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Apple wants to patent its once discarded haptic button design, known as 'Project Bongo'

We could see haptic buttons on a future iPhone after all, as Apple's previously abandoned Bongo project has surfaced in a recent patent application.

Exploded view of a door lock assembly with multiple components, including plates, knobs, and internal mechanisms, arranged in a layered sequence.
Apple's long-rumored haptic button design surfaced in a patent application. Image Credit: Apple / USPTO

In 2022, Apple came up with the idea of adding haptic volume and power buttons to more expensive iPhone models. Relative to the standard buttons used on the iPhone 14 range, the new haptic buttons would have incorporated a dedicated haptic engine for vibration feedback.

The change was also meant to facilitate a visual distinction between Apple's base model iPhones and the more expensive "Pro" lineup. In April 2023, the hardware was abruptly removed from the iPhone 15 Pro, and it was believed that all work on the Bongo design had ceased. Surprisingly, however, it turns out that Apple had filed a patent application for its haptic button design.


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When you report bugs on iOS, some content may be used for AI training

If you decide to report a bug on a beta version of iOS, you now apparently have to let Apple use the uploaded content for Apple Intelligence training with no way to opt out.

Apple logo in white surrounded by a colorful, intertwined, abstract ribbon design on a black background.
If you want to report a bug on iOS, content you upload may be used for AI training.

On Monday, Apple announced its plans for a new opt-in Apple Intelligence training program. In essence, users can let Apple use content from their iPhone to train AI models. The training itself happens entirely on-device, and it incorporates a privacy-preserving method known as Differential Privacy.

Apple took measures to ensure that no private user data is transmitted for Image Playground and Genmoji training, as Differential privacy introduces artificial noise. This makes it so that individual data points cannot be tracked to their source.


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Don't wait to update: iOS 18.4.1 addresses two actively exploited vulnerabilities

The iOS 18.4.1 update contains security fixes for vulnerabilities that may have been used in sophisticated attacks. Here's why you should update.

Red skull and crossbones formed by tiny bugs over a binary code background in blue.
iOS 18.4.1 fixes two actively exploited vulnerabilities.

On Wednesday, more than two weeks after the launch of iOS 18.4, Apple released iOS 18.4.1. Though the update itself is relatively minor, with only a CarPlay fix and no new features, the software includes two significant security patches.



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Meta leans on iMessage being more popular than Facebook Messenger for antitrust defense

Social media giant Meta claims that it can't be considered a monopoly because iMessage outperforms Facebook Messenger on iOS.

Blue infinity loop logo next to the word Meta in black text.
Meta claims it's not a monopoly because iMessage outperforms Facebook Messenger. Image Credit: Meta

Meta, Facebook's parent company, has been dealing with an antitrust lawsuit for over four years. In December 2020, the FTC alleged that the social media giant engaged in anti-competitive practices and wanted to break up the company.

The lawsuit itself was initially dismissed by a Federal Court Judge in June 2021, but the FTC filed a more robust and detailed complaint in 2022. The case is still ongoing, and now Meta has provided additional details and arguments.


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Apple Pencil Pro can now look like a crayon

ColorWare's new custom-painted Apple Pencil Pro is as close as you can get to using actual crayons on an iPad, and it's sure to bring back some fond memories.

Eight colorful pens designed to resemble crayons are arranged on a wooden surface.
Your Apple Pencil Pro can now look like crayon. Image Credit: ColorWare

ColorWare, known for offering customized Apple accessories such as painted AirPods, unveiled a modified version of the Apple Pencil Pro that's meant to resemble a crayon. Dubbed the "Apple Crayon Pro," ColorWare's latest special edition design is available in seven vibrant colors — black, mint, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.

The company's limited edition product retains all the functionality of the standard Apple Pencil Pro, only in a new design that undoubtedly evokes nostalgia. The "Apple Crayon Pro" accurately imitates the wrapper of genuine crayons, and it even features a colored tip to match. If it wasn't for the word "Crayon" on the side, you might almost think it's an actual Crayola product.


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watchOS also rumored to get visionOS design elements

watchOS 12 could see some visionOS-inspired design changes according to a new rumor, but the unreliable source also shares the unlikely possibility that Apple Intelligence will also come to the platform.

Grid of smartwatches showing various apps such as world clock, fitness tracking, weather, sleep stages, music, navigation, and heart rate monitor.
A new rumor claims the Apple Watch will gain support for Apple Intelligence, along with a visionOS-inspired design.

For well over a year, we've heard all sorts of rumors saying the iPhone operating system would take stylistic cues from visionOS. Though multiple less-than-credible sources believed this would happen with iOS 18, it never did. Recently, however, other leakers have said a visionOS-style redesign would instead debut with iOS 19 and macOS 16.

