making it an opulent choice for smartwatch users.

### Conclusion

With these impressive savings on a variety of Apple products, now is an excellent opportunity to invest in new technology. Whether you’re in the market for earbuds, laptops, tablets, or accessories, there are offers that meet different needs and preferences. Ensure to check availability, as stock is limited on many of these products.

**Personal Voice: An Innovative Feature in iOS 26**

Are you aware that your iPhone is capable of mimicking your voice, enabling you to input text prompts that are audibly articulated in a voice strikingly similar to yours? This functionality is known as Personal Voice, and with the launch of iOS 26, it has received noteworthy improvements.

### Personal Voice: Preserve a Digital Version of Your Voice

Earlier this week, YouTuber MKBHD showcased the Personal Voice feature, first rolled out with iOS 17. His video served as a reminder of the remarkable enhancements Personal Voice has experienced in iOS 26.

Per Apple’s official enumeration of new features in iOS 26, the creation of Personal Voice has been made more efficient. For users facing the potential loss of their speech, Personal Voice employs on-device intelligence to generate a more seamless, natural-sounding voice in under a minute, needing just 10 recorded phrases.

This Accessibility feature is accessible in Settings under Accessibility, specifically in the Personal Voice area. Although primarily aimed at individuals who might lose their voice, its distinctive functionalities make it entertaining for anyone to try out.

In iOS 17, the process for setting up Personal Voice was tedious, necessitating users to vocalize 150 text prompts over about 15 minutes. However, with iOS 26, the configuration is considerably easier, taking merely a minute or two.

### Enhancements in iOS 26: Two Major Improvements

iOS 26 has refined Personal Voice in two significant manners:

1. **Streamlined Setup**: The initial setup process now requires just 10 prompts rather than 150, dramatically cutting down the time needed to establish your Personal Voice.

2. **Improved Voice Quality**: The feature now generates a voice that is “smoother” and “more natural-sounding” compared to its earlier version. This enhancement is due to better on-device intelligence, though it is noted that an AI-supported iPhone is required for the upgraded experience.

After your Personal Voice is created, it can be utilized in various ways:

– You can choose your Personal Voice for built-in functionalities such as Live Speech, Read & Speak, and VoiceOver, all of which can be adjusted in the Accessibility settings.
– Third-party applications, especially augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps, can request to employ your Personal Voice to vocalize through your device’s speaker or during calls, although they cannot capture speech from Personal Voice.

To begin using Personal Voice after setup, go to Settings, then Accessibility, and select Live Speech. Enable Live Speech, and you can triple-click the iPhone’s Side Button to enter your text prompt.

At present, Personal Voice caters to English (United States), Spanish (Mexico), and Chinese (Mandarin – mainland China).

Have you experimented with Personal Voice in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments!

### The Selfix Case: A Versatile Accessory for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Within the world of smartphone accessories, the Selfix case emerges as a versatile tool that not only safeguards your device but also amplifies its functions. Crafted specifically for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, this groundbreaking case merges a protective layer with an integrated display and extendable storage, making it a perfect pick for photography lovers and content creators alike.

#### Main Features

1. **Integrated Rear Display**: The Selfix case boasts a 1.6-inch circular AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. This screen serves as a viewfinder, enabling users to capture high-quality selfies using the iPhone’s exceptional rear camera.

2. **Extendable Storage**: A remarkable feature is the microSD card slot, which facilitates storage expansion up to 2TB. This is especially useful for users needing extra space for pictures, videos, and applications.

3. **USB-C Connectivity**: The case incorporates a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and 45W inputs, ensuring that users can charge their iPhones swiftly without compromising performance.

4. **Touch-Responsive Display**: The rear display is touch-responsive, allowing users to engage with their device effortlessly. With Assistive Touch activated, users can zoom, focus, and manage their camera settings directly from the rear display.

5. **Sturdy Build**: Constructed from TPU with a soft rubber texture, the Selfix case is made to offer solid protection while remaining pleasant to hold.

6. **MagSafe Compatibility**: The case supports MagSafe accessories, allowing users to conveniently attach chargers, wallets, and various accessories without any restrictions.

#### User Experience

The Selfix case is created for straightforward use. Simply insert your iPhone into the case, and it activates instantly—no apps or extra logins necessary. The rear display reflects the iPhone’s screen, offering a versatile viewfinder for multiple camera applications, including third-party options such as BlackMagic Camera. This capability is particularly beneficial for creators who require meticulous control over their filming settings.

