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Can’t Download and Install macOS 15 Sequoia Beta on Mac? Fix

by Chris Smith

This article explains how you can fix macOS Sequoia beta update problem. More specifically, the focus of this article is on what you can do to fix the problem when you can’t install macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac.

Apple at WWDC 2024 announced macOS 15 Sequoia, the next version of its Mac operating system featuring several new AI capabilities, in addition to a new Password app, a major Safari update, and a new Continuity feature called ‌iPhone‌ Mirroring. A number of Mac owners have rushed to get the macOS 15 beta for testing. Unfortunately, the software update has either failed or got stuck for many. If you have also run into the same probate and are unable to download and install macOS 15 Sequoia beta, this guide is for you.

How to install the developer beta of macOS Sequoia

First, let’s go through the steps to download and install macOS Sequoia beta on Mac.

It is important that you back up your Mac before you do anything.

After backing up your Mac, here’s how you can install the beta:

  1. Open the System Settings
  2. Go to General ⇾ Software Update
  3. Click the ‘i’ icon next to Beta Updates
  4. From the dropdown menu in the top-right, select the macOS Developer Beta
  5. Hit ‘Done’
  6. The update will then prompt you to install it.

How to Fix macOS 15 Sequoia Beta Stuck on Downloading Issue

Please try the tips below if you are unable to install macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac:

  • Installing macOS Sequoia beta may take many hours. Just waiting may fix your problem. Do not put your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Also ensure than your Macbook, if it is a Macbook, it is plugged it into AC power.
  • Not all models can support macOS Sequoia. Is your Mac compatible? You can install macOS Sequoia on the following Mac models:
    • iMac 2019 and later
    • iMac Pro 2017 and later
    • Mac Studio 2022
    • MacBook Air 2020 and later
    • Mac mini 2018 and later
    • MacBook Pro 2018 and later
    • Mac Pro 2019 and later
  • Make sure there is enough space to download and install macOS Sequoia beta update. If not, you may see error messages. To see if your computer has enough room to store the update, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Storage on the right. If you need more space, you may want to delete old and unused apps, empty Trash, compress large files, etc. This will also speed up your Mac.
  • Make sure that your Mac has a working and stable internet connection to install macOS Sequoia beta.
  • Restart your Mac (Apple  menu > Shut Down) and then press the Power button to turn it back on. After restarting, check if you can download macOS Sequoia beta now. If not, go to the next step.
  • If the update does not complete, your computer may seem stuck or frozen, for an extended time, try to restart your computer by pressing and holding the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds.
  • If you have any external hard drives or peripherals connected to your Mac, try removing them. And try to update now.
  • It is possible that your Mac may unable to reach the update server. There could be two reasons for this:
    • You may have a slow internet connection. You may want to restart your router and modem to fix this problem. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, try a wired connection, if possible.
    • Or there could be issues with Apple servers. It is possible that Apple servers are overloaded as a lot of people may be trying to update. You can check if Apple servers are experiencing issues.

If you are still having issues downloading macOS Sequoia beta, then you may try the following:

Install in safe mode

Install macOS Sequoia beta while your Mac is started up in safe mode. Here’s how:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
  3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
  4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.
  5. Now your computer is in safe mode. Try to update now.
  6. Then exit safe mode when you are done (in either case). To exit safe mode, restart your Mac normally, without pressing the Shift key.

Delete macOS 15 Beta and Start Afresh

Many a time you can resolve the macOS software update stuck downloading problem by deleting the software update and starting afresh.

On your Mac, dive into the System Settings app -> General -> Storage -> Find the macOS beta and delete it.
After that, restart your Mac and try downloading the software from scratch.

Tag: macOS Sequoia
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How to install watchOS 11 beta on your Apple Watch

by Chris Smith

watchOS 11 was announced at WWDC 2024. While the latest software won’t launch officially until later this year, you can get your hands on the beta now — although we don’t recommend it for everyone.

watchOS 11 compatible Apple Watch models

To install the watchOS 11 developer beta on your Apple Watch, you must have one of the following Apple Watch models:

  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE WATCHOS 11 BETA

To install watchOS 11 developer beta on Apple Watch, you’ll need to:

  • Ensure your Apple Watch has at least a 50 percent of battery power.
  • Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch to make sure they’re in range.
  • Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS 18 beta.

