Google teased its Android tablet at I/O 2022 that would use chipsets produced by Google Tensor - the company’s semi-custom silicon chip. According to Wojciechowski, the tablet is currently undergoing the Engineering Validation Test (EVT), which is conducted on prototypes to ensure a smooth performance. He claims that Google has sent some of its prototypes to India to complete certifications and the EVT. Since the tablet has entered the EVT phase, it could mean it is somewhat complete and could launch earlier than expected.

If the rumors are true, the Google Pixel Tablet would have a 10.95-inch screen size and come with support for a Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) 2.0 stylus. Additionally, the tablet will have two models: 128 GB and 256 GB models that can support Wi-Fi 6. It could also have magnetic connectors at the back that could transform it into a dockable tablet.

9to5Google said these specifications are common in tablets nowadays and can be seen in the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tabs 7 and 8. However, it could potentially be the first tablet to run Android 13’s 64-bit only version. There have not been any further announcements regarding the product, but recently, Google confirmed the pre-order date in October for the latest Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

Source: 91Mobiles via 9to5Google

Leaks suggest the Google Pixel Tablet could have up-to 256 GB of storage and Wi-Fi 6 support

Google is replacing Assistant Reminders with Tasks. Users will be able to utilize Assistant to create reminders. But these will head to the Tasks app and show up in the Android app alongside the web-based sidebar.

Traditionally, Android users added Assistant Reminders using the “Hey Google” voice commands. These were also present in the Google Calendar. Moving forward, all these reminders will collect at a single destination. Due to the transition, reminders will disappear from Google Calendar, and so will “Goals”. Incidentally, there’s a Google Keep app with similar features, but Google isn’t retiring it.

The current iteration of the Tasks app is quite basic. However, Google is expected to improve the app. Moreover, the Tasks app and its notification system aren’t restricted to one device. Users can create Tasks with “Hey Google” on phones, Smart Displays, and speakers.

The company claims the Tasks app is more workspace-friendly. This means users can populate the Google Tasks list from the Android and iOS mobile apps, as well as the Workspace sidebar in Gmail, Drive, Docs, and several other supporting devices and platforms. Google has also offered an “Add to Tasks” button in Gmail and Google Chat.

Reminders are a big part of the Google and the Android ecosystem primarily because they can be quickly created using voice commands. Any sudden change could cause disruptions. Hence, Google will keep the transition as an opt-in feature to start before all reminders, including preexisting ones, are moved to Tasks.

All Google Calendar and Assistant Reminders are being moved to the Tasks app

The 3D map is different from the satellite 3D map. The new 3D view shows custom-designed rich elements for neighborhoods, commercial districts, marinas, buildings, and more. Users can see elevation details across a city, new road labels, and hundreds of custom-designed landmarks.

The map also features road details like turn lanes, medians, bus and taxi lanes, and crosswalks as well. Highways with overlapping complex interchanges are rendered in a road-level 3D view making it easier for drivers.

The 3D maps contain everything from Las Vegas' iconic hotels to multi-level expressway interchanges. There is also a nighttime mode with a moonlit glow which activates after dusk.

With iOS 16, drivers can also create routes with multiple stops and sync them with other Apple devices. Transit directions will also show how much a journey will cost, while also allowing users to recharge their transit cards using the Wallet app, all inside Maps. Support for more cities including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver will be added soon.

Via T3.com

Apple's rich detailed 3D maps feature is now rolling out to Chicago and Las Vegas

Although much was talked about regarding the new features like Always-On display and Dynamic Island, among others, Apple didn't go into a lot of details about the performance of the underlying A16 Bionic chipset. The company claimed that the A16's CPU performance was significantly better than 2019's A13. No mention of A15 was made though implying that the gap was probably not too large.

Today, benchmarking firm AnTuTu has shared some performance figures for the iPhone 14 models. Only the data for the Pro and Pro Max models were revealed but that is enough to give us a decently clear picture of what to expect from the non-Pro models. The image below on the left is that of the iPhone 14 Pro while the one on the right shows the iPhone 14 Pro Max:

To gauge the improvement in the A16 Bionic, AnTuTu has also compared the scores of the A16 against the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max that are powered by the A15 Bionic.

While the GPU performance is not groundbreaking by any means, the A16 does show a big jump of close to 30% as compared to A15. The CPU performance uplift though is almost negligible but that was expected given how Apple didn't include the A15 in its own chart.

Source and images: AnTuTu (Weibo)

Official AnTuTu benchmarks for iPhone 14's A16 reveals big jump in GPU horsepower

There was a growing demand from users of the older generation of iPhones to allow them to show iPhone battery percentage directly under the status bar, but Apple hasn’t yielded to those requests completely. As such, the battery percentage indicator will not be visible under the status bar of a few iPhone models. These include iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone 13 mini.

Though Apple has offered no explanation for this change, it suggests a workaround for the problem: add the Batteries widget to the iPhone Home Screen or Today View. On iPhone 13 and other iPhone models with Face ID (iPhone X and later), you can turn on the battery percentage in your status bar by going to Settings > Battery, and turning on the Battery Percentage option. Once enabled, you’ll find the battery percentage sitting inside the battery icon rather than adjacent to it.

As earlier, the battery icon will remain filled in white until it breaches the 20% or lower mark. Then, it will turn red and continue to remain so until the battery dries up completely, unless you turn on Low Power Mode which conserves battery and turns the icon yellow.

Source: Apple via TechRadar

iOS 16 battery percentage won't be visible on all iPhone models

For those unaware, AVIF is an image format like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and WebP. It's developed by the Alliance for Open Media, whose members include Amazon, Apple, ARM, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Huawei, Intel, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, Nvidia, Samsung, and Tencent.

AVIF offers a bunch of features such as lossy and lossless compression and multiple color spaces. The key benefit for end users is that it offers significant savings in bandwidth utilization, which should result in better performance while browsing web pages too.

Although Microsoft Edge does not support AVIF images at all, Chrome has supported it since version 85 on desktop and version 97 on Android. Similarly, Firefox support has also been active in this area since version 93 released last year.

Now, Safari 16.0 on iOS 16 handles AVIF images too, with macOS Ventura and iPadOS support coming next month. Hopefully, this latest addition will also push Microsoft to put some more effort into this area.

