MacRumors

Apple will officially end support for the previous version of Apple Home in the fall of 2025, according to an updated HomeKit support document. Apple says that users will need to update to the new HomeKit architecture by then to avoid interruptions with accessories and automations.

The updated ‌HomeKit‌ architecture was initially introduced in March 2023 alongside iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3, but there were some issues with stability that may have prevented some users from upgrading. In fact, it actually came out briefly in December 2022, but there were issues with missing devices, home sharing invitations that didn't work, problems with HomeKit Secure Video, and more, so Apple removed it until 2023.

Since then, Apple has fixed the ‌HomeKit‌ architecture and the problems have been addressed, but it is worth noting that the architecture breaks support for the Home app on devices running older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

Users will have to upgrade by the end of 2025, though, in order to keep using ‌HomeKit‌. The upgrade does bring some tangible features like guest access, support for robot vacuum cleaners, and Activity History. Apple says it also provides faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of ‌HomeKit‌ and Matter accessories installed.

The upgrade can be installed in the Home app by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then tapping on Software Update.

There's an issue with the Messages app that prevents users from sending voice-based messages that include ampersands, resulting in a curious bug that means you can't use audio messages to tell your friends about Dave & Buster's, H&M, Tiffany & Co., or any other similar proper name.

The bug was first highlighted on the Search Engine podcast, and then further investigated by app developer Guilherme Rambo. Basically, if you try to send someone an audio message in the Messages app that includes the phrase "Dave and Buster's," it won't go through.

After you send the message, it'll show on your own iPhone, and the person on the other end will see three dots as if you're typing something. The message ultimately just disappears after a few seconds, never showing up for the person that you're speaking to. It was Dave & Buster's that led to the bug being discovered, but it in fact impacts any company with an ampersand in the name.

As it turns out, the problem isn't with the audio message itself, but with the transcript that accompanies any audio message that you send. Apple's transcription engine understands proper company names like H&M or Dave & Buster's, displaying them with an ampersand rather than the word "and," so when you send someone a voice message saying something like "Do you want to go to Dave & Buster's?" the transcript is rendered just like that, with the proper name.

It's the ampersand symbol that's causing an issue, because Apple's transcription engine isn't rendering the ampersand XHTML correctly, causing a parsing error on the device of the person receiving the message. The parsing error triggers Apple's BlastDoor Messages feature that protects users from malicious messages that might rely on problematic parsing, so ultimately, the audio message fails to send.

Rambo goes into more detail about the root of the issue, and the original Search Engine podcast also has more on the bug, so check those out if you want to hear more about Apple's minor error that's nixing any audio message with an ampersand.

Google has updated the look of its well-known "G" logo, changing the design of the character for the first time in 10 years.

The new logo was first noticed by 9to5Google, and while it has the same shape and color palette as the original, there is a gradient that blends each of the colors together instead of the previous color block look.

Google is already using the new logo for the Google Search app on iOS and the Android Google app. Google has not updated its full six character logo with the change to the G logo, as that design does not use blended colors.

Apple Card users can get additional Daily Cash when making purchases from Nike for the next month, according to an email that Apple is sending out to card holders.

Through June 15, making a purchase with an ‌Apple Card‌ using Apple Pay at a Nike retail store, online, or in the Nike app will earn six percent Daily Cash, instead of the standard three percent that's normally available when shopping from Nike.

‌Apple Card‌ holders can get the six percent Daily Cash back on up to $500 in purchases, for a total of $30 back. The deal is available to ‌Apple Card‌ owners, co-owners, and participants, so multiple family members can get the bonus cash back offer.

Typically, ‌Apple Pay‌ purchases with ‌Apple Card‌ provide two percent Daily Cash, but Apple has partnered with some companies like Nike to up that to three percent. You can get three percent Daily Cash when using ‌Apple Pay‌ and ‌Apple Card‌ for purchases at Ace, Apple retail stores, Booking.com, ChargePoint, Exxon, Mobil, Uber, and Walgreens.

With Safari 18.5, included in macOS 15.5, Apple added Declarative Web Push, an updated method to deliver web-based push notifications even when a website isn't open. With Declarative Web Push, developers can display notifications without the need for a service worker, which preserves battery life for Web Push notifications.

Declarative Web Push is more energy efficient, and it's also more private and easier for developers to implement. It does not rely on JavaScript, instead using a standardized JSON format that lets browsers directly display notifications without additional code.