Here’s how to install watchOS 11 beta on your Apple Watch:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap My Watch.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Tap Software Update.
  5. Tap Beta updates.
  6. Choose watchOS 11 Developer Beta.
  7. If prompted for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter the passcode.
  8. Wait for the Apple logo and progress bar to appear. When the update is done, your Apple Watch will restart.

Final Thoughts

Whether we’re talking about phone or watches, beta updates can be full of bugs in unlikely places. They’re primarily for developers and early adopters, and there are processes in place for reporting bugs and improve your iOS and watchOS experiences. See Apple’s Beta Software Program site for more details.

watchOS 11 is going to be a significant update, so if it does take a long time to install, don’t worry, this is normal. Likewise with the iOS 18 beta software. However, after this lengthy process is complete, you’ll gain access to all of the new features on watchOS 11 and iOS 18 earlier than anyone else.

As the official launch in September draws nearer, you can expect to see fewer bugs as things get ironed out. We have no idea exactly what sort of bugs you can expect to see – but that’s part of the ‘fun’ of beta testing.

If you are set on downloading Apple’s beta software across all platforms, then you might also be interested in how to download the macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac.

Tag: watchOS 11
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How to speed up a video on iPad

by Emily Long

There are a ton of cool things you can do with videos captured on an iPad, without using a third-party app. One feature is the option to speed up a video, which is great for things like unboxings, walk throughs of a venue, cooking videos, vacation videos, and fun effects for all types of content. It’s fairly simple to speed up videos on iPad using just a few easy steps within the pre-loaded iMovie app.

How to speed up a video on iPad using iMovie

  1. Launch the iMovie app on your iPad.
  2. Under Start New Project, tap Movie.
  3. Select the clip or clips you want to speed up.
  4. Tap on Create Movie.
  5. Tap on a clip within the timeline so the menu pops up at the bottom of the screen.
  6. Select the Speed button (it resembles a clock).
  7. Move the yellow bar to adjust the speed of the clip, making it faster (by sliding to the right) or slower (by sliding to the left).
  8. To create different speeds within the same video, drag the yellow range handles to the segment where you want them to land.
  9. Select Add to create another section with a different speed, with range handles and speed settings of its own.
  10. Tap anywhere outside the timeline to indicate that you’re done.
  11. Select Done at the top left to save the movie. You can then access it in iMovie or select Share to send to someone, a social media app, or just choose Save Video to save it to your Camera Roll.

How to speed up a slo-mo video on iPad

If you previously captured a video using the slo-mo option in the Camera app and want it to run at full speed (or faster) now, you can do this right from the Photos app.

  1. Launch the Photos app on your iPad.
  2. Go to Albums and scroll down to Slo-mo.
  3. Find the slow-motion video you want to speed up and tap on it.
  4. Tap Edit at the top right corner.
  5. Drag the two tallest white vertical bars together that show up in the timeline. This will remove the slo-mo effect.
  6. Tap Done. Use the same drag bars and perform the opposite action if you want the video to revert to slo-mo again. If you want to now speed up this version of the video in a customized way, follow the instructions above.

Create cool videos by speeding them up

You can edit cool videos on your iPad using iMovie, one of the best iPad apps, including speeding them up. Yes, that means virtually any video that exists in your iPad’s library is a candidate. Keep in mind that you can only speed videos up to twice the actual speed using iMovie. In order to speed it up more than that, you’ll need to look into third-party software.

While speeding up a video requires iMovie in post-processing, you can slow down videos right from the camera capture stage as long as you choose the slo-mo option built into the Camera app on all the latest iPads before tapping the shutter to begin the recording. If the video wasn’t taken in slo-mo, you’ll have to use iMovie to slow it down in entirety or in certain spots, using similar steps as shown above.

It’s also worth noting that even if you adjust the speed of your video in iMovie to make it slower or faster, the pitch and speed of the accompanying audio (if any) will remain the same. You can, however, select the audio settings and choose "Speed changes pitch" so the audio speeds up with the video as well. Typically, however, you might find it useful to silence the audio and add your own soundtrack to the newly created, sped-up version of the video. Once it’s done, go ahead and share your creation on social media and impress your friends and followers.

