Is the new Pope a fan of Apple gadgets? Eagle-eyed netizens spark internet buzz over Pope Leo XIV's wristwear
A Pope With a Pulse on Tech
Not His First Time Wearing It
You Might Also Like:
Trump and Pope Leo are now Earth's most powerful Americans. They lead in different roles and realms
From Tradition to Tech: A Modern Pontiff Emerges
You Might Also Like:
What Pope Leo XIV does when idle will surprise you: The relatable side of the newly elected pope that's melting hearts
The Vatican may be rooted in centuries-old traditions, but the newest occupant of the papal throne appears to be striding confidently into the digital age—literally, with a smartwatch on his wrist. On May 8, Robert Francis Prevost made history by becoming the first American to be elected as head of the Catholic Church , taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV . The solemnity of his first official mass was momentarily upstaged by a surprising modern detail that caught the attention of keen-eyed spectators across the globe: a sleek, familiar gadget peeking out from beneath his papal robes.As Pope Leo XIV stood before thousands of worshippers in St. Peter's Basilica, a flash of what appeared to be an Apple Watch emerged from under his white sleeve. The image quickly went viral after being shared by tech publication 9to5Mac, which posted the photo on Instagram alongside a caption that ignited a frenzy of speculation: 'Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is making buzz in the tech and watch communities after being seen wearing an Apple Watch during his first official mass. It's not clear which model this is. Any guesses?'And guess they did. From Apple Watch SE to high-end Swiss military watches and even Casio throwbacks, social media was abuzz with debates and cheeky comments. 'Good to know he's Team Apple,' wrote one amused user. 'Android users are hating even harder now,' quipped another.It didn't take long for Reddit sleuths to unearth more 'evidence.' One user posted an older photograph of Leo XIV blessing a parishioner before his elevation to the papacy, where he was wearing what appeared to be the same smartwatch. 'During his first Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV sported an Apple Watch, which he had worn previously before being elected a Cardinal,' the post noted, suggesting that his love for tech isn't exactly new.At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV isn't necessarily the demographic marketers associate with the latest wearable gadgets , but in the age of digital wellness and health tracking, the choice might be more functional than fashionable. With fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and emergency alerts, smartwatches are proving indispensable for older adults—and it seems even the Holy Father isn't above embracing a little innovation.While conspiracy theorists spin tales about his reign possibly marking the last chapter in papal prophecy, and AI tools like ChatGPT estimating he'll serve 'for several years,' the broader public appears far more fascinated by his smartwatch than any apocalyptic lore.Could this be the beginning of a more digitally inclined Vatican? Will we see papal tweets sent straight from the Apple Watch? Only time—and perhaps tech—will tell.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Business Standard
After WhatsApp, Meta may launch Instagram for Apple iPad: What to expect
Meta-owned social media platform Instagram is reportedly developing a dedicated application for Apple iPads. Following the recent launch of WhatsApp for iPads, it now appears likely that Meta could introduce a native version of Instagram for iPad. According to 9to5Mac, Meta is working on an iPadOS-specific version of the app optimised for larger displays. A 9to5Mac report citing Bloomberg's Mark Gurman states that Meta is now 'full steam ahead' in its development of an Instagram application for Apple's tablet. Gurman noted, 'I'm told that employees on the Meta Platforms Inc. campus are actively testing Instagram for the iPad and that development work is full steam ahead. I would expect it to be released this year if all goes to plan.' Instagram for iPad: What to expect Optimised user interface: The app is expected to feature enhanced display scaling tailored for the iPad's larger screen, incorporating a refined layout that makes better use of the tablet's aspect ratio. Improved multitasking support: The native version will likely support iPadOS features such as Split View, facilitating easier navigation and improved interaction while multitasking with other applications. Exclusive layout options: The app may include design elements or interface modes exclusive to iPad, enhancing the overall experience. Upgraded Reels and video browsing: Users may benefit from smoother scrolling and enhanced video playback performance, with a more immersive, cinematic Reels experience in full-screen mode. Currently, iPad users can only access Instagram through the iPhone version of the app, which is not optimised for the tablet interface. This results in a stretched layout and subpar user experience, forcing users to rely on a zoomed-in iPhone app lacking features tailored for larger displays. Although specific details about the upcoming iPad version remain limited, the dedicated app is expected to deliver an interface that better aligns with tablet usage.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Instagram for iPad in Progress, Meta Gears Up for Late 2024 Launch
