OpenAI is adding a ChatGPT mode for teenagers that includes parental controls, enhanced content safeguards, and a focus on learning.


ChatGPT for Teens is "designed to help teens learn, think critically, deepen understanding, and use AI with confidence," said the company in a blog post announcing the feature.

The feature includes learning-focused starter prompts for facilitating studying, practicing skills, or exploring ideas. ChatGPT's Study mode is baked in, as are learning tools (including quizzes when available), and Study hours that let the teen or a linked parent/guardian choose when eligible new chats start in study mode.

OpenAI says reminders encourage users to take breaks, and there are built-in provisions for making it clear that ChatGPT is AI, and does not have consciousness, experience feelings or emotions. That backstop aims to discourage relationship-forming with the chatbot.

ChatGPT automatically enables ChatGPT for Teens for eligible accounts identified as belonging to someone under 18. Users who think they are seeing the feature by mistake can verify their age and ask ChatGPT to remove the teen protections.

OpenAI says ChatGPT for Teens is rolling out globally to eligible teen accounts on Free and paid personal ChatGPT plans beginning August 18, with full availability in Australia expected September 8.
This article, "OpenAI Announces ChatGPT for Teens With Built-In Safeguards and Learning Prompts" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The commission Apple earns from the App Store is shrinking in markets where it has been forced to relax its grip on in-app purchases, based on new analytics data.


According to Appfigures, cited by the Financial Times ($), Apple's U.S. commission revenue has fallen 18 percent since the start of 2026. It also found App Store revenue declining in Brazil and Japan since both countries introduced new regulations.

Separately, Sensor Tower said U.S. consumer spending through the App Store was down 6 percent in the second quarter, compared to 9 percent growth a year earlier.

The figures follow Apple's admission during last month's earnings call that regulatory changes have started to weigh on its Services growth. Apple reported services revenue of $30.7 billion for the June quarter, a record for the period but short of the $31.4 billion that analysts expected.

Apple traditionally has taken 15 to 30 percent of digital purchases made inside apps on the App Store. However, a U.S. injunction won by Epic Games now forces the company to let developers steer users to outside payment options without taking a cut. Sensor Tower said the U.S. slowdown had been heavily affected by the ruling. Apple has not collected fees from link-outs in the U.S. since April 2025.
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Sonos just updated its iOS app with new Live Activities support, providing quick access to playback controls from your Lock Screen.


Sonos shared a Reddit post announcing the new feature, which appears after you initiate playback on a Sonos device and then close the app.

The Live Activity shows the current room or group you were last playing audio from and allows you to play/pause or skip tracks. Even if you initiate playback on Sonos from outside the Sonos app (Direct Control from supported services, Bluetooth, or AirPlay) you can still use the local playback controls that appear on the Live Activity.

As things stand, album art can't be displayed on the Live Activity, but the company said it's looking into alternative ways to enhance the Lock Screen experience. Sonos also mentioned that Live Activities work on Apple Watch and CarPlay, but "right now the controls aren't supported" in these instances.

Sonos called Live Activities support a "much requested, anticipated, and needed feature."

(Via 9to5Mac.)
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In a notable addition to the unreleased Apple products referenced in yesterday's macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update, AirPods 5 models have also been spotted. Internally codenamed B868M and B868E, the models almost certainly refer to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Current AirPods 4 models, launched in September 2024, have the codenames B768M and B768E.

While next-generation features are unknown, AirPods 5 could get an updated H3 chip with improved sound quality and lower latency. Launch timing however remains unclear. On a side note, macOS 26.7 also contains a reference to an unreleased Beats Solo Buds model.
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Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may be differentiated by a new camera feature that could be exclusive to the larger Pro Max model, if a Chinese leaker is to be believed.


Since 2024, we've been hearing rumors about Apple's plans to introduce a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models – a first for any iPhone – but it was understood until now that the feature would come to both devices.

Leaker Ice Universe claims that's not the case. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will "exclusively feature a variable aperture," they said in a new post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

"Looks like even Apple can't escape the reality that if you want the absolute best camera experience, you'll have to put up with a phone that weighs like a brick," the leaker added.

We already know a variable aperture lens is coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, thanks to the June leak of internal files from Apple supplier Tata Electronics. The files revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a new Sony IMX905 sensor with variable aperture support.

The smaller iPhone 18 Pro model was not mentioned in the leaked file, but it wasn't clear if that meant it wouldn't get a variable aperture lens, or it the leaked files simply didn't include that information.

Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images.

With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. It could mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. That all depends on how Apple implements the feature, of course. It may be more automated than that.

Beyond size and battery life, the last time Apple differentiated its iPhone Pro models was with the iPhone 15 Pro, which lacked the tetraprism telephoto lens that was included to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be bigger and heavier than its predecessor this year. Apart from the rumored aperture lens, it is expected to be otherwise equivalent to its smaller sibling. Both iPhone 18 Pro models are set to launch next month alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, the "iPhone Ultra."
This article, "iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Get Exclusive Camera Upgrade" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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