The app was reportedly tested internally, with Apple identifying potential employee test subjects using blood test data. Participants were chosen if they were at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes and given software to actively monitor their blood sugar via various devices available on the market, logging glucose changes in response to their food choices. The app tracked these trends, correlating dietary adjustments to blood sugar levels.

Gurman mentions that Apple has since paused the app’s testing to concentrate on other health-related features. Apple’s Health app currently lacks a meal tracking feature — something that’s readily available on competing platforms. The report also suggests Apple could eventually integrate third-party glucose-tracking capabilities into its own ecosystem.

Also Read: Apple Watch Gets UAE Approval For Sleep Apnea Detection

The recent experiments by Apple are said to be separate from the company’s long-term goal of developing a non-invasive method for monitoring blood glucose levels — a project that has been under exploration for around 15 years. Apple’s current prototype device for non-invasive glucose monitoring is reportedly about the size of an iPhone and uses laser technology to penetrate the skin with light.

Gurman speculates that Apple’s initial consumer version may take the form of an alert system that notifies users if they are at risk of pre-diabetes, with specific blood glucose level readings possibly arriving in later versions of the device.

The post Apple Rumored To Be Trialing Blood Glucose Management appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, and often remains undiagnosed. Affecting an estimated one billion people globally, if untreated, sleep apnea can lead to health complications, including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.

This new detection feature utilizes the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to monitor wrist movements associated with interruptions in breathing. These “Breathing Disturbances” are analyzed by a specific Apple Watch metric, allowing users to view data in the Health app on their iPhone or iPad.

While occasional disturbances are normal, Apple’s monitoring focuses on patterns that occur frequently over multiple nights, as they may indicate sleep apnea. The app classifies breathing patterns as either elevated or not elevated, and users can track their breathing disturbance history over one-month, six-month, or one-year periods.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Apple Watch Like A Pro

Every 30 days, Apple’s system analyzes the accumulated data for signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. If it identifies consistent patterns, the user receives a notification advising them to consult a healthcare provider. The notification includes an educational section about sleep apnea risks, as well as a PDF summary containing three months of relevant data, which users can share with their doctors for further discussion.

The Sleep Apnea Notification algorithm was developed with advanced machine learning and a large dataset of clinical sleep apnea studies. Apple validated the feature in an extensive clinical trial, one of the largest conducted for sleep apnea detection technology. In this study, each participant identified by the algorithm as having a breathing disturbance showed at least mild sleep apnea.

The post Apple Watch Gets UAE Approval For Sleep Apnea Detection appeared first on Tech Magazine.

iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus

The newly announced iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a water and dust-resistant design, along with fresh color options like ultramarine, teal, and pink. The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch screen. Both devices offer a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, dropping as low as 1 nit in dark environments.

The Action button, first introduced in last year’s Pro models, has now been included in the regular versions of the iPhone, and remains highly customizable. The big news, however, was the announcement of a new haptic camera control interface that lets users adjust settings (such as zoom and focus) with a simple tap or swipe. Integrated with Visual Intelligence — a key feature of iOS 18 — this button also allows users to gather information about whatever the camera is pointed at, such as event dates on concert posters that can then be auto-added to the calendar.

Speaking of photos, both iPhone 16 models now come equipped with a 48-megapixel main Fusion camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a new ultrawide camera with autofocus. These are capable of capturing Spatial Photos, designed for viewing on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Both iPhone 16 models are powered by the new A18 chip, featuring a 16-core neural engine optimized for AI-driven tasks. Apple also claims that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have larger batteries than their predecessors, resulting in improved battery life when combined with the efficiency of the A18 chip and iOS 18 optimization tweaks.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have already gone live, with prices starting at $799 and $899, respectively. Both models will be available from September 20.

iPhone 16 Pro

This year’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature slightly larger ProMotion, always-on displays, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. Built with Titanium, the Pro phones are lighter than their stainless-steel counterparts. Both are available in black, white, natural and a new desert color (resembling muted gold).

