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9to5Mac Daily: May 13, 2025 – Apple’s new accessibility features

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New Apple AI model generates 3D scenes from just three images

Apple Vision Pro displays

Apple’s Machine Learning team, in collaboration with researchers from Nanjing University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has announced an interesting 3D AI model called Matrix3D.

This so-called Large Photogrammetry Model is able to reconstruct 3D objects and scenes from just a few 2D photos, but with a big difference from current pipelines. Here’s why this is a big deal.

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Airbnb beautifully redesigns app to enhance how you spend your trip, not just where you stay

Airbnb is launching an all-new version of its iOS and Android app that’s designed for more than just booking great places to stay. The new app lets you enhance each trip with opportunities to make memories and enjoy unique experiences around your destination. That’s because Airbnb’s major app redesign supports a new initiative called Airbnb Services, a modern take on hotel amenities for the Airbnb era.

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Deals: 24GB 13-inch M4 MacBook Air $154 off, M2 iPad Air $250 off, Find My wallet card $21, more

While some of the major price drops on the latest M4 machines are starting to jump back up, we did spot one of the best prices to date on the 24GB 13-inch M4 MacBook Air today at $154 off. From there we move over to a deep Amazon all-time low on the 512GB 11-inch M2 iPad Air with the Wi-Fi + Cell upgrade at $250 off, ongoing $100 price drops on the most affordable iPad mini 7 from $399, and some notable accessory deals – the official USB-C woven Apple Watch Magnetic Charger at $20 and this Find My wallet card tracker at $21. Everything else awaits down below. 

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Galaxy S25 Edge: how does it compare to the rumored iPhone 17 Air?

Galaxy S25 Edge side by side with an iPhone 17 Air mockup.

If the latest reports are correct, Apple is just a few months away from announcing its thinnest iPhone ever. The so‑called iPhone 17 Air is expected to be just 5.5 mm thick, feature a 6.6‑inch OLED display, and replace the iPhone 16 Plus in this year’s lineup.

So, naturally, Samsung has just announced an ultra‑thin phone of its own.

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Will the iPhone 17 Air take off? Samsung’s Galaxy 25 Edge will provide two clues

Will the iPhone 17 Air sell well? Samsung's Galaxy 25 Edge (shown) will provide two clues

By this point, we’re fairly sure we know what to expect from the iPhone 17 Air. Consistent reporting suggests that it will be an ultra-slim device, with around half the thickness of existing iPhones.

The big unknown is how many people will be willing to pay a premium for that sleek design – and Samsung’s latest phone may help answer that question …

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Apple lays groundwork for iPhone brain control technology

In a press release this morning, Apple announced its suite of new accessibility features coming to the iPhone later this year. This includes Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, a new Magnifier app for Mac, and more.

A new report from The Wall Street Journal (Apple News+ link) today dives deeper into another accessibility breakthrough Apple is developing: the ability to control your iPhone with your brain.

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Apple unveils iOS 19 accessibility features: Magnifier for Mac, App Store labels, more

Ahead of WWDC kicking off in June, Apple today has officially unveiled this year’s new accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. The features come as Apple celebrates 40 years of accessibility innovation, with the company originally opening its office of disability in 1985.

“At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

These features are destined for Apple’s forthcoming iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates, which will be announced at WWDC next month. Apple, however, does not specifically refer to “iOS 19’ prematurely. This year’s new accessibility features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, a new Magnifier app for Mac, major updates to Apple’s Personal Voice feature, and more.

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Hidden fees are now illegal for hotel and concert apps | The Killers gig shown

Hidden fees are now illegal for hotel and concert apps

Good news: Hotel and concert apps and websites can no longer display misleading prices upfront, with hidden fees revealed only when you go to checkout. As of this week, the practice is illegal in the US.

Amusingly, one of the biggest offenders – Ticketmaster – is trying to claim credit for complying with the law, acting as if it’s doing us a favor …

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iPad shipments are up this year, and the pandemic is a key reason

iPad shipments are up this year, and the pandemic is a key reason | Someone writing 'Lockdown' on an iPad

iPad shipments grew 14% year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, further increasing Apple’s global dominance of the tablet market. Apple now has more than twice the market share of its nearest competitor.

The COVID-19 pandemic is now five years behind us, but is credited with being one of the main drivers for this year’s boost in demand for iPads …

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The mystery of disappearing iPhone audio messages

Tapbacks iOS 18 Messages app

If you have never listened to PJ Vogt’s Search Engine podcast, you are missing out. Vogt is one of the most inquisitive minds out there. He can turn any seemingly inane fact into an intricate story that often leads to unexpected places.

Recently, he came across a strange fact: iPhone audio messages mentioning the name of a specific restaurant chain wouldn’t get delivered. He set out to find out why, and he did it. Sort of.

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Apple’s smart glasses might run on this AI model

Apple Glasses concept

For the past few months, there have been plenty of rumors and reports about Apple’s plans to release AI-enabled wearables. Currently, it looks like Apple’s direct competitors to the Meta Ray-Bans will be launched around 2027, alongside AirPods with cameras, which will offer their own set of AI-enabled features.

While it might be too early to know what exactly they will look like, Apple has just offered a peek at how their AI might work.

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