All articles tagged with #ios
OpenAI's ChatGPT for iOS now lets users quickly attach one of their four most recent photos by long-pressing the + button in the prompt box, streamlining visual-search prompts as part of this week's feature drop that also includes time awareness and performance/UI improvements.
Reddit users report that Rich Communication Services (RCS) stops working on newly switched Android devices using Google Messages, with error code 3100 indicating a server connection issue; Google advises updating the app, turning RCS off and on, clearing Carrier Services data, rebooting, and sending diagnostics if needed. Some users claim a VPN workaround (connect to a VPN, turn RCS off/on, then disconnect) helped, but downgrading Google Messages is not advised. The issue appears during device transfers and may relate to cache/data from the switch or incomplete number porting, with cross‑platform RCS requiring carrier support and up-to-date software.
Apple has released iOS 26.6.1 (along with companion updates for macOS and visionOS), delivering fixes for more than 20 security vulnerabilities on iPhone. Most patches affect WebKit, with additional updates in Audio, ImageIO, and Kernel. The update is available now, with Apple signaling that iOS 27 could arrive soon and plans to push security fixes more regularly due to AI-powered hacking risks.
Sonos’ latest iOS app update adds support for Apple’s Live Activities, letting iPhone users view basic playback details and control music or podcasts from the lockscreen after starting playback. Album art isn’t shown yet, and the feature must be enabled in both the Sonos app and iOS settings; it will disappear from the lockscreen 15 minutes after playback ends. The update also includes watchOS and CarPlay support, though those platforms don’t yet offer lockscreen controls. Sonos says it’s continuing to refine the feature and lock-screen experience.
Apple released iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, visionOS 26.6.1, and macOS 26.6.2 with security fixes first revealed in beta builds; it also rolled out iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10, with visionOS fix details coming soon.
The Sonos iPhone app now supports iOS Live Activities, displaying the current room playback on the Lock Screen after you start playback and removing it 15 minutes after you stop. To make changes, you must unlock your iPhone with Face ID or a passcode. Live Activities also work in CarPlay and Apple Watch with limited controls; album art isn’t supported yet. You can disable the feature in the Sonos app settings, and playback can still be controlled via AirPlay, Bluetooth, or other supported methods.
iOS 27 will enable inline, threaded replies to Android messages in Messages using the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard, with emoji reactions also clarified. The feature rolls out on supported iPhones in September and depends on carrier support at both ends. To check readiness, go to Settings → Apps → Messages → RCS Messaging; if the option isn’t visible, your carrier hasn’t enabled it yet.
An opinion piece argues iOS and iPadOS should adopt Material You–style color theming driven by icon colors (with optional wallpaper matching) to expand customization beyond light/dark modes, noting Apple’s prior icon tinting steps and Mac’s system tint options, as well as recent color theming in Xcode.
iOS 27 beta 5 adds a Liquid Glass transparency slider in Settings → Appearance, letting users dial how glassy the UI looks; the Ultra Clear setting is now more transparent than in earlier betas, with tweaks like redesigned app icons and new Siri AI voice options.
Apple’s iOS 27 public beta 3 lands for iPhone, headlined by Siri AI powered by Apple Intelligence with ongoing conversations, on‑device context, and deeper third‑party app access; it also revamps Screen Time, adds broader Liquid Glass customization, and delivers performance improvements like faster app launches and quicker AirDrop. Additional AI‑driven updates span Safari, Photos, Passwords, and Shortcuts, while some features require newer hardware (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro+/iPhone 17 series). Compatibility starts at iPhone 11 and up, with beta installation steps provided.
iOS 27 beta 5 reveals that higher iCloud+ tiers will unlock more Apple Intelligence features, including expanded AI usage and HomeKit Secure Video capabilities. A beta UI shows how many cameras get AI summaries depending on the plan (e.g., 2TB supports AI for five cameras, 12TB for fifteen), though the exact mappings aren’t fully clear and may be a beta bug.
Apple released iOS 26.6.1 beta for iPhone and also began beta testing iOS 27 beta 5, plus betas for iPadOS 26.6.1 and macOS 26.6.2 — an unusual move for a minor update that’s expected to include security fixes and bug fixes; those on iOS 27 beta won’t see the 26.6.1 option.
Apple released iOS 27 beta 5 for developer testers, introducing Siri AI and Apple Intelligence enhancements along with UI refinements such as updated icons for Safari, Siri, Remote, and Preview and improvements to Liquid Glass visuals. Siri’s voice gains British English support. A new “Before Search” section in Search Settings lets users toggle app suggestions, shortcuts, and recent searches, affecting Home Screen Search. The update supports iPhone 11 and newer, plus iPhone SE 2 and newer, and is installed via Settings > General > Software Update; Apple plans further beta testing through August with a September public release alongside the new iPhone lineup.
An Engadget piece by Adnan Ahmed recounts switching from iPhone back to Android, noting that migration is easier now and Google services sync smoothly, but the main friction is ecosystem lock-in (iMessage, Apple Watch compatibility, AirPods feature gaps) and app availability. Android wins in file management and hardware variety, while Apple offers longer software support; overall, the switch is doable, but you’ll still feel the pull of Apple’s ecosystem and some missing iOS-native experiences.
The guide explains built-in iOS/iPadOS options to hide apps, such as long-pressing an app and choosing Require Face ID or Hide and Require Face ID to either lock the app or remove it from the Home Screen. Hidden apps live in the App Library’s Hidden folder and require authentication to view, but traces remain in Settings (Hidden Apps, Activity, Battery usage) and App Store purchase history. Unhiding is possible by selecting Don’t Require Face ID, then re-adding the app via Spotlight. Additional controls like Screen Time, Downtime, Content & Privacy Restrictions, and adjusting notifications or search can further limit visibility. The article notes that hiding isn’t foolproof and recommends broader protections for security, such as Stolen Device Protection.