In Gmail for web, some users can experience Google’s Workspace Labs integration, which pulls Gemini’s AI functionality into the email site. One of the ways Gemini can operate is with the email summary feature.
In essence, Gemini can create a summary of email threads and content so you don’t have to dig through messages. It can prove to be rather helpful, but it’s still in the early stages of development.
According to PiunikaWeb, the email summary feature may also be coming to Gmail for Android. Hidden in an upcoming version of the app, the email summary tool was discovered. It comes as a button that sits right under the email’s subject, reading “Summarize this email.” Tapping would likely generate a summary at the bottom of the email, much like in the web version.
The tool doesn’t work in this infantile stage, but it showcases Google’s plans to bring Gemini to the mobile Gmail app rather than pioneer it solely on the web, which was unlikely. One could also argue that the feature would be even more useful in a mobile setting rather than on a desktop, where text and formatting are easier to make out.
Since this is a feature that shows signs it’s still being prepared Google hasn’t made any mention of when Android users can expect to see the Gemini-powered email summaries in Gmail. It’s also unknown as to whether the email summary feature from Gemini on mobile will be a limited rollout like the current version on the web.
There’s been an iOS bug for years that gobbles up a big percentage of an iPhone’s available storage. The issue persists in iOS 17.4 and 17.5 but fortunately, there are solutions that don’t involve wiping your iPhone. Here’s how to fix the iPhone System Data storage bug.
Across Apple’s Community forums, Reddit, and more, iOS users have complained about the iPhone System Data storage bug for years (some reports date back to iOS 13). I haven’t had trouble with the bug until iOS 17.3-17.5 where I’ve seen up to 60 GB of storage eaten up by iOS System Data.
And it’s not just a reporting bug, the storage used by System Data is unusable. Unlike the cache in individual iOS apps or Apple apps like Safari, there’s no button to quickly empty System Data. Here’s how Apple describes what it’s used for:
System Data includes caches, logs and other resources currently in use by the system. This value will fluctuate according to system needs.
Apple hasn’t offered an official solution to the problem, but there are several ways to resolve the issue. We’ll start from the simplest and quickest option to more involved tactics.
How to fix the iPhone System Data storage bug
You can see how much storage System Data is using on your iPhone by heading to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Go to the very bottom > System Data
Try powering off and powering on your iPhone
Head back to iPhone Storage > System Data to see if that’s helped
This alone has worked to reduce my System Data by over 50 GB (but sometimes in days or weeks it will inflate again with further restarts helping)
Change iMessage history to keep for 1 year or 30 days instead of Forever
Head to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages > 1 year or 30 Days
Some users report having success with deleting and reinstalling Apple TV to clear the cache and doing the same with apps like Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Slack, etc.
Clear your Safari cache
Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data (note: this impacts any sites you were logged into, etc.)
Via Reddit user Vertsix, there is a more complex “date trick” that seems to work reliably to purge iOS System Data – make sure to follow the steps as described to avoid losing iMessages in the process
Above is my before and after power cycling my iPhone – 60.58 GB to 8GB usage for System Data.
Nearly a year ago at Google I/O, the new “Find My Device” network for trackers was announced for Android, but then delayed indefinitely for the benefit of iPhone users. Now, finally, the network is starting to roll out – sort of.
The Find My Device network piggybacks off of all Android phones with Google Play Services to help users find lost items including phones and smartwatches, as well as trackers, headphones, and more. Google first announced the network in May 2024 with the goal of rolling it out in the months to follow, but the company later announced a delay.
The network’s delay was to wait on Apple implementing protections in iOS for trackers used with Android. Apple was waiting for an industry standard to be built out for the action (even though no such protection was available to Android when AirTags debuted), with the standard having been ready to go as of December 2023. Just this week, in iOS 17.5 builds.
Now, Google is starting to roll out Android’s Find My Device network.
In the latest beta version of Google Play Services, v24.12.14, a new “Find your offline devices” is appearing in the Settings menu for some users. This leads to another page with options to find devices without the network, with the network in “high-traffic areas,” and with the network all of the time. Users can also turn the feature off entirely. By default, the option is turned on and to “all areas.”
We previously reported on these settings in September 2023. The descriptions of each were as follows:
Without network: “Your device won’t participate in the network. You can still locate your offline devices using their stored recent locations when they were online.”
With network in high-traffic areas only: “Locate using stored recent locations or the network in areas like airports or busy footpaths. To help find a lost item, location info from your device is used only if others in the network also detect the item.”
With the network in all areas: “Locate using stored recent locations or the network even in low-traffic areas. To help find a lost item, location info from just your device may be used if it’s the only one in the network to detect the item.”
