Apple’s Photos app employs multiple features to help you find images in your library and learn more about what’s shown in those images. One of those features is called Enhanced Visual Search. Here’s how it works and how Apple protects your privacy when you use it.

Another state has committed to supporting digital IDs in Apple Wallet by the end of the year. Illinois says it will launch “the best mobile ID program in the nation” by the end of 2025…

At CES last week, BMW unveiled a major revamp to its iDrive infotainment system, built on the new “BMW Operating System X.” The revamp brings a new “BMW Panoramic Vision” design with infotainment that stretches around, described as “high tech meets highly intuitive operation.”

The good news is that the new iDrive system still supports Apple CarPlay. The bad news, however, is that BMW has done the bare minimum to integrate CarPlay – and it’s actually a downgrade in some ways.

Apple filed its annual proxy report for shareholders today ahead of its annual shareholders meeting next month. The report reveals new information on Tim Cook’s compensation for 2024 and calls on shareholders to vote against a proposal to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined the Joe Rogan Experience podcast today for a wide-ranging interview on content moderation, the Trump administration, and Apple’s apparent lack of innovation.

Throughout the ongoing wildfires, California officials have relied on emergency alerts to communicate with citizens. This system is an important way for officials to communicate with citizens instantly across iPhone and Android devices.

On Thursday evening, however, a wildfire evacuation alert went out to everyone in Los Angeles – even though it was only meant for a subset of residents.

Benjamin and Chance talk about the current ongoing controversies with Apple Intelligence notification summaries and the reaction to the settlement of the Siri privacy lawsuit, and how Apple is managing the negative PR. LG announces a new 6K display, but does it actually exist? And Benjamin is thrilled to hear that Apple News+ Puzzles may finally be coming to the UK.

And in Happy Hour Plus, we appreciate the seamless integration of iPhone, AirPods and Watch in the current cold winter months. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

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If you’re experiencing issues sending or receiving money with Apple Cash today, you’re not alone. Apple says its Apple Cash service is experiencing a multi-hour outage on Wednesday.

AT&T is kicking off 2025 with a new “AT&T Guarantee” program that the company says will “set a new bar” for customer and network service. The headlining part of the announcement? AT&T will now credit you if you experience a network outage …

Apple’s AirTag item tracker has been a huge hit since it was first released in April 2021. Look around, and you’ll see the circular accessory attached to keys, backpacks, and suitcases everywhere.

This year, Apple will release AirTag 2 – its first-ever hardware upgrade to the product. I think it has the potential to be an under-the-radar success.

Believe it or not, we’re just five months away from the announcement of iOS 19. Ahead of that launch, rumors have started to surface on things like new iOS 19 features, supported devices, and more.

After a three-week break for the holidays, Apple has kickstarted the iOS 18.3 beta train once more. iOS 18.3 beta 2 is now available to developer beta testers ahead of its expected release later this month.

Apple has officially responded to growing concerns around incorrect Apple Intelligence notification summaries. In a statement today, the company said it will release a software update “in the coming weeks” that makes it clearer when Apple Intelligence is summarizing notifications…

Apple has released iOS 18.2.1 for iPhone users today. The update comes just under a month after iOS 18.2 was released with new Apple Intelligence features, the redesigned Mail app, and more.

Last week, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged “unlawful and intentional recording” of Siri interactions.

Apple’s settlement has led to a wave of conspiracy theories claiming that Siri is listening to you for targeted advertising, but the company says those claims are completely unfounded.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has joined a chorus of Big Tech executives making sizeable donations to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The news comes via a scoop from Axios as we approach Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Update: As researched by Cabel Sasser, it does not appear that Tim Cook donated to President Biden’s inauguration fund in 2021.

Last week, Apple announced a special edition version of the AirTag in Japan to celebrate the “Year of the Snake.” Apple has since followed that up with a limited-edition version of AirPods 4, available exclusively in select regions.

Apple is expected to release an all-new “iPhone 17 Air” model this year, prioritizing form over function. A new supply chain report today reiterates what to expect from the iPhone 17 Air size and pricing, but it also says Samsung is already hard at work on its copycat…

Benjamin and Chance kick off the new year with a catch-up on Apple missing its deadline for next-gen CarPlay to be released in an actual vehicle, and assess the response to picking the Vision Pro as 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. There’s also rumors of an Apple-branded smart doorbell to discuss, and TV+ tries a new marketing gimmick with a free weekend promotion. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, the duo make some fun predictions about Apple-related news headlines that could happen sometime this year. 

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