Alongside today’s system updates, Apple has released Safari 26.3, with a mix of under-the-hood improvements and at least one major usability upgrade for Vision Pro users. Here are the details.

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According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s introduction of a book-type foldable iPhone will help accelerate broader adoption of this form factor. Here are the details.

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Apple has "run into snags" testing the more personalized, smarter version of Siri that's planned for iOS 26.4, reports Bloomberg. Because of the issues, the upcoming ‌Siri‌ features will be spread across several upcoming iOS releases and won't all come in the spring iOS 26.4 update.


Apple could postpone some or all of the new ‌Siri‌ features until iOS 26.5, an update planned for May, and iOS 27, which will launch this September.

We've been waiting on the Apple Intelligence version of ‌Siri‌ since iOS 18, when Apple debuted the features at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference. At the time, rumors suggested a spring 2025 launch. When spring rolled around, Apple announced that the new ‌Siri‌ would take longer than expected, with the functionality delayed for a year.

Since then, Apple has been targeting iOS 26.4, which the company will begin testing later this month. As Apple has been testing the updated version of ‌Siri‌ ahead of the release of the first iOS 26.4 beta, there have been unforeseen problems. ‌Siri‌ sometimes doesn't properly process queries and can take too long to respond to requests.

Apple engineers have been told to use iOS 26.5 for further internal testing, suggesting the new ‌Siri‌ features will be delayed until that update. Internally, iOS 26.5 includes notices describing the ‌Siri‌ features, as well as a "preview" toggle for turning on the ‌Siri‌ personalization feature that lets the personal assistant tap into user data like text messages and emails.

Employees that are testing iOS 26.5 say the update includes all of the features Apple promised, including personalization, onscreen awareness, and the ability for ‌Siri‌ to do more in and between apps, but not all of the features are working reliably and there are problems with accuracy.

‌Siri‌ also apparently sometimes falls back on using ChatGPT for information instead of relying on the Gemini-powered technology that Apple has partnered with Google to use, even when the new version of ‌Siri‌ is capable of handling a user's request.

Apple also planned to include features that haven't been announced, such as options to generate images or search the web. Image generation and web search were tested as part of iOS 26.4, and it's possible they will still be included in the update, so Apple might still be able to announce some of the new ‌Siri‌ functionality. Image generation uses Image Playground, and web search summarizes information from the web.

Bloomberg says the situation is "fluid," though, so Apple's plans could change, and executives are reluctant to further delay the ‌Siri‌ functionality beyond spring 2026.

There are still major changes planned for iOS 27, with Apple aiming to add chatbot functionality to ‌Siri‌ to allow it to better compete with chatbots like Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT. That version of ‌Siri‌ will have deep integration with Apple's operating systems.
This article, "New Siri Runs Into Problems, Features Could Be Pushed to iOS 26.5 and iOS 27" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Despite inking a deal with Google to use Gemini AI as the brains behind upgraded Siri, Apple is reportedly facing internal challenges in getting the final product ready for prime time. The reported delays could stretch into iOS 27 this fall. Apple first announced a more capable version of Siri in 2024; that update hasn’t shipped yet.

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Apple released macOS 26.3 to the public today, and the update fixes two design problems introduced by the Liquid Glass revamp in Tahoe: resizing windows and resizing columns in Finder.

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No matter how well you think you know your iPhone, there are always tons of hidden features and shortcuts that you aren't aware of, or might have forgotten about. We've rounded up 10 useful ‌iPhone‌ features that are worth knowing about to make using your ‌iPhone‌ just a little more pleasant.


Many of these tips require the latest version of iOS, iOS 26, but there are a few that work for older versions of iOS, too.

1. Alarms in Reminders - You can set an alarm for a reminder, so you get a pop-up that has to be snoozed or dismissed rather than just a notification.


2. Adaptive Power Mode - Adaptive Power Mode is a setting you should turn on, because it uses AI to learn your ‌iPhone‌ usage habits. If you're using more battery one day, it can adjust background app refresh and other features to preserve battery so you get all-day use. This is limited to newer ‌iPhone‌ models, but you can get some of the same benefit by adjusting which apps are able to use background app refresh on older models.


3. Link to Specific Text - When you send a link to someone, you can use Safari's Copy Link with Highlight feature to direct them right to the spot on a webpage that you want them to see.


4. Action Button Menu - You can pick one thing for your Action Button to do by default, but if you set it to a Shortcut, you can create a multi-option pop-up that lets you access multiple quick access buttons. It's entirely customizable, and you're only limited to what Shortcuts can do.


5. Text Message Search - Search in the Messages app isn't exactly great and it can be hard to find what you're looking for, but there's a Messages Shortcut that lets you add parameters like date and organize results with the latest messages first.


6. AirPods Camera - You can use the button on your AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 as a remote for your ‌iPhone‌'s camera, and when paired with the timer feature, it's a great way to get group shots where everyone is in frame and no one has to hold the phone.


