There is something that baffled many when they found that the Cupertino giant is reportedly planning to rename iOS 19 to iOS 26. Yes, a company like Apple skipping eight versions for iOS is enough to leave users with a "why?" expression on their face. However, even if Apple pulls it off, there are two sides to the coin.

Why it makes sense to call it iOS 26

There are several reasons why calling it iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 isn't as weird as it sounds. To begin with, it's something that has been done in the past. Samsung is a well-known example when we think about renaming device lineups and skipping version numbers.

Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. But what was its predecessor? Galaxy S19? No, it was the Galaxy S10. The South Korean giant renamed its device lineup and aligned it with the year of launch, jumping ten versions in the process.

So, someone viewing a Galaxy S23 can easily determine that the device was launched in 2023. It also gives them a feeling that they are using the 'latest and greatest' product. On the flip side, a device from the previous year may feel outdated, potentially motivating them to upgrade.

Skipping version numbers isn't fun and games for everyone. Microsoft became the butt of jokes when it skipped Windows 9 and announced that Windows 8.1 will be upgraded to Windows 10 (that too in 2015). Windows 10 was thought to be "the last version of Windows", but things turned out differently.

Apple's case would be a bit different, where the iOS version number is one year ahead. So, iOS 26 will release in 2025, iOS 27 in 2026, and so on. This approach is similar to how game companies like Electronic Arts name their gaming titles.

Although it may seem off track, the naming scheme aligns with Apple's development schedule. The company typically announces new iOS versions at WWDC in June and rolls them out to the public in the fall season. After that, it continues to push incremental updates through the following year.

In other words, a particular iOS version lives on your iPhone for a quarter of the launch year and about nine to ten months in the following year. Meanwhile, Samsung releases new Galaxy S devices at the start of the year, so it makes more sense to align their name with the current year.

Not just iOS 26, reports said that Apple will streamline its confusing software naming system by renaming almost all of its operating systems to a single version. So, there will be iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26 instead of iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 12, and so on.

While the big move will make things easier for users, it will also highlight the work Apple has been doing to unify its software experience across devices. iOS and iPadOS have been related to each other from the beginning, but macOS gained ARM support in 2020 and began incorporating iOS-like UI elements.

Apple has already developed a suite of Continuity features that enable different Apple devices to work together. macOS 14 Sonoma further bridged the gap between iPhone and Mac in 2023 with a revamped widgets picker UI, which allows access to and syncing with widgets stored on your iPhone.

New widgets introduced in macOS 14 are interactive, similar to those on iPhone. They let you do stuff like checking off reminders, playing or pausing media, accessing smart home controls, and more.

Apple's iOS 26/iOS 19 would be the second major naming shake-up in the history of iOS. The first one was when Apple renamed the operating system from iPhone OS to iOS in June 2010.

iOS 26 is expected to be the biggest update in years, reportedly featuring a 'dramatic' glass-like UI overhaul, a revamped Camera app, live translation for AirPods, a new gaming app, and a new set of accessibility features. The glass-like design, first introduced on Apple's Vision Pro headset, is expected to make its way to tvOS and watchOS.

Why doesn't it make sense to call it iOS 26

It already feels a bit awkward when you realize that the iPhone 16 runs iOS 18, for whatever reason, when the first iterations of both iPhone and iOS arrived in the same year. Adding eight more digits to the iOS version number will make it sound even weirder. The 19th generation of iPhone's operating system will be called iOS 26. Imagine buying an iPhone 17 later this year, and it runs iOS 26 out of the box.

However, there are a couple of things Apple can do to tone down the awkwardness. Perhaps Apple can rename the iPhone series and start calling it iPhone 26 to match its software counterpart. A far-fetched and even more unlikely option is to drop version numbers from the iPhone's name entirely.

Apple is already doing it for its tablets (iPad, iPad Pro, and iPad Air) and its Mac computers. Therefore, it won't be an issue once the users absorb the initial shock of the announcement. But we can't ignore that not having a version number tied to a product has its downsides.

These are all speculations anyway. Whatever happens, Apple fans will get over it and learn to live with it, like they are living with the hopes of an upgraded Siri and AirPower to charge their Apple devices together.

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As the report reads, the iOS UI overhaul also affects the Messages and Phone apps, two of Apple customers' most used applications. According to Gurman, the Messages app on iOS 26 allows users to create polls and set a background image for a specific conversation.

Interestingly, the background image set by one side of the conversation will be visible to the other side as well. With the recent changes to its Messages app, Gurman says Apple aims to compete with Meta's WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. He writes:

"The two main changes are the ability to create polls and set a background image. The backgrounds will sync between devices, including those of other users, meaning that you and the people you are chatting with have the same look."

However, the scope of changes on the Phone app is limited. Gurman says the Phone app in iOS 26 gets a new view that combines favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a single, scrollable window. Of course, the new design is optional for users, and they can still opt for the legacy interface.

Changes to the Messages and Phone apps on iOS 26 focus on providing a personalized experience to iPhone users and moving them away from rival messaging apps.

