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iOS 18’s latest feature lets you Thanos-snap ads and cookie popups, but there’s a catch

Apple Safari on iPhone stock photo 1 reupload
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 beta 5 introduces Distraction Control, a feature that lets Safari users hide static web elements, like newsletter banners.
  • As long as the selected web element is static, it’ll remain hidden indefinitely.
  • Due to ads’ dynamic nature, they’ll automatically reappear whenever the web page reloads.

iOS 18 beta 5 is now available to enrolled developers, featuring a new Distraction Control option in Safari. Through this fresh addition, users can hide static web elements, such as cookie popups, newsletter banners, and more. While you can technically use Distraction Control on iOS to block web ads, there’s a major limitation barring it from becoming a practical solution.

When hitting the new Hide Distracting Items button in Safari, an alert reads: “Hiding distracting items will not permanently remove ads and other content that update frequently.” This highlights that the feature isn’t designed to block ads on websites. Instead, it’s meant for static banners that don’t continuously refresh.

Apple Intelligence is falling for phishing emails, and that could cost iPhone users

Apple Intelligence banner on MacBook Air M2
Credit: Mahmoud Itani / Android Authority
  • Apple Intelligence is marking phishing emails as a priority in the Mail app on iOS 18.1 developer beta 1.
  • The AI-powered filter seemingly disregards the sender’s address and only determines an email’s importance by scanning its text.
  • Apple must address this severe flaw before iOS 18.1’s public release, as it could make average users fall for more scams.

Apple Intelligence is arguably iOS 18’s most significant highlight, baking native AI features into the OS. While the technology likely won’t debut publicly until October, the company has already given iOS 18.1 beta testers an early look. One of its perks is AI summaries in the Mail app. Through this handy Apple Intelligence feature, users can save time, determine emails’ importance at a glance, get locked out of their accounts, and possibly lose considerable sums of money.

Yes, you’ve read that right. Apple Intelligence, indeed, can’t differentiate between phishing and legitimate emails. According to multiple Reddit users, the AI-powered filter in the Mail app is marking scam emails as a priority. This suggests that the technology categorizes emails based only on their texts, disregarding the senders’ addresses and other relevant signals.

Here’s when the iPhone 16 could launch, following Apple Intelligence’s delay

Apple iPhone 15 Pro App Drawer
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Apple Intelligence features won’t be included in iOS 18.0, and interested users will have to wait for iOS 18.1’s debut.
  • While support for Apple Intelligence could be one of the iPhone 16’s main selling points, its release likely won’t be delayed.
  • If Apple follows its usual schedule, it could launch the iPhone 16 series on September 10, then roll out the AI features in October.

In recent years, smartphone hardware upgrades have been incremental — for the most part, at least. This has pushed some manufacturers to develop exclusive software features for their latest products, enticing customers to upgrade more frequently. The iPhone’s case is no different. Apple Intelligence is only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, which will likely make it an iPhone 16 key selling point. Though, given that the highly anticipated AI features have been delayed till October, will Apple still launch the iPhone 16 in September? Here’s what the rumors indicate.

According to Bloomberg, Apple will stick to its tradition and launch the iPhone 16 in September. Since the company typically introduces its flagship smartphones on a Tuesday towards the middle of the month, the publication suggests that the announcement could take place on September 10. The report states:

Here’s why our readers switched to the iPhone, in their own words

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max connected over USB top down view

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

At Android Authority, we are huge fans of Android phones. However, since we cover the entire mobile landscape, you might be surprised to learn that some of the people who work here don’t use Android phones as their daily drivers. Yes, we have a few traitors iPhone users in our midst, and they help us get a broader look at the Android versus iOS competition.

You might be surprised, though, to learn that many of our readers also use iPhones. In fact, after Android, iOS is the operating system most used to visit our site, even more so than Windows! Don’t believe me? Check out the chart below, which represents a typical month of Android Authority visits:

Android Authority Users by Operating System

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

With all this in mind, it would make sense that some of our iOS-based readers used to be Android fans but have since made the switch to the iPhone but are still keeping an eye on Google’s mobile adventures. That got us curious, and in an effort to dig deeper, we ran a poll asking if people had jumped ship from Android to iOS and why.

We ran this poll here at Android Authority but also on our X and YouTube profiles. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most interesting answers. We think this is a really cool and interesting look into what might need some work within Android. After all, if Google and/or Android OEMs addressed some of these complaints, maybe these people would still be Android users.

Let’s dive in!

Why our readers made the switch to the iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 15 backs

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Overall, there were a few recurring themes for the answers we saw. We’re going to organize the comments by those themes and give you some examples. Let’s start with one of the most significant differentiators between Android and iOS: privacy.

Privacy

On X, user Shafty023 summarized their reason for switching very succinctly:

Privacy is a huge one. Done with having Google see and know everything about me via my phone.

It is true that iPhones approach data privacy a bit differently than Android phones. The main difference is money: Although both companies are collecting user data, Apple’s revenue doesn’t rely on that data, while Google’s primary source of income is selling that data. That being said, Android phones have come a long way for privacy, and there are ways to “de-Google” an Android phone, such as by flashing Graphene OS. But it’s still true that if privacy is your main area of concern, you’re probably going to be happier on an iPhone.

Another X user, DarkLordWaffles, agrees:

Google is primarily an ad agency. They approach all business decisions from that perspective. Apple primarily a hardware company. Different design philosophies

And BaritoneGuy even claims to have read the fine print:

Privacy. Plain and simple. I actually spent the time to read all the squinty print before I switched. I went from Blackberry to Windows phone to Samsung and then Apple. If I could get an Android phone without the Google stuff I would like that, but if you want the phone to be functional then that is not possible.

iMessage and apps in general

RCS on iMessage top of chat

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

In the United States, one of the most significant aspects of the iPhone keeping users from switching is iMessage. For reasons I won’t get into here, people in the US have not adopted platform-agnostic chat apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) nearly as much as the rest of the world has. This leaves iPhone users dependent on iMessage. It’s only logical that this allure would tempt Android users to make the switch to an iPhone.

On YouTube, here’s what Nathan1Sixteen had to say on that:

Because I got tired of my friends complaining about my text message bubble color

This references so-called “green bubble hate,” a US phenomenon in which people get angry at Android users for “ruining” group chats within iMessage. Considering we primarily use our phones as communication machines, can you really blame someone for using the operating system that is best for communicating with friends and family?

X user ERosener had similar sentiments:

I love android. But until RCS is widely available on iOS I have had to move back to my iPhone to be more compatible with family and friends. Pathetic, I know. 😞

This user is referencing Rich Communications Services (RCS), which is how many US-based Android users communicate with one another. It’s essentially iMessage, but for Android. Thankfully, Apple is going to incorporate RCS into iOS 18 this year, which will allow iPhone users to better communicate with Android users. However, those green bubbles aren’t going anywhere, and iPhone-to-iPhone communication will still be superior to iPhone-to-Android communication.

On a related note, another X user, ArtoriasAkai, doesn’t mention iMessage but does talk about how apps on iOS tend to be better and more polished:

I switched because of the apps. Standard and downloaded apps are just better on iOS. Both in polish and function. I got tired of hunting for the good apps on Android. Often the better/best apps cost money on Android.

This is because app development for iOS is more streamlined than for Android. For example, developers only need to worry about one hardware company instead of dozens and also only need to work with a fairly limited set of screen sizes and hardware specs, at least when compared to the thousands of Android phones out there.

Broader ecosystem

apple iphone 15 with macbook air

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Since Apple tightly controls its hardware, it shouldn’t be surprising that its broader ecosystem consists of devices that all work very well with one another. While most of the integrations Apple offers can be replicated with Android phones, Windows laptops, Chromebooks, etc., Apple’s “it just works” ethos is undeniably alluring.

