Latest news with #iPadOS26
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
iOS 26 lets you create polls in iMessage — here's how to create your own
iOS 26 finally brings native polling to iMessage, so you don't need third-party apps anymore when making group decisions. Whether you're choosing a restaurant, planning weekend activities, or settling any group debate, polls cut down on endless back-and-forth messaging. The feature works within group chats, showing real-time results and letting you see who voted for what option. All poll data stays end-to-end encrypted, just like regular iMessages, so your group decisions remain private. You can create polls with up to 12 different options and rearrange them before sending. The polls appear directly in your conversation thread, making it easy for everyone to participate and watch results update as votes come in. Before creating polls, confirm that all group chat members have iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe 26 installed on their devices. Anyone running older versions won't see or be able to participate in polls. Check that your group chat shows blue message bubbles, not green ones, as green bubbles indicate SMS messaging, which doesn't support polls. If you see green bubbles, some members may not have iMessage enabled or might be using Android devices. Open the Messages app and either select an existing group chat or create a new one. To start a new group chat, tap the compose icon (pencil and paper symbol) in the top-right corner, then add members by typing their names or tapping the "+" icon to select contacts. Send a regular message first to establish the group chat if you're creating a new one. Once your group chat is active and everyone is participating through iMessage, you're ready to create your first poll. Tap the "+" icon and select "Poll" — this is represented by a bar graph icon. Type your poll question in the main text field, for example: Where should we meet for dinner tonight? Next, start adding your answer options by tapping the choice boxes and typing in your different options. You must include at least two choices for the poll to function. Additional choice boxes appear automatically as you add options, and you can include up to 12 different choices. To reorder options, tap and hold any choice, then drag it to your preferred position before sending the poll. Once you're satisfied with your question and options, tap the send button to share the poll with your group. The poll appears as an interactive message in your conversation thread, showing your name as the poll creator at the top. Group members can vote by simply tapping their preferred option or options — the poll supports both single-choice and multiple-choice selections depending on how you set it up. Profile pictures of voters appear next to each option they selected, making it easy to see exactly who chose what without having to ask. You can see the current winner at a glance based on which option has the longest bar. Your poll is now live and working to make group decisions much simpler. No more scrolling through dozens of messages trying to figure out what everyone wants - the visual results make it clear which option is winning. The poll stays in your chat history, so you can always look back at the results when you're ready to finalize plans or make your decision. Also, group members can continue voting and changing their minds until you're ready to close the discussion. Once you start using polls in your group chats, you'll wonder how you ever made group decisions without them. Now you've learned how to create polls in iMessage, why not take a look at some of our other useful guides? Make the most of iOS 26 by checking out iOS 26 Liquid Glass icons — how to get the stunning new look on your iPhone. For more useful tips, don't miss How to speed up your iPhone by clearing its cache and Your iPhone Notes app has a secret messaging feature — here's how to use it. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Watch: Best iPad Keyboards 2025! Which One is Worth Your Money?
