Latest news with #developerbeta
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Bugs & Issues: A Complete Guide
The iOS 26 developer beta 4 and public beta 1 have been available for over a week, offering a glimpse into Apple's latest software advancements. This update introduces several new features aimed at enhancing user experience, but it also reveals a range of bugs and performance issues. With the next beta release anticipated soon, users are eager to see how Apple addresses these challenges and refines the software. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features: Privacy, Accessibility, and Gaming Enhancements iOS 26 brings a host of new features designed to improve privacy, accessibility, and gaming experiences. These updates reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to empowering users with greater control, inclusivity, and entertainment options. Enhanced Privacy Controls: The update introduces more robust privacy settings, allowing you to manage app permissions with greater precision. This ensures better protection of your personal data and a clearer understanding of how apps access your information. The update introduces more robust privacy settings, allowing you to manage app permissions with greater precision. This ensures better protection of your personal data and a clearer understanding of how apps access your information. Accessibility Nutrition Labels: A new feature provides detailed insights into an app's accessibility options, allowing you to make informed decisions about which apps best suit your needs. This is particularly beneficial for users with specific accessibility requirements. A new feature provides detailed insights into an app's accessibility options, allowing you to make informed decisions about which apps best suit your needs. This is particularly beneficial for users with specific accessibility requirements. Parental Controls: Expanded age restriction settings now allow you to customize app and content limits for younger users, offering a safer and more tailored experience for children. Expanded age restriction settings now allow you to customize app and content limits for younger users, offering a safer and more tailored experience for children. Apple Arcade Updates: The introduction of a 'Top-Played Games' chart enhances game discoverability, making it easier to find popular titles and engage with trending content on the platform. While these features are promising, some users have encountered minor glitches, such as delayed pop-up notifications when accessing certain functionalities. These issues, though not critical, highlight areas for improvement in future updates. Bugs and Issues: Persistent Glitches Impacting Usability Despite the introduction of new features, iOS 26 beta 4 has been criticized for several bugs that affect usability and system stability. These issues are particularly evident in core functionalities, such as phone operations and media management. Call Hold Assist: Designed to simplify call management, this feature is currently non-functional, leaving users unable to use its intended benefits. Designed to simplify call management, this feature is currently non-functional, leaving users unable to use its intended benefits. Voicemail Crashes: Frequent crashes occur when accessing voicemails or managing calls from unknown numbers, disrupting the user experience and raising concerns about reliability. Frequent crashes occur when accessing voicemails or managing calls from unknown numbers, disrupting the user experience and raising concerns about reliability. Systemwide Crashes: Deleting photos or videos has, in some cases, caused the entire system to crash. This critical issue underscores the need for significant stability improvements before the final release. These bugs emphasize the importance of further refinement and testing to ensure a seamless user experience in the final version of iOS 26. Performance: Balancing Stability and Speed The performance of iOS 26 beta 4 presents a mixed picture. While the system operates relatively smoothly in day-to-day tasks, benchmark tests reveal a slight decline in CPU performance compared to beta 3. This may be a concern for users who rely on resource-intensive activities such as gaming, video editing, or multitasking. On a positive note, no overheating issues have been reported in this beta version, marking a significant improvement over earlier iterations. This suggests that Apple has made progress in optimizing thermal management, even as other performance areas require further attention. Battery Life: Modest Improvements Battery optimization in iOS 26 beta 4 shows incremental progress. The update slightly extends overall usage time, particularly during light to moderate tasks. However, intensive activities, such as gaming or video streaming, continue to drain the battery faster than expected. This indicates that while improvements have been made, battery performance remains an area requiring additional focus in upcoming updates. Anticipating the Next Beta Release Apple typically follows a two-week release cycle for beta updates, suggesting that developer beta 5 and public beta 2 are likely to arrive during the week of August 4th, 2025. These updates are expected to prioritize resolving the current bugs, enhancing system stability, and refining battery optimization. Users are hopeful that the next iteration will address the most pressing issues while further polishing the new features introduced in iOS 26. The iOS 26 beta 4 update reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to innovate and improve its software ecosystem. However, the presence of persistent bugs, performance inconsistencies, and incomplete battery optimization highlights areas that require further development. As the next beta release approaches, users can look forward to continued refinements aimed at delivering a more stable, efficient, and user-friendly experience. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on iOS 26 update. 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.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Beta 5 is Almost Here: Here's What to Expect
Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26 developer beta 5 alongside public beta 2, bringing a host of updates aimed at enhancing performance, extending battery life, and introducing practical new features. These updates are designed to refine your interaction with Apple devices, making sure they are more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly. Below is an in-depth look at the key updates and their potential impact on your daily experience. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements A primary focus of iOS 26 beta is addressing persistent bugs and improving overall system reliability. These updates are essential for making sure smoother operation across Apple devices, particularly in areas where users have reported recurring issues. Key improvements include: Phone App Stability: Frequent issues such as app crashes during calls, errors with the hold assist feature, and inaccuracies in voicemail transcription have been resolved. These fixes ensure a more seamless communication experience. Frequent issues such as app crashes during calls, errors with the hold assist feature, and inaccuracies in voicemail transcription have been resolved. These fixes ensure a more seamless communication experience. System Performance: General stability enhancements reduce unexpected interruptions, making your device more dependable for everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and app usage. Battery optimization is another critical area of focus. Apple has refined its power management algorithms to extend battery life, allowing your device to handle power-intensive activities like streaming, multitasking, and navigation more efficiently. These improvements aim to reduce the frequency of charging, making sure your device remains functional throughout the day. New Features to Watch iOS 26 beta introduces several innovative features designed to integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to enhancing convenience and functionality: Adaptive Temperature Integration: This feature works in conjunction with HomeKit and App Maps to automatically adjust your home's thermostat settings based on your location. For instance, if you're returning home on a cold evening, your thermostat can preheat your living space for added comfort, making sure a welcoming environment upon arrival. This feature works in conjunction with HomeKit and App Maps to automatically adjust your home's thermostat settings based on your location. For instance, if you're returning home on a cold evening, your thermostat can preheat your living space for added comfort, making sure a welcoming environment upon arrival. Real-Time Translation for AirPods: AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods 4th generation now support live language translation. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers and professionals, allowing smooth, multilingual communication without the need for additional devices or apps. AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods 4th generation now support live language translation. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers and professionals, allowing smooth, multilingual communication without the need for additional devices or apps. Public Wi-Fi Login Sync: Devices linked to the same Apple ID will now automatically synchronize login credentials for public Wi-Fi networks. This eliminates the need to repeatedly enter login details across multiple devices, streamlining connectivity and saving time. These features not only enhance usability but also demonstrate Apple's focus on creating a more interconnected and intelligent ecosystem for its users. Visual Design Updates: Liquid Glass Refinements Apple continues to refine the visual design of its liquid glass interface, a hallmark of its user experience. After experimenting with changes in earlier beta versions, the company has decided to revert to the original design, which many users found more visually appealing and intuitive. This decision underscores Apple's commitment to delivering a polished and user-friendly interface that aligns with user preferences. The liquid glass refinements aim to provide a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing experience, making sure that the interface remains both functional and visually engaging. These updates reflect Apple's dedication to balancing innovation with user feedback. Release Timeline and Broader Implications The developer beta 5 is scheduled for release on Monday, September 4, with public beta 2 following shortly after. These beta versions provide developers and early adopters with an opportunity to explore new features, test system performance, and offer valuable feedback before the official rollout. The iOS 26 beta represents a significant step forward in enhancing the Apple ecosystem. With improvements in system stability, battery life, and the introduction of practical features like adaptive temperature control and real-time translation, this update is designed to make your devices more efficient, intuitive, and interconnected. Whether you're a developer exploring new functionalities or an everyday user eager to experience the latest advancements, iOS 26 promises a more seamless and integrated experience that aligns with Apple's vision for the future. Dive deeper into iOS 26 Beta Features with other articles and guides we have written below. 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.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Yahoo
iOS 26 guide: All the new features for your iPhone and how to use them