X user DigiDynamo000 elaborates on this:

The reason was more towards the ecosystem itself and how it worked well with my workflow. Though I recognize that on a 1:1 comparison, Android is the superior of the platforms.

Apple also dominates certain categories, such as tablets and smartwatches. Simply put, the Android tablet industry is dwarfed by the iPad and very few Android-compatible smartwatches can truly meet the level of the Apple Watch. X user ThatTim5 is keenly aware of that last point:

The Apple Watch. All the other smartwatches wasn’t [sic] that good.

While Google’s Wear OS (which is based on Android) has made big strides in the past few years, the company wasted too much time before taking smartwatches seriously. Because of this, Google is the David in a traditional David vs Goliath story when it comes to the Apple Watch — and if you want an Apple Watch, you must own an iPhone.

Hardware

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Action Button

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The aesthetic appeal of a smartphone is subjective, for sure, but some differences are objectively more useful. One example is ease of use: a phone that is really big is going to be difficult for a person with smaller hands to use. This has been a significant problem in the Android world because buying a compact Android phone has generally forced you to make significant compromises on performance and features. Meanwhile, the sizing of iPhones allows you to get big and small phones without losing out on many features.

Android Authority reader Phil Scadden sums it up like this:

It is possible to buy a quality phone that still fits in your pocket with iOS. Hard to buy an android less than 6.4 inches

Obviously, there are plenty of Android phones out there with sub-6.4-inch displays. But how many of them are just as good as their 6.8-inch counterparts? Not many. Hopefully, the Pixel 9 series will help fix this problem in the Android world since the Pixel 9 Pro is poised to be smaller but still offer all the same features as the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Outside of sizing, the physical features of a phone can also come into play. Android Authority reader Warden mentioned the Action Button on iPhones, a feature that doesn’t have much representation in the Android world:

Action button has been very convenient.

Granted, there are phones out there with buttons similar to the Action Button, but they are not as widespread, nor are they as easily customizable.

Convenience

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro camera shootout

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Speaking of the convenience of the Action Button, it turns out that that word — convenience — came up quite a bit in some of these comments. For some people, it wasn’t a question of wanting to leave Android as much as a need to do so.

X user Kozjegyzo is a good example of this:

Because everything is Apple first with our company. Both hardware and software. So I had to. It’s not as bad as I thought but I kinda wanna go back to Android as a daily driver…

X user Danield011 has similar sentiments:

Just conveniences as all my family has iPhones

Finally, on YouTube, TechnoLawyer is in the same boat:

Because of my kids having iPhones. So mainly for iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Cash, and my oldest daughter’s use of Apple Notes to make lists and the sharing of said notes. If it weren’t for my kids, I think I’d have a Nothing Phone.

Keep this all in mind next time you wonder why someone would ever use an iPhone over Android. It might be that they simply have no choice.


Those are a lot of the reasons why some Android Authority fans have jumped ship to the iPhone. What do you think? What should Android do to address some of these concerns? Let us know in the comments below!

Here’s why our readers switched to the iPhone, in their own words

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max connected over USB top down view

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

At Android Authority, we are huge fans of Android phones. However, since we cover the entire mobile landscape, you might be surprised to learn that some of the people who work here don’t use Android phones as their daily drivers. Yes, we have a few traitors iPhone users in our midst, and they help us get a broader look at the Android versus iOS competition.

You might be surprised, though, to learn that many of our readers also use iPhones. In fact, after Android, iOS is the operating system most used to visit our site, even more so than Windows! Don’t believe me? Check out the chart below, which represents a typical month of Android Authority visits:

Android Authority Users by Operating System

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

With all this in mind, it would make sense that some of our iOS-based readers used to be Android fans but have since made the switch to the iPhone but are still keeping an eye on Google’s mobile adventures. That got us curious, and in an effort to dig deeper, we ran a poll asking if people had jumped ship from Android to iOS and why.

We ran this poll here at Android Authority but also on our X and YouTube profiles. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most interesting answers. We think this is a really cool and interesting look into what might need some work within Android. After all, if Google and/or Android OEMs addressed some of these complaints, maybe these people would still be Android users.

Let’s dive in!

Why our readers made the switch to the iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 15 backs

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Overall, there were a few recurring themes for the answers we saw. We’re going to organize the comments by those themes and give you some examples. Let’s start with one of the most significant differentiators between Android and iOS: privacy.

Privacy

On X, user Shafty023 summarized their reason for switching very succinctly:

Privacy is a huge one. Done with having Google see and know everything about me via my phone.

It is true that iPhones approach data privacy a bit differently than Android phones. The main difference is money: Although both companies are collecting user data, Apple’s revenue doesn’t rely on that data, while Google’s primary source of income is selling that data. That being said, Android phones have come a long way for privacy, and there are ways to “de-Google” an Android phone, such as by flashing Graphene OS. But it’s still true that if privacy is your main area of concern, you’re probably going to be happier on an iPhone.

Another X user, DarkLordWaffles, agrees:

Google is primarily an ad agency. They approach all business decisions from that perspective. Apple primarily a hardware company. Different design philosophies

And BaritoneGuy even claims to have read the fine print:

Privacy. Plain and simple. I actually spent the time to read all the squinty print before I switched. I went from Blackberry to Windows phone to Samsung and then Apple. If I could get an Android phone without the Google stuff I would like that, but if you want the phone to be functional then that is not possible.

iMessage and apps in general

RCS on iMessage top of chat

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

In the United States, one of the most significant aspects of the iPhone keeping users from switching is iMessage. For reasons I won’t get into here, people in the US have not adopted platform-agnostic chat apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) nearly as much as the rest of the world has. This leaves iPhone users dependent on iMessage. It’s only logical that this allure would tempt Android users to make the switch to an iPhone.

On YouTube, here’s what Nathan1Sixteen had to say on that:

Because I got tired of my friends complaining about my text message bubble color

This references so-called “green bubble hate,” a US phenomenon in which people get angry at Android users for “ruining” group chats within iMessage. Considering we primarily use our phones as communication machines, can you really blame someone for using the operating system that is best for communicating with friends and family?

X user ERosener had similar sentiments:

I love android. But until RCS is widely available on iOS I have had to move back to my iPhone to be more compatible with family and friends. Pathetic, I know. 😞

This user is referencing Rich Communications Services (RCS), which is how many US-based Android users communicate with one another. It’s essentially iMessage, but for Android. Thankfully, Apple is going to incorporate RCS into iOS 18 this year, which will allow iPhone users to better communicate with Android users. However, those green bubbles aren’t going anywhere, and iPhone-to-iPhone communication will still be superior to iPhone-to-Android communication.

On a related note, another X user, ArtoriasAkai, doesn’t mention iMessage but does talk about how apps on iOS tend to be better and more polished:

I switched because of the apps. Standard and downloaded apps are just better on iOS. Both in polish and function. I got tired of hunting for the good apps on Android. Often the better/best apps cost money on Android.

This is because app development for iOS is more streamlined than for Android. For example, developers only need to worry about one hardware company instead of dozens and also only need to work with a fairly limited set of screen sizes and hardware specs, at least when compared to the thousands of Android phones out there.

Broader ecosystem

apple iphone 15 with macbook air

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Since Apple tightly controls its hardware, it shouldn’t be surprising that its broader ecosystem consists of devices that all work very well with one another. While most of the integrations Apple offers can be replicated with Android phones, Windows laptops, Chromebooks, etc., Apple’s “it just works” ethos is undeniably alluring.

X user DigiDynamo000 elaborates on this:

The reason was more towards the ecosystem itself and how it worked well with my workflow. Though I recognize that on a 1:1 comparison, Android is the superior of the platforms.