If you're interested in all the other changes present in the latest version of Safari too, you can read the detailed changelog here.

Safari in iOS 16 finally supports AVIF images, coming to macOS and iPadOS soon

Apple has begun seeding watchOS 9, tvOS 16, and iOS 16. Around the world, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPhone devices should start receiving these updates. However, Apple has also released several smaller updates for older operating systems, including iOS 15.7, iPadOS 15.7, and macOS Monterey 12.6.

The iPadOS and macOS updates include security-related patches from the newer OS versions. Incidentally, unlike the iPhone and Macs, iPads haven’t received a major update along with the other devices.

Compatible Apple iPad devices will receive iPadOS 16, and Macs will get the macOS Ventura later this year. Apple clearly did not want these devices to remain exposed to the security vulnerabilities, which are patched in the new versions of the OS but aren’t yet fully ready for deployment.

The iOS 15.7 update, on the other hand, ensures the older iPhones that can't run iOS 16, are updated with security patches. Specifically speaking, the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 series, along with the original iPhone SE, among others will be patched, but won’t receive the iOS 16 update.

Additionally, these incremental updates for iOS 15 give people who don't want to upgrade to iOS 16, a way to get security updates. Apple adopted a similar approach when it released iOS 15. The company had sent out iOS 14.8 to supported devices. This allowed people to defer the iOS 15 update without risking their devices and data. It is quite possible that Apple could push all iOS users to update to iOS 16 in the next few months.

Source: Apple via: Ars Technica

Apple sends out iOS 15.7, macOS 12.6 security updates with patches already in iOS 16

Google has revealed a series of new lock screen widgets for the iPhone, including one for Gmail, timed along with the release of iOS 16. A refreshed lock screen is the most obvious change to iOS in this latest update (even if it’s not a new thing for Android users), and Google’s major apps will support it, but you’ll have to wait a little while.

While some developers are pushing updates to their apps today with new widgets, Google says you can expect these to arrive “in the coming weeks,” so until they’re available, we’ll walk you through the showcase.

The Gmail lock screen widget includes several different displays with clean, to-the-point updates, pulling information from your inbox. One is circular and simply indicates the number of new / unread messages in your inbox, while another view is a bar that can display detailed counts for specific sections, like unread messages, promotions, social, unread Google Chat messages, or a simple bar with the date and number of new messages.

Gmail has several widgets designed for the iOS 16 lock screen. Image: Google

For Google Maps, the widget can automatically surface ETAs for places it thinks you’ll need to go, including public transportation details and location reminders. It also has options for single-tap shortcuts that can show you nearby restaurants, shopping centers, coffee shops, and hotels.

Google search has one-tap widget buttons, too, that can open up a search box, prep your phone to search using the camera, go to voice search, or open directly into tools like Google Translate, Google Shopping, and Google Scholar.

Other widgets in the works include several for Google Chrome to open the browser, head to voice search, dive directly into an Incognito tab, or open up the dinosaur game. The Google Drive widget can give you access to starred folders with one click and also notify you when a folder or document has been shared with you, while Google News has a widget to compete with Apple’s own News app, promising you a preview of a headline and story.

Gmail’s iOS 16 lock screen widget looks great, but it’s not coming today

the time has come to update your iPhone. Apple has officially released the final version of iOS 16, which builds on many of the new features introduced in iOS 15, like SharePlay and Focus, and adds greater customization. Below we dive into all the major capabilities now available on your iPhone and how to download the new operating system. We've included details on iPadOS 16, too, but the update for iPads won't be available until October. 

Be sure to read our MacOS Ventura feature roundup for all the new features available for Macs—which will also be released next month.

Updated September 12: We've added details on how to download iOS 16.

Is Your iPhone or iPad Compatible?

With iOS 16, Apple is ending software support for the following devices: the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Basically, if you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-gen iPhone SE), you can download and run iOS 16. That doesn't mean every feature in the update will be available on your iPhone, though, as some features like Live Text work only with iPhones powered by an A12 Bionic chip or newer.

It's a little more complicated for iPads since they don't have sensible naming conventions. Here are the generations that will receive iPadOS 16. You can figure out which model you have by following the directions here.

• iPad: 5th-gen and up
• iPad Mini: 4th-gen and up
• iPad Air: 2nd-gen and up
• 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro: First-gen and up
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro: First-gen and up

How to Install iOS 16

Before downloading iOS 16, we highly recommend backing up your iPhone. It's easy if you do it via iCloud. Go to Settings, tap on your name at the top and then select iCloud. From there, tap on iCloud Backup and toggle it on. Then, tap Back Up Now to trigger a new backup. You also have the option on the previous iCloud page to toggle off specific apps that you don't want included in the backup. If you don't have enough iCloud storage or you just want another method, you can check out our How to Back Up Your iPhone guide for alternative options.

Once that's done, you're ready to install iOS 16. Since this is a hefty update, you should plug your iPhone or iPad into a charger. Then, make sure your devices are connected to Wi-Fi. Next, head to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see an option to download the update. Tap on Download and Install. When the download is complete, you'll need to tap Install Now for the iPhone to begin updating. When your device restarts, the update is complete. The whole process can take some time, so run the update when you won't need to use your iPhone.

Here, we've highlighted the top new features currently available in iOS 16. We'll be adding more continuously as Apple releases updates for the OS.

Apple redesigned the lock screen completely in iOS 16. Notifications now appear on the bottom of the screen so as to not clutter up your beautiful lock screen photo. The clock widget cuts behind the subject of your photo, giving off a cool depth effect, and you can customize its design, from the typeface to the color—just press and hold the lock screen to go into editing mode. 

You can add more widgets below the clock, like weather, activity rings, and the calendar. All the way at the bottom, where the notifications live, you can also pin certain kinds of live activities. For example, if you're following an NBA game, you can see the scores via a pinned notification at the bottom. You can also pin things like Uber rides, workout activities, and Now Playing controls, which can expand to the full lock screen to show album art. 

There's a new wallpaper gallery with tons of designs to choose from, including a live weather lock screen that mimics the real-time weather conditions, or suggestions using photos from your very own camera roll. Apple lets you set up multiple lock screens, and it's easy to cycle through them, just like how you can easily switch watch faces with a swipe on an Apple Watch.

