Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple @ Work: The Significance of ABM Warranty and New Business Manager APIs for IT Teams

**Apple Business Manager API and ABM Warranty: A New Chapter for IT Administration of Apple Devices**

The administration of Apple devices within enterprise settings has consistently presented distinct challenges, especially in tracking warranties and device statuses. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Apple Business Manager API, IT teams now have the ability to access device data in a secure and streamlined way, enhancing the management of extensive fleets of Apple devices.

**Grasping the Apple Business Manager API**

The Apple Business Manager API grants third-party tools secure access to device data directly from Apple. This functionality is vital for IT departments tasked with efficiently managing a multitude of devices. By unveiling more device details and management features through official APIs, Apple is empowering developers to craft applications that fulfill enduring requirements within the IT sector.

**Presenting ABM Warranty**

One pivotal application is ABM Warranty, designed to supply IT teams with a simplified method to access Apple device warranty details. This tool extracts warranty data embedded in Apple Business Manager and displays it in a user-friendly format. With capabilities such as color coding to signify warranty status—whether devices are under warranty, out of warranty, or nearing expiration—ABM Warranty streamlines the decision-making process regarding device repairs and replacements.

**Essential Features of ABM Warranty**

– **Thorough Warranty Overview**: ABM Warranty provides a transparent display of warranty statuses for all devices, enabling IT teams to promptly identify which devices need attention.
– **Filtering and Exporting**: Users can filter devices by platform and export data to CSV files, facilitating integration with other IT management systems.
– **In-depth Device Insights**: The application delivers historical coverage details for individual devices, including any AppleCare Plus incidents, ensuring that IT teams have all relevant information readily available.
– **Upcoming Enhancements**: The future roadmap for ABM Warranty includes features like keychain-based certificate selection and integration with Apple School Manager, promising enhanced functionality.

**The Influence of Apple’s API on IT Administration**

The launch of the Apple Business Manager API signifies a noteworthy transformation in how IT teams interact with Apple devices. For years, there has been a need for increased visibility into warranty statuses and repair records, and the API addresses this by offering structured data access. This transformation not only boosts the capabilities of tools like ABM Warranty but also sets the stage for further advancements in IT management solutions.

**Final Thoughts**

For organizations overseeing Apple devices in large quantities, tools like ABM Warranty are becoming indispensable elements of their operational procedures. With the groundwork laid by Apple’s API access, IT teams can finally achieve the visibility they have long desired, leading to more educated decision-making concerning device management. By utilizing applications like ABM Warranty, organizations can optimize their processes and guarantee that their Apple devices remain well-supported and efficient.

For those keen on exploring ABM Warranty, it is available for download on the Mac App Store, enabling organizations to commence managing their warranty data effectively with minimal setup.

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SwitchBot Wallet Tracker: A Handy Tool for Locating Your Wallet Using iPhone’s Find My Function

### SwitchBot Wallet Finder: An In-Depth Analysis

#### Overview
For individuals who frequently lose their wallets, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder provides a practical remedy. Unlike larger tracking gadgets such as the AirTag, the Wallet Finder is crafted to blend effortlessly into your wallet, offering an effective means to monitor your possessions.

#### Installation
The process of setting up the SwitchBot Wallet Finder is simple. Users can link it directly with the Apple Find My app without the necessity of downloading the SwitchBot app. The steps involve launching the Find My app, choosing “Add Item,” and pressing the button on the Wallet Finder card. After assigning a name to the device and selecting an emoji for easy recognition, it can be stashed in a wallet pocket.

#### Tracking Method
The Wallet Finder employs Bluetooth technology instead of GPS. It sends out a low-energy Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices. This signal is then transmitted to the Find My network, allowing users to find their wallet even from a distance, as long as there are Apple devices in the vicinity. The system incurs no ongoing subscription costs, making it a budget-friendly choice.

The efficiency of the Find My network is apparent, as location updates happen swiftly when the wallet is stationary and in proximity to other iOS devices. In cases where the wallet is in motion, updates might trail slightly behind the real-time situation.

Users have the option to mark their wallet as lost, enabling those who come across it to obtain the owner’s contact details via the Identify Found Item feature in Find My. The forthcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to further enhance this capability.

#### Locating Nearby with the Speaker
Although the Wallet Finder does not include the ultra-wideband technology present in the AirTag, it makes up for this by having a built-in speaker that emits a loud sound when activated. This is particularly beneficial for finding a misplaced wallet at home. Users can effortlessly trigger the sound using the Find My app or through Siri, ensuring quick retrieval of the wallet.

