Latest news with #operatingsystem
Geeky Gadgets
29 minutes ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
From iOS 19 to iOS 26: Apple's iOS Leap Explained
Apple is making a significant shift in its operating system strategy by skipping iOS 19 and jumping directly to iOS 26. This bold decision aligns the version numbers with the calendar year 2026, reflecting a broader rebranding initiative across its platforms, including macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. By unifying version numbers and introducing a major visual redesign, Apple aims to strengthen its ecosystem, enhance user experience, and address criticisms of its AI and software development efforts. This move is not just about aesthetics or branding. It represents a calculated strategy to solidify Apple's position in the tech industry. The video below from Proper Honest Tech gives us more details on what Apple has planned. Why the Leap to iOS 26? Apple's decision to align its operating system version numbers with the calendar year is a deliberate and strategic move designed to simplify its ecosystem. This change will apply across all platforms, creating a unified and consistent experience for both users and developers. For you, this means a more intuitive update cycle and seamless integration across devices, whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. By standardizing version numbers, Apple not only reinforces its brand identity but also makes it easier to track updates and understand the features tied to each release. This alignment reflects Apple's commitment to clarity and consistency, making sure that its ecosystem remains user-friendly and interconnected. A Fresh Look: VisionOS-Inspired Redesign The transition to iOS 26 will introduce the first major visual overhaul of iOS since the release of iOS 7 in 2013. Drawing inspiration from VisionOS, Apple's augmented reality platform, the redesign will feature a translucent, layered interface with softer, curved aesthetics. This new design language is intended to modernize the user experience while maintaining a sense of familiarity. For you, this redesign means a fresh, visually appealing interface that feels intuitive and comfortable. The updated design will extend across Apple's entire ecosystem, making sure a cohesive visual experience whether you're navigating your iPhone, using your Mac, or exploring Vision Pro. This unified aesthetic underscores Apple's focus on creating a seamless and immersive environment for its users. AI and Siri: Closing the Competitive Gap Apple has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors in the field of artificial intelligence, but the iOS 26 update signals a renewed focus on AI-driven features. These advancements aim to enhance functionality and provide a more personalized user experience. Key updates include: Context-Aware Siri: Siri will become more intelligent, capable of handling complex tasks such as searching emails, editing photos, and offering personalized assistance based on your habits and preferences. Siri will become more intelligent, capable of handling complex tasks such as searching emails, editing photos, and offering personalized assistance based on your habits and preferences. AI-Powered Battery Management: Your device will use machine learning to optimize battery usage based on your daily routines, extending battery life without requiring manual adjustments. Your device will use machine learning to optimize battery usage based on your daily routines, extending battery life without requiring manual adjustments. AI-Driven Health Coach: Using data from your Apple Watch and other devices, this feature will provide personalized health insights and recommendations to help you achieve your wellness goals. While these updates represent significant progress, Apple's long-term goal is to develop a large language model (LLM) Siri. However, this ambitious project is expected to take years to fully materialize. For now, these incremental improvements demonstrate Apple's commitment to closing the gap with competitors and enhancing the practical utility of its AI features. Accessibility Enhancements: Technology for Everyone Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with new accessibility features designed to make its devices usable for everyone. These updates reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to making sure that its technology serves a diverse range of users. Key enhancements include: App Store Accessibility Labels: These labels will help you identify apps that support specific accessibility features, making it easier to find tools that meet your needs. These labels will help you identify apps that support specific accessibility features, making it easier to find tools that meet your needs. Improved CarPlay Accessibility: Enhancements to CarPlay will provide a safer and more user-friendly experience for drivers with disabilities. Enhancements to CarPlay will provide a safer and more user-friendly experience for drivers with disabilities. Reader Mode: A new Reader mode will improve text readability, making sure content is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. These updates highlight Apple's dedication to creating technology that is inclusive and adaptable, making sure that no user is left behind in its ecosystem. Strategic Implications: Strengthening Apple's Ecosystem This rebranding and redesign effort is more than a cosmetic change—it represents a strategic move to solidify Apple's ecosystem. For Apple, it's an opportunity to rebuild consumer trust after facing criticism regarding its AI strategy and software development. For you, it means a more cohesive and integrated experience across all Apple devices, making it increasingly difficult to switch to competitors. By focusing on ecosystem integration, Apple ensures that its devices and services remain indispensable. This strategy not only enhances user loyalty but also positions Apple as a leader in the tech industry. The leap to iOS 26 is a clear signal of Apple's intent to innovate while addressing past shortcomings, making sure that its ecosystem remains both relevant and competitive. What's Next? Incremental Updates and Long-Term Goals Looking ahead, you can expect incremental updates to core apps like Notes, Reminders, and Safari, alongside deeper AI integration into existing tools. While some of the promised AI and Siri upgrades may face delays, Apple remains committed to delivering polished, reliable features that enhance the overall user experience. This strategic shift positions Apple to innovate while addressing past challenges. By focusing on long-term goals and incremental improvements, Apple aims to stay competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape. For you, this means continued enhancements that prioritize usability, functionality, and seamless integration across all Apple devices. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iOS 26 that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: Proper Honest Tech Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals 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
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China claims advance in robotics software with operating system to support domestic chips
A Chinese company has launched a home-grown operating system for robots, which local media hailed as a 'major breakthrough' in robotics software, in the latest move by China to achieve self-sufficiency in advanced technologies. The Intewell operating system, unveiled by Beijing-based Kyland Technology on Thursday, is designed to serve as a foundational software system for embodied intelligent robots – machines capable of physical interaction with the world, according to a report by state-owned newspaper Securities Times. The new operating system combined various stages of robot operation, from semiconductor deployment to applications, into one system, and was designed to boost the adoption of domestic chips, Li Ping, chairman of Kyland, told Chinese media on Thursday. A man engages in a boxing match with the Unitree G1 humanoid robot at the 21st China International Cartoon & Animation Festival in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China on May 29, 2025. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images 'Robots may become the convergence point for all human technologies … therefore, the electronic architecture of robots should not adopt foreign solutions,' Li was quoted as saying. The company's ultimate goal was to establish an embodied intelligence system based on major home-grown chips, he added. The new operating system is able to support the use of products from domestic chip designers, including Huawei Technologies, Hygon Information Technology and Loongson, according to Kyland. The launch of the system aligns with Beijing's broader push for self-sufficiency in strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics amid rising geopolitical tensions and export restrictions from the US. It also comes as China's robotics industry is undergoing rapid expansion, with a growing number of start-ups shifting their products from laboratory demonstration to mass production.