Both models are equipped with the new A18 Pro chip, offering enhanced speed and efficiency over the standard A18 chip. The rear camera array features a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Improvements in video capture include the ability to record 4K video at 120fps, as well as slow-motion recording.

The Pro models also come with four built-in studio-quality microphones, enabling Spatial Audio capture and also support Qi2 wireless charging.

Pre-orders begin on September 13, with prices starting at $999 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max. Both handsets will be available from September 20.

AirPods 4

As predicted, Apple launched the AirPods 4 at today’s event. The earbuds feature a redesigned shape for better comfort and a more universal fit. Powered by the H2 chip, they promise improved audio quality and support Personalized Spatial Audio. The charging case now has a USB-C port and is the smallest AirPods case Apple has released to date.

Alongside the standard AirPods 4, there’s a model that includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. A feature called Conversation Awareness will automatically lower the media volume when you start speaking.

The standard AirPods 4 are priced at $129, while the ANC model will cost $179. Both can be pre-ordered today, with availability starting September 20.

New AirPods Max Colors

While the AirPods Max didn’t get a design overhaul, Apple did introduce new color options, including midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight. The new models will also support USB-C charging. The updated AirPods Max can be pre-ordered today for $549, with wide availability on September 20.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 made its debut at the event, boasting Apple’s largest and thinnest display to date. The wide-angle OLED screen and rounded corners provide more room for viewing graphics and text. Additionally, the watch face is now 40% brighter when viewed at an angle.

Powered by the new S10 SiP chip, the Series 10 is optimized for performance, power efficiency, and intelligence-driven features. The watch will include a new Photos watch face, which automatically curates top images from your photo library.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Apple Watch Like A Pro

On the health and fitness front, the Series 10 will be able to detect signs of sleep apnea (pending FDA approval), with the feature expected to roll out in over 150 countries. Other new functions include scuba tracking and support for the Tides app in the upcoming watchOS 11. The Series 10 can also play audio directly from its speaker — a handy feature if you don’t have earbuds available.

The Apple Watch Series 10 will come in polished jet-black aluminum and polished titanium finishes. Pre-orders are available today, and it will be widely available on September 20.

The post Key Product Announcements From Apple’s iPhone 16 Event appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The design echoes the invitation for June’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple introduced its new AI suite, Apple Intelligence. It’s likely that the upcoming event will continue this conversation in addition to revealing new hardware.

How To Watch Apple’s Glowtime Event

Apple’s keynote is scheduled for Monday, September 9th, at 10:00 AM PT (8:00 PM Beirut, 9:00 PM Dubai).

The event will be livestreamed on Apple’s website and YouTube. In addition, you’ll also be able to watch via the Apple TV app.

Anticipated Features: AI-Powered iPhones & Enhanced Cameras

During June’s WWDC keynote, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI-driven features including a smarter Siri, AI-powered writing tools, and ChatGPT integration. The iPhone 16 is expected to be the first to launch with these features fully integrated, following their introduction on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

In tandem with these AI advancements, the public rollout of iOS 18 is expected. This new operating system will offer customizable home and lock screens, an upgraded Control Center, and RCS messaging support, making communication with Android users more seamless.

Apple is also likely to showcase improvements in iPhone hardware, particularly in the camera department. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 lineup may feature larger image sensors and a new physical camera button, positioned alongside the Action button from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. This button could also introduce swipe gestures for zooming in and out.

Also Read: Yango Group Unveils Yasmina AI-Enhanced Smart Speakers For UAE

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 16 Pro will include a 5x optical zoom lens, eliminating the need to upgrade to the Pro Max for this feature. Another analyst, Jeff Pu, speculates that the ultrawide cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could jump from 12 megapixels to an impressive 48 megapixels.

