AllYouCanTech

Apple has recently unveiled the initial public beta of iOS 26.4, which brings a variety of updates and fresh features, especially within the Health app. This article emphasizes two major alterations: upgrades to the Vitals metric and advancements in sleep tracking.

### Apple Health Introduces Two New Insights with iOS 26.4

In January 2024, Apple eliminated the Blood Oxygen feature from the Apple Watch due to a legal conflict with health tech firm Masimo. Following this, a redesigned variant of the feature was released in August 2025, enabling users to obtain Blood Oxygen measurements on their Apple Watch and review the outcomes on their iPhone, though not directly on the watch.

Notwithstanding this redesign, Blood Oxygen measurements were excluded from the Vitals overview within the Health app, where users could only view it as an isolated metric. With the arrival of iOS 26.4, Apple has reinstated Blood Oxygen measurements within the Vitals graph, empowering users to track five essential metrics: heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration, all in a single comprehensive chart.

### Enhancements in Sleep Tracking

Alongside the updates to the Vitals metric, iOS 26.4 introduces a novel sleep tracking capability. Users can now view a breakdown of their bedtime over the last two weeks. This new Sleep Highlight feature offers an average bedtime as well as a comparison to the previous night’s bedtime, helping users gain a clearer insight into their sleep patterns.

For further details about the updates in iOS 26.4 beta 1, users can consult the complete guide available for developers and public beta testers.

These improvements to the Health app demonstrate Apple’s continued dedication to enhancing user health monitoring and delivering valuable insights into personal wellness.

**Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch: A Lifesaving Capability**

Recently, in an event near Lake Tahoe, individuals who survived a catastrophic avalanche employed Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature on their iPhones to get in touch with first responders, emphasizing the vital importance of this technology during emergencies. A report from *The New York Times* indicates that the six individuals were part of a larger party that encountered tragedy in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where eight people unfortunately lost their lives, and one individual is still unaccounted for.

Don O’Keefe, Chief of Law Enforcement for the California Office of Emergency Services, affirmed that the survivors kept in contact with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office over a span of four hours, facilitating organization for possible rescues. This event highlights the necessity of dependable communication options in isolated regions where standard cellular networks might not function.

**How Emergency SOS via Satellite Functions**

Emergency SOS via satellite is accessible on iPhone 14 models and newer, along with the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This functionality is crafted to activate when users are lacking cellular or Wi-Fi connections. When initiating an SOS request, users are taken through a series of questions that gather critical details regarding their emergency. The device then guides users on how to position their iPhone or Apple Watch to connect with a satellite.

This service is free for the initial two years after the activation of an eligible device. Beyond emergency calls, satellite connectivity allows users to send iMessages, SMS texts, and share their location via the Find My app, bolstering safety and communication during urgent situations.

**Tangible Impact**

The Emergency SOS via satellite feature has played a crucial role in multiple rescue efforts over recent years, proving its life-saving capabilities. Apple offers a detailed support document that illustrates how to navigate these satellite connectivity options, motivating users to become familiar with the protocol through a demonstration available in the Settings app.

As technology progresses, features like Emergency SOS via satellite signify major improvements in personal safety, especially for those who explore remote or perilous areas. The capacity to reach emergency services can be pivotal in life-threatening circumstances.

For anyone with an iPhone 14 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra 3, it is recommended to investigate these features and learn how to use them proficiently. Being prepared can be essential for survival in emergencies.

# The Progression of Foldable Smartphones: An Examination of Form Factors and Anticipated Trends

Foldable smartphones have reshaped the mobile industry since their debut, presenting inventive designs that improve user interaction. Nonetheless, the Android ecosystem has largely evolved into two main form factors: clamshell flip devices and book-style models. As Apple gears up to make its entry into the foldable market with the expected “iPhone Fold,” it seems poised to revive a form factor that Android manufacturers, including Google Pixel, once pursued but ultimately left behind. This article explores the progression of foldable smartphones, emphasizing the Pixel Fold, Oppo Find N, and the significance of Apple’s arrival in this arena.

