O'Grady's PowerPage

  • Apple releases iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds to the public beta, developer communities

    Apple releases iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds to the public beta, developer communities

    If you’ve been hankering for the next major iOS and iPadOS updates, they might be just around the corner.

    Earlier this week, Apple released the iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds to both the public and developer testing communities. The updates do not feature many obvious changes. Most of them appear to be bug fixes and security updates.

    The following changes are expected given what’s been seen with the beta builds:

    Easier switching between Android and iPhone: iOS 26.3 brings support for easier iOS/Android switching made in collaboration with Google at the behest of the European Union. You can read more about that here.

    Notification forwarding for third-party devices: Another EU-mandated change, Apple will allow for notifications to be forwarded to third-party devices, like smartwatches other than Apple Watch. There is a new Notification Forwarding section in Settings > Notifications

    Limit precise location for carriers: A new option outlined in this support document will allow you to disable precise location finding for your carrier. It requires iOS 26.3 and a supporting carrier (EE or BT in the U.K., Boost Mobile in the U.S.). This has no impact on location for apps or the OS, it only applies to carrier location tracking, and changes it from precise (exact street address) to coarse (neighborhood).

    If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:

    • Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
    • Log in to the Beta Software Program.
    • Click Enroll your iOS device.
    • Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
    • In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
    • It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.

    If you have a developer account (you can easily create a free one if you’d like) and want to test the release candidate builds, follow these steps:

    • Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
    • Open the app.
    • Tap on Account.
    • Sign in using your usual Apple ID.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the iOS 26.3 or iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via Macworld, beta.apple.com, and developer.apple.com

  • iPhone 17e, iPad 12 tech specs, features leaked in two new reports

    iPhone 17e, iPad 12 tech specs, features leaked in two new reports

    Some interesting specs as well as a near-term release date may be in store for the iPhone 17e and iPad 12.

    Per Japanese blog Mac Otakara, which leaked product details on Thursday, both the iPhone 17e and iPad 12 are expected to be released within the next few months.

    As of February 2025, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and released a new entry-level iPhone 16e. The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an Action button, a USB-C port, and more. The iPhone 17e would be the follow-up, spec-bumped model.

    Per the leak, which cites “reliable sources,” the iPhone 17e will feature a similar overall design as the iPhone 16e, the report defying previous rumors that the Dynamic Island feature would be removed. Instead, the device will continue to have a notch like the iPhone 16e.

    The publication expects three key upgrades for the iPhone 17e:

    A19 chip: This one is no big surprise, but the iPhone 17e is expected to be powered by Apple’s A19 chip, up from the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e. This upgrade will result in faster performance and power efficiency improvements.

    C1X modem: Apple says its second-generation C1X modem for 5G and LTE is up to twice as fast as its first-generation C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. Apple also says the C1X is the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone to date.

    N1 chip: Like the iPhone Air, the report said the iPhone 17e will be equipped with Apple’s N1 chip for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. In the iPhone Air, the N1 chip supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and Apple says the chip improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.

    The report indicated that the iPad 12 will likely feature a similar design as the iPad 11, but feature a newer A18 chip that would support Apple Intelligence. The tablet would also offer 8GB of RAM, up from 6GB in the iPad 11.

    Per Macwelt, Apple is looking to announce the iPhone 17e with a press release on an unusual date: Thursday, February 19. The publication agreed that the iPhone 17e will not have a Dynamic Island, but they do expect the device to feature MagSafe, as previously rumored.

    For fans of MagSafe, unlike the iPhone 16e, it’s rumored that the iPhone 17e will feature MagSafe for up to 20W-25W magnetic wireless charging. The iPhone 16e is limited to Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W speeds. Users will also be able to magnetically attach accessories such as Apple’s MagSafe Wallet to the back of the iPhone 17e. The handset is also rumored to offer a single rear camera.

    It’s unknown what the iPhone 17e’s price point will be, and if it will be similar to the iPhone 16e, which starts at $599.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors, Mac Otakara, and Macwelt

  • Apple Sports app update adds golf scores, boosts soccer cup coverage

    Apple Sports app update adds golf scores, boosts soccer cup coverage

    If you love golf and soccer, you’re going to like this.

    The latest version of the Apple Sports app has added golf scores and stats for PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events.

    In the update, users can get live score updates for all official PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, including the majors. That all starts with the PGA WM Phoenix Open, which starts today.

    The results on display will include hole-by-hole figures, individual scorecards, and live leaderboards. Scores from every round during every tournament will also be provided.

    Similar to its other sports coverage, the Apple Sports app allows users to set specific pro putters as favorites, giving them quick access to their scorecards and track records.

    Other changes to the app now include coverage of some federation cups in Europe, including the DFB-Pokal, Coupe de France, Coppa Italia, and Copa del Rey.

    The current version of the app is available for free and requires iOS 17.2 or iPadOS 17.2 or later to install and run.

    If you’ve tried the new version, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via AppleInsider and the App Store

  • Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.3 release candidate to the developer community

    Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.3 release candidate to the developer community

    It may not be the biggest update in the world, but odds are it’ll come in handy.

    Apple on Wednesday issued its macOS Tahoe 26.3 release candidate to developers for testing purposes, the update arriving a week after the launch of the third beta. As usual, the release candidate is the version of the update that will be distributed to the public as long as the final testing phase uncovers no major bugs.

    Developers can download the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

    It’s unknown as to what specific changes are included within the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update, and no new features have been found during beta testing so far.

    It’s thought that Apple will release the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update next week.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and developer.apple.com

  • iPhone Fold design details leaked, hint at camera layout, etc.

    iPhone Fold design details leaked, hint at camera layout, etc.

    The iPhone Fold leaks continue, as Tuesday marked the release of a number of new details via noted leaker Instant Digital on Weibo yesterday.

    In the post, Instant Digital outlined the following, which are available via Google Translate:

    The volume buttons are not on the left side, but are instead placed directly on the top right side of the device (similar to the volume button placement on the iPad mini), which will challenge users’ phone usage habits.

    The power button (integrated with Touch ID) and the AI ​​button (camera button) are still on the right side.

    Why this placement? The motherboard is on the right side, and they didn’t want to run wires across the screen to the left side for the buttons, so the left side is completely free of physical buttons, with almost all the space dedicated to the screen structure and battery. This also results in the iPhone with the largest battery capacity ever.

    Single punch-hole front camera design, with a smaller and cleaner active area cutout.

    In short, the iPhone Fold features an extreme, yet reasonable and elegant internal stacking structure that is expected to shock the industry.

    The rear dual cameras, microphone, and flash are arranged horizontally on the right side. The module “appears” to have a completely black base, not matching the body color.

    Currently, only white is confirmed, but two color options are expected to be released.

    The details sound fairly similar to the changes that were introduced with the introduction of the iPhone Air, with some iPad mini elements blended in.

    As always, time will tell as to exactly how accurate this leak turns out to be, but there are definitely some interesting elements at work here.

    Please let us know what you think in the comments.

    Via 9to5Mac and Weibo