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WhatsApp Starts Trialing AI-Powered Writing Recommendations for iOS Users

### WhatsApp Unveils “Writing Assistance” Feature for iOS Beta Users

In its most recent TestFlight update, WhatsApp has rolled out a new functionality named “Writing Assistance,” aimed at improving the messaging experience for iOS beta users. This feature provides suggested replies aligned with the tone established by the user, streamlining the creation of messages that connect with the desired audience.

#### How “Writing Assistance” Operates

As reported by WABetaInfo, when users activate Private Processing in the app settings, they will see a fresh pen icon that replaces the sticker symbol in the chat bar after entering a brief phrase. This icon signifies that the AI assistant is primed to offer writing recommendations. By tapping the icon, users can solicit enhancements to the structure, tone, or clarity of their messages, facilitating more refined and individualized communication.

#### Available Tone Options

The “Writing Assistance” feature provides at least three different phrasing alternatives based on one of five selectable tones:

1. **Reword:** Enhances clarity and flow while preserving the original meaning.
2. **Formal:** Modifies language for more serious discussions.
3. **Humorous:** Infuses a light-hearted element into the tone.
4. **Encouraging:** Eases the tone to be more uplifting.
5. **Grammar Check:** Rectifies spelling and grammatical mistakes.

Users can opt to retain their original message or swap it for one of the AI-generated alternatives. Notably, recipients will remain unaware that AI assistance was utilized in formulating the message.

#### Privacy and Data Management

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, highlights that the “Writing Assistance” feature operates utilizing its Private Processing system, akin to other AI features across its platforms. The feature is optional, meaning it is turned off by default and requires manual activation by users.

Meta reassures users that it does not retain personal information, processes messages in an anonymous and secure manner, and only analyzes the message currently in the input field without reviewing the entire chat history.

#### Prospective Availability

Similar to other features presently in beta testing on TestFlight, there is no definitive timeframe for when “Writing Assistance” will see an official launch. Nevertheless, given Meta’s dedication to embedding AI-driven functionalities into its applications, a wider release is expected in the near term.

### Conclusion

The rollout of the “Writing Assistance” feature in WhatsApp marks an important advancement in enhancing user communication through AI-based suggestions. By enabling users to customize their messages according to a variety of tones, WhatsApp seeks to enrich the overall messaging experience while prioritizing user privacy and data protection.

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New Study Uncovers Unexpected Roots of Potato Development

Cell outlines how scientists examined more than 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes alongside 56 genomes from wild potatoes. By studying these genomes, they found that over 9 million years ago, wild tomatoes interbred with another ancient species known as Etuberosum. The two species merged through a process called hybridization, effectively integrating their genetic frameworks to form a wholly new organism.

This research marks a significant advance in comprehending the origins of the potato and demonstrates the remarkable creativity of natural evolution in generating completely new species. Additionally, without the presence of two particular genes—one situated in tomatoes and the other in Etuberosum—the formation of tubers such as potatoes would be unimaginable.

Ancient progenitors

Latest Additions and Enhancements in iOS 26 Beta 7

**iOS 26 Beta 7: Major Updates and Features**

iOS 26 beta 7 has been made available for iPhones enrolled in the developer beta program. This update introduces multiple significant changes and improvements compared to the earlier beta iteration, iOS 26 beta 6.

### New Power Mode Options

A key enhancement in iOS 26 beta 7 is the rollout of new Power Mode options. This features an **Adapter Power Notifications** setting, aimed at notifying users when their device may throttle performance to save battery life. This feature works separately from the Adaptive Power option, granting users more authority over their device’s performance and power management.

### Revamped Blood Oxygen Measurement Feature

In a noteworthy advancement, iOS 26 beta 7, in conjunction with watchOS 27 beta 7, now offers a **revamped blood oxygen measurement feature** for Apple Watch users in the U.S. This feature had been restricted for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models for several years due to ongoing patent disputes with Masimo. However, Apple has recently obtained the necessary approval for a workaround, which is anticipated to be included in the forthcoming public beta release, making the feature accessible across all compatible devices.

### macOS Tahoe Update

In related developments, the macOS Tahoe beta has also undergone updates, especially regarding the onboarding video for the MacBook, highlighting the device’s notch—though the notch itself is not included. This visual adjustment was initially presented in beta 6 and continues to progress with the latest version.

### Conclusion

As the testing of iOS 26 advances, users can look forward to more updates and enhancements. Apple invites input from developers and users to further improve the overall experience. For those keen on the newest features and updates, staying informed with each beta release is crucial. If users observe any additional changes or features, they are encouraged to relay their findings to the development team.

For ongoing updates, keep an eye on technology news websites and developer community forums.