Now, a report publication The Verifier, spotted by MacRumors, claims that watchOS 12 will receive the same visual treatment. The Apple Watch will reportedly contain user interface elements heavily inspired by the Apple Vision Pro operating system, with semi-transparent and revamped menus, icons, and more.


Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely


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New Apple Watch ad reveals how the Emergency SOS feature saved a man in Australia

The Apple Watch has saved countless lives over the years, and a new Apple video explains how it helped rescue a man swept out to sea in Australia.

Smartwatch screen displaying emergency options: Medical ID, Compass Backtrack, and Emergency Call. Dark interface with rounded shapes and a side button.
A new Apple video shows how the Emergency SOS feature of the Apple Watch saved a man in Australia.

On Wednesday, Apple released a promotional video titled "Rick's Rescue," which highlights the impact the Emergency SOS feature of the Apple Watch can have on people's lives. It does so by telling the story of Rick Shearman, who was caught in an ocean current that dragged him out to sea.

He was only rescued thanks to the Apple Watch, as he initiated a call to emergency services in July 2024, while still in the water.


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A flood of panic-buying has started in anticipation of major iPhone price increases

The never-ending talk of tariffs has people rushing to buy the best iPhone that they can afford now before it becomes significantly more expensive.

A hand holds a blue smartphone with dual cameras against a blurred background of green trees and blue sky.
iPhone users are worried about a potential price increase.

Apple's stock prices continue to suffer, as President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs have caused concerns for analysts and casual iPhone users alike.

According to a Bloomberg report, published on Monday, Apple's US retail locations are as busy as they usually are during holiday seasons. Employees are often asked questions about increases in iPhone pricing, but Apple has reportedly provided no instruction or guidance.


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Apple could import more iPhones from India due to Trump's tariffs

After a rush-job getting tons of iPhones to the US from India just before a trade deadline, Apple may be considering getting more of its US supply from the country to pay less in tariffs than it would if it imported the devices from China.

Group of five men, some in white shirts, one in a blue suit, smiling and engaging with a smartphone, with others in the background.
Tim Cook in a previous visit to India. Image Credit: Apple

Apple's stock prices continue to decline, as the Trump administration's tariffs have affected nearly every country in the company's supply chain. The iPhone maker won't just stand idly by, however, as reports indicate Apple has taken measures to combat the impact of President Trump's tariffs.

On Monday, a report claimed that Apple was stock-piling current-generation products, in an attempt to keep prices at their current level for as long as possible. In the last week of March, over three days, the company reportedly shipped five flights worth of products into the United States. The devices in question were allegedly shipped from China and India.


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Palworld review for Mac: 'Pokemon with guns' is a massive understatement

Newly available on Mac, "Palworld" goes beyond the typical monster battle game by incorporating tried and true survival crafting mechanics, but its crossplay implementation leaves something to be desired.

Colorful fantasy creatures and characters, including a bird, yellow creature with a gun, red-haired woman, and others, with a towering structure and vivid sky background, text reads Palworld.
Palworld is an open-world survival crafting game with collectible monsters. Image Credit: Pocketpair, Inc.

With a unique mix of cartoon-like aesthetics and dark humor, Palworld offers an exciting, action-packed experience that'll bring you hours' worth of fun. The game is also somewhat of a meme, often being described as "Pokemon with guns."

There's much more to it.


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iPhone 17 Pro predicted to cost over $2000 because of Trump tariffs

Apple's iconic iPhone may soon cost you about double what it costs now, as analysts predict a 43% price increase in response to U.S. tariffs on imports from China and elsewhere in the world.

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The iPhone 16 Pro Max could reach a price point of around $2300.

On April 2, or "Liberation Day" as President Trump called it, a new assortment of "reciprocal" tariffs was applied against every foreign country in the Apple supply chain. While there's a minimum 10% tariff on all goods coming into the United States, imports from China were hit with a 54% tariff.



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Epic Games chief Tim Sweeney calls Apple a 'gangster-style' business

The tirades of Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney against Apple continue, with Sweeney calling the company a "gangster-style" business while completely ignoring that his company also charges developers to make and distribute games.

Monochrome scene with large screen showing apple with sunglasses. Text displays date 08.13.20, time 10:00. Silhouetted crowd watches in foreground.
Tim Sweeney has called Apple a "gangster-style business."

The excruciatingly long legal battles between Epic Games and Apple over In-App Purchasing and the App Store prompted a lot of outcry over how Apple conducts business with developers. Epic Games ultimately lost the fight, but an injunction meant that Apple was forced into enabling external purchase mechanisms for iOS apps.

After Epic filed a court order in March 2024 and complained to the court again a year later, Tim Sweeney decided to criticize Apple's practices once more. As was reported by TechCrunch, Sweeney spoke at an event on Wednesday, where he largely echoed the language from Epic Games' March 2025 complaint.


