Apple releases iOS 26.4.1 for bug fixes: What's new, eligible iPhones, more

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

Apple has released a new update, iOS 26.4.1, for iPhones running the latest iOS version. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the iOS 26.4.1 update addresses a CloudKit-related issue affecting iCloud syncing and introduces a key change to Stolen Device Protection, particularly for enterprise devices.

Apple released iOS 26.4 in March with enhancements to Apple Intelligence, expanded Apple Music capabilities, new accessibility settings and more. Here is what’s new in the update iOS 26.4.1

iOS 26.4.1: What’s new

Stolen device protection

One of the major updates in iOS 26.4.1 is related to Stolen Device Protection. Apple has reportedly confirmed that this feature will now be automatically enabled for enterprise devices updating from iOS 26.4. This builds on an earlier move where Apple enabled the feature by default for non-enterprise users in iOS 26.4.

Stolen Device Protection was first introduced in 2024 as an added layer of security for iPhones. The feature is designed to protect user data if a device is stolen, especially in cases where someone might know the device’s passcode. When the iPhone is away from familiar locations like home or work, additional security steps are required for sensitive actions.

For example, actions such as accessing saved passwords or payment details require biometric authentication using Face ID or Touch ID, with no option to fall back on a passcode. This ensures that only the device owner can access critical information.

The feature also introduces a security delay for certain high-risk changes. For instance, if someone tries to change the Apple account password, they must wait for a set period and then complete another biometric verification. This delay helps prevent immediate unauthorised changes.

This update comes shortly after Apple addressed major security vulnerabilities, including the Coruna and DarkSword exploits, through previous updates. With iOS 26.4.1, Apple continues to strengthen device security, even if the update appears minor on the surface.

CloudKit issue

Apple has also addressed an issue related to iCloud syncing with this update. According to the report from 9To5Mac, iOS 26.4.1 fixes a CloudKit bug that was causing problems with data syncing across devices. CloudKit is the system that powers iCloud data updates for many apps, so any issue with it can affect how information is shared and updated in real time.

Due to this bug, some users may have experienced delays or inconsistencies in syncing data, such as app content, backups or changes made on one device not appearing on another. With the fix in iOS 26.4.1, Apple aims to restore a smoother and more reliable syncing process across iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices connected to iCloud.

iOS 26.4.1 eligible iPhone models

iPhone Air

iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e

iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e

iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

How to update to iOS 26.4

Go to Settings.

Tap on General and go to the “Software Update” section.

If the update is available, your iPhone will display the option to Download and Install. Tap on it to begin the process.

Once the download is complete, you will have the option to update immediately, install later, or select “Remind Me Later”.

Tap on Install to update immediately or choose another option according to your preference.

If prompted, enter your passcode to proceed.

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'Muse Spark' will power Meta AI assistant on app and web: What's changing

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

Meta has announced Muse Spark, a new large language model that now powers its Meta AI assistant on the Meta AI app and website. According to the company, the model will be rolled out to platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and its AI glasses in the coming weeks. Meta also announced updates to Meta AI alongside the new model.

What is Muse Spark

As per Meta, Muse Spark is the first model in its new Muse series developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. The company said it rebuilt its AI stack over the past nine months, with Muse Spark designed as a smaller and faster model, while larger models are in development.

Meta said the model is capable of reasoning through complex questions in areas such as science, math and health, and supports multimodal perception, allowing Meta AI to process both text and images. This means users can, for example, take a photo and ask questions about what they are seeing.

The company added that the model can help with certain health-related queries and that it worked with physicians to develop its responses for common health questions. Muse Spark also enables visual coding use cases, where users can generate items such as dashboards or simple games through prompts. Meta said the model will also be made available in private preview via API to select partners.

According to a report by Reuters, Meta said that Muse Spark will replace the existing Llama models powering chatbots on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Meta’s collection of smart glasses.

Meta AI: What has changed

Meta said the Meta AI app and website are receiving an update along with a new interface. The assistant now supports both quick responses and more complex reasoning tasks, with users able to switch between different modes.

According to the company, Meta AI can also run multiple subagents in parallel to handle different parts of a query at the same time.

The company added that it has expanded how the assistant surfaces information, including content and recommendations based on posts shared across Instagram, Facebook and Threads. It also introduced a shopping mode that draws from content across its platforms.

The updated experience is rolling out in the US initially, with plans to expand to more countries and to platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and AI glasses in the coming weeks.

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WhatsApp tests usernames to let users chat without sharing phone numbers

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new username feature that could change how people connect on the platform. According to a report from WABetaInfo, the update will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, offering more privacy. Once available, users will be able to share their unique usernames instead of their phone numbers to start a conversation on WhatsApp. This is similar to what some other platforms, such as Telegram and Discord, offer.

