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Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

Older Siri Remotes Now Show Up in Find My With iOS 27.2

iOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2 allow second- and third-generation Siri Remotes to be tracked in the Find My app. This is an expansion of a feature that previously only allowed iPhone users to locate a lost Siri Remote. The remotes are now listed alongside other devices in the Find My app.

Why it matters: This change makes it easier for users to locate their Siri Remotes, which can be a convenient feature for those who use their Apple TV devices.

iPhone Duo Features Independent Rotation Lock Controls

The iPhone Duo can lock the screen orientation of its two displays independently. This allows users to lock one display in portrait mode while the other is free to rotate. The feature is accessible through the Control Center.

Why it matters: This feature provides more flexibility in how users can position and use their iPhone Duo.

'F1' star Damson Idris returns to Apple TV for Utah-set thriller

Apple TV is developing a thriller film titled 'Sacrament' starring Damson Idris, with Jonathan Levine set to direct. The film follows two Chicago cops-turned-contractors as they track a runaway thief to a remote township in Utah. The project reunites Idris with writers Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, who worked on his FX series 'Snowfall'.

Why it matters: The film's development is a new project for Apple TV, expanding its original content offerings.

T-Mobile’s new plans let users swap between Apple TV and other subscriptions

T-Mobile has introduced 'T-Mix' plans that allow users to choose from various subscription services, including Apple TV, Netflix, and YouTube Premium, and switch between them several times a year without changing their monthly bill. The plans include different data allowances and wireless benefits, with 'Picks' that can be used towards subscriptions, device promotions, and other perks. The 'Picks' can be used for services like Apple TV, Apple Music, and Hulu, among others, with more partners expected to be added over time.

Why it matters: This new offering provides users with more flexibility in choosing and switching between streaming services and other subscription-based benefits.

How to keep politicians from flooding your iPhone with campaign texts

Apple's Screen Unknown Senders feature in iOS 26 can silence notifications from unfamiliar numbers, including political campaign texts, without blocking each number individually. This feature was off by default and can be enabled in the Messages app. Users can also review filtered conversations and mark senders as known to move their messages back to the main conversation list.

Why it matters: This feature can help reduce the number of unwanted political texts and notifications on iPhones.

iOS 27.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 27.2

Apple released iOS 27.2, which adds features such as Siri AI recall, improved Siri results, and granular text selection. The update also introduces Messages suggestions, a new Apple Music icon, and various changes to the Photos app. iOS 27.2 is available for iPhone Duo and other iPhone models.

Why it matters: These updates aim to improve user experience and productivity on the iPhone.

Ollama for Mac gains support for local text-to-speech models

Ollama, a platform for running AI models locally, has added support for text-to-speech generation on Macs, with Windows and Linux support coming soon. The feature allows users to download and run open-source AI models, including Phonon, a family of text-to-speech models developed by Gradium. The models support five languages and various voices with different accents.

Why it matters: This update enables users to generate text-to-speech without relying on internet connectivity or external servers.

Why Can't iPhone Duo Users Make Eye Contact on FaceTime?

The iPhone Duo does not have the Eye Contact setting in FaceTime, which uses machine learning to make it seem like users are looking into the camera lens during video calls. This setting was introduced in iOS 14 and is available on other iPhone models. The reason for its absence on the iPhone Duo is unclear, but it may be related to the device's unique design and camera placement.

Why it matters: This affects users who rely on FaceTime for video calls and want to use the Eye Contact feature to create a more immersive experience.

(Podcast) Upgrade 643: The iPhone Duo Review

Jason and Myke have reviewed the iPhone Duo, discussing their experience with the device after using it for a few days. The review covers various aspects of the iPhone Duo. Apple has also announced a new iPad mini and will make forthcoming announcements this week.

Why it matters: This review provides insight into the iPhone Duo's performance and features for potential buyers.

Instagram takes on YouTube with new 90-minute horizontal video format

Instagram is testing a new feature called Features, which allows creators to upload horizontal videos up to 90 minutes long. The feature is aimed at podcasters and other long-form creators, and will allow them to link shorter Reels to their full-length videos. The feature is currently being tested with select creators in the U.S. and has already been tested in Brazil.