Apple also dominates certain categories, such as tablets and smartwatches. Simply put, the Android tablet industry is dwarfed by the iPad and very few Android-compatible smartwatches can truly meet the level of the Apple Watch. X user ThatTim5 is keenly aware of that last point:

The Apple Watch. All the other smartwatches wasn’t [sic] that good.

While Google’s Wear OS (which is based on Android) has made big strides in the past few years, the company wasted too much time before taking smartwatches seriously. Because of this, Google is the David in a traditional David vs Goliath story when it comes to the Apple Watch — and if you want an Apple Watch, you must own an iPhone.

Hardware

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Action Button

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The aesthetic appeal of a smartphone is subjective, for sure, but some differences are objectively more useful. One example is ease of use: a phone that is really big is going to be difficult for a person with smaller hands to use. This has been a significant problem in the Android world because buying a compact Android phone has generally forced you to make significant compromises on performance and features. Meanwhile, the sizing of iPhones allows you to get big and small phones without losing out on many features.

Android Authority reader Phil Scadden sums it up like this:

It is possible to buy a quality phone that still fits in your pocket with iOS. Hard to buy an android less than 6.4 inches

Obviously, there are plenty of Android phones out there with sub-6.4-inch displays. But how many of them are just as good as their 6.8-inch counterparts? Not many. Hopefully, the Pixel 9 series will help fix this problem in the Android world since the Pixel 9 Pro is poised to be smaller but still offer all the same features as the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Outside of sizing, the physical features of a phone can also come into play. Android Authority reader Warden mentioned the Action Button on iPhones, a feature that doesn’t have much representation in the Android world:

Action button has been very convenient.

Granted, there are phones out there with buttons similar to the Action Button, but they are not as widespread, nor are they as easily customizable.

Convenience

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro camera shootout

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Speaking of the convenience of the Action Button, it turns out that that word — convenience — came up quite a bit in some of these comments. For some people, it wasn’t a question of wanting to leave Android as much as a need to do so.

X user Kozjegyzo is a good example of this:

Because everything is Apple first with our company. Both hardware and software. So I had to. It’s not as bad as I thought but I kinda wanna go back to Android as a daily driver…

X user Danield011 has similar sentiments:

Just conveniences as all my family has iPhones

Finally, on YouTube, TechnoLawyer is in the same boat:

Because of my kids having iPhones. So mainly for iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Cash, and my oldest daughter’s use of Apple Notes to make lists and the sharing of said notes. If it weren’t for my kids, I think I’d have a Nothing Phone.

Keep this all in mind next time you wonder why someone would ever use an iPhone over Android. It might be that they simply have no choice.


Those are a lot of the reasons why some Android Authority fans have jumped ship to the iPhone. What do you think? What should Android do to address some of these concerns? Let us know in the comments below!

Apple is holding back no punches with its AI partnerships for iOS 18

Siri on Apple iPhone 12 Mini stock photo 3
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Apple is reportedly considering integrating more generative AI services, including Meta AI, Perplexity, and Anthropic, into iOS 18.
  • The company could also be looking into AI services permitted in China, as OpenAI’s ChatGPT is banned there.
  • Apple’s new AI features will roll out to compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs this fall through the upcoming OS updates.

With iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple is integrating ChatGPT into its latest devices. While the company has developed its own Apple Intelligence features, users will get to rely on OpenAI’s smarts when the first-party ones are insufficient. However, Apple won’t stop there; it’s reportedly considering more AI partnerships with companies like Meta, Perplexity, and Anthropic.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has been discussing potential AI partnerships with Meta, Perplexity, and Anthropic. Additionally, the firm is trying to find an OpenAI alternative for its China-based users, as ChatGPT is banned there. If any of these potential partnerships materialize, iOS 18 users could have more AI provider options — beyond ChatGPT and Apple’s own model.

Surprise, surprise: Apple’s App Store changes continue to really bother the EU

Apple Logo Apple Store BKC 2
Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
  • The EU Commission has notified Apple about its preliminary findings, which indicate it has breached the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with its anti-steering rules.
  • The EU Commission has also opened new investigations to determine whether Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF) complies with the DMA.
  • If the preliminary findings are confirmed, the EU could charge Apple up to 10% of its annual global revenue.

Earlier this year, Apple rolled out an iOS update with EU-exclusive features to comply with the DMA. These include support for third-party app stores and allowing developers to reference in-app digital services that users can buy from external websites. Now that the EU Commission has investigated some of Apple’s changes, its preliminary findings indicate that the iPhone maker has breached the DMA.

The EU Commission announced today that Apple’s new iPhone rules continue to prevent developers from steering users to external websites, which violates its DMA. For reference, Apple now allows app developers to link to digital purchases beyond its own IAP system. However, the company still restricts how developers implement the links in their apps, such as prohibiting them from listing their pricing.

iPhones and iPads will soon give you one less reason to use your Mac

iPad Air 5th gen with stage manager 1
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • The first betas of iOS and iPadOS 18 include a new option in the Files app that allows users to reformat external drives when erasing them.
  • Beta testers can currently pick between the APFS, ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT) formats, which serve different purposes.
  • Picking the APFS format allows users to encrypt the external drive using a password of their choice and opt for case sensitivity.

Apple has been gradually boosting its latest iPhones and iPads by introducing fresh power-user features with every annual OS update, and this year is no different. The first betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 pack a new functionality that allows testers to reformat external drives when erasing them.

The ability to erase connected external drives using the Files app on iPhones and iPads has existed for a while. As Kaleb Cadle discovered, though, iOS and iPadOS 18 upgrade this feature by allowing users to pick between three formats instead of being limited to a default one.

iOS 18 lets you tune your AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation even better

A hand holds the AirPods Pro 2nd generation while in pairing mode in front of a Pixel 6 phone.

Credit: Lily Katz / Android Authority

  • Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 will allow users to customize the Adaptive Audio mode on iOS 18 by choosing how much noise gets suppressed.
  • Those currently testing iOS 18 must update their AirPods Pro 2 to the respective beta firmware to try the new feature.
  • We advise you not to install beta firmware on your AirPods, as you won’t be able to roll back to the stable version if you find the experience unreliable.


Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are arguably the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users, offering a seamless integration with iOS and many neat features. These include an Adaptive Audio option that blends the Transparency and Noise Cancellation modes. So, those using it can hear human voices but not unwanted, loud noises. With iOS 18, Apple is giving the Adaptive Audio mode a welcome upgrade, allowing users to control how much noise it cancels.

As highlighted by MacRumors, the AirPods Pro 2’s Adaptive Audio mode has become more customizable on iOS 18. Those running the latest beta firmware versions on their iPhones and AirPods will find a new option in the Settings app. Through a dedicated slider, users can allow more or less noise to pass through when using the Adaptive Audio mode.

While the upgraded Adaptive Audio mode is certainly handy, we advise you not to install the beta firmware on your AirPods Pro 2. After all, AirPods, unlike iPhones, can’t easily be downgraded to the stable version. So, if you encounter serious bugs or battery drain while running the beta, you may have to deal with it until the final release launches this fall.

It’s worth noting that the new Adaptive Audio mode is also supported on iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. So, if you’re using your AirPods Pro 2 with a different Apple device, you’ll still be able to customize the aforementioned feature.

With iOS 18, iPhone’s dialer will finally get the most basic smartphone feature

  • Apple will introduce T9 dialing to the iPhone dialer with the iOS 18 update.
  • T9 dialing allows users to type a contact’s name using the number pad, instantly suggesting matching contacts.
  • Until now, users have had to type in phone numbers or search for contacts through the Contacts app to make calls.

Apple’s WWDC announcements about iOS 18 mainly revolved around Apple Intelligence and the company’s implementation of AI in its core products. The feature that got me the most excited was that iOS 18 is finally bringing T9 dialing to iPhones. Is this a sign that I’m getting old? Maybe. But am I still thrilled about it? Absolutely.