WhatsApp username: How it works

According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.1.10.70 update. The report highlighted that usernames will give users greater control over their personal information, especially their phone numbers. This means users can interact with new contacts without exposing sensitive details, while still messaging on WhatsApp.

Once the feature becomes available, users can check its availability by heading to their profile settings. If the feature is available to them, they will see a new option to set up a username. The report noted that the setup process is designed to be simple, guiding users step by step. After choosing a username, it will be linked to their account and can be shared with others instead of a phone number.

The report stated that the rollout is gradual and the feature will be released in phases over the coming months.

As per the report, there are also specific rules for creating usernames. These are as follows:

Usernames cannot start with “www” to avoid confusion with official websites

Usernames cannot end with domain extensions like .com or .net

Each username must include at least one letter

Usernames cannot consist only of numbers or symbols

Allowed characters include:

Lowercase letters (a–z)

Numbers (0–9)

Periods (.)

Underscores (_)

Username length must be between 3 and 35 characters

A key requirement for choosing a username is that it must be available across Meta platforms. This means the username should not already be taken on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. If it is available everywhere and meets the rules, users can claim it instantly. However, if the username is already in use on Instagram or Facebook, users will need to verify that they own it.

This verification is done through Accounts Center, where users can link their accounts and confirm ownership. Once verified, they can use the same username on WhatsApp. If the username belongs to someone else on Facebook or Instagram, it cannot be claimed on WhatsApp.

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US court rebuffs Anthropic in latest round of AI battle with Trump admin

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 9, 2026 | Technology

A US federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to block the Pentagon from blacklisting artificial intelligence laboratory Anthropic in a decision that differed from the conclusions reached in another judge’s ruling on the same issues.

The US Court of Appeals in Washington rejected Anthropic’s request for an order that would shield the San Francisco company from the fallout stemming from a dispute over how the Pentagon could deploy its Claude chatbot in fully autonomous weapons and potential surveillance of Americans while the panel is still collecting evidence about the case.

But the setback in Washington came after Anthropic had already prevailed in a separate case focused on the same issues in San Francisco federal court.

In that case, a judge forced President Donald Trump’s administration to remove a label tainting the company as a national security risk.

Anthropic filed the two separate lawsuits in San Francisco and the Washington appeals court last month, asserting the Trump administration was engaging in an “unlawful campaign of retaliation” because of its attempt to impose limits on how its AI technology can be deployed.

The Trump administration blasted Anthropic as a liberal-leaning company trying to dictate US military policy.

In the San Francisco case, US District Judge Rita Lin ruled that the Trump administration had overstepped its bounds by labeling Anthropic a supply chain risk unqualified to work with military contractors and issuing other directives that could cripple a company locked in a race for AI supremacy against rivals such as ChatGPT maker Open AI and Google.

That decision prompted the Trump administration to remove the stigmatising labels from Anthropic and take other steps clearing the way for government employees and contractors to continue using Claude and other chatbots, according to court filing made in San Francisco earlier this week.

The appeals court in Washington didn’t see things the same way, even though it conceded the company would “likely suffer some degree of irreparable harm” if it’s deemed a supply chain risk.

But the appeals court didn’t see sufficient reason to issue its own order revoking the Trump administration’s actions, partly because “the precise amount of Anthropic’s financial harm is not fully clear”.

Further evidence in the case is scheduled to be presented before the appeals court in a hearing scheduled for May 19.

“We’re grateful the court recognized these issues need to be resolved quickly and remain confident the courts will ultimately agree that these supply chain designations were unlawful,” Anthropic said in a statement.

Matt Schruers, the CEO of the technology trade group Computer and Communications Industry Association, expressed worries that the conflicting court decisions issued so far in the standoff between Anthropic and the Trump administration will muddle the business landscape at a pivotal time.

“The Pentagon’s actions and the DC Circuit’s ruling create substantial business uncertainty at a time when US companies are competing with global counterparts to lead in AI,” Schruers said.

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Tech Wrap April 8: MSI laptops launched, Vertical tabs in Chrome, OPPO F33

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

MSI has introduced two new flagship laptops in India — the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ A3M and the Raider 18 Max HX — aimed at professionals and gamers, respectively. According to MSI, the Prestige 13 AI+ is designed for portability with AI-ready performance in a lightweight build, while the Raider 18 Max HX is positioned as a gaming-focused machine with an 18-inch display.

Google is rolling out a new update for the Chrome browser. As per a company blog post, the update adds vertical tabs and an improved reading mode, offering users more control over how they organise tabs and view content. While one feature is aimed at better tab management, the other focuses on simplifying reading on cluttered web pages.