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Apple will reportedly announce a major change to its operating systems at WWDC
Apple is about to make a major change to the operating systems that drive the tech giant's devices. Instead of identifying each OS by its name and version number (such as iOS 18, for example), Apple will identify a OS release by year. This is being done to help prevent users from getting confused while it brings a certain consistency to Apple's various operating systems. Because this change has not yet been announced by Apple, a source cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman was not identified. Based on what Gurman passed along, instead of iOS 19, the upcoming build of the iPhone's operating system will be known as iOS 26. Other devices will receive iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. This helps give users a better idea of when the latest OS for their Apple devices was released. Currently, different operating system uses a different version number since they were not all released at the same time. However, there is one area where there can still be confusion. Instead of naming the iPhone's next OS iOS 25 since it will be released this September, Apple will use 26 since only three months will be remaining in 2025 by the time the software is released. The other OS releases released this year will include the number 26. If Apple continues with this strategy, the version of iOS released in September 2026 will be known as iOS 27; the other OS names will include iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Gurman says that as part of the changes Apple is making to its operating systems, it hopes to give iPad users an experience similar to using the Mac. The goal is to make the iPad more useful in the workplace. Apple will allow third-party developers to get access to its AI models and the technology used by Apple for its Apple Intelligence AI initiative. AI will also be used to help manage the battery on Apple devices. New features expected to be unwrapped at WWDC include a Live Translate feature for the AirPods wireless Bluetooth earbuds and the Siri virtual assistant, and a visual scrolling feature allowing Vision Pro users to scroll using their eyes. Bloomberg reports that Apple will announce the change at WWDC which begins June 9th and the new titles will be accompanied by changes to the user interface (UI) of each operating system. Internally, Apple has given the UI changes the codename of Solarium and it will include tvOS, watchOS, and some parts of visionOS for the Vision Pro .
Phone Arena
08-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
An alternative to Android and iOS is no longer optional
The president who restricted Huawei's access to US-made tech is back in the White House. This is probably why other leading Chinese companies have decided to collaborate on a new operating system. While this may be nothing more than a precautionary step and it could be a while before we see the efforts bear fruit, I think it's a step in the right direction. Six years after the US government first placed restrictions on Huawei, the Chinese company is ready to completely break free of Android. Huawei will now assist Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus to create a Google-free Android alternative. This jolt is just what the smartphone market needed. Samsung One UI 7 | mage Credit - PhoneArena Smartphones have ceased to be exciting. There was a time when each company had a unique strength to it, but now, they all produce phones that largely look the same. Smartphone operating systems have been borrowing from each other long enough to look nearly indistinguishable from each other. Last year, Apple's iOS copied Android features, and this year, Samsung has launched a new version of its One UI 7 that has been inspired by iOS. That's not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, as someone who uses both Android and iOS handsets, I am glad to see Android get its version of Dynamic Island. I also long for the time when smartphone makers were not afraid of experimenting and every device didn't have the same interface. Xiaomi and OnePlus's rumored operating system may make smartphones exciting again. With nationalism on the rise, every company is on its own. With the US and China still not getting along, Chinese companies need to be more self-reliant than ever. As a precautionary measure, Chinese companies must have their operating system ready in case they get on the wrong side of the US government. This is not about siding with any particular country or company. If it were up to me, I'd ask every company, including Samsung, to develop its operating system. However, as things stand right now, Android is the only choice for companies that want to be able to sell a are already not too many choices when you go to buy a smartphone. If Xiaomi and BBK-owned OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus lose access to Android, most people will not want to buy phones made by them anymore. We have already seen this play out with Huawei. However, with Huawei's HarmonyOS maturing, the company has staged a comeback in China. If Chinese Android manufacturers don't want to be caught off guard, getting to work on a new operating system is the right choice. I'll never not miss Lumia. | Image Credit -PhoneArena The biggest benefactor of any potential falling out between the US government and Chinese smartphone companies would be Apple and Samsung. Google stands to gain a lot too as even though the company makes some of the best phones you can buy today, its market share is has caught wind of possible sanctions and has reportedly also started working on an in-house chipset. So while there has been no indication that the US wants to block its access to Android, this possibility cannot be ruled the worst happen, Apple and Samsung will grow exponentially, and this may result in a duopolistic market. That's why, we need a third mobile ecosystem more than ever. This is not going to be an easy endeavor. Huawei's OS, for instance, is still not a complete replacement for Android and iOS, despite the many years and resources poured into the effort. The company's app store still doesn't host many popular apps. If Xiaomi and its BBK-owned partners stop selling phones that run Android, they might alienate customers in global markets. A good starting point would be a revamped Android skin with innovative features and unique visual enhancements.