More Focus Improvements

Your lock screen can also be tied to a Focus, meaning you can set a lock screen for your Work Focus and a different one—with a more personal photograph—for your Personal Focus. Swiping to the relevant lock screen will simply trigger that Focus. iOS 16 also adds Focus Filters in apps like Safari, Calendar, Mail, and Messages. This means when you open Safari with your Work Focus turned on, you'll only see work-related tabs. The same goes for the other apps that support these filters, and Apple says developers can take advantage of an API to add support.

Messages, but Editable

Twitter is finally coming around to letting you edit tweets and Apple is getting onboard too. You can edit messages in the Messages app after you've sent them, though you only have a 15-minute window and you can edit them up to five times. You can even “undo send” to recall messages, though this feature expires after two minutes. (The thread indicates when a message was edited or deleted.) Also new is the ability to mark any thread as unread so you can check back on messages at a later time. 

Apple also added SharePlay support to the Messages app. Now, you don't need to FaceTime a friend just to watch a synced movie together—you can start the action in the Messages app and chat with synced video and shared playback controls.

Frequently chatting with Android users? You'll be happy to learn that Apple has gotten rid of reaction texts. Google got rid of this in a recent update on the Android side, and now you won't get bombarded every time your friends like another message. 

If you're a fan of dictating your messages instead of typing (fewer “ducks,” am I right?) then you'll appreciate the improvements to dictation. Now, the keyboard will stay open during dictation so you can easily move between voice and touch. You can tap text to select it and replace it with your voice, and even send emojis without taking forever to find one.

Safari Tab Groups and Passkeys

You can create tab groups in Safari already, such as a collection of tabs for work, but in iOS 16 you can share these groups with other people. You'll also be able to see what tabs people are viewing in real-time.

Everyone wants to get rid of passwords, and Apple is one step closer with Passkeys. These are unique digital keys you can create via Touch ID or Face ID; there's no password to generate or type in, and Apple says they are virtually immune from being phished or leaked in a data breach. They sync across your Apple devices via iCloud Keychain and will work across apps and the web. Apple says it's working with the FIDO Alliance for a cross-platform solution for those who also use non-Apple devices. Read more about how Passkeys work.

Updates to Live Text Visual Look Up 

Live Text, the feature that lets you grab the text in any photo (before or after you snap it), now works with videos. Just pause on any video and tap the text to copy it. There are a few new quick actions when you select particular kinds of text, such as converting currency and translating text.

Visual Look Up is a different feature Apple introduced last year that offered up more information on the photo you were looking at, such as details about a landmark or similar web results. It now supports birds, insects, and statues, but you can also use it to grab the subject from a photo (much like using the Lasso tool in PhotoShop) to paste anywhere, like in a conversation thread in Messages.

Medication Tracking

Apple updated the Health app with a new Medication tab to help make it easier to track your medications. You can use it to add medications you need to take and set reminders (and receive them on the Apple Watch). You can manually type in these medications or just scan the label of the bottle with your phone's camera. The data includes Critical, Serious, or Moderate interactions with the pills. You're able to log when you've taken your medications, too. You can share this health data with family members.

Use Your iPhone as a Webcam

Photograph: Olivia Bee/Apple

You can use your iPhone as a MacBook webcam (the rear cameras, which are significantly better than the webcam cameras), and without needing to plug anything in—your Mac will automatically detect the rear camera and use it for your video calls. (Any MacBook that can run MacOS Ventura will support this feature.) You'll be able to use features like Center Stage, which has the camera following you around a room, and Portrait Mode, which blurs the background to block out the mess behind you. There's even a Desk View mode that utilizes the ultrawide camera to show folks what's on your desk, though I don't want anyone seeing that. Apple says it's working with Belkin on custom mounts to outfit your iPhone on top of the MacBook.

Apple Maps Goes to Vegas

Apple has been slowly redesigning select cities in the US to show off richer data. The company has added Las Vegas, Nevada, to the list, along with six more cities coming by the end of the year. Other Maps updates include the ability to add up to 15 stops before your final destination, which is great for long-distance road trips (and you can set this up on a Mac and send it straight to your iPhone). If you're using public transit, you can now see fares, add transit cards, see low balances, and reload transit cards.

Lockdown Mode

Photograph: Apple

In an effort to help protect your devices from “highly sophisticated cyberattacks,” Lockdown mode adds an extreme layer of additional protection to your iPhone and iPad. When enabled, features, apps, and websites will be limited for security purposes to help keep the malware or spyware from accessing and compromising specific data. You can learn more about Lockdown Mode and how to turn it on here.

Safety Check

This new tool lets you quickly remove all access that you might have granted to anyone in your circles, and includes an emergency reset that will sign you out of iCloud on all other devices, reset privacy permissions, and limit messaging to the device you have in your hand. It also shows you who has access to your devices and apps.

Photograph: Apple

There's now a simpler process for setting up devices for kids. Just bring your iPhone close to your iPad and choose your kids' account. It'll set it up with all the parental controls you configured before. You can even grant screen time extensions in the Messages app instead of having to go into the device's settings. There's also a Family Checklist tool for suggestions like turning on location sharing, tweaking settings as your kids get older, and more.

Other New Features

There are tons of other iOS 16 features. Here are a few more worth calling out:

• Mail: You can now schedule emails, unsend emails (within a short period of time), get reminders to add an attachment if you mention the word, snooze emails, and get follow-up suggestions. Apple says it has overhauled the search function, too, so you should have an easier time finding old emails.
• Home: The Home app has been redesigned from the ground up. It'll support the upcoming Matter standard, and you can now see your entire home in a single feed.
• Handoff FaceTime Calls: When you're FaceTiming on your phone, bring the device close to your MacBook or iPad and the call will transfer to your large-screen device. This works with any MacBook that can run MacOS Ventura.
• Fitness: Yes, that's right. The Fitness app is finally available to anyone with an iPhone. No Apple Watch needed. You'll be able to close your rings without needing to wear your Apple Watch. There are also a bunch of new WatchOS features made for tracking runs.
• Apple News: A new My Sports section lets you follow your favorite teams and players in one area of the News app. You can see scores, schedules, standings, and highlights. It's available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and you'll get premium coverage if you subscribe to Apple News+.
• CarPlay: Apple is working with carmakers on a redesigned CarPlay experience. That includes a customizable odometer, buttons to control every facet of the car, and a unified interface. The first cars to launch with this new experience will be announced late in 2023.
• Accessibility: A few top accessibility features include Door Detection, which lets people who are blind or have low vision use iPhones to see the area in front of them. Apple Watch Mirroring allows anyone with physical and motor disabilities to fully control the Apple Watch from the iPhone.
• Quick Notes: This iPad feature is now available on iPhones. You can create a note anywhere by accessing it from the Control Center.
• Nintendo Controller Support: iOS 16 adds support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons, so you can play games with them. iOS already supports PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers.