After years of anticipation, Meta appears to be finally answering the call of iPad users. Reports indicate that a native Instagram app tailored for the iPad is under active development, with a public release expected by the end of 2024. The news comes on the heels of Meta's recent launch of WhatsApp for iPad, surprising fans and fueling hopes for more tablet-optimised experiences. Now, Instagram seems to be the next major Meta-owned platform to make the leap, according to industry insiders. This development was first hinted at in April by The Information's Kaya Yurieff and Kalley Huang. More recently, Bloomberg's tech correspondent Mark Gurman confirmed that Meta employees are internally testing the iPad version. Gurman added, 'Unless there are major setbacks, it should be available to the public before the end of 2024.' Instagram's absence on the iPad has long puzzled users, especially given the platform's visual nature—designed for sharing photos, videos, and stories that are arguably best experienced on larger screens. For over a decade, iPad users have been left with the zoomed-in iPhone version of Instagram, which fails to fully utilise the iPad's expansive display. So, what took Meta so long? Experts point to both technical challenges and underlying tensions between Meta and Apple. Initially, Instagram was built around lower-resolution images, which often appeared pixelated on iPad's high-resolution display. But beyond the tech limitations, a frosty relationship between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook may have also played a role. For years, the two tech giants have clashed publicly over issues like user privacy and App Store policies. Some believe that Meta's delay in releasing Instagram for iPad was, in part, a subtle form of pushback against Apple. That said, the tide now appears to be turning. With WhatsApp now officially on iPad, and Instagram supporting high-resolution media, widescreen videos, and long-form content, Meta seems ready to prioritise the user experience over past rivalries. Competition may also be a driving factor. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts already offer robust tablet support and continue to capture the attention of younger users. Meta likely sees the Instagram iPad app as essential for retaining engagement and expanding its user base. Internal efforts are reportedly in full swing. 'Meta employees are going full steam ahead,' says Gurman. The launch timeline remains subject to change, but the outlook appears optimistic. There's no confirmation yet on whether Meta's Threads app will also come to iPad, but for now, the promise of a native Instagram experience is big news for creators, casual users, and everyone who prefers editing or browsing on a bigger screen.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Mphasis, Infosys, TCS Shares Fall Up To 7% Amid Global Trade Tensions
Last Updated: Indian Information Technology (IT) stocks were under pressure on Monday, June 2, 2025; How tariffs impact IT stocks - explained Why Are IT Stocks Falling Today? Indian Information Technology (IT) stocks were under pressure on Monday, June 2, 2025, after the US government signaled that reciprocal tariffs would remain in place. The Nifty IT index slipped as much as 1.4%, touching a low of 36,770.15. Among major IT stocks, Mphasis tumbled 6.7%, while Persistent Systems and HCL Technologies fell 1.8% each. Tech Mahindra was down 1.7%, Infosys 1.5%, and Wipro 1.4%. Why Are IT Stocks Falling? The sell-off in IT shares followed comments by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said on Sunday that reciprocal tariffs would not be removed. Lutnick acknowledged ongoing legal challenges but noted the administration would find other ways to enforce the tariffs if necessary. Separately, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would uphold Trump's tariff policies. Last week, the US Court of International Trade overturned much of the steep levies, only for a federal appeals court to reinstate them the following day. Additionally, US President Trump announced on Friday that steel import tariffs would double from 25% to 50% starting June 4, reinforcing the administration's hardline trade stance. How Tariffs Impact IT Stocks US tariffs are seen as a negative for Indian IT companies because they can stoke inflation and lead the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated for longer. Such conditions risk slowing the US economy, which is a key market for India's outsourcing and technology services industry. The 10-year US Treasury yield climbed 24 basis points to 4.4% in May, raising concerns that the bond market is pricing in a ballooning US fiscal deficit and growing policy uncertainty — factors that could dampen US demand for Indian IT services. First Published:
