Apple Sends Press Invitations and Confirms June 3rd WWDC Keynote – MacStories:
Apple is expected to unveil the latest versions of its major operating systems at WWDC, including iOS 13, watchOS 6, and macOS 10.15. We may also see hardware products announced too, like the long-anticipated modular Mac Pro. A live stream for the keynote has not yet been confirmed, but it remains likely since WWDC is one of the prime Apple events of the year.
Apple Updates Its MacBook Pro Line with Faster CPUs and New Keyboard Mechanisms – MacStories:
It’s not unusual for Apple to release product updates shortly before a major event that don’t make the cut for the keynote presentation. Notebooks with faster CPUs fall squarely into that category. With the company’s annual developer conference just around the corner, today’s announcement is likely also be designed to try to satisfy one its biggest pro user groups that the company is trying to put keyboard issues behind it. However, only time will tell whether this version of the MacBook Pro’s keyboard is more reliable than prior iterations.
Apple is now selling an updated version of LG’s UltraFine 4K Display – The Verge:
The only monitor Apple sells directly through its website lives on, despite questions about its survivability over the past few months. The company today resurrected the UltraFine 4K Display, the one made in partnership with LG, as a 23.7-inch model with two new Thunderbolt 3 ports (as well as three vanilla USB-C sockets) around back. It costs the same as the previous 21.5-inch model: $699. But this one takes a hit on resolution, dropping down to 3840 x 2160 from 4096 x 2304. That said, with a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can now hook up an additional monitor or Thunderbolt 3 external drive if you like.
This monitor is for the latest iPad Pro and the USB-C MacBook line only. Despite my preference for curved monitors, this is still a fine display – glad to see Apple selling and promoting it.
iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 now available with new TV app features – 9to5Mac:
Apple has released iOS 12.3 to everyone after six developer betas. Read on for a roundup of all the new features you’ll get with iOS 12.3.
In addition to iOS 12.3, Apple today is also releasing watchOS 5.2.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.5, and tvOS 12.3. The third-generation Apple TV 3 is also getting a new 7.3 software version.
Headlining today’s releases is the new TV application on iOS 12.3, tvOS 12.3, and Apple TV Software 7.3. The new TV app includes Apple TV Channels, a feature that simplifies streaming video subscription services by bringing them all into a single app. The billing is handled by Apple, and all of the content is hosted by Apple and viewed in the TV application itself.
At launch, Apple TV Channels supports the likes of HBO, Showtime, Stars, Cinemax, Epix, Smithsonian, Acorn TV, and more. As time progresses, we can expect more services to be added. Most of the services include free trial periods, as well.
Other changes in the new TV application include a refreshed interface with a focus on curation and personalized recommendations, as well as a new dedicated Kids section with handpicked content safe for viewers of all ages.
iOS 12.3 also features bug fixes and improvements for Apple News+, Apple Music, Apple TV Remote, AirPlay 2, CarPlay, and more. In conjunction with today’s update, Samsung has also debuted the TV application and AirPlay 2 support on compatible smart televisions.
In addition to iOS 12.3 and the Apple TV updates, Apple today is also releasing watchOS 5.2.1. That update will further expand the ECG and irregular heart beat notifications of Apple Watch to Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Croatia, and Iceland.
Lastly, Apple is releasing macOS 10.14.5, which focuses primarily on bug fixes and performance improvements. The Mac won’t gain its own TV application until later this year with macOS 10.15.
With these releases now out in the open, attention will now shift to iOS 13, watchOS 6, tvOS 13, and macOS 10.15. Apple will officially unveil each of those updates at WWDC in just a few weeks.
Apple traditionally shows off updates to its iOS, Mac, and smartwatch software at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year’s conference begins on June 3rd, and according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company has a lot planned.
New in iOS 13:
An official Dark Mode will be enabled from the Control Center. iOS users have previously had to use color inversion to achieve a sort of dark mode.
There’s a revamped Health app, with a new homepage for daily activity, a “hearing health” feature, and “more comprehensive menstrual cycle tracking.”
The updated Reminders app has a new main screen with four default options: tasks to be done today, scheduled tasks, flagged tasks, and all tasks. Gurman says the update “better competes with the several to-do list programs available on the App Store.”
The updated Maps app has easier options for setting frequent locations, creating groups of favorite locations, and navigating to suggested and past destinations.
The addition of profile pictures and display names in iMessages includes a dedicated menu for sending sticker versions of Animoji and Memoji.
Find My Friends and Find My iPhone will be combined into a single app. Previously rumored by 9to5Mac, it also suggested that Apple was working on a physical tag similar to Tile that would let users track the location of any devices — not just Apple phones and computers.
Native support to use an iPad as a secondary Mac screen will be introduced, which is similar to the functionality offered by third-party apps like Luna and Duet Display. This was also previously rumored by 9to5Mac.
There’s a selection of iPad-specific updates, including a better interface for multitasking and an updated home screen.