#### Safety and Tracking
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder is primarily intended for recovering lost items rather than tracking people. If the card becomes detached from its owner, it produces a noise to alert nearby individuals and sends notifications to nearby iPhones. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that someone else can turn off the Find My connection by executing a specific shutdown procedure.

#### Summary
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder represents a practical and economical solution for those wanting to keep tabs on their wallets. Its compact design enables easy placement within a wallet, and it even features a hole for lanyard or keychain attachment if preferred.

A potential drawback is that the Wallet Finder is a single-use device with an approximate battery lifespan of three years, after which it cannot be replaced. Nevertheless, considering the worth of the items generally held in a wallet, acquiring a new Wallet Finder when the battery expires may be a sensible choice for numerous users.

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Apple Shuts Down ‘The Last Frontier’ Following Its Inaugural Season

Apple has opted to cancel “The Last Frontier” following its inaugural season. Here are the specifics.

## No Season 2 for ‘The Last Frontier’

Despite Apple’s attempts to market “The Last Frontier” and what initially appeared to be a promising launch, Apple has chosen to terminate the series after merely one season, as noted by *Variety*.

The Jason Clarke-starring series debuted last October to largely favorable reviews, but it seemingly struggled to keep its early success as it moved toward its season conclusion on December 5th.

On IMDb, episode scores varied from 7.7 for the pilot to the lowest-rated episode being the finale, which received a score of 6.2.

“The Last Frontier” narrates the tale of U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, portrayed by Jason Clarke, who becomes engaged in a manhunt for numerous violent convicts after a prison transport aircraft inexplicably crashes near a rough Alaskan town.

Apple approved “The Last Frontier” in February 2023 with a direct-to-series decision, indicating it committed to producing the full season without initially filming a pilot episode.

“The Last Frontier” now joins other series such as “Mr. Corman,” “Constellation,” “City On Fire,” “Suspicion,” “Shantaram,” “High Desert,” “Sunny,” “Time Bandits,” “Still Up,” “Dear Edward,” and “Amber Brown,” all of which were cancelled after just one season.

Apple TV is offered for $12.99 monthly and showcases popular TV shows and films like “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

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ChatGPT Includes a Festive Easter Surprise Driven by Sora

As Sam Altman hinted on X, you can prompt ChatGPT with a single emoji and receive a customized Christmas-themed video created by Sora in return. Here’s how to do it.

## Prompt ChatGPT with 🎁, Get a Customized Video

Earlier this evening, Sam Altman shared a teaser on X, as he often does. It wasn’t long before users discovered that sending 🎁 as a prompt to ChatGPT will lead it to request you to either upload or take a selfie.

Subsequently, it will transfer the task to Sora to produce a humorous, personalized Christmas video, based on ChatGPT’s knowledge about you from previous interactions.

You have no influence over what Sora generates, meaning you can’t select the aesthetics, theme, or events in the video. Here’s what it created for me:

Here’s what Sora generated for an X user who uploaded Altman’s selfie instead of their own:

Currently, you cannot create multiple videos, so if you initiate a new chat session and send 🎁 again, it will simply return the same video.

What do you think about ChatGPT’s holiday easter egg? If you choose to try this out, please share the results with us in the comments.

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Apple TV’s Newest Nature Docuseries Now Ready for Streaming

### Born to be Wild: An In-Depth Exploration of Animal Conservation

‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ is a freshly launched wildlife docuseries on Apple TV, narrated by Hugh Bonneville, recognized for his performances in ‘[Notting Hill](https://apple.co/4pPdApi)’ and ‘[Paddington](https://apple.co/3IobADT)’. This series adds to Apple TV’s growing collection of natural world programming, illustrating the complex interactions between humans and animals.

#### Series Overview

All six episodes of ‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ are currently available for streaming. The series was filmed over several years across five continents, centering on the lives of six endangered young animals as they journey through their developmental stages. The docuseries emphasizes the obstacles and achievements faced by these creatures and the passionate individuals committed to safeguarding them.

#### Themes and Subject Matter

The series offers an emotional and personal view of the strong connections established between animals and humans. Each episode follows the story of animals such as an elephant calf, two young cheetahs, a ring-tailed lemur pup, a moon bear cub, Iberian lynx kittens, and rescued African penguins.

Apple defines the show as follows:

> “From their first moments to their transition into the wild, the series showcases the difficulties, victories, and resilience that characterize their survival — for both the animals and the extraordinary people dedicated to nurturing and protecting them.”