The rollout was noticed by @AssembleDebug, and has since been also spotted by several users on Telegram. However, it does appear to be in a limited capacity so far. We’re not seeing it appear on a Pixel 8 Pro with the latest Play Services update, but your results may vary. On Pixel, the setting should appear under Settings > Security & privacy > Device finders > Find My Device > Find your offline devices.
Seems like Google has started rolling out the Find My Network with Google Play Service beta version 24.12.14
This is not a wide, formal launch, but very likely the first steps of the full launch. Presumably, Google will fully flip the switch when iOS 17.5 is available to iPhone which, currently, is estimated to be sometime in May. We’ve reached out to Google for more information.
Google’s Find My Device (FMD) network was originally supposed to launch in the summer of 2023, but it was delayed until Apple implements unknown tracker alerts. The upcoming iOS 17.5 update is adding that support.
Apple released iOS 17.5 Beta 1 and strings detailing how the iPhone will be able to detect third-party trackers. Once found, iOS will direct users to instructions on how to disable them.
For example: “This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item.”
As of today’s release, this capability is not yet enabled and there’s no user-facing UI. It might go live with later betas and ultimately be ready when iOS 17.5 hits stable.
Looking at past schedules, iOS 17.5 might launch in May. After that update sees wide adoption, Google’s FMD network will be clear of any obstacles.
Google has been waiting “until Apple has implemented protections for iOS,” so that FMD devices cannot be used to track iPhone owners without warning. This delayed the original summer 2023 launch of the network that will leverage over 1 billion Android to periodically check for nearby devices to crowdsource the location of missing ones. The new Find My Device network can “locate devices that are offline or that don’t have location capabilities.”
Several tracker tags were delayed as a result of Google’s safety stance, while phones and earbuds, like Pixel Buds, have also been prevented from adding these capabilities.
iOS 17.5 to introduce new system to disable unwanted tracking accessories
Apple last year announced a partnership with Google to work on a new “industry specification to address unwanted tracking” after many concerns about stalkers using accessories like AirTags to silently track people. Now it seems that Apple is planning to launch these new anti-stalking features with iOS 17.5.
Detecting and disabling unwanted tracking accessories
As found evidence of these new anti-stalking features in the internal code of iOS 17.5 beta, which was released to developers on Tuesday. Strings added to the Find My app reveal that iOS will identify tracking accessories, even when they’re not Apple or Find My certified, and help users disable them.
“This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item,” reads one of the new strings.
The feature doesn’t seem to be enabled for beta users for now, but this is strong evidence that it may become available with the official release of iOS 17.5. Companies including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed interest in supporting this technology.
At the time, Apple and Google said they would create a new universal system for iOS and Android to detect and alert users about unwanted tracking accessories. Currently, iOS is already able to detect unwanted Bluetooth location-tracking devices, but only when they’re Find My certified. The company also offers an Android app to detect AirTags.
More about iOS 17.5
iOS 17.5 beta 1 doesn’t seem to bring any significant changes, as we’ve only seen a few minor tweaks so far. Apple is likely to release iOS 17.5 to the public next month, as the company is also rumored to launch new iPads and accessories in May.
iOS 17.5 beta 1: Here’s everything new
Apple released iOS 17.5 beta 1 to developers, after a month-long gap with zero beta releases. While iOS 17.5 beta 1 is a relatively minor update, there are a few things worth pointing out. Head below for more.
iOS 17.5 beta details
iOS 17.5 beta 1 features build number 21F5048f. It’s available now to registered developers, who can update via the Settings app by going to “General” and then choosing “Software Update.” We expect iOS 17.4 to be released to public beta testers sometime later this week or next week.
What’s new in iOS 17.5 beta 1?
Web installation
In the European Union, iOS 17.5 enables support for installing apps directly from a developer’s website. Apple announced this new “Web Distribution” feature last month, explaining that it lets developers distribute their iOS apps directly from their website.
To use this feature, developers will have to opt into the new App Store business terms, which means they will pay the Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for each first annual installation over one million in the past 12 months.
Any app distributed through the web will still be required to meet Apple’s notarization guidelines. Apps can only be installed from a website domain that the developer has registered in App Store Connect. Apple will also make a number of APIs available for integration with system functionality for developers.
While iOS 17.5 beta 1 lays the groundwork for this feature, there currently aren’t any developers offering their apps via this new Web Distribution feature. We don’t expect this to change until iOS 17.5 is released to the general public in May.
Design changes
iOS 17.5 beta 1 also includes a few small design changes throughout the operating system.
In the Settings app, there is a new glyph for the “Passkeys Access for Web Browsers” menu under “Privacy & Security.”
The Podcasts widget has been updated to have a new dynamic color that changes based on the artwork of the podcast you’re currently playing.
New unwanted tracking system
According to code found, iOS 17.5 appears to include a new system based around anti-stalking features for accessories like AirTags. This comes after Apple last year announced a partnership with Google to work on a new “industry specification to address unwanted tracking.”