Declarative Web Push isn't subject to the same feature-breaking bugs and network issues as the standard web push, nor will anti-tracking prevention features disable it on websites that the user hasn't visited in some time.

Apple says that Declarative Web Push is backwards compatible with browser engines that haven't yet added support. End users do not need to do anything to see Declarative Web Pushes, as this is a behind-the-scenes feature for developers to implement.

Apple previously added support for Declarative Web Push on iPhone and iPad with the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates. More information is available on Apple's WebKit blog.

Safari 18.5 is included in macOS 15.5, but the browser update is also available for Macs that are still running macOS Sonoma and macOS Ventura.

With the iOS 19 update, Apple plans to use AI to help you better manage your iPhone's battery life, reports Bloomberg. iOS 19 will have an AI-powered battery management option that will analyze how you use your device and make adjustments where possible to cut down on battery usage.

The battery option will be included in the Apple Intelligence suite of features, with Apple drawing on battery data that it has collected from users over time. The battery mode will be able to cut the power draw of apps and other system features based on device usage, and it will also include a Lock Screen indicator that shows how long it will take an ‌iPhone‌ charge.

iOS 19's new battery management tool was designed with the super slim iPhone 17 Air in mind. Apple's new ultra thin ‌iPhone‌ doesn't have as much space for a battery inside, and some rumors have suggested that the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌'s battery will not be up to par with the battery life of other iPhone 17 models. Apple plans to improve ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ battery life with the AI optimizations, though the feature set will be available for all iPhones that are able to run iOS 19.

Along with the AI battery mode, several new features coming in iOS 19 will be described as "powered by" ‌Apple Intelligence‌, with Apple also planning to use that wording for some Apple Watch features.

Other features coming in iOS 19 include a glass-inspired design that looks similar to visionOS, a redesigned Health app with new functionality, updates to Siri, and more. Gurman says that Apple is also "pushing" engineers to make sure that the iOS 19 update is "more functional and less glitchy."

Additional details on all the features coming in iOS 19 can be found in our dedicated iOS 19 roundup.

The iOS 18.5 update that Apple released today includes a security fix for the iPhone 16e's C1 modem, which is the first Apple-designed modem.

According to Apple's security support document for iOS 18.5, there's a fix for a vulnerability with the C1 modem. Apple says that it addressed a baseband security flaw that could allow an attacker "in a privileged network position" to intercept network traffic. Basically, a hacker that had access to cellular network infrastructure could potentially exploit the vulnerability for surveillance or to employ a man-in-the-middle attack.

The C1's baseband is used for signal processing, so it encodes and decodes data for communication between devices and networks, and processes calls, texts, and data connections. Apple addressed the vulnerability with improved state management, which could mean new validation checks to prevent attackers from exploiting weaknesses between operational states.

Apple released the ‌iPhone 16e‌ earlier this year, and today's security update is notable because it marks the first security flaw discovered and addressed in the C1 modem.

iOS 18.5 also includes several other security fixes for vulnerabilities with image processing, call history, Bluetooth, file parsing, FaceTime, Notes, ProRes, WebKit, and more. None of the vulnerabilities fixed today were known to have been actively exploited, but it's still a good idea to update right away.

Amazon is kicking off the week with discounts across nearly the entire M3 iPad Air lineup, offering $100 off these tablets. Prices start at $499.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M3 iPad Air, down from $599.00. Best Buy is matching all of these deals on the iPad Air.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Every deal has been automatically applied and does not require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price. We've rounded up every discount available on Amazon in the lists below, and they include both 11-inch and 13-inch models.

Our list below focuses on Wi-Fi models, but you'll also find many cellular models on sale at $100 off right now. The 128GB cellular 11-inch iPad Air is available for $649.00 and the 128GB cellular 13-inch iPad Air is available for $849.00, both $100 discounts.

11-inch M3 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $499.00, down from $599.00
• 256GB Wi-Fi - $599.00, down from $699.00
• 512GB Wi-Fi - $799.00, down from $899.00
• 1TB Wi-Fi - $999.00, down from $1,099.00

13-inch M3 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $699.00, down from $799.00
• 256GB Wi-Fi - $799.00, down from $899.00
• 512GB Wi-Fi - $999.00, down from $1,099.00
• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,199.00, down from $1,299.00

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.5, the fifth major update to the ‌macOS Sequoia‌ operating system that launched last September. ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.4.

Mac users can download the ‌‌‌‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.5‌‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run macOS 15. Apple has also released macOS 13.7.6 and macOS 14.7.6 for older Macs not able to run macOS 15.

‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.5 is light on new features, with Apple listing only a change to Screen Time in its notes.

This update includes enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

- Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device

More information on what's new in ‌macOS Sequoia‌ can be found in our macOS Sequoia roundup.

Apple today released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, the fifth updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 come a little over a month after Apple released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4.

The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 18.5 update has a build number of 22F76, so those that had the RC installed will see another update.

iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are on the smaller side, featuring a limited number of new features. There's an update to Screen Time that lets parents know when a Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device, and there is support for carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models. Apple's full release notes are below.

This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

• A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
• Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device
• Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
• Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
• Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/122339

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100

Apple will soon be shifting focus to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, which are set to debut at the June Worldwide Developers Conference, but Apple does plan to release an iOS 18.6 update to bring Apple Intelligence to China.

Apple today released watchOS 11.5, the fifth major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.5 comes over a month after Apple released watchOS 11.4, and it is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2.

watchOS 11.5 can be downloaded on a connected iPhone by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.

The watchOS 11.5 update adds a new Pride Harmony watch face and it fixes an issue that could prevent the ‌iPhone‌ from showing a notification when the Apple Watch battery is fully charged. Apple's release notes are below.

This update includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:

- A new Pride Harmony watch face
- Buy with Apple Watch is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
- Resolves an issue that may prevent your iPhone from showing a notification when the watch battery is fully charged

More of the features available in watchOS 11 can be found in our watchOS 11 roundup.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Apple today released visionOS 2.5, the fifth update to the visionOS 2 operating system that came out in September. visionOS 2.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of visionOS 2.4.

visionOS 2.5 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option.

With visionOS 2.5, Apple added a Vision tab to the Apple TV app to make it easier for users to find content created for the Vision Pro.

This release includes improvements and bug fixes, including a new Vision tab in the Apple TV app to easily discover and watch Apple Immersive Video and 3D movies available on Apple Vision Pro.

More on the features available in visionOS can be found in our visionOS roundup.

Apple today released tvOS 18.5, the latest version of the tvOS operating system. tvOS 18.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of tvOS 18.4, and it is available for the Apple TV 4K and ‌Apple TV‌ HD models.

tvOS 18.5 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌‌Apple TV‌‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌‌Apple TV‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to the new version of tvOS automatically.

Apple shares full release notes for tvOS in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each new version of tvOS comes out.

Apple has also released a new version of the HomePod Software 18.5 for the ‌HomePod‌ and HomePod mini. ‌HomePod‌ software is based on tvOS.

In iOS and iPadOS, Apple includes an option for users to specify the Bluetooth accessories they connect using pre-defined individual labels.

Labeling your Bluetooth accessories helps to identify connected devices and improve audio notifications. Apple says that classifying Bluetooth accessories like this can also ensure that real-time Headphone Audio Level measurements are accurate.

When using headphones with an iPhone, for example, you can check the audio level in decibels by viewing the Hearing control in Control Center. In the Health app, you can also review the history of your headphone listening habits.

Apple provides five categories with which to label your Bluetooth accessories: Car Stereo, Headphone, Hearing Aid, Speaker, and Other. Here's how to access them.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Tap the info button (the encircled 'i') next to a Bluetooth device in the list that you want to label.
   
   

4. Tap Device Type.
5. Select a label if the accessory is not already correctly identified.
   

Note that iOS recognizes AirPods and AirPods Max as headphones, so there isn't an option to change their Bluetooth label. (The same goes for Apple Watch.) However, you can still change the name of Apple earphones and headphones as they appear in Bluetooth device lists.

A new documentary series hailing from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is coming to Apple TV+.

The eight-episode series "Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars" will follow elite chefs at some of the world's most celebrated restaurants, as they seek to win or maintain Michelin stars, the world's most prestigious culinary award.

The series will explore the high-stakes world of fine dining in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, and Copenhagen. Adding to the suspense, Michelin's team of inspectors use false identities to dine anonymously.

The show will be hosted by award-winning food and travel expert, Jesse Burgess, and Ramsay will serve as one of the executive producers.

"There's no honor in any industry as prestigious and influential as the Michelin Star," said Burgess, in Apple's press release announcing the series today. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the stories of some of the most exciting restaurants in the world — as they throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at their obsessive quest for the ultimate award."

Ramsay is well known for his hit culinary shows like "Hell's Kitchen" and "Kitchen Nightmares."

