ConnexionApple TV+ just dropped the first trailer for its next big nature docuseries
Apple is expanding its nature content slate with The Wild Ones, a new six-part series led by former Royal Marines Commando Aldo Kane. You can watch the trailer below.
more…Vue lecture
WWDC 2025: The Talk Show livestream returning to Theater for Vision Pro, early bird tickets for 3D video available now
Theater for visionOS premiered a year ago with a clever software launch campaign: exclusively streaming John Gruber’s The Talk Show post-WWDC event live with 3D video.
The Apple Vision Pro app has continued to mature since its debut, adding extensive Plex support and a full-blown immersive planetarium that now hosts the 2025 SXSW award-winning “Resolution” music experience.
Next up, Theater is returning as the exclusive home to The Talk Show Live event stream.
more…Cellebrite just spent $200 million on the iPhone virtualization company Apple tried to bury
Cellebrite, the Israeli firm responsible for one of the world’s most famous iPhone hacking tools, has acquired Corellium, the company best known for creating virtual iPhones used in security research. This is huge news.
more…WWDC 2025: All the Rumors About visionOS 26
We're just a handful of days away from the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple plans to introduce new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. visionOS isn't Apple's most popular platform, but it's getting new features that will make the Vision Pro experience better.
The next version of visionOS has actually been described as "feature-packed," but a lot of what's coming will remain a surprise because rumors typically focus on iOS. If you're expecting visionOS 3 to follow visionOS 2, you might be surprised when we get visionOS 26 instead. Apple is changing the way that it names operating system updates, using "26" for everything coming out in 2025. 26 represents the September 2025 to September 2026 visionOS season.
The design that Apple used for visionOS is inspiring a new look for iOS and macOS, but Apple also plans to make some tweaks to the way that visionOS looks. The changes are likely to be small in scale, and we don't have a lot of detail, but at least some visual updates are coming.
Apple is going to add a new eye-scrolling option to the Vision Pro, which will use the built-in eye tracking features. The Vision Pro already supports navigating through the OS by looking at something on the display and then using a hand gesture to "tap" it, so eye-based scrolling is a natural extension of that functionality.
Apple will add eye scrolling to the built-in Apple apps, and it will provide an API that will let developers integrate the capability into third-party apps as well.
Apple is planning to add new Apple Intelligence features to iOS, and it's possible anything that's added will also expand to visionOS. There's an AI battery management feature rumored for iOS 26, for example, and it would make a lot of sense to have a similar function on the headset because it's so reliant on battery.
At some point, Apple will introduce the Apple Intelligence personalized Siri features that were shown off at WWDC 2024, and those capabilities will almost certainly expand to the Vision Pro. Apple is working on deeper Siri integration for apps, personal context that would let Siri access emails, files, and more, and onscreen awareness so Siri knows what you're looking at.
Apple plans to release a new cross-platform Games app, and with the company aiming to push gaming on the Vision Pro, the Games app will likely be available on the headset. The Games app will include all the content from the games section of the App Store, along with Apple Arcade content and Game Center features like achievements and leaderboards.
In May, Apple announced upcoming Accessibility features that will be added to visionOS 26. visionOS is going to get new vision accessibility options for users who are blind or have low vision. Zoom will let users magnify anything that's in view using the main Vision Pro camera, while Live Recognition in VoiceOver will use on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, and read documents.
Apple is developing a new API that will allow approved apps to use the main camera for providing live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation, a feature that will be useful for apps like Be My Eyes.
For users with severe mobility disabilities, visionOS is gaining a new protocol that will support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces, a technology that lets users control their devices with brain signals.
Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will begin on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website, on YouTube, and in the TV app.
If you're not able to watch live, we'll have a live blog and coverage of the announcements here at MacRumors, plus we'll be live tweeting the event on the MacRumorsLive account.
This article, "WWDC 2025: All the Rumors About visionOS 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The next version of visionOS has actually been described as "feature-packed," but a lot of what's coming will remain a surprise because rumors typically focus on iOS. If you're expecting visionOS 3 to follow visionOS 2, you might be surprised when we get visionOS 26 instead. Apple is changing the way that it names operating system updates, using "26" for everything coming out in 2025. 26 represents the September 2025 to September 2026 visionOS season.
Updated Design
The design that Apple used for visionOS is inspiring a new look for iOS and macOS, but Apple also plans to make some tweaks to the way that visionOS looks. The changes are likely to be small in scale, and we don't have a lot of detail, but at least some visual updates are coming.
Eye-Scrolling
Apple is going to add a new eye-scrolling option to the Vision Pro, which will use the built-in eye tracking features. The Vision Pro already supports navigating through the OS by looking at something on the display and then using a hand gesture to "tap" it, so eye-based scrolling is a natural extension of that functionality.
Apple will add eye scrolling to the built-in Apple apps, and it will provide an API that will let developers integrate the capability into third-party apps as well.
Apple Intelligence
Apple is planning to add new Apple Intelligence features to iOS, and it's possible anything that's added will also expand to visionOS. There's an AI battery management feature rumored for iOS 26, for example, and it would make a lot of sense to have a similar function on the headset because it's so reliant on battery.
At some point, Apple will introduce the Apple Intelligence personalized Siri features that were shown off at WWDC 2024, and those capabilities will almost certainly expand to the Vision Pro. Apple is working on deeper Siri integration for apps, personal context that would let Siri access emails, files, and more, and onscreen awareness so Siri knows what you're looking at.
Games App
Apple plans to release a new cross-platform Games app, and with the company aiming to push gaming on the Vision Pro, the Games app will likely be available on the headset. The Games app will include all the content from the games section of the App Store, along with Apple Arcade content and Game Center features like achievements and leaderboards.