Strings added to the Find My app reveal that iOS will identify tracking accessories, even when they’re not Apple or Find My certified, and help users disable them.
“This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item,” one of the new strings says.
More
According to Aaron Perris on Twitter, iOS 17.5 also includes an update for MDM users: “MDM solutions can now enforce a beta version during automated device enrollment.”
New in iOS/iPadOS 17.5 and macOS 14.5: MDM solutions can now enforce a beta version during automated device enrollment!
Whether Apple has more changes planned for iOS 17.5 beyond what was launched today remains to be seen. The focus is clearly on the European Union, where Apple continues to adapt to the Digital Markets Act being enforced by the European Commission.
iOS 17.5 will likely be released to the broader public sometime in mid-to-late May. It will be the last iOS 17 update released before Apple unveils iOS 18 at WWDC in June.
A new rumor today reiterates the expectation that iOS 18 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 17. For iPadOS 18, however, Apple is planning to drop support for several older generation devices.
iOS 18 device compatibility
Today’s rumor comes after an initial rumor last month offered our first look at iOS 18 device compatibility. At the time, however, we cautioned skepticism because the rumor was posted and quickly deleted, suggesting the source wasn’t confident in their claims.
In what seems to be a more concrete rumor today, shared on social media by a private account with a strong track record, here’s which devices will be compatible with iOS 18:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
For those keeping track at home, this means that iOS 18 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 17.
Other than those changes, iPadOS 18 will be compatible with the same devices as iPadOS 17. This includes the iPad (7th generation), which was first introduced in 2019 and is powered by the A10 Fusion chip.
iPadOS 18 compatibility:
iPad: 2019 and later
iPad mini: 2019 and later
iPad Air: 2019 and later
iPad Pro 2018 and later
This is a bit odd. The iPad Pro (10.5-inch) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (2nd generation) are both powered by the A10X Fusion processor, and will reportedly be dropped by iPadOS 18. The iPad (7th generation), meanwhile, is powered by the A10 Fusion and will reportedly support iPadOS 18.
Amid new leaks of the Pixel 9 this week, there are many still asking Google for a “Mini” device, forgetting that small phones are dead.
Over the past decade, smartphones have gotten really big. Where the average phone used to be tiny by modern standards, many of us are basically walking around with tablets nowadays – in some cases literally, thanks to foldables. But as phone screens have settled into the realm of 6-7 inches in size, there’s always been a vocal group of those asking for smaller smartphones.
And, repeatedly, it’s been clear that small phones are essentially dead.
One recent reminder of this has been the Asus Zenfone 11, which tacked an “Ultra” onto its name and super-sized the package, doing away with what was the last flagship-tier Android phone with a screen size under 6-inches. It came as no surprise as, realistically, a small phone was just never going to survive in today’s market. The Pixel Fold, too, had a very small outer display that was a pleasure to use, but Google is moving away from that on the sequel.
The people have spoken, and they overwhelmingly prefer big phones. Heck, if Apple can’t make a “Mini” work, no Android manufacturer is going to do so, Back in 2022.
Amid new leaks of the Pixel 9 series which have revealed that Google will have three devices to choose from, there are some still asking for a “Mini” in Google’s lineup. Don’t think it’s ever going to happen, not just because the market doesn’t exist for it, but also because, for most people asking for small phones, the Pixel 9 series is already going to be pretty close to what they’re asking for.
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are both expected to be on the lower end of 6-inch displays, with both devices apparently measuring in at 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm. That’s only a hair bigger than the Pixel 8, which our Abner Li praised for being the “small phone of my dreams” in a review last year.
And, really, think that’s about a small as a modern phone should be. The vast, vast majority of people are going to be thrilled to get a flagship-tier experience in a device that size, because it does a good job of splitting the difference between something truly “small” like, say, an iPhone 13 Mini, and something that’s big enough by modern standards.
In short, that “Pixel Mini” you’re dreaming about will (probably) never happen, so let’s just be glad that it looks like we’re getting a full-featured “Pro” that’s smaller.
iOS provides developers with an API to lock apps with Face ID or Touch ID. However, not every app has this option, and there’s no way to completely hide apps from your device. Luckily, “App Lock” is a simple but powerful app that helps users protect and even hide any apps on their iPhone and iPad. Read on as we detail how the app works.
Lock and hide apps on your iPhone with App Lock
App Lock essentially brings a long-awaited feature for iOS users: the option to completely hide apps or lock them with Face ID or Touch ID. The app doesn’t rely on complex modifications or tricks. Instead, it uses the Screen Time API to control access to apps and system settings.
