News

Apple is rolling out a new, dedicated gaming app, called Games, that will come pre-installed on Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV devices. It's basically a spit-shined, updated version of Game Center, a service that Apple has let languish since its rollout roughly 15 years ago. The new app will behave more like a modern gaming hub, a la Xbox or GOG Galaxy. It'll include a space for leaderboards, matchmaking, recommendations and launching games — plus a direct pipeline to Apple Arcade, of course. You can see what your friends are playing and challenge them to specific feats in certain games.

Apple's gaming push in recent years includes mobile and Mac support for AAA experiences like Resident Evil Village, the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes, Death Stranding and Assassin's Creed Mirage. At Summer Game Fest 2025 over the weekend, IO Interactive announced that its Hitman trilogy, Hitman World of Assassination, is heading to iPhone, iPad and Mac this summer.

Also on the video game front, Apple is still battling Epic Games in court over claims of anti-competitive behavior, but they're mainly just closing out appeals now that Fortnite is live on the App Store and third-party payments are enabled on Apple's storefront. Xbox recently threw its support behind Epic Games, filing an amicus brief accusing Apple of unfairly blocking the Xbox mobile store in late May.

Also also in game land, last month Apple acquired its first video game studio, the two-person team RAC7, which makes Sneaky Sasquatch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-unveils-a-dedicated-games-app-at-wwdc-2025-174028901.html?src=rss

Apple had a lot to say about iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. Translation will be a hallmark of the new Apple Intelligence features coming to the iPhone operating system next year. During this year's annual showcase at Cupertino, the team revealed that it is adding live translation of calls and texts, with integration into the Messages, Phone and FaceTime apps.

The translations are spoken aloud and also appear written out in the original language. Leslie Ikemoto noted that live translations will also be available even when communicating with a non-Apple smartphone.

Apple added some translation features to Siri all the way back in iOS 11, then launched its own dedicated Translate app as part of iOS 14. Those capabilities will now be more thoroughly baked into the iPhones' operating system as part of the Apple Intelligence suite.

This story is developing, please refresh for updates.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-introduces-ai-powered-live-translation-tools-at-wwdc-2025-173605234.html?src=rss

Apple has just unveiled two new AirPods features as part of its WWDC 2025 keynote, where it's revealed new software updates for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and everything else.Everything else includes Apple's best AirPods, because the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC will all get two new features as part of the new updates.The first feature is "studio-quality audio recording", while the second is "camera remote" – both are small updates compared to the huge AirPods hearing aid mode revealed last year, but both seem like they could be useful regularly.It's only the three models that will get these upgrades, because they're the only models with the H2 chip powering them. Yes, even the recently refreshed AirPods Max with USB-C won't get them, because they still use the old H1 chip.Here's what Apple has revealed about the upgrades so far.Studio-quality audio recordingThe first feature promises richer audio quality when using your AirPods mics to record or during calls. Apple says "Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can record their content with greater sound quality, and even record while on the go or in noisy environments with Voice Isolation."Now, I don't think you need to be a content creator to benefit from this. Apple says "users will also enjoy more natural vocal texture and clarity across iPhone calls, FaceTime, and CallKit-enabled apps", so hopefully it means your WhatsApp calls and everything else will get a boost in clarity. Apple says it will also work in Voice Memos, video recording apps and dictation tools.We test the microphone and voice quality of all the best earbuds we recommend, so I look forward to seeing how this improves things, because Apple already boosted the AirPods Pro 2's voice quality ones.Camera controlApple says that "Capturing content at a distance is easier than ever with camera remote." You'll now be able to press and hold on the AirPods' stem to take a photo or start a video recording, and then you can repeat the action to end the recording.Apple highlights being able to hear a soundtrack while dancing as a main benefit of this tool, but for those of us who don't live our lives one TikTok trend at a time, it seems really useful if it also works when your AirPods aren't in your ears, so you can trigger the camera for a family photo.There's a few bits of information we don't know here – first is whether they work when not in your ears, as I mentioned above, and second is whether you need to choose whether the gesture triggers photos or video, or whether there's a way to have it do either (maybe left can do video and right can do photos).I have to say, it feels like this one could have been an upgrade for AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 1st Gen as well – I really don't think it needs the H2 chip, but Apple has only announced it for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 models.Today's best deals on AirPods

So long macOS Sequoia, hello macOS Tahoe 26. Apple's next desktop operating system will feature the company's Liquid Glass UI, but at this point, it doesn't look like there will be any truly transformative features like last year's iPhone mirroring. But hey, at least Apple isn't trying to make us excited about widgets again. Just like the rest of Apple's new software, Tahoe's version number has also been updated to reflect the upcoming year — previously, we expected it to be macOS 16. While that may take some getting used to, it's easier than trying to remember the different version numbers across Apple's platforms.