Accessibility
In May, Apple announced upcoming Accessibility features that will be added to visionOS 26. visionOS is going to get new vision accessibility options for users who are blind or have low vision. Zoom will let users magnify anything that's in view using the main Vision Pro camera, while Live Recognition in VoiceOver will use on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, and read documents.
Apple is developing a new API that will allow approved apps to use the main camera for providing live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation, a feature that will be useful for apps like Be My Eyes.
For users with severe mobility disabilities, visionOS is gaining a new protocol that will support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces, a technology that lets users control their devices with brain signals.
WWDC 2025 June 9 Keynote
Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will begin on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website, on YouTube, and in the TV app.
If you're not able to watch live, we'll have a live blog and coverage of the announcements here at MacRumors, plus we'll be live tweeting the event on the MacRumorsLive account.
This article, "WWDC 2025: All the Rumors About visionOS 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPadOS 26: Four new features being announced next week
WWDC is only a few days away, and Apple has a lot of big announcements coming. Here are four new iPadOS 26 features rumored to be unveiled next week.
more…
Apple's Long-Rumored 'homeOS' Possibly Trademarked Ahead of WWDC
Apple's long-rumored "homeOS" operating system might finally be on the horizon, based on recent trademark activity reviewed by MacRumors.
An apparent shell company known as Home Operations Suite LLC has submitted trademark applications for "HOMEOS" in a handful of countries in recent months. A priority filing was made in Liechtenstein in October 2024, and additional filings were made in the United States, Argentina, Peru, and a few other countries in April this year.
The trademark is now registered in Liechtenstein, but the applications are still pending elsewhere.
The trademark filing in the U.S. was first spotted by Parker Ortolani and reported by 9to5Mac.
There is no definitive proof that Apple owns the shell company, but it has a history of creating limited-liability companies with generic names in order to discretely move to protect its intellectual property related to unannounced products.
For example, in May 2023, MacRumors uncovered a "VisionOS" trademark application filed by another secretive LLC shell company. A month later, at WWDC, Apple announced its Vision Pro headset and its visionOS operating system.
"homeOS" has been referenced in various other places in the past, including in Apple job listings, and in tvOS 17.4 code discovered by MacRumors. It could end up being the name of the software platform that powers Apple's long-rumored smart home hub, which has been described as a HomePod with a screen. The device will reportedly have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a speaker base or mounted on a wall.
The hub would allow users to control smart home accessories, make FaceTime video calls, use Apple's intercom feature between rooms in a house, and more. It might even double as a home security system with an Apple-designed smart home camera.
In March, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the HomePod with a screen would enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, but it is unclear if it will ship to customers this year or next year. Apple delayed the personalized Siri features that are expected to be at the core of the device, so perhaps next year is a safer bet at this point. However, Apple could still provide an early preview of the home hub at any point now, and its WWDC 2025 keynote just so happens to be coming up next week. Stay tuned!
This article, "Apple's Long-Rumored 'homeOS' Possibly Trademarked Ahead of WWDC" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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An apparent shell company known as Home Operations Suite LLC has submitted trademark applications for "HOMEOS" in a handful of countries in recent months. A priority filing was made in Liechtenstein in October 2024, and additional filings were made in the United States, Argentina, Peru, and a few other countries in April this year.
The trademark is now registered in Liechtenstein, but the applications are still pending elsewhere.
The trademark filing in the U.S. was first spotted by Parker Ortolani and reported by 9to5Mac.
There is no definitive proof that Apple owns the shell company, but it has a history of creating limited-liability companies with generic names in order to discretely move to protect its intellectual property related to unannounced products.
For example, in May 2023, MacRumors uncovered a "VisionOS" trademark application filed by another secretive LLC shell company. A month later, at WWDC, Apple announced its Vision Pro headset and its visionOS operating system.
"homeOS" has been referenced in various other places in the past, including in Apple job listings, and in tvOS 17.4 code discovered by MacRumors. It could end up being the name of the software platform that powers Apple's long-rumored smart home hub, which has been described as a HomePod with a screen. The device will reportedly have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a speaker base or mounted on a wall.
The hub would allow users to control smart home accessories, make FaceTime video calls, use Apple's intercom feature between rooms in a house, and more. It might even double as a home security system with an Apple-designed smart home camera.
In March, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the HomePod with a screen would enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, but it is unclear if it will ship to customers this year or next year. Apple delayed the personalized Siri features that are expected to be at the core of the device, so perhaps next year is a safer bet at this point. However, Apple could still provide an early preview of the home hub at any point now, and its WWDC 2025 keynote just so happens to be coming up next week. Stay tuned!
Related Roundup: WWDC 2025
Tag: homeOS
Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry
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Rumor Replay: iOS 26 AirPods upgrades plus new iPhone features
This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. Today: last-minute iOS 26 leaks covering AirPods features, new app updates, plus iPhone 17 details and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
more…Review: Qwerkywriter, the Bluetooth keyboard that thinks it’s a typewriter [U: New version]
I reviewed the original version of the Qwerkywriter way back in 2016, and you can read that review below, as much of it still applies.
But with a 10 year Anniversary Edition just released on Kickstarter, and a new lower price, I’m adding a few thoughts on that. The upgrades are very worthwhile ones, so if you’d been tempted before but not quite enough to press the button on an order, this one might well change your mind …
more…9to5Mac Daily: June 4, 2025 – More iOS 26 leaks
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Sponsored by 9to5Mac Daily Plus: Get ad-free versions of every episode by visiting 9to5mac.com/join.
