ChatGPT app allows adding a new extension to Safari, iPhone 17 Pro will offer major improvements in video recording, a foldable iPhone without a notch, an iPhone bug that mixes up the words “Trump” and “racist”, a new feature in Safari is causing controversy, and other exciting news in the margins…
Google makes it easier to remove personal information from search results
Google has announced changes to its search engine to make it easier to remove unwanted personal information from the internet. Users can now click the three dots next to a search result to access an interface that allows them to request its removal, where they can choose from three options: “My personal information is showing,” “I have a legal removal request,” or “The information is outdated and I want to request it be updated.”
The first option allows users to request the removal of information such as phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, credit card numbers, login information, and more. Google will review the request and may remove the result. It also updated the “Results About You” feature, which searches for results that include personal information such as phone numbers or addresses, and provides tools to remove those results. The second option is for content that violates Google’s policies, and the third option updates search results if the page is updated.
Show search history in new Safari tabs in iPhone 18.4 update
Apple made a small change to Safari with update 18.4 that could be controversial because it puts your search history front and center. When you open a new Safari tab and then tap the search field, the browser now displays your recent search history directly, a notable change from the previous version 18.3.1, which didn’t display the history this way.
This change may not be welcome if you give your phone or tablet to someone else to use Safari or another app, as your previous searches will be clearly visible. But the feature could be useful if you use the same search terms over and over again. Apple also offers a private browsing mode that doesn’t save searches, and users can clear their search history at any time using the “Clear All” option, though there’s no setting to disable recent searches in the current update.
C1 modem will reach more devices
Apple says the C1 modem is its most power-efficient ever, contributing to the iPhone 16e’s longer battery life than any other 6.1-inch iPhone model. In a press release this week, Apple made it clear that it will launch additional devices with dedicated C1 5G modems in the future. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will also include the C1 modem, and the cellular iPad 11 is also a candidate to use it.
Apple is also reportedly considering adding 5G modems to future Macs and Vision Pros, and is already developing C2 and C3 modems. C2 will add mmWave support for 3G, while CXNUMX aims to outperform Qualcomm modems. In the long run, Apple is expected to integrate the modem into its processors so that everyone can share it, and eventually equip all of its mobile devices with C-series modems.
Trump responds to Apple keeping diversity policies
US President Donald Trump has penned a letter in all caps on Truth demanding that Apple eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion policies entirely, not just modify them. The response came a day after Apple’s annual shareholder meeting, where a majority of shareholders rejected a proposal to scrap the policies, a proposal put forward by a conservative foundation that says diversity programs create legal and financial risks for companies.
Apple recommended shareholders reject the proposal, calling it excessive interference in the company’s business. Tim Cook said Apple may have to change some of its policies in the future as required by law, but it will always maintain a culture of belonging. Since returning to the White House, Trump has criticized diversity programs and signed an executive order to end them in government agencies, prompting other tech companies like Google to scale back similar programs.
Apple fixes dictation issue that confused 'Trump' with 'racist'
iPhone users have discovered a strange bug with their voice dictation system, where the name “Trump” appears for a few seconds when they say the word “racist.” The bug occurs when using the dictation feature to send messages, with the phone typing “Trump” first and then automatically correcting it to “racist.” Videos showing the bug have gone viral on social media, catching the attention of many.
Apple said the problem was caused by a phonetic similarity between the two words!!!, and confirmed that it is working on a fix soon. A former Siri team employee said that this bug may be caused by a software code in Apple's system, but he does not know if it was intentional or unintentional. Apple did not clarify when this problem appeared or whether it has been around for a long time and was only discovered recently.
Apple blocks Russian developers' access to enterprise developer program
Apple has announced that it is ending Russian developers’ access to the Apple Developer Enterprise Program (ADEP), meaning they will not be able to create and distribute iOS apps for internal use without going through the App Store. Access was terminated on February 12, and all data associated with the program was deleted, rendering ADEP unusable. The program was widely used in Russia to test apps and develop internal business applications, such as CRM systems, chatbots, and logistics tools.
