Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.”

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
iOS 26 Capabilities Only Available on Latest iPhone Models

# iOS 26: Enhanced Features and Device Requirements

iOS 26 unveils a variety of intriguing features for iPhone users, prominently featuring the Liquid Glass redesign accessible across compatible devices. Nevertheless, several new capabilities are limited to newer iPhone models that include Apple Intelligence. Below is a comprehensive overview of these features along with their device requirements.

## Visual Intelligence via Screenshots

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

The visual intelligence capability, first introduced with the iPhone 16 series, is now available systemwide in iOS 26. Users can capture screenshots and employ visual intelligence to analyze the taken content, assisting in tasks like shopping and creating calendar events.

## Instant Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

Apple has upgraded its live translation features across its devices. This functionality permits real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls, eliminating language barriers. Messages can be translated as they are typed, and during FaceTime calls, users can read along with translated subtitles.

## Lock Screen 3D Visual Effect

**Requires**: iPhone 12 or newer

The Lock Screen in iOS 26 not only embraces the new Liquid Glass aesthetic but also presents a dynamic 3D visual effect. The time adjusts to the image shown, creating a vibrant visual experience as users tilt their iPhones.

## Shortcuts Actions Enhanced by AI

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

The Shortcuts application has been improved with new actions that utilize AI capabilities. Users can generate images, condense text, and utilize Apple Intelligence models for enhanced shortcut functionality.

## Reminders Suggestions and Better Organization

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

The Reminders app leverages AI for task management by proposing new tasks based on on-device text and automatically sorting lists into categories, enhancing organization.

## Apple Wallet Order Tracking Enhancement

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

iOS 26 enhances the Apple Wallet’s order tracking feature by employing AI to extract order information from emails, rendering it more useful without needing merchant involvement.

## New Genmoji and Image Playground Improvements

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

Genmoji and Image Playground see substantial enhancements in iOS 26. Users can create distinct Genmoji by blending existing emojis and personalizing features. Image Playground now incorporates ChatGPT’s image generation capabilities, providing various artistic styles for image creation.

## Messages Background Customization and Poll Suggestions

**Requires**: iPhone 15 Pro or newer

The Messages app adds new functionalities such as Polls and customizable backgrounds. While polls can be generated on any iPhone, AI-driven suggestions for polls and custom backgrounds are reserved for newer models.

In summary, iOS 26 introduces a wealth of new features that elevate the user experience, particularly for individuals with the latest iPhone models. From visual intelligence to enhanced communication tools, the update emphasizes Apple’s dedication to integrating advanced technology into daily activities.

Read More
Tim Cook Talks About the Goal of Apple TV+

**The Development and Strategy of Apple TV+: Perspectives from Tim Cook and Eddy Cue**

Since its debut in 2019, Apple TV+ has ignited interest and discussion among industry analysts and rivals concerning its aims and approach. Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives offered important perspectives on the creation and development of the streaming service, especially as it gets ready to unveil its most ambitious film yet, *F1: The Movie*.

### The Creation of Apple TV+

In a recent conversation with *Variety*, Tim Cook underscored that Apple’s venture into the streaming sector was not a hasty choice. “We studied it for years before we decided to do

Read More
9to5Mac Daily: June 11, 2025 – Summary of Fresh AirPods Features and Other Enhancements

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Daily Destination for Apple News**

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest updates regarding Apple products and services is crucial for both fans and professionals. One of the premier methods for staying informed is through the **9to5Mac Daily** podcast. This daily summary offers listeners a brief rundown of the leading stories concerning Apple, making it an invaluable asset for anyone fascinated by the tech titan.

**Podcast Access**

9to5Mac Daily is easily accessible across numerous platforms, guaranteeing that listeners can enjoy it on the go. You can locate it on:

– [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)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and additional podcast applications.

**Content Highlights**

Each installment of 9to5Mac Daily is recorded on weekdays, ensuring listeners get prompt updates on the latest events within the Apple ecosystem. The podcast explores a range of subjects, including product launches, software upgrades, industry developments, and more. By subscribing, you ensure that new episodes arrive directly on your device as soon as they’re published.

**Exclusive Features**

For those seeking a superior listening experience, 9to5Mac provides a subscription service through **9to5Mac Daily Plus**. Subscribers receive ad-free versions of every episode along with bonus content, making it a worthwhile choice for dedicated listeners.