Apple’s AI struggles won’t actually matter for years, says analyst
Ahead of WWDC next week, one of the biggest talking points around Apple has been the company’s AI struggles. But one notable analyst, in his preview of what’s to come, doesn’t seem worried at all.
more…Apple reveals how many users are running iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
Ahead of WWDC next week, Apple has shared new data on the adoption rates of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. The company reports that iOS 18 is now installed on 88% of devices introduced in the last four years, while iPadOS 18 is installed on 81% of devices introduced in the same period.
more…Apple to sponsor and present new research at annual computer vision conference
Apple is headed to Nashville next week, where it will showcase new computer vision research and run live technical demos at this year’s IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition.
more…iOS 26 naming, new Gaming app, and more last-minute WWDC expectations
Benjamin and Chance get hyped for WWDC 2025 with coverage of all the last-minute news, as well as the state of the rumor mill in the run-up to Apple’s big software show. There’s talk of a new Gaming app, a major change to Apple’s OS version numbering, and much more to discuss ahead of next week’s event.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin tries to convince Chance to use his Vision Pro on the plane. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
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Snapchat is now on Apple Watch for the first time ever
Snapchat is officially coming to your wrist. The first ever Snapchat app for Apple Watch just launched, here are the details.
more…Deals: M4 iPad Pro massive $400 price drop, 24GB M4 MacBook Air $173 off, Apple Watch Series 10 from $299, more
Today’s best Apple deals are kicking off with the return of the wild $400 price drop on the 2TB Space Black M4 iPad Pro – this is matching the best price we have tracked by a long shot and might not stick around for long. Next up we are touching back down with the M4 MacBook Air lineup – the upgraded 24GB Midnight M4 MacBook Air is now $173 off the list price – as well as the Apple Watch Series 10 now that just about every single color, case style, and band option is at the best price of the year starting from $299. Other notable deals include a collection of Eve Matter/HomeKit smart home gear, AirTag alternatives, chargers, and more.
more…Nintendo Switch 2 is here: Unboxing and first impressions [Hands-on & Video]
After months of buildup, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here. I got early access to everything at a private event hosted by Nintendo at their flagship store in NYC. I was able to pick up the full launch lineup directly from Nintendo, including the console, accessories, and the new Mario Kart World game.
I’ve spent some time unboxing it all, setting things up, and playing with some of the accessories. While I think this is a fantastic upgrade to the Switch 1, its not all good. Let’s dive into the unboxing and first impressions.
more…Latest iPhone 17 Air rumor could stop a lot of Pro users from switching
Apple will launch its flagship iPhone 17 line this fall, including the brand new, ultra-thin Air model. But the latest rumor about the iPhone 17 Air and ProMotion could limit its appeal to a lot of users, especially those coming from a Pro model.
more…Apple Arcade just got five new games, with more coming
Apple Arcade offers hundreds of ad-free, in-app purchase-free games for iPhone, iPad, and more. Today the service added five new titles, and announced four more coming soon—including a brand new Angry Birds game.
more…
The first reviews are in: Apple’s ‘F1: The Movie’ looks like a winner, thanks to… Netflix?
Apple is days away from the official premiere of what is gearing up to be its biggest theatrical bet yet, and early reactions suggest it might actually stick the landing. Or lock the pole position. You get what I mean.
Here’s what critics had to say after last night’s press screening of F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt (Fight Club) and produced by legendary F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
more…Apple touts App Store’s $1.3 trillion ecosystem ahead of WWDC25
Ahead of WWDC next week, Apple is out with a new report today touting how the App Store “helps developers reach new heights.” According to Apple, the global App Store “supported” $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024.
This comes after Apple touted the $406 billion impact of the App Store in the United States alone last week.
more…Apple Watch activity accuracy gets mixed scores in new study
If you’ve ever wondered how much faith you can place in those colored rings and other exercise data, a new study of Apple Watch activity accuracy has revealed a mix of good news and bad.
Researchers from the University of Mississippi said the device scores well with two key stats, but can be wildly off on a third …
more…Apple expected to increase iPhone 17 prices to factor in tariff costs
Counterpoint has more than halved the smartphone growth rates it was forecasting for this year, and now expects US iPhone sales to fall year-on-year.
It says that it expects Apple to pass on at least some of the tariff costs to consumers, increasing the prices of the iPhone 17 over those of the current models …
more…
Amazon Has Low Prices on Apple Pencil Pro ($99) and AirTag 4-Pack ($74.99)
Following in the wake of numerous Anker discounts on Amazon, today we're tracking an all-time low price for the Apple Pencil Pro and a solid deal on the AirTag 4-Pack at the retailer. Neither deal requires a coupon code this time around, as both have been applied automatically by Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Starting with the Apple Pencil Pro, you can get this accessory for $99.00, down from $129.00. This is a match for the record low price on the Apple Pencil Pro, and it's a deal that doesn't typically stick around long on Amazon, so if you've been waiting for it to return, be sure to check it out soon.
Secondly, Amazon has the AirTag 4-Pack for $74.99, down from $99.00. This is a second-best price on the accessory, and you can find the 1-Pack on sale as well on Amazon, available for $24.99, down from $29.00.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Starting with the Apple Pencil Pro, you can get this accessory for $99.00, down from $129.00. This is a match for the record low price on the Apple Pencil Pro, and it's a deal that doesn't typically stick around long on Amazon, so if you've been waiting for it to return, be sure to check it out soon.
Secondly, Amazon has the AirTag 4-Pack for $74.99, down from $99.00. This is a second-best price on the accessory, and you can find the 1-Pack on sale as well on Amazon, available for $24.99, down from $29.00.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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PlayStation Adds Apple Pay Support for PS4 and PS5 Store Purchases
Apple Pay on the iPhone can be used for making PlayStation purchases on the PS4 and PS5, Sony confirmed today. The feature has been rolling out to PlayStation 5 users over the course of the last few weeks, but it is now available more widely and also on the PS4.
