Apple releases iOS 26.5 public beta 1: Check new features, how to install

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

Apple has rolled out the first public beta of iOS 26.5, giving iPhone users who have enrolled in Apple’s iOS 26 beta programme the opportunity to test new features. According to 9To5Mac, the update introduces the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps, end-to-end encryption for RCS, and the ability to push Live Activities to third-party accessories. iOS 26.5 public beta 1 can now be installed on compatible iPhone models. Here’s a closer look at what’s new in the update:

iOS 26.5 public beta: What’s new

Apple Maps: According to a report, the new “Suggested Places” feature is now available in the public beta of iOS 26.5. The tool highlights trending locations nearby, along with suggestions based on users’ recent searches. The feature appears directly in the search tab within Apple Maps, making it easier to discover places without entering specific queries.

Ads in Maps: As reported, support for ads in Apple Maps is now part of the public beta of iOS 26.5. The update includes backend changes that indicate Maps could show local ads based on users’ location, search activity, or what they are viewing.

RCS encryption: Apple is once again testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the public beta of iOS 26.5. The feature was first spotted in the iOS 26.4 beta, but the company had already confirmed that end-to-end encryption for RCS would not arrive with the iOS 26.4 update and would instead be introduced in a future release. With this update, encryption has returned for testing, though it is still unclear whether it will be part of the public rollout.

New App Store subscription options: The public beta of iOS 26.5 hints at changes to how subscriptions may work on the App Store. Public beta testers may see new subscription options, including monthly billing linked to a 12-month commitment. The report also suggests support for paying annual plans in monthly instalments at a discounted rate, although complete details are yet to be confirmed.

EU-specific features in testing: In the European Union, Apple continues testing features tied to third-party accessories. These include support for Live Activities on external devices, along with improvements to notifications and proximity pairing. There’s no confirmation yet on when these features will roll out publicly or which accessories will support them.

Other: iOS 26.5 public beta adds automatic Bluetooth pairing for accessories like Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad. The update also adds a new Inuktitut keyboard and expands message transfer options when moving data from iPhone to Android.

iOS 26.5 public beta 1: Eligible 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)

iOS 26.5 public beta 1: How to install

On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update

Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 26.5 Public Beta

Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear

Agree to Apple terms and initiate the download process

Installation will begin after download process

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Planning to buy a Mac? Apple store deliveries may take up to five months

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

If you are looking to buy a Mac Studio or Mac mini, you might have to wait up to five months to get your hands on one. Deliveries of select variants of the M4 Max Mac Studio, M3 Ultra Mac Studio, and M4-series chip-powered Mac mini have been pushed back by several months, likely due to the ongoing global memory shortage.

For example, on the Apple online store, the delivery date of the M3 Ultra chip-powered Mac Studio with a 28-core CPU and 60-core GPU, when paired with 96GB unified memory and 1TB storage, is shown between May 13 and May 19. However, once you select the 256GB unified memory option, the website shows that the device could take four to five months to be delivered.

It should also be noted that the 512GB unified memory option for the M3 Ultra Mac Studio is no longer listed on the Apple online store.

Similarly, a Mac Studio with the M4 Max chip in a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU configuration, when paired with 48GB unified memory, can take up to 12 weeks to be delivered. Meanwhile, the 128GB unified memory option can take up to five months.

While Mac mini deliveries are not pushed back as far as the Mac Studio, the higher memory variants are still facing delays. For example, the Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip in a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU configuration is expected to be delivered by April 24 if you choose the 24GB unified memory variant. However, the 64GB unified memory option can take up to 18 weeks to be delivered.

While the memory shortage may be a reason for the delay in deliveries of these Mac models, it might not be the only factor. Both the current-generation Mac Studio and Mac mini models are likely nearing the end of their product cycle, as Apple may soon introduce updated versions with M5-series chips. Apple’s inventory typically runs low for products that are expected to receive an update soon, which could also contribute to longer delivery timelines.

This is also reflected in the fact that there are no significant delays in the delivery of the newly launched MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, even in higher unified memory configurations.

Global memory shortage

The delays come against the backdrop of a broader global memory shortage that has been affecting multiple parts of the technology industry. Demand for memory components such as DRAM and NAND has surged due to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, with data centres and cloud providers consuming a larger share of available supply. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly prioritising higher-margin, server-grade memory over consumer-grade components used in devices like PCs and smartphones. This shift has tightened supply for consumer hardware, leading not just to rising costs but also longer lead times and, in some cases, constrained availability of certain configurations.

Sony recently suspended orders for a large portion of its SD and CFexpress memory card lineup, citing similar supply constraints.

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WhatsApp is testing built-in noise cancellation for voice and video calls

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 6, 2026 | Technology

WhatsApp is reportedly working on improving call quality with a new noise cancellation feature for voice and video calls. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to a limited number of Android beta users and is expected to expand gradually, aiming to reduce background noise during conversations. The report suggested that the addition could be particularly useful for users who frequently take calls in noisy surroundings, as it focuses on filtering out ambient sounds without affecting the speaker’s voice.