What is T9 dialing?

T9, short for “Text on 9 keys,” is a predictive text technology that revolutionized typing in the pre-smartphone era. With T9, users could type in English words using a numeric keypad by pressing a single key for each letter (instead of having to multi-tap numbers to register letters), and the software would intelligently predict the word.

💾

Get the iOS 18 wallpapers on your Android phone here!

iOS 18 Wallpaper
Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
  • The iOS 18 wallpapers are here to download and use on your Android phone.
  • There are two wallpapers: one ideal for light mode and another ideal for dark mode.
  • Please download them from the Drive link to ensure you get the high-res versions.

Today, Apple officially launched iOS 18, the latest software version powering iPhones. iOS 18 is now rolling out in beta form to supported iPhones (pretty much everything after the 2018 iPhone XS is supported). If you’re brave enough to download it, you’ll get treated to two new iOS 18 wallpapers, among all the new features Apple announced today.

However, installing the beta is risky business. We are already hearing reports of lots of problems, including overheating, disappearing icons, and more.

Apple Voice Memos in iOS 18 will finally catch up with Android voice recorders

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro in hand
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 will bring automatic transcription to Apple’s Voice Memos app.
  • The transcription feature is part of Apple Intelligence, and will also come to Notes and Phone apps.
  • Apple Intelligence features are coming to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15.

Apple’s highly-anticipated WWDC keynote delivered on its promise of AI announcements, unveiling a suite of features set to land on iPhones with iOS 18 later this year. One of the prevailing themes among the announcements was the sense of déjà vu, with many of the new features mirroring similar existing functionalities on Android devices.

From the ability to personalize your home screen layout to AI-powered image editing in the Photos app, it seemed like Apple was playing catch-up with many old Android features. One such new ‘old’ feature is coming to Apple’s built-in voice recorder app, Voice Memos.

iOS 18 gets Android Quick Settings-style revamped Control Center, adds lockscreen shortcuts

Apple WWDC 2024 ios control center 6
Credit: Apple
  • iOS 18 will bring a new Quick Settings-like feature to the Control Center. You’ll also be able to add custom controls to the lockscreen.
  • Control Center is also getting new grouped control sections for Home devices and media playback.
  • These new controls will also support 3rd party apps that integrate with the Control API.

Control Center is getting a major new revamp in time for iOS 18. The redesigned experience is all about customization. Just like we are seeing from the new Home Screen revamp, this whole experience is going to feel pretty familiar to Android users.

There are new groups of controls for media playback, and Home devices, which can be accessed by swiping down from the top-right edge. There’s also a new Controls gallery that lets you add your own custom controls, including those from select third-party apps. This could include controls for adjusting car settings,  a thermostat, or really just any function as long as it is designed to work with the new Control API.

Apple is improving iPhone notifications, but not in the way people want

Apple WWDC24 Apple Intelligence Priority Notifications 1
Credit: Apple
  • Apple has introduced AI-driven notification management in iOS 18.
  • Apple’s AI will offer notification summarization, summing up key information from conversations.
  • It will also enable iPhones to extract important insights from notifications, such as upcoming appointments.

As expected, Apple’s WWDC kickoff keynote focused on the Apple Intelligence features coming to all Apple products. Apple announced a slew of exciting updates for iOS 18, and notification management has also improved slightly.

Traditionally, iOS users have grappled with a horrible notification management system that is objectively subpar compared to Android’s more intuitive approach. With iOS 18, Apple is addressing these concerns (or at least trying to) by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence.

Apple Photos draws inspiration from Magic Editor with new Clean Up feature

  • Apple has announced that new AI-powered editing tools are coming to the Photos app.
  • The biggest feature, dubbed Clean Up, is similar to Android’s Magic Eraser.
  • Other features include editing via Siri, Memories, and more.

Apple announced several new features coming to the redesigned Photos app on iOS 18, but one will be very familiar to Android users.

At its WWDC keynote on Monday, the company introduced Clean Up, an image editing tool powered by Apple Intelligence AI. The feature can erase unwanted items from a photograph, such as people in the background or objects in the foreground.

Apple finally brings call recording to iPhones with iOS 18, adds AI magic on top

Apple WWDC 2024 ai recording calls
Credit: Apple
  • Apple will now let you record audio for the Notes app and on phone calls.
  • In both cases, a transcription will be produced, and an AI summary will be made available.
  • Other participants will be notified if you start recording a call.

Apple is introducing call recording for the first time in iOS 18, with Apple Intelligence supplementing the new features with some quick-reference AI summaries.

Announced at WWDC, the Phone app allows you to start recording calls, and a transcript will be automatically generated in real time. If you later need a reminder of what you discussed, Apple Intelligence will provide a summary of the conversation.

Apple ‘Genmoji’ and Image Playground introduce gen AI emojis and mood pics

  • Apple has introduced a new feature for iOS 18 called ‘Genmoji,’ which uses AI to create emojis.
  • It also revealed Image Playground, a photo-generating AI tool that is available as a separate app.
  • Apple Intelligence, along with these features, is available for free on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

AI has become a huge deal in the mobile industry, and Apple doesn’t plan to fall behind. Apple Intelligence is all the hype at WWDC 2024, introducing features that aim to fulfill all your artificial intelligence needs straight from its operating systems. Two very fun features it hopes users might enjoy are Genmoji and Image Playground.

Genmoji allows you to create emojis using AI on the Messages app, straight from the keyboard. When you launch the feature, you’ll be able to provide a description of the Genmoji you would like Apple Intelligence to create. It will then load for a bit and create multiple options for you. And because Apple Intelligence knows who is in your photo gallery, you can pick someone, and it will make a Genmoji of that person for you. Pretty fun, right?

Apple Mail gets familiar Gmail-like upgrades and new AI features

Apple WWDC 2024 ios mail categories
Credit: Apple
  • Apple Mail now separates your inbox into categories to filter out emails about promotions and newsletters.
  • The new look is very similar to the Gmail setup, with categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
  • Apple Intelligence will also help you proofread, summarize, or rewrite your emails.

Apple just announced a useful upgrade to the Apple Mail app in the WWDC stream. Your inbox will now be organized into categories, such as promotions, newsletters, and transactions. The idea is to separate those routine emails that you don’t want to delete or junk from your main inbox feed.

This new approach looks a lot like the way Gmail has done things for a while, with the categories also being very similar. Primary is where personal and time-sensitive emails live, Transactions are where confirmations and receipts go, Updates are for news and social notifications, and Promotions are for marketing emails and coupons.

iOS 18 brings Game Mode to iPhone, promises smoother gaming experience

iPhone 15 Pro Max with HDMI cable and game controller
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 is introducing Game Mode to iPhones.
  • Game Mode improves performance, reduces latency with accessories, and decreases background activity.

At WWDC 2024, Apple announced Game Mode for iPhone, a feature that it says will improve the gaming experience in iOS 18. This follows the introduction of Game Mode for Macs in macOS Sonoma in 2023.

According to Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, this Game Mode on iOS 18 will enhance performance by maximizing frame rates and reducing background activity when playing games on iPhone. This should free up some resources so that higher-end games can better utilize them. Game Mode should also improve the response time with AirPods and gaming controllers, reducing lag and giving you those milliseconds you need.

Apple copies Material You, adds ability to customize home screen and icons to iOS 18

  • iOS 18 will give users the ability to customize their home screen and app icons.
  • Users will be able to place their icons wherever they want on the home screen.
  • The OS update will allow users to customize the color of the icons for their apps.

Apple’s big WWDC event is underway with plenty of software announcements to be made. One announcement of note came near the beginning of the event where the company revealed that users will soon be able to customize their home screens and app icons.

For decades, Apple has restricted what users can do to customize the appearance of their phone’s screens outside of changing the background. The software always had to match the clean lines and simplicity of the hardware. However, the tech giant is giving users a little more freedom to choose how they want their screen to look.