Tag: iMovie
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Best Apple Pencil Pro tips and tricks everyone should know

by Dave Johnson

Finally got your hands on an Apple Pencil Pro? It’s a great tool, and with a series of new features such as Barrel roll, Haptic feedback, Double tap, etc, the stylus is more useful than ever.

Apple Pencil Pro

Interested in getting the most out of your Apple Pencil Pro? That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here are all the best Apple Pencil Pro tips and tricks you need to get started with Apple’s stylus.

The best Apple Pencil Pro tips and tricks

How to pair Apple Pencil Pro

The ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro is compatible with the M2 ‌iPad Air‌ models and the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models, so it only works with the May 2024 iPads.

  1. Ensure your M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air is on and unlocked.
  2. Attach Apple Pencil Pro to the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad.
  3. Tap Pair when the onscreen prompt appears.

Just like the Apple Pencil 2, pairing is completely seamless so if you’ve ever used an Apple Pencil before you’ll feel right at home with the Pencil Pro.

How to charge Apple Pencil Pro

Are you worried about the Apple Pencil Pro’s battery life? Fret not, Apple makes charging the Pencil Pro an absolute breeze. Any time the Pencil Pro is connected to the magnetic strip on the side of your iPad it will charge.

  • Make sure that Bluetooth® is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Attach Apple Pencil Pro to the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad.

The Apple Pencil Pro uses fast charging technology just like the Apple Pencil 2 and a 15-second charge can get users up to 30 minutes of use. If you constantly use your Pencil Pro with your iPad, however, you’ll never have to worry about the battery as the iPad should always keep the charge topped up.

How to use barrel roll on Apple Pencil Pro

There is a gyroscope in the ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro that allows the rotation of the barrel to change the orientation of certain tools. It basically offers much more precise control of shaped pen and brush tools, similar to how a real pen or brush would function when you tilt it while drawing or sketching.

To activate barrel roll, simply rotate the Pencil Pro while using a compatible app like Notes or Freeform. This feature works particularly well with non-circular brushes and the "Hover" feature: Hover the Pencil tip near the screen without touching it, and you will see the precise angle of contact as you rotate the brush or pen. Barrel roll unlocks calligraphy on iPad like never before, allowing you to perfect your handwriting by adding a new dimension to your strokes. It works best with brushes that aren’t a perfect circle point, and really well alongside the ‘Hover’ feature — put your Pencil tip near the screen without touching it, and you’ll see the exact angle that the brush will touch down on as you rotate it.

How to use Squeeze on Apple Pencil Pro

The squeeze gesture allows the ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro to sense when pressure is applied to the sides of the device. Using squeeze brings up a palette so that you can do things like switch tools, line weights, and colors.

It’s up to the developers of each individual app to decide how they want to use the Squeeze gesture but at the moment Apple’s own Notes and Freeform allow you to use the gesture to access a tool palette. Squeeze can also be customized in Settings, allowing you to choose between different functionality like the ability to Squeeze to erase or to switch to the last tool you used.

To use Squeeze, simply Squeeze the sides of your Apple Pencil Pro, it couldn’t be more easy to activate.

By default, Squeeze invokes the tool palette in the app you are using (Apple Notes and Freeform, for example), but you can change what the Squeeze gesture does, and you can even trigger a shortcut with it.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Apple Pencil.
  3. Tap Squeeze.
  4. Choose between the following functions: Show Tool Palette, Switch Between Current Tool and Eraser, Switch Between Current Tool and Last Used, Show Color Palette, Show Ink Attributes, Shortcut, and Off.

Note that you can also adjust Squeeze sensitivity from this screen, so you can lower it if you tend to trigger it unintentionally.