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Any iOS update is going to have its share of unfamiliar features with new twists and turns that you may not immediately grasp. Apple's iOS 26 update is a case in point, as this year's version of the iPhone software rolls out new capabilities and enhancements to old features while also switching up the interface for the first time in a dozen years. For the most part, these are positive changes, as I observe in my iOS 26 first look, but they will take some getting used to. Fortunately, we've been working with iOS 26 since Apple released the initial developer beta in June, and we can help you get the lay of the land. In this iOS 26 guide, I'll walk you through the biggest changes in Apple's software update, now available as a public beta ahead of its full release in the fall. This guide features highlights of the major iOS 26 changes as well as links back to our coverage for a more in-depth explanation of what's new in the update and how to make the most of it. iOS 26: How to download the update Our guide on how to download the iOS 26 public beta offers step-by-step instructions on updating your iPhone's software. You'll need to enroll in Apple's beta software program, and then it's just a matter of going into the Software Update section of the Settings app to grab the iOS 26 beta. Just make sure you've got an iOS 26 supported device capable of running the update. That's any iPhone released from 2019 onward — basically, the iPhone 11 or later. That means the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are the only iOS 18-compatible devices that can't upgrade to iOS 26. (And no, you didn't fall asleep and miss eight iOS updates between iOS 18 and iOS 26. Apple decided to switch to a different naming convention for its software, replacing the version number with the year following the update's release.) Also, be aware that not every feature will work on every iOS 26-compatible phone. There are Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 that require at least an iPhone 15 Pro or later. A new spatial photos feature only works on the iPhone 12 later. iOS 26 and Liquid Glass Liquid Glass is the name Apple's given to the new interface for its iPhone software, as well as for the software updates coming to the Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV this year. Apple wants a more unified software experience with streamlined menus with a look that takes its inspiration from the visionOS software that powers the Vision Pro headset. Liquid Glass is characterized by translucent menus and fluid animations as on-screen elements adjust to your actions. (Think the URL bar shrinking in Safari as you scroll down a web page.) Some icons have been changed around in iOS 26, and you've got new tinting options, including one that makes those icons completely clear. We've got a comparison between the iOS 26 and iOS 18 interfaces that can help you get used to what's changing with the look of Apple's iPhone software. And if you find the translucent look distracting, we can show you how to adjust the transparency of interface elements in Settings. As part of iOS 26's interface changes, your iPhone lock screen can take on a new look with spatial photos available as the background image for your phone and an adaptive time feature that adjusts the look of the on-screen clock to fit with the other visual elements. We go through all the iOS 26 lock screen changes. iOS 26 Phone and FaceTime app The Phone app gets a unified interface that combines your recents and missed calls into a single window. (You can switch back to the old look if you prefer.) But the biggest additions are call screening and hold assist, and they're available on any phone capable of running iOS 26. Call screening fields incoming calls from unknown numbers, having those callers identify themselves and why they're calling. That information appears on your iPhone screen, letting you decide whether to take the call. We've got a look at how the iPhone's call screening compares to what the Google Pixel offers. Hold Assist does exactly what its name implies — it will monitor the phone line when you're put on hold, freeing you up to do other things. When a live agent comes on the line, you'll get a notification. Here are more details on how call screening and Hold Assist work in iOS 26. FaceTime gets a new look, too, with a tiled interface that shows off contact posters of the people you've talked to. There are call screening features here as well. Meanwhile, phones that support Apple Intelligence get a big boost to both the Phone and FaceTime apps — live translations so that you can carry on a conversation with a person in another language. Only select languages are supported right now, and you'll need to download the appropriate language from the Translate app for the feature to work seamlessly. iOS 26 Messages Of the current apps on your iPhone, Messages sees the highest volume of changes, and we detail everything that's new in iOS 26 Messages. But here are the highlights of what you'll see after updating. Group chats pick up a lot of new features, such as typing indicators and the ability to send Apple Cash to groups. Group chats are also the biggest beneficiary of a new polling feature that lets you put polls into chats so that people can vote for their favorite option. From an aesthetic standpoint, you can now use wallpapers as the background for your chat screens — each conversation can have its own background. And like Phone and FaceTime, Messages gains a way to screen out texts from unknown senders, just by adjusting one of the app's settings. iOS 26 Camera Streamlined controls are a theme throughout iOS 26, but that's the most evident in the Camera app. Launch your camera, and you'll see just two controls for video and photo. Swiping left or right brings up other camera modes, such as portrait, pano, slo-mo and time lapse. An upward swipe brings additional settings to adjust things like aspect ratio, exposure and more. And in video mode, you just need to tap the Format button to bring up all your available options. My colleague John Velasco has more on the