Apple finally brings the option to hide apps on iPhones

apple iphone 15 app drawer on table
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 will let users lock and hide individual apps on their phones.
  • These apps will require authentication to access even if the phone is unlocked.
  • The hidden apps will not be visible in the app drawer.

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 has kicked off, delivering a slew of exciting announcements, especially regarding the much-anticipated iOS 18. One of the big early announcements was the introduction of a long-requested feature: the ability to lock individual apps on the iPhone.

This new functionality will allow users to lock individual apps, including the built-in Apple apps and third-party apps. A good use case would be when you hand your phone to someone, locked apps will remain secure and locked, even if your phone itself is unlocked.

Apple’s app lock feature differs from Android’s longstanding App Lock mode. Android’s version locks the phone to the current running app, allowing the user to access only that app unless biometrics or a PIN is used to exit. In contrast, Apple’s app lock secures specific apps that you have previously selected.

Messages app brings satellite support to new iPhones on iOS 18, plus new features

  • Apple announced messaging via satellite for the Messages app.
  • Coming to iOS 18, the feature will allow users without service to communicate with others.
  • The feature also supports SMS.

Apple announced several new features for its Messages app on iOS 18, the chief of which is messaging via satellite.

At its WWDC 2024 keynote on Monday, Apple confirmed that users running an iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18 can send messages over satellite if they’re without cell service or an internet connection. This occurs within the Messages app, making it more convenient and accessible than more cumbersome satellite messaging solutions. Apple also claimed that all messages are end-to-end encrypted.

These are the iPhones getting (most of) iOS 18

Apple Logo 2 EOY 2020
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • A leak shows us the iOS 18 compatibility list across iPhone models.
  • It looks like iPhones as old as the iPhone XS will get iOS 18.
  • However, iOS 18’s star features will be AI-based, and they will not be included with the majority of phones.

Today, Apple will finally take the wraps off iOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This latest version of iOS — the software powering iPhones — promises some big changes. You might be wondering, though, which iPhones will actually get it? Well, we have good news and bad news about that.

Let’s start with the good news. The good news is that very old iPhones will almost certainly get iOS 18. According to a trusted source witnessed by MacRumors, iPhones from as far back as six years ago will still get iOS 18. Check out the complete list below:

WWDC 2024: When is it, how to watch, and what to expect ahead of Apple’s Developers Conference

Screenshot of Apple's website showing with a colorful WWDC24 written on back background.
Credit: Apple

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 kicks off in just a few days. From June 10 to June 14, the Cupertino firm will make developer-centric announcements and reveal its upcoming operating system versions, like iOS 18 and macOS 15. If you’re wondering what exactly Apple will announce during WWDC 2024 and how to watch the main keynote live, you’ve come to the right place.

Apple WWDC 2024 at a glance:

Apple blocks PC emulators from all iOS app stores, raising concerns over control

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max dynamic island angle
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Apple’s app review team has rejected a PC emulator because Windows computers technically do not meet the retro game console criteria.
  • Beyond banning it from its own marketplace, Apple has also refused to notarize the PC emulator for third-party app store compatibility.
  • This raises concerns over Apple’s control and how iOS app developers can’t necessarily resort to third-party app stores to circumvent the company’s unforgiving guidelines.

Through a recent iOS update, Apple unlocked third-party app stores in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This has enabled developers to upload apps that don’t necessarily comply with Apple’s strict App Store guidelines to these third-party digital storefronts. Apple, however, still needs to notarize submitted apps to ensure that they pose no risk to iOS or its users. Shockingly, Apple has blocked harmless PC emulator apps from reaching its storefront and won’t notarize them for third-party app store distribution, either.

pic.twitter.com/SNux03qjJh

iOS 18 will continue to crib from Android with app locking system, dark home screen icons

iPhone 14 Pro in hand with the display on
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • A last-minute leak of iOS 18 features suggests we could see an app locking system and dark home screen icons.
  • Notably, the app locking system appears to only work with first-party apps.
  • Both of these features already exist on Android.

Tomorrow, Apple will unveil iOS 18, the next major version of the operating system powering the company’s most important product, the iPhone. We’ve already seen a ton of leaks for this, so we know we should expect many AI-powered features, more customization tools, and redesigns of Control Center and Settings, which haven’t seen refreshes in years.

Today, though, we have two last-minute leaks of iOS 18 information. Thanks to MacRumors in both cases, we hear that a new app locking system and dark home screen icon tool could be announced tomorrow.

Should I install the iOS beta version on my iPhone?

The latest iPhones are some of the best phones available on the market. Not only do they offer a premium fit and finish, but they will also receive OS updates for many years to come. With the new iOS 18, Apple promises to make the iPhone better than ever. However, sitting around waiting for its public release in the fall is no fun. If you're eager to try out some of the new features right now, you can install the latest iOS 18 beta to get a taste.

iOS 18 rumored to bring new ways to jazz up your text conversations

Apple iMessages on iPhone stock photo 3
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • iMessage on iOS 18 will reportedly introduce a new text effects feature.
  • This would work separately from the bubble and full-screen effects that iMessage already has.

Apple’s much-anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 is just around the corner, ready to kick off on June 10. The real showstopper this year is expected to be iOS 18, which is predicted to be one of the most significant updates in iPhone history.

Apple has already teased new AI features that are coming to its platforms, generating considerable excitement. According to MacRumors, Apple also plans to enhance the iMessage experience in iOS 18 with a new text effects feature.

iOS makes it more difficult to control the volume when casting media

Apple Music Library stock photo
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • A recent iOS update stops users from relying on their iPhone’s physical buttons to control the volume of media they’re casting to other devices.
  • The change has sparked outrage on online forums, especially among users actively using the Spotify Connect feature.
  • Interestingly, the Apple Music and TV Remote apps still offer the aforementioned volume privilege that third-party apps had to drop.

It’s no secret that Apple sometimes disadvantages third-party developers by giving itself special privileges — or taking away some of their existing ones. Following a recent iOS update, likely iOS 17.4, users casting media to other devices can no longer control the volume using their iPhone’s physical buttons. This has sparked outrage on Reddit and the Spotify Community forums, as many users actively relied on the now-removed option.

According to a Spotify Community moderator, a recent iOS change has stopped the music streaming app from using the iPhone’s volume buttons to control Spotify Connect devices. They stated: “Due to updates on iOS, Spotify users no longer can use their iPhone’s volume controls to change the volume on connected speakers. Instead, please use the volume slider in the device menu.”

AI-powered Siri will apparently let you interact with apps using just your voice

Siri on Apple iPhone 12 Mini stock photo 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • In iOS 18, Siri could have AI-based powers it hasn’t had before.
  • One of these new abilities could be manipulating apps using voice commands.
  • iOS 18 and this new Siri upgrade will almost certainly be announced at WWDC on June 10.

Google is all-in on AI, as evidenced by the Google I/O keynote this year. Microsoft is also all-in on AI, as evidenced by the recent launches of Surface machines and Copilot Plus. Meanwhile, Apple is…well, no one really knows what Apple’s doing with AI yet.

However, reliable leaker Mark Gurman (via Bloomberg) has shed a little light on what we can expect. Apparently, Apple has conducted a “revamp of Siri’s underlying software using large language models.” This restructuring of Apple’s digital assistant will give it a new AI-based power: the ability to manipulate apps using voice commands.

iOS 18’s cloud AI features could use a nifty trick to keep your data as secure as on-device

AirPods Pro 2nd generation Siri iPhone
Credit: Lily Katz / Android Authority
  • Apple will reportedly rely on the Secure Enclave in its M2 Ultra and M4 chips to process cloud AI requests without compromising users’ privacy.
  • Beyond the short-term iOS 18 AI goals, the company could depend on its private data centers to power sleeker wearables.