The option to use Apple Pay is notable because it is a feature that works when you're making PlayStation Store purchases directly on a PS4 or PS5 from the television interface. To do so, add a game to your cart and then go to checkout.
In the checkout interface, select Apple Pay. From there, the PlayStation will display an Apple payment code (essentially an Apple-designed QR code) that can be scanned with an iPhone or an iPad, with payment confirmed through biometric authentication.
Apple implemented support for this type of payment with iOS 18 last year. It also works for purchases on third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
Apple Pay is available alongside PayPal and traditional debit and credit card payment options on Sony's consoles, and using Apple Pay may be more secure and convenient than entering in a credit or debit card number.
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The option to use Apple Pay is notable because it is a feature that works when you're making PlayStation Store purchases directly on a PS4 or PS5 from the television interface. To do so, add a game to your cart and then go to checkout.
In the checkout interface, select Apple Pay. From there, the PlayStation will display an Apple payment code (essentially an Apple-designed QR code) that can be scanned with an iPhone or an iPad, with payment confirmed through biometric authentication.
Apple implemented support for this type of payment with iOS 18 last year. It also works for purchases on third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
Apple Pay is available alongside PayPal and traditional debit and credit card payment options on Sony's consoles, and using Apple Pay may be more secure and convenient than entering in a credit or debit card number.
Tag: PlayStation
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Here's How Many iPhones Are Running iOS 18
iOS 18 adoption has outpaced iOS 17 adoption during the same timeframe last year, according to new iOS 18 adoption statistics that Apple shared today.
iOS 18 is now installed on 88 percent of iPhones introduced in the last four years (iPhone 13 and newer), and 82 percent of all active iPhones. iOS 18 adoption has grown notably since earlier this year. In January, 76 percent of iPhones introduced in the last four years had iOS 18 installed, while 68 percent of all iPhones were running the update.
Compared to last year, iOS 18 is more popular than iOS 17. In June 2024, 86 percent of all iPhones from the last four years had iOS 17, while 77 percent of all iPhones were running it.
As for the iPad, iPadOS 18 is currently installed on 81 percent of iPads introduced in the last four years, while 71 percent of total devices run iPadOS 18. iPadOS 18 has also been adopted more rapidly than iPadOS 17 in June 2024. During that time period, iPadOS 17 was installed on 77 percent of all iPads released in the last four years and 68 percent of all iPads.
Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 like Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and notification summaries may have spurred the uptick in adoption between iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Apple views software updates as an integral part of the iPhone usage experience. Apple is able to deliver new functionality to older iPhones on a regular basis, plus the frequent updates that Apple rolls out address bugs and ensure the best protection from security vulnerabilities.
Apple says that providing iPhone users with new features over multiple years is something that is unique to the iPhone because of the deep integration between hardware and software. Apple views software updates as a way to provide value to customers over a long period of time, enabling them to hold onto their devices for years while still getting new experiences.
The newest version of iOS is set to debut next week at the Worldwide Developers Conference. We'll get a look at iOS 18's successor, which rumors say will bring some major design changes and exciting new features.
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iOS 18 is now installed on 88 percent of iPhones introduced in the last four years (iPhone 13 and newer), and 82 percent of all active iPhones. iOS 18 adoption has grown notably since earlier this year. In January, 76 percent of iPhones introduced in the last four years had iOS 18 installed, while 68 percent of all iPhones were running the update.
Compared to last year, iOS 18 is more popular than iOS 17. In June 2024, 86 percent of all iPhones from the last four years had iOS 17, while 77 percent of all iPhones were running it.
As for the iPad, iPadOS 18 is currently installed on 81 percent of iPads introduced in the last four years, while 71 percent of total devices run iPadOS 18. iPadOS 18 has also been adopted more rapidly than iPadOS 17 in June 2024. During that time period, iPadOS 17 was installed on 77 percent of all iPads released in the last four years and 68 percent of all iPads.
Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 like Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and notification summaries may have spurred the uptick in adoption between iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Apple views software updates as an integral part of the iPhone usage experience. Apple is able to deliver new functionality to older iPhones on a regular basis, plus the frequent updates that Apple rolls out address bugs and ensure the best protection from security vulnerabilities.
Apple says that providing iPhone users with new features over multiple years is something that is unique to the iPhone because of the deep integration between hardware and software. Apple views software updates as a way to provide value to customers over a long period of time, enabling them to hold onto their devices for years while still getting new experiences.
The newest version of iOS is set to debut next week at the Worldwide Developers Conference. We'll get a look at iOS 18's successor, which rumors say will bring some major design changes and exciting new features.
This article, "Here's How Many iPhones Are Running iOS 18" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Watch Gets Snapchat App
Snap today announced the launch of a Snapchat app that's designed for the Apple Watch. Snapchat users can now view and respond to conversations right from their wrists.
The Snapchat app supports replies with the built-in Apple Watch keyboard, Scribble, and Dictation, plus it supports sending emoji, like any other Apple Watch messaging app.
Snap says that it is committed to making Snapchat available across all devices that Snapchat users own, including wearable devices like the Apple Watch.
It is rare for a major company to roll out an Apple Watch app these days, as it has not proven to be a popular platform. Slack, Facebook Messenger, Uber, Lyft, and more were all once available on the Apple Watch but have been discontinued after companies found that the development resources were not worth it.
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The Snapchat app supports replies with the built-in Apple Watch keyboard, Scribble, and Dictation, plus it supports sending emoji, like any other Apple Watch messaging app.
Snap says that it is committed to making Snapchat available across all devices that Snapchat users own, including wearable devices like the Apple Watch.
