iOS 26: Apple's Riskiest Update Yet?
Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features in iOS 26 Beta 5 and Public Beta 2
The iOS 26 beta updates introduce a range of enhancements designed to improve functionality, usability, and the overall user experience. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to refining its ecosystem while addressing user feedback. Below are the standout features: AirPods Charging Case Pop-Up: A redesigned interface now provides clearer and more detailed status indicators for your AirPods, making it easier to monitor battery levels and connectivity.
A redesigned interface now provides clearer and more detailed status indicators for your AirPods, making it easier to monitor battery levels and connectivity. Core App Improvements: Updates to Wallet, Fitness, Phone, and Tips apps enhance their usability, offering a more intuitive and streamlined experience for everyday tasks.
Updates to Wallet, Fitness, Phone, and Tips apps enhance their usability, offering a more intuitive and streamlined experience for everyday tasks. Messages Enhancements: A bold typing indicator improves visibility during conversations, making sure you never miss when someone is responding.
A bold typing indicator improves visibility during conversations, making sure you never miss when someone is responding. App Update Prioritization: Users can now prioritize specific app updates when multiple installations are in progress, allowing for greater control over download preferences.
Users can now prioritize specific app updates when multiple installations are in progress, allowing for greater control over download preferences. Predictive Siri in Apple Maps: Siri now offers travel suggestions based on your habits, making navigation more efficient and personalized.
Siri now offers travel suggestions based on your habits, making navigation more efficient and personalized. Redesigned Home App: Enhanced climate control interfaces improve usability for managing smart home devices, making adjustments quicker and more intuitive.
Enhanced climate control interfaces improve usability for managing smart home devices, making adjustments quicker and more intuitive. CarPlay Refinements: Cleaner icon alignment and interface tweaks provide a more polished and user-friendly experience for drivers.
Cleaner icon alignment and interface tweaks provide a more polished and user-friendly experience for drivers. New Visual Icons: The addition of Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Rotten Tomatoes icons offers greater clarity when browsing media content.
For iPad users, iPadOS 26 beta 5 introduces a new swipe gesture for the menu bar, simplifying navigation and improving multitasking capabilities. Performance and Stability: Balancing Progress and Challenges
While iOS 26 beta 5 introduces several exciting features, its performance and stability remain a mixed bag. On the positive side, users have reported improvements in thermal management, resulting in reduced overheating during intensive tasks. However, some issues persist, particularly on older devices. Key challenges include: Screen flickering on older OLED devices can disrupt the viewing experience.
Stuttering on ProMotion displays affects the smoothness of animations and scrolling.
Inconsistent battery life, with some users experiencing faster-than-expected battery drain.
Feedback from beta testers highlights these trade-offs. While many appreciate the usability improvements and new features, others find the lingering bugs disruptive, especially for daily use. These challenges underscore the importance of weighing the benefits of early access against the potential drawbacks of beta software. iOS 18.6: A Stable and Reliable Option
For users who prioritize stability and reliability, iOS 18.6 remains a dependable choice. This version has earned a reputation for solid performance, offering consistent battery life and minimal bugs. However, even this stable release is not without minor issues, such as: Notification stuttering, which occasionally affects the smooth delivery of alerts.
Wallpaper darkening, a cosmetic glitch that some users have reported.
Additionally, certain app-specific problems, such as those affecting YouTube, appear to be unrelated to the operating system itself. These minor inconveniences aside, iOS 18.6 is widely regarded as a reliable option for users seeking a trouble-free experience. Apple's Manufacturing and Ecosystem Updates
Apple's commitment to innovation extends beyond software, as the company continues to invest heavily in manufacturing and ecosystem-wide updates. Notable developments include: Camera Sensor Production: Apple is collaborating with Samsung to produce its own camera sensors at a Texas facility, aiming to enhance camera quality and reduce reliance on third-party suppliers.
