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The iOS 26 beta version differs slightly from the general release. Beta testers are given a release that has recently exited its alpha phase, so problems and bugs are expected to arise. The purpose of the beta phase is to gather user feedback to repair these bugs and address any user interface issues before the software is massively distributed.Beta versions can also be incomplete and are not the final product. This means the iOS 2 beta version is more prone to bugs, glitches, and instability.Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before installing iOS 26)The general release will have ironed out most of these bugs and problems using the user feedback gathered during the beta phase, delivering software that isn’t as prone to issues. However, they can still happen.One example of this process in action is when Apple released the iOS 17 beta version in 2023. The early beta version featured the “End” button during a call that had moved from the center to the right, which was a big change for iPhone users. Disapproving feedback from beta testers resulted in Apple moving the “End” button back to the center of the screen, where users had been accustomed to. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Supcase MagFlip is a magnetic wallet and stand combo for $42. It holds up to five cards, features RFID protection, and can be adjusted into several viewing configurations. While a rugged option, the cards can be difficult to access, and it’s rather bulky. more buying choices I’m a MagSafe fan. If there’s […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt won’t be long before Samsung unveils its new lineup of Galaxy Watches at its July Unpacked event. Until then, the Korean tech giant is giving us some hints at what’s to come on these new smartwatches with its One UI 8 Watch updates. These Watch features have arrived on several users’ devices, according to a recent Reddit post in r/GalaxyWatch. From a running coach feature that appears to take notes from Apple Watch’s “Workout Buddy” to a bedtime suggestion feature that calibrates your optimized sleep time based on activity and historical rest, here are some of the features Samsung will roll out on its next smartwatch. Also: The best smartwatches you can buy right nowFor those interested in trying out these new features ahead of Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch later this summer, Samsung says they can access them through Samsung’s beta program, which is available to users with the Galaxy Watch5 series or later. However, users who have received this update on their devices report that the features will only apply to Galaxy Watches 8 or higher.  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Eufy E15 Robot Mower for yards up to 0.2 acres is available for $2,300, while the Eufy E18 covers up to 0.3 acres and costs $2,600, though both are currently on sale This robot mower uses visual recognition, AI algorithms, and 3D sensors to distinguish the boundaries of a lawn […] More

What states currently support digital ID in Apple Wallet? As of June 2025, the following US states and territories support adding digital IDs in Apple Wallet: Arizona (since March 2022)Colorado (since November 2022)Georgia (since May 2023)Hawaii (since August 2024)Iowa (since October 2024)Maryland (since May 2022)New Mexico (since December 2024)Ohio (since July 2024)Puerto Rico (since December 2024)California (since September 2024)Apple confirmed in September 2024 that Montana and West Virginia have signed on to support IDs on iPhone — West Virginia even launched its own ID app and will add Wallet integration “in the near future” — and noted Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah (first announced in March 2022) are still committed to adopting the feature. Where can you use digital ID? According to Apple, you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to present your digital ID at “select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, businesses, and venues.” You can also share your identity information in “participating apps.” Apple does not maintain a specific list of businesses and apps that support the feature. The TSA says over 250 domestic checkpoints and the following select US airports accept digital IDs:Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)Denver International Airport (DEN)Des Moines International Airport (DSM)Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)Los Angeles International (LAX)Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)San Francisco International Airport (SFO)San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Can I add my passport to Apple Wallet? When iOS 26 arrives later this year, Apple plans to let you scan a physical US passport into Apple Wallet to create a digital passport. It will work for domestic TSA checkpoints, but you’ll still need your paper passport for international travel. How to add your license to Apple Watch To add your license or ID to your Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Wallet & Apple Pay, tap Add next to your license under Other Cards on Your Phone, and follow the prompts. Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a big upgrade for free – 8 features I can’t wait to use on watchOS 26 Can you transfer your digital ID to a new iPhone? Yes. If you’re upgrading your iPhone, during Setup Assistant on your new device, make sure you add your existing digital ID. Choose Wallet when prompted.Select your existing digital ID.Follow the prompts and tap Continue to confirm you’re moving your license over.Also: 6 settings I recommend changing ASAP on iOS 18.5 (and how they make a difference)Your digital ID will be removed from the old device automatically once the transfer is complete. Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETIt’s not a hot take to say that Samsung hasn’t changed the core design of its Galaxy Z Fold series since day one. While the cover screen has grown over time, the overall candy bar-style form factor has remained mostly untouched. While brands like Honor, Vivo, and Google have released slimmer foldables, Samsung has stuck to steady, incremental upgrades, resulting in a sturdy hinge that holds at almost any angle and polished software for productivity.Also: Samsung offers $1,000 off preorder deal for new Galaxy foldable phones ahead of UnpackedStill, the Z Fold line lacks some of the innovative hardware features found in rival foldables. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the horizon, I revisited the Z Fold 6 running One UI 7. After a week of testing, I’m more excited than ever about what Samsung has planned at Unpacked.My experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways HP’s 16-inch Envy x360 2-in-1 (2024) comes in a variety of configurations, but the version with 1TB of storage and an OLED display starts at $1,599. It sports one of the most gorgeous displays I’ve seen on a convertible laptop in this price range. It’s a little on the heavy side, […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) is on sale now at B&H for $599. It’s a lightweight, responsive laptop with a touchscreen, and a slick media playback menu. However, for a laptop so optimized for media, its speakers aren’t the best. –> The 14-inch Acer Swift Go<!–> was among the first round […] More