It is rare for a major company to roll out an Apple Watch app these days, as it has not proven to be a popular platform. Slack, Facebook Messenger, Uber, Lyft, and more were all once available on the Apple Watch but have been discontinued after companies found that the development resources were not worth it.
Tag: Snapchat
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HomePod Turns 8: Here's When to Expect New Models
Eight years ago today, Apple introduced the HomePod, a smart speaker that it said would provide "amazing sound quality and intelligence" in the home.
"Apple reinvented portable music with iPod and now HomePod will reinvent how we enjoy music wirelessly throughout our homes," said Apple's former marketing chief Phil Schiller, in a June 2017 press release announcing the HomePod.
While the original HomePod's sound quality did impress reviewers when it launched, Apple largely failed to deliver on the intelligence front. Siri is widely considered to be inferior to other popular voice assistants, like Amazon's Alexa, and the rise of chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini have set Siri even further back.
Apple went on to launch the HomePod mini in November 2020, before making the surprise decision to discontinue the full-size HomePod in March 2021. At the time, Apple said that it discontinued the full-size HomePod in order to focus its efforts on the HomePod mini, but declining sales were also likely a factor. Somewhat unexpectedly, the HomePod then started fetching higher prices on resale marketplaces like eBay, and Apple decided to release a second-generation full-size HomePod with some slight changes in January 2023.
There have not been any rumors about a third-generation HomePod, but at least two other HomePod products are allegedly in the pipeline.
In a January 2025 edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was aiming to release a new HomePod mini "toward the end of the year." He said the speaker will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, but it is unclear if that change will have any consumer benefits. There is no word yet on what other new features are planned, but improved sound quality and a newer chip are safe bets. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip.
Apple is also rumored to be planning an all-new smart home hub, which has been described as a HomePod with a screen. The device is expected to have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a speaker base, or it can be mounted on a wall.
Apple's smart home hub will reportedly feature a 6-inch or 7-inch display, along with an A18 chip. It would allow users to control smart home accessories, make FaceTime video calls, use Apple's intercom feature between rooms in a house, and more. It might even double as a home security system with an Apple-designed smart home camera.
In March, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the HomePod with a screen would enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, but it is unclear if it will launch this year or next year. Apple delayed the personalized Siri features that are expected to be at the core of the device, so perhaps next year is a safer bet at this point. However, Apple could still provide an early preview of the home hub at any point now.
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"Apple reinvented portable music with iPod and now HomePod will reinvent how we enjoy music wirelessly throughout our homes," said Apple's former marketing chief Phil Schiller, in a June 2017 press release announcing the HomePod.
While the original HomePod's sound quality did impress reviewers when it launched, Apple largely failed to deliver on the intelligence front. Siri is widely considered to be inferior to other popular voice assistants, like Amazon's Alexa, and the rise of chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini have set Siri even further back.
Apple went on to launch the HomePod mini in November 2020, before making the surprise decision to discontinue the full-size HomePod in March 2021. At the time, Apple said that it discontinued the full-size HomePod in order to focus its efforts on the HomePod mini, but declining sales were also likely a factor. Somewhat unexpectedly, the HomePod then started fetching higher prices on resale marketplaces like eBay, and Apple decided to release a second-generation full-size HomePod with some slight changes in January 2023.
What's Next?
There have not been any rumors about a third-generation HomePod, but at least two other HomePod products are allegedly in the pipeline.
In a January 2025 edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was aiming to release a new HomePod mini "toward the end of the year." He said the speaker will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, but it is unclear if that change will have any consumer benefits. There is no word yet on what other new features are planned, but improved sound quality and a newer chip are safe bets. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip.
Apple is also rumored to be planning an all-new smart home hub, which has been described as a HomePod with a screen. The device is expected to have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a speaker base, or it can be mounted on a wall.
Apple's smart home hub will reportedly feature a 6-inch or 7-inch display, along with an A18 chip. It would allow users to control smart home accessories, make FaceTime video calls, use Apple's intercom feature between rooms in a house, and more. It might even double as a home security system with an Apple-designed smart home camera.
In March, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the HomePod with a screen would enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, but it is unclear if it will launch this year or next year. Apple delayed the personalized Siri features that are expected to be at the core of the device, so perhaps next year is a safer bet at this point. However, Apple could still provide an early preview of the home hub at any point now.
Related Roundups: HomePod, HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral), HomePod Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
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Apple Watch Gets One Crucial Fitness Metric Wrong, Researchers Say
The Apple Watch provides highly accurate measurements of heart rate and step count, but their estimates of calories burned can be significantly off, according to a new peer-reviewed meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi (via CNET).
The study reviewed 56 previously published studies evaluating the Apple Watch's performance against gold-standard clinical tools in three core areas: heart rate monitoring, step count tracking, and energy expenditure estimation.
The researchers reported low mean absolute percentage errors (a common metric used to assess measurement accuracy) of 4.43% for heart rate and 8.17% for step counts. These fall within the threshold generally considered acceptable for consumer-grade fitness devices. In contrast, the average error for energy expenditure was 27.96%, more than three times the margin considered acceptable for accurate measurement.
The analysis incorporated data from studies spanning multiple Apple Watch models and user groups. The high error margin in calorie estimation was consistent across all cohorts and forms of physical activity.
The findings align with previous independent evaluations that have raised concerns about the reliability of calorie burn estimates from consumer-grade wearable devices like Apple Watches.
While the Apple Watch has undergone continuous generational improvements since its debut in 2015, the researchers noted that even newer models still exhibit considerable error in calorie estimation. However, the study did observe a trend toward improved accuracy in more recent models:
The researchers emphasized that their analysis is not intended to discredit the utility of wearables, but rather to clarify their limitations and inform both consumers and smartwatch makers.