7. Alarm Snooze - With ‌iOS 26‌, you're not limited to a 9-minute snooze duration when an alarm goes off. You can customize your snooze length to be longer or shorter in the Clock app.


8. Podcast Show Tweaks - For podcast fans, you can use the Podcasts app to create per-show settings for Enhance Dialogue and playback speed, so you don't need to use the same settings for every podcast.


9. Snooze Notifications - For notifications from apps like Calendar and Reminders, you can long press on the notification on the Lock Screen to snooze it for a few minutes, an hour, or a custom length of time.


10. Screenshots - Tired of full-screen previews for screenshots? You can turn them off and go back to the prior screenshot method that just saves them right to the Photos app.

To see how to set up all of these features, make sure to check out our full video up above where we walk you through the steps.

Have a useful tip that we didn't list here? Share it in the comments and we might add it to our next video.
This article, "10 iPhone Tips and Tricks You Probably Didn't Know About" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s latest wave of software updates is lighter than usual on new features, but heavy on bug fixes and security updates, with 35+ security fixes included in iOS 26.3 and more.

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Apple today released iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3, all of which largely focus on bug fixes and security improvements. Apple says that the updates address dozens of vulnerabilities, including one that is known to have been actively exploited.


That vulnerability in the dyld dynamic link editor could allow for the execution of arbitrary code, and Apple says the bug may have been exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack" against targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26.

An attacker with memory write capability may be able to execute arbitrary code. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26.

Apple says the memory corruption issue was fixed with improved state management.

There are numerous other vulnerabilities that were also fixed across not only iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, but also Apple's other platforms that saw updates released today.

Now that these vulnerabilities have been publicized by Apple, even those that were not exploited before might be taken advantage of now. Apple recommends all users update their devices to iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 as soon as possible.
This article, "Update Now: iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 Fix Dozens of Security Vulnerabilities" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple just released the final version of iOS 26.3 to the public, and while it isn’t packed with new features, there are some notable additions worth exploring. Watch our hands-on video as we walk through everything new in iOS 26.3, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more videos.

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Apple has released a new wave of software updates today, including iOS 26.3 and many more 26.3 updates. But the company also has new updates for older OS versions, like iOS 18.7.5 for iPhone and more.

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Fraudulent streaming is a long-running problem in the music business. In a recent interview, Oliver Schusser, who oversees Apple Music, Apple TV, and more, offered some fascinating insight into Apple’s work to crack down on fake streams on Apple Music.

The report also reveals that Apple recently doubled the penalty for Apple Music fraud …

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Following last week’s rollout of the RC version, Apple is now releasing macOS 26.3 for all compatible Macs. Here’s what’s new.

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Apple has released its latest wave of software updates. New updates are available for the full lineup of Apple devices, including watchOS 26.3 for Apple Watch, tvOS 26.3 for Apple TV, and visionOS 26.3 for Vision Pro.

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Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.


The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 include unspecified bug fixes and security updates, but there are a couple features that Apple didn't highlight.

The updates add a tool for transitioning from an Apple device to an Android device. Transfers are able to be started during the device setup process, and moving data from one device to another can be done without having to download apps from Apple and Google.

The transfer process supports moving photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers, and more, and it's not too surprising that Apple isn't advertising it. Data transfers were already possible, though not quite as simple, and Apple likely doesn't want to encourage users to move to a different platform.

In December, the European Union took credit for the new transfer tool, touting it as an example of how the Digital Markets Act (DMA) benefits users and developers. Google and Apple apparently implemented the feature because the DMA requires services to offer interoperability to prevent customers from being locked in to an operating system. The two companies opted to add the functionality worldwide rather than just in the EU.

iOS 26.3 includes a setting to limit carrier location tracking, though it is limited to a few select carriers worldwide. In the United States, only Boost Mobile is supporting the feature as of now. EE and BT in the UK offer it, as does Telekom in Germany and AIS and True in Thailand. It is a feature available only for devices with C1 or C1X modems.

In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple added other Europe-only changes for third-party wearables, which were shared by the European Commission. Devices like headphones and smartwatches will be able to use some of the same functionality available to the AirPods and the Apple Watch going forward.

Proximity pairing will allow third-party devices to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like one-tap way by bringing an accessory close to an iPhone or an iPad. Third-party accessories like smart watches will be able to receive richer notifications from the ‌iPhone‌, which are able to be viewed and interacted with. Apple is allowing notifications to be forwarded to a single connected device, so turning on notifications for a third-party watch disables notifications on the Apple Watch.

While these features have been tested in iOS 26.3, they may have been removed for the release version of the software and could come in a future update.

Most of the beta testing period focused on bug fixes and these EU-specific features, so there isn't a lot that's new in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3. We are expecting a lot more to be added in iOS 26.4, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 could come this month.
This article, "Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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There’s a new software update available for iPhone. Apple has released iOS 26.3, the third big update to Apple’s redesigned operating system and the last before a major improvement to Siri.

