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iOS 26 Photos Reintroduces Tabs and Introduces Spatial Photos Features

Apple has revamped the Photos app in iOS 26, making it significantly more user-friendly for iPhone users. One notable feature now allows users to convert 2D images into Spatial Photos directly from their devices. Anytime Apple alters the Photos app, it generates varied reactions among users—sometimes positive, other times overwhelmingly negative.

Following the backlash related to the layout changes in iOS 18, the new version aimed to regain user trust. The updates may seem limited in number, but they are substantial enough to enhance user experience beyond the iPhone. One of the primary grievances with the iOS 18 version was its single-page layout, which replaced the previously familiar multiple tabs.

Apple had opted for a grid design for the Library section, making users scroll through content in a more cluttered interface. In response to user feedback, Apple has restored tabs in iOS 26 using an updated Liquid Glass design. Users will now find two tabs: Library, which retains the grid view of all images, and Collections, reminiscent of the old app’s bottom half.

The Collections tab showcases carousels for Albums, Media Types, and Utilities, while Memories, generated slideshows, are prominently featured at the top. A newly positioned search icon has also been introduced for easier access. Overall, these layout changes provide a better-organized and aesthetically pleasing app.

While Apple’s previous experiment with the iOS 18 layout didn’t resonate well, the company recognized its misstep and has adjusted accordingly. Another significant update in iOS 26 is the ability to create Spatial Photos—3D images with depth—using the iPhone 15 Pro and later models since iOS 18.1. This feature mimics technology from visionOS, enabling the conversion of 2D images into 3D versions directly on the iPhone.

When testing this with an older DSLR shot, the conversion effectively captured depth, even accounting for details like fur and hair. Furthermore, this functionality extends beyond just viewing; the Lock Screen now features Spatial Wallpapers, giving users more practical applications for this innovative technology.

Data Training Completed: Insights Gathered Until October 2023

At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), it was announced that tvOS 26 will feature passthrough audio. This development is significant because it aims to enhance the listening experience for users of Apple TV. Passthrough audio functions by bypassing audio preprocessing performed by the Apple TV device.

Instead, audio signals will be sent directly to the connected sound system. This method is expected to offer a higher quality audio experience, as it minimizes potential alterations to the original sound. This upgrade is anticipated to benefit audiophiles and everyday users alike, as it allows for a more authentic reproduction of sound.

By disabling additional processing, listeners can enjoy content as it was intended, preserving the integrity of the audio tracks. Overall, the inclusion of passthrough audio in tvOS 26 is a notable enhancement. This feature is set to improve audio fidelity, making it an exciting development for anyone utilizing Apple TV for their entertainment needs.

Further details on how this will work across various Apple devices, such as the iPhone, are expected to be shared as the release date approaches.

UK Pushes for Encryption Backdoor While Apple and Partners Resist Efforts to Compromise Security

WhatsApp and U.S. lawmakers from both parties are standing by Apple in its fight against the controversial directives from the United Kingdom aimed at weakening encryption. In February, the UK issued a Technical Capability Notice (TCN), a secret order intended to compel Apple to create a backdoor in its Advanced Data Protection system.

This mandate would have consequences not just for British citizens but for anyone worldwide with an iCloud account. In response, Apple opted to disable the encryption feature for its UK services rather than comply with the request.

The company subsequently filed a lawsuit to contest the government’s demands. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has joined Apple’s legal battle and is prepared to provide evidence supporting Apple’s position to overturn the TCN.

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, expressed concerns about the case setting a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other nations to pursue similar measures that threaten user privacy. Privacy organizations, including the Open Rights Group, have expressed their solidarity with Apple and WhatsApp, asserting that the case could jeopardize the safety of millions globally.

On the other hand, the UK government argues that its intentions focus on combating serious crimes such as terrorism and child exploitation, justifying the occasional intrusion into privacy. While the UK maintains a strict secrecy surrounding TCNs, U.S. lawmakers have raised alarms about the matter.