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New in iOS 18.5: Show and hide contact photos directly from the Mail app

The first developer beta of iOS 18.5 introduces a new option for the Mail app, along with a few other quality-of-life improvements.

iPhone screen displaying Software Update settings with options for automatic and beta updates, showing iOS 18.5 Beta details and download size of 1.17 GB.
iOS 18.5 features changes to the Mail app.

On Wednesday, following the public release of iOS 18.4, Apple rolled out the first developer beta of iOS 18.5, with the build number 22F5042g. The software update is compatible with devices as old as the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, all the way up to the iPhone 16 range.

While the iOS 18.4 update delivered an all-new Apple Vision Pro app, along with some Apple Intelligence improvements, it appears as though iOS 18.5 only features minor changes and enhancements.


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AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 receive new firmware update

A new firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 has been released, though there are currently no details about its contents.

Hands holding an open charging case containing white wireless earbuds.
Apple has released a firmware update for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.

On Monday, following the public release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, Apple issued a firmware update for select AirPods models. The firmware update increases the build number to 7E93, up from the previous 7B20 and 7B21, released in October 2024.

The 7E93 firmware update is available only for AirPods Pro 2, and all models of the AirPods 4, including the variant with Active Noise Cancellation. It will not be released for AirPods Max or other non-H2 devices.


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Don't wait to update: iOS 18.4 introduces key security fixes

Apple's iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates contain multiple fixes designed to keep your data secure. Here's what you need to know, and why you should consider updating right away.

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iOS 18.4 features major security fixes that keep your data safe.

On Monday, after a series of developer betas and two separate release candidate builds, Apple finally launched iOS 18.4 to the general public. Though the update contains various Apple Intelligence improvements and an all-new Apple Vision Pro app, the software also patches multiple vulnerabilities.

As with every major iOS update, iOS 18.4 addresses core security issues related to different features and aspects of the iPhone operating system. Many of the changes introduced on Monday were implemented to prevent bad actors from accessing users' private information.


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Apple's folding iPad or MacBook: What to expect, and when it will ship

Though Apple has yet to introduce a product with a folding display, the rumor mill believes the technology will make its way to the iPad and MacBook. Here's what to expect, and when to expect it.

Foldable device displaying scenic landscape on a desk. Nearby are a small plant, wireless mouse, and cat-shaped lamp in a soft, warm lighting setting.
Apple's super-sized foldable iPad could arrive with a high price point, due to complex hinge and panel designs.

Over the years, we've heard various claims surrounding Apple's foldable display ideas, most of which have to do with a supposed iPhone Fold that's said to be in the works. The iPhone will likely receive the technology first, so it only makes sense that the iPad and MacBook would follow suit.

The idea itself is not far-fetched, with Apple's own patents indicating that the company was at least considering a foldable iPad-type device at one point. More recently, however, leakers and analysts alike have all chimed in with claims of technical specifications and supposed release dates, and they have a lot to say.


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Apple begins notifying 2025 Swift Student Challenge winners

Win or lose, emails are going out to all that entered the 2025 Swift Student Challenge ahead of WWDC.

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Apple has notified all 350 winners of the 2025 Swift Student Challenge.

The Swift Student Challenge is an annual event that encourages up-and-coming student developers to practice their craft and win prizes. Participants must be over 13, enrolled in an academic institution or homeschool equivalent, and not employed as full-time developers.

Those who wish to compete are required to submit an interactive app playground scene that can be experienced within three minutes. Just as it did in 2024, Apple has evaluated these submissions based innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity.


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New Utah law forces big tech to add age verification, Apple is already prepared

Utah's new App Store Accountability Act will force companies like Apple and Google to verify the ages of new App Store users in the state.

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Utah's new App Store Accountability Act will force tech companies to implement age verification measures.

The law, signed by Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Wednesday, was created to protect children and prevent them from accessing age-inappropriate content. Under the App Store Accountability Act, Apple will be required to implement age-verification measures, and the company is already well prepared.

In February 2025, Apple published a whitepaper detailing the age assurance features it would be implementing. Through a new developer API, Apple will make it easier for parents to set up App Store accounts for their children.


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2025 Swift Student Challenge winners to be announced on March 27

Apple has revealed that the winners of the 2025 Swift Student Challenge will be announced on March 27, with the best among them set to receive a trip to Apple Park.

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Winners of the 2025 Swift Student Challenge will be announced on March 27.

The Swift Student Challenge is an annual event that encourages up-and-coming student developers to practice their craft and win prizes. Participants must be over 13, enrolled in an academic institution or homeschool equivalent, and not employed as full-time developers.

Participants are required to submit an interactive app playground scene that can be experienced within a three-minute timeframe. The submission must function without an internet connection and cannot be larger than 25MB.


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