The base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models might feature vertically stacked cameras, a design change that could enhance their ability to shoot spatial videos. These videos appear in 2D on a regular iPhone but are designed to deliver a 3D effect when viewed on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Apple Watch X: The Next Generation

Apple is also expected to unveil the 10th generation of its Watch series, likely named the Apple Watch X, continuing the tradition set by the iPhone X. This new model should feature a slimmer design and larger screen sizes, along with advanced health monitoring capabilities like blood-pressure tracking and sleep apnea detection. Additionally, the Apple Watch X may introduce a new magnetic band attachment system.

New AirPods: Enhanced Design & Features

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple might also debut two new AirPods models during the event. These redesigned headphones are expected to feature shorter stems, USB-C charging support, and possibly Active Noise Cancellation, traditionally reserved for the AirPods Pro.

The post Apple’s Glowtime Event: Key Announcements & How To Watch appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro have received a huge design overhaul. The most noteworthy change is the move to OLED screens, with the 12.9-inch version receiving a small bump in size to 13 inches. Apple claims the new tablets are brighter and more vibrant than outgoing models, thanks to a technology it calls “tandem OLED” or “Ultra Retina XDR”.

The 13-inch model now measures an astonishing 5.1 mm in thickness, which Apple says is its slimmest device ever. (The 11-inch version is 5.3 mm thick.) For those who prefer the look of a matte display, a nano-texture coating will also be available for the first time on the Pro models.

Finally, the new iPad Pros have received a processor bump to the latest M4 chip, which Apple says is an “outrageously powerful chip for AI”, offering an example of its ability to quickly and efficiently isolate subjects from backgrounds in videos.

The iPad Pro 11-inch starts at $999, and the larger 13-inch version starts at $1,299 with 256GB of storage.

Updated iPad Air In Two Sizes

The sixth-generation iPad Air didn’t receive as many upgrades as the iPad Pro but significantly does now come in two sizes. As with the Pro models, buyers now have the choice between an 11-inch and 13-inch screen, meaning they don’t need to invest in a Pro version just to get a 30% bump in display size.

Apple kept the same design for the iPad Air that it first revealed in 2020, complete with a USB-C port and Touch ID in the top button. The only difference is the front camera placement, which has been moved to the center of the iPad when in landscape orientation.

The 11-inch iPad Air is priced at $599 for the entry-level model, while the 13-inch version starts at $799.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Apple Watch Like A Pro

New Magic Keyboard Case

Apple also announced an updated (thinner, lighter) Magic Keyboard for its Pro iPads. The refreshed version now includes a function row (with controls for screen brightness). An aluminum palm rest and large trackpad with haptic feedback also help the premium case feel more like a Macbook.

The new Magic Keyboard is available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros and will be priced at $299 or $349, respectively.

Apple Pencil Pro

Apple also announced a new Apple Pencil, named Pro, at its event. The new model looks exactly the same but adds a “squeeze” function that opens a new tool palette. Meanwhile, a built-in gyroscope sensor lets you alter the orientation of the tools you’re using as you twist the device, offering finer control. Finally, the new pencil gets support for Apple’s Find My network, which should keep minds at rest at the prospect of losing the $129 device.

Finally, to round off Apple’s series of announcements, the entry-level iPad was reduced to $349 — a $100 price cut.

The post Apple Announces New iPad Pro With M4 Chip And Updated iPad Air appeared first on Tech Magazine.

In the unfortunate event of your iPhone or iPad being stolen, iOS 17.3 allows you to bar unauthorized access by forcing Face ID or Touch ID verification. The security measure remains effective even if a thief has your passcode and should render any attempts to access your device futile.

As an added security layer, iOS 17.3 introduces an automatic one-hour security delay before permitting passcode modifications if the device is detected in an unfamiliar location. While Stolen Device Protection may not entirely deter thieves, it significantly complicates their efforts.

Also Read: Samsung Unpacked 2024: Key Product Announcements

iOS 17.3 also introduces minor enhancements such as collaborative playlists in Apple Music, support for AirPlay in hotels, improved crash detection, and a collection of new wallpapers commemorating Black History Month.