Apple's 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off on June 9. The Cupertino tech giant is gearing up to unveil its revamped operating systems with a glass-like UI and new names, representing 2025-2026 release cycle.

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The Australian government floated a proposal in a paper released late last year. The paper suggested "designating" digital platforms like Apple's App Store. Being designated this way means these platforms would have to follow new rules intended to keep them from limiting competition. The government pointed to Apple's in-app payment system, which usually comes with a commission, and the lack of sideloading as likely targets for regulation. Right now, apps like Netflix and Spotify can't let users subscribe through their iOS apps without giving Apple a big cut, and they're not even allowed to tell users where to find a better deal.

Apple, in its response to this Australian paper, stated that Australia should not use the EU's Digital Markets Act "as a blueprint". The company's core argument is that the changes mandated by the EU's DMA, which came into full effect in March 2024, introduce serious security and privacy risks for users. Apple claims that allowing sideloading and alternative app stores effectively opens the door for malware, fraud, scams, and other harmful content.

The tech company also highlighted specific concerns from its European experience, alleging that its compliance there has led to users being able to install pornography apps and apps that facilitate copyright infringement, things its curated App Store aims to prevent. Apple maintains that its current review process is vital for user protection, and that its often criticized 30% commission applies mainly to the highest earning apps, with most developers paying a lower 15% rate or nothing.

It is worth noting that Apple's implementation of DMA requirements in the EU, which includes a "Core Technology Fee" for apps distributed outside its store, has already drawn scrutiny from European Commission officials who question if these measures truly comply with the DMA's idea of keeping the market fair.

The Australian government has not yet detailed its next steps in this process, and the Treasury still needs to publish the full submissions to its proposal paper, including Apple's complete arguments.

Source: The Guardian

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While we were getting excited about the trio, Samsung has put out a press release to create some hype around the upcoming foldables. Interestingly, the company has put great emphasis on the "Ultra" branding, which it usually uses for its Galaxy S-series phone and previously for Note-series phones. So, does this mean, we are getting a Galaxy Z Fold7 Ultra? Time will only tell.

As for the press release, it is titled "Meet the Next Chapter of Ultra" and the first line highlights how Samsung has been listening to fans that have demanded "bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create." To churn up up the hype, Samsung added, "That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions."

The GIF inside the press-release reveals what looks like the Galaxy Z Fold7 (or the Galaxy Z Fold7 Ultra, if that exists). Rumors have indicated that this year's Galaxy Z Fold7 is getting taller and wider than last year's model, thanks to a bigger display. The Z Fold7 could also feature a titanium backplate to not only reduce its thickness and make it stronger but to shed some weight as well.

The company then directs the attention to its AI features such as voice controls for finding the perfect eatery or shopping place, using powerful AI-powered camera features, and so on. We will get to know more about the devices in the coming weeks.

By that time, let us know your thoughts, on whether you would like an Ultra foldable or want Samsung to tweak the existing model and keep the space less-crowded.

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Today, Adobe announced a similar, brand-new Photoshop app for Android devices, currently in beta.
It’s important to note that this Android version is not intended to replace the desktop version of Photoshop. Instead, it offers access to select powerful Photoshop features—including layering, masking, and the new Generative Fill—within an easy-to-use mobile interface.

During the beta phase, the following features are available to all users:

• Combine and blend images using core Photoshop tools like selections, layers, and masks
• Quickly remove or replace parts of an image with the intuitive Tap Select tool
• Brush away distractions in seconds using tools like the Spot Healing Brush
• Use Firefly-powered generative AI features like Generative Fill to effortlessly add or transform elements in visual designs
• Enhance creative work with a growing library of free Adobe Stock assets
• Make accurate selections with Object Select and Magic Wand
• Refine images with advanced tools like Remove and Clone Stamp
• Control layers and effects with advanced blend modes and adjustment layer

Following the beta phase, users will need a new Photoshop Mobile & Web plan to access the premium features. The premium features list includes the ability to remove objects by brushing over them with the Remove Tool, the ability to use Clone Stamp to hide unwanted objects by cloning areas of an image, the ability to fill portions of an image with content sampled from other parts of the image with Content-Aware Fill, the ability to export using additional file formats (PSD, TIF, JPG, PNG), and more.

You can download the Adobe Photoshop app from the Google Play Store if your device is running Android 11 or later and has at least 6GB of RAM (8GB or more is recommended for optimal performance).

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In other words, affected users may not see the Subscriptions, Notifications, and Library navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.

"We're aware some of you are experiencing issues with the navigation bar for the YouTube App. This might also affect YouTube premium users," YouTube said. "Our teams are actively investigating this issue! We'll update this thread as soon as we have new information."

The Google-owned platform is currently working to fix the issue and notes that the problem is affecting Android users living in the US. However, unverified user reports in the comments suggest that the issue has plagued other regions, including India, Germany, Poland, Spain, Nigeria, Australia, and others.