The design of the case also facilitates fast charging while retaining the capacity to utilize MagSafe accessories, making it a sensible choice for daily use.

#### Pricing and Availability

Presently available on Kickstarter, the Selfix case starts at $79, which is an attractive price considering its distinctive features compared to conventional iPhone cases. It is offered in three colors: Pink, White, and Black, with bundles provided that include extra accessories like a cross-body strap and a magnetic ring holder.

#### Final Thoughts

The Selfix case signifies a noteworthy advancement in smartphone accessories, blending practicality with aesthetics. Its potential to enhance the iPhone’s photography capabilities while offering extra storage makes it an appealing choice for both casual users and dedicated content creators. With its ergonomic design and functional features, the Selfix case is set to become an essential accessory for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max users.

For those looking to enhance their smartphone experience, the Selfix case is undoubtedly worth pondering.

# AppleCare One: Expanding to Europe

Apple has recently captured attention with the rollout of its subscription offering, AppleCare One, which was first unveiled in the United States in July 2025. This service enables users to extend warranty protection for multiple Apple devices under a single plan, serving as a hassle-free choice for clients with various products. Currently, Apple seems to be gearing up to introduce this service to European markets, following the acceptance of a trademark application for AppleCare One by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

## What is AppleCare One?

AppleCare One enhances the existing AppleCare+ service, which delivers warranty protection for Apple hardware. In contrast to AppleCare+, which caters to individual devices, AppleCare One permits users to consolidate coverage for several products into one plan. This is especially advantageous for clients who possess multiple Apple devices, as it streamlines warranty management and could potentially lower expenses.

In the U.S., AppleCare One is offered at $19.99 per month and encompasses up to three devices. Users can incorporate additional devices for an extra monthly charge of $5.99. For example, a user could insure an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac for $19.99, and then add an Apple Watch for an additional $5.99, totaling $25.98 per month for full coverage of four devices.

## European Trademark Application

The recent trademark application for AppleCare One in Europe, as noted by MacRumors, suggests that Apple is making moves to launch this service throughout the continent. While the acceptance of the trademark does not guarantee a specific launch date, it strongly implies that Apple is getting ready for a broader rollout of its services in European territories.

The EUIPO has approved the trademark application, which is now awaiting examination. Historically, Apple has been known to register trademarks ahead of launching new services, indicating that consumers in Europe may soon gain access to AppleCare One.

## Implications for the UK

It’s essential to recognize that EUIPO trademark registrations do not cover the United Kingdom due to its exit from the EU. Nonetheless, Apple often launches new services in the UK concurrently with other European nations. It is expected that Apple will also submit a corresponding application for AppleCare One in the UK, enabling British users to enjoy this service alongside their European peers.

## Conclusion

AppleCare One marks a noteworthy advancement in Apple’s service portfolio, offering clients a versatile and budget-friendly method to oversee warranty coverage for multiple devices. As the company readies to introduce this service in Europe, it will be intriguing to observe how it is received by users and whether it will spur further innovations in Apple’s warranty and service frameworks.

**Adobe Firefly Custom Models: A New Dawn for Creators**

Adobe has unveiled a fresh function in Firefly, termed custom models, which enables creators to train a model to duplicate their distinct aesthetic. This feature, currently in public beta, empowers users to produce images that consistently represent their personal styles, whether in photography or illustration.

### Adobe Firefly Can Now Adapt to Your Style

The custom models function allows creators, brands, and general users to train the Firefly model to conform to their unique illustration and photographic styles. This includes preserving consistent elements such as stroke weight, color schemes, lighting, and character traits across various images. According to Adobe, this upgrade enables creators to generate new concepts that resonate with their aesthetic, reuse the model across multiple projects, and create work at scale while maintaining their unique style.

The beta functionality is accessible only to premium subscribers, with each training session costing 500 credits from the user’s monthly generative balance.

### Training Techniques

Adobe provides three distinct training techniques for custom models:

1. **Photography Style**: Users can educate the model on a particular appearance, concentrating on lighting, color, and mood to produce new shots that retain the same visual atmosphere.

2. **Illustration Style**: This technique permits creators to generate new illustrations that embody their signature look.

3. **Characters**: Users can formulate consistent character portrayals across various scenes and narratives.