This narrative framework highlights the crucial role of conservation efforts and the significance of human involvement in rehabbing and rewilding these species to secure their future.

#### Access and Subscription Details

Viewers can check out the trailer for ‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ on Apple TV. The service is offered at a subscription rate of $12.99 per month, featuring a range of popular films and shows, including titles like ‘[Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey)’, ‘[The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cFK)’, ‘[The Morning Show](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-morning-show/umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m&at=1000l3cFK)’, ‘[Shrinking](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cFK)’, and ‘[Silo](https://tv.apple.com/show/silo/umc.cmc.3yksgc857px0k0rqe5zd4jice?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.3yksgc857px0k0rqe5zd4jice&at=1000l3cFK)’.

#### Final Thoughts

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Travis Scott Headlines New Powerbeats Fit Promo Showcasing Unreleased Song and Nostalgic Tweet

**Beats’ “Dare to Dream” Initiative: A Path of Self-Confidence and Realization**

Beats has introduced an uplifting new initiative named “Dare to Dream,” showcasing a digitally rejuvenated version of the celebrated American rapper Travis Scott. This initiative reconstructs Scott’s childhood bedroom, encapsulating the spirit of his youthful ambitions and the instant he started to manifest his future as an international icon.

The commercial is set on March 5, 2011, where a young Scott, equipped with Beats Studio headphones, drifts off to sleep following a vigorous creative session on his iMac. In his dreams, he pictures filled venues, brilliant lights, enthusiastic audiences, and the fireworks that have become a hallmark of his live shows. This dream sequence represents the aspirations that pushed him toward fame.

In a defining moment, Scott reaches for his iPhone 4 and tweets his now-famous message: “ONE DAY TRAVIS SCOTT WILL BE SOMEBODY.” This tweet exemplifies the strength of self-confidence and the significance of visualizing one’s future.

The advertisement wraps up with a moment of clarity as Scott extracts a Powerbeats Fit case from his jacket, inserts the earbuds in his ears, and strolls away, symbolizing the link between his past dreams and current reality.

In Scott’s words, “This film isn’t just about where I came from — it’s about the vision I had before anyone else could see it. (…) Beats has been a part of that story since the beginning.” This quote summarizes the initiative’s message about the importance of believing in oneself and the influence of supportive tools, such as Beats headphones, in achieving one’s aspirations.

The “Dare to Dream” initiative not only emphasizes Travis Scott’s journey but also acts as a source of motivation for individuals to chase their dreams with determination. The ad can be accessed across various platforms, highlighting the fusion of nostalgia and ambition that characterizes Scott’s story.

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Apple Research Uncovers Possibilities of AI-Enhanced ISP to Improve Low-Light Photography on iPhones

# Apple’s DarkDiff: Transforming Low-Light Photography with AI

Apple’s researchers have made remarkable progress in improving extremely dark images through the creation of an AI model named DarkDiff. This groundbreaking technique incorporates a diffusion-based image model directly within the camera’s image processing pipeline, allowing for the retrieval of details from raw sensor data that usually gets lost in low-light scenarios.

## The Challenge of Extreme Low-Light Photos

Taking photos in very dark settings often results in grainy images filled with digital noise. This happens when the image sensor does not capture enough light, leading to a loss of detail. To mitigate this, companies like Apple have turned to image processing algorithms. However, these algorithms have been criticized for producing overly smooth images that lack intricate detail, resulting in a painted effect where the original content becomes unrecognizable.

## Introducing DarkDiff

To tackle the difficulties of low-light photography, researchers from Apple and Purdue University unveiled DarkDiff, as outlined in their study titled “DarkDiff: Advancing Low-Light Raw Enhancement by Retasking Diffusion Models for Camera ISP.” The researchers emphasize that achieving high-quality photography in extreme low-light conditions remains a challenge, but improvements in computing hardware are facilitating smarter enhancement of noisy raw images.

DarkDiff differs from conventional post-processing techniques by repurposing Stable Diffusion, an open-source model trained on millions of images. This model is engineered to comprehend which details should appear in dark areas of photos based on their overall context and is integrated into the image signal processing (ISP) pipeline of the camera.

The DarkDiff framework calculates attention over localized image patches, which helps in maintaining local structures and minimizing hallucinations—artifacts where the AI inaccurately modifies image content. The ISP first processes the raw sensor data, executing crucial steps like white balance and demosaicing, before DarkDiff works on the linear RGB image to denoise it and create the final sRGB image.

DarkDiff utilizes a technique known as classifier-free guidance, which dictates how closely the model should conform to the input image in contrast to its learned visual priors. Modifying this guidance enables a balance between generating smoother patterns and sharper textures, though it also heightens the risk of introducing unwanted artifacts.

