O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: iOS

  • Apple Sports app updated to version 3.5, expands to more than a dozen additional European countries

    Apple Sports app updated to version 3.5, expands to more than a dozen additional European countries

    If you’re a sports fan on the road and hoofing it through Europe, you’re going to like this.

    Apple has expanded its Apple Sports app for the iPhone to additional European countries on Monday, including Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Ukraine, and others.

    The app had already been available in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

    The Apple Sports app was launched in February 2024 and displays scores, statistics, standings, upcoming games, and more for various leagues and sports and requires iOS 17.2 or later to install and run. The update brings the version number to 3.5.

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

    Via MacRumors and the App Store

  • Tesla is looking to incorporate CarPlay features to help boost lagging sales

    Tesla is looking to incorporate CarPlay features to help boost lagging sales

    Whether you love or hate Tesla at this point in history, the company may be looking to finally add CarPlay to its feature set.

    According to Bloomberg, Tesla is developing support for CarPlay. Sources close to the story have stated that while Tesla has long developed its own infotainment system, drivers have long said that they would like to be able to use their own apps. Apple CarPlay allows that, while adding more options for navigation and more.

    Such a move would indicate something of a reversal for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who for years has said that CarPlay wasn’t required. Musk has frequently criticized Apple’s App Store policies and filed a lawsuit against Apple earlier this year. Musk is also said to have been discussing the launch of CarPlay support for some months, albeit no plans have yet been finalized.

    The news that Tesla could add CarPlay support comes at a time when other carmakers are taking it away. General Motors has been particularly vocal, saying that it will remove CarPlay and Android Auto from all future vehicles.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and Bloomberg

  • 1Password offers new unlock settings, other features

    1Password offers new unlock settings, other features

    This could come in handy.

    Software developer 1Password on Thursday announced a redesigned unlock system for Mac and Windows that allows the app to open automatically when a user unlocks their device.

    The new setting lets the application unlock alongside the operating system when a user authenticates with either Face ID, Touch ID, a PIN, or their system password. 1Password has stated that this helps avoid the repeated reauthentication users sometimes encounter when returning to their computers.

    The company also stated that the feature itself is optional and forms part of a broader update introducing new security presets that define how frequently the app locks. The presets offer three default configurations ranging from automatic unlock with the device to more frequent password prompts. Each preset can be adjusted per device, and settings do not sync across platforms.

    The update also introducts a new security review prompt that offers an explanation as to how each preset works, and, in certain cases, recommends creating a recovery code.

    1Password said that mobile versions already support a similar device-based unlock, though the app will only reopen automatically if it was accessed within the previous 10 minutes.

    Finally, 1Password stated that the new features will first roll out for Individual and Family accounts. Business and Enterprise users will receive a separate update, and no settings will change without administrator approval.

    If you’ve had a chance to try these new features in 1Password, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and 1Password

  • Apple announces U.S. passport feature for Wallet app

    Apple announces U.S. passport feature for Wallet app

    Apple on Wednesday announced that iPhone users can now create a Digital ID in the Apple Wallet app featuring the information from their U.S. passport.

    To create and present a Digital ID based on a U.S. passport, you’ll need following:

    • An iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 26.1 or later
    • Face ID or Touch ID and Bluetooth turned on
    • An Apple Account with two-factor authentication turned on
    • A valid U.S. passport that is not expired
    • Your device region set to United States

    The digital ID can be created by opening the Wallet app on the iPhone, tapping on the plus sign in the top-right corner of the screen, and then select Driver’s License or ID Cards. Next, select Digital ID and follow the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.

    During the setup process, you’ll have to use your iPhone to scan the photo page of the physical passport. You’ll also be asked to use the iPhone to read the chip embedded on the back of their passport, to ensure the data’s authenticity. From there, you’ll be asked to take a selfie for verification, and as another security step, you will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process.

    The Digital ID can be presented in person at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. However, Apple said it is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel and border crossing purposes.

    Apple has stated that Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports across the U.S., but that the feature itself is still in public beta.

    To present a Digital ID in person, double-click the iPhone’s side button and select Digital ID. Then, hold the iPhone near a scanner, review the information being requested, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. The feature is also available on the Apple Watch.

    Apple has also stated that in the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID at select stores for identity and age verification in person, as well as in supported apps and online on supported websites. The company didn’t offer a specific timeframe as to when this could be expected.

    Finally, Apple stated that the Digital ID data is encrypted, and that users will not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their Digital ID.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and support.apple.com

  • Apple releases first iOS 26.2 beta, hints at eight new features to be found in the update

    Apple releases first iOS 26.2 beta, hints at eight new features to be found in the update

    Apple released the first iOS 26.2 beta last week, which the company stated in a press release will be released to all users sometime in December.

    Per MacRumors, the following eight new features can be expected with the update:

    Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen: A new slider in the Lock Screen customization menu lets you adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass for the clock, allowing you to decide how clear or frosted it appears. The change arrives after Apple’s iOS 26.1 update added “Clear” and “Tinted” options for Liquid Glass overall.

    Offline Lyrics in Apple Music: iOS 26.2 adds offline lyric support to Apple Music, allowing you to view a song’s lyrics even when you are not connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

    Sleep Score Revisions: iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2 have revised Sleep Score ranges:

    Very Low: 0-40 (previously 0-29)
    Low: 41-60 (previously 30-49)
    OK: 61-80 (previously 50-69)
    High: 81-95 (previously 70-89)
    Very High: 96-100 (previously 90-100)

    Apple has stated that sleep scores are calculated based on how long you slept, the consistency of when you fell asleep, and the frequency and duration of waking up during the night. The feature is available in the Health app on all iPhone models compatible with iOS 26, and in the Sleep app on all Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 26.

    Alarms for Reminders: iOS 26.2 lets you set alarms for reminders in Apple’s Reminders app. When adding a reminder, selecting a time and then toggling on the “Urgent” option will cause an alarm to go off at the designated time.

    Apple Podcasts Chapters: Apple’s Podcasts app has three new features on iOS 26.2, including automatic chapters for episodes, timed links on the screen, and the ability to view other podcasts that a podcast mentions right from the audio player and the transcript.

    Apple News Revamp: In the Apple News app, there is now a dedicated “Following” tab, and buttons for quick access to topics like sports, puzzles, politics, business, and food.

    iPhone Screen Flash for Notifications: Starting with iOS 26.2, your iPhone’s screen can flash when you receive a notification. Previously, this setting was limited to the LED camera flash on the back of the iPhone. The options can be found in the Settings app, under Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Flash for Alerts, where there are now options for LED Flash, Screen, and Both. Or, you can keep the setting turned off.

    AirPods Live Translation in EU: iOS 26.2 makes Live Translation on AirPods available in the EU. Live Translation allows you to understand someone who is speaking a different language from you. For example, if you speak English, and someone is speaking to you in French, Siri can tell you what they are saying in English through your AirPods. The feature works best when both participants in a conversation are using Live Translation on AirPods. If you are talking with someone who is not wearing AirPods, you can display a live transcription in the other person’s language on your iPhone.

    As of iOS 26.1, Live Translation on AirPods supports the following languages:

    • English (U.S.)
    • English (U.K.)
    • French (France)
    • German (Germany)
    • Portuguese (Brazil)
    • Spanish (Spain)
    • Chinese — Simplified (China)
    • Chinese — Traditional (China)
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Italian

    iOS 26 also has a built-in Live Translation feature in the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps, with no AirPods required.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the iOS 26.2 beta, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and Apple