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Essential Insights from Apple’s Two-Day Conference on Privacy and Artificial Intelligence

**Apple’s Workshop on Privacy-Enhancing Machine Learning: Major Takeaways**

A few months back, Apple conducted the Workshop on Privacy-Enhanced Machine Learning, a two-day hybrid event that took place on March 20–21, 2025, concentrating on privacy, security, and the ethical development of machine learning. Recently, Apple shared the presentations from this workshop with the public, revealing key progress in the area. Below are three major takeaways from the event.

### Brief Note on Differential Privacy

A primary focus in several of the discussed papers is differential privacy, which has emerged as Apple’s chosen approach for safeguarding user information. This method entails injecting noise into user data prior to uploading, complicating efforts to link it back to a specific individual. Apple clarifies that this tactic permits valuable statistical insights while preserving user confidentiality.

### Three Research Studies Highlighted from the Event

#### 1. Local Pan-Privacy for Federated Analytics

Presented by Guy Rothblum from Apple, this research builds on a 2010 study aimed at safeguarding data even if an analytics system is breached. The new research emphasizes personal devices and illustrates that when a device undergoes multiple accesses, gathering usage data becomes increasingly difficult without jeopardizing privacy. The experts propose encrypted techniques that enable organizations to collect meaningful statistics while keeping individual actions concealed.

#### 2. Scalable Private Search with Wally

In this session by Rehan Rishi and Haris Mughees from Apple, the emphasis is on preserving user privacy while reducing costs for large-scale encrypted searches. The approach, dubbed Wally, utilizes differential privacy by dispatching authentic queries embedded in fabricated data. As more users access the server at the same time, the quantity of fake noise each participant transmits diminishes, allowing Apple to protect privacy while effectively managing millions of users.

#### 3. Differentially Private Synthetic Data via Foundation Model APIs

Presented by Sivakanth Gopi from Microsoft Research, this investigation delves into creating high-quality synthetic data that maintains the utility of actual user data without sacrificing privacy. The technique, termed Private Evolution (PE), enables API-only foundation models to generate synthetic counterparts of private datasets, achieving or surpassing the effectiveness of traditional model fine-tuning methods while considerably lowering privacy risks.

### Complete Studies List

In addition to the featured videos, Apple released links to all 25 studies showcased during the workshop, which encompass contributions from researchers at Apple, Microsoft, Google, and various academic institutions, including MIT and Carnegie Mellon.

This workshop demonstrates Apple’s dedication to promoting privacy-preserving technologies within machine learning, ensuring that user data remains protected while still allowing for valuable insights and innovations in the sector.

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iOS 26 Proposes Possible Features for the Next iPhone Featuring a Completely Glass, Bezel-Less Design

**iOS 26: An Exploration of Liquid Glass and Its Future Implications for iPhones**

iOS 26 has rolled out a major redesign featuring a new look termed Liquid Glass. This upgrade not only boosts the aesthetic allure of the operating system but also suggests potential design transformations for upcoming iPhone models. Perspectives from Craig Hockenberry, a seasoned iPhone app designer, illuminate how these modifications may herald the next iteration of iPhones.

### Perspectives from a Seasoned App Designer

Craig Hockenberry, who has played a role in iPhone app creation since its launch, recently shared his insights while fine-tuning an app for iOS 26. He emphasized a fundamental design tenet: “you never want a control or container that contacts the screen’s edge.” This tenet resonates with the introduction of safe area insets in iOS 11, which became crucial with the launch of the iPhone X, marked by its notch and home indicator.

Hockenberry also highlighted Apple’s emphasis on “concentricity,” a design objective that seeks to synchronize UI components with the physical hardware of devices. This indicates that Apple is gearing up for a future where screens may transition seamlessly into the device edges, possibly harnessing flexible OLED technology to create a “wraparound” display. Such a design would incorporate safe area insets along the vertical edges, akin to those unveiled for horizontal edges in earlier models.

### Apple’s Design Trends

Hockenberry’s reflections underscore a recurring theme in Apple’s design methodology. The company frequently launches new frameworks or guidelines that might not have an immediate evident function but signal forthcoming hardware advancements. For example, the introduction of safe area insets foreshadowed notable alterations in device design, such as the iPad’s multitasking features.

Although users of iOS 26 may view Liquid Glass as merely a visual enhancement, Hockenberry’s perspectives imply that it is part of a larger strategy that hints at forthcoming hardware evolution. The forthcoming iPhone Fold and the anticipated all-screen, bezel-less iPhone could be shaped by the design principles initiated in iOS 26.

### Conclusion

The design modifications in iOS 26, especially the incorporation of Liquid Glass, may act as a harbinger of significant progress in forthcoming iPhone iterations. As Apple continues to enhance its design ethos, the repercussions for hardware could be substantial, paving the path for devices that deliver an immersive and unified user experience. The community is left to consider how these modifications will influence the next generation of iPhones and what thrilling innovations lie in store.

