MacRumors iPhone and iPad Blog: Apps, News, and Rumors

Microsoft is testing a version of its Cortana app for iOS and Android devices that features a major interface overhaul and new features, according to Windows Central. The updated app, which is being tested by beta testers, features a user interface that's focused on conversational experiences with Cortana, along with support for music and podcast suggestions, and a focus on setting reminders,...

Last week, The Information's Wayne Ma reported about a sophisticated fraud scheme in which organized thieves would buy or steal iPhones, remove valuable components like the processor or logic board, swap in fake components, and return the purposefully-broken iPhones to receive replacements they could resell. iPhone Serial Number Reader Apple became aware of the increasing fraud in 2013 and,...

SoundCloud today announced that users on the SoundCloud Go+ subscription plan will now gain access to lossless audio streaming at no additional cost. SoundCloud Go is the company's enhanced streaming service, with three tiers that start at free with 120 million tracks to stream; $4.99/month with 120 million tracks, offline saving, and ad-free streaming; and SoundCloud Go+ with everything in ...

Earlier this year, drone company Skydio introduced its first product, the self-flying R1 drone camera with advanced automation and tracking capabilities. The R1 was designed to be the first fully autonomous drone, able to work without the need for a person controlling its every movement. Prior to today, using the R1 was as easy as tapping a few buttons in the Skydio iPhone app, and now it's...

Ember today announced that its temperature control mugs will now sync with Apple's Health iOS app, allowing users to track their caffeine consumption throughout the day alongside other Health app statistics. The updated Ember app introduces this Health integration, with features like setting a maximum caffeine intake measurement for the day that will warn users when they near the limit. The...

Google has announced it is introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to its Maps coverage, allowing EV drivers to see on the map where they can stop to recharge during their journeys. Searching in Google Maps for keywords like "ev charging" or "EV charging stations" will display the nearest supported stations, including information on the types of ports available, charging speeds,...

Earlier this year, Signify (formerly Philips) debuted a new range of outdoor Hue lighting products that are designed to bring the iPhone-controlled multi-colored lights that you're used to using inside to the outside. There are outdoor spotlights, wall lanterns, pathway lights, outdoor bulbs, and for accent lighting, the Hue White and Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip. Measuring in at 80...

In March, Lyft began testing a monthly subscription plan for select high-frequency users, and today the company announced that a version of this plan will now be available to everyone in the United States by the end of the week. Called the "All-Access Plan," passengers will be able to pay upfront every 30 days, locking in a set price for their rides and not having to pay out for each individual...

Libratone today announced that AirPlay 2 is available for its ZIPP and ZIPP MINI speakers through a firmware update that can be downloaded from the Libratone app. Libratone first announced support for AirPlay 2 back in May when Apple released AirPlay 2 support in the iOS 11.4 update, but it took several months for AirPlay 2 to be implemented. The ZIPP and the ZIPP MINI join several other...

Apple today seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming watchOS 5.1 update to developers, one week after seeding the third watchOS 5.1 beta and a month after releasing the new watchOS 5 operating system. Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to...

Apple today seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming tvOS 12.1 update to developers for testing purposes, one week after seeding the third update and a month after releasing the tvOS 12 update. Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the new tvOS 12.1 beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode. Subsequent betas can be downloaded...

While the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max became available to order less than a month ago, the rumor mill is already looking ahead to next year. In a research note to investors, shared by the Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said 2019 iPhones will have the same IP68-rated water resistance as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Both devices are water resistant up ...

At its annual Adobe Max conference, Adobe announced plans to bring a complete version of Photoshop to the iPad in 2019. Photoshop CC for iPad will feature a revamped interface designed specifically for a touch experience, but it will bring the power and functionality people are accustomed to on the desktop. Photoshop users will be able to open and edit native PSD files right on the iPad...

Live TV streaming service PlayStation Vue recently added support for Apple's TV app on fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV devices, as well as on iOS. With this addition, PS Vue subscribers can now sync the on-demand movies and TV shows they watch within Sony's app to the TV app, making it easier to jump directly into a PS Vue stream. The update is evident when browsing for movies and TV...

Anki, known for its lineup of Overdrive iPhone-controlled cars and the Cozmo robot, today announced the official launch of its newest product, the Vector home robot. Vector first debuted on Kickstarter back in August, where it earned nearly $2 million in funding. Unlike Cozmo, Anki's first robot, Vector is not a toy and is instead meant to be a robot companion. Vector is autonomous,...

With the launch of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X last year, Apple made some changes to the way a forced restart is performed and also to the way the devices are put into DFU mode. These changes remain in place for Apple's latest iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR devices. A forced restart can be used if an iPhone is freezing, throwing up errors, or has stopped responding...

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with WhyWood to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win something a little bit out of the ordinary - a high quality wooden iPhone and Apple Watch dock made primarily by hand in Switzerland. The WhyWood Dockit W3, made from oak or walnut, can charge multiple devices all at once. It has a 7.5W wireless charger for charging the latest 2017 and 2018...

We're entering the final days of our latest exclusive sale with accessory maker Anker, in which you can get up to 42 percent off portable chargers, speakers, iPhone cases, wireless chargers, and headphones. You can find every product on sale in the list below, and if you see something you like be sure to place your order before the codes expire on Sunday, October 14. As usual, these discounts...