Earlier this year, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the company unveiled a brand new feature that will allow iOS 15 users to add their driver's license (and/or state I.D.) to the Wallet app. The feature was expected to launch with the public release of iOS 15. However, that did not pan out, and Apple had to readjust its release window for the feature.
Apple put chipmakers on notice with the M-series processor, and provided a booster shot once again with the M-series Pro and Max chips. But, while the horsepower and capabilities of a computer are all great, some folks out there who would love to use an Apple silicon-based Mac simply can't because Windows can't be run on them. Yet.
On November 17, 2021, Apple announced its own self-service repair program. This is designed specifically around the right-to-repair movement, a response to so many demands out there in the wild that owners of iPhones and iPads and Macs (and other devices) be allowed to repair their own devices without voiding any warranties. It's a way of thinking Apple hasn't subscribed to for quite some time, but it finally came around.
Technically speaking, Facebook Messenger does offer end-to-end encrypted communication options. Those are available in video and audio calls, a feature Facebook launched in August of this year. However, end-to-end encryption for actual text chats isn't available just yet. But that will change at some point in the future. Maybe in 2023.
Apple has the unenviable task of always being under the spotlight. It's just one of the things that comes with being a company like Apple. (Though, some other large companies seem to avoid the same microscopes. But that's a different topic for a different day.) So, it isn't surprising in the slightest that the company gets some major pushback for the public statements it makes -- especially when it about faces on the matter at some point down the road.
Hot on the heels of Apple releasing iOS 15.1.1 to the public earlier this week, which patched a relatively smaller issue, Apple is back with another update. But this one's for the Apple Watch. Specifically, for the Apple Watch Series 7, which has apparently run into some charging issues for some owners out in the wild.
What, exactly, is the Apple Car? Is it an actual vehicle that consumers will be able to buy one day? Was it that, at some point, but has ultimately transformed into something else -- like a fleet of autonomous vehicles meant to ferry employees? Or is it a fully autonomous, consumer-focused vehicle meant to get you and your family to where you need to go? None of these? Who knows!
Martin Scorsese, one of the world's greatest directors, is coming out with a film called Killers of the Flower Moon soon. It will make its big debut on Apple TV+ in the relatively near future. But the filmmaker already has his sights set on yet another project, and, it, too, will be showing up on Apple's video streaming service.
When Apple brought iOS 13 into the world, it brought with it real-time lyrics support for Apple Music subscribers. This meant, on supported songs, users could have the lyrics presented to them with fluid animation, keeping up with the song in real time. It's a handy feature, supported across different devices and Apple's platforms. So of course Spotify needed to get in on the action, too.
Sometimes an update is meant to just fix a relatively small thing, and not bring a whole suite of new features to the mix. Today is one of those days. Apple on Wednesday released a minor software update for iOS 15.1, which is designed to help reduce dropped calls in some iPhone models.
In June of last year, we heard that Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The Lego Movie) were working on a new murder-mystery comedy, and that it would be coming soon to Apple TV+. But, 2020, and most of 2021, was pretty rocky. Which meant a wait was inevitable. But, that's almost finally over, as we finally have an actual premiere date to circle on the calendar.
Apple wants to make great devices that help creators create things. And, to that end, Apple seems to be on a pretty good streak. Another part of that is to help promote some artists out there in the real world, whether it's photography, illustration, music, or other venues. Today, Apple is showcasing some of those voices.