During a June 5 hearing on the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, both Republican and Democratic representatives voiced their concerns regarding the extent of the UK’s requests. Committee Chair Andy Biggs noted that the UK was potentially abusing its power, suggesting that if the UK continues down this path, the U.S. should reconsider its cooperative agreement.

Fellow committee member Jamie Raskin warned that backdoors could lead to widespread spying and data security issues, emphasizing the pressing need for privacy in today’s digital age. Apple has reiterated that creating a backdoor would ultimately compromise user security and become a target for bad actors.

Apple Enhances Safety Features for Child Accounts in iOS 26 with New Tools

Apple is enhancing its parental control features in iOS 26 by simplifying the management of Child Accounts and improving privacy protections when sharing age information with apps. Though Apple offers robust parental controls, it has faced criticism for needing further improvements. The updates in iOS 26, as well as macOS 26 Tahoe and other operating systems, aim to address these concerns. To start, the setup of Child Accounts is being streamlined, making it easier for parents to utilize built-in parental controls.

When parents create an account for a child under 13, they will be prompted to connect it to their Family group. This process transforms the account into a Child Account, granting immediate access to parental controls. A notable privacy enhancement is the option for Child Accounts to share only an age range with apps, instead of a specific birth date. Parents will have control over this information on a per-app basis and can change their preferences at any time.

For older adolescents aged 13 to 17, Apple is implementing similar protections. Regardless of whether an account begins as a Child Account or an Apple Account, users in this demographic will benefit from age-appropriate web content filters and Communication Safety features. By the end of 2025, the App Store will expand age ratings to include three additional categories for adolescents: 13+, 16+, and 18+. Furthermore, parents will have new tools to authorize communications.

Children can request parental approval for new phone contacts, and parents can easily approve or deny these requests through Messages. Apple is also introducing a PermissionKit framework for developers to standardize permission requests across apps. To aid parents further, notifications will appear on the App Store to inform about user-generated content, messaging capabilities, and in-app content controls. Lastly, enhancements in Communication Safety will ensure interventions occur if nudity is detected during FaceTime calls and will blur inappropriate content in Shared Albums.

CEO Cook: Apple TV+ Focuses on Art Rather Than iPhone Sales

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, emphasizes that the substantial investment in high-profile projects like “F1” on Apple TV+ transcends mere hardware sales, focusing instead on the artistry involved. Apple TV+ is recognized as a premium streaming service, reportedly losing over a billion dollars annually. This high-budget approach allows Apple to produce content that competes with platforms like Netflix, although it may not yet match their subscriber numbers. Some view this strategy as an aggressive marketing tactic aimed at boosting sales of products such as the iPhone and Macs.

There’s anticipation that a successful release of “F1” might lead to Apple acquiring U.S. broadcasting rights for the sport by 2026. However, during an interview promoting the film with *Variety*, Cook reiterated that the intent is rooted in a passion for creativity, viewing the project as a reflection of Apple’s brand values. Cook highlights the attention to detail in “F1,” asserting that the film immerses viewers in the racing experience. He sees this project as an opportunity for Apple to impact culture through storytelling, rather than solely through its technology.

By integrating its camera technology into the film, Apple aims to add unique elements reflective of its brand ethos. Discussing Apple TV+, Cook regards it as a platform for exceptional storytelling. He believes that creating original content is the best route for Apple, reinforcing the company’s legacy of being a “toolmaker” for creatives, a term popularized by co-founder Steve Jobs. While skeptics question how Apple TV+ contributes to hardware sales, Cook maintains that the focus is not on sales metrics.

He envisions Apple as a company dedicated to innovating across all its products, aspiring to entertain and inspire simultaneously. Ultimately, Cook affirms that staying true to this mission reflects Apple’s core commitment to innovation.

Andrew Orr: Insights and Trends Based on Data Up to October 2023

In an unexpected partnership, Disney and Universal have initiated legal action against Midjourney for allegedly transforming well-known characters such as Yoda, Shrek, and Iron Man into a vast array of AI-generated images without obtaining the necessary permissions or compensating the rights holders. The lawsuit highlights the growing concerns among creators regarding the use of artificial intelligence in generating content that resembles beloved characters.