Developing...

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/macos-tahoe-26-will-bring-apples-new-liquid-glass-ui-to-your-desktop-174149070.html?src=rss

WWDC 2025 has given us our first look at watchOS 26, bringing with it new features including Workout Buddy, playlists tied to your exercise plans, and a long-awaited UI overhaul. watchOS 26 isn't likely to arrive until September, but we're already excited to get to grips with it.It won't be for everyone, though, and we don't mean in terms of users choosing not to upgrade—some simply won't be able to.watchOS 11 supports devices from Apple Watch Series 6 onwards, as well as the second generation SE and both Ultra models.We're happy to confirm that watchOS 26 will support the same models, as long as they're paired to an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26. Below, you can find the full list of models that will receive ongoing support, and be eligible for watchOS 26.Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)Apple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 8Apple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 10Apple Watch UltraApple Watch Ultra 2WWDC brought the goodies for Apple Watch users, but not for all (Image credit: Apple)Which models miss out?Naturally, if you've got the first Apple Watch SE or an Apple Watch Series 5 or earlier, you'll be stuck on the watchOS update you have installed right now.Thankfully, all Apple Watch Ultra models are still supported, which is just as well given the price tag.So, what do owners of older devices miss out on?Apple's new UI changes are felt throughout every OS, but watchOS 26 will see changes to Smart Stack widgets, hints, notifications, Control Center and more.Sticking with the Smart Stack, it's getting smarter than before, "improving its prediction algorithms by incorporating more contextual data, sensor data, and date from a user's routine".Apple Watches are also getting a feature that Apple says is powered by Apple Intelligence: Workout Buddy.Apple says this will generate insights during a workout based on data from the Fitness app and sensor data. It'll even give you a pep talk, while also keeping you on track with feedback about your workout.You might also like...iOS 26: everything you need to knowApple Intelligence is a year old - here are 3 genuinely useful AI tools you should use on your Apple productsYour Google Pixel Watch could be about to get a useful new security feature

During Apple's WWDC keynote event today in Cupertino, company execs announced, among other things, the latest Apple Watch software: watchOS 12, er, watchOS 26. Like iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest, the latest generation of watchOS will now be appended with the upcoming year, instead of a sequential number. What would have been watchOS 12, is now watchOS 26.

Aside from the new name, there's a new look for watchOS, too. Apple gave its entire suite of software a redesign, one that takes aesthetic cues and the "physicality and richness" of visionOS, the software used in the company's VR headset, the Vision Pro. It's the biggest redesign since iOS 7. The look is called "liquid glass" and dynamically reacts to movement and responds to the content on screen. Menus now better fit to the rounded corners of the hardware. Notifications and other information now involve translucent backgrounds, giving the interface a glass-like appearance.

The watchOS 26 also brings new features including Workout Buddy, plus Apple Intelligence upgrades that makes the Smart Stack more useful and Messages notifications more intelligent. Workout Buddy can give you spoken coaching and the Workout app itself has a new new layout. Your watch will also suggest music to listen to based on the workout type.

This latest suite of features join those announced during last year's WWDC, in which Apple previewed watchOS 11. The best of the bunch (for me anyway) was the ability to pause your Rings for a day in the Activity app. Other features included a Training Load metric that rates your efforts during exercise, comparing it with your output over time, and the Vitals app, which tracks overnight health metrics for those who wear their watch to bed.

This story is developing, refresh for the latest updates...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-26-everything-apple-announced-for-its-wearable-at-wwdc-2025-174915653.html?src=rss

iPadOS 26 is coming to supercharge your tablet's productivity. At WWDC 2025, Apple previewed what may be the iPad’s biggest software update yet. You can finally resize app windows fluidly. Meanwhile, the menu bar brings drop-downs for more organized controls. It's all wrapped in Apple's new Liquid Glass redesign. All in all, iPad users craving a more Mac-like experience have plenty to chew on here.

Developing…

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipados-26-makes-apples-tablets-more-like-macs-174904597.html?src=rss