Trying to turn your iPad into a 'laptop replacement'? Whether you want the premium feel of the Magic Keyboard, a more affordable alternative like the ESR Rebound 360, or the ultra-rugged Zagg Rugged Book, @paulantill tested the best iPad keyboards you can buy today to help you figure out which one actually delivers. If you're upgrading to iPadOS 26 and ready to multitask like never before, here's the best way to unlock the iPad's full potential. This roundup breaks down the productivity experience, design, protection, and value each case offers. Perfect for iPadOS 26 multitaskers, writers, students, or remote workers.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Apple to bring GPT-5 to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 in September updates: Report
Apple is currently publicly testing its new software iterations, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. The final versions of these software updates are expected to arrive next month, following the launch of the iPhone 17 series. Now, according to a new report, Apple may also begin integrating OpenAI's latest GPT-5 model into Apple Intelligence alongside the final release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe launched GPT-5 last night, bringing improvements in reasoning, coding support, voice interaction, and video understanding. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to integrate GPT-5 for handling complex or broader tasks that its on-device models can't manage. Hence the company will shift from the current GPT-4o model and is expected to significantly enhance how Siri and other Apple services respond to advanced user now, Apple Intelligence uses GPT-4o in a limited way across supported devices. When enabled by the user, ChatGPT can assist with tasks such as summarising documents, composing messages, answering questions through Siri, and identifying objects using the camera. The report suggests that the integration of GPT-5 will follow the same privacy protections Apple currently offers. Requests routed through ChatGPT will have IP addresses hidden and will not be stored by OpenAI. Users who choose to link their OpenAI accounts to Apple Intelligence will get access to additional features, but OpenAI's data policies will apply in those along with the flagship GPT-5, OpenAI has also announced two open-weight large language models, including one optimised to run on Apple Silicon Macs. While Apple hasn't officially confirmed support for these models, the release does hint at the possibility of Apple devices bringing offline AI functionality in the with access to OpenAI's most powerful model, the September release of Apple's software updates will also introduce several new Apple Intelligence features. One of them is Live Translation, allowing real-time language translation in FaceTime, Messages, and phone calls. Another feature is Visual Intelligence, which helps users recognise and interact with on-screen content across apps and 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 are expected to arrive in September, alongside the iPhone 17 launch. Once available, supported Apple devices will begin using GPT-5 for specific Apple Intelligence tasks. However the access will only be available to users who will manually give their iPhones access to ChatGPT. - Ends
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPadOS 26 Beta 5's New Features Are a Must-See
Apple's iPadOS 26 Beta 5 brings a host of updates, bug fixes, and usability enhancements as the company prepares for its official release, anticipated in mid-September. Whether you're a developer testing the beta or a tech enthusiast tracking Apple's progress, this update offers a glimpse into the future of iPadOS. From app upgrades to interface refinements and performance boosts, here's a detailed look at what's included in this release. The video below from 9to5Mac gives us a detailed look at the changes and new features that Apple has introduced in the new iPadOS 26 beta 5. Watch this video on YouTube. Release Information The iPadOS 26 Beta 5 update is now available for developers and public beta testers. Depending on your device, the download size ranges between 3GB and 15GB. Apple is expected to release the final version between September 18 and 20, aligning with its traditional software rollout schedule. If you're part of the beta program, you can access the update via the Settings app under the Software Update section. For those considering joining the beta program, it's worth noting that beta versions often include experimental features and unresolved bugs. While they provide early access to new functionalities, they may not be fully stable for everyday use. Enhanced App Features Apple has introduced significant updates to several core apps, enhancing their functionality and usability for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to professionals. Notes App: The Notes app now integrates seamlessly with the Apple Watch, allowing users to save call transcripts directly into their notes. A new Markdown export feature caters to users who work with structured text, while improved handwriting tools make annotating and brainstorming more efficient and precise. The Notes app now integrates seamlessly with the Apple Watch, allowing users to save call transcripts directly into their notes. A new Markdown export feature caters to users who work with structured text, while improved handwriting tools make annotating and brainstorming more efficient and precise. Freeform App: Creative users will appreciate the addition of calligraphy pen tools, offering greater control for artistic projects. Enhanced image creation workflows and scene navigation tools simplify the process of organizing and exploring your workspace, making the app more intuitive for both beginners and experienced users. Creative users will appreciate the addition of calligraphy pen tools, offering greater control for artistic projects. Enhanced image creation workflows and scene navigation tools simplify the process of organizing and exploring your workspace, making the app more intuitive for both beginners and experienced users. Music App: The Music app introduces an Automix feature that ensures seamless transitions between tracks, ideal for playlists and parties. Real-time listening stats provide insights into your music habits, while a lyrics translation feature supports multilingual users. Additionally, users can now pin favorite tracks or albums for quicker access. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to improving both productivity and entertainment experiences, making sure that iPadOS remains versatile for various use cases. Interface Refinements The iPadOS 26 Beta 5 includes subtle yet impactful interface changes designed to enhance both aesthetics and usability. The lock screen now features a smoother, more responsive animation for the number pad, creating a refined unlocking experience. The dock outline has been thickened for improved visibility, while jiggle mode now includes transparent, glass-like edit buttons, adding a modern touch to the interface. Visual updates include a redesigned AirDrop icon in the share sheet and a bounce effect in the Control Center. New Notes app shortcuts in the Control Center also improve accessibility, allowing quicker access to frequently used features. These refinements aim to create a more polished and user-friendly interface, making sure that the operating system feels modern and intuitive. Camera and Performance Enhancements The camera app now includes a classic mode toggle, allowing users to switch between modes more easily when capturing photos or videos. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills interface for photography and videography. Battery performance has also been optimized in this beta. Task-intensive apps now consume less power, extending battery life to an estimated 6–12 hours depending on usage patterns. This improvement is especially beneficial for users who rely on their iPads for work, creative projects, or entertainment throughout the day. Additionally, overall system performance has been fine-tuned to reduce lag and improve responsiveness, making sure a smoother experience across various tasks. Known Issues While iPadOS 26 Beta 5 introduces numerous improvements, some issues remain unresolved. These are important to consider if you plan to test the beta version. File Management: Users may encounter occasional glitches during file transfers or while organizing files, which could disrupt workflows. Users may encounter occasional glitches during file transfers or while organizing files, which could disrupt workflows. Screen Recording: The screen recording feature requires further refinement to enhance compatibility and ease of use, particularly when working with third-party apps. The screen recording feature requires further refinement to enhance compatibility and ease of use, particularly when working with third-party apps. Overheating: Although overheating has been reported more frequently on iPhones during beta testing, some iPad users have noted similar issues, albeit less commonly. These issues highlight the experimental nature of beta software, emphasizing the importance of caution when using it on primary devices. Looking Ahead iPadOS 26 Beta 5 demonstrates Apple's dedication to refining its software ahead of the public release. The update delivers noticeable improvements in stability, performance, and user experience, while also introducing new features that cater to a diverse range of users. From enhanced app functionalities to polished interface elements and improved battery performance, this beta lays the groundwork for a promising final release. For those eager to explore the latest features, the beta offers an exciting preview of what's to come. However, it's important to remain mindful of the potential for bugs and incomplete functionality. As Apple approaches the official launch, these updates signal a continued focus on blending innovation with user-centric design, making sure that iPadOS remains a powerful tool for productivity, creativity, and entertainment. Uncover more insights about iPadOS 26 Beta 5 in the previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: 9to5Mac Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Tablet News, 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.
GSM Arena
6 days ago
- GSM Arena
iOS 26 beta 5 is here, restores the Select button in Mail, classic mode switching in the Camera app
Apple unveiled iOS 26 in early June, along with the respective OS branches for its tablets, watches, computers and other gadgets. It's a major visual overhaul that introduces Liquid Glass, but the company still isn't done tweaking the looks. The update hasn't reached the stable milestone yet, but work is progressing quickly and Apple is already on the fifth beta. After concerns that the effect was too strong, iOS 26 beta 2 toned down the Liquid Glass. However, that was an over-correction and beta 4 dialed it up a bit. Beta 5 doesn't seem to have made any changes to Liquid Glass. iOS 26 beta changes to Notes, Journal and Apple Music apps What it does bring is new UI animations, splash screens and a new AirDrop icon. Speaking of icons, when moving around icons on the home screen, the remove buttons (-) are now transparent. More importantly, this version also allows you to undo some changes. For example, the Camera has a 'Classic Mode Switching' (this reverses the direction of mode switching). The Mail app got its Select button back, making it easier to select multiple emails. When your iPhone's battery drops to 20%, you will see a redesigned notification warning you of that and offering to turn on Low Power Mode. In addition to the iPhone OS, Apple also rolled out iPadOS 26 beta 5, watchOS 26 beta 5, macOS Tahoe 26 beta 5, tvOS 26 beta 5 and visionOS 26 beta 5 to devices that are signed on to the beta program. Source | Via