This case underscores the potential risks that AI technology presents to the intellectual property rights of developers in the entertainment industry. As technology evolves, the capacity for AI to remix and recreate popular characters raises significant questions about originality and ownership.

The plaintiffs argue that the use of these iconic figures, which are central to their respective brands, has led to unauthorized exploitation of their intellectual properties. Consequently, they are seeking redress for damages caused by Midjourney’s actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting artistic works in the digital age.

This legal battle reflects a broader debate about the implications of AI in creative fields. While technology offers innovative opportunities for content creation, it also challenges existing frameworks that govern copyright and fair use.

The outcome of this lawsuit may set a crucial precedent for how such technologies are regulated in relation to established characters and intellectual properties in the future. As the case develops, it will be critical to monitor its impact on both the AI landscape and entertainment industries as stakeholders grapple with the balance between innovation and the protection of creative rights.

Disney and Universal File Lawsuit Against Midjourney for Alleged AI Copyright Violations

In a significant legal development, Disney and Universal are suing the AI startup Midjourney for unauthorized use of their iconic characters, such as Yoda, Shrek, and Iron Man, to create countless AI-generated graphics. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses Midjourney of mass copyright infringement for training its image generator on content owned by these studios without permission or compensation. Historically, Disney and Universal have been fierce competitors in both the box office and theme park arenas.

However, they have now united against what they consider a shared threat to their intellectual property. The lawsuit paints Midjourney as “a bottomless pit of plagiarism,” claiming that its business model is fundamentally built on the unauthorized use of protected materials. The studios are seeking an injunction to halt this infringement and request damages for what they describe as intentional misuse of their intellectual property.

Midjourney’s technology generates high-quality visuals from text prompts, a common practice in the growing generative AI field. These models are trained using massive datasets scraped from the internet without regard for copyrights, leading to outputs that closely resemble copyrighted characters. Examples cited in the lawsuit include AI-generated depictions of Yoda wielding a lightsaber and Bart Simpson skateboarding, highlighting the studios’ concerns that Midjourney is infringing on their rights.

Disney and Universal have requested that Midjourney cease its use of their copyrighted materials or implement safeguards to mitigate misuse. Their allegations suggest Midjourney ignored these requests, instead releasing new models that exacerbated the issue by producing more detailed copies of protected characters. Midjourney, founded in 2021, has quickly gained attention and substantial revenue, reportedly reaching $300 million in 2024.

Its founder admitted the company built its training data by scraping the internet without securing permission from artists. This oversight may have serious legal implications, given that a prior lawsuit by artists against Midjourney and similar companies is still progressing through the courts. With two major players in the entertainment industry backing this legal battle, the stakes are substantial.

This case reflects a broader tension between AI companies and creators who rightfully seek compensation for their work. As copyright issues continue to surface in the world of AI, the question remains whether companies like Midjourney can justify their practices in court.

iOS 26 Introduces ChatGPT Styles for Image Playground and Genmoji Features

iOS 26 has introduced a variety of updates, though the enhancements in Apple Intelligence are somewhat limited compared to past iterations. One of the standout applications to receive an upgrade is Image Playground, which now boasts new features that expand its capabilities.

At the recent Worldwide Developers’ Conference held on June 9, Apple revealed its latest operating systems characterized by a fresh design language termed “Liquid Glass.” While the updates rolled out as developer betas included minor Apple Intelligence enhancements, they primarily build upon features introduced in the previous year.

A notable addition is the Foundation Models framework, which allows developers to leverage Apple Intelligence tools in their own apps. One of the most engaging enhancements is in Image Playground, which has integrated more image styles powered by ChatGPT.

This includes a new feature labeled “Any Style,” permitting users to create images by specifying a particular style through text. This can range from replicating the work of specific artists to crafting custom images for events.

iOS 26 introduces five innovative image styles thanks to OpenAI’s ChatGPT: Anime, Oil Painting, Vector, Watercolor, and more. Unlike the standard version of Image Playground, which utilizes Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT offers fewer restrictions.