How to use Double-Tap on Apple Pencil Pro

Double-Tap, a feature that is incredibly useful for Apple Pencil 2 owners, returns on Apple Pencil Pro with all the same settings you know and love. The flat side of the Pencil Pro acts as a Double-Tap input that you can use to do different things like switch between a tool and an eraser in certain apps or show ink attributes. Another fantastic use of Double-Tap is the ability to select using the Pencil Pro without touching the screen, this allows you to hover above selection choices and choose them by tapping twice on the side of your Pencil. Here’s how to turn it on:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Select Apple Pencil
  3. Choose Double-Tap
  4. Toggle on Allow Double Tap Only with Hover

Get used to haptic feedback

A built-in haptic engine offers haptic feedback when using the ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro’s gestures. A light haptic pulse will respond when using a squeeze or double-tap gesture, plus there is feedback when using the snap to a Smart Shape feature. While there’s nothing you need to learn in terms of using haptic feedback, it’s worth noting that every time you Squeeze or interact with your iPad’s display in a certain way you’ll feel a light haptic tap.

So just be prepared for haptic feedback and know that when you feel a little rumble, your Pencil Pro isn’t broken. It’s part of Apple’s magic way of making a stylus feel more like an actual drawing instrument.

Track your Apple Pencil Pro with Find My

Find My is available for the ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro so it can be tracked right alongside the iPad and other devices in the ‌Find My‌ app. here’s how:

  1. Open Find My
  2. Tap Devices
  3. Select Apple Pencil Pro
  4. Your iPhone or iPad will now direct you to the location of your Apple Pencil Pro, giving you an indication of distance as you get closer to the device. It’s a nifty feature that comes in really handy for those of us who leave things around the house on a regular basis.
Tag: Apple Pencil pro
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What is Tandem OLED on the New M4 iPad Pro? Know here!

by Dave Johnson

Apple introduced the new iPad Pro and its Tandem OLED display. The technology, which Apple calls “Ultra Retina XDR,” creates a new display that will soon be seen in more of the company’s devices. So what is this Tandem OLED, the technology behind the Ultra Retina XDR display? Here is a short explanation.

What is Tandem OLED and how it differs from regular OLED displays

Tandem OLED is a unique display technology that includes two layers of OLED pixels layered on top of each other to create one consistent screen. By combining light from both panels, iPad Pro can achieve an impressive full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits for both SDR and HDR content, with maximum HDR brightness reaching 1,600 nits.

The Ultra Retina XDY display showcasing beautiful landscape scenery on the new iPad Pro.
Photo credit: Apple

In contrast, regular OLED displays typically have lower brightness levels, as increasing brightness can lead to potential burn-in issues and reduced display lifespan. The Tandem OLED structure addresses these challenges by spreading the load across two panels, resulting in higher brightness and better performance.

What are the advantages of Tandem OLED

There are many benefits of Tandem OLED. Above all, unmatched brightness levels of 1,000 nits for full-screen content and 1,600 nits for premium HDR content deliver a stunning viewing experience that outperforms other mobile devices. This makes iPad Pro ideal for use in a variety of lighting conditions, from dimly lit indoors to bright outdoor environments.

Precise control over each pixel enables the display to reproduce colors with exceptional accuracy, making it ideal for professional content creation and consumption.

Finally, submillisecond control over pixel color and luminance provides a more responsive and smooth display, improving the user experience while gaming and video playback.

What problems does Tandem OLED fix?

There are two main issues with OLED screens, whether that’s on the OLED TVs, laptops or smartphones.

The first is brightness. OLED screens are not especially bright compared to what you can do with LED/LCD screens. And this is a problem with any device that will be used in sunlight or any bright environment, because it means you’ll face reflections that interfere with what you’re seeing.

The second is ‘burn-in’. OLED screens are prone to an problem where images that stay on an OLED screen for a very long time, such as the Taskbar in Windows, or the floating ‘Home’ bar on iPadOS, may become imprinted on the display permanently, leaving a ghost image that’s always there, even when you have something else displayed.

These two problems are somewhat connected: you could make OLED screens brighter by pushing more power through them, but that generates a lot more heat, and heat is a big factor in causing burn-in.

Tandem OLED screens, like the new iPad Pro’s, are supposed to solve both of these issues by, essentially, throwing pixels at the problem.

With two layers of OLED pixels, there is literally twice as much light being produced, because OLED pixels generate their own light. This allows Apple to reach 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness and 1,000 nits of fullscreen HDR brightness, which is exactly what the previous iPad Pro could achieve using a mini-LED screen. This is way beyond what other large OLED screens manage, especially for the fullscreen brightness. For comparison, the brightest fullscreen OLED TV measurement we’ve ever taken is 318 nits, during our Samsung S95D review. Apple is delivering triple that – albeit, in a much smaller screen.