Apple is collaborating with Samsung to produce its own camera sensors at a Texas facility, aiming to enhance camera quality and reduce reliance on third-party suppliers. U.S. Manufacturing Investments: The company has pledged an additional $100 billion toward domestic manufacturing, building on the $500 billion already committed. This includes partnerships with Corning to produce durable glass for iPhones and Apple Watches.
Meanwhile, updates across Apple's ecosystem further enhance the user experience. Key changes include: Apple Maps: Cycling directions are now available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, expanding the app's utility for international users.
Cycling directions are now available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, expanding the app's utility for international users. Dynamic Wallpaper: A new 'Here's to the Dreamers' wallpaper uses spatial scene depth for a visually engaging and immersive experience.
A new 'Here's to the Dreamers' wallpaper uses spatial scene depth for a visually engaging and immersive experience. MagSafe Firmware Update: Version 2A168 improves wireless charging performance, making sure faster and more reliable charging for compatible devices.
Rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 suggest additional hardware innovations, including new color options and a redesigned camera bar, further fueling anticipation for Apple's next-generation devices. AI Integration and Future Prospects
Apple is also advancing its artificial intelligence capabilities with the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT 5 into iOS 26. This enhancement aims to improve AI-driven features, offering greater accuracy and performance in tasks such as predictive text, voice commands, and personalized recommendations. However, users who prefer a more stable experience can opt to continue using GPT-4, as some have reported issues with the newer model.
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to release weekly beta updates throughout August, culminating in a release candidate by late August or early September. The iPhone 17 launch event, anticipated in early September, is likely to coincide with the final rollout of iOS 26.
For those eager to explore innovative features, iOS 26 beta offers a glimpse into Apple's vision for the future. However, if stability and reliability are your top priorities, iOS 18.6 remains the recommended choice. Carefully consider your needs and preferences to determine which version aligns best with your expectations.
Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in iOS.
Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
13 minutes ago
- Reuters
Alexander Executive Search (AES) Celebrates Nearly 10 Years of Excellence in Finding Top Engineering and Civil Engineering Talent
ORLANDO, FL, August 11, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Alexander Executive Search (AES), opens new tab is celebrating nearly a decade of recruiting excellence, connecting high-caliber talent with leading organizations across the United States through a distinctive, behavior-focused hiring methodology. Based in Orlando, the firm has carved out a niche in sourcing senior-level and C-suite professionals exclusively within the engineering, civil engineering, and oil and gas sectors, specializing in hard-to-fill, technical roles. Founded by Keith Fox, opens new tab, AES was born out of his desire to transform the way hiring is done. 'I've always believed there's a better way to recruit,' says Fox. 'I'm not interested in just filling positions; I'm focused on finding people who will truly thrive in a company's culture. Good recruitment goes beyond a transactional relationship; it's about ensuring alignment.' At the heart of AES's success is a multi-layered assessment process that blends scientific, objective evaluation with in-depth behavioral insights. While traditional recruitment often stops at reviewing resumes and verifying skills, Fox takes it further. 'Skills are a tick-box exercise. You can confirm them through a resume, references, or training records,' he explains. 