However, generating images through ChatGPT requires tokens, meaning users might be limited unless they opt for a paid subscription. In addition to Image Playground, the update introduces usability upgrades in Genmoji, allowing users to create novel emoji combinations and customize features like facial expressions.

Developers now have access to a dedicated Image Playground API to enhance application integration. Overall, iOS 26 brings a plethora of enhancements, including Live Translation and a new “Clear” look for the Home Screen, as well as improved creative tools for image generation and customization.

tvOS 26 Enhances Apple Home Experience with Adoption of Thread 1.4 Technology

Smart home devices that connect using the Thread protocol are set to benefit from a more stable network experience thanks to the adoption of Thread 1.4 in tvOS 26. Thread is an IP-based wireless protocol designed primarily for smart home devices, enabling them to form a self-healing mesh network.

This feature can often provide a more reliable connection at the edges of your home compared to traditional Wi-Fi. The significant enhancements brought by Thread 1.4 were highlighted when Apple incorporated it into tvOS 26.

This update was discovered by *Matter Alpha* through an analysis of network details for Apple TV. Additionally, with iOS 18, Apple permitted direct control of Thread accessories via the iPhone, eliminating the need for a Thread border router and allowing for quicker device interactions.

The improvements associated with Thread 1.4 are expected to enhance this experience further. Apple has integrated Thread technology into its Home products for several years, with devices like the HomePod mini, HomePod, and Apple TV 4K serving as Thread border routers.

Even the latest iPhone 15 Pro models come equipped with Thread radios. One of the key advantages of Thread is its low power consumption, making it an appealing alternative to Bluetooth-powered devices for battery-operated smart products.

This versatility has led to its wide adoption in various sensors, smart locks, and window shades. Thread 1.4, launched in September 2024, introduces several quality-of-life upgrades.

Notably, devices supporting this version will be able to create a unified mesh network instead of competing with other platforms. This results in a more extensive and stable ecosystem.

Furthermore, Thread 1.4 allows for unique internet paths for each node, enabling accessories to leverage online information, such as adjusting smart shades in response to weather changes. Overall, this update is anticipated to significantly enhance user experience as accessory manufacturers upgrade their products accordingly.

Users will gain access to Thread 1.4 features upon updating to tvOS 26 following its September release.

Understanding the Functionality of PSVR2 Sense Controllers with Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is set to enhance its gaming capabilities with the introduction of PlayStation VR2 Sense controller support in visionOS 26. This development opens doors for developers and introduces exciting possibilities for users. There have been longstanding rumors about Apple’s plans to allow third-party VR controllers, and the official announcement confirms that this feature is included in the first developer beta of the new operating system.

Currently, the functionality of these controllers is somewhat limited. They operate like traditional game controllers, with features such as hand tracking disabled when using the PSVR2 Sense controllers. Instead, these controllers entirely replace hand functionality, using triggers for actions like pinching, while joysticks facilitate scrolling.

With standard controllers like the DualSense, hand tracking remains active, allowing for more interactive controls. However, the key challenge lies in the need for games and applications to be updated to utilize these new controller features. As of now, testing opportunities are scarce until the official release of visionOS 26.

Moreover, obtaining the PSVR2 controllers could pose a challenge, as they are not sold separately at the moment, making it difficult for users to experience the feature without a complete PSVR2 headset. For developers, compelling reasons to support controller functionality must emerge. Apple has hinted at potential titles like a pickleball game, but no official announcements have been made.

This controller support could pave the way for more diverse gaming experiences that were previously impractical with hand gestures alone. However, Apple still faces stiff competition from Meta, which dominates the VR market with popular titles. To address the uncertainty regarding the developer ecosystem and the small install base for Apple Vision Pro, Apple may need to leverage its financial resources to incentivize developers, possibly through acquisitions or new game distribution models.

As the beta testing continues over the summer, more updates from Apple, potentially around the iPhone 17, may shed light on its gaming ambitions.