O'Grady's PowerPage

  • Apple releases iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 updates

    Apple releases iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 updates

    It was a day of updates on Wednesday with Apple releasing its long-awaited iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates for the iPhone and iPad, respectively.

    The iOS 26.3 update includes the following fixes and changes:

    • Transfer to Android: A new native tool located in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone allows for direct data migration (photos, messages, notes, apps, and passwords) to an Android device without needing a third-party app.
    • Limit Precise Location: Users can now restrict cellular carriers from seeing their exact street address, limiting them to a “neighborhood” level instead.
      Requirement: Requires a device with an Apple C1 or C1X modem (iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, or M5 iPad Pro).
    • Carrier Support: Currently limited to specific carriers like Boost Mobile (US), EE/BT (UK), and AIS/True (Thailand).
    • Notification Forwarding (EU Only): To comply with the Digital Markets Act, EU users can now forward iPhone notifications to third-party smartwatches and wearables via a new toggle in Settings > Notifications.
    • Weather Wallpaper Gallery: The Astronomy and Weather wallpaper sections have been split. Weather now has its own dedicated category with three new preset layout options.
    • Security Fixes: Addresses over 35 vulnerabilities, including a critical flaw in the dyld dynamic link editor that was reportedly used in targeted attacks.
    • Encrypted RCS: The system code is now prepared to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, though this requires upcoming carrier-side activation.
    • Proximity Pairing (EU Only): Enables “one-tap” pairing for third-party headphones and accessories, similar to the AirPods experience.

    The iPadOS 26.3 update includes the following fixes and changes:

    • Security Updates: Addresses multiple vulnerabilities, including a dyld dynamic link editor bug that allowed arbitrary code execution, and a Lock Screen bypass issue in Photos.
    • Wallpaper Updates: The ‘Weather & Astronomy’ section is now split, allowing for better organization and new font/widget options for live weather wallpapers.
    • Privacy Setting: A new “Limit Precise Location” option is available, which restricts cellular network access to exact user locations, allowing them to see only a general area (e.g., neighborhood) instead of a specific address.
    • Bug Fixes: Resolved issues with App Store installations, non-connectivity Car Consortium (CCC) digital key pairing, and EPUB highlight colors in Books.

    As usual, the updates can be located, downloaded, and installed by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the updates, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via developer.apple.com

  • Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.3 update, homes in on bug fixes and security updates

    Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.3 update, homes in on bug fixes and security updates

    It’s not the biggest update in the world, but it should come in handy.

    Apple on Wednesday released its macOS Tahoe 26.3 update. The update arrives two months after the arrival of the macOS Tahoe 26.2 update, and per Apple’s release notes, focuses on bug fixes and security updates rather than new features.

    In the next couple of weeks, Apple will begin testing ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4, an update that is expected to be much more feature packed. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 could include new Siri functionality and new emoji, among other features.

    As usual, the update can be located, downloaded, and installed by opening up the System Settings app and navigating to the Software Update section.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors

  • Developer Nick Ustinov releases Itsytv, a free Apple TV Remote app for the Mac

    Developer Nick Ustinov releases Itsytv, a free Apple TV Remote app for the Mac

    This is nifty.

    While Apple offers an Apple TV Remote app for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, it doesn’t offer one for the Mac. As such, developer Nick Ustinov stepped in and built Itsytv, a free macOS app for controlling your Apple TV.

    The application functions as a menu bar app that allows you to control your Apple TV and offers volume control, playback control, application launching, and other features.

    Here’s an overview of features:

    • Native macOS: Built with Swift and SwiftUI — no Electron, no web views. Runs silently in your menu bar.
    • App launcher: Browse all installed Apple TV apps in a grid with App Store icons. Launch any app in one click.
    • Navigate with keyboard: Arrow keys, Return, Space, Escape — control your Apple TV without touching the mouse.
    • Text input: Type search queries and passwords on your Mac keyboard instead of pecking letters on the TV screen.
    • Now playing: See what’s playing with album artwork, title, artist, and a live progress bar in your menu bar.
    • Multi-device: Pair multiple Apple TVs on your network and switch between them instantly.
    • Secure: End-to-end encrypted communication with your Apple TV. Pairing credentials stored securely in Keychain.

    Itsytv requires macOS 14 Sonoma to install and run.

    If you’ve had a chance to try Itsytv, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via 9to5Mac, Itsytv.app, and Itsy Github

  • Apple Watch SE 3, other models marked down in week-long Amazon sale

    Apple Watch SE 3, other models marked down in week-long Amazon sale

    Once again, a good deal’s a good deal.

    Amazon this week has discounted $30 off the Apple Watch SE 3 model, bringing it to a starting price of $219 for the 40mm GPS model. This marks one of the best prices to date for the smartwatch.

    In addition to this, the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE 3 is also on sale for $249, marked down from $279. Both the 40mm and 44mm GPS models are available in Midnight and Starlight Aluminum at these prices.

    Finally, Amazon has knocked $100 off the entire Apple Watch Series 11 models for the time being, bringing the devices to a record low price point for the wearables.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Amazon

  • Seven additional U.S. states look to add driver’s licenses, state IDs to Apple Wallet app

    Seven additional U.S. states look to add driver’s licenses, state IDs to Apple Wallet app

    Once again, a number of U.S. states are looking to add support for a driver’s license or state ID to be added to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, which can then be used to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.

    The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.

    The feature can be set up by opening the Wallet app and then tapping on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, select Driver’s License and ID Cards and follow the steps.

    The currently supported states are as follows:

    • Arizona (since March 2022)
    • Maryland (since May 2022)
    • Colorado (since November 2022)
    • Georgia (since May 2023)
    • Ohio (since July 2024)
    • Hawaii (since August 2024)
    • California (since September 2024)
    • Iowa (since October 2024)
    • New Mexico (since December 2024)
    • Montana (since August 2025)
    • North Dakota (since September 2025)
    • West Virginia (since October 2025)
    • Illinois (since November 2025)
    • The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.

    Apple and local DMV offices have announced that the following U.S. states have signed on to adopt the feature, although no timeframes were disclosed:

    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Arkansas
    • Virginia
    • Participating Airports

    Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary.

    This feature requires iOS 26.1 or watchOS 26.1 and later.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Apple