WWDC24 kicks off in just ten days, and Apple is expected to reveal the AI features coming to iOS 18 during its opening keynote. While some of these additions may be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and work offline, the more advanced offerings may rely on Apple’s cloud solutions. According to a recent report, the Cupertino firm has managed to secure its cloud processing mechanism, and user data may always remain encrypted.

As per a report from The Information, Apple’s data centers may keep users’ data confidential even when processing it. Typically, servers have to decrypt user information to process it for AI functionality. By relying on the Secure Enclave in the M2 Ultra and M4 chips, Apple may have found a way to avoid decrypting the data altogether.

iOS 18’s potential ChatGPT features reportedly worry Microsoft

Siri on Apple iPhone 12 Mini stock photo 3
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Apple’s own large language models (LLMs) reportedly aren’t capable enough to replicate ChatGPT, which has pushed it toward third-party partnerships.
  • The company may have internally tested a ChatGPT-powered Siri, and iOS 18 users could get their hands on it later this year.
  • Microsoft could be worried about the Apple-OpenAI deal, as it would have to accommodate the increasing server demand and compete against Apple’s features.

In under two weeks, Apple will finally reveal iOS 18 and its rumored AI additions at WWDC24. Given that the iPhone maker’s own AI efforts may still be lacking, it has reportedly resorted to third-party partnerships to power some of these smart features. As a result, OpenAI’s ChatGPT could be fueling Siri and other AI functionalities on iOS 18, and Microsoft is worried about it.

According to a report by The Information, Apple has internally tested a version of Siri that relies on ChatGPT’s smarts. The Cupertino firm is reportedly not ready to offer its own chatbot yet, pushing it to seek third-party alternatives for the time being. Meanwhile, it will likely use its own LLMs to power the less demanding iOS 18 features, such as on-device summarization.

Circle to Search may no longer be an Android exclusive, could come to Chrome on iOS

Pixel 8 Pro Circle To Search
Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
  • Google appears to be working on an updated version of Google Lens.
  • A new flag, “Lens Circle to Search,” was discovered in Chrome for iOS.
  • This won’t be the same system-wide integration we see on Android.

Circle to Search first arrived at the beginning of the year on the Galaxy S24 series. It later came to the Pixel phones and tablets. Google said during this year’s I/O event that it plans to expand Circle to Search’s reach to 200 million devices by the end of 2024. This could maybe include the iPhone.

The folks over at The Mac Observer spotted something interesting hiding in Chrome for iOS. There appears to be a new “Lens Circle to Search” flag that was quietly added to the app. Once the flag is enabled, the Circle to Search feature will be available within Google Lens on iOS.

Uh oh: The latest iOS update is bringing back deleted photos from years ago

apple iphone 14 pro camera app

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

  • Multiple iPhone users have complained about the latest iOS 17.5 update bringing back photos they deleted years ago.
  • Not all affected users rely on iCloud sync for their photos, suggesting it may be a local storage bug.
  • There’s seemingly no fix available right now beyond manually checking and re-deleting the photos after the update.


iOS 17.5 launched earlier this week, bringing a slew of exciting new features to the latest iPhones. These include a fresh puzzle game, offline Apple News access, and a bug that could end your relationship. Indeed, multiple iPhone users have complained about photos they deleted years ago reappearing in their libraries after installing the update. So, what’s going on?

The issue was first highlighted on Reddit when user Specialist-Fix8528 shared that NSFW photos they took and deleted years ago reappeared after updating their iPhone to iOS 17.5. The user also faced a similar issue on their iPad, stating that deleted artwork from years earlier resurfaced, too.

The Reddit thread gained traction, with hundreds of commenters sharing similar experiences — indicating that the bug is relatively widespread. Based on these various reports, we were able to derive some plausible conclusions:

  • The bug seemingly affects the local storage, as some impacted users don’t use iCloud at all.
  • Photos from previous iPhones you’ve owned may still appear on your current one if you’ve restored full-device backups when upgrading your hardware.
  • Photo deletion typically breaks the link between stored data and the accessible user interface. As long as you’re not out of storage, the data could remain there in an unreadable state. So, the bug may be reestablishing these broken links and reindexing deleted photos on the user-facing side.

Right now, there’s seemingly no way to avoid this bug. After updating your iPhone to iOS 17.5, you will have to manually check your Photos app to see if any deleted content has reemerged. Do note, though, that not all users are impacted by this issue, as I personally didn’t encounter it on any of my updated devices.

Are you affected by this serious iOS 17.5 bug? Let us know in the comments.

A new era of retro gaming dawns on Apple devices as RetroArch arrives

Delta for iOS emulator with N64 cartridges on table

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

  • RetroArch, a versatile emulator frontend, has finally launched officially for iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
  • The app offers access to numerous emulation cores, allowing users to play classic titles from various consoles.


Apple’s recent embrace of retro game emulators on its App Store continues to bear fruit. RetroArch, a free, open-source, and cross-platform frontend, has made its debut on Apple devices, bringing a vast library of classic games to iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.

While not an emulator itself, RetroArch serves as a versatile platform where users can load various emulation cores, enabling users to play games from a multitude of consoles. The platform supports a plethora of emulators, known as libretro cores, allowing users to revisit beloved titles from over 50 gaming systems spanning generations.

From the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 to the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS, RetroArch’s extensive list of supported systems caters to a wide range of retro gaming enthusiasts. Popular cores include FinalBurn Neo for arcade games, Beetle PSX for PlayStation, and Mupen64Plus-Next for Nintendo 64, etc.

The app also boasts an array of modern features. Netplay enables online multiplayer sessions, and soft patching allows for game modifications. Features like save states, MFi controller support, and key remapping offer customization options, while gyro controls, cheats, and custom overlays further enhance the gaming experience.

However, users should be aware of a few caveats. Transferring game files (ROMs) to RetroArch requires manual steps, and certain emulation cores that are available on RetroArch’s other platform versions are absent in its iOS avatar.

Despite these minor hurdles, RetroArch’s debut on Apple’s ecosystem represents a major victory for retro gaming accessibility. RetroArch is now available for free on the App Store for devices running iOS/iPadOS 14.2 or tvOS 11.0 and later, and also the Vision Pro headset.

iOS 18 could finally help iPhones catch up to Pixel’s Recorder app

Google Recorder sample transcript
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 will reportedly include a new AI-powered audio transcription and summarization feature that works across Apple Notes and Voice Memos.
  • The feature will likely be offered on iPadOS 18 and macOS 15, too, which Apple will officially preview during WWDC24’s opening keynote.

On multiple occasions, Apple has indirectly confirmed that iOS 18 will be an AI-centric release. While the operating system’s official preview won’t be revealed until next month, rumors have given us an idea of what to expect. The latest report suggests that iOS 18 will bake AI into the Apple Notes and Voice Memos apps, allowing iPhone users to transcribe and summarize their audio recordings automatically.

AppleInsider has learned that iOS 18 could finally bring automatic audio transcription and summarization to the iPhone. If this feature makes it to the public release, users will be able to read a transcript of the audio they’re recording in real time. The AI-powered addition — just like Google’s Recorder app on the Pixel 8 Pro — should also be able to generate a summary that highlights the recording’s key points.

Apple and OpenAI closing in on deal for ChatGPT in iOS

Apple Logo EOY 2020
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • According to a trusted industry analyst, Apple and OpenAI could be finalizing a deal to bring ChatGPT features to iOS.
  • It is unclear if Apple’s AI features based on its own LLM would debut on iOS alongside OpenAI features.
  • Meanwhile, a separate negotiation with Google to bring Gemini features to iOS is still ongoing.

