Week 3, May 2023
“You can’t solve a problem on the same level that it was created. You have to rise above it to the next level.” — Albert Einstein
1. iOS 17: Here’s what the rumors say about features, release dates, and more
● Believe it or not, iOS 17 is coming in less than a month at WWDC on June 5. This represents Apple’s biggest software update for iPhone users, and it’s usually packed full of new features and changes. Read on as we round up what the rumors currently say about iOS 17 new features and more.
2. Meta has been working on a new Twitter competitor, and here’s what it looks like
● Ever since Twitter was acquired by Elon Musk, some users have been looking for alternatives to the social network as they’re unhappy with the company’s latest decisions. We’ve seen Mastodon get a lot of attention, as well as Bluesky — a new social network supported by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. But now Meta wants to join the party with a new app under the Instagram brand to compete with Twitter.
3. Apple Maps EV routing expands to its second car following 2020 debut
● Porsche is signing on to be the second EV maker to officially adopt support for EV routing in Apple Maps. This means that Porsche Taycan drivers can now use Apple Maps EV routing via CarPlay, signaling Porsche’s continued commitment to CarPlay as other automakers neglect Apple’s platform.
4. Carrot Weather update brings more data sources, new Smart Layout, improved rain alerts
● Carrot Weather has received a notable update today with a number of improvements and changes. Arriving with the new release is the option to use new data sources including OpenWeather and regional services, a redesigned Time Machine, improved rain alerts for precipitation starting or stopping, improved location details, a new Smart Layout, and more.
5. OpenAI launches free ChatGPT for iPhone app with Whisper support and more
● OpenAI has announced that it is releasing a dedicated iPhone app for its ChatGPT service. The app, which is available via the App Store, gives users the ability to use ChatGPT through a native app on their iPhones. The app is free to download and includes no ads. It’s currently only available in the United States, but OpenAI says availability will expand “in the coming weeks.”
6. iOS 16.5 now available: Here’s everything new
● Following over a month of beta testing, iOS 16.5 is now available to the general public. This update includes changes to Apple News, the addition of a new “Pride Celebration” wallpaper, and more. Head below for the full release notes with details on bug fixes, new features, and more.
7. New ‘xrOS’ wordmark registered by Apple ahead of AR/VR headset announcement
● Apple is rumored to introduce its first mixed-reality headset next month. After registering the “xrOS” trademark earlier this year, Apple has now registered a wordmark with the same name — which suggests that the new platform will be called “xrOS.”
8. iOS 17 should copy this new WhatsApp feature for locking chats with Face ID and Touch ID
● It’s been a while since WhatsApp added the option to ask for Face ID or Touch ID to unlock the app so that other people using your phone can’t access your conversations. With its latest update, WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that lets users lock specific chats instead of the entire app.
9. AI-Powered text-based video editing & more released for Adobe’s Premiere Pro
● Adobe has officially updated Premiere Pro with text-based video editing. After a period of time in the beta version throughout this year, Adobe announced last month that the feature would be coming to Premiere Pro in May, and this past week that update became available.
10. Made for iPhone hearing aids can now pair with Mac; customized audio, too
● As part of a flurry of new accessibility improvements announced by Apple today, the company says that Made for iPhone hearing aids can pair directly with Macs for the first time. Previously, pairing was only available with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
11. Apple wearable tags described in disguised patent application
● A patent application for Apple wearable tags has been revealed after the company originally took steps to disguise its identity. Apple describes how tags could be worn on the body, or attached to clothing, to perform a wide range of health and sports functions.
12. Report reveals Android users switching to iPhone at 5-year high
● Digging into how many new iPhone buyers in the US are coming from Google’s platform, the new survey shows Apple is attracting the most switchers from Android it’s seen in the last five years.
● As part of its preview of iOS 17 accessibility updates coming this year, Apple has announced a pair of new features called Live Speech and Personal Voice. Live Speech allows users to type what they want to say and have it spoken out.
14. Apple to begin mass production of iPhone 15 displays in June
● It seems that production of the iPhone 15 display panels will begin as early as June to ensure that there will be enough units available by the end of the year.
15. How to find your favorite artist’s Set List on Apple Music; see tour dates and get tickets
● Apple Music launched a neat new feature today that makes it easy to keep up with your favorite artists’ tours, know exactly what songs they’re playing, and even have the option to buy concert tickets. Follow along for how to find Apple Music Set Lists and which artists are featured.
16. Apple shares WWDC 2023 schedule ahead of special event at Apple Park
● We’re less than a month away from WWDC 2023, Apple’s annual conference for developers. Ahead of the special event in Apple Park, the company has now sent out the event schedule for invited developers. Read on as we detail what to expect for WWDC 2023.
17. Tap to Pay rolls out to Australia — Westpac and Tyro first, more to follow
● Apple’s Tap to Pay service is rolling out to Australia, following last month’s expansion into Taiwan. The service allows small businesses to accept contactless payments without the need for a payment terminal.
18. Apple accessibility improvements welcomed by disabled people, with more opportunities ahead
● The Personal Voice feature was the one to get the most attention, needing just 15 minutes of training in order to allow users to have their iPhone play speech in their own voice
19. Twitter for Mac abandoned: missing features, bugginess, no updates since Musk acquisition
● Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company and subsequent gutting of engineering teams have left Twitter for Mac in the lurch. The app hasn’t received a single update since Musk’s acquisition and is lacking many features key to the “new Twitter” experience.