WhatsApp’s noise cancellation for voice and video calls: What’s it

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is introducing a built-in noise cancellation option that automatically filters out unwanted background sounds. This includes common disturbances like traffic noise, wind or chatter in crowded places. The report noted that the system works in real time, ensuring that the speaker’s voice remains clear while minimising distractions. As reported, the idea is to make conversations sound more natural and easier to understand, without requiring users to manually adjust settings or use external tools.

According to the report, some beta users can now see a new option in the calling interface that allows them to enable or manage noise cancellation. In most cases, the feature is enabled by default, so it automatically activates when a call begins, whether it is a voice or video call.

The report explained that the technology identifies surrounding noise and removes it while keeping the speaker’s voice clear. However, it works on an individual basis. This means turning on noise cancellation helps others hear you better, while your own call quality depends on whether the other person has it enabled too.

WhatsApp is also allowing users to turn the feature off if they are not satisfied with how it affects audio.

Rollout status

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently rolling out in phases, so it may not be immediately available to all beta users. It has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.14.1 update on the Google Play Store, where access is limited to a small group of testers for now. A wider rollout is expected over the coming weeks as testing expands.

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Britain woos Anthropic to expand after clash with Pentagon: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 5, 2026 | Technology

Britain is trying to tempt Anthropic to expand its presence in the country, as it seeks to capitalise on a fight between the maker of artificial intelligence app Claude and the US Defense Department, the Financial Times said on Sunday.

British government proposals for Anthropic range from an office expansion in London to a dual stock listing, the newspaper reported, citing people with knowledge of the plans.

Anthropic and Britain’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has supported the department’s work, which will be put to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei when he visits in late May, the FT said.

The US government blacklisted Anthropic,designating the company a national-security supply-chain risk after it refused to allow the military to use AI chatbot Claude for US surveillance or autonomous weapons.

A US judge temporarily blocked the blacklisting, and the AI startup has a second lawsuit pending over the supply-chain risk designation.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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OpenAI rejigs leadership as COO shifts out of role, AGI CEO taking leave

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 4, 2026 | Technology

By Shirin Ghaffary

OpenAI’s chief operating officer is shifting into a new role and two other top executives are going on leave due to health reasons, marking a major change to its executive bench ahead of a potential Wall Street debut as soon as this year.

Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s longtime COO, will now lead special projects and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, according to a memo viewed by Bloomberg. One of his main efforts will be overseeing OpenAI’s push to sell software to businesses through a joint venture with private equity firms. Denise Dresser, OpenAI’s recently appointed chief revenue officer, will be taking over some of Lightcap’s duties.

Meanwhile, Chief Marketing Officer Kate Rouch is stepping down from her position to focus on her recovery from cancer, with plans to return in a more limited purview as her health allows. The company is searching for a new CMO. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of AGI development who oversees much of its core business, will also take a medical leave for several weeks to seek new treatment for an ongoing neuroimmune condition and plans to return to her position.

The flurry of changes coincide with a pivotal moment for the company. OpenAI is preparing for a possible initial public offering and just raised $122 billion in funding at an $852 billion valuation this week. Meanwhile, it’s pushing to bolster revenue by introducing advertising in ChatGPT, among other efforts. The company also faces heightened competition from Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Anthropic PBC, the latter of which is expected to go public as soon as this year.

“We have a strong leadership team focused on our biggest priorities: advancing frontier research, growing our global user base of nearly 1 billion users, and powering enterprise use cases,” OpenAI said in a statement. “We’re well-positioned to keep executing with continuity and momentum.”

The ChatGPT maker is no stranger to executive shakeups. In the months after Altman’s brief ouster from OpenAI in late 2023, the company contended with a series of high-profile departures. It eventually overhauled and dramatically increased the size of the board and C-Suite, bringing on seasoned leaders with marketing, finance and operational experience.

Simo, the former CEO of Instacart, joined OpenAI’s executive team last year to help shape the company’s product development strategy. In recent weeks, she has played a key role in pushing the company to streamline its sprawling mix of services and develop a single “Super App” that would bring together its chatbot, coding tool and web browser. She also called for dropping work on “side quests,” shortly before the company discontinued support for its Sora AI video generator, and has overseen the push to test ads in ChatGPT.

“The timing is maddening because we have such an exciting roadmap ahead that the team is executing on, and I hate to miss even a minute of it,” Simo said in the company memo about her decision to go on leave. “But the company is in great hands; we have an excellent leadership team that’s ready to step up.”