To train a model, users must provide between 10 and 30 JPG or PNG images with a minimum resolution of 1024×1024, ensuring a uniform aspect ratio (up to 16:9 landscape or 9:16 portrait). Adobe suggests uploading images with a harmonious style and color palette while avoiding low-resolution or blurry images for the best outcomes.

### Project Moonlight

Alongside custom models, Adobe has launched Project Moonlight, currently in private beta. This feature provides a conversational interface that lets users explain their desired outcomes in a chat format, as opposed to using a conventional prompt box. The AI assistants will be embedded across Adobe products, including Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat, enabling users to realize their vision using Adobe’s tools with real-time modifications.

### Expanded Access to Models

Adobe Firefly now grants access to over 30 leading AI image and video models, including Google’s Nano Banana 2 and Veo 3.1, along with Runway’s Gen-4.5 and Adobe’s Firefly Image Model 5. This expansion comes at an opportune moment, as Adobe continues to offer unlimited video and image generation through April 22.

### Conclusion

With the launch of custom models and the growth of Project Moonlight, Adobe is profoundly enhancing the creative capabilities of its users. These advancements not only streamline the creative journey but also ensure that individual styles are upheld and celebrated in the digital landscape. For those keen on exploring these features, additional information and guides are available on Adobe’s official website.

# SmartGym Update: Improved Customization and Quality-of-Life Enhancements

App Store Award recipient [SmartGym](https://apple.co/3VivS53) has just unveiled an update that brings a wide array of customization features and overall enhancements designed to enrich user experience. This article explores the newest functionalities that elevate SmartGym as an even more adaptable workout companion.

## SmartGym: An All-Encompassing and Customizable Fitness Application

Last month, SmartGym introduced a major update that featured Strava integration along with enhanced sharing capabilities. The new update builds upon this groundwork, equipping users with a more robust tool for personalizing their workout experiences.

### AI-Enhanced Smart Trainer Improvements

A highlight of the update is the AI-optimized Smart Trainer, which now recommends warm-up and cool-down stretches specifically designed for the muscles engaged in a user’s workout. Users can adjust the duration of these segments and choose if they should contribute to their overall workout and muscle recovery metrics.

### Adaptive Workout Routine Organization

Users can now classify their exercise sets into clear categories: Warm Up, Main, and Cool Down. This organization simplifies the addition or elimination of segments, proving especially useful for longer workouts with multiple exercises. Moreover, a new draft feature saves incomplete routines automatically, allowing users to pick up their workouts later without losing any progress.

### Launching Workout Effort Monitoring

Another notable addition is the Workout Effort functionality, which permits users to define the training load for their sessions. This capability assists users in tracking their cumulative training load and recovery status, providing a more holistic perspective on their fitness journey.

### Redesigned Routine Interface

The update also brings a revamped Routine View, which SmartGym identifies as the most frequently used screen in the application. The overhaul emphasizes improving layout, typography, animations, and notifications, thereby enriching the overall user experience from the first interaction to the final set.

### Simplified Exercise Updates

For users who utilize the same exercise throughout various routines, SmartGym now allows the modification of an exercise in one routine or across all routines at once. This feature optimizes workout plan management, conserving users’ time and effort.

## 9to5Mac’s Viewpoint

As a dedicated SmartGym user, I wholeheartedly endorse it for its versatility and seamless compatibility with Apple devices, such as the Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. The app features an extensive collection of exercises and emphasizes customization, making it an essential tool for anyone aiming to enhance their workout routines.

For those participating in physical activities, whether at a fitness center or at home, SmartGym is a worthy consideration. It is [accessible for free on the App Store](https://apple.co/3VivS53), with in-app subscriptions that offer added benefits.

## Conclusion

The recent update to SmartGym greatly improves its capabilities, transforming it into a more comprehensive and customizable fitness app. With features such as AI-driven warm-up recommendations, enhanced workout structuring, and efficient exercise management, SmartGym is continuously advancing as a preferred choice for fitness aficionados.

# WWDC 2026: Anticipations for Apple’s Annual Developer Conference

A thrilling period for Apple enthusiasts is on the horizon. The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) occurs each June, and this year will signal the highly awaited rollout of iOS 27 among other innovations.

## When Will Apple Reveal WWDC 2026?

Apple generally discloses WWDC in March. Here’s a recap of announcements from previous years:

– **2017:** February 16
– **2018:** March 13
– **2019:** March 14
– **2020:** March 13
– **2021:** March 30
– **2022:** April 5
– **2023:** March 29
– **2024:** March 26

Given Apple’s pattern, it is likely that WWDC 2026 will be announced during the final week of March.