Coming Soon

All of the aforementioned features are currently accessible in iOS 16, but there are a couple that will be released with future updates. Apple hasn't given us an exact date on when to expect them aside from later this year or in a future update.

Pay It Later With Apple Pay

Services that let you buy now but pay later have received some pushback from consumer analysts, but Apple is barreling ahead with its own take called Apple Pay Later. In a future update, you'll be able to split the cost of an Apple Pay purchase over four equal payments spread over six weeks with zero interest and no fees. You'll also have the option to apply for Apple Pay Later when you're checking out with Apple Pay (Apple says it will do a soft credit check), and you'll need to have it backed with a debit card. Apple says it's available everywhere Apple Pay is accepted online or in-app. 

You can also see order tracking directly in Apple Pay, though this is available only with participating merchants. And if you're a small business owner, you'll be able to accept Apple Pay payments via iPhone instead of having to use a separate terminal.

Over in Apple Wallet, you can already add your digital driver's license if you're in Maryland or Arizona, and Apple says support for 11 other states is on the way. You're able to use this ID for apps that require identification, and Apple says it only shows necessary information, such as the fact that you're over 21, instead of your full birth date. You can also simply share your home, hotel, office, and car keys through messaging apps like Messages, WhatsApp, and Mail. Apple says it's working on a standard to support sharing these keys with folks that don't have an iPhone.

Freeform

Apple is currently working on debuting an app called Freeform. Think of it as a virtual whiteboard. You can start a FaceTime and hop into Freeform to collaborate with or without an Apple Pencil. It'll be available on iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS.

iCloud Shared Photo Library

Photograph: Apple

You'll soon be able to set up an iCloud Shared Photo Library, similar to how you can set up shared photo libraries in Google Photos. Just add up to five other people to a library and everyone can add and edit family photos. You can choose which photos to share, including whether to base them on a start date or via face detection. There's also a toggle in the Camera app that you can turn on to automatically send the photo you capture to the shared library. If you're all on vacation, these photos can even automatically show up in the shared library based on your proximity to family members.

iPadOS 16

iPadOS shares a lot of DNA with iOS, so many of the iOS 16 features mentioned above will apply to iPadOS 16, too. Here are a few more tablet-specific features coming next month.

Easier Collaboration

Photograph: Apple

Sharing projects can be a pain, what with adding email addresses and granting access. In iPadOS 16 (and iOS 16 and MacOS Ventura), you can use the Share button in Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, and Safari, and just share access via Messages to the relevant thread. Everyone will immediately get access, and will be able to see updates and quickly start FaceTime calls with folks who are in a collaborative project.

The Weather App Arrives

Photograph: Apple

No, it's not 2010. The iPad is finally getting a default weather app. Need I say more? Next, maybe Apple will finally bring the calculator app to the tablet.  

Desktop-Like Multitasking

Photograph: Apple

The iPad is continuing to behave even more like a desktop computer. With Stage Manager, you can see apps and windows on the left side of the screen and switch through them with just a tap. Your apps will appear as floating windows, and you can resize them and have them overlap, much like on MacOS. Unfortunately, Stage Manager only works on M1-powered iPads, which is a small subset of slates.

Reference Mode

Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro (from 2021) has a Mini LED screen that can be utilized as a reference monitor. Basically, creators need color-accurate screens, and a new Reference Mode will let professionals use this iPad screen to ensure consistent image quality.

The Top New Features in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS 16

(May require free registration to view)

iOS 16, announced in June 2022 on WWDC22, is now available for download. Apple has started rolling out its latest major update with various new features, fixes, and security enhancements. In addition to iOS 16, Apple is rolling out watchOS 9 for compatible Apple Watch models (Series 4 and newer).

What iPhones support iOS 16?

You can download iOS 16 on the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS and XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020 model)
• iPhone 12 and 12 mini
• iPhone 12 and 12 Pro
• iPhone 13 and 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022 model)

This year, Apple has left behind several old iPhone models: the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and iPhone 7, alongside its plus-sized variant.

What is new in iOS 16?

Here are some of the biggest changes in iOS 16:

• Redesigned lock screen: users can now personalize fonts, add widgets, and create multiple lock screen designs. iOS 16 lets you link a specific lock screen to a focus profile, so the look and feel of our iPhone match what you do.
• Redesigned notifications and Live Activities: notifications now appear at the bottom of the screen for better accessibility. Also, Live Activities let you get updates and "stay on top of things" without leaving the lock screen.
• Editable and delectable iMessage: similar to popular messengers, iMessage now lets you edit or delete a sent message, plus mark messages as unread. Other iOS 16 improvements for iMessage include SharePlay via Messages and improved collaboration.
• Passkeys: a new sign-in method "that is end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks."
• Mail improvements: the built-in Mail client lets you undo send, schedule an email, and add rich links.
• Smarter Dictation: it is now easier to move from voice input to the keyboard, plus Smart Dictation can automatically add commas, periods, question marks, and even emojis.
• Intelligent features: iOS 16 can "lift" a subject from an image and remove the background, and the Live Text feature now works in videos, allowing you to copy text from any video.
• Health improvements: the built-in Health app lets you track medication intake or share medical information with your loved ones or caregivers. Also, the Fitness app is now available for all iPhone users without requiring an Apple Watch.
• Wallet and Apple Pay: Apple Pay customers can use the service to split the cost of purchases into four payments over six weeks and then track receipts and orders directly in Wallet.
• Many more.

How to download and install iOS 16?

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. Wait for your iPhone to detect the update, then tap iOS 16 at the bottom of the screen. Note that you can stay on iOS 15 and continue receiving updates for it, even if your iPhone supports a newer release.
4. Proceed with on-screen instructions.