Simo has been public about her ongoing management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which she has worked through over the course of her career. “For my entire time here, I’ve postponed medical tests and new therapies to stay completely focused on the job and not miss a single day of work,” she said in the memo. “I took time off for the first time two weeks before the break for some medical tests, and it’s now clear that I’ve pushed a little too far and I really need to try new interventions to stabilize my health.”

While Simo is on leave, OpenAI co-founder and President Greg Brockman will lead product. Other executives will also help fill in for Simo while she’s out, including Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar and Dresser.

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Tech Wrap Apr 3: Gemma 4 models, Google Meet on Apple CarPlay, MAI models

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 3, 2026 | Technology

Google has introduced its new open AI model family, Gemma 4, designed to run across a wide range of devices — from smartphones to personal computers and developer workstations. The company says the models are built for advanced reasoning and agent-based workflows, while also being efficient enough to run locally on consumer hardware. With this release, Google is targeting developers who want to build AI applications that can function both on-device and offline, without relying entirely on cloud infrastructure. Additionally, Google also detailed Gemini Nano 4 for Android, which is based on Gemma 4.

Google Meet is now coming to Apple CarPlay, allowing users to join meetings directly from their car’s dashboard. According to Google, the update lets users attend meetings hands-free, check their schedule and participate in audio calls while driving. Google said that the feature is designed to make it easier for users to stay connected on the move without needing to use their phone. Apple CarPlay is a system that lets users connect their iPhone to their car’s display to use key apps while driving more safely and conveniently.

Microsoft has announced a new set of AI models, including MAI-Transcribe-1, MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-Image-2, aimed at improving speech, voice and image generation capabilities. According to the company, these models are now available through Microsoft Foundry and the MAI Playground (US-exclusive), with a focus on faster performance, efficiency and competitive pricing. The rollout brings upgrades across transcription accuracy, voice generation and image creation, with Microsoft also integrating these capabilities into its own products.

Samsung is reportedly adding Google Cast support to its smart TVs, and the rollout is not limited to its latest lineup. According to a report by 9To5Google, the feature is being introduced across both new and some older Samsung TVs through a mix of pre-installed support and software updates. This marks a notable shift for Samsung, which has so far relied on its own ecosystem and has not offered built-in Cast functionality on its TVs. The move suggests a broader push to adopt widely used streaming standards and improve compatibility with more devices.

Google is expanding its video creation tool, Google Vids, with a set of new AI-powered features to make video creation faster and more accessible. According to the company’s blog, the update introduces free video generation, AI-generated music, and customisable avatars, along with easier recording and direct publishing tools. With these additions, Google is positioning Vids as an all-in-one platform where users can create, edit, and share videos without relying heavily on manual editing or external tools.

Rockstar Games has rolled out a new “Neighbourhood Watch” event in GTA Online, introducing law enforcement-themed content and limited-time bonuses across Los Santos and Blaine County. The update brings new police vehicles, Dispatch Work missions, and increased payouts across multiple activities. Players can also unlock outfits, access discounts on vehicles and properties, and earn additional rewards through weekly challenges and Twitch Drops, with most benefits running until mid-April.

OpenAI is bringing ChatGPT to Apple CarPlay, allowing users to start voice conversations directly from their car screen while driving. According to OpenAI, the feature is rolling out to supported iPhones running iOS 26.4 or later and will be available globally across all ChatGPT plans. As per OpenAI, the integration is designed to let users start or continue conversations hands-free, access ongoing chats and projects, and interact with the chatbot without needing to use their phone, while keeping the experience simple and focused for in-car use.

Google has reportedly issued a security alert for Chrome users after confirming a new zero-day vulnerability that is already being exploited. According to a report by Forbes, the flaw, identified as CVE-2026-5281, affects the browser’s WebGPU component and could expose users to attacks. The report added that Google has started rolling out a fix, but the update may take days or weeks to reach all users globally.

Nothing is set to discontinue its CMF Watch app, nearly three years after its release on the Google Play Store. The company has confirmed that users will need to transition to the Nothing X app going forward to continue using their CMF smartwatches. The app will begin disappearing from app stores starting April 3, 2026, with a complete removal from the Play Store expected by the end of the year.

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch several new products that are expected to rely on an upgraded, AI-powered Siri. According to a report from 9To5Mac, at least four devices are currently in the pipeline that are expected to debut after Apple releases the revamped version of its digital assistant. The upcoming lineup is said to include a new Apple TV 4K, HomePod 3, HomePod mini 2 and a smart display referred to as “HomePad” or “HomePod Touch.”

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro feels like a step forward, but also a slight shift in identity. It is more premium, more refined, and more balanced than previous “a” series phones. The design feels sturdier, the performance is more consistent, the cameras are slightly better, and the overall experience is more complete. At the same time, it feels a little less bold. The transparency is toned down, the quirks are more controlled, and the phone feels closer to mainstream flagships than earlier Nothing devices did.

Microsoft said on Friday it will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and deepen cybersecurity cooperation with the government.

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