Latest news with #WWDC2024
Geeky Gadgets
6 hours ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Supported Devices: Is Your iPhone Compatible?
Apple is set to unveil iOS 26 developer beta 1 on June 9, 2024, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This release marks a significant shift for the company, introducing a new naming convention tied to the release year. For users, the central question remains: which devices will support iOS 26? Understanding compatibility is crucial for staying updated with Apple's ecosystem and making sure your device is ready for the latest features. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more details on which devices will get the iOS 26 update. Watch this video on YouTube. Apple's Transition to Year-Based Naming Apple's decision to adopt a year-based naming system for iOS versions reflects a strategic move to streamline its software branding. Previously, iOS versions followed a sequential numbering system, which often created confusion as it didn't align with the release year. Starting with iOS 26, the version number will correspond directly to the calendar year of its launch. This change simplifies version tracking for users and aligns iOS with macOS and watchOS, which already follow similar conventions. By adopting this approach, Apple ensures greater consistency across its software platforms, making it easier for users to identify and engage with updates. iOS 26 Developer Beta: Key Details The iOS 26 developer beta is scheduled to debut on June 9, 2024, offering developers an early opportunity to test and optimize their apps. This phase is essential for making sure compatibility with the latest features and performance improvements. Developers can explore new tools, APIs, and system capabilities, allowing them to refine their applications ahead of the official release. Following the developer beta, Apple is expected to roll out a public beta, allowing a broader audience to experience the operating system and provide feedback. The official launch of iOS 26 is anticipated in the fall, coinciding with Apple's annual hardware announcements. Device Compatibility for iOS 26 Device compatibility remains a critical aspect of any iOS update. Apple's decisions on which devices will support iOS 26 are influenced by hardware capabilities and the company's commitment to maintaining optimal performance. Based on historical trends and industry insights, here's what to expect: iPhone 12 and Newer: Devices from the iPhone 12 series onward are expected to fully support iOS 26. These models feature advanced hardware capable of handling Apple's latest software innovations, making sure a seamless user experience. Devices from the iPhone 12 series onward are expected to fully support iOS 26. These models feature advanced hardware capable of handling Apple's latest software innovations, making sure a seamless user experience. iPhone 11 Series: The iPhone 11 lineup has a moderate 70-80% chance of compatibility. While these devices remain powerful, they are approaching the end of their software support lifecycle, making their inclusion uncertain. The iPhone 11 lineup has a moderate 70-80% chance of compatibility. While these devices remain powerful, they are approaching the end of their software support lifecycle, making their inclusion uncertain. A12 Bionic Chip Devices: Devices powered by the A12 Bionic chip, such as the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, face a low 25-30% likelihood of supporting iOS 26. Released in 2018, these models may struggle to meet the performance demands of the new operating system. Apple's approach to compatibility ensures that newer devices receive the full benefits of iOS 26, while older models are gradually phased out. This strategy balances innovation with practicality, allowing the company to focus on delivering high-performance software tailored to modern hardware. Expert Predictions and Industry Insights Compatibility forecasts for iOS 26 are informed by reliable sources, including iPhone Soft and a private account on X, both of which have a strong track record of accurate predictions. These reports suggest that Apple is prioritizing newer devices equipped with advanced hardware to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction. For older models, the gradual discontinuation of software support aligns with Apple's standard practice of ending updates for devices after approximately five years. This approach allows Apple to allocate resources toward enhancing the experience for users with more recent devices. Implications for Users For users with an iPhone 12 or newer, iOS 26 promises access to the full range of features, including enhanced functionality, improved performance, and critical security updates. Owners of the iPhone 11 series can remain cautiously optimistic, as these devices are likely to support the update, though official confirmation from Apple is still pending. If you own a device powered by the A12 Bionic chip, it may be time to consider upgrading. Losing software support can impact app compatibility, security, and overall usability, making an upgrade a practical choice for staying current with Apple's ecosystem. Looking Ahead The release of iOS 26 underscores Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience. The adoption of a year-based naming system simplifies version tracking, while compatibility decisions reflect a focus on delivering high-performance software for modern hardware. Whether you're a developer preparing for the beta, a tech enthusiast eager to explore new features, or a casual user considering an upgrade, staying informed about these changes ensures you're ready to embrace the next chapter in Apple's ecosystem. By understanding the implications of iOS 26, you can make informed decisions about your device and its role in Apple's evolving technology landscape. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on iOS 26. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp 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.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