That solves the brightness issue, but what about burn-in? Well, the other advantage of using two layers of pixels is that if you’re using the device at a more standard brightness (as you will be the vast majority of the time), each layer can run less bright than a single layer would have to, making each more efficient in terms of energy and heat use. That helps to reduce a key cause of burn-in, and should help to keep the screen going for longer in general.

At least, these are the goals of Tandem OLED as a technology. And all while keeping the things that OLED is renowned for, including excellent image quality from all viewing angle, superb color reproduction and – of course – unmatched per-pixel contrast and realistic black tones.

Tag: iPad Pro
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iPhone 16: Everything We Know

by Dave Johnson

What Happened: The tech giant is expected to release its iPhone 16 series in September, continuing its tradition of annual launches. The new series is anticipated to feature larger screens, a revamped design, and improved performance, among other upgrades.

Screen Size And Display: The iPhone 16 is expected to have a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus will feature a 6.7-inch display. The Pro models are anticipated to be even larger, with the iPhone 16 Pro sporting a 6.3-inch display and the iPhone 16 Pro Max having a screen of 6.9 inches. Previously, it was speculated that this iPhone with a gigantic screen was named iPhone 16 Ultra.

The new models are also rumored to feature a new OLED display with micro-lens array or MLA technology, offering improved brightness and energy efficiency. However, this will be a new technology for Apple smartphones. Therefore, it is possible that iPhone enthusiasts will have to wait longer, in case the technology is not ready for the iPhone 16 lineup.

Design And Camera: The iPhone 16 is expected to have a new design, with the addition of the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action buttonand a potential haptic Capture Button on the iPhone 16 Pro. The camera array is also expected to be revamped for spatial video content, with a pill-shaped design being rumored.

The iPhone 16 Pro may also feature a super telephoto periscope camera for improved long-distance photography. It has also been reported that the iPhone 16 Pro could adopt molded glass lenses to reduce the thickness and weight of the camera.

Software, Battery And Performance:Performance-wise, the iPhone 16 series is expected to be powered by the **A17 Bionic **chip, with the Pro models potentially featuring an A18 Bionic chip. The new models are also expected to feature a graphene heat sink to address heating issues reported with the iPhone 15.

Moreover, it is almost certain that the 2024 iPhone models will be powered by iOS 18 and one consistent rumor surrounding this software update is improved AI-powered functionalities. This could entail a revamped Siri, capable of efficiently executing complex tasks through voice commands.

A leaked report previously suggested that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max may come with an increase in battery capacity. There’s also a possibility that the iPhone 16 Plus might experience a reduction in its battery size. It was also reported that the tech giant might be considering adopting Wi-Fi 7 technology for the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

Polished Titanium Outlook And More: It has been reported that Cupertino might introduce a new polished titanium finish for iPhone 16 Pro models — more polished than its predecessor, along with being better scratch-resistant.

Some leaks have also suggested that new iPhone 16 models could feature "space black" and "rose" colors. The leak also suggests that the "Natural" and "White Titanium" hues are set to undergo slight modifications. It’s expected that the "Natural Titanium" shade will have a more grayish tone, while "White Titanium" will resemble a "Silver White" shade similar to the iPhone 14 Pro’s silver model.

Tag: iPhone 16
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iPhone 16 Pro to launch in these four colors

by Kevin Hollington

The iPhone 16 series is coming in September this year, almost certainly. Having said that, a tipster has just revealed the iPhone 16 Pro colors. We presume that this goes for both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, though there could be one exclusive color for each.

The iPhone 16 Pro is coming in four colors, and they have seemingly been revealed

In any case, according to ShrimpApplePro who dug up the info from Weibo, the iPhone 16 Pro is coming in Space Black, Gray, White, and Rose colors. Apple could use different names for these colors, so do take these names with a grain of salt.

The tipster also noted that Apple will use color-infused glass with matte texture back once again. That’s a well-known process that makes those nice-looking matte backs that iPhone users like so much.

The entire iPhone 16 series won’t exactly be groundbreaking, based on rumors. Apple won’t be changing things much from the design standpoint. Major changes are expected with the iPhone 17 in 2025.