Apple does not publish the algorithms used in Apple Watch fitness tracking, nor does it claim that the device provides clinical-grade energy expenditure measurements. The company has consistently positioned the Apple Watch as a general wellness tool rather than a medical diagnostic device, though it has introduced several advanced health features in recent years, such as body temperature monitoring and sleep apnea detection.
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The study reviewed 56 previously published studies evaluating the Apple Watch's performance against gold-standard clinical tools in three core areas: heart rate monitoring, step count tracking, and energy expenditure estimation.
The researchers reported low mean absolute percentage errors (a common metric used to assess measurement accuracy) of 4.43% for heart rate and 8.17% for step counts. These fall within the threshold generally considered acceptable for consumer-grade fitness devices. In contrast, the average error for energy expenditure was 27.96%, more than three times the margin considered acceptable for accurate measurement.
The analysis incorporated data from studies spanning multiple Apple Watch models and user groups. The high error margin in calorie estimation was consistent across all cohorts and forms of physical activity.
These devices are great for keeping track of habits and staying motivated. But do not take every number as 100% truth, especially the calories. Think of it as a helpful guide, not a diagnostic tool. It is useful but not perfect.
The findings align with previous independent evaluations that have raised concerns about the reliability of calorie burn estimates from consumer-grade wearable devices like Apple Watches.
While the Apple Watch has undergone continuous generational improvements since its debut in 2015, the researchers noted that even newer models still exhibit considerable error in calorie estimation. However, the study did observe a trend toward improved accuracy in more recent models:
While we cannot say every update is a big leap forward, there is a noticeable trend of gradual improvements over time. It shows that Apple is refining the technology over time.
The researchers emphasized that their analysis is not intended to discredit the utility of wearables, but rather to clarify their limitations and inform both consumers and smartwatch makers.
By showing where the weaknesses are, we can help developers get real feedback. If they know what needs to be fixed, they can design better sensors or algorithms. Our findings can guide improvements and help make these devices more useful for both everyday users and health care providers.
Apple does not publish the algorithms used in Apple Watch fitness tracking, nor does it claim that the device provides clinical-grade energy expenditure measurements. The company has consistently positioned the Apple Watch as a general wellness tool rather than a medical diagnostic device, though it has introduced several advanced health features in recent years, such as body temperature monitoring and sleep apnea detection.
Tags: Activity, Activity Trackers
Related Forum: Apple Watch
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Apple Arcade Adding Four More Games, Including Angry Birds Bounce
Apple today announced that four additional games will be added to the Apple Arcade library on Thursday, July 3, including a new Angry Birds title.
Angry Birds Bounce is a new take on the iconic Angry Birds game, which has been downloaded billions of times over the years. According to Apple, it combines classic Angry Birds slingshot gameplay with arcade-style brick-breaker mechanics.
Apple's full description of the game:
Apple also highlighted five games that are launching on Apple Arcade today.
Accessible through the App Store, Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, all free of ads and in-app purchases. In the U.S., Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month, and it is bundled with other Apple services in all Apple One plans.
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Angry Birds Bounce is a new take on the iconic Angry Birds game, which has been downloaded billions of times over the years. According to Apple, it combines classic Angry Birds slingshot gameplay with arcade-style brick-breaker mechanics.
Apple's full description of the game:
Join Red, Chuck, Bomb, and the rest of the gang on a brand-new adventure. Angry Birds Bounce combines the classic charm of Angry Birds with an innovative arcade brick-breaker twist. When the pigs take over their islands, the birds must bounce back — literally — combining into powerful flocks and launching themselves to defeat an army of piggies and reclaim their home. With strategic rogue-lite gameplay, each level is a new challenge where players will master precision shots, unlock exciting power-ups, and build unique combos during each run.All four games that are coming to Apple Arcade on July 3:More details about all of the games are outlined in Apple's announcement.
Apple also highlighted five games that are launching on Apple Arcade today.
Accessible through the App Store, Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, all free of ads and in-app purchases. In the U.S., Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month, and it is bundled with other Apple services in all Apple One plans.
Tags: Angry Birds, Apple Arcade
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Amazon Takes Up to $65 Off 11th Gen iPad, Starting at $299
Amazon today is taking up to $65 off Wi-Fi and cellular models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $299.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, a second-best price on this model. Best Buy is matching this deal, and a few other of the iPad discounts as well.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Additionally, Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.00 ($50 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $594.95 ($55 off). These are also both solid second-best prices on the 11th generation iPad.
There are also numerous discounts on cellular models, starting at $449.00 for the 128GB model. Amazon is providing an estimated delivery of around June 10 for free shipping, while Prime members should be able to get the tablets a bit faster in most cases.
The 11th generation iPad is mainly a spec bump for the tablet line, now featuring the A16 chip and more storage, with the same design as the 10th generation iPad. The new iPad starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. The previous model was only available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Additionally, Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.00 ($50 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $594.95 ($55 off). These are also both solid second-best prices on the 11th generation iPad.
There are also numerous discounts on cellular models, starting at $449.00 for the 128GB model. Amazon is providing an estimated delivery of around June 10 for free shipping, while Prime members should be able to get the tablets a bit faster in most cases.
The 11th generation iPad is mainly a spec bump for the tablet line, now featuring the A16 chip and more storage, with the same design as the 10th generation iPad. The new iPad starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. The previous model was only available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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iPhone Users Say Mail App Suddenly Showing Blank Screen on iOS 18.5
If the Mail app on your iPhone is not working lately, you are not alone.
A growing number of iPhone users are seeing a blank screen in the Mail app, according to comments posted across the MacRumors Forums, Reddit, Apple Support Community, and other online discussion platforms. Affected users are unable to view any emails in their inboxes, and the app can also become glitchy and unresponsive.