WWDC 2025 expected to be smaller in scale, fewer AI announcements likely
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025 is anticipated to be a more "smaller-scale" event compared to its predecessors, according to recent reports. The subdued outlook is primarily attributed to the absence of significant new hardware releases and growing internal concerns about Apple's position in the rapidly evolving generative AI landscape. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is holding back on big AI reveals, leading some employees to worry that the event may be a 'letdown' in terms of artificial intelligence advancements. Why WWDC 2025 will be smaller In recent years, WWDC has often been a platform for Apple to unveil groundbreaking new devices alongside its software advancements. However, for WWDC 2025, the report suggests that there are no major new devices ready to ship. This absence of a "one more thing" moment in hardware is expected to temper the usual excitement surrounding the conference. No Major Hardware Launches – Unlike WWDC 2023, which introduced the Vision Pro, and WWDC 2024, which unveiled Apple Intelligence, this year's event is unlikely to feature groundbreaking devices. Limited AI Progress – Apple is not expected to showcase significant AI advancements , potentially falling behind competitors like OpenAI and Google. Focus on Software Redesign – The biggest highlight will be a visionOS-inspired UI overhaul across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26, featuring glass-like translucent elements. What to expect at WWDC 2025 Despite the scaled-down nature of the event, Apple will likely introduce: Swift Assist Updates – Enhancements to Apple's developer tools. Rich Text Editor for SwiftUI – A new feature aimed at improving app development workflows. On-Device AI Models for Developers – Apple may allow third-party developers to embed its AI models into apps, though these models are smaller and less powerful than OpenAI's or Google's offerings. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
WIRED
3 days ago
- Business
- WIRED
Apple's Big OS Rebrand, OnePlus Embraces AI, and Samsung's Next Folds—Your Gear News of the Week
Plus: Google celebrates the 10th anniversary of Google Photos with a new editing interface for its 1.5 billion monthly users. Craig Federighi, senior VP of software engineering at Apple, delivers remarks at the start of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2024. Photograph:All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Confused by Apple's naming conventions? You're not the only one. Bloomberg reports that this year at WWDC, Apple plans to announce a broad overhaul of all of its operating systems. That includes renaming them to be more consistent. Starting this year, Apple will reportedly begin denoting each OS version for each product by year, instead of by version. Confusingly, it will start with the next year, rather than this year (just like cars). So the versions we'll see at this year's WWDC will not be iOS 25, but rather iOS 26, watchOS 26, and so on, in place of iOS 19 and watchOS 12. The move is reportedly part of a larger push toward a cohesive user experience across platforms. The overhaul could encompass everything from updated icons, apps, buttons, and a fresh design language, and it's expected to be universal across all the operating systems. Apple's fundamentally simple and irresistible user interface is a core part of the company's DNA, so it will be interesting to see how customers react to a big redesign (hopefully better than the Apple Photos redesign). We'll find out at WWDC, which kicks off on June 9 at 1 pm ET. —Adrienne So OnePlus Succumbs to AI After a light smattering of features when it launched the OnePlus 13 in January, OnePlus is now ready to go all in on AI for its phones. Its approach is quite similar to what Nothing introduced a few months ago on the Nothing Phone (3a) series: a dedicated AI button on the side of the phone, though this one replaces the original OnePlus Alert Slider. Dubbed the Plus Key, you can customize it to trigger specific apps or shortcuts on the phone, with an interface that looks almost exactly like Apple's Action Button. By default, it launches AI Plus Mind, a system that will save whatever's on the screen so you can recall it later. The idea is that you'll press it when you see an ad for a concert while browsing, or an event invite—pressing the Plus Key will save the relevant info in the companion app, and the app will extract helpful info to create a calendar event on your behalf. The Plus Key and AI Plus Mind will debut first on the OnePlus 13s, a phone launching in select markets this June; it's not coming to the US. Later this year, the AI features will roll out to the OnePlus 13 series, with other devices to follow. OnePlus says it's actively working on more features like AI VoiceScribe, to record, summarize, and translate calls and meetings; AI Translation, to consolidate all translation capabilities into one app; and AI Reframe, to adjust the composition of your shots with generative AI. Samsung's Next Folding Phones are Coming