Among various brands, there are several mentions from users running devices with Xiaomi's HyperOS software. Some users attempted to uninstall and reinstall the YouTube app, clear the cache, and roll back updates, but were unable to achieve success.

It has been months since Android users have reported problems with the app's navigation bar, where it may disappear randomly and return after the app is restarted. With the navigation bar gone on the YouTube Android app, some users reported being unable to upload videos or access the profile button.

It's hard to say whether YouTube was working to make it auto-disappear, and things went south. For now, all users can do is wait for a fix from the company. Speaking of new changes, a recent YouTube update has killed support for several older iPhone models. Google confirmed that it will bring more ads to the cheaper YouTube Lite plan.

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The new hardware requirement makes several iPhones incompatible with the latest version of the YouTube app. Those include the iPhone 6S / 6S Plus, iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, and the original iPhone SE. The seventh-generation iPod touch is also no longer compatible. On the iPad side, the update kicks out the second-generation iPad Air and the fourth-generation iPad mini.

Although old iPhones can no longer install YouTube version 20.22.1 and newer, old versions continue working just fine. However, going forward, users will not receive new features and improvements. Also, at some point in the future, the app will stop working altogether. Another workaround is to use the web version of the app, but that also provides a limited experience compared to the up-to-date client.

Google is not the only service that kicks out old and now unsupported Apple devices. Recently, WhatsApp developers dropped iPhones that cannot run iOS 15.1 or newer.

The news is clearly a bummer for those who are still using their old iPhones, which, to Apple's credit, have a solid lifespan (as long as you are happy with the battery life). However, it is also worth keeping in mind that the iPhone 6S series was released almost a decade ago. Having ten years of support is impressive, but it is clearly time to move on.

Perhaps my friend with his day-one iPhone 7 Black can finally consider buying something less ancient.

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Google Wallet will soon no longer let you pay with your PayPal account in the US. On a help center page spotted by Android Authority, Google says it will stop supporting the payment method and automatically delete linked PayPal accounts on June 13th, 2025.

The company has also stopped letting users link PayPal accounts to Wallet as of April 11th. Now, users who previously relied on PayPal to quickly connect their payment methods with Google Wallet will have to manually add a credit card, debit card, or bank information if they want to keep using the app.

Google notes that it will still accept PayPal-branded debit cards. “To deliver smart, flexible, and more rewarding ways to pay, PayPal constantly improves their offerings,” Google writes in a FAQ, while referring users to an email sent by PayPal.

The Verge reached out to PayPal with a request for more information but didn’t immediately hear back.

If you use a linked PayPal account for recurring payments, Google says you’ll need to change your payment method on the merchant’s website to keep using the service. Google Wallet will also no longer display your PayPal transaction history, which you’ll now have to view on PayPal’s website or app. Google Wallet’s PayPal integration will still work for users in Germany.

PayPal first rolled out support for Google Wallet — then called Android Pay — in 2017. Its rival digital wallet also continues to evolve, with the PayPal app adding tap-to-pay on iPhones in Germany and rolling out a way for groups to pool money.

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The feature arrives a year after Gemini was added in Gmail's side panel in the web version, and Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive. Summarize in Gmail isn't particularly new, though it worked differently. When you tap on “Summarize this email”, it would open the Gemini app to display a summary of your mail.

That's changing, the process is being streamlined. Gemini will summarize mails in Gmail right in the email app, and the summaries will be placed at the top of the message. However, it won't be available in every mail. Google says that Gemini summary cards will be available for messages where it is required, such as long email threads, or messages with several replies. The AI will analyze the key points from the emails, including replies, and present it to you in an accessible form that is easy to understand. Earlier, you had to trigger the action manually, now the summarization is done automatically, i.e. when the app detects that an email thread is long, it will generate a summary before you even open the mail. The AI will even keep the summary up-to-date when new replies are received. If you don't see the summary card, you can manually tap on the “summarize this email” option to create a summary.

Gemini summary cards are rolling out to Google Workspace users, the feature is only available for emails in English for now. You can access the summary cards in the Gmail app for Android and iOS, but only if you have enabled smart features and personalization for your account, i.e. Gmail, Chat and Meet. It is unclear whether the feature will be released for non-Workspace accounts,

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For some users, it is absolutely wild that we are even having this conversation. Instagram is 14 years old, about to turn 15 this October, and the iPad celebrated its 15th birthday back in April, yet for most of the time they coexisted, using Instagram on an iPad has been a crappy, blown-up iPhone app experience (unless you use the web version).

Meta, the company behind Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has had a weirdly avoidant relationship with the iPad historically. As Gurman notes, Mark Zuckerberg initially dismissed the iPad, calling it just a "computer" and suggesting users could simply use Facebook on the web.

He eventually caved, and a Facebook app for iPad did arrive in 2011, but Instagram remained stubbornly phone-centric. The official line often involved concerns about how square images or lower-resolution photos might look on a larger display, alongside Adam Mosseri, Instagram's head, repeatedly stating that an iPad app just was not a priority due to staffing or the size of the iPad user base.