Apple has announced the latest version of macOS at WWDC 2025, its yearly developer conference.According to Apple, the new version of macOS Tahoe 26, the operating system used by MacBooks and Macs, is coming later this year, but before then an early beta version will be made available for developers to help ensure their apps work well with the new operating system.After that, Apple will launch a public beta that allows anyone with a compatible Mac to test out the operating system - though you should only do this with the understanding that this is an early version of the software and could lack features and could include bugs (after all, the reason for releasing a beta version is for people to help test out the software and highlight problems).As usual, macOS Tahoe 26 will be a free update for everyone with a compatible Mac or MacBook, so for most people I recommend holding on tight for the official launch around October or November, as by that point most, if not all, of the bugs and issues found in the beta version will have been fixed.Until then, read on for all the info we know about macOS Tahoe 26 so far, plus the new features we're most excited about.(Image credit: Apple)Cut to the chaseWhat is it? The latest operating system for Macs and MacBooksHow much is it? As usual, it's free for compatible MacsWhen is it out?A new lookThe rumors were right - Apple has overhauled the look of macOS (as with its other operating systems), with a unified design language which means that macOS, iPadOS and iOS will look similar.Known as 'Liquid Glass', this part of the user interface doesn't just look good, it reacts depending on the task you're performing.The Dock, sidebar and toolbars of macOS 26 Tahoe have been redesigned, with the menu bar now completely transparent. The idea behind this appears to be to make the user interface blend into the background, giving prominence to whatever you're working on on the screen.App icons have also been given a new look to fit in the the Liquid Glass design, and these will also change depending on if you're using the light or dark macOS theme.Apple is also expanding on the customization options of macOS 26 Tahoe, so it should be even easier to make the operating system suit your style.A new numbering conventionAt WWDC, Apple announced the official name for the latest macOS: Tahoe. Once again, based on a landmark in Apple's native California.More surprisingly (if you weren't keeping up with the rumors), Apple also confirmed that there will be a new numbering scheme for macOS and its other operating systems. Instead numbering according to version (the current version is macOS 15), it will now be based on year, so there will be no macOS 16, but macOS 26, as well as iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and more.This is quite a change, but it shows how serious Apple is about making all of its operating systems feel like they are parts of the same ecosystem.Spotlight in the... spotlight...Spotlight has been a key part of macOS for ages, allowing you to find and open up applications that you've installed. At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS Tahoe 26 will feature the 'biggest update ever' to Spotlight, with all search results across apps, files, folders, messages and more are all listed together and 'ranked intelligently based on relevance to the user.'Advanced filter controls should help you narrow down your results, and Spotlight will also be able to search for files stored on third-party cloud drives, such as Google Drive or OneDrive.You'll also be able to perform actions straight from Spotlight - so you can send an email, play a media file and more without having to open the app first. These can also be used via keyboard shortcuts, and according to Apple, Spotlight will learn from how you use your Mac, and will offer you personalized actions for tasks you perform often. The example Apple gives is quickly sending a message to someone you regularly talk to.Live translationAs you might expect, Apple has put plenty of AI features into macOS Tahoe 26, and perhaps the most interesting (and useful) is Live Translation, which will automatically translate messages depending on the language of the person you're talking to (and their reply will be translated for you).During FaceTime calls, live captions will also be shown, and if you're old school and still use the Phone app, you can see a translation of what they are talking about - and all of this is done on-device so conversations remain private.This news story is breaking

iOS 26 is now official, with Apple having unveiled the new – and newly renamed – software at its WWDC 2025 keynote.This upgrade packs an all-new appearance and a wealth of features and improvements, so it looks set to be the biggest iOS upgrade in quite some time. It’s not yet finished, but we do know what phones it will be compatible with when it launches later this year.Below then, you’ll find a list of the devices that are compatible with iOS 26, and importantly those that have had their final update with iOS 18.Which phones are compatible with iOS 26?The iPhone 16 is one of many phones that support iOS 26 (Image credit: Apple)iOS 26 will be available for the following iPhones:iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2020), and iPhone SE (2022).If you have any of these then you’ll be able to update to the finished software when it launches (likely in September), and ahead of that you’ll be able to install iOS 26 betas if you want to try it out early.And of course, the sure-to-be upcoming iPhone 17 series will also support iOS 26, and these phones will almost certainly ship with the new software.Which phones aren’t compatible with iOS 26?The iPhone XS doesn't support iOS 26 While a large number of iPhones are compatible with iOS 26, Apple has dropped support for the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR – so while these phones are compatible with last year’s software (iOS 18) they won’t be able to install iOS 26.It’s likely then that the iPhone 11 series and perhaps the iPhone SE (2020) will be getting their final major update with iOS 26, since they’re the oldest models to be getting it, but we won’t know that for sure until next year.You might also likeiPhone 17: latest news and rumors for every expected modeliPhone 16 Pro review: pocket-sized brilliance and no concessionsBest iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

Preview, macOS’s built-in document and image application, is coming to iPadOS 26. Using Apple Pencil Markup, or touch, users will be able to mark up and edit PDFs and images saved in their Files folder, which will be accessible right from the Preview app. The Preview app will also feature AutoFill, allowing users fill out PDF forms from within the app.

Apple kicked off WWDC 2025 today where it's expected to announce a slew of new software features across mobile and desktop devices as well as updates to Apple Intelligence and more. Apple Intelligence has been the main focal point at this year's developer conference, along with a top-to-bottom UI redesign that unifies all OS versions in the Apple device lineup.

Developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-bringing-preview-to-ipados-175643371.html?src=rss