Tag: iOS 18.4

  • AirPods Max Lossless Audio Update Bug: Coming Soon on Apple Site

    AirPods Max Lossless Audio Update Bug: Coming Soon on Apple Site

    Key Takeaways

    1. AirPods Max users expected lossless and ultra-low-latency audio with the latest firmware update, but a bug disrupted the process.
    2. The iOS 18.4 update was released on March 31, allowing iPhone users to access new features, but AirPods Max users faced difficulties.
    3. The update promised high-quality audio for music, movies, and games, as well as reduced latency for better performance.
    4. The firmware update for USB-C AirPods Max is now listed as ‘coming soon’ on Apple’s support page.
    5. There is currently no information on when the issue will be resolved or the cause of the failed update.

    AirPods Max users were looking forward to enjoying lossless and ultra-low-latency audio with the latest firmware update, but it seems like things didn’t go as planned. A mysterious bug has popped up, disrupting the update process, and there’s currently no solution in sight. This feature was announced about a week ago and was intended to be included with the iOS 18.4 update. While iPhone models have successfully received the new features, the AirPods Max functionality is still listed as ‘coming soon.’

    Update Release Date

    The iOS 18.4 update was released on March 31. Users could easily update their phones to the latest version, however, AirPods Max users with USB-C faced difficulties in accessing the new features meant for their headphones. A software bug has hindered the update for these users, preventing them from enjoying lossless and ultra-low-latency audio, as noted by MacRumors.

    Features Announced

    Per the official announcement, those who own USB-C AirPods Max headphones were supposed to “enjoy the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, while music creators can experience significant enhancements to songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing.” The update also promised to reduce latency, making it comparable to the built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

    The feature update, designated with build number 7E99, has now been categorized as ‘coming soon’ on Apple’s support page. “When used with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later, AirPods Max with USB-C and firmware update 7E99 enable lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio for the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production, content creation, and gaming. Coming soon,” the support page states.

    Current Situation

    At this moment, there’s no update on when the problem will be resolved or the reasons behind the failed update. Apple and MacRumors are currently silent on the matter.

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  • European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 18.4 introduces new features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages for beta testers.
    2. iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing are not available for users in the EU due to regulatory uncertainties.
    3. Apple cites concerns over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regarding user privacy and data security as reasons for the feature limitations.
    4. The DMA has previously impacted Apple, forcing changes like the switch from Lightning to USB-C for the iPhone 15.
    5. It is uncertain if iPhone Mirroring will be available in iOS 19, leaving EU users without this feature for now.

    With the upcoming launch of iOS 18.4, iPhone users, especially those in the European Union (EU), are eagerly anticipating some long-awaited additions. Sadly, EU users must wait a bit longer for one of these features.

    New Release Candidate Details

    The latest Release Candidate for iOS 18.4 was made available on Monday for beta testers. This update brought enhancements to Apple Intelligence, adding features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages. However, EU users observed that iPhone Mirroring is still not accessible. Additionally, SharePlay Screen Sharing, which permits FaceTime users to share their screens, is also absent.

    Apple’s Explanation

    Apple has explained that the lack of iPhone Mirroring in the EU is due to “regulatory uncertainties,” a rather vague justification. Last June, the company pointed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), expressing concerns:

    We worry that the interoperability requirements of the DMA might force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that could endanger user privacy and data security.

    It seems Apple is sticking to its stance on this matter. Given that Apple’s practices have been a key focus of the DMA, the company is probably being cautious about certain features. The DMA is the law that famously compelled Apple to replace its Lightning connector with USB-C in the iPhone 15 (which can be found renewed on Amazon for $487.34).

    Future Outlook

    It is unclear whether iPhone Mirroring will eventually be available with iOS 19, which is anticipated to bring significant changes to Apple’s mobile operating system. For the time being, iPhone users in the EU will have to make do without this particular feature.

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  • AirPods Max to Support Lossless Audio via USB-C Soon

    AirPods Max to Support Lossless Audio via USB-C Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lossless Audio Coming Soon: AirPods Max users will soon enjoy lossless audio with the iOS 18.4 update, set to roll out next month.

    2. USB-C Requirement: The new audio features, including 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, will only work with the USB-C version of AirPods Max when connected via USB-C cable.

    3. Exclusive to New Models: Only USB-C AirPods Max users will have access to the lossless audio features; older models will not be compatible.

    4. Enhanced Audio Experience: The update will improve audio quality for music, films, and games, benefiting both consumers and music producers.

    5. Benefits for Gamers and Streamers: The update will also provide ultra-low latency audio, enhancing the experience for gamers and streamers using wired connections.

    AirPods Max users are set to enjoy lossless and ultra-low latency audio very soon, as per an announcement from Apple. This feature will be included in the upcoming iOS 18.4 update, which is expected to roll out next month. With this update, users will be able to access 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio through Apple Music or other compatible streaming services, but this will only be possible when using a USB-C cable. It’s important to note that those who own the older AirPods Max models will not have access to this feature; it’s exclusive to the USB-C variant.