The issue does not appear to be tied to any specific iPhone model, and the underlying cause is unknown. Most if not all affected users said their iPhones were running iOS 18.5, but it is unclear why online discussion about this issue only started to gain traction within the past few days, given that the update was released more than three weeks ago.
Affected users said restarting their iPhones temporarily solves the issue, but a permanent solution has yet to be identified. MacRumors has emailed Apple about the matter, and we will update this story if and when the company responds to the inquiry.
The issue is not reflected on Apple's system status page as of writing.
Thanks, Steve Ryan!
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A growing number of iPhone users are seeing a blank screen in the Mail app, according to comments posted across the MacRumors Forums, Reddit, Apple Support Community, and other online discussion platforms. Affected users are unable to view any emails in their inboxes, and the app can also become glitchy and unresponsive.
The issue does not appear to be tied to any specific iPhone model, and the underlying cause is unknown. Most if not all affected users said their iPhones were running iOS 18.5, but it is unclear why online discussion about this issue only started to gain traction within the past few days, given that the update was released more than three weeks ago.
Affected users said restarting their iPhones temporarily solves the issue, but a permanent solution has yet to be identified. MacRumors has emailed Apple about the matter, and we will update this story if and when the company responds to the inquiry.
The issue is not reflected on Apple's system status page as of writing.
Thanks, Steve Ryan!
Tag: Apple Mail
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Take Control of Favicons in Safari's Favorites Bar
Since Safari 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple's browser has supported favicons in the Favorites bar. Keep reading to learn why favicons can be useful, how to make space for more, and how you can disable them if they aren't for you.
A favicon is a small icon that serves as a kind of badge for a website. Its main purpose is to make it easier to locate the webpage when there are multiple tabs open in a browser.
Favicons can usually be found next to anything in a browser's interface that identifies a website. This can include bookmarks, tabs, history results, and search bars.
In Safari, if you have the Favorites Bar enabled (View ➝ Show Favorites Bar in Safari's menu bar) the favicon for each site will appear beside its title, allowing you to more easily spot it in the bar.
Favicons can certainly be handy, but they can make your browser interface look too busy and cluttered. Another possible issue with the space they take up is that if you have a full row of websites in your Favorites Bar, some of them will be lopped off the viewable area, and you may have to click the double chevron icon at the far right to reveal them.
If this happens in your case, don't worry. It's not obvious, but you can easily prevent favicons from appearing in the Favorites Bar. Simply right-click a space on the bar and check Show Text Only in the pop-up menu.
If you should miss them at all, you can easily turn them back on again by selecting Show Icons and Text. Alternatively, if you're a fan of favicons and can identify your favorites at a glance, simply select Show Icons Only. This last option also allows you to pack in more links along the bar.
This article, "Take Control of Favicons in Safari's Favorites Bar" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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A favicon is a small icon that serves as a kind of badge for a website. Its main purpose is to make it easier to locate the webpage when there are multiple tabs open in a browser.
Favicons can usually be found next to anything in a browser's interface that identifies a website. This can include bookmarks, tabs, history results, and search bars.
In Safari, if you have the Favorites Bar enabled (View ➝ Show Favorites Bar in Safari's menu bar) the favicon for each site will appear beside its title, allowing you to more easily spot it in the bar.
Favicons can certainly be handy, but they can make your browser interface look too busy and cluttered. Another possible issue with the space they take up is that if you have a full row of websites in your Favorites Bar, some of them will be lopped off the viewable area, and you may have to click the double chevron icon at the far right to reveal them.
If this happens in your case, don't worry. It's not obvious, but you can easily prevent favicons from appearing in the Favorites Bar. Simply right-click a space on the bar and check Show Text Only in the pop-up menu.
If you should miss them at all, you can easily turn them back on again by selecting Show Icons and Text. Alternatively, if you're a fan of favicons and can identify your favorites at a glance, simply select Show Icons Only. This last option also allows you to pack in more links along the bar.
Tag: Safari
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Apple Study: App Store Ecosystem Generated $1.3 Trillion Globally in 2024
Following a study looking into the success of the App Store ecosystem in the United States, Apple has sponsored a second study that covers the global App Store in 2024.
Apple's global App Store ecosystem supported an estimated $1.3 trillion in billings and sales across 2024, and for 90 percent of those sales, developers did not pay a commission to Apple.
Developer billings and sales of digital goods and services hit $131 billion, primarily from games and photo and video editing apps like those from Adobe. Sales of physical goods and services facilitated by App Store apps exceeded $1 trillion.
Over the last five years, spending in digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising has more than doubled, with the strongest growth in physical goods as people are increasingly using apps to order food and groceries.
The App Store draws more than 813 million average weekly visitors globally, with Apple's commerce system supporting developers with more than 40 local currencies and tax handling in 200 regions.
As with Apple's U.S. study, the global study highlights the App Store benefits and tools available to developers, including the more than 100 technical sessions that will come out next week during the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference.
The study's release comes as Apple is facing regulatory and legal pressure over its App Store rules in multiple countries. In addition to being forced to allow developers to direct customers to web-based purchase options in the U.S., Apple is also continuing to struggle with the Digital Markets Act in Europe. Apple is currently fighting DMA interoperability requirements that require it to give third-party developers access to iOS features that are normally limited to Apple's own products, and it has faced fines for compliance issues.
The full study is available through Apple's Newsroom article.
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Apple's global App Store ecosystem supported an estimated $1.3 trillion in billings and sales across 2024, and for 90 percent of those sales, developers did not pay a commission to Apple.
"It's incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people's lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations. We're proud to support their success."