Over the past six months, Google has been hitting Gemini hard. It seems Gemini is now in everything Google does, including the Android operating system, the most popular mobile OS in the world. Meanwhile, Apple hasn’t done that much at all with generative AI and large language models (LLM). All signs point to that changing very soon — just not through Apple itself.

Over the past few months, we’ve learned that Apple has been in discussions with both Google and OpenAI (which owns ChatGPT) about using their respective LLMs to power future features coming to iOS. Now, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s deal with OpenAI might be close to finalized.

Apple and OpenAI closing in on deal for ChatGPT in iOS

Apple Logo EOY 2020
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • According to a trusted industry analyst, Apple and OpenAI could be finalizing a deal to bring ChatGPT features to iOS.
  • It is unclear if Apple’s AI features based on its own LLM would debut on iOS alongside OpenAI features.
  • Meanwhile, a separate negotiation with Google to bring Gemini features to iOS is still ongoing.

Over the past six months, Google has been hitting Gemini hard. It seems Gemini is now in everything Google does, including the Android operating system, the most popular mobile OS in the world. Meanwhile, Apple hasn’t done that much at all with generative AI and large language models (LLM). All signs point to that changing very soon — just not through Apple itself.

Over the past few months, we’ve learned that Apple has been in discussions with both Google and OpenAI (which owns ChatGPT) about using their respective LLMs to power future features coming to iOS. Now, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s deal with OpenAI might be close to finalized.

Apple and OpenAI closing in on deal for ChatGPT in iOS

Apple Logo EOY 2020
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • According to a trusted industry analyst, Apple and OpenAI could be finalizing a deal to bring ChatGPT features to iOS.
  • It is unclear if Apple’s AI features based on its own LLM would debut on iOS alongside OpenAI features.
  • Meanwhile, a separate negotiation with Google to bring Gemini features to iOS is still ongoing.

Over the past six months, Google has been hitting Gemini hard. It seems Gemini is now in everything Google does, including the Android operating system, the most popular mobile OS in the world. Meanwhile, Apple hasn’t done that much at all with generative AI and large language models (LLM). All signs point to that changing very soon — just not through Apple itself.

Over the past few months, we’ve learned that Apple has been in discussions with both Google and OpenAI (which owns ChatGPT) about using their respective LLMs to power future features coming to iOS. Now, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s deal with OpenAI might be close to finalized.

iOS 17.5’s ‘Repair State’ feature may let you track your iPhone during repairs

Apple Find My logo on smartphone next to AirTag Stock photo 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • iOS 17.5 beta 4 includes a new Repair State feature that allows users to keep Find My enabled when sending in an iPhone for repairs.
  • The feature is currently in beta, so there’s a small chance it won’t make it to the stable release when it launches later this month.
  • We advise iOS beta users not to enable the Repair State feature on their iPhones, as there’s currently no way to turn it off.

For a long time, Apple has required users to turn off Find My before sending in their iPhones for repairs. That’s to ensure that the device isn’t stolen and that the customer is its legitimate owner. However, that practice poses a serious risk, as sometimes these iPhones get stolen in transit. To address users’ concerns, Apple is developing a new Repair State feature for the latest iPhone.

As per a 9to5Mac report, iOS 17.5 beta 4 includes a new Repair State feature in the iPhone’s Find My app. This addition is currently exclusive to iOS, so those on the latest iPadOS and macOS betas won’t be able to utilize it. Through Repair State, a user can verify that they’re the owner of the iPhone without disabling Find My. In essence, you’re just proving that the iPhone is yours without disabling Find My tracking features and the Activation Lock, so you can continue monitoring your iPhone’s location during the repair.

iOS 18 may finally get the Calendar and Reminders apps to talk to each other

iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island small island
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • iOS 18 will reportedly allow iPhone users to view and create reminders directly from the Apple Calendar app.
  • Reminders created in the Calendar app would still be accessible from the dedicated Reminders app.
  • Along with the Reminders integration, the Calendar app on iOS 18 is expected to feature some design changes.

If you’ve actively used Apple’s productivity suite on an iPhone, then you’re probably familiar with how disconnected the Calendar and Reminders apps are. The two applications pretty much don’t communicate at all, making it tough for users to view their full day-to-day plans without opting for third-party solutions. Fortunately, that could all change with iOS 18, as the update will reportedly integrate Reminders into Calendar.

According to information obtained by AppleInsider, iOS 18 may allow users to create and view reminders using the Apple Calendar app. This would enable users to browse a more comprehensive hub that bundles Calendar events and Reminders tasks in a single spot.

WhatsApp on iOS will soon show your contacts if you’ve been online recently

WhatsApp notifications in settings menu
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
  • WhatsApp is testing a new feature on iOS that shows which of your contacts have been recently online.
  • Contacts who have disabled their “Last Seen” or online status won’t be visible.
  • The same feature was recently introduced in the Android beta version of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp, one of the most popular chatting apps, recently introduced a “Recently Online” feature in its beta app for Android. Now, evidence discovered by WaBetaInfo within the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (24.9.10.71), available on TestFlight, suggests that iOS users may soon receive the same functionality.

The Recently Online feature is showing up for select beta users and provides a limited view of your contacts’ recent activity on WhatsApp. When you go to start a new chat or initiate a call, you’ll now see which contacts have been active within a recent timeframe.

Apple releases iOS 17.5 beta 4 to developers

apple iphone 14 pro widgets
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • iOS 17.5 beta 4 is now available as an over-the-air (OTA) update to those enrolled in Apple’s developer program.
  • Past pre-release builds introduced support for app sideloading from the web in the EU and a new Quartiles puzzle game.
  • The stable iOS 17.5 version will presumably become available to all iPhone users on Monday, May 13.

iOS 17.5 developer beta 4 is now available to install on the latest iPhone models. Those enrolled in Apple’s developer program can proceed to download the OTA update using the Settings app. Otherwise, iPhone users on the stable channel can expect the final version to launch on Monday, May 13 — assuming Apple sticks to its usual schedules.

What’s new in iOS 17.5 beta

iOS 17.5 beta 4 update prompt in iPhone settings.

iOS 18 could supercharge Safari with more than just Apple’s AI features

Apple iPhone 14 safari imessage
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Safari on iOS 18 and macOS 15 may pack an AI-powered summarization feature that leverages an on-device LLM.
  • It may also include a new web content eraser, which would enable users to delete webpage elements and sections, such as ad banners.
  • Apple may upgrade Visual Look Up in 2025 to include support for identifying consumer products in images — not just pets, plants, and landmarks.

It’s no secret that iOS 18 will offer some major new features powered by artificial intelligence. In fact, Apple CEO Tim Cook explicitly stated that the company would be revealing its AI goods at some point this year. While the specifics of these AI upgrades are generally vague now, it appears that Safari on iOS 18 may pack some of them.

According to information obtained by AppleInsider, Safari on iOS 18 and macOS 15 will receive a major update. For starters, users may be able to rely on AI-enhanced browsing and text summarization, similar to what the Arc browser currently offers. The on-device Ajax large language model (LLM) would reportedly scan the text to identify the main topics and summarize web content accordingly.

iOS 18 could get some Note-worthy productivity upgrades

apple iphone 15 front hero

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

  • iOS 18 may support recording audio and math notations directly in the Apple Notes app.
  • The same upgrades could also come to iPadOS 18 and macOS 15, along with a Calculator app for iPad.
  • iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 will be officially previewed during WWDC24 on June 10.


iOS 18 is just a couple of months away, and, at this point, we may have an idea or two as to what to expect from this release. Apart from the AI goods we expect to see in Apple’s next-gen operating systems, a fresh iOS 18 rumor reveals potential upgrades that may be coming to the built-in Notes app on the iPhone.

According to information obtained by AppleInsider, iOS 18 may enhance the Apple Notes app by integrating some power-user features. These potential additions could include a native audio recorder and support for mathematical notations. The same features are also expected to become available on the latest iPads and Macs through iPadOS 18 and macOS 15, respectively.