Apple will slim down the bezels on the ‘Pro’ models even further

What we do know, based on rumors, is that the company will use teh ‘Border Reduction Structure in order to reduce bezels. That applies to the ‘Pro’ models only, though, most probably.

On top of that, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to arrive with slightly larger displays. Considering that their bezels will be slightly thinner, the two devices should not be much larger than the iPhone 15 Pro models are.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus could retain the same displays sizes. Nothing is set in stone just yet. All models will be made out of metal and glass, though the iPhone 16 Pro series is expected to utilize a titanium frame.

Unlike the design of these smartphones, iOS 18 is expected to deliver major changes. It’s actually rumored to become the biggest update since the launch of the first iPhone.

Tag: iPhone 16 Pro
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The iPhone May Get a Big Dose of AI This Year

by GeeksModo Staff

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have played an important role in the iPhone for years, powering features like Portrait Mode for the camera and the ability to copy and paste text from photos. But at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, we’re expecting to learn about how Apple could take that to the next level by potentially bringing generative AI to the iPhone.

Generative AI, or AI models trained on large volumes of data that create content in response to prompts, has exploded in popularity following the success of ChatGPT. Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, Samsung and Amazon, among many others, have introduced generative AI into their biggest products over the past year. Apple, however, has been quiet about its plans for generative AI, although CEO Tim Cook teased updates for 2024.

"But we’ve got some things that we are incredibly excited about that we’ll be talking about later this year," Cook said in response to a question about generative AI on the company’s most recent earnings call.

Between Cook’s comments, new research papers and the acquisition of AI startups, Apple is clearly on to something. Here’s what Apple’s AI plans for the iPhone might look like based on reports that have circulated in recent months.

iOS 18 will likely be full of AI features

Apple’s next major iPhone operating system, which will probably be called iOS 18, is expected to introduce a ton of new AI features to the iPhone. It could be the most significant update since the original iPhone in Apple’s eyes, according to Bloomberg.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, has been tasked with implementing a bunch of new tools into iOS fueled by the company’s large language model, reports Bloomberg. It’s unclear precisely what that means for iOS 18, but the report says we could see improvements in the Messages app and Siri. What we won’t see is an Apple alternative to ChatGPT, Bloomberg also reports.

Samsung and Google have already provided a glimpse into how generative AI is changing smartphones. Both companies offer features that can rewrite text messages in a different tone before hitting the send button and photo editing tools that can refill blank spaces in a photo after moving an object. It’s possible Apple could take a similar approach, although we won’t know for sure until iOS 18 arrives.

Google could power some new AI features

Apple is reportedly in talks with Google and OpenAI about using their respective AI models to power certain upcoming iPhone features, according to reports from Bloomberg, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. These models would likely be used for AI features that must be processed in the cloud, reports Bloomberg. Apple is reportedly planning to use its own models for future software tools that can be processed on-device without requiring a cloud connection.

On-device AI is generally considered to be more secure and private since data doesn’t have to leave your device but typically requires more powerful processors. That’s why Siri is only capable of answering health-related questions on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which run on the company’s newest smartwatch chips.

Based on the reports, it sounds like Apple is focusing its efforts on new AI models designed to run locally, while seeking a partner for cloud-based AI. That wouldn’t come as too much of a surprise; Apple prides itself on creating new features and technologies that take full advantage of how hardware and software work together. It’s much easier to do that when you don’t have to rely on a third-party for data processing.

It also wouldn’t be the first time Apple has partnered with another company on certain technologies and components. Google already pays Apple billions of dollars to be the default search engine on iPhones, for example, and Qualcomm supplies Apple with 5G modems for the iPhone.

A smarter Siri

Siri seems like a natural area for Apple to apply any AI advancements, and reports from The Information and Bloomberg suggest it may do just that. The Information reported last year that Apple has doubled down on efforts to make Siri better at automating tasks. The report cites the ability to ask Siri to create GIFs from your last five photos and then share it as an example of the types of use cases Apple has in mind.

We won’t know what Apple’s plans are until it announces them. But automation features like those mentioned above would feel like a fitting evolution for Siri that builds on its existing Shortcuts functionality.