What about iPadOS 16?

Apple is not ready to ship iPadOS 16 today, but it says the latest iPadOS release will be available in October 2022. Apple could reveal the exact release day alongside new iPads rumored to arrive later this year.

Are you installing iOS 16 today, or are you waiting for Apple to release a few more fixes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple starts rolling out iOS 16 with redesigned lock screen, iMessage improvements, more

Apple's watchOS 9, announced in June on WWDC22, is now available for download on supported Apple Watch models. To get watchOS 9 on your Apple Watch, you need an iPhone with iOS 16, which is also rolling out now.

What Apple Watch models support watchOS 9?

watchOS 9 is available on the following Apple Watch models:

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch SE (first-gen, 2020 model)
• Apple Watch Series 7

This year, Apple has finally ditched the outdated Series 3, the only Apple device with a 32-bit processor. The company no longer sells the Series 3, offering the new SE variant as the most affordable Apple Watch.

What is new in watchOS 9?

Here are the most notable changes in watchOS 9:

• Improved Workout Views: your Apple Watch can show more information when you work out. Turning the Digital Crown reveals new views of additional metrics, such as activity rings, heart rate zones, elevation, etc. Users can also create custom heart rate zones and set work and recovery intervals to suit their training. There are automatic transitions between swim, bike, and run for triathletes swimming enhancements.
• Medication tracking: you can track medication intake using your Apple Watch. The device will send you a notification with the option to log medication, vitamins, and supplements.
• Reworked Sleep Tracking now shows sleep stages and awake periods, plus there are comparison charts with heart and respiratory rate metrics.
• New Watch Faces: no major watchOS release without new watch faces. Apple has generously provided three new faces this year: Metropolitan, Joi Fulton, and Astronomy (remastered). Besides, some older faces received support for rich complications and colorful backgrounds.

• 

   

• AFib History: users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation can track their AFib history and see how different factors influence their heart condition.
• Accessibility improvements: the Apple Watch now lets you double-pinch your fingers to start a workout or take a photo, plus you can operate the Watch from your iPhone.
• Redesigned notifications: notifications on the Apple Watch no longer take over the entire screen. Instead, they appear as unobtrusive banners when the Watch is in use.
• Productivity improvements: you can create new calendar events directly from your Apple Watch and use the built-in keyboard (Series 7, Series 8, and Ultra) in seven new languages.
• More minor changes.

How to download watchOS 9?

If you own a compatible Apple Watch, update your iPhone to iOS 16 first, then launch the Watch app and navigate to General > Software Update.

Are you updating your Apple Watch today? What new feature or changes excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple starts rolling out watchOS 9 with improved sleep and workout tracking

As spotted by Leopeva64-2, Edge for Android has received a new experimental flag to improve how the browser blocks ads. With the new configuration, Edge for Android should block video ads better, such as YouTube prerolls. According to Leopeva64-2, the flag blocks video ads reasonably well, but your experience might be slightly different.

To test the updated ad blocker in Microsoft Edge on Android, download the browser from the Google Play Store and go to the edge://flags/#edge-block-video-ads page. Set the flag to Enabled and restart the browser. After that, try opening YouTube or any other website containing video ads.

Do you think the improved built-in ad blocker is enough to tempt Android customers to ditch Chrome or Samsung Internet? Share your thoughts in the comments.

As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support!

Microsoft Edge on Android gets improved video ad blocking

Android 13 raises minimum system requirement to 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage

Taking the app to version 1.1.222, the latest update introduces a couple of changes and bug fixes. After installing it, OnePlus users will be able to dismiss the battery optimization bar. There is something for Xiaomi users too. SMS Organizer now shows an auto-start permission dialog to avoid data loss for devices running the MiUi. Also, Microsoft claimed to have fixed the View Conversation crash issue.

The SMS Organizer app supports some unique features, including support for multiple attachments in a single message, the ability to rename group conversations, and the ability to handle share contact as vCard event. You can also keep an eye on your financial details right from the app. It also provides you the details about discounts available on different platforms. It also shows reminders of your upcoming events.

If you are living in the above-mentioned countries and have not given SMS Organizer a try, you can download and install the app on your Android phone from Google Play Store.

Microsoft’s SMS Organizer gets updated with new features and bug fixes

iOS 16 launches September 12

The Pro gains a new 48-megapixel main camera. Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge

Apple just announced the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. They’re big upgrades to last year’s iPhone 13 Pro handsets with always-on screens, a new pill-shaped cutout that moves and animates, a faster A16 Bionic chip, and even an improved 48-megapixel camera.

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max look very similar to last year’s 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, until you look more closely at the display. The new pill-shaped cutout means the notch is gone, kind of. It actually moves around and animates, in what Apple calls the Dynamic Island. Notifications and alerts will adapt and move around the pill-shaped notch, and Apple is using this system for live activity widgets and even when you swipe up to move background tasks like music playback to the island.

The Dynamic Island is a big change for the iPhone 14 Pro, and its shape-shifting seems to be a playful way to make better use of the notch real estate. If you can’t lose it, use it, I guess?

Also new to the displays on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max is an always-on feature. It works by showing widgets of information on the display without it needing to be powered on. You can check out weather, calendar information, and more. It looks great, and wallpapers even darken to match the always-on mode.

It wouldn’t be a new iPhone without new cameras, though. For the first time ever, the iPhone is moving away from a 12-megapixel sensor to a 48-megapixel one. Improvements include advancements in low-light photography, all using a quad-pixel sensor with f/1.78 aperture and 24mm focal length.

For most photos, the sensor will take 12-megapixel binned photos to maximize light capture. This also allows Apple to crop the sensor in different ways to deliver true 2x zoom at a 48mm focal length.

Also inside the iPhone 14 Pro models is Apple’s upgraded A16 Bionic chip. It’s hard to test the performance in the limited hands-on time we get with these devices, but Apple says it has focused on power efficiency, display, and camera with its new chip. This new chip also helps power the new Dynamic Island system.

All in all, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max feel every bit as solid as the previous generation, with some interesting improvements under the hood — particularly to the camera — that we’re eager to dive into.

Hands-on with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max

The 14 and 14 Plus keep the notch.