Samsung is rumored to announce its next generation of folding phones sometime this summer—the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7—and the company officially confirmed this in a blog post announcing the rollout of the One UI 8 beta program. One UI is the name of Samsung's Android layer, and version eight is based on the upcoming version of Android 16. While the beta program will be available for existing devices, Samsung says One UI 8 will 'debut on Samsung's newest foldables this summer,' making them the first to run Android 16. That's a break from the norm, as Google historically made its Pixel devices the first to run the latest version of Android. This is likely because Google moved up the Android 16 window; instead of arriving in October, it's coming midsummer. Google Photos Turns 10 Google celebrated the 10th anniversary of Google Photos on May 28, and it has dished out a few new features to mark the occasion, including making a few Pixel 9-exclusive capabilities—like the Reimagine and Auto Frame AI features—more broadly available. A redesigned editor now also shows more editing tools at a glance, and you can also select parts of the image to access specific tools instead of hunting for them in menus. For example, tap the background of an image to pull up the portrait blur tool so you can adjust the strength of the background blur effect. A new 'AI Enhance' button will also merge several of Google's AI capabilities, like Magic Eraser, with other standard editing tools for a faster edit. The new redesigned editing layout will roll out to Android devices in June, with iOS getting the update later this year. Also new is the capability to generate a QR code to share albums with people around you (or print it out for group events). You can let folks who scan the code add their own images to the album, too. Ricoh Has a New Pocket Camera Ricoh has announced the GR IV pocket camera, the successor to the GR III, one of the best pocket cameras I've ever tested. The GR IV has a new lens with seven elements, but it remains the same focal length: 18.3mm f/2.8 (roughly 28mm in 35mm equivalent). So far, no word on whether there will be a GR IVx to replace the 40mm lens model. The GR IV has an updated APS-C sensor that bumps the resolution slightly from 24 megapixels to 26. The neutral density filter remains, and while the outside appears to have been redesigned, with slightly different buttons, the basic silhouette is the same. Like the GR III, there is no flash. A built-in flash would be nice (the GR II had one), but the ISO range of the GR IV is better, reaching 204,800 ISO at the top end, which should help with low-light photography. There's also five-axis stabilization (up from the three-axis of the GR III). Perhaps the most interesting news for fans of the GR camera series is that there will be face and eye detection autofocus tracking, which would seem to mean autofocus has been improved. If the GR III has a weakness, it's autofocus. There will also be 53 gigabytes of built-in storage (usable), which is perfect for a camera like this, though my enthusiasm for that is tempered by the fact that the GR IV will use microSD cards rather than full-size SD. The GR IV is set to arrive this fall, with another model featuring a Highlight Diffusion Filter coming "after winter 2025." Interestingly, Ricoh says production and shipment of the Ricoh GR III will stop in July 2025, due to difficulty in procuring parts and components. The 40mm GRIIIx will continue to be sold for now. — Scott Gilbertson
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Apple's AI rollout has not gone very smoothly — and this report details what's happened
The subject of Siri, and the upgrades Apple promised back at WWDC 2024, has been pretty hot the past few months. Ever since Apple had to delay the rollout of Siri's AI-infused upgrades, on account of it taking "longer than [Apple] thought." Well, it sounds like this might be a learning experience for Apple. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Drake Bennett have a mammoth report on Apple's Siri fiasco, and the rollout of what is apparently internally known as "LLM Siri." In fact, due to all the high-profile delays, both reporters say that Apple isn't going to be announcing new features so far in advance from now on. It sounds like this is the same lesson Apple should have learned with the AirPower charger, which was announced back in 2017 and then never got released. All because Apple announced the charger too early, before it realized it wasn't actually able to make it. The report goes into a lot of detail, but I will try to explain the situation behind Apple's AI blunders as simply as possible. One key problem is that Apple started off late and, as previous leaks have claimed, the sudden popularity of services like ChatGPT caught the company by surprise. In fact, despite having an AI department for many years previously, Apple hadn't even considered the concept of Apple Intelligence before the release of ChatGPT in 2022. Following that, it seemed Apple had to scramble to catch up — all while the rest of the tech industry was doing the same. Before the launch of ChatGPT, Apple's software head Craig Federighi was reluctant to invest in what was needed to improve Apple's AI capabilities — especially since there was no end goal. According to sources, it wasn't until after ChatGPT was released and Federighi used generative AI in one of his projects that the benefits became clear to him. That led to a sudden pivot towards generative-AI features for the then-upcoming iOS 18. Despite the pivot to LLMs, it became clear that Apple wasn't going to be able to catch up — and Apple's chatbot was lagging behind the likes of ChatGPT and Gemini. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. One way Apple attempted to catch up was to bolt the new LLM Siri onto the Old Siri, which is the biggest problem with rolling out the new feature to iOS. It was described by sources as "whack-a-mole", with three bugs popping up every time an old problem was fixed. Apparently, individual features look good, but integrating them as a whole "Siri" assistant causes everything to fall apart. So it's no surprise that the new LLM Siri has been delayed as much as it has. Apple's AI chief, John Giannandrea, has taken much of the blame for Apple's AI faults since he isn't a "forceful" personality like other executives. Not only does this mean he's alleged to have not fought hard enough for funding for the AI department, but employees also claim that he isn't actually pushing the team hard enough. This is partly because he doesn't see rival chatbot makers as serious threats to Apple, but also potentially because he doesn't believe chatbots are the kind of features consumers actually want. However, Giannandrea has claimed that Siri's failure is not on him — and should be placed on Apple's marketing teams for overhyping and focusing on features that weren't finished. Apparently, this is something product managers are responsible for finalizing, which in this case would be Federighi. And the final insult is that Apple was a little too conservative in buying the GPUs necessary for AI processing. Apparently, this led to Apple's rivals buying up all the supply, and the lack of GPUs meant Apple's models were trained a lot more slowly as a result. The one thing the report makes clear is that Apple is "unlikely" to spend much time talking about Siri at WWDC 2025. Even the features that have already been announced, but have yet to materialize, are still "months away" from shipping. If there's anything Apple's good at, it's brushing its defeats under the rug and ploughing forward. So expect WWDC to focus on iOS 19, which is expected to get a major redesign, and other features ready to go when the update arrives this fall. We may even hear more about changes coming to Apple Intelligence, but if this report is accurate, we shouldn't expect a repeat of last year. Which we can all agree is a good thing. The promise of Apple Intelligence is all well and good, but people don't really like buying promises, especially when those promises can be broken. You can check out our WWDC 2025 hub for all the latest news and predictions about the upcoming show.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Why Siri, Apple Intelligence may take a back seat at WWDC 2025
Apple's long-awaited pivot to artificial intelligence has reportedly been anything but smooth. A new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at what went wrong with Apple's AI strategy, and why we may not hear much about Siri or Apple Intelligence on iPhone at next month's WWDC 2025. At the heart of Apple's AI delay is a lack of early belief in the technology's potential. According to Gurman, Craig Federighi, Apple's software chief, was 'reluctant' to invest heavily in AI, viewing it as a distraction that lacked a clear payoff. Other senior leaders reportedly echoed that scepticism, hesitant to back a technology that didn't conform to Apple's usual product-first approach. Apple typically builds with a clear endgame in sight. But AI, especially generative AI, demands upfront investment and open-ended experimentation — a cultural mismatch for the company's traditionally secretive and tightly controlled development model. Even John Giannandrea, Apple's head of AI, struggled to gain traction. Despite recognising the need for significantly more investment, his initiatives were frequently 'stymied,' delaying Apple's ability to compete with rivals like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft. The result? A fractured and sluggish rollout of what Apple now calls Apple Intelligence. Despite bold promises made at WWDC 2024, including major Siri upgrades, little has materialised — and most of those features remain months away from release. Internally, Apple appears to acknowledge that Siri's poor reputation is now a liability. Gurman reports that the company plans to separate Siri from Apple Intelligence in its branding strategy, distancing its broader AI ambitions from the legacy voice assistant. To that end, significant Siri improvements — including the long-rumoured 'LLM Siri' powered by a large language model — won't be a major focus at WWDC 2025. Nor will the already delayed upgrades announced last year. Still, Apple isn't giving up. The company is reportedly planning several new AI features across its platforms, including: -An AI-powered battery optimisation tool -Project Mulberry, a virtual health coach -Expanded AI integrations across core apps -A new Siri alternative option in the EU, allowing users to choose third-party assistants Apple also plans to stop announcing features long before they're ready to launch — a tacit admission that over-promising and under-delivering has become a pattern. If Gurman's reporting holds, WWDC 2025 will be more about iOS 19 and system-wide refinements than a showcase for Apple's AI ambitions. It's a notable shift from the hype cycle of recent years — and a reminder that even tech's biggest players can misjudge the speed of innovation. In a world racing ahead with AI, Apple's measured approach may eventually pay off — but for now, it's playing catch-up, not leading the charge.