## When Will WWDC 2026 Take Place?

The conference typically occurs in the first or second week of June. Here are the dates for earlier WWDC events:

– **2017:** June 5-9
– **2018:** June 4-8
– **2019:** June 3-7
– **2020:** June 22-26
– **2021:** June 7-11
– **2022:** June 6-10
– **2023:** June 5-9
– **2024:** June 10-14
– **2025:** June 9-13

Drawing from previous trends, WWDC 2026 is anticipated to occur from June 8 to June 12, with the keynote event commencing on Monday, June 8.

## WWDC 2026: Anticipated Highlights

During WWDC, Apple is set to reveal its upcoming suite of operating systems for all its devices, including:

– **iOS 27**
– **macOS 27**
– **visionOS 27**
– **watchOS 27**
– **tvOS 27**

Speculation indicates that iOS 27 will prioritize bug fixes and enhance overall stability. The update is also expected to establish a foundation for the inaugural foldable iPhone, which is rumored to debut later this year. Moreover, Apple is advancing its new Apple Intelligence features and plans to present the functionalities showcased at WWDC 2026.

## WWDC 2026: Conclusion

What are you eagerly awaiting at WWDC 2026? What are your aspirations and wishes for iOS 27 and other updates this year? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The United States has historically been an exception regarding Apple’s keyboards, employing text labels for keys such as tab, return, and delete. Conversely, the company has employed glyphs for its keyboards in other countries. Recently, Apple has implemented a notable update by moving from text to glyphs in the latest US editions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, along with the new MacBook Neo.

### Changes to the MacBook Keyboard

Dan Moren pointed out this alteration in his review of the MacBook Air at *Six Colors*. He observed that numerous keys’ text labels have been substituted with glyphs, which are the same symbols that have been consistently used for keyboard shortcuts in drop-down menus. This change has caused confusion for many outside the US, as glyph usage has been customary in other regions for a long time.

### Notable Exceptions

While many keys have shifted from text to glyphs, some have maintained their text labels in a shortened form. The keys that have entirely transitioned to glyphs include:

– Tab
– Caps lock
– Return
– Shift
– Delete

Nonetheless, two keys continue to have their text labels, and the other modifier keys now feature both glyphs and text labels:

– Control ⌃
– Option ⌥
– Command ⌘

### The Possible Reasoning

John Gruber’s proposed rationale for this modification seems to hold merit. He suggests that documentation, including Apple’s own, frequently refers to these keys by name (e.g., Option-Shift-Command-K) rather than glyphs (⌥⇧⌘K). It has only been in recent years that Apple began to incorporate glyphs for Control (⌃) and Option (⌥), as those keys were previously denoted solely by name.

Furthermore, text labels might be essential for effectively conveying key functions to non-technical users. In the absence of these labels, it may be difficult for someone who is not familiar with the keyboard to grasp instructions such as “Command-R.” In contrast, more recognizable keys like Shift or Tab are less likely to create misunderstandings.

In conclusion, Apple’s shift to glyphs for key labels in the US brings its keyboards in line with global standards while still ensuring user comprehension and clarity in communication.

Apple has lately revealed its collaboration with the London Marathon, which is scheduled for next month. While IT consultancy TCS holds the main sponsorship, Apple is designated as the “official performance technology product partner.” This partnership seeks to improve the experience for runners by leveraging Apple’s technology.

Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of fitness technology, pointed out that Apple’s innovations assist runners by offering tools and insights that encourage them to stay motivated, monitor their progress, and gain a better understanding of their health and fitness. The Apple Watch has already proven to be vital for many runners in getting ready for marathons and long-distance events.

There are rumors regarding whether this collaboration signifies Apple’s plans to broaden its backing for organized running competitions. CNET’s Giselle Castro-Sloboda noted existing functionalities that benefit runners, including run tracking and the collection of advanced metrics. She expressed optimism for forthcoming updates that could introduce race-specific tools and tailored training plans based on personal data.

Moreover, there is the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into these functionalities. For example, AI could assist the Apple Watch in assessing whether a runner is sustaining the correct pace for their training or recommend when an additional rest day may be advantageous.

The collaboration with the London Marathon highlights Apple’s dedication to enriching the fitness experience for runners of all skill levels, and it opens the door to more groundbreaking features in the future.