The iPhone 14 is here, and it’s available in two sizes this year: regular and big. The standard iPhone 14 sticks with the 6.1-inch display — notch intact — and the 14 Plus brings a big 6.7-inch screen to the standard, non-pro iPhone series for the first time. That’s the story: aside from the new size, not much else has physically changed from the iPhone 13.

The 14 looks and feels identical to the 13, and the 14 Plus is a bona fide big phone. Apple makes some big claims for its battery life, too, calling it the best battery performance of any iPhone to date. The screens are both Super Retina XDR displays. The 14 Plus looks every bit as big as the 13 Pro Max but is noticeably lighter.

Apple is sticking with the iPhone 4-era flat screens and rails it brought back in 2020, and I, for one, am glad to see the design hanging around — I’ve felt the rounded edges of my iPhone 11 slip out of my hand one too many times. It’s a design that worked in 2010, and it still works in 2022, so why mess with it?

Around back, the story is the same: two 12-megapixel cameras — wide and ultrawide — with 12-megapixel sensors behind each lens. There’s not much to see on the hardware level, but the sensor behind the main camera is bigger than in the iPhone 13, with bigger pixels and an f/1.5 aperture.

Another new feature you won’t see on the surface is Emergency SOS, which makes it possible to send messages from areas without cell service by using communication satellites. Both iPhone 14 models support it and will come with the service free for two years.

Overall, the design and hardware are all very familiar by now, and the two phones look and feel like minor refreshes of the 13 — except that it now comes in big. And I’m here to tell you that yes, it is indeed large. If you’ve been eyeing the Pro Max but been put off by its $1,100 (or more) price tag, then the 14 Plus might just be the big iPhone you’ve been waiting for.

Hands-on with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus

The 14 and 14 Plus don’t have a new processor. Image: Apple

Apple has announced that the regular iPhone won’t be getting a new processor this year — instead, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus will be powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same chip that’s in the iPhone 13 Pro — though it does have a bit more grunt than the A15 that was in the regular iPhone 13 and the $429 iPhone SE from earlier this year, thanks to an extra GPU core. This is the first time that Apple’s not updating to a new processor for one of its flagship iPhones since the 2008 iPhone 3G, which featured virtually the same internals as the original iPhone.

The iPhone 14 Pro, meanwhile, has an A16 processor, which the company says is more power efficient, even when doing intensive tasks. The raw specs of the new chip are similar, though — like the A15 in the regular 14, it has a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The new version just has better cores, according to Apple.

The decision not to update the chipset for the standard iPhone 14 isn’t exactly a surprising one. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and reporters like Mark Gurman have been predicting the move for months, and the chip shortage isn’t quite over yet. Using tried and true chips that Apple’s manufacturer already has experience making could help ensure that there are enough processors to meet demand. The older chip could also keep prices down at a time when inflation is bumping up the cost of other gadgets.

While potential iPhone 14 buyers probably won’t have to worry too much about performance — the A15 still outperforms the latest chips from Qualcomm and Google in most benchmarks — there is the question of longevity. While Apple has a great track record when it comes to long-term software support for its phones, I still have to wonder if the iPhone 14’s chip means that it’ll get one or two fewer iOS updates.

The iPhone 14 doesn’t have Apple’s latest processor

The lunar watchface is just one of the many additions coming with watchOS 9. Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge

Apple will release watchOS 9 on September 12th, the company announced at its “Far Out” event today.

The public beta of watchOS 9 has been available since July, showing off a number of useful new features orbiting a more robust suite of fitness metrics alongside other quality-of-life improvements. While it may not be quite as exciting as the announcement of a new Apple Watch or iPhone, the new OS will be available for anyone with at least an Apple Watch Series 4 and an iPhone 8 or later currently loaded with iOS 16.

The last major update to the watchOS gave us the ability to edit messages with the help of the crown on the Apple Watch, the ability to create multiple timers, and added more accessibility features, among several other improvements focused on meditation and mindfulness.

With watchOS 9, changes to fitness tracking features are front and center. The new OS adds metrics for heart rate zones and elevation data while providing new ways to customize how you view information. There’s also a new multisport activity for triathletes, and Apple’s subscription-based workout app, Fitness Plus, is getting updated with new metrics for rowing, cycling, and treadmill workouts.

Outside of a bunch of new numbers to look at while you sweat, watchOS 9 has several wellness-centric improvements. The medication reminders built into the Apple Watch health app are one such addition, and you can even add medications to your schedule by scanning its prescription label. The sleep tracking feature also features comparison charts for various metrics, including respiratory and heart rate.

The watchOS 9 update also comes with even more robust personalization options, allowing you to customize your existing watchfaces with solid and color gradient backgrounds. Additional aesthetic options are a small touch but pay real dividends in making old watchfaces feel new again. Apple has also added watchfaces for the lunar calendar. Lastly, the Portraits watchface now supports pets (finally!). If you want to get a preview of what watchOS 9 has in store, users can still enroll in the public beta through Apple’s website.

Apple’s watchOS 9 launches later this month

At WWDC 2022, Apple confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 3 wouldn’t support watchOS 9. Ever since then, the writing’s been on the wall. And now, it’s official: Apple has finally, finally removed the Series 3 from its online store.

It’s an understatement to say this was a long time coming. Smartwatch hardware generally starts to struggle after about three years, and the Series 3 first launched five years ago in 2017. At the time, it was the first Apple Watch to support LTE connectivity — a massive achievement at a time when few smartwatches were capable of making calls directly from the wrist. When the Series 4 was launched a year later, it remained in the lineup as a cheaper entry-level watch at $199. That’s also how much it cost right up until Apple removed it from the store.

It was a shrewd decision on Apple’s part. For folks who’d never owned a smartwatch before, dropping $400 on the flagship could be unnerving. The discounted Series 3 was potentially a “safer” alternative. But the decision to keep the Series 3 made less and less sense as time went on — particularly after Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE in 2020. Not only that, several Series 3 owners reported issues updating the aging smartwatch to both watchOS 7 and watchOS 8.

Now, with the introduction of a new Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Ultra, there’s simply no good reason to buy a new Series 3. The SE is the new entry-level watch, while the Series 8 replaces it as the “regular” or “midtier” option. The Ultra now sits atop the lineup as the premium model. Technically, Apple should have retired the Series 3 as soon as WWDC was over, but them’s the breaks.

