Latest news with #AaronPerris
Mint
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Code hints at Apple's plans for generative AI support chatbot: What it could mean for users
Apple is reportedly working on a generative AI-powered chatbot designed to enhance user experience within its Apple Support app. According to a recent report byMacRumors, code found by contributor Aaron Perris hints at the development of a text-based virtual assistant capable of addressing customer queries instantly. While the feature is not yet publicly available and Apple has provided no official timeline for its release, the development could mark a potentially significant shift in the tech giant's support strategy. The chatbot appears to serve as an immediate intermediary between the user and a live support representative, allowing for faster resolutions without the need to wait for callbacks or text replies. What is particularly noteworthy is the timing of this revelation. Just weeks ago, Apple executives Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, and Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, toldThe Wall Street Journal that the company had no interest in building a 'bolt-on chatbot.' Instead, they emphasised Apple's focus on delivering 'deeply integrated' AI features across its ecosystem. The emergence of this standalone support assistant may signal a rethink of that stance. The chatbot, said to be similar in functionality to OpenAI's ChatGPT, is reportedly powered by generative AI models, though Apple has not disclosed which models are being utilised. The code suggests that while the assistant is designed to offer immediate help, it should not be viewed as a replacement for professional or technical advice. Further details indicate the assistant may support image and file uploads, a functionality that could be particularly useful for diagnosing issues visually or verifying details like proof of purchase and warranty status. If implemented, this feature could streamline processes like checking AppleCare+ coverage or past repair records. The development also comes amid several recent reversals in Apple's AI and software strategies. The company has reportedly delayed the launch of its revamped Siri assistant, shifted towards incorporating third-party AI models after initially pursuing an in-house approach, and toned down the ambitious 'Liquid Glass' design language in the latest iOS 26 beta following mixed feedback.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Apple Support app might get its own AI assistant in iOS 26
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. Apple has struggled to find its footing in the world of generative AI so far, but the company isn't giving up on becoming a true competitor in the industry anytime soon. To that point, signs of an AI-powered 'Support Assistant' for the Apple Support app were uncovered in Apple's code this week by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Based on his findings, iPhone users will be able to chat with the Support Assistant in the Apple Support app, which is free to download from the App Store. Perris also noted that the app does already include a chat feature. You can contact a live Apple support agent within the app, which starts a conversation through the Messages app. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Presumably, the AI-powered Support Assistant will be different. The expectation is that you'll be able to chat directly with the chatbot from the app and receive support while the assistant draws on its generative AI training. You still have the option to reach out to a live agent, but you can try to get the information you need from the AI first. According to the code seen by Perris, the Support Assistant 'uses generative models' to provide answers 'related to certain Apple products and services.' As with other AI chatbots, Apple warns that the Support Assistant can provide 'incorrect, misleading, incomplete, offensive, or harmful outputs,' so it's probably best not to follow its directions blindly. Perris found a reference to uploading content in the code, which could imply that users will be able to upload files or images while seeking help from the AI. Apple also states that it is working with partners to provide Support Assistant, so there's a chance that the new feature is powered by ChatGPT, similar to other recent additions like Writings Tools. We don't know when (or if) the feature will see the light of day, but it's one of many new projects in the works for Apple's operating systems that has yet to be officially announced. For instance, we just learned about two new Apple Maps features yesterday. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Your iPhone could get this new secret ringtone in iOS 26, but fans can't decide if they love or hate it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The iOS 26 beta contains a brand-new ringtone The tune has been posted online, where it has divided opinion It's unknown whether it will be included in the final iOS 26 release The iOS 26 update is full of new features, and beta users are discovering lots that Apple didn't mention at its WWDC event – including a new ringtone buried in the operating system's code, and it's already dividing opinion among iPhone devotees. The ringtone was noticed by X user @8810cfw, who posted a screen recording of the audio in action. Other users, like MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, confirmed that the ringtone was genuine and posted their own clips of it. Titled 'ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix,' the tone sounds like it is being played on a xylophone or similar instrument. Perris described it as 'glassy' – which could be one reason for its inclusion in iOS 26 alongside the Liquid Glass redesign. The ringtone, though, has seemingly split opinion on social media. Many users enjoyed it, with reactions like 'That is an actual banger,' 'Oooo I like this,' and 'I love it!' filling the comments sections. Under Perris's post, user @Rightcrown5 even went so far as to say 'Woah, that actually sounds insanely good. It can be for future generations what Marimba had been for OG iOS users.' But not everyone is enamored with Apple's secret ditty. 