An AI App Store

Apple may launch a new AI App Store, according to Ben Reitzes, head of technology research at Melius Research, who spoke with CNBC.

"In June we should start to see them lay the groundwork for this new app store, for how it’s going to work with AI, how you can buy AI apps through the App Store, " he said during the CNBC interview.

There are a lot of unanswered questions, such as whether this supposed AI app store would be for the iPhone, the Mac or all of Apple’s products. It’s also unclear if Reitzes is referring to a separate App Store entirely, or a new section in the current App Store focused on AI apps. The latter seems more in line with Apple’s usual approach. Either way, emphasizing AI in the App Store would be a testament to the technology’s importance from Apple’s perspective.

A new chip with more AI processing power

Apple’s next iPhone processor, presumably called the A18, is expected to offer better AI performance for the iPhone 16 lineup, according to Taiwanese news outlet Economic Daily News and analyst Jeff Pu, as MacRumors reported. AI has been a big area of focus for years, with Apple increasingly expanding the capabilities of the neural engine inside its A-series chips. But given that Apple is expected to develop new AI-powered iPhone features that rely on local processing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more significant upgrades.

Apple isn’t usually first to market with new product categories. Instead, it’s known for popularizing technologies, as it did with smartphones, smartwatches and tablets. Regardless of Apple’s approach, all eyes will be on the company to do the same with AI and generative AI.

Tag: iOS 18
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How to Turn off Journal Notifications on iPhone

by Dave Johnson

Apple’s Journal app lets you record your daily thoughts and activities, incorporating data like photos, music listened to, workouts, and more, plus it suggests topics to write about.

Journal App iOS 17 Feature Green  

A common issue that iPhone users have is that they keep getting Journal notifications even though they do not use the app. By default, notifications for the Journal app are enabled. Depending on your settings, the number of notifications you get will vary. For example, if you turn on the Journaling Schedule feature, your notifications will increase.

Getting constant Journal notifications is not only overwhelming but it is also distracting. Checking your iPhone constantly, only to see alerts from an app you don’t use can be frustrating. Also, while you swipe away all the notifications from Journal, you may miss essential announcements from other apps. The good news is you can put a stop to this by learning how to turn off Journal notifications.

If you are not using the Journal app, you can remove it from your iPhone. To remove it, find the app icon on the Home screen, press and hold it, then tap Remove App. When the app is gone, its notifications will be gone too.

If you do not want to remove the app but only stop its notifications, you can change your settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Notifications.
  3. Scroll down and find Journal and Journal Suggestions from the list of apps. They are listed alphabetically.
  4. Open each and turn off the Allow Notifications option.

Alternatively, you can also change your notification settings via the Journal app settings. Here is how:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Journal.
  3. To turn off Journal notifications fully, tap Notifications and turn off Allow Notifications. Then, tap Journal Suggestions and Suggestions Notification Settings and turn off Allow Notifications.
Tag: Notifications
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Does Green “Sent as Text Message” Mean You Are Blocked?

by Kevin Hollington
  • If your iPhone says “Sent as Text Message,” it does not necessarily mean you’re blocked. It means they’re being sent as SMS texts rather than iMessages.
  • You’ll always see green when texting Android users, or when you’re not connected to the internet.
  • If all of your iPhone messages are green, you should make sure iMessage is turned on in Settings.

iMessages are texts and media sent between Apple devices over an internet connection. A successfully sent iMessage appears as a blue text bubble in your chat conversation.

An iPhone showing an iMessage message
Photo Credit: Apple

However, you’re probably here because you noticed your messages are sent as a green text bubble instead of blue or perhaps saw a "Sent as Text Message" note at the bottom of the bubble.

What does this mean? Have you been blocked? Below, we explain why you’re probably not blocked, why iMessage says sent as a text message, and how to fix it if you think it’s a mistake.

An iPhone showing an SMS/MMS message
Photo Credit: Apple

Does green Sent as text message mean you are blocked?

The answer to the question is maybe. You cannot send an iMessage to someone who blocked you. It will say “Sent as Text Message,” but still, the person will not get the message. However, your iMessages may send as SMS text messages in green bubbles instead of blue bubbles even when you are not blocked.