The following iOS devices support iOS 17.3:

• iPhone Xs
• iPhone Xs Max
• iPhone XR (from 2018 onwards)
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 15
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd-gen)

Meanwhile, iPadOS 17.3 extends support to various models, including:

• iPad Mini (5th-gen and later)
• Standard iPad (6th-gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd-gen and later)
• All iPad Pro models

Users can check for the update in their system settings.

To enable Stolen Device Protection, navigate to the “Face ID & Passcode” section within the Settings menu. Activating it is as simple as scrolling down and toggling the “Stolen Device Protection” switch from “Off” to “On”. No further configuration is necessary.

The post Apple Releases iOS 17.3 Featuring Stolen Device Protection appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Apple has been dropping hints about the new journal app since the summer of 2023. It’s designed to encourage users to write about day to day events and accompany key moments with photos from your iPhone.

Meanwhile, there are also key additions to the camera, bringing Spatial Video to the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as improved telephoto camera focus. In addition, the new Action Button also gains some new abilities, including the ability to access the Translate tool. This will enable easier conversations across languages or help users to quickly translate a page.

Updates have also come to Apple’s Messages app. There’s a new catch-up arrow that’ll take you down to the first unread message within a thread and Contact Key Verification so you know who you’re chatting with.

Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2023

The Weather app will now tell you how much it’s expected to rain or snow, while an improved selection of widgets adds things like wind speed, air quality, and a “feels like” temperature. There’s also a new wind map and an interactive moon calendar.

The update also features a bunch of improvements and bug fixes, including AirDrop enhancements in the Wallet app, while older iPhones now get support for Qi2 wireless charging.

How To Download iOS 17.2

You can access the iOS 17.2 update by tapping the Settings cog on your iPhone and then heading to General > Software Update.

The post iOS 17.2 Is Here With A New Journal App And Spatial Videos appeared first on Tech Magazine.

“We’ve got something special for you tonight. No tricks, just treats,” teased Apple chief executive Tim Cook on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, before the event.

The “Scary Fast” moniker turned out (rather unsurprisingly) to be a reference to the company’s M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, which promise huge increases in power and efficiency while reducing the system’s reliance on memory.

“M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max are the most advanced chips ever built for a personal computer,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technology.

“Apple silicon has completely redefined the Mac experience. Every aspect of its architecture is designed for performance and power efficiency”, he added.

The New 24-Inch iMac

Since its 2021 launch, the iMac hasn’t benefited from a single spec bump. That situation has now been rectified, with Apple boosting the tired M1 processors inside the colorful all-in-one PC for its latest M3 chip, doubling the already speedy device’s performance in the process.

Although the rest of the iMac 24 is largely unchanged, Apple claims to have tweaked the display quality, which now offers 11.3 million pixels and more than a billion colors, as well as adding faster wireless connectivity.

“We are excited to give iMac a big boost in performance with the M3 chip,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering.

“The new iMac with M3 is incredible for anyone, especially those who have not yet upgraded from Intel, providing a giant leap in performance and capabilities,” he added.

Online pre-orders for the new iMac are already being taken, with prices starting at $1,299 and deliveries expected to start from November 7.

The Latest MacBook Pros

Apple also announced a new MacBook Pro line-up with an M3 chip upgrade to both the 14 and 16-inch versions of the laptop, offering “phenomenal sustained performance” for machine learning programmers, 3D artists, and video editors.

Also Read: MENA Online Electronics Sales Grew By 7% In 2023

Starting at $1,599, the new MacBook Pros are now available for pre-order. Customers will begin to take delivery from November 7 to coincide with the laptops’ arrival in Apple stores.