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macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4 Launched: Installation Manual Ready

### macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4: Guide to Installation and Anticipations

Just a few days following the launch of the third public beta for macOS Tahoe 26, Apple has introduced the fourth public beta. This article offers a thorough guide on whether you should install the beta, the process to do so, and what you can anticipate from this newest release.

#### Key Considerations: Should You Install the Beta?

Installing beta software can have its pros and cons. While it allows an early glimpse at new features and enhancements, betas are frequently fraught with bugs and may result in erratic performance. If you choose to move forward, it is highly advised to heed Apple’s guidance: install the beta on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac. Always back up your data before making any modifications.

#### Steps to Install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4

To install macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4, you must register for Apple’s public beta program. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Open **System Settings**.
2. Head to **General** ⇾ **Software Update**.
3. Click the ‘i’ icon next to **Beta Updates**.
4. Choose **macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta** from the dropdown menu in the top-right.
5. Click **Done**.

#### Anticipated Features of macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta 4

The most recent public beta aligns with developer beta 7, indicating it encompasses a variety of behind-the-scenes enhancements and bug resolutions. As Apple nears the conclusion of beta testing, users can look forward to a more refined experience as we head towards the official launch, expected at the end of next month.

For those who are currently utilizing the public beta, sharing their experiences can offer helpful insights to others contemplating the installation.

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Apple Releases Public Beta 4 for tvOS 26 and HomePod 26

Apple has recently unveiled public beta 4 for tvOS 26, HomePod 26, and additional updates. Here’s what you can anticipate.

### Public beta 4 launches as Apple’s summer testing phase comes to a conclusion

Apple’s summer beta period is beginning to draw to a close. With September just around the corner, beta releases are accelerating.

Earlier today, Apple rolled out fresh developer beta 7 updates for iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and more.

In the past few releases, Apple’s public beta versions have typically been released several days after the developer editions. However, this time, Apple has markedly reduced that timeframe.

Public beta 4 is now available for tvOS 26, HomePod 26, and other upcoming updates from Apple.

This update introduces the same improvements seen in developer beta 7, which concentrated on stability and performance.

Overall, we can anticipate only a few more public betas before Apple’s new operating systems are launched for all users.

That broad public rollout is anticipated to occur in mid-September, which is less than a month away.

If you haven’t joined Apple’s public beta program yet but wish to experience the upcoming updates a month early, you can register at beta.apple.com.

How are the most recent Apple betas performing for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top Apple TV 4K and Home accessories

FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

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AI Personality Enhancements: GPT-5 Becomes Friendlier and Claude Acquires Conversation-Closer Feature

Generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others must not be mistaken for actual individuals. They lack authentic personalities, functioning based on an internal system prompt that is not visible to the user, which governs their actions. Nevertheless, the companies developing these AIs consistently enhance their offerings, which includes modifying their personalities. Recently, both ChatGPT (GPT-5) and Claude received notable updates that are expected to affect the user interaction.

While OpenAI made adjustments to the GPT-5 personality to counteract complaints that arose shortly after the introduction of this advanced ChatGPT version, Anthropic equipped Claude with the capability to autonomously terminate conversations if the AI assesses that a particular interaction could be detrimental. These personality modifications are expected to be present in the ChatGPT and Claude applications, although not all users may observe them immediately. The changes to GPT-5 are subtle. In the case of Claude, the chatbot will only conclude conversations in exceptional circumstances.

What are the updates in GPT-5?

iOS 26 Beta 7 Launched Showcasing New Improvements and Bug Repairs

in the earlier beta, we assumed that Apple might be finished introducing new features, but the company ultimately added seven new ringtones, enhanced the Liquid Glass design with greater transparency on various UI elements, and modified the Camera app to eliminate the Classic Mode toggle, which has now become the default setting for users in response to feedback.

Crucially, 9to5Mac discovered code references indicating that Live Translation will also be available for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. As per the publication, this feature will extend to face-to-face conversations as well. Although it wasn’t testable in the previous beta, it’s plausible that the feature will be included in iOS 26 beta 7.

Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence headline iOS 26

Beta Code Suggests iOS 26 Might Implement End-To-End Encryption for RCS Messaging on iPhone

Apple recently introduced RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging to the iPhone just over a year ago. This new standard significantly enhanced the way messages are sent between iPhone and Android devices. Nevertheless, iPhone users are still anticipating Apple to implement complete end-to-end encryption for RCS, which is one of the key advantages of RCS — in addition to improved quality of media sharing, reactions, read receipts, and other functionalities offered by the messaging protocol.

Earlier this year, Apple revealed its intention to implement end-to-end encryption for RCS on the iPhone, but the company has not yet provided a specific timeframe. However, newly discovered code by Android Authority in the iOS 26 beta indicates that this privacy feature might be on the way sooner than expected. It would be a highly desired improvement, particularly given the lengthy delay Apple took to bring RCS to iOS devices originally.

Encryption is among the most significant advantages of RCS