The push for an iPad app now makes a lot more sense, especially given that the company's other product, WhatsApp, recently got its own native iPad app in May. Gurman claims that the underlying technology has "now caught up," suggesting those earlier concerns about image quality on a larger screen are less of an issue.

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A total of 25 lucky fans, whom Google refers to as Superfans, will be selected to attend a 90-minute event in London on June 27. It was expected that fans would get a glimpse at the Pixel 10 series phones and the Pixel Watch 4.

Now, a reliable leaker has added fuel to the fire, suggesting that the Pixel 10 series will launch in a couple of months. According to MysteryLupin on X/Twitter, the Pixel 10 could launch on August 13. Interestingly, this also suggests that Google is sticking with the same schedule as the Pixel 9 series launch. However, it is unclear if the leaker has revealed the launch date or the date of availability.

This year, Google isn't expected to introduce drastic changes to the Pixel 10 series, something that is expected out of the Apple iPhone 17 series this year. However, the Pixel 10 series will get an upgraded TSMC-made Tensor G5 chipset and MediaTek modems instead of Qualcomm's.

The Pixel 10 lineup will include four models, similar to last year: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Leaks have hinted at a similar design to the Pixel 9 series, but they are expected to get big camera upgrades.

The Google Pixel 10 series could get a "Video Generative ML" feature that would allow users to edit their videos using AI tools. The phones could also get "Sketch to Image" and "Magic Mirror" features.

Tensor G5 is also reportedly a capable chipset that will support 4K @60fps HDR video, as opposed to the 4K @30fps HDR video on the current Tensor G4 chipset. Additionally, the base Pixel 10 model is expected to get a telephoto lens.

For now, all rumors must be taken with a pinch of salt. Let us know your thoughts on whether or not you'll be upgrading to the Pixel 10 this year.

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But that doesn't mean Samsung isn't working on innovation on their end. The company was recently spotted with a new car-integration software, Samsung Auto, that could rival Google's Android Auto. Now, fresh news has popped up suggesting Samsung could be nearing a deal with another AI company to bring their advanced AI features to Galaxy devices.

According to Bloomberg, Samsung is reportedly finalizing a deal with AI giant Perplexity AI to bring their advanced AI search and assistant to Galaxy devices. This move is considered a strategy to shift the balance of power in mobile search and digital assistants, where Google has an unprecedented edge.

Sources close to the matter believe that once the deal goes through, Samsung will preload Perplexity AI search tools and an assistant on future Galaxy devices. Interestingly, there is a strong belief that this could happen as early as the Galaxy S26 lineup, due next year in January 2026. The report also suggests that both companies have also talked about integrating Perplexity AI's features into Samsung's Bixby assistant and Samsung Internet Browser.

Samsung is also purportedly planning to be the leading investor in the AI startup with its upcoming $500 million funding at a $14 billion valuation. This would be Perplexity's second major smartphone partnership yet, after recently partnering with Motorola.

While both Samsung and Perplexity haven't responded to this news, it could be a big upset for Google. This move allegedly means that Samsung wants to cut down its reliance on Google and pave the way to "work with a mix of AI developers," similar to Apple's way of dealing with AI-related services.

Image via Depositphotos

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Swirling rumors and speculations have given us a glimpse into what to expect from the next-gen Apple smartwatches. Here's a roundup of all we know about the Apple Watch Series 11 so far.

More Apple Watch models for the September event

Apple's September 2024 event saw the Watch Series 10 as the only smartwatch for the entire year. However, this year's event might also introduce the next-gen Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside a new, cheaper SE variant. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to get a sharper display, satellite connectivity, and hypertension detection capability. As for the latest Apple Watch SE, it could get a makeover, a new chip, and a plastic body to lower manufacturing costs.

Design remains relatively unchanged

Given that last year's Watch Series 10 got a refined design, it's less likely to see any noticeable change to this year's Watch Series 11. However, Apple might still try to give a slimmer profile to the Watch and make it lighter.

The device is expected to launch in 42mm and 46mm variants. Other changes we are likely to see in Watch Series 11 include a higher-resolution LTPO display with more energy-saving capabilities and a better battery life with fast charging.

While previous rumors said that Apple might add cameras to its smartwatches, the latest report by Gurman suggests that Apple has abandoned the plan and that its watches will not feature cameras anytime soon.

A revamped WatchOS is on the way

Bloomberg's Mark Guram already reported that Apple's major UI overhaul won't be limited to iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices; the company will also extend it to WatchOS and tvOS. For the software, you can expect to see a revamped WatchOS with a glass-like UI redesign. More details about Apple's new software will go public at the upcoming WWDC on June 9.

The new UI design across Apple operating systems will take cues from Vision Pro's visionOS, bringing a unified and sophisticated design to all Apple ecosystems.

A faster processor with each new generation

Apple Watch has a new processor for every generation, and the Watch Series 11 is expected to continue this trend with a new, faster S11 chip under the hood. This chip, which also powers Watch Ultra 3

Apple Watch Series 11 is also rumored to support 5G RedCap through a MediaTek modem and satellite connectivity for sending texts and SOS messages.