Why it matters: This feature may provide an alternative platform for long-form content creators to reach their audience.

iOS 27.2 Fixes Over 160 Security Vulnerabilities

Apple has released iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2 updates, which fix over 160 security vulnerabilities, including an Apple Intelligence vulnerability and a Hide My Email bug. The updates also address more than 30 WebKit fixes and approximately 15 kernel bugs. The vulnerabilities were not known to be actively exploited, but devices not updated could be subject to attack.

Why it matters: Users should install the software updates as soon as possible to protect their devices from potential security threats.

Don't wait to update: iOS 27.2 brings security fixes over 130 vulnerabilities

Apple released iOS 27.2, which includes over 130 security fixes, including patches for 25 vulnerabilities that could have allowed attackers to access sensitive user data. The update also includes fixes for issues with the camera, Bluetooth, and other hardware features. The update is available for download for iPhone users.

Why it matters: This update is important for iPhone users to install to protect their devices from potential security threats and data breaches.

iPhone AI Images and Edits Now Have a Hidden Watermark

Apple has enabled SynthID watermarks on AI-generated images and edited photos in iOS 27.2. The watermarks, created by Google, identify AI-generated content at the pixel level. The feature is live for users with the latest iOS update.

Why it matters: This change helps users identify AI-generated content and potentially combat misinformation.

Apple addressed at least 329 unique security vulnerabilities across today’s system updates

Apple released system updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and Safari, addressing 329 unique security vulnerabilities, including a CoreMedia issue that could access the camera without permission and an Apple Intelligence vulnerability that could access user data.

Why it matters: These updates are important for users to install to protect their devices from potential security threats.

From iPhone Duo to Mac, Craft shows what a native productivity app can do

Craft, a productivity app, has been updated to take advantage of the new iPhone Duo's larger display and multitasking capabilities. The app allows users to capture notes, tasks, and documents in one place and has been optimized for each Apple platform. The app's interface adapts to the iPhone Duo's compact and unfolded forms, providing a more spacious experience for writing, organizing, and navigating documents.

Why it matters: This update shows how a native app can effectively utilize new hardware features to enhance user experience.

Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu on recent merger, AI control, & more on Smart Home Insider

Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu discussed the company's recent merger with SwitchBot, new smart home products, and AI control capabilities on the Smart Home Insider podcast. The merger aims to expand Nanoleaf's reach in the smart home market. Demand for the first-generation HomeView remains strong, with countertop models shipping in December and wall-mounted models available for November 28 release.

Why it matters: The merger and new product developments may impact the smart home market and consumer choices.

iOS 27.2 Expands Dual Capture to Group FaceTime

iOS 27.2 has been released, adding Dual Capture to Group FaceTime calls. This feature allows users to stream video from both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. The update also includes an option to add a third-party sign language interpreter or live captioner to a call.

Why it matters: This update enhances the FaceTime experience for users, particularly those who require accessibility features.

iOS 27.2 Lets You Watch Four Live Sports Streams on iPhone

iOS 27.2 update adds Multiview feature to iPhone, allowing users to watch up to four live sports streams simultaneously. The feature is available for sports events included in an Apple TV subscription. Users can select from multiple feeds for Formula 1 events, including onboard cameras and track maps.

Why it matters: This update provides iPhone users with a more comprehensive sports viewing experience, allowing them to watch multiple games or events at the same time.

Apple Says Siri AI Will Support Even More Languages Later This Year

Apple announced that Siri AI will support additional languages, including Chinese (Traditional), Norwegian, Turkish, and Vietnamese, later this year. The new languages will be added to the existing languages supported by Siri. The feature initially supported English only when it launched in September.

Why it matters: This update will make Siri more accessible to users who speak these languages, allowing them to use voice commands in their native language.

Here's Why Apple's Next Pre-Orders Begin on Wednesday at 10:10 AM

Apple announced the new iPad mini will be available for pre-order on Wednesday at 10:10 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple invited tech reporters to an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The event may include a video unveiling the rumored MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, followed by pre-orders.