The move comes on top of other actions Apple has taken in Russia, including suspending product sales and restricting services like Apple Pay in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The App Store remains operational in Russia, though Apple has complied with local regulations by removing certain apps, such as VPN services and news apps, at the request of Russian authorities. Russian developers are now looking to alternatives like progressive web apps (PWAs) and mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
Foldable iPhone without a notch in the screen
Apple is continuing to develop its foldable phone, with reports suggesting that it has succeeded in removing the notch, which is one of the biggest challenges in foldable technology. Apple is believed to have developed a new material that makes the notch invisible, giving it a significant competitive advantage. The iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. The phone will have a book-like foldable design, with a Samsung OLED display and a thin glass cover from Corning. Reports suggest that the iPhone will have a 5.49-inch external display and a 7.74-inch internal display when opened.
iPhone 17 Pro will offer major improvements in video recording
Apple is reportedly planning to focus on the iPhone 17 Pro's improved video recording capabilities when it's unveiled later this year, according to journalist Mark Gurman. Apple aims to lure the community of vloggers and visual content creators to move from using standalone cameras to using the iPhone more for their work.
Over the years, Apple has added multiple video recording features to iPhones, such as Motion Mode for stabilization and Cinematic Mode for depth of field. Several sources suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a redesigned rear camera system, with a rectangular camera bar with rounded corners and three 48MP rear cameras.
February 24 would have been Steve Jobs' XNUMXth birthday.
Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple, was born on February 24, 1955, and would have turned 2011, but he passed away in 56 at the age of 1976. Jobs founded Apple in 1985 with Steve Wozniak, and together they revolutionized the world of computers with the launch of the Apple II. After leaving Apple in 1997, he founded NeXT, but his return to Apple in XNUMX changed the course of the company, launching iconic products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, making Apple one of the largest technology companies in the world. As expected, Apple’s current CEO, Tim Cook, shared a tribute to Steve on Twitter, saying, “We miss you Steve!”
Miscellaneous news
◉ Apple announced that it will release the iOS 18.4 update in April. With this update, Apple News+ subscribers will have access to a new section called Apple News+ Food, where they will find thousands of recipes as well as articles on restaurants, healthy eating, kitchen essentials and more, all from the best food experts around the world.
◉ Apple has released a new software update for the AirPods Max Lightning. Apple doesn’t usually provide much detail about what the update includes, but it’s expected to include bug fixes and minor improvements. To update, connect the AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac on the same Wi-Fi network, then charge them. The update can take about 30 minutes. To check for the update, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and tap the info button next to the AirPods Max when they’re connected.
◉ Apple is reportedly working on a smart doorbell and lock system that will be connected to Face ID. Leaked information suggests that the doorbell will feature MagSafe, which means it can be charged wirelessly. This is convenient, although doorbells typically only need to be charged a few times a year. The doorbell is expected to launch in 2026, as Apple looks to expand its presence in the smart home space, in addition to launching a smart hub and an indoor camera compatible with HomeKit.
◉ Adobe announced the launch of New application For Photoshop on iPhone. The app features basic Photoshop tools adapted for mobile devices, such as layers, masking, and blending, with built-in AI tools. The Tap Select tool lets you quickly remove, recolor, or replace parts of an image, while the Spot Healing Brush can remove distractions from images. The app includes Adobe Firefly-powered features like Generative Fill and Generative Expand, as well as integration with Adobe Stock and Adobe Lightroom. The app is free, with a Photoshop Mobile and Web plan offering additional features for $7.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
◉ OpenAI has announced an update to the ChatGPT app that allows for a new extension to Safari, allowing ChatGPT to be used as the default search engine in the Safari search bar. After updating the app to the latest version, the ChatGPT Search extension can be enabled in the Safari section of the Settings app. The extension requires permission to access Google.com or your default search engine location, but once approved, all searches are directed to ChatGPT Search.
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