On its 50th anniversary, Apple is added to Iran's target list; Google launches a Gemini import tool to facilitate migration from ChatGPT, Cloud, and others; it enables "instant translation" via any type of wireless headset; it allows you to change your email address; two new Apple apps; the all-new iPhone 20 design; an AI-powered Shortcuts app; an engineer brings back the Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple begins selling refurbished MacBook Pro M5 and iPad 11 at lower prices
Apple has announced the addition of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip and the iPad 11 to its refurbished products section at discounted prices. These devices are currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European countries.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip starts at $1359 for the model with a 10-core processor, 10-core graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The refurbished iPad 11 starts at just $299, $50 less than its regular price of $349. Apple also offers other options with larger storage capacities and cellular connectivity. Discounts on refurbished devices are typically around 15 percent. The MacBook Pro M5 will be available in October 2025, while the iPad 11 will be released in March 2025. Buyers receive a full one-year warranty, just like new devices, along with all accessories, and AppleCare+ is also available. Apple meticulously inspects, repairs, and cleans these devices to ensure they are in near-new condition.
An update to the iPhone keyboard for easier and smarter typing.
New reports indicate that the iOS 27 update may bring significant improvements to the keyboard, making it smarter and more helpful to users. Instead of simply correcting minor spelling mistakes, the keyboard will be able to suggest better alternative words that fit your writing, much like advanced tools that help improve and refine text. Apple is expected to utilize artificial intelligence to make this feature beneficial for everyone, facilitating easier messaging and clearer expression. An official announcement of these features is anticipated later this year.
Emergency security update for iOS 18
Apple has released an urgent and critical security update for iPhone users still running older versions of iOS, such as iOS 18, to protect them from a vulnerability known as DarkSword. This threat could allow hackers to take control of a device if users visit malicious websites, prompting the company to act swiftly to ensure user privacy and data security. While Apple always recommends upgrading to the latest version for optimal protection, this update is designed to ensure everyone's safety. It is strongly advised to install it immediately to avoid any potential digital risks to your device.
Apple CEO explains the importance of dialogue with political leaders
Apple CEO Tim Cook explained that his ongoing communication with leaders and officials, including President Trump, stems from his belief that engaging in dialogue is the best way to convey perspectives, rather than simply criticizing from afar. Cook emphasized that Apple's core values, such as protecting user privacy and environmental responsibility, remain paramount in these discussions. He noted that his goal is to focus on practical issues that matter to people, as engaging with people who hold differing opinions helps resolve problems and avoid divisions, ultimately benefiting everyone.
Apple celebrates its golden jubilee: 50 years of innovation and success
Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary in a unique way, with CEO Tim Cook expressing his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to its success, emphasizing the company's continued focus on the future and its commitment to innovation. The celebrations included dazzling artistic events in major cities around the world, such as New York, London, and Shanghai, as a token of appreciation to the millions of people who have made Apple products an integral part of their daily lives.
The celebrations weren't limited to the public; company employees also received commemorative gifts and attended a special concert at Apple's headquarters. Apple's website was also adorned with videos summarizing the company's 50-year journey, making this a proud moment of its achievements in the world of technology and its ongoing commitment to developing its devices and services to meet the needs of everyone, everywhere.
An engineer restores the Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro.
In a humorous move coinciding with the beginning of April, an innovative engineer designed a special case for the iPhone 17 Pro that restores the old Lightning charging port Apple used in previous years. This project was a satirical response to requests from some followers, showcasing the engineer's skill in making the port fully functional with the modern phone. Despite the intricate design and challenging execution, the engineer emphasized that it is purely a work of art for enjoyment and he has no intention of selling it to the public, demonstrating how unusual ideas can be transformed into tangible realities in an innovative and entertaining way.
Apple included on Iran's list of targets
News reports indicate that Iranian authorities have issued warnings identifying Apple and a number of other major American companies as potential targets amid current political tensions. These reports allege that these companies, which also include well-known names like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla, may be working for the US government, placing them on a list of entities that could be targeted. This news illustrates how international conflicts can impact the global technology companies whose products we use in our daily lives.
The report said the Telegram post listed 18 companies that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard considers “legitimate targets,” including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, IBM, Cisco, Tesla, Boeing, Nvidia, J.P. Morgan, and others.
Google finally lets you change your email address
Google has announced a long-awaited feature that allows users to change their primary Gmail email address without creating a new account. This is an ideal solution for those who previously used informal names and now wish to replace them with more professional ones. Most importantly, all your messages, photos, and stored files will remain completely secure, and you won't have to move your data. You can also easily revert to your old address if you change your mind.
This feature is currently rolling out to users in the United States and allows you to change your address once a year, up to a maximum of three times in total. The best part is that your old address will remain yours and will function as an additional address, ensuring that any messages sent to it will arrive in your new email inbox as usual. This guarantees you stay connected with everyone and don't lose any important correspondence. Whether you use Google services on a computer or an iPhone, this feature will make managing your personal account more flexible and easier.