New life-saving and fitness features are down the road

Blood pressure monitoring has been a constant part of all the Apple Watch Series 11 rumors. After years of anticipation, we might finally see the feature land on Apple Watch devices this year. Gurman reported that Apple has faced difficulties testing the feature as it requires new sensors and changes to the watch design.

As for Blood oxygen monitoring, Apple hasn't yet resolved its patent dispute with health startup Masimo. So, US-based customers won't get Blood oxygen monitoring on their Apple Watch Series 11 anytime soon. Glucose monitoring is also said to be down the road, but it won't land on this year's Apple watches.

Apple Watch Series 11 is also expected to get a revamped Health app that will focus on AI features powered by Apple Intelligence and provide personalized recommendations based on the user's health condition.

Tariffs are looming over Apple

In recent years, Apple has shown little interest in raising the prices of its smartwatches. Meanwhile, tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods and products from China and other countires might force Apple to increase prices in the US.

If the current tariff dispute between Apple and Trump is resolved, the Apple Watch Series 11 price could start at $399.

What do you think about Apple Watch Series 11? Can these new features convice you for an upgrade?

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However, it appears that Apple did give some leeway to users with devices running older versions of iOS, extending support until June 1. Now that the grace period has ended, WhatsApp has officially updated its support page, which states that the messenger app is currently supported on Android 5.0 or newer and iOS 15.1 or newer.

What does this mean? To continue using WhatsApp, you have to have an Android phone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or above and an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or above (launched in October 2021) to use WhatsApp. So, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 6 Plus will lose WhatsApp support on June 1.

If you are unsure which Android version your phone is running, go to Settings > System > About Device and check the Android version. If it is below Android 5.0, then it is time to say goodbye to it, if you want to continue using WhatsApp. On iPhone, you need to head over to Settings > General > About.

WhatsApp says that owners still hanging onto older Android phones or iPhones will be reminded and notified a few times to upgrade to a newer phone. If you believe WhatsApp is something you cannot live without, it is a good time for you to upgrade to a newer Android phone, as Samsung recently launched its slimmest Galaxy phone, the Galaxy S25 Edge.

For iOS users, you can wait until September, when Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 series, with major design changes.

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Using Google products in 2025 means using (or avoiding) AI features, which are becoming a core part of the experience across the board. Last year, Gmail gained the ability to summarize emails on demand. Now, Google says AI summaries will be generated and displayed automatically in the Gmail app for Android and iOS.

Before this latest change, you had to tap the "Summarize this email" chip at the top of the screen to generate an AI summary of the message contents. Google has decided to make this automatic for emails "where a summary is helpful." That means messages that are longer or threads that contain multiple replies. The announcement is a bit vague about how much detail will trigger a summary, but it probably won't take much, as Google wants people interacting with AI features as much as possible.

Gmail's AI summaries use Gemini to generate a brief list of bullet points that break down the content of the thread. It appears at the top of the app, which may not be ideal. In the same way that AI Overviews appear at the top of search results and push the actual search results farther out of reach, Gmail's AI summaries take up valuable real estate at the top of the screen.

The summaries will appear automatically for English-language emails, but it may take up to 15 days for this change to roll out to everyone. The automatic summaries will appear for all paid Workspace accounts, as well as individual accounts with Google AI Premium subscriptions. It's unclear whether standard Gmail accounts will get the expanded summaries, but the move appears to be a step toward making summaries the default for everyone. Likewise, Google could easily expand the use of summaries in the web version of Gmail at any time.

This block of AI-generated text will soon appear automatically in some threads.

Credit: Google

Summarizing content is one of the more judicious applications of generative AI technology, dating back to the 2017 paper on the transformer architecture. Generative AI has since been employed to create chatbots that will seemingly answer any question, despite their tendency to make mistakes. Grounding the AI output with a few emails usually yields accurate results, but do you really need a robot to summarize your emails? Unless you're getting novels in your inbox, you can probably just read a few paragraphs.

If you're certain you don't want any part of this, there is a solution. Automatic generation of AI summaries is controlled by Gmail's "smart features." You (or an administrator of your managed account) can disable that. Open the app settings, select the account, and uncheck the smart features toggle.

For most people, Gmail's smart features are enabled out of the box, but they're off by default in Europe and Japan. When you disable them, you won't see the automatic AI summaries, but there will still be a button to generate those summaries with Gemini. Be aware that smart features also control high-priority notifications, package tracking, Smart Compose, Smart Reply, and nudges. If you can live without all of those features in the mobile app, you can avoid automatic AI summaries. The app will occasionally pester you to turn smart features back on, though.