'Sounds creepy,' said one user, with another saying it 'would make me depressed.' The 'vomit' emoji was used on at least one occasion. It's unclear whether Apple will actually include this ringtone in the final version of iOS 26 – we're still in the developer beta phase, with the public beta set to launch in July and the full release coming later in the year. Still, with iOS 26 making it easier to load your own custom ringtones onto your iPhone, perhaps you can pass that time by adding a different tune to your phone while you wait. 5 upgrades iOS 26 will bring to supercharge your music and driving iOS 26: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know How to download the iOS 26 developer beta
Forbes
21-06-2025
- Forbes
iOS 26: Apple's Latest iPhone Update Has A Secret New Extra
The next iPhone will come pre-loaded with the company's latest operating software, iOS 26 (that's right, it's not called iOS 19). Right now, that software is in early developer beta, after an unprecedented early update. But it looks like there's a new ringtone hiding in plain sight. Is a new ringtone coming to the iPhone? And if so, which ones? A new ringtone has been found in the code for the developer beta. It was mentioned on X and spotted by Joe Rossignol at MacRumors, with a MacRumors contributor, Aaron Perris, confirming its existence. So what, you might ask? The interesting thing is that though it's in the code, it's been hidden, so you can't choose it from the list of ringtones found in the Settings app in the beta. Which means it's hard to know if it will be in the next beta, let alone the public beta in July or the general release software expected in September. The ringtone is a new version of the Reflection ringtone which has been the default option since the iPhone X launched in 2017. As Perris suggests, it could be an indication that the ringtone will be restricted, to select handsets when it is released. Perris notes that the remix is, 'a glassy new ringtone called 'ReflectionAlt1-EncoreRemix'. It's not live yet in the beta but it is present in the filesystem. Perhaps an iPhone 17 exclusive,' he asks. Glassy is the key word, of course, suggesting that the new tone has been retooled to fit with the Liquid Glass design of Apple's new software. Ringtones are key to a brand. The Nokia theme was exceptionally well known and became synonymous with mobile phones generally. When it was updated in an orchestral remix, it caused quite a stir. Similarly, Samsung has a ringtone on its phones which is unmistakable — and which Samsung would play at its Unboxed events using a full, live orchestra. We'll have more of a clue of Apple's intentions when the next developer beta is released.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Spotify just tipped to finally bring lossless audio to the masses — here's what we know
Several different sources have reportedly found code in Spotify's desktop app and web player hinting that lossless HD audio is coming to Spotify. The desktop app and web player code were spotted by Chris Messina (via TechCrunch) and Spicetify (via The Verge). Additionally, the latest beta for the iPhone version of the app was spotted by Aaron Perris and MacRumors. According to some lines found by Perris, Spotify's lossless audio will be 24-bit at 44.1 kHz. "Introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz." For the unfamiliar, lossless audio means that songs retain all the data from the original recordings, which generally results in higher quality. It's unclear from the code when Spotify might release lossless audio to subscribers, but it's been a long time coming and may cost you more money to access. Spotify users have been waiting at least four years for lossless audio. The music streamer first announced a new Hi-Fi tier featuring lossless audio in 2021. It appeared we were closer to finally getting the feature last year, with rumors of a new Spotify Deluxe subscriber tier and reports that it would cost $5 more than the existing premium subscription. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In February, a Bloomberg article claimed that the elusive Deluxe tier was finally coming this year with another new name — Music Pro, the fourth name in as many years after HiFi, Supremium and Deluxe. The report indicated that Spotify might charge up to $5.99 per month for HD audio, in addition to Spotify Premium. The lack of a high-end lossless HD audio tier has been baffling for years, especially as competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal, which already offer lossless audio, often at a lower cost than the rumors suggest Spotify's price would be. Apple Music introduced its version of lossless audio back in 2021, around the same time Spotify announced its HiFi service.