The Shortcuts app will become smarter and easier to use thanks to artificial intelligence.
Apple is preparing to add a revolutionary feature in its upcoming iOS 27 update, allowing the Shortcuts app to automatically create tasks for you instead of requiring you to perform complex programming steps. Thanks to new artificial intelligence technologies, you will simply be able to give a voice or text command in everyday language, and the iPhone will understand your request and instantly build the appropriate shortcut for you, whether you want to organize your messages or control your smart home devices. This development will make taking advantage of the phone's advanced features simple and accessible to everyone, without requiring any prior technical expertise.
Exciting leaks about the all-new iPhone 20 design
New reports suggest that Apple intends to release a special edition iPhone to commemorate its 20th anniversary. This new model is expected to feature a revolutionary design, including a curved screen and unprecedentedly thin bezels. The aim is to create a nearly bezel-less display, giving the phone a sleek and attractive look that will make using and browsing it a completely different and enjoyable experience compared to current models.
Despite the company's desire to completely conceal the front-facing camera beneath the screen, it is still working to overcome the technical challenges of maintaining clear and crisp image quality. If this complex technology isn't finalized, the new iPhone may feature a significantly smaller camera cutout than its current counterpart, along with enhanced facial recognition security systems. This flagship model is expected to be released in 2027, representing a technological marvel that combines aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge smartphone technology.
Miscellaneous news
Apple has begun selling its AirPods Max 2 in many of its stores worldwide, with customers able to pick them up the same day or receive them via delivery. The new earbuds feature the advanced H2 chip, offering up to 1.5 times better noise cancellation than the previous generation, along with higher sound quality and helpful features like adaptive audio and real-time translation. They also include a remote camera control for taking photos and starting or stopping recording with a single press of the Digital Crown. The battery lasts up to 20 hours, and they are available in the same colors and at the same price of $549 in the US.
Apple has released the first software update for the AirTag 2, which launched in January 2026, bringing the version up from 3.0.41 to 3.0.45. This update improves the alert sound when unwanted tracking is detected, makes locating the device easier using the precise location feature, and includes bug fixes and other improvements. You can check for the update version through the Find My app, and it will install automatically on your iPhone without any special action required.
Mark Gurman predicts that the first foldable iPhone will be the most significant shift in the series' history, featuring a book-like design with a 7.7-inch internal screen and a 5.3-inch external screen. The device will run iOS 27, an enhanced version of the operating system designed to support multitasking, and will include a Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button instead of Face ID, along with advanced technologies to minimize screen creases. It is likely to be unveiled this September, alongside the iPhone 18 series, with a starting price of approximately $1,999, though its availability may be delayed compared to other models.
Apple plans to release two new apps this year. The first, Apple Business, will launch on April 14th, replacing previous platforms and providing employees with work tools and technical support (requires iOS 26). The second is a new Siri app offering an interactive experience similar to ChatGPT via voice and text, with a conversation history feature. It is expected to be available with the subsequent iOS 27 update, representing a significant step for Apple in both business and artificial intelligence.
Apple has appointed Lilian Rincon, a former Google executive, as its vice president of AI product marketing, a move aimed at closing the gap with its competitors. Rincon will oversee AI platform strategies and the development of the next version of Siri in iOS 27, which will transform into a sophisticated chatbot to compete with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. These significant updates are expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins on June 8, 2026.
◉ Leaker “Ice Universe” reported that the iPhone 18 series, across all models, will feature a smaller “dynamic island” display, while retaining the same screen bezels as the iPhone 17 series. Apple will also adopt a new staggered release strategy, with the Pro models and the foldable iPhone being unveiled in the fall, while the release of the regular iPhone 18 will be delayed until early next year.
Google Translate has enabled real-time translation for iPhone users via any type of wireless earbuds, allowing for speech translation in over 70 languages. Google's feature is more versatile, working with all earbuds without restrictions, unlike Apple's version which requires specific AirPods models. However, Google's cloud-based translation raises privacy concerns compared to Apple's on-device processing. The feature is currently available for free in several countries as part of the latest app update.
Apple has awarded its iPhone designers substantial bonuses of up to $400,000 in stock options, payable over four years, to retain its talent and prevent them from leaving for competitors, particularly OpenAI, which has poached more than 40 former Apple employees, including former chief design officer Jony Ive. This move reflects Apple's efforts to secure the stability of its engineering teams in the design, hardware, and software sectors against the lure of opportunities offered by artificial intelligence companies.
Google has launched a new import tool for its Gemini platform to facilitate the migration from competitor apps like ChatGPT and Cloud. This tool allows users to transfer their "memory," personal preferences, and context, ensuring continuity without starting from scratch. The feature works by importing a summary of preferences or the complete conversation history in a ZIP file, enabling users to search through and resume their previous conversations directly within Gemini.
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