streamlined camera interface and how it simplifies the task of adjusting settings. He also looks at new iOS 26 AirPod features that turn your earbuds into camera remotes and recording tools. iOS 26 Photos After a big Photos overhaul in iOS 18, Apple is at it again with iOS 26, though this time the changes are more modest. The new version of Photos restores tabs for toggling between your library and your collections, an addition that should save some scrolling while addressing complaints about last year's redesign. That's not the only change to Photos' look, though. You also have the ability to customize the layout of Collections. And if you have an iPhone 12 or later, you can turn images in your library into spatial photos that offer depth effects. (A bonus: if you've got a photo widget on your home screen to serve up favorite photos at random, they'll be automatically converted to spatial images.) See our guide to the biggest changes in iOS 26 Photos for more details. iOS 26 Visual Intelligence iPhones that support Apple Intelligence will benefit from expanded Visual Intelligence features in iOS 26. Specifically, the update adds the ability for the AI-powered tool to look at the contents of your iPhone screen via a screenshot. When you take a screenshot on a supported phone, you'll get on-screen options for searching with Google or ChatGPT. You'll also have contextually relevant commands like translation tools or creating calendar events. And you can highlight specific areas of the screenshot for searching, similar to Android's Circle to Search feature. I spent some hands-on time with Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 if you want to see examples of what the new capabilities allow you to do. iOS 26 Shortcuts and Reminders One of Apple's goals with iOS 26 has been to work Apple Intelligence into more of the iPhone's built-in apps. That's evident in the new versions of Shortcuts and Reminders, both of which now support some of Apple's AI features. In Shortcuts, you can now create workflows that tap into Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools or Image Playground. For example, you could now make a shortcut that summarize text, pasting that summary into a document. Apple Intelligence support also extends to Apple Intelligence's on-device models and ChatGPT. We've got a look at what Shortcuts' integration with Apple Intelligence means for you. As for Reminders, the app can now look at text in emails and on websites to find and create relevant tasks. It also works with recipes in the Apple News Plus service to automatically create grocery lists. And reminders can now be automatically categorized in a list thanks to Apple Intelligence integration. Apple Maps The first time you launch the iOS 26 Maps app, you'll be asked if you want the app to log all the places you visit. The idea behind this Visited Places feature is that it will help you remember favorite locations for later reference without any additional action on your part. I took a look at why Visited Places figures to be a great addition in iOS 26 Maps. Another new Maps feature takes note of your preferred routes for frequent trips like commutes, school drop-offs and errands, showing you a preview of that route in a Maps widget. There are also notification alerts when there's likely to be a delay on that route so you can look for an alternative way of getting to Point B. iOS 26 Games iOS 26 adds a couple of new apps — Preview, which is an iPhone addition of the PDF viewing app on your Mac, and Games, which is entirely new. Apple treats Games like a one-stop shop for all the games installed on your iPhone, and indeed every game you've ever tried. You can launch games directly from the app or re-download them from the App Store if you've discovered something you haven't played in a while. You'll find recommendations, especially from the Apple Arcade subscription service. The true value of the Games app may not emerge until the fall when app makers starting releasing their iOS 26-inspired updates. There's a Play Together tab in which you can challenge friends to see who can post a better score in specific games, and there's clearly a push for app to add challenges that you'll be able to access from the Games app. iOS 26 CarPlay Liquid Glass also comes to CarPlay in iOS 26, but our CarPlay hands-on found the most welcome changes to be the addition of widgets and the ability to respond to text messages with tapbacks. Both of those features let you glance at information and respond quickly without distracting you from your drive. Other iOS 26 features By now, you've probably surmised that there's a lot to this iOS 26 update. Here's a quick round-up of other features and additions you should be aware of as you try out the public beta. iOS 26 Safari gets a redesign toolbar, though you have some control over how that redesign looks. iOS 26 Music adds an AutoMix feature for Apple Music subscribers, and anyone can now pin their favorite songs, albums. artists and playlists to the top of the app's Library tab. iOS 26 Wallet will let you create a digital passport that you can use as ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, though this feature isn't available in the iOS 26 public beta. Genmoji and Image Playground both gain new features, as you can now combine two emoji to make a new one or add expressions to the genmoji of people. Expressions are also available in Image Playground which gains access to ChatGPT for more images styles. iOS 26 outlook The iOS 26 public beta released on July 24 is just the first of what figures to be many versions rolled out during the summer. Check back with this guide, which we'll update as Apple adds more features and we get the chance to put them to the test. More from Tom's Guide iOS 26: The game-changing features 5 iOS 26 settings to change right away Helpful gesture controls for your iPhone
Geeky Gadgets
03-06-2025
- 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.