## Evaluating DarkDiff

The researchers assessed DarkDiff using actual photos taken in extremely low-light situations with cameras such as the Sony A7SII. They compared the outcomes against other raw enhancement models and diffusion-based benchmarks, including ExposureDiff. The test images were captured at night with exposure times as short as 0.033 seconds, and DarkDiff’s improvements were reviewed against reference photos taken with significantly prolonged exposure times on a tripod.

## DarkDiff’s Challenges

Despite its promising capabilities, the researchers recognize that DarkDiff’s AI-driven processing is significantly slower than traditional methods, possibly requiring cloud processing to manage its high computational needs. Running the model locally on a smartphone could rapidly drain battery life. Furthermore, there are constraints regarding non-English text recognition in low-light environments.

While the study does not suggest that DarkDiff will be implemented in iPhones in the immediate future, it emphasizes Apple’s ongoing dedication to advancing computational photography—a vital area of focus in the smartphone market as consumers demand camera functionalities that exceed the physical limits of their devices.

For those interested in an in-depth exploration, the complete study and further comparisons between DarkDiff and other denoising methods can be found

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9to5Mac Daily Briefing: December 19, 2025 – Perspectives on iPhone Fold and Apple Music Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily presents a simple way to catch up on the most important stories affecting the Apple ecosystem. This podcast is crafted to keep listeners updated on recent developments, product launches, and insights from the industry.

**Tune in for the Daily Recap**

Every weekday, 9to5Mac Daily delivers a summary of the leading stories, making it simple for listeners to stay informed while on the move. The podcast can be accessed on numerous platforms, including [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast apps.

**Special Deals for Listeners**

9to5Mac Daily is more than just news; it also provides exclusive deals to its audience. There is currently a promotion from Backblaze, offering a 30% discount for 9to5Mac listeners using the code **9to5Xmas** until the month’s end. This promotion is an excellent opportunity to ensure peace of mind with dependable backup solutions.

**What to Anticipate in Each Episode**

Listeners can count on new episodes each weekday, guaranteeing they receive timely updates on Apple-centric news. The podcast encompasses a wide array of subjects, such as product announcements, software upgrades, and industry trends. By subscribing to the podcast, listeners can ensure they receive new episodes as soon as they are released.

**Support the Podcast**

For those wishing to support the podcast directly, the option to subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus is available. This subscription unlocks ad-free versions of every episode and grants access to bonus content, enhancing the overall listening experience.

**Engage with the Community**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave reviews on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Stanford Provides Complimentary Access to 2025 SwiftUI Development Lectures

### All 16 Lectures of Stanford’s CS193p Course Now Free to Access

The complete set of 16 videos and accompanying materials from the Spring 2025 edition of Stanford’s CS193p course, “Developing Applications for iOS using SwiftUI,” is now freely available online. This initiative aligns with Stanford University’s ongoing efforts since 2020 to provide educational resources to a wider public by sharing course content on YouTube and their official site.

#### Course Overview

CS193p aims to familiarize students with the basic principles of iOS development. The course has become popular owing to its thorough curriculum and high-quality teaching, making it an essential resource for aspiring iOS developers. The recent launch of the Spring 2025 lectures continues Stanford’s dedication to open education.

#### Access to Course Materials

Currently, all 16 lectures from the Spring 2025 course can be viewed on the [course website](https://cs193p.stanford.edu/) and via a

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Apple Ceases Signing of iOS 26.1: Consequences for Users

### Downgrading to iOS 26.1 Now Unfeasible

If you are currently using iOS 26.2 and were thinking about downgrading, regrettably, you have lost your chance. Apple has officially ceased signing iOS 26.1, which indicates that users can no longer go back to this earlier version.

Apple generally stops signing older iOS versions once newer updates are verified to be stable and secure. This practice holds particular significance when the latest release resolves major security vulnerabilities that exist in previous builds.

Recently, iOS 26.2 brought essential updates, including solutions for two critical zero-day vulnerabilities. With these security issues now revealed, users still on iOS 26.1 may find themselves increasingly exposed to threats. By blocking downgrades, Apple is effectively protecting users from returning to a version that is becoming more perilous over time.

For those keen on discovering the new features and improvements that come with iOS 26.2, further details can be found through numerous technology news sources.

In conclusion, if you were pondering a downgrade to iOS 26.1, it is no longer a feasible option, and users are advised to keep their devices updated with the latest iOS version to maintain security.

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