Apple has released the RC version of iOS 26.2 for iPhone, introducing new features such as a revamped Sleep Score system, AI-enhanced Apple Podcasts, a refined Apple News layout, expanded AirPods translation, and various UI improvements across apps like Reminders and CarPlay, with the official launch expected later this month.
iOS 26.2 introduces new features including an 'Urgent' option for Reminders, offline lyrics for Apple Music, AI-generated chapters and mentions in Apple Podcasts, refined Sleep Score criteria, redesigned Apple News sections, and regulatory changes in the EU affecting AirPods translation and Wi-Fi network syncing. The update is currently in beta and expected for a public release in mid-December.
The first developer beta of iOS 26.2 introduces enhanced customization options for Liquid Glass, updates to Apple News and Podcasts apps, integration of alarms with Reminders, and adjustments to Sleep Score ranges, along with other improvements and features.
Apple has unexpectedly launched a new Emoji Game for iPhone users with iOS 18.4, available exclusively to Apple News+ subscribers, as a preview ahead of the official release of iOS 26 this fall, which will also introduce new default apps like Preview and Apple Games.
Apple News+ has added a new Emoji Game to its lineup, combining emoji-based puzzles with AI-generated Genmoji to engage users in both the US and Canada, enhancing its subscription offering with interactive games and leaderboards.
Apple News+ has added a new Emoji Game, a puzzle game inspired by emoji communication, available in the US and Canada, featuring daily challenges, leaderboards, and integration with Genmoji, to enhance user engagement and attract subscribers.
Apple is now directly selling advertising inventory for Apple News, marking a significant shift in its advertising strategy. Previously reliant on third-party vendors, Apple aims to maximize revenue for itself and its publishing partners by introducing new ad units and premium sponsorships. Publishers will receive a 70% cut of ad revenue from their articles, while Apple continues to expand its ad sales team. This move comes as Apple seeks to bolster its ad business amid slowing hardware sales, with advertising expected to contribute significantly to its $100 billion services revenue.
Apple News is introducing live election result updates directly to the lockscreens of iPhone and iPad users, allowing them to track the 2024 US presidential and congressional elections in real-time. Users can enable this feature by registering through the "Follow the 2024 election live" banner in the Apple News app. The updates will be available on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, displaying results for candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as well as Senate and House races.
Apple News is introducing a Live Activity feature for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, allowing iPhone users to receive real-time updates directly on their Lock and Home Screens. This feature, available on iPhone 14 Pro or later with iOS 16.1 and iPads with iPadOS 17, will display the electoral count and provide interactive access to election coverage. However, it is not available in all regions and will activate on Election Day, November 5.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17.5 beta includes a hidden word game called Quartiles for Apple News+ subscribers, featuring word snippets in a grid format. However, the game has received criticism for its difficulty and lack of user-friendly features, leading to frustration among players. Some feel that the game's design makes it more infuriating than enjoyable, and it requires a strong command of the English language to succeed. Despite being part of the iOS update, Quartiles has faced backlash for its challenging gameplay and lack of accessibility for a wider audience.
Apple News is testing a new game called Quartiles for iOS 17.5, which involves organizing a grid of 20 syllables into 5 four-syllable words, resembling the New York Times' game Connections. This move follows the success of gaming features for news aggregators, as seen with the popularity of the Times' games. While still in beta testing, Quartiles reflects a trend of news platforms integrating gaming elements to engage users.
Apple's iOS 17.5 update introduces a new word game called "Quartiles" to the Apple News app, expanding its collection of puzzles for Apple News+ subscribers. The game challenges players to form words from a grid of tiles and includes Game Center integration with leaderboards for Daily Solve Time and Daily Score stats. However, the discoverability of these puzzles within the app is questioned, with suggestions for better integration.
Apple is raising the prices of its subscription-based services, including Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+, in various countries. In the U.S., Apple TV+ will now cost $9.99 per month, Apple Arcade will be $6.99 per month, and Apple News+ will be $12.99 per month. The price increases also apply to Apple One bundles that include these services. Existing subscribers will be notified of the changes, and the new prices take effect immediately for new subscribers.
Apple Podcasts has launched over 100 new podcasts from top apps and services, allowing subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+, Calm, and Lingokids to connect their subscriptions and access new shows. With the release of iOS 17, Apple Podcasts introduces a refreshed player, search filters, and the ability to connect subscriptions to top apps. This update aims to make Apple Podcasts the go-to platform for listeners to discover and enjoy a wide range of premium audio content, including podcasts, news briefs, narrated articles, radio shows, educational courses, guided meditations, and sleep sounds.