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According to a new report by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025. After a two-year gap, the standard iPhone 16 has again secured the top spot in the list. The device recorded its highest growth in the Japanese market, while Middle Eastern and African customers also favored Apple's latest iPhone over competitors.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also ranked second in the list, while the iPhone 16 Pro came third. Apple's strong presence in the top 10 best-selling phones in the first quarter continues with the iPhone 15 base variant. iPhone 16 Pro models accounted for nearly half of Apple's iPhone sales in the first quarter despite facing growing competition in China. The iPhone 16 Plus also ranked 10th in the list.

Moving away from Apple, Samsung's budget-friendly Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A06 were the fifth and sixth best-selling smartphones in Q1 2025, respectively, which demonstrates strong demand for affordable Samsung phones in the market.

Interestingly, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes seventh in the list, a slight decline from the S24 Ultra's fifth spot in Q1 2024. This is mainly due to the S25 Ultra's shorter sales window, and the premium device could secure better spots in the next quarters.

Also, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 4G ranks eighth in the list, demonstrating a 43 percent YoY growth over its predecessor. Xiaomi's devices face strong demand in the Middle East, Africa, and LATAM. Finally, the ninth spot in the list belongs to another mid-range phone from Samsung, the Galaxy A55 5G.

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Google's existing distribution network spans over 2,000 stores nationwide, with fixtures in more than 200 stores. To expand its physical and digital footprint, it has partnered with leading names, including Flipkart, Reliance, and Croma.

However, selling Pixel products to Indian customers directly "represents a cornerstone of Pixel’s strategy in India," Google said. As one of the largest smartphone markets globally, India remains a key focus for Google.

Google has previously committed to investing billions of dollars in India. It was reported earlier this year that Google might select India as the location for its first physical store expansion outside the United States.

The freshly updated Google Store sells a variety of Pixel-branded devices, including smartphones, watches, wireless earbuds, and official accessories. Google has partnered with leading banks to offer no-cost EMIs and instant cashback. Users can also exchange their old devices for bonuses or store credits that can be used for future purchases, similar to Apple.

Google Store's checkout page offers various payment options, including debit and credit cards and India's home-grown Unified Payments Interface (UPI). However, the online store is yet to add payment wallets, which are also quite popular in the country.

Unlike its US counterpart, Google doesn't sell the Pixel Tablet and Nest-branded smart home devices on its online store.

The latest digital expansion brings Google several steps closer to Apple, which already operates an online store in India. In 2023, Apple launched two physical stores in Delhi's Saket and Mumbai's BKC.

Google is also ramping up post-sales support for Pixel devices, offering same-day repairs at 20 service centers. These include three Google-owned service centers launched last year, which contribute to the search giant's small brick-and-mortar footprint in the country.

Google notes that 7 out of 10 Pixel phones are repaired on the same day, adding that the Google Store now offers users a self-serve interface to raise repair requests and schedule pickups directly from the website.

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WhatsApp for iPad works pretty much the same as any other messenger optimized for large screens. You get a list of your chats on the left and the current chat on the right. It also supports most of the platform's features, including audio and video calls, statuses, communities, and more.

Curiously, nothing in the release notes for today's WhatsApp update in the App Store mentions iPad support, but the app is now fully operational on Apple's tablets. It also supports platform-specific features, such as Stage Manager, Split View, or picture-in-picture. You can also share your screen with others, use front and rear-facing cameras, and more.

A few years ago, WhatsApp acknowledged that iPad support had been a long-requested feature among users. While it is not clear what took WhatsApp so long to address the long-requested feature, it is good to see the company finally delivering a native iPad app, eliminating the need to use the less convenient web interface. Better late than never.

Now, with WhatsApp finally available on iPad, all eyes are on Instagram, which is probably the only social media platform of its size without an iPad app. Last month, rumors arrived about Instagram making the much-anticipated app for iPad, but there are no public announcements or eyes emojis published anywhere.

You can download WhatsApp for iPad from the App Store using this link.

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WhatsApp dropped a small teaser about its iPad app on the social media platform X. Out of nowhere, WhatsApp replied with the "eyes" emoji to a post made by a user more than a month ago.

It's still hard to say if the eyes emoji suggests an immediate launch of WhatsApp for iPad. The Meta-owned company has tested WhatsApp's iPad version in Apple's TestFlight for almost two years. While the program no longer takes new beta testers, users have tossed around its link on social media platforms like Reddit.

WhatsApp's lack of an iPad app is even more surprising because it already has a native app for the ARM-powered Mac. For the uninitiated, Apple ditched Intel in 2020 and transitioned to its home-baked silicon.

Furthermore, the iPad single-handedly represents Apple in the tablet world, competing against Android devices from multiple brands. Data from StatCounter suggests that Apple sweeps almost half the global tablet market share.

The teaser comes not long after reports of a native Instagram app for iPad in the making. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri previously said the lack of a large enough user base is why a native Instagram app couldn't happen.

In WhatsApp's case, the instant messaging platform started with a single-device focus and tied user accounts to their phone numbers. It was only in recent years that WhatsApp added features like multi-device support, companion devices, and the ability to transfer WhatsApp chats across platforms. You can also link your email address to WhatsApp for two-factor authentication and re-registration.