If you happen to be a Series 3 owner, now might be a good time to consider upgrading. It’s time.

Apple discontinues the Apple Watch Series 3

Apple has announced a new Apple Watch SE. An upgrade to the original SE, the new smartwatch is the second generation of the company’s entry-level, cellular-capable model. The new SE will cost $249 for the GPS model and $299 for the cellular model, a $30 price drop from the original SE. The Apple Watch SE is available starting September 16th and can be pre-ordered today.

The Apple Watch SE will support the crash detection feature announced on the Apple Watch Series 8 and will be up to 20 percent faster than the first-gen SE, thanks to the new S8 SiP processor, the same as in the Series 8. The new SE watch comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes in silver, midnight, and starlight, with new color-matched back cases. The 44mm models cost $279 for GPS and $329 for cellular.

The company says the crash detection feature is only enabled when the user travels in a vehicle. The two new motion sensors — an improved gyroscope and a new accelerometer — can detect the moment of impact and can automatically notify emergency services and the user’s emergency contacts.

The new Apple Watch SE also supports international roaming by pairing with an iPhone’s roaming plan. It retains all the standard features of the original SE — a Retina OLED display, optical heart rate sensor, fall detection, emergency SOS, sleep tracking, and water resistance up to 50 meters.  

The cellular version of the SE is popular with parents looking for a way to communicate with school-aged children without committing to an iPhone, and Apple announced that the new SE will work with Apple’s Family Setup feature, which debuted with the SE.

This lets you set up an Apple Watch SE using a parent or caregiver’s iPhone. But then, the device can act independently. That feature wasn’t available on the less expensive Apple Watch Series 3. The new SE also has a 30 percent larger screen than the Series 3 (the same size as the first-gen SE). The Series 3 has officially been discontinued, making the SE the entry-level Apple Watch model.

Since its launch two years ago, the Apple Watch SE line has been a good option for those looking for a more budget-friendly wearable to pair with their iPhone. You sacrifice some higher-end features found on the premium models, such as the always-on display and the new temperature sensor. But you save some cash.

Apple announces a new Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch Ultra has a 49mm case and a flat sapphire crystal display. Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Today was a big day for Apple wearables. Not only did Apple announce the brand-new Series 8, but it also refreshed the SE and unveiled the rugged Apple Watch Ultra. In other words, we have a totally new Apple Watch lineup.

The Apple Watch Ultra is the star of the show because it isn’t something we’ve seen before. It’s got a big honking 49mm rectangular display, which... truly is in a class of its own. Not only is it the biggest Apple Watch screen, but it’s also the brightest at 2,000 nits. As for how that wrist slab feels, it was actually lighter on my wrist than I’d expected, probably because its case is made of titanium. But make no mistake — it is a BIG watch.

Another thing that’s immediately apparent is the design tweaks Apple’s made for the extreme fitness crowd. There’s the new orange Action button, a button guard, and a redesigned crown. The rim around the display is also raised to protect the sapphire crystal display — which is something we saw on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro as well. Plus, that display is truly flat.

Next up is the Apple Watch Series 8. At a glance, there’s really not too much to differentiate it from the Series 7, though I can definitely tell the screen appears bigger. Inside, there’s a new temperature sensor, though it’s not something I was able to really check out here in Cupertino. The sensor is meant to help retrospectively detect ovulation. It’s also got an updated chip — the S8 — which keeps things snappy when you’re swiping through menus. The Series 8 also has a new gyroscope and accelerometer to help call emergency services if it detects you’ve been in a car crash.  

The new SE is also a fairly incremental update. It, too, gets an upgrade to the S8 chip, whereas the original SE was a bit of a Frankenstein watch. It had the processor of the Series 5 mixed in with some sensors used in the Series 6 minus the EKG sensor. The new SE has the same motion sensors as the Series 8 for crash detection and is 20 percent faster than before. The screen is also 30 percent larger than the Series 3, and the sensor array color matches the front. It’s mostly still missing the always-on display and the new temperature sensor.

The Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE are available for preorder today. The Series 8 and SE will ship on September 16, with the Ultra shipping on the 23rd. We’ll be putting all three through their paces, so keep an eye out for our review.

Developing...

Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2, and Ultra hands-on: triple the fun

Apple just held its Far Out event, where it revealed its iPhone 14 lineup, three new Apple Watches, including the long-rumored Apple Watch Ultra, and the next generation of AirPods Pro earbuds.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the show for yourself, you can catch up on all the big news announced here.

The iPhone 14 gets a revived “Plus” model with a bigger size

The iPhone 14 doesn’t come with too many notable upgrades over the iPhone 13, as they both come equipped with the an A15-series chip and a notch. Apple did, however, introduce a new Plus model that comes with a bigger 6.7-inch display and improved battery life.

Both devices come with an upgraded 12-megapixel main camera sensor, as well as a 12-megapixel TrueDepth selfie camera with autofocus.

The iPhone 14 starts $799 and the iPhone 14 Plus starts at $899. You can preorder them on September 9th, with the iPhone 14 to become available starting September 16th and the Plus becoming available on October 7th.

The iPhone 14 Pro has a notchless design with a “dynamic island”

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max come with a few big upgrades, including a design that swaps out the notch for a pill-shaped cutout that houses the camera and under-display FaceID system. Apple calls this the “dynamic island,” as notifications will pop out and move around this space.

Additionally, the Pro line has a more powerful A16 chip, a brighter display, better battery life, and a 48-megapixel rear camera with a quad-pixel sensor. Apple’s bringing always-on displays to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max as well, which dim your lockscreen’s wallpaper when enabled to continue showing notifications without eating up too much battery.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will cost $999 and $1,099, respectively. You can preorder them starting on September 9th, with both devices becoming available on September 16th.

Apple goes all-in on eSIM

Apple announced that it won’t include physical SIM trays with iPhone 14 models sold in the US. The iPhone 14 will use an eSIM instead, also known as a digital SIM card. Apple says eSIMs are more secure and should help users easily switch between carriers — but it could be trickier for anyone used to the simplicity of popping their SIM card out and switching it to another phone to change service.