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Apple has released its latest iPad software update: iPadOS 26.3 is available now, here’s what’s new for users.

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Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.3, the third major update to the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ operating system. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 comes two months after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.2.


Mac users can download the new software by opening up the System Settings app and navigating to the Software Update section.

According to Apple's release notes, ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 focuses on bug fixes and security updates rather than new features, so it is a smaller update than some of the other releases we've had.

In the next couple of weeks, Apple will begin testing ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4, an update that is expected to be much more feature packed. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 could include new Siri functionality and new emoji, among other features.
This article, "Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released tvOS 26.3, the third update to the tvOS operating system that came out last fall. tvOS 26.3 is available for the Apple TV 4K and the ‌Apple TV‌ HD, and it comes two months after Apple released tvOS 26.2.



tvOS 26.3 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 26.3 automatically.

The tvOS 26.3 update includes bug fixes and security improvements, with full release notes for tvOS available through Apple's tvOS support document.
This article, "Apple Releases tvOS 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released watchOS 26.3, an update to the watchOS 26 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 26.3 comes two months after Apple released watchOS 26.2.


watchOS 26.3 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.3 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update, or initiating an update in the Settings app on the watch. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.

According to Apple's release notes, watchOS 26.3 includes unspecified bug fixes and security updates, and there were no new outward-facing features discovered during the beta testing process.
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Alongside iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3, Apple has released new HomePod 26.3 software for the ‌HomePod‌ and the HomePod mini. The update comes two months after Apple released ‌HomePod‌ Software 26.2.


According to Apple's release notes, ‌HomePod‌ Software 26.3 includes performance and stability improvements.

‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then selecting the Software Update option.
This article, "Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released visionOS 26.3, the third update to the visionOS 26 operating system that launched in September. visionOS 26.3 comes a month after Apple released visionOS 26.2.


‌visionOS 26‌.3 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option. To install an update, the Vision Pro headset needs to be removed, and there is a software progress bar available on the exterior EyeSight display.

Apple's release notes say that visionOS 26.3 includes bug fixes and security improvements, and that the software is recommended for all Vision Pro users.
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The AI-powered feature is rolling out today as beta, letting users in select countries directly steer their feeds (albeit temporarily). Here’s how it works.

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Noise-canceling headphones are great for blocking out distractions, but they can also block out sounds you actually need to hear, like a courier at the front door with your all-important package. Well, thanks to an Apple accessibility feature, your iPhone can do the listening for you and alert you when your doorbell rings.


Meet Sound Recognition, the feature in question that uses your iPhone's microphone to continuously monitor for specific sounds. When it detects one, you'll receive a notification that plays through your connected headphones, along with a vibration on your iPhone (or Apple Watch if you're wearing one).

The feature is primarily designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it's equally useful for anyone who works from home and regularly wears AirPods or noise-canceling headphones.

How to Enable Doorbell Alerts

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.


2. Tap Accessibility.


3. Under "Hearing," tap Sound & Name Recognition, then tap through to Sound Recognition.
   
   
4. Toggle on Sound Recognition, then tap Sounds.


5. Under "Household," tap Door Bell and toggle it on in the next screen. You'll also see the option to choose a specific alert tone.
   
   

Note that your iPhone may need to download a small file (around 30MB) before the feature becomes active, so a Wi-Fi or data connection could be needed.

Training Your iPhone to Recognize Your Doorbell

If your iPhone doesn't reliably detect your specific doorbell, you can train it to recognize the sound by following these steps:

1. Go to Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Sound & Name Recognition ➝ Sound Recognition ➝ Sounds.


2. Tap Custom Appliance or Doorbell, then enter a name.


3. Place your iPhone near the doorbell and tap Start Listening.


4. Ring your doorbell. Repeat this five times to complete the training.

Quick Access via Control Center

Once Sound Recognition is enabled, iOS automatically adds a toggle to Control Center. From here, you can press and hold the Sound Recognition icon to quickly enable or disable specific sounds without diving into Settings, which is handy if you only want doorbell detection when you're at home wearing headphones.


Sound Recognition can also detect smoke alarms, dog barking, babies crying, water running, and more. Just keep in mind that Apple advises against relying on this feature in high-risk or emergency situations.
This article, "Never Miss Your Doorbell While Wearing Headphones on iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Kicking off today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break deals, Amazon now officially launched its 2026 President’s Day sale with price drops on Apple Watch Series 11 at $100 off, AirTag, AirPods, and more. We also have some rare price drops on Apple Sport Bands and Loops at up to 41% off and a new Amazon low on Apple’s 11-inch 1TB M5 iPad Pro. Just be sure to also scope out the $100 price drop now delivering Anker’s impressive Qi2 25W 3-in-1 Prime MagSafe Charger with the onboard Smart Display at its best price yet. Everything awaits below in detail. 

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