**Engagement and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback regarding the podcast. You can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or review the podcast on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

Read More
First Third-Party Apple Immersive Video for Vision Pro Showcases MotoGP Racing Fueled by Blackmagic

**Apple Vision Pro and the Future of Immersive Motorcycle Racing**

Owners of the Apple Vision Pro are about to embark on an exciting adventure into motorcycle racing thanks to an upcoming documentary from CANAL+. This innovative project marks the first third-party studio production that employs Apple’s Immersive Video format, filmed exclusively with Blackmagic’s URSA Cine Immersive camera system, which is particularly tailored for Vision Pro content.

### Expanding Vision Pro’s Immersive Content Library

Set to premiere in September, the documentary shadows world champion MotoGP rider Johann Zarco and his team during their landmark win at the French MotoGP Grand Prix in Le Mans. MotoGP is acknowledged as the top tier of motorcycle road racing, featuring the fastest production-based motorcycles racing on circuits across the globe.

The immersive experience seeks to provide viewers with various perspectives throughout the race weekend, including insights into the pit lane and the broadcast studio. Initial teasers of the documentary on Vision Pro have displayed an impressive sense of presence, enabling viewers to feel as if they are right beside the motorbikes. The celebratory scenes following Zarco’s win are especially powerful, highlighting how spatial video can effectively immerse audiences in the midst of the action.

### Immersive Racing Captured

The documentary fully leverages Apple Vision Pro’s cutting-edge features, showcasing 8K, 3D video capture, a 180-degree field of view, and Spatial Audio, delivering what CANAL+ refers to as an unparalleled sports watching experience. The production team employed Blackmagic’s URSA Cine Immersive camera, which debuted at Apple’s WWDC 2024, as part of a broader effort to enable third-party content creation for Vision Pro. Four cameras were strategically positioned throughout the race weekend, recording footage over four days of competition, encompassing Practice, Qualifying, Sprint Race, and the main Grand Prix event.

### Access and Availability

French audiences will have the opportunity to view the documentary via the CANAL+ app on Vision Pro with an active CANAL+ subscription. International viewers outside of France will gain free access through MotoGP, with additional details regarding global availability anticipated to be revealed closer to the September release. More information about the documentary and exact release timing will be shared in the upcoming months.

As Apple Vision Pro continues to broaden its immersive content library, this documentary signifies a major advancement in how sports can be experienced, merging state-of-the-art technology with the excitement of motorcycle racing.

Read More
New Capabilities and Enhancements in Apple Maps for iOS 16

# New Features in Apple Maps for iOS 26

The imminent major release for iPhone, iOS 26, brings a Liquid Glass makeover and enhances Apple Maps with additional features. Following substantial refinements last year, Apple Maps is poised to become even more intuitive and user-friendly. Here’s a glimpse at the new functionalities debuting with iOS 26.

## Smarter Daily Activity Monitoring

Apple Maps in iOS 26 takes advantage of the new Liquid Glass design, which refreshes the appearance of buttons and UI components. Nonetheless, the primary emphasis is on two groundbreaking features: **Preferred Routes** and **Visited Places**.

### Preferred Routes

This capability enables Apple Maps to learn from your daily patterns, such as your journey to work. By examining your travel habits, Maps can recommend your preferred paths and proactively alert you of possible delays. Users will also be able to access crucial information about their routes via the ‘Suggestions’ widget on the Home Screen, offering a swift overview of anticipated conditions.

### Visited Places

The **Visited Places** option automatically logs locations you frequent, including restaurants or shops, without necessitating any input from you. This record is kept within the app for future reference and can be viewed through the newly added ‘Visits’ menu in your Library.

## Privacy Considerations

While these functionalities improve convenience, they might trigger privacy issues. Apple reassures users that the preferred routes feature utilizes “on-device intelligence,” indicating that your commuting behaviors remain confidential on your iPhone. Likewise, the Visited Places feature is safeguarded by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that Apple cannot access this information, and it can be effortlessly removed.

## Availability

iOS 26 is presently in beta testing and is anticipated to be accessible to all users this fall.

What are your views regarding the new functionalities in Apple Maps for iOS 26?

Read More