Developer billings and sales of digital goods and services hit $131 billion, primarily from games and photo and video editing apps like those from Adobe. Sales of physical goods and services facilitated by App Store apps exceeded $1 trillion.
Over the last five years, spending in digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising has more than doubled, with the strongest growth in physical goods as people are increasingly using apps to order food and groceries.
The App Store draws more than 813 million average weekly visitors globally, with Apple's commerce system supporting developers with more than 40 local currencies and tax handling in 200 regions.
As with Apple's U.S. study, the global study highlights the App Store benefits and tools available to developers, including the more than 100 technical sessions that will come out next week during the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference.
The study's release comes as Apple is facing regulatory and legal pressure over its App Store rules in multiple countries. In addition to being forced to allow developers to direct customers to web-based purchase options in the U.S., Apple is also continuing to struggle with the Digital Markets Act in Europe. Apple is currently fighting DMA interoperability requirements that require it to give third-party developers access to iOS features that are normally limited to Apple's own products, and it has faced fines for compliance issues.
The full study is available through Apple's Newsroom article.
Tag: App Store
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ChatGPT Now Integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive for Business
OpenAI has announced some new productivity features for ChatGPT, adding direct integration with major cloud storage services and introducing meeting recording capabilities for business users.
The AI chatbot can now connect to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and SharePoint, allowing users to query information directly from their stored documents and files. Use case examples include a financial analyst asking ChatGPT to pull data from company reports to generate investment insights, or a marketing professional analyzing product presentations without leaving the ChatGPT interface.
OpenAI says the cloud integrations respect existing organizational access controls, so ChatGPT can only access documents it is authorized to view. The company says that data accessed through these connectors won't be used to train its models for Team, Enterprise, and Education customers.
Alongside cloud connectivity, ChatGPT is also introducing "record mode" for meeting transcription and note-taking. Initially available to Team users on macOS, the feature captures audio and generates structured notes complete with summaries, key points, action items, and time-stamped citations.
Unlike competing solutions from Zoom or Notion that require bot participation, ChatGPT's recording tool simply listens through the device microphone. Users can then convert action items into Canvas documents for follow-up work.
The update also includes "deep research connectors" in beta, which links ChatGPT to external platforms like HubSpot and Linear through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This enables autonomous research combining internal company data with web information to produce comprehensive reports.
The cloud connectors are available to all paid ChatGPT users, while MCP support is available to Pro, Team, and Enterprise subscribers.
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The AI chatbot can now connect to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and SharePoint, allowing users to query information directly from their stored documents and files. Use case examples include a financial analyst asking ChatGPT to pull data from company reports to generate investment insights, or a marketing professional analyzing product presentations without leaving the ChatGPT interface.
OpenAI says the cloud integrations respect existing organizational access controls, so ChatGPT can only access documents it is authorized to view. The company says that data accessed through these connectors won't be used to train its models for Team, Enterprise, and Education customers.
Alongside cloud connectivity, ChatGPT is also introducing "record mode" for meeting transcription and note-taking. Initially available to Team users on macOS, the feature captures audio and generates structured notes complete with summaries, key points, action items, and time-stamped citations.
Unlike competing solutions from Zoom or Notion that require bot participation, ChatGPT's recording tool simply listens through the device microphone. Users can then convert action items into Canvas documents for follow-up work.
The update also includes "deep research connectors" in beta, which links ChatGPT to external platforms like HubSpot and Linear through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This enables autonomous research combining internal company data with web information to produce comprehensive reports.
The cloud connectors are available to all paid ChatGPT users, while MCP support is available to Pro, Team, and Enterprise subscribers.
Tag: ChatGPT
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WhatsApp Testing AI Chatbot Creation Feature and Usernames
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users build their own AI chatbot assistant within the app, reports WABetaInfo.
Currently rolling out to a small number of WhatsApp beta testers is a new section in the app called "AI Studio," which walks users through the creation of their AI assistant.
The idea isn't dissimilar to OpenAI's custom GPTs or Google Gemini's Gems. Users can devise their AI's role, personality traits, specialisms, and style of discourse, and start chatting with them immediately after creation. Here's how WABetaInfo describes it:
In related news, WhatsApp developers are also working on bringing usernames to the chat platform. By choosing a unique handle, users will be able to connect with others without sharing their phone number, which should further enhance privacy. Usernames are also in the testing phase, and it's unknown when WhatsApp will take them live.
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Currently rolling out to a small number of WhatsApp beta testers is a new section in the app called "AI Studio," which walks users through the creation of their AI assistant.
The idea isn't dissimilar to OpenAI's custom GPTs or Google Gemini's Gems. Users can devise their AI's role, personality traits, specialisms, and style of discourse, and start chatting with them immediately after creation. Here's how WABetaInfo describes it:
The creation process is structured as a guided flow directly from the AI Studio screen, making it easier to follow even for users with no technical background. The process starts with users selecting a role for their AI, which could range from a study coach to a travel assistant or even a motivational companion. They then choose a personality style and tone, such as calm and thoughtful, energetic and funny, or professional and informative. Based on these choices, WhatsApp offers smart suggestions to help shape the AI's behavior and conversational style.WhatsApp owner Meta already offers a web-based AI Studio tool that enables users to create, customize, and deploy AI-powered chatbots across Meta's services like Instagram and Messenger. The WhatsApp implementation looks like it will replicate this feature, only within WhatsApp itself. When the feature will roll out to all users remains unclear.
In related news, WhatsApp developers are also working on bringing usernames to the chat platform. By choosing a unique handle, users will be able to connect with others without sharing their phone number, which should further enhance privacy. Usernames are also in the testing phase, and it's unknown when WhatsApp will take them live.
Tag: WhatsApp
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