The iPhone 14 can send emergency messages over satellite

Apple is adding satellite connectivity to the new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro for emergency situations in the US and Canada. If you’re in need of help and have no service, Apple says you should be able to point your phone to the nearest satellite to send an SOS message to a nearby emergency service, as long as the sky is clear. The feature will be included for free on new phones for two years.

Apple introduces the new Apple Watch Ultra for extreme sports

Apple’s brand new Watch Ultra offers a more rugged design for extreme sports athletes. It has a larger 49mm titanium case designed to protect it from wear and tear, along with a new customizable action button to transition between sports. The new Oceanic Plus App also gives Ultra users the ability to track their underwater dives.

The Apple Watch Ultra provides up to 36 hours of battery life on just one charge, with Apple set to introduce a battery optimization feature later this year that will give the Ultra an extended 60-hour battery life.

The Watch Ultra will be available for preorder today for $799, with shipments starting September 23rd.

The Watch Series 8 comes with new temperature sensors

Apple’s next-gen Watch Series 8 has two new temperature sensors — one on the back and one beneath the display — designed to help with fertility tracking. The watch checks your temperature every five seconds, and Apple says it can detect temperature changes as minor as 0.1 degrees Celsius.

There’s also a new crash-detecting feature that senses if you’ve been in a car crash and gives you the option to call for help. Apple announced a low-power mode as well, which disables certain features, like always-on display, to help conserve battery.

The Watch Series 8 starts at $399 for GPS and $499 for cellular. Preorders open today, and it’ll be available starting September 16th.

The Apple Watch SE is back

Apple has introduced the next-generation Apple Watch SE. It comes with an upgraded S8 chip that makes it 20 percent faster than the 2020 model, and also has some of the same capabilities as the Watch Series 8, including crash detection.

You can preorder it today for $249 with GPS or $299 with cellular before it becomes available on September 16th.

The second-generation AirPods Pro are here with better noise cancellation

Apple has announced an upgraded AirPods Pro, which Apple CEO Tim Cook called its “most advanced” so far. They come with a new H2 chip, spatial audio, and have twice the noise canceling capabilities as the previous model.

In addition to an increased 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (or 30 hours with the charging case), there are also speakers installed on each earbud and the charging case, so you can locate them using the Find My app.

You can preorder the AirPods Pro for $249 on September 9th, with availability starting September 23rd.

iOS 16 and watchOS 9 are coming on September 12th

iOS 16 and watchOS 9 will roll out starting September 12th. The iOS 16 update enables new features for the lockscreen, including widgets and notifications that roll up from the bottom of the screen, while watchOS 9 adds a bundle of new fitness tracking metrics.

Apple’s iPhone 14 event: the 9 biggest announcements

In the keynote, Apple highlighted some cool features available on the Apple Watch Ultra. Notable was the compass, which allows adventurers to set waypoints and also backtrack based on their GPS data. If you are out in the wilderness with few landmark features, it can be hard to figure out how to get back to where you started. With Apple Watch Ultra, you can set GPS waypoints and get a path to show you how to return to those points.

To ensure you have waypoints available at all times, the Apple Watch Ultra packs a bigger battery, capable of 36 hours of normal use. Using a low-power setting, you can extend the battery life to 60 hours. Apple will be releasing this premium watch with three new bands suitable for the outdoors – Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band.

Discussing the new Apple Watch Ultra, Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said:

“Inspired by explorers and athletes from around the world, we created an entirely new category of Apple Watch designed for new and extreme environments — it’s the most rugged and capable Apple Watch yet. Apple Watch Ultra is a versatile tool that empowers users to push their boundaries with adventure, endurance, and exploration.”

The Apple Watch Ultra is great for divers as it can be used underwater as deep as 40 metres and comes with an app called Oceanic+ which turns the watch into a dive computer. It provides dive planning, metrics, visual and haptic alerts, ascent ratio, and more. A dive logbook in the app will also sync to your iPhone automatically.

On both the Ultra and Series 8, Apple showed off Cycle Tracking, which uses temperature sensing to provide improved period predictions. If the software notices a deviation in the user’s cycle, it will notify the user, as it could be a sign of a health condition. Additionally, these devices come with Crash Detection, which will call emergency services automatically with your location if you don’t respond within 10 seconds. Details are also shared with an emergency contact.

Pre-orders open today, with availability in stores beginning on September 23 for the Ultra and September 16 for the other two watches. Those who purchase one of the watches will receive three months of Apple Fitness+. Prices for the Apple Watch SE start at $249, the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, and the Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799.

Developing...

Apple unveils the new Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra

Google is rolling out patches to fix some Pixel bugs after the phones received the latest Android 13 update last month. The September 2022 monthly update is being delivered throughout the week to most devices, addressing issues like unexpected battery drain and disabled wireless charging.

The patch won’t arrive on Google’s newest phone, the Pixel 6A, until later this month. The Pixel 6A has one fix specifically included in the list, addressing its fingerprint scanner’s recognition “in certain conditions.” As noted by Consumer Reports, some owners of the new phone have found it will unlock using a finger they hadn’t registered or for the fingerprint of an entirely different person.

For the increased battery drain, Google’s blaming a launcher background activity issue and says it has fixed that in this update. And if your wireless charging wouldn’t always activate, this update is supposed to restore that functionality to the Pixel 4, 4 XL, 5, 6, and 6 Pro.

Google’s turbulent start with the Android 13 launch is unfortunately not a first. The first major Android 12 update last December was supposed to address a number of launch issues and add new features on its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but Google had to pause its rollout after finding that some phones would disconnect or drop calls. It was one of the rockiest starts for a wide release of Android yet, and hopefully, history doesn’t repeat itself with the Pixel 7 launch right around the corner.

Other issues that are being addressed include problems connecting some Bluetooth devices or accessories and correcting lock screen notifications that would only partially display. The version number for the latest update is TP1A.220905.004, and you can see the full changelog listed below.

Battery & Charging

Fix for issue occasionally causing increased battery drain from certain launcher background activities

Fix for issue preventing wireless charging mode to activate in certain conditions *[1]

Biometrics

Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[2]

Bluetooth

Fix for issue occasionally preventing certain Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting

User Interface

Fix for issue occasionally causing notifications to appear truncated on the lock screen

Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.

*[1] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro

*[2] Included on Pixel 6a

First Android 13 patch for Pixels fixes wireless charging and battery drain problems