The post Apple Scary Fast Event: New M3 MacBook Pros And iMac appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The vulnerabilities found in Google’s Chrome browser could allow “malicious actors” to execute harmful code on users’ systems, the council explained on Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Important Security Alert
The Cyber Security Council of the UAE government has issued a critical warning regarding high-risk vulnerabilities in the Google Chrome browser. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow malicious actors to execute harmful code on your operating… pic.twitter.com/2Jm5rLAtpC

— Cyber Security Council (@cscgovae) October 28, 2023

“We strongly advise all users to promptly update their Chrome browsers to the latest version to safeguard against any potential threats,” the government organization said.

With around 3.3 billion users, Google Chrome is the world’s most-used web browser. The browser has about 65% of the market share and is installed on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and more.

The Cyber Security Council also warned of several Apple-specific vulnerabilities that span desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as in the Safari browser, Apple Watch, and even the Apple TV’s tvOS.

“We strongly recommend all users to update their systems and software immediately to mitigate potential threats,” the Cyber Security Council said, amidst fears that hackers could exploit the security flaws to gain control of user’s devices.

Also Read: The Largest Data Breaches In The Middle East

Established in 2020, the UAE Cyber Security Council is responsible for legislation to strengthen cyber security after a recent surge in digital attacks.

The UAE also recently announced plans to develop a cyber security vision to strengthen action against digital crime over the next 50 years. The move will give the Emirate “the highest level of resilience” and boost its ability to “address growing digital challenges”, said Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council at the time of the announcement.

“As the UAE looks forward to its centennial in 2071, we had an opportunity to pause, examine how the world might evolve, and how we can use technology to optimize outcomes for humanity,” he said.

The post UAE Issues Google Chrome And Apple Security Warning appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Upgrading To iOS 17

Tap Settings, scroll to General, then select Software Update. Remember that your phone will restart several times during the process, and it’s always wise to keep it plugged into a charger.

iOS 17 Features

Autocorrect Improvements

Autocorrect will now remember words for future use, and users can tap an on-screen undo button to revert back to what they actually typed.

Check-In

The new Check-In feature automatically alerts friends or family when you arrive at a preselected destination. If an iPhone detects that someone is no longer moving toward their destination, chosen contacts will be sent the route, cell connectivity status, and the phone’s battery level.

Set Multiple Timers

A glaring omission to iOS has finally been solved. Users can now set multiple timers without resorting to third-party apps.

StandBy Mode

iPhones now enter StandBy Mode when flipped horizontally while charging, turning them into a clock, calendar, digital photo frame, or information center using widget Smart Stacks. StandBy Mode can also distinguish between specific Magsafe docks, so different displays can be set for each location (such as bedside tables or kitchens).

Stickers And Call Effects

iOS 17 now allows quick access to all stickers — including those within third-party apps. You can even create new stickers from photos with added interactive effects. Users can also add effects to video calls, including rain, confetti, and hearts.

Voicemail To Text & Video Messages

Incoming voicemails can now be displayed as text on the iPhone’s lock screen. Meanwhile, Facetime also lets users leave video messages if someone doesn’t pick up.

NameDrop Contact Info

You can now bring iPhones together and instantly share contact details, which can also be customized and turned into a contact poster.

Safari Privacy

Apple has long made privacy a unique selling point of its operating systems. Now, iOS has received an update allowing Safari users to create multiple profiles to keep browsing information separate. Private Browsing tabs also require reauthorization after 15 minutes, hiding your browsing habits if someone else is handed the device.

Coming Soon: AirDrop Update And New Journaling App

Although we’re excited at the prospect of the iOS 17 update, there are a few additional features planned for the future that are also hotly anticipated.

A new end-to-end encrypted Journal app will soon be available where users can reflect and record their thoughts. In addition, an AirDrop update will allow file transfers to continue even if you move out of range.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Apple Watch Like A Pro

Aside from all the new iOS 17 features, it’s always a good idea to keep your iPhone up to date. There’s always a risk of a few temporary bugs, but the security benefits far outweigh any minor glitches you may experience during the first few days of updating.

The post iOS 17 Has Arrived: Here Are The Standout New Features appeared first on Tech Magazine.