Once you open App Lock, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone or iPad. Just like the Screen Time settings, App Lock will show your apps organized by category, making it easy to hide or lock multiple apps at once. For example, you can hide all your banking apps with just a few taps by selecting the Productivity & Finance category.
The first tab of the app lets you lock your apps with biometrics, while the second “Conceal” tab completely hides the apps you’ve chosen – even from the App Library. Once you’ve chosen the apps you want to lock or hide, tap Start and you’re done.
In addition to being more intuitive than Screen Time’s native settings, a major advantage of App Lock is that it immediately locks apps, whereas Screen Time forces users to set a time limit for apps before locking them. Of course, to access or unhide apps, you must open App Lock again – which is protected by biometrics and a PIN code.
App Lock also has advanced options for blocking the installation and removal of apps, disabling in-app purchases, and restricting changes to iOS settings.
You can try App Lock for free. However, unlocking the full app requires a paid subscription. It’s a bit pricey, but it can be worth it for its privacy and security features. It’s worth noting that it requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later.
After “hardware limitations” were cited as the reason that the Pixel 8 isn’t getting Gemini Nano earlier this month, Google announced today that the on-device LLM is coming after all.
The Pixel 8 will get Gemini Nano, in developer preview, to power Summarize in Recorder and Gboard Smart Reply. The latter allows for “higher-quality smart replies” that have “conversational awareness” and should be generated faster. On the Pixel 8 Pro, it works with WhatsApp, Line, and KakaoTalk. Meanwhile, Summarize can take a recording and generate bullet points.
RAM — 8 GB versus 12 GB — is the main hardware difference between the two Tensor G3 phones. Google today says “running large language models on phones with different memory specs can deliver different user experiences, so we have been testing and validating this on Pixel 8.”
It looks like Google found a way to run the LLM on less RAM without impacting the rest of the user experience, with the smaller Galaxy S24 doing the same. As a reminder, Google only ever said Gemini Nano was coming to the Pixel 8 Pro in December. Meanwhile, the comment earlier this month came from an engineer outside the Pixel team.
Gemini Nano is coming to the Pixel 8 with the next Pixel Feature Drop, which should be Android 14 QPR3 in June (if previous timelines remain in place). Besides end users getting those two Google app features, developers with the Pixel 8 will be able to use AICore for their own applications.
The work to make Gemini a better phone assistant continues, with Google recently updating it to automatically start Maps navigation “when you ask for directions.”
“Navigate to [place]” or “take me to [x]” commands first show a brief summary with the route, how long it will take, and how many miles, as well as a map and link to “directions.” This is one capability that Gemini can handle natively with the Google Maps Extension instead of having to punt to the legacy Assistant.
After a few seconds, Gemini now opens Google Maps with the route underway to save you a step and improve the hands-free experience. This is according to the latest Play Store release notes for the Gemini app/icon, which also include:
“You can now use your voice to set reminders and calendar entries with the Gemini app if your Workspace extension is turned on in your Gemini app settings. Workspace extension availability varies by country. See more details here: https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/14579631#workspace_extension“
“We updated voice commands to include auto submit. No need to hit the ‘send’ button anymore.”
Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the ability to issue “play music” commands. Google implies that this is coming: “Media service providers: Podcasts, news and radio stations, and third-party music providers aren’t currently supported in Gemini.”
Entire conference available online for all developers, with a special event at Apple Park on June 10
Apple announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 10 through 14, 2024. Developers and students will have the opportunity to celebrate in person at a special event at Apple Park on opening day.
Free for all developers, WWDC24 will spotlight the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS advancements. As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to helping developers elevate their apps and games, the event will also provide them with unique access to Apple experts, as well as insight into new tools, frameworks, and features.
“We’re so excited to connect with developers from around the world for an extraordinary week of technology and community at WWDC24,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “WWDC is all about sharing new ideas and providing our amazing developers with innovative tools and resources to help them make something even more wonderful.”
Developers and students will be able to discover the latest Apple software and technologies by tuning into the keynote, and they can experience WWDC24 throughout the week on the Apple Developer app, Apple Developer website, and YouTube. This year’s conference will include video sessions and opportunities to engage with Apple designers and engineers and connect with the worldwide developer community.
WWDC24 will include an in-person experience on June 10 that will provide developers the opportunity to watch the keynote at Apple Park, meet with Apple team members, and take part in special activities. Space will be limited, and details on how to apply to attend can be found on the Apple Developer site and app.
Apple is proud to support the next generation of developers through the Swift Student Challenge, one of many Apple programs that seek to uplift the next generation of developers, creators, and entrepreneurs. On March 28, this year’s applicants will be notified of their status, and winners will be eligible to apply for the in-person experience at Apple Park. Fifty Distinguished Winners, who are recognized for outstanding submissions, will be invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience.
Apple will share additional conference information in advance of WWDC24 through the Apple Developer app and website.