    Enhancements to Audio Experience

    In their official statement, Apple mentioned that USB-C AirPods Max will provide an opportunity for users to “experience the highest-quality audio across music, films, and games, while music producers can benefit from significant improvements in songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing.” Additionally, lossless audio will integrate with Personalized Spatial Audio, offering access to over 100 million tracks in the Apple Music catalog that support this feature.

    Features for Gamers and Streamers

    Moreover, alongside the iOS 18.4 update, the USB-C version of AirPods Max will also feature ultra-low latency audio that matches the quality of the built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. This upgrade will greatly benefit gamers and streamers, allowing them to use the headphones for a more engaging experience when connected in wired mode.

    As previously stated, these features will only function on AirPods Max when linked via the USB-C cable. Apple has also begun offering the USB-C to 3.5mm cable in its online store and through authorized resellers. The lossless and ultra-low latency audio features will be included in a firmware update for AirPods Max next month, although a specific date has yet to be provided.

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  • RCS Support for Major MVNOs in iOS 18.4 Update

    RCS Support for Major MVNOs in iOS 18.4 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 18 introduces Rich Communication Services (RCS) support for iPhones, expanding messaging features.
    2. The second developer beta of iOS 18.4 includes RCS support for T-Mobile MVNOs like Google Fi, Mint Mobile, Tello, and U.S. Mobile.
    3. RCS support is also being rolled out in Europe, with carriers like Sosh and Orange gaining access in the iOS 18.4 beta.
    4. RCS enhances text messaging by providing features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, similar to iMessage.
    5. RCS addresses messaging challenges between iPhone and Android users, easing the “green bubbles vs. blue bubbles” issue.

    With the launch of iOS 18, iPhones started to support Rich Communication Services, commonly known as RCS. Nonetheless, not every carrier has adapted to this feature. It seems that the upcoming iOS 18.4 will expand RCS support to iPhones on several well-known MVNOs.

    Developer Beta Updates

    The second developer beta of iOS 18.4 is now being released, and reports indicate that T-Mobile MVNOs are getting RCS support. Some of these MVNOs are well-known options like Google Fi, Mint Mobile, Tello, and U.S. Mobile. It’s important to note that this functionality seems to only be accessible in the developer beta, and not in the public beta.

    Expanding to Europe

    In France, carriers including Sosh and Orange have also gained RCS support in this iOS 18.4 beta, hinting at a wider rollout of RCS for certain European mobile providers as well.

    RCS enhances standard text messaging, bringing it closer to Apple’s iMessage and other messaging platforms. Instead of relying on the old SMS standard, RCS offers improved features like read receipts, high-quality video and image sharing, audio messages, and more. With the introduction of RCS in iOS 18, there has been a sort of truce in the ongoing “green bubbles vs. blue bubbles” conflict between Android and iPhone users.

    Addressing User Needs

    Although RCS may not be as feature-packed as iMessage, it does offer functionalities that solve many previous challenges faced by iPhone users when messaging friends on Android devices.

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  • Apple Intelligence May Compete with Galaxy AI Through Gemini Integration

    Apple Intelligence May Compete with Galaxy AI Through Gemini Integration

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple’s AI features currently lag behind those of Samsung and other Android models.
    2. Users may soon choose between Google’s Gemini AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT in upcoming updates.
    3. The integration of Google’s Gemini AI is expected in the iOS 18.4 update.
    4. The update may introduce new features like prioritized notifications and an Image Playground mode.
    5. Despite potential improvements, Apple’s cautious approach raises questions about significant advancements in AI capabilities.

    While Apple has brought AI into its devices, it still falls behind the offerings found in Samsung and other Android top models. We’ve all witnessed the comparison between the AI-driven object removal feature on an iPhone and that of a Galaxy flagship. Several reports also point out major problems with the notification summarization feature. A recent leak, however, hints that improvements to Apple’s AI features may be on the horizon.

    New AI Options for Users

    Reports indicate that users will soon be able to choose between Google’s Gemini AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence features. Apple is said to be working on integrating Google’s Gemini AI into its upcoming iOS 18.4 update. This information was uncovered by developer Aaron Perris (@aaronp613) on X, and it points to Apple enhancing its AI capabilities with the addition of Gemini. For those who don’t know, Gemini is the backbone of many AI features seen in Android flagships like the Galaxy S25 series.

    Increased Flexibility and Performance

    The code snippet suggests that users will soon have the ability to pick either “Google” or “OpenAI” as their preferred AI model, which could lead to more flexibility and might enhance the overall performance of Apple Intelligence. The anticipated iOS 18.4 update is likely to bring various AI-driven upgrades, such as prioritized notifications and a new Image Playground mode. However, just because Apple is integrating Google Gemini doesn’t mean a big leap in AI features is guaranteed. Apple has been cautious from the start, and it seems their approach hasn’t shifted much yet. We remain hopeful that Apple Intelligence will become smarter, but we’ll need to wait for the official rollout to make further judgments.

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    Apple Intelligence May Compete with Galaxy AI Through Gemini IntegrationApple Intelligence May Compete with Galaxy AI Through Gemini Integration
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