OPPO has confirmed that its F33 Series will launch in India on April 15. The lineup is expected to include a standard model and a Pro variant. Ahead of the launch, the company has shared some key details, including camera and display specifications. OPPO said that the F33 Series smartphones will feature a 50MP primary rear camera with an OV50D40 sensor. Meanwhile, the Pro model will also feature a 50MP front-facing camera.

Google is rolling out an update to Google Maps that introduces AI-powered caption suggestions using Gemini, along with a range of changes focused on simplifying how users upload content and monitor their activity on the platform. The update emphasises content sharing, with Gemini now helping automatically generate captions for photos.

Google is rolling out updates to Gemini AI aimed at helping users connect to mental health support more quickly. According to the company, the changes are designed to detect when a user may be in distress and guide them towards verified resources, including crisis helplines. Alongside this, Google has also announced funding to expand mental health support services globally.

Spotify is expanding its AI-based Prompted Playlist feature to include podcasts along with music. The feature, currently in beta, allows users to create playlists using prompts based on their interests, listening history and trends on the platform. With this update, users can now discover podcast episodes alongside songs, making it possible to explore topics, moods and ideas in a more personalised way.

Google has reportedly confirmed that it is introducing system-level controller remapping in Android 17 beta to improve the gaming experience on the platform. According to a report by Android Authority, the feature allows users to customise how their gamepad buttons, triggers and sticks function across the entire system.

Amazon has reportedly confirmed that it will discontinue key Kindle Store functions on older Kindle devices starting May 20, 2026. In a statement to The Verge, the company said the change will affect Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets released in 2012 and earlier, with these devices no longer able to purchase, borrow or download new books directly from the Kindle Store after the deadline.

Adobe has introduced a new feature called Student Spaces in Adobe Acrobat that allows students to organise study material and manage coursework more efficiently. The feature, currently available in beta and free to use, brings together notes, documents and AI-powered tools in one place. It allows users to create study guides, summaries and other learning material, while also supporting revision and group work.

Bethesda has announced that Starfield is now officially available on PlayStation 5, bringing its space exploration RPG to Sony’s console for the first time. According to Bethesda, PS5 players will get access to the most complete version of the game at launch, including all updates and patches released so far, along with the major Free Lanes update.

Anthropic has introduced Project Glasswing, a new cybersecurity initiative that brings together Amazon Web Services, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Google, JPMorganChase, the Linux Foundation, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Palo Alto Networks to secure critical software systems using advanced AI. The company said the effort is driven by capabilities observed in its unreleased frontier model, Claude Mythos Preview, which can identify software vulnerabilities and help security teams fix them before they are exploited.

Apple Inc.’s first foldable phone is on track to arrive during the company’s normal iPhone launch period later this year, people with knowledge of the matter said, rebutting concerns about major manufacturing snags. The company is scheduled to introduce the foldable model in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been announced. Apple’s phones typically hit store shelves the week after they’re unveiled.

Global artificial intelligence (AI) investment reached $800 billion in 2025, with venture capital funding nearly doubling to $226 billion, according to SenseAI Ventures’ State of AI Report 2026, signalling a shift from experimentation to large-scale commercial deployment.

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Android 17 beta introduces system-level gaming controller remapping: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 8, 2026 | Technology

As per the report, the update was detailed by Mishaal Rahman, a former Android Authority editor now working at Google, who shared that the move comes in response to consistent user demand for native controller remapping on Android.

Work across games, not just individual titles

As per Android Authority, the new implementation operates at the system level, unlike existing solutions that depend on in-game settings or third-party apps. This means users can set up a preferred button layout once and have it apply across all supported games, removing the need for repeated configuration.

The feature reportedly supports both wired and Bluetooth controllers and offers granular control over inputs. Users can remap face buttons, triggers and thumbstick clicks, as well as swap directional controls between analogue sticks and the D-pad.

Where to find it and how it works

Android Authority notes that the feature is accessible through a new Game Controller settings menu. For wired controllers, users can navigate to:

Open Settings

Click on System

Tap on Game Controller for wired gamepads

For Bluetooth gamepads:

Head to Settings

Click on Connected devices

Tap on Device details (after selecting your connected gamepad)

Click on Game Controller Settings

Users can save their customised layouts directly on the device, making it easier to maintain consistent controls across different games and sessions.

Focus on accessibility, but still in beta

According to the report, Google has designed the feature with accessibility in mind, allowing users to adjust controls based on their physical needs or familiarity with different controller layouts across platforms.

However, the feature is currently limited to devices running Android 17 beta (beta 2 or later). Android Authority reports that since this is an early version, some issues persist, such as incorrect button icons appearing for certain controllers, even though the remapping functionality itself works as expected.

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