If you’re used to seeing blue iMessage text bubbles but they are suddenly green, it can be an indication you’ve been blocked – but that’s just one possibility, and isn’t necessarily the most likely.

6 Reasons Why Your iMessage Is Sent as a Text Message

When your iMessage is sent as a text message, it could be due to the following reasons:

1. There is a problem with iMessage on your iPhone

When your iMessage is sent as a text message, it’s worth checking whether the root cause of the issue lies with your iPhone first.

iMessage texts sending in green instead of blue is a common problem when the service stops functioning as it should.

You may experience iMessage issues after switching your SIM card or adding a new device to your Apple ID, so apply various troubleshooting methods to fix iMessage on your iPhone first.

2. The Recipient’s Device Is Not Connected to the Internet

For a text to be successfully sent as an iMessage, the recipient’s Apple device must also be connected to the internet. Otherwise, the iMessage will be sent as a text message to their device, or you might see an "iMessage Not Delivered" error on your iPhone if it’s not sent out.

3. The Recipient Wasn’t Using an Apple Device at the Time

Remember, iMessage only works between Apple devices. So, if your family or friend switches from an iPhone to an Android smartphone, for example, your iMessage will automatically be sent as a text message to them.

Your iPhone does not notify you that they have changed devices, even if your previous chat conversations were held using iMessage.

4. The Recipient’s Device Was Turned Off

Another simple reason is that your contact may have turned off their iPhone, or their device had shut down because it ran out of battery. When this happens, you can still continue to message them. However, your iMessage will be sent as a text message or simply remain pending until the other party turns on their device again.

5. The Recipient Disabled iMessage on Their iPhone

iMessage is a feature that can be enabled and disabled in the iPhone’s Settings app. For whatever reason, your contact may have chosen to turn off iMessage.

If this happens, you’ll be unable to send and receive iMessages from them. However, both of you can still reach each other with SMS text messages.

6. There’s a chance that iMessage is down on Apple’s end

When iMessage is not available for you or the recipient due to outages, the messages will be sent as SMS. Visit Apple’s System Status page and check if iMessage service is having known technical issues.

Turn on iMessages so your messages appear in blue bubbles when able

In order to send and receive the "blue text bubbles" when chatting with other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, iMessage must be enabled on your iPhone.

If you have recently bought a new iPhone and set it up using your Apple ID already, iMessage will already be enabled and ready to use.

But if iMessage isn’t enabled, here’s how to do it:

  1. First, unlock your iPhone and launch the Settings app from the home screen.
  2. In Settings, scroll down until you find ”Messages” and tap on it.
  3. At the top of the screen, find iMessage.
  4. If the slider on the right is green, iMessage is already enabled. If not, tap the slider to enable iMessage
  5. If iMessage is already turned on, turn iMessage off by swiping the button to the left.
  6. Turn off your iPhone, then turn it on again.
  7. Go back to the Settings app, tap Messages, and turn iMessage back on by swiping the button to the right.

After activation, you will now be able to send and receive the "blue text bubbles" when chatting with other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.

How to Test if Someone Blocked You From Contacting Them

There are a few ways you could try to check if you’re blocked. First, you could try calling the person. An iPhone user can’t choose to block you on iMessage without blocking you entirely. Therefore, if the call goes through, it confirms that you’re not blocked.

If the call doesn’t go through, you shouldn’t immediately start panicking either. There are a variety of reasons why you’re unable to make phone calls on your iPhone. Poor call signal in an area is one of the biggest culprits.

Therefore, you can also reach out to your recipient via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Whatsapp. If you’re still connected on those platforms, it’s unlikely that the person has blocked you. If person is set to block you, they would have most likely block you in social media platforms as well. So, the issues of being unable to call them or send them an iMessage were likely minor technical hiccups.

Don’t Panic When Your iMessage Is Sent as a Text Message

Due to the reasons we’ve discussed in this article, it’s totally normal for iMessage to fail and be sent as a text message instead.

If you’ve been worried that you were blocked because your iMessage was sent as a text message, we trust our explanation has helped you understand why it’s probably not the case.

Therefore, don’t panic or jump to conclusions quickly. Contact the person using other channels if you need to communicate to them urgently.

Tags: iMessage, Messages, text message
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