"As a chef, the pursuit of perfection is everything, and you cannot underestimate the unbelievable drive and ambition, the determination and sacrifice these chefs are going through day in and day out, chasing the dream of acknowledgment from the Michelin Guide," said Ramsay.

Apple has yet to announce a release date for the series.

MacRumors readers have a chance to get 20 percent off a collection of Anker's best chargers, power banks, cables, hubs, and docks this month. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code Ankermacrumors2025 at checkout to see the discount.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Our exclusive 20 percent off code works on most accessories sitewide, including Anker's new "high power" charging accessories. This exclusive discount code does not stack with existing discounts on Anker's website, but it can be used on multiple items in the same cart.

In the lists below, we've collected a few examples of the best products available at a discount with our exclusive promo code, but remember that it works sitewide. You have until May 31 to take advantage of this promotion, so be sure to browse Anker's best products on its website before the end of the month.

It's also worth noting that Anker is still hosting its Mother's Day sale, and some of the discounts in that event are steeper than our 20 percent sitewide discount. Be sure to check and compare both discounts in your cart before you place your order to ensure you have the best deal.

Portable Chargers

• MagGo 10,000 mAh Power Bank - $60.00, down from $74.99
• Prime 20,000 mAh Power Bank - $104.00, down from $129.99

Wall Chargers

• 67W 3-Port Wall Charger - $48.00, down from $59.99
• 140W 4-Port Charger with USB-C Cable - $80.00, down from $99.99

Charging Stations

• MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station - $72.00, down from $89.99
• MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Stand - $79.99, down from $110.99
• 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe - $104.00, down from $129.99

Hubs

• 200W 6-Port Prime Charger with USB-C Cable - $83.20, down from $103.99
• 250W 6-Port Prime Charger - $136.00, down from $169.99

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple today shared a second trailer for its upcoming "F1" racing film, which will have a theatrical release via Warner Bros. Pictures.

In the underdog comeback film, Brad Pitt stars as an F1 driver who was an up-and-coming talent in the 1990s, until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, Pitt is invited to join a former teammate's struggling F1 team, in a last-shot bid to save the team and become the best in the world.

The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who is known for other popular action films, including "Tron: Legacy" and "Top Gun: Maverick."

"F1" debuts in theaters on Friday, June 27, and it has the potential to be a summer blockbuster. It will be available to stream on Apple TV+ at a later date.

In the U.S., Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month, or $99 per year. The streaming service is available through the Apple TV app on a wide variety of devices, and on the web at tv.apple.com, with a free seven-day trial available.

In related news, the Apple Sports app gained support for F1 racing a few months ago.

Following more than a month of beta testing, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.5 to the general public this week. While the software update is relatively minor, it still includes a handful of new features and changes for iPhones.

Below, we recap everything new in iOS 18.5.

Pride Wallpaper

Apple recently announced its 2025 Pride Collection, including a new Apple Watch band, watch face, and a matching wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad.

The new Pride Edition Sport Band has rainbow stripes that vary in shape and size.

The matching Pride Harmony wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad is available starting with iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5. Apple says the wallpaper features colorful stripes that change position as users move, lock, or unlock their devices.

Carrier Satellite Connectivity on iPhone 13

Starting with iOS 18.5, carrier-provided satellite connectivity services like T-Mobile Starlink are supported on all four iPhone 13 models.

These satellite services allow you to send and receive text messages when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable, in supported areas.

Apple's own satellite feature remains limited to iPhone 14 models and newer.

Screen Time Passcode Notifications

iOS 18.5 includes a useful change for the Screen Time parental feature.

Specifically, Apple says that parents will now receive a notification when their Screen Time passcode is successfully entered on their child's device.

This change will allow parents to be alerted immediately if their child has correctly guessed or figured out the Screen Time passcode, which can allow the child to turn off or adjust the restrictions that were set by their parents.

Screen Time launched in 2018 as part of iOS 12, providing parents with settings to remotely manage a child's device. For example, parents can restrict device usage to certain times, set time limits for apps, and block inappropriate content.

Mail and Settings Tweaks

In the Mail app, you can now easily turn off contact photos directly within the app, by tapping on the circle with three dots in the top-right corner.

iOS 18.5 also makes the "All Mail" button slightly visible on the screen, for users who might not have realized that you can scroll over to it.

In the Settings app, AppleCare+ coverage information is more prominent.

Release Notes

This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

• A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
• Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device
• Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
• Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
• Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models).

iOS 18.5 will be available in the Settings app under General → Software Update.