'But people are hired on skills and experience, and fired on behavior and performance. Understanding how someone will operate, how they'll fit within a team, that's the defining factor.' The process begins by assessing the hiring manager and team to identify the behavioral traits needed for success in the role. This is followed by a rigorous evaluation of candidates that examines their presentation and mannerisms, their professional qualifications and technical knowledge, and, what Fox considers most critical, their behavioral drivers, including attitude, self-motivation, judgment, and values. This deeper layer of analysis is designed to prevent costly mis-hires and ensure that candidates are not only qualified but also aligned with the company's culture and long-term vision. The AES Dashboard Candidates receive a comprehensive briefing pack outlining the company, job description, responsibilities, and expectations, ensuring complete transparency before the first interview. AES's commitment to precision extends beyond the hiring stage. Fox offers a 12-month free replacement guarantee if a placement leaves or is terminated for performance reasons, a promise he has rarely had to fulfill in the company's history. Unlike agencies that rely on inbound applicants, AES is built on targeted headhunting. The AES team actively seeks out the best people for the job, often taking up to eight weeks to place the perfect candidate. His 'head, heart, and mind' approach ensures that he connects with candidates on a personal level, understands what motivates them, and presents opportunities in a way that engages both their logic and passion for the work. Fox credits AES's longevity to its ability to adapt to change. 'I've got a lifetime business because I'm always watching the market and adjusting to it,' he says. 'Recruitment will always be recruitment, but the way we do it, that's what gets results. We don't just forward resumes. We're interested in the whole person, their values, and how they'll contribute to a company's success.' As AES approaches its 10-year milestone, the company remains committed to delivering measurable, lasting impact for both clients and candidates. It aims to prove that in the high-stakes world of executive search, the right fit goes far beyond the resume. About Alexander Executive Search (AES) Alexander Executive Search (AES) is an expert search recruitment company based in Orlando, Florida. Founded by Keith Fox, the company hires exclusively for senior executives and C-suite roles in the civil engineering, oil, and gas industries. The company helps its clients collaborate with top talent selected through an extensive search process that incorporates a rigorous and strategic recruiting process that analyzes a candidate's intellectual as well as emotional strengths. For more information, visit opens new tab. Media Contact Keith Foxinfo@ ### SOURCE: Alexander Executive Search (AES) Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Reuters
44 minutes ago
- Reuters
Tesla's North American director of service leaves EV maker
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Piero Landolfi, Tesla's (TSLA.O), opens new tab director of service for the North American market has left the EV maker after nearly nine years, joining an exodus of executives from the company grappling with a drop in sales. Leaving Tesla was hard due to "the first principle thinking and the getting stuff done mentality" at the company, Landolfi said in a LinkedIn post on Sunday. Landolfi has now joined AI robotics and autonomous e-commerce technology company Nimble as its senior vice president of operations, per his LinkedIn profile. His move is the latest of a string of departures from the electric carmaker, joining Troy Jones, Tesla's top sales executive in North America, who left in July after 15 years with the company. Raj Jegannathan, a senior executive with a wide purview including several IT and data functions, recently took over the sales role, Reuters reported exclusively last month. Other key figures who left include Omead Afshar, Tesla CEO Elon Musk's confidant, who was in charge of sales and manufacturing operations in North America and Europe. Milan Kovac, the head of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot team, announced he was leaving in June. Other recent departures include top battery executive Vineet Mehta and software chief David Lau. Musk's EV maker posted the worst quarterly sales decline in more than a decade and profit that missed Wall Street targets in July; its profit margin on making cars, however, was better than many feared. Musk had said that U.S. government cuts in support for EV makers could lead to a "few rough quarters" for Tesla, before a wave of revenue from self-driving software and services begins late next year.