The big change in watchOS 6 will be downloading apps on the Apple Watch itself.
New in watchOS 6:
App Store access on-device means you’ll be able to update and install new apps without using the Watch companion app on the iPhone.
Transplanted apps from iOS include Voice Memos, Apple Books (for audiobooks), and the Calculator app.
New apps including Dose for pill reminders and Cycles for tracking menstrual cycles will be introduced.
New Complications (including ones for showing the battery life of hearing aids, rainfall data, and external noise) and new Watch faces (including one with extra-large numbers) will arrive.
New in macOS 10.15:
iPad apps on the Mac was previously rumored by Bloomberg. It reported that Apple will allow developers to create (essentially) a single app that runs on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This process will need some work from developers, though, who will also have to submit multiple versions of the app to the iOS and Mac App Stores. Gurman says the feature will be expanded to iPhone apps “by next year.” Apple has already made iOS apps available on the Mac itself, including News and Stocks with macOS Mojave.
A new Apple Music app could be part of the rumored break-up of iTunes.
Apple iPad apps that will be initially available on the Mac include the Podcasts app and newly merged Find My iPhone / Find My Friends app. Apple’s Screen Time, Siri Shortcuts, and updated Reminders app will also be available on the Mac.
Apple second-quarter 2019 financial results – Six Colors:
Apple’s quarterly results are in. The company posted revenue of $58 billion, down 5% from the same quarter a year ago. iPad revenue was up 22% and Services revenue was up 16%, but Mac revenue was down 5% and iPhone revenue was down 17%.
Galaxy Fold: Samsung investigates as screens break in first days | Technology | The Guardian:
The screen at the heart of Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold phone, which literally folds in half, has been failing in testers’ hands within days, prompting concerns about the durability of the £1,800 device.
The company distributed the new category-forming device to publications across the US on Monday ahead of its release to the public on 26 April. But within two days testers were reporting that the all-important central flexible screen started to break under normal use.
Uh-oh.
How to check iPhone photo orientation before taking a picture – 9to5Mac:
How to check iPhone photo orientation before taking a picture
Open the Camera app
As you line up your shot, look for the magnification indicator (1x) next to the shutter button
Make sure it’s oriented in the same way you’re holding your phone
If it’s not, try rotating your phone back to another orientation and back to the one you want
Good tip -I have been caught out by this before.
Apple is working on a new app that’s going to replace the Find My Friends and Find My iPhone apps. With codename “GreenTorch”, the app is currently being tested by engineers at the company.
People familiar with its development shared exclusive details about the project with 9to5Mac, but asked to remain anonymous discussing the company’s plans. The new app will have the same features of the two existing apps, but combined into a single app, which will be available on both iOS and on macOS, as a Marzipan app.
The new unified app includes an improved ability to find a user’s devices. Called “Find Network”, the feature allows devices to be tracked even when not connected to Wi-Fi or to a cellular network.
Besides sharing their location with members of their family, users are also able to share their location with any friend. Friends can also send location sharing requests to other people. When a friend is sharing their location with a user, they’re be able to create notifications for when this friend arrives or leaves a specific location.
All devices from a user – and their family – can be located using the unified app, including AirPods. Devices can be put in “lost mode” or made to play a sound using the same app, just like Find My iPhone.
I like the sound of this – I always thought that Find My Friends and Find My iPhone were too similar in apps – a merger of them both makes perfect sense and especially when iOS apps come to the Mac.
iOS 13: Dark Mode, detachable panels, Safari and Mail, more – 9to5Mac:
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 13, the next major version of the iPhone and iPad operating system, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off on June 3rd. Now, people familiar with the development of the operating system have shared exclusive details with 9to5Mac. Read on for new details about what to expect.
Dark Mode and Multitasking;
First, the long-awaited Dark Mode is finally coming to the iPhone and iPad with iOS 13. There will be a system-wide Dark Mode that can be enabled in Settings, including a high contrast version, similar to what’s already available on macOS. Speaking of macOS, iPad apps that run on the Mac using Marzipan will finally take advantage of the Dark Mode support on both systems.
There are many changes coming to iPad with iOS 13, including the ability for apps to have multiple windows. Each window will also be able to contain sheets that are initially attached to a portion of the screen, but can be detached with a drag gesture, becoming a card that can be moved around freely, similar to what an open-source project called “PanelKit” could do.
These cards can also be stacked on top of each other, and use a depth effect to indicate which cards are on top and which are on the bottom. Cards can be flung away to dismiss them.
Guilherme Rambo and Steve Troughton-Smith are well respected and trusted developers and their ability to poke around with source code lends huge credence to this report. Apparent cosmetic changes such as Dark Mode and improvements to the Reminders and Mails apps do not sound nearly as big when compared to the “multiple windows” for each app mention – can’t wait to see this in action. ”Many changes” sounds like big things are coming.
