This week, Apple released a new round of iOS and macOS updates. The iOS update includes a fix for wireless CarPlay that was breaking in some cars.
It also adds Genmoji and Image Playground, as well as priority notifications on the lock screen. Plus, you can now create custom emojis with Siri.
Apple Intelligence
Apple is working diligently to enhance its intelligent assistant, Siri. Its latest update added support for typing queries instead of speaking them, and the company is reportedly planning to strengthen its AI system’s contextual awareness next year. However, it’s not clear precisely what that will mean for the service.
According to Mark Gurman of the MacRumors Power On newsletter, a contextual AI system will enable Siri to recognize what you’re viewing on your screen or in other apps, and it will provide relevant suggestions based on that information. This will also help Siri understand your request more naturally.
However, for now, the changes to Siri are primarily cosmetic in nature. For example, an upgrade will enable you to create emojis in the Neemoji app using natural language descriptions. An improved version of Smart Replies will display relevant answers to your questions.
Other updates include priority notifications, which will prioritize essential messages in the notification center, and Mail Categorization. Additionally, Apple is introducing support for new languages. These include Chinese, English (India and Singapore), French, German, Italian, Korean, and Spanish. It will also add a visual search feature to the camera. It will recognize objects and people, and provide a list of results with images and brief descriptions.
Siri
Siri is a digital assistant that’s baked into all of Apple’s devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, Mac computers, and the Apple TV. It can answer your questions about photos, messages, contacts, documents, schedules, and more. It can even control your music and other apps. Siri isn’t perfect, though. Its intermittent inaccuracy can be frustrating, especially when trying to use it for hands-free navigation or to play one of the many witty Siri “Easter Eggs.” It’s also been criticized for its privacy issues. In 2019, a former Apple contractor revealed that the company routinely records your everyday audio and uses it to enhance the accuracy of its assistant.
In 2025, Siri will receive deeper app integration and more powerful capabilities, including text summaries and email writing suggestions. It’ll also feature on-screen awareness, similar to what Anthropic teased for its Claude chatbot, allowing you to take action in apps without needing to launch them.
Apple has delayed its upgraded Siri features a few times in the past, but it appears to be close to rolling out a new version this fall. The company has been experiencing software bugs and engineering issues, which have hindered progress on the project. Apple has also been struggling with leadership issues in its AI and Siri department. The company recently replaced John Giannandrea, who was responsible for Siri upgrades, with senior executive Robby Walker.
App Store
App stores have emerged as an essential digital marketplace, providing a convenient way for developers to deliver their software applications and distribute them to users. They have become a critical part of the mobile ecosystem, playing a vital role in app development by providing valuable feedback to developers and helping them enhance their products. However, they also introduce new vulnerabilities and create a new environment for malware and other security risks.
Apple’s App Store is a popular destination for consumers and business users to find and download apps for their iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad devices. It offers a variety of features, including a product page that displays the publisher, chart position, recommended age range, and ratings for each app. It also allows users to watch videos that demonstrate how an app works.
A problem with the App Store can cause the device to crash or experience a frustrating malfunction. There are several steps you can take to resolve the issue, including restarting the device and updating the software. A restart will clear temporary files and reset minor glitches, which can help determine the problem.
To update the software on your device, go to Settings and select “General.” Click on “Software Update” to check for an available update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a convenient and secure way to make purchases using your iPhone or Mac. Apple uses the security features of its hardware and software to protect your card details. You can use Apple Pay with credit and debit cards from most major banks. If you have questions about whether your specific card is supported, contact your bank directly. Apple does not store or have access to your actual card numbers, so your cards are always securely encrypted. Apple Pay also requires you to verify your identity with a passcode or your face when making a purchase.
In 2024, Apple made several significant moves that enhanced the functionality of its digital wallet. These included shutting down its ill-fated in-house financial services project, Pay Later, and opening up its near-field communication (NFC) technology to third parties for use with their applications. The company also added support for boarding passes, digital ID cards, and transit passes to its Wallet app.
Despite these changes, some retailers still don’t support Apple Pay. One example is Barnes & Noble, which doesn’t accept Apple Pay at its stores, on its website, or in its mobile app. Another is Books-A-Million, which does accept Apple Pay in its stores but not on its apps or website. It would be great to see both of these companies add Apple Pay support this year.