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Trump opens door to sales of version of Nvidia's next-gen AI chips in China
Aug 11 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday suggested he might allow Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab to sell a scaled-down version of its next-generation advanced GPU chip in China, despite deep-seated fears in Washington that China could harness American artificial intelligence capabilities to supercharge its military. Trump also confirmed and defended an agreement calling for U.S. AI chip giant Nvidia, led by Jensen Huang, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O), opens new tab to give the U.S. government 15% of revenue from sales of some advanced computer chips in China, after his administration greenlit exports to China of less advanced AI chips known as the H20 last month. "Jensen also has the new chip, the Blackwell. A somewhat enhanced-in-a-negative-way Blackwell. In other words, take 30% to 50% off of it," Trump told reporters in an apparent reference to slashing the chip's capability. "I think he's coming to see me again about that, but that will be an unenhanced version of the big one," he added. Trump's administration halted sales of Nvidia's H20 chips to China in April, but the company said last month it had won clearance to resume shipments and hoped to start deliveries soon. "The H20 is obsolete," Trump said, saying China already had it. "So I said, 'Listen, I want 20% if I'm going to approve this for you, for the country'," he added. The deal is extremely rare for the U.S. and marks Trump's latest intervention in corporate decision-making, after pressuring executives to invest in American manufacturing and demanding new Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign over ties to Chinese companies. Analysts said the levy may hit margins at the chipmakers and set a precedent for Washington to tax critical U.S. exports, potentially extending beyond semiconductors. The U.S. Commerce Department has started issuing licenses for the sale of H20 chips to China, another U.S. official said on Friday. Both the U.S. officials declined to be named because details have not been made public. The China curbs are expected to cost Nvidia and AMD billions of dollars in revenue, and successive U.S. administrations have sought in recent years to limit Beijing's access to cutting-edge chips that could bolster China's military. Washington does not feel the sale of H20 and equivalent chips compromises national security, said the first U.S. official. The official did not know when or how the agreement with the chip companies would be implemented, but said the administration would be in compliance with the law. The U.S. Constitution prohibits Congress from laying taxes and duties on articles exported from any state. The Export Clause applies to taxes and duties, not user fees. When asked if Nvidia had agreed to pay 15% of revenues to the U.S., a company spokesperson said: "We follow rules the U.S. government sets for our participation in worldwide markets." "While we haven't shipped H20 to China for months, we hope export control rules will let America compete in China and worldwide," the spokesperson added. A spokesperson for AMD said the U.S. approved its applications to export some AI processors to China, but did not directly address the revenue-sharing agreement and said the company's business adheres to all U.S. export controls. The Commerce Department did not immediately comment. China's foreign ministry said the country has repeatedly stated its position on U.S. chip exports. The ministry has previously accused Washington of using technology and trade measures to "maliciously contain and suppress China." The Financial Times, which first reported the development, said the chip firms agreed to the arrangement as a condition for obtaining the export licenses for their semiconductors, including AMD's MI308 chips. It added that the Trump administration had yet to determine how to use the money. "The Chinese market is significant for both these companies so even if they have to give up a bit of the money, they would otherwise make it look like a logical move on paper," AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said. Still, analysts and experts questioned the logic of resuming sales if the chips could pose a national security risk. "Decisions on export licenses should be determined by national security considerations and the tradeoffs of U.S. policy goals, not a revenue-creating possibility," said Martin Chorzempa, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, an independent research institution. "What it ends up creating is an incentive to control things, to then extract a payment, rather than controlling things because we're actually concerned about the risk to national security." U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said last month the planned resumption of sales of the AI chips was part of U.S. negotiations with China to get rare earths and described the H20 as Nvidia's "fourth-best chip" in an interview with CNBC. He said it was in U.S. interests for Chinese firms to use American technology, even if the most advanced chips remained barred, to keep them on a U.S. "tech stack". Some elements of Trump's trade policy are already facing legal scrutiny, with a federal appeals panel skeptical of his claim that a 1977 law, traditionally used to sanction enemies or freeze assets, also empowered him to impose tariffs. "We aren't sure we like the precedent this sets," Bernstein analysts said of the revenue-share deal. "Will it stop with Chinese AI? Will it stop with controlled products? Will other companies be required to pay to sell into the region?" "It feels like a slippery slope to us." The analysts estimated the deal would cut gross margins on the China-bound processors by 5 to 15 percentage points, shaving about a point from Nvidia and AMD's overall margins. Nvidia generated $17 billion in revenue from China in the fiscal year ending January 26, representing 13% of total sales. AMD reported $6.2 billion in China revenue for 2024, accounting for 24% of total revenue. Nvidia has warned a China sales halt for H20 chips could cut $8 billion from July quarter revenue, while AMD has projected a $1.5 billion annual hit from the curbs.