For reference, Apple Notes already supports importing audio recordings from the Voice Memos app. However, adding a dedicated recorder in the Notes app itself could encourage more casual users to rely on the feature and simplify the overall process. That’s not to mention the rumored integration with the Calculator app, which would help Apple Notes compete with the more advanced third-party solutions.

Speaking of the Calculator app, the rumor also suggests that iPadOS 18 may finally introduce this highly anticipated application on the iPad. The iPhone, Mac, and even Apple Watch have had native Calculator apps for eons. Bringing this app to the iPad would address the endless user complaints found across the web and further streamline Apple’s app suite across its different operating systems.

We expect Apple to reveal iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 during the main WWDC24 keynote on June 10. Based on the company’s history, it’s safe to assume that the first developer betas of these operating systems will also be released later that day.

The first iOS third-party app store, AltStore PAL, is now live in the EU

Apple iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max backs

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

  • AltStore PAL is the first Apple-approved alternative iOS app store in the EU.
  • Eligible iPhone users can utilize AltStore PAL for a symbolic fee that covers Apple’s CTF.
  • Developers must host their apps on their own servers, not AltStore PAL’s.


AltStore PAL is finally available to iOS users in the EU (via The Verge), enabling them to download apps that don’t necessarily comply with Apple’s App Store guidelines. Those running iOS 17.4 or a later OS version can access the third-party app store by paying €1.50 (plus tax) per year. The original AltStore — which requires a desktop computer and a hackier setup — is still available worldwide for free.

AltStore has been a prominent iOS third-party app store for years. Developed by Riley Testut, the marketplace hosts a wide range of apps that Apple may not allow on its own storefront. Now that the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Apple to authorize third-party app stores on iOS, Testut has released AltStore PAL as a standalone version.

Considering Apple still charges a Core Technology Fee (CTF), Testut had to make AltStore PAL a paid offering to fund these payments. Interestingly, developers wishing to feature their work on AltStore PAL will have to host their apps on their own servers. Consequently, AltStore PAL users downloading apps from different developers will have to add and authorize the different “sources” individually.

Expectedly, iOS will display multiple warnings when a user attempts to install a third-party app store to discourage them from proceeding. Furthermore, iPad users in the EU are still limited to Apple’s App Store, as the DMA hasn’t pushed the tech overlord to do otherwise.

In recent guideline changes, Apple has also started allowing game emulators on its App Store. As a result, the famous Delta emulator — built by the same developer — has also made its way to Apple’s App Store. Through it, iPhone users around the world can play NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS games without needing to jailbreak their devices or resort to complex app sideloading methods.

iOS 18 could get some Note-worthy productivity upgrades

apple iphone 15 front hero

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

  • iOS 18 may support recording audio and math notations directly in the Apple Notes app.
  • The same upgrades could also come to iPadOS 18 and macOS 15, along with a Calculator app for iPad.
  • iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 will be officially previewed during WWDC24 on June 10.


iOS 18 is just a couple of months away, and, at this point, we may have an idea or two as to what to expect from this release. Apart from the AI goods we expect to see in Apple’s next-gen operating systems, a fresh iOS 18 rumor reveals potential upgrades that may be coming to the built-in Notes app on the iPhone.

According to information obtained by AppleInsider, iOS 18 may enhance the Apple Notes app by integrating some power-user features. These potential additions could include a native audio recorder and support for mathematical notations. The same features are also expected to become available on the latest iPads and Macs through iPadOS 18 and macOS 15, respectively.

For reference, Apple Notes already supports importing audio recordings from the Voice Memos app. However, adding a dedicated recorder in the Notes app itself could encourage more casual users to rely on the feature and simplify the overall process. That’s not to mention the rumored integration with the Calculator app, which would help Apple Notes compete with the more advanced third-party solutions.

Speaking of the Calculator app, the rumor also suggests that iPadOS 18 may finally introduce this highly anticipated application on the iPad. The iPhone, Mac, and even Apple Watch have had native Calculator apps for eons. Bringing this app to the iPad would address the endless user complaints found across the web and further streamline Apple’s app suite across its different operating systems.

We expect Apple to reveal iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 during the main WWDC24 keynote on June 10. Based on the company’s history, it’s safe to assume that the first developer betas of these operating systems will also be released later that day.

The first iOS third-party app store, AltStore PAL, is now live in the EU

Apple iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max backs

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

  • AltStore PAL is the first Apple-approved alternative iOS app store in the EU.
  • Eligible iPhone users can utilize AltStore PAL for a symbolic fee that covers Apple’s CTF.
  • Developers must host their apps on their own servers, not AltStore PAL’s.


AltStore PAL is finally available to iOS users in the EU (via The Verge), enabling them to download apps that don’t necessarily comply with Apple’s App Store guidelines. Those running iOS 17.4 or a later OS version can access the third-party app store by paying €1.50 (plus tax) per year. The original AltStore — which requires a desktop computer and a hackier setup — is still available worldwide for free.

AltStore has been a prominent iOS third-party app store for years. Developed by Riley Testut, the marketplace hosts a wide range of apps that Apple may not allow on its own storefront. Now that the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Apple to authorize third-party app stores on iOS, Testut has released AltStore PAL as a standalone version.

Considering Apple still charges a Core Technology Fee (CTF), Testut had to make AltStore PAL a paid offering to fund these payments. Interestingly, developers wishing to feature their work on AltStore PAL will have to host their apps on their own servers. Consequently, AltStore PAL users downloading apps from different developers will have to add and authorize the different “sources” individually.

Expectedly, iOS will display multiple warnings when a user attempts to install a third-party app store to discourage them from proceeding. Furthermore, iPad users in the EU are still limited to Apple’s App Store, as the DMA hasn’t pushed the tech overlord to do otherwise.

In recent guideline changes, Apple has also started allowing game emulators on its App Store. As a result, the famous Delta emulator — built by the same developer — has also made its way to Apple’s App Store. Through it, iPhone users around the world can play NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS games without needing to jailbreak their devices or resort to complex app sideloading methods.

Apple’s ends App Store tyranny in Europe with the latest iOS 17.4 update

Apple App Store stock photo 3

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

  • Apple is now rolling out the iOS 17.4 update.
  • The software opens up access to alternative app stores and in-app payment methods in the EU.
  • It also brings a number of other new features to iOS and iPadOS users worldwide.


Apple has been forced to open up its walled App Store garden for the first time ever. The company is now rolling out iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 with changes to app policies in the European Union. This is the fourth big iOS 17 update since the software was released in September.

Thanks to the EU’s famous Digital Markets Act, Apple now lets users download and use alternative app stores in the region. EU users can also set these third-party app stores as the default on their devices. There are a couple of different alternative app stores that will be available very soon, including Setapp, Epic’s iOS games store, and more.

iOS 17.4 also introduces alternative payment systems, third-party browser engine support, and NFC access for banks and payment providers other than Apple on iOS and iPadOS. All these features will be available only in Europe, while Apple’s stance remains unchanged in the rest of the world. These changes to Apple’s policies will make using iPhones and iPads starkly different in Europe compared to the rest of the world.

Following are the iOS 17.4 update release notes Apple is sharing with its EU customers:

Residents of the European Union will now have new options to:

  • Install apps from alternative app marketplaces
  • Install web browser with alternative browser engines
  • Manage your default web browser the first time you open Safari
  • Use alternative payment options for apps in the App Store with the external purchases badge
  • Some options require developer support

iPhone and iPad users in the US and other parts of the world will see a different changelog that does not mention the EU changes.

Other changes common to all users on iOS 17.4 include transcripts in Apple Podcasts, new emojis, Music recognition, Siri message announcements, Stolen Device Protection, updated Battery Health settings, and more.

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