O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: iPad Pro

  • iRobot adds Matter support for several additional Roomba models, allows for HomeKit device integration

    iRobot adds Matter support for several additional Roomba models, allows for HomeKit device integration

    This could come in handy where your home and your robotic vacuum cleaner of choice are concerned.

    OVer the last few weeks, Roomba maker iRobot has added Matter support to a number of its Roomba robot vacuums, allowing them to be integrated with the Home app and used with Siri voice commands.

    The feature has been available for the Roomba Combo 10 Max since earlier this year. Now, existing Roomba Plus 500 Combo, Roomba Max 700 Vac, and Roomba Max 700 Combo vacuums can get Matter support through a firmware update. Matter has not yet been re-added for the Roomba Combo J7 and J9 models.

    Once supported, Matter-enabled Roomba models can be added and controlled via the Home app on devices running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 or higher, as long as a Home hub is available (Apple TV or HomePod). While the Home app doesn’t offer the full suite of features available with robot vacuums, basic commands are available. The units can be set to vacuum and mop an entire home, or a specific room or area, with ‌Siri‌ voice commands.

    Once added to the home app, the device can integrate with other HomeKit devices. The Roomba, for example, could be set to vacuum whenever you leave the house, or at a certain time. Automations can be triggered by presence, time, sensors, or when an accessory like a light is activated.

    Apple added support for Matter-connected robot vacuums in iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Several companies have since come out with Matter options, including Roborock, Ecovacs, Switchbot, and Roomba.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and iRobot

  • Apple to avoid steep U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports until mid-2027

    Apple to avoid steep U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports until mid-2027

    Apple and other U.S. technology companies may get a reprieve from some of the higher tariffs on Chinese components until 2027.

    Per AppleInsider and CNBC, a Federal Register filing from last Tuesday indicated that the United States will hold off on raising its new tariff on Chinese semiconductor imports until June 2027. This, in turn, could delay the financial hit on Apple’s component sourching efforts for Macs, iPhones, and other products.

    According to the filing, the Trump Administration confirmed it will take action against China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and the response will be a tariff on semiconductors. The filing, in turn, will be implemented immediately, but the administration is setting the additional tariff rate at zero. Instead, the Trump Administration plans to increase the tariff level on June 23, 2027, effectively delaying the impact.

    The administration declined to state what the percentage would be, but said it will be announced at least 30 days ahead of the scheduled increase.

    The decision to hold off on raising the tariff cost will be helpful to many manufacturers. Aside from avoiding extra tariffs on current and near-future imports, it also buys companies time to arrange sourcing from other countries not affected by the tariff situation.

    Given that Apple still sources its A-series and M-series Apple Silicon chips from TSMC in Taiwan, the components are still subject to a 20 percent reciprocal tariff, but not on tariffs specifically targeting China.

    Apple was previously safe from the threat of a 100% percent semiconductor import tariff. It escaped that tariff because in August, it pledged to invest $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing efforts.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider, Federal Register, and CNBC

  • Apple to expand digital IDs to Apple Wallet in seven additional U.S. states

    Apple to expand digital IDs to Apple Wallet in seven additional U.S. states

    Digital IDs are expanding to several new U.S. states.

    Per MacRumors, the feature, which is currently offered in the following 13 U.S. states as well as Puerto Rico, will expand to several new states in the near future. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, select Driver’s License and ID Cards and follow the steps listed onscreen.

    • 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.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and learn.wallet.apple

  • Merry Christmas from O’Grady’s PowerPage!

    Merry Christmas from O’Grady’s PowerPage!

    Folks, it’s December 25th, it’s Christmas, and we here at O’Grady’s PowerPage would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday.

    Take the day off, have fun, see your friends and family, enjoy some amazing food, get away from your devices for a little while, and we’ll be back tomorrow with all the Mac, mobile, and iOS-based news, rumors, features, and leaks we can get our hands on.

    Stay safe, stay warm, here’s hoping your football team(s) win, and we’ll be back tomorrow.

  • Apple is now offering two-hour free delivery for some items through December 24 throughout the United States and Canada

    Apple is now offering two-hour free delivery for some items through December 24 throughout the United States and Canada

    If you’re looking to get an Apple present to your house in a hurry, you’re in luck.

    Apple has begun offering free two-hour delivery on eligible, in-stock products for those who still need to do some last-minute gift shopping. The delivery update is available through December 24 in most metro areas of the U.S. and Canada, while three-hour delivery is available as an option throughout Australia.

    The two-hour delivery option is provided through courier companies that Apple has partnered with, such as Uber Eats and Postmates, and typically retails for $9. The items are available through local Apple Store retail locations, so the items will need to be in stock before the order is placed.

    The offer is available for purchases of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and Beats headphones. It is not available for custom Macs or engraved orders, nor is it applicable to accessories. Some accessories and products are also still available for December 24th delivery with express shipping.

    Apple is still providing an extended return policy, so items purchased now can be returned through January 6, 2026.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Apple