Why it matters: This information helps readers plan when to expect new Apple devices to be available for pre-order.

Apple raises trade-in values for iPads and Macs, with increases of up to $365

Apple has updated its trade-in values for iPads and Macs, increasing payouts for both product categories for the second time in two months. The maximum trade-in values for iPads and Macs have been raised by up to $365. The updated trade-in values are available on Apple's website.

Why it matters: This change may be relevant for users considering upgrading or purchasing new Apple devices, as they can now receive higher trade-in values for their old devices.

Apple announces Siri AI will expand to these new languages soon

Apple announced that Siri AI will expand to four new languages by the end of the year, following the addition of French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish in iOS 27.2. The new languages will likely arrive with iOS 27.3, expected to ship in December. The first beta of iOS 27.3 may debut in the coming week.

Why it matters: This expansion will make Siri AI more accessible to users worldwide, particularly in regions where these languages are spoken.

Siri AI expands to five more languages as EU users remain left out

Apple has released iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, and watchOS 27.2, which expand Siri AI to five new languages: French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. The updates also include minor changes and bug fixes. Users can now use Siri AI to find personal information and perform multi-step tasks in these languages.

Why it matters: This update expands the capabilities of Siri AI for users in these languages, allowing them to access more features and functionality.

iPhone Duo just got two new features in iOS 27.2

iOS 27.2 has been released with new features, including Apple Pencil support and Edge Light, exclusively for iPhone Duo. Apple Pencil is now supported on both displays of the iPhone Duo, allowing users to annotate and sketch. Edge Light adds a ring of light around the display to illuminate the user's face during video calls.

Why it matters: These features enhance the iPhone Duo's functionality, particularly for video calls and productivity tasks.

iOS 27.2 is out without the Apple Health revamp

Apple has released iOS 27.2, a major update that includes FaceTime Dual Capture and a new Apple Music logo, but does not include the previously announced Apple Health app redesign. The update is available to all compatible iPhones. The release skips iOS 27.1, which was used on the iPhone Duo due to its unique design.

Why it matters: The update brings new features to compatible iPhones, including FaceTime Dual Capture and a redesigned Apple Music logo.

iPadOS 27.2 is now available, and places Siri AI front and center

iPadOS 27.2 introduces a new Siri AI function when selecting text with a trackpad or mouse, and adds support for more languages, including French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. The update also brings user profiles to the Apple TV app and includes anniversary reminders in the calling context. The Apple Health app redesign is delayed until iPadOS 27.3.

Why it matters: This update provides users with easier access to Siri and more language options, making it more convenient to use their iPad.

Siri AI is available in more languages starting today

Apple has released the 27.2 software update, which includes a new version of Siri AI available in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish languages. Siri AI is a reimagined version of Siri that uses personal context understanding and Apple Intelligence to help users with tasks and answer questions. The new version of Siri AI is available with the 27.2 software update, which is released today.

Why it matters: This update expands Siri's language support, making it more accessible to users worldwide.

Apple releases iOS 26.7.2 for iPhone, here’s what’s new

Apple has released iOS 26.7.2, a security-focused update for iPhones still running iOS 26. The update provides security fixes for the iPhone. The release notes do not mention any new features.

Why it matters: This update is important for users still running iOS 26 to ensure their iPhone has the latest security patches.

Siri AI keeps getting better, here’s what’s new in iOS 27.2

Apple's Siri AI is receiving updates in iOS 27.2, with improvements across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. The updates include new features and functionality for the assistant. The updates are rolling out today.

Why it matters: These updates aim to enhance the overall performance and capabilities of Siri AI.

Apple releases iOS 27.2, here’s what’s new

Apple has released iOS 27.2 for iPhone, which includes a new look for Apple Music, support for Apple Pencil on iPhone Duo, and updates to Messages, Podcasts, and Apple TV. The update also adds more Siri AI languages and Group FaceTime Dual Capture. The Home app has gained new features for smart locks and HomePod owners.

Why it matters: This update provides new features and improvements for iPhone users, including enhanced functionality for Apple Music, Messages, and Home app.