Meta has more reasons than before to bring its social apps to the iPad. Its rival, Snapchat, launched a native app for iPad in 2024, almost 13 years after the app arrived on iPhone. While an iPad app is still on the way, you can use the instant messaging app on iPad via WhatsApp Web.

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OnePlus thrives on trends—if other smartphone makers are doing something, you can bet OnePlus is going to have a take. The company recently confirmed it's ditching the storied alert slider in favor of an Apple-like shortcut button called the Plus Key, and that's not the only trend it'll chase with its latest phones. OnePlus has also announced an expanded collection of AI features for translation, photography, screen capture, and more. OnePlus isn't breaking new ground here, but it is cherry-picking some of the more useful AI features we've seen on other phones.

The OnePlus approach covers most of the established AI use cases. There will be AI VoiceScribe, a feature that records and summarizes calls in popular messaging and video chat apps. Similarly, AI Call Assistant will record and summarize phone calls, a bit like Google's Pixel phones. However, these two features are India-only for now.

Globally, OnePlus users will get AI Translation, which pulls together text, voice, camera, and screen translation into a single AI-powered app. AI Search, meanwhile, allows you to search for content on your phone and in OnePlus system apps in a "conversational" way. That suggests to us it's basically another chatbot on your phone, like Motorola's Ask and Search feature, which we didn't love.

OnePlus also promises some AI smarts in the camera. AI Reframe will analyze what's in your viewfinder and suggest different framing options. AI Best Face 2.0 (which will roll out later this summer) will analyze and correct things like closed eyes or "suboptimal expressions." This sounds like a OnePlus version of Google's Best Take, but we're not complaining—that's a great feature. The OnePlus can work with group shots of up to 20 people, and you can even feed it photos taken on other phones to fix everyone's face.

Core to OnePlus' approach is a feature called AI Plus Mind, which is integrated with the Plus Key. It allows you to capture content on your screen and save it to an AI-curated "Mind Space." Again, OnePlus appears to be taking a page from Google's playbook with its own version of the Screenshots app. The OnePlus feature can allegedly extract useful information, like calendar appointments, so you don't have to add them to your agenda manually. A future update will also add automatic categorization of content in Mind Space.

The Plus Key includes customizable shortcuts and connects to the "Mind Space" screen recorder.

Credit: OnePlus

The company says it's using a hybrid approach to processing, which keeps sensitive data on your phone and only reaches out to the cloud when more power is needed. The specifics of the OnePlus system are still vague. Samsung includes a toggle to disable cloud processing, but Google just does what it thinks is right behind the scenes. We sure would like it if OnePlus borrowed from Samsung here.

OnePlus is following Samsung's lead in at least one way. When Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 series, it included the first example of Gemini working across apps outside of Google's Pixel phones. Now, OnePlus will follow suit. As part of the OnePlus AI rollout, Gemini will gain the ability to interact with OnePlus apps like Notes and Clock.

Many of these new OnePlus AI features will debut on the company's new OnePlus 13s, a variant of the China-only OnePlus 13T. However, the US and Europe are again being left out of the fun, with the 13s launching exclusively in India. Future OP devices will also be adopting the Plus Key, offering similar quick access to these AI features. Existing devices in the OnePlus 13 family will also get an update enabling most of these AI features. So even if you don't buy a new phone, you're getting more AI.

Wipe that suboptimal expression off your face—don't you know it's the AI era now?

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The UI overhaul project, codenamed “Solarium,” focuses on a glass-like redesign. In his latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman writes that Apple’s UI overhaul will be the main topic at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. As the report reads, the new design is “slicker and more modern” and helps Apple bring a consistent and unified appearance to its various operating systems.

Initial reports suggested that the upcoming UI overhaul would affect iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. However, Gurman says tvOS and watchOS are next in line to get the new UI.

“That means tvOS and watchOS will both be redesigned to match their more popular siblings, while visionOS will get some adjustments — in cases where the changes make sense for a headset.”

Gurman also added that the upcoming Apple UI overhaul will be much more widely felt than the iOS 7 redesign in 2013, which was the biggest change to the iPhone interface at the time.

It remains to be seen how Apple’s approach to a unified UI across its operating system will end up. Minimizing differences might help users get a unified experience, but it might also have its own critics among the Apple fan base.

Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held online from June 9 to June 13. The Cupertino tech giant is expected to reveal its latest operating systems with the new UI in the event, including iOS 19, iPadOS 19, WatchOS 12, macOS 16, and visionOS 3. Apple also pulls back the curtain on some new Apple Intelligence features at this event.

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As a quick reminder about Jony Ive's background, he served as Apple's chief designer for many years and laid down the design cornerstone of some of Apple's best-selling products, such as iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices. While Ive left Apple in 2019 to work on personal projects, Apple always claimed he kept his close relationship with the company leadership.

The $6.5 billion deal between OpenAI and Jony Ive might not have so much to do with Apple at first glance. However, positioning Apple's former design chief as OpenAI's head of product design could be a wake-up call for Apple in many ways. In the launch video, Ive said, "I am absolutely certain that we are literally on the brink of a new generation of technology that can make us our better selves."

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described Jony Ive as the "greatest designer in the world" and said the company is "excited to try to create a new generation of AI-powered computers."

OpenAI has not yet explicitly stated whether it wants to launch an AI product to rival Apple or any other smartphone maker. Most AI hardware claimed to replace smartphones has miserably failed so far due to the immaturity of technology and design. But that certainly would not prevent OpenAI from pushing the envelope.

Previous reports suggested that Jony Ive is working on a screenless AI phone. The device could be controlled via voice commands and serve as a potential replacement for conventional smartphones. The project could be the same trump card OpenAI is looking for in the AI hardware market.

It remains to be seen how Apple would react to the recent partnership between its former design chief and OpenAI, a company that outpaced Apple in the AI race. However, even top Apple executives allegedly see AI hardware as a threat to the iPhone's reign. In testimony during the US government's antitrust case against Google, Apple services chief Eddy Cue explicitly said customers might no longer need an iPhone 10 years from now.

Via: Bloomberg

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Standby mode on Android 16 is expected to display a full-screen clock, photo frame, widgets, on compatible devices. But, there's more. Android Authority reports that the recent release notes from Google mentioned a new feature for phones that will allow users to use "Cast on standby-friendly devices". This likely means that Android is adding a different version of the tablet-exclusive Hub Mode, which you can see in the screenshot here, for Android phones.

Google is probably adding the option to Cast to phones that support magnetic charging. Here's why. Standby mode needs the device to be in a horizontal orientation, but it's not easy to charge a phone when it is held sideways, but what if you didn't need a wired charger. Unlike MagSafe technology that is used in Apple's iPhones, magnetic charging hasn't been available on Android until last year, on the HMD Skyline. More devices are said to be adopting the standard, which could have motivated Google to bring standby mode for Android.

Qi2 wireless charging, which is the standard for magnetic charging, is said to be coming to a Samsung Galaxy device this year. Google may also add support for Qi2 in the upcoming Pixel 10 devices that could be launched in August 2025.

Google is bringing lock screen widgets to Android 16, and these widgets are part of Android's Hub Mode that could be added to Android's standby mode. It could be one of many features that are being baked in to Android 16, which has been codenamed as Baklava. The next gen operating system offers Advanced Protection to prevent USB-based attacks, Identity Check, etc.

Android 16 is expected to be launched during Google I/O 2025, which is scheduled to start on May 20.

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OnePlus announced the launch via its official European handle on X, hinting at the features of the upcoming OnePlus Pad 2 tablet. The company has confirmed that the tablet will be powered by Qualcomm's latest and greatest, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The company has also suggested upgrading its in-house multitasking feature, Open Canvas. Open Canvas is one of the best multitasking features on Android. It was first introduced in the 2023 OnePlus Open foldable phone and later expanded to tablets and smartphones.

There is also a mention of "seamless iOS syncing." While exact details aren't known, the feature could allow users to wirelessly transfer files or other data between their Android tablet and any iOS device.

OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus Pad 3 will launch in Storm Blue on June 5, 2025. The official page for the tablet is also live, suggesting the launch will happen at 2:30 AM EST. Interested users can head over to the website and subscribe for $30 off or stand a chance to win the OnePlus 13R for free.

There are also exclusive pre-order deals, such as two gifts of up to $269, which could include a OnePlus Pad 3 Smart Keyboard, a OnePlus Stylo 2, or a OnePlus Pad 3 Folio Case. Then, a trade-in program will offer up to $100 off in exchange for an eligible device. Students will get an extra $10 off.

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According to a new report by a Korean source, the iPhone 17 Air battery has a capacity of 2,800 mAh, which is noticeably lower than the current 3,561 mAh battery on iPhone 16. This is also the second-lowest battery capacity among Apple iPhones since the iPhone X, which had a capacity of 2,716 mAh.

If the iPhone 17 Air launches with a 2,800 mAh battery, it will struggle against its direct rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge, which has a 3,900 mAh battery. Samsung says this battery should last for a day, but for the iPhone 17 Air, you should probably lower your expectations even more.

Scratching inches from phones comes at a cost, and in the case of ultra-thin phones, you need to trade off battery capacity to get a thinner phone. Meanwhile, the durability of slim phones is another problem you must keep up with.

However, the reason behind the iPhone 17 Air's lower battery capacity compared to the Galaxy S25 Edge might lie in its thickness. While the S25 Edge boasts a thickness of 5.8mm, the Korean source claims the iPhone 17 Air is 5.5 mm thick and weighs approximately 145g. A slimmer design means there would be less space for the battery.

Some rumors also suggest that Apple might use a denser battery or employ artificial intelligence to improve battery life in the iPhone 17 Air. We should probably take these claims with a grain of salt for now.

What do you think about the iPhone 17 Air's battery capacity? Are you willing to sacrifice battery capacity to achieve a slim design?

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