## Pixel Fold, Oppo Find N, and the Form Factor We Lost

In the initial phases of foldable technology, numerous designs surfaced. Samsung’s Galaxy Fold featured a tall external display that unfolded into a vertically-oriented internal screen, while other companies tested different designs. However, Oppo’s original Find N foldable took a distinctive path by being compact and providing a broader inner display, improving the overall user experience.

The Oppo Find N stood out due to its short and stout design, offering a wider aspect ratio that facilitated a more immersive media experience. This design ethos persisted with the Find N2, which further honed the concept. Jumping ahead to the launch of Google’s Pixel Fold, which embraced a similar aesthetic but came with some inherent drawbacks. Despite these shortcomings, the Pixel Fold sought to provide an engaging experience by introducing a more tablet-like interface within a pocket-friendly device.

## Samsung Paved the Way, but Apps Shaped Today’s Reality

While the designs of the Oppo and Pixel Fold highlighted the benefits of wider aspect ratios, they encountered considerable obstacles because of the current app ecosystem. Numerous Android applications struggled to adjust to the distinct dimensions of these devices, resulting in a subpar user experience. Conversely, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold design, despite facing usability critiques, enjoyed a more robust app support framework.

The gap in app optimization underscored the significance of timing and developer agility. Google’s initiatives to improve app adaptability for different display sizes have made significant progress in recent years, yet these developments arrived too late for the Pixel Fold’s debut. Consequently, the device faced challenges in gaining traction within a market where app compatibility is vital.

## Apple is Shifting the Paradigm in a Unique Way

With the approaching launch of the iPhone Fold, Apple is ready to reintroduce the broader form factor that the Pixel Fold found difficult to mainstream. Leaks indicate that the iPhone Fold will come with a 5.3-inch outer display and a 7.7-inch inner display, underscoring a design that combines the practicality of an iPhone with the expansive functionalities of an iPad.

Apple’s history of influencing developer behavior gives it a singular advantage in this realm. Unlike Android developers, who might require time to adjust to new form factors, iOS developers typically respond promptly to Apple’s innovations. This quickness could enable a smoother adaptation for apps to fit the iPhone Fold’s design, potentially resulting in a more successful launch compared to its Android counterparts.

## …and, as Usual, Everyone is Attempting to Imitate It

Apple’s foray into the foldable space has sparked a surge of activity among Android producers, many of whom are now investigating similar wide form factors. Samsung, Honor, and Oppo are all said to be crafting their own interpretations of wide foldables, indicating a renewed enthusiasm for this design style.

This reactive trend prompts inquiries about the long-term viability of the foldable market. While the advent of wide foldables may increase competition, the specialized nature of the foldable segment suggests that not every brand can effectively support multiple form factors. Over time, it is likely that some manufacturers will lean toward the more established designs while others experiment with the new wide format.

## Conclusion

The progression of foldable smartphones has been characterized by trial and adjustment, with various form factors competing for consumer interest. As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone Fold, the landscape is set for additional transformation. The success of this device will largely hinge on the app ecosystem’s capacity to adapt, a factor that could determine whether this renewed fascination with wider foldables endures. As the market continues to change, it will be intriguing to observe how manufacturers react and whether insights gained from earlier iterations will influence the future of foldable technology.

### iOS 26.4: A Comprehensive Update and Future Apple Events

In the newest episode of 9to5Mac Happy Hour, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller explore the innovations brought by iOS 26.4. Although anticipated Siri improvements are not part of this version, the update brings significant enhancements, marking it as an important release for Apple enthusiasts.

#### Main Features of iOS 26.4

While the summary did not address particular features, iOS updates generally bring enhancements to the user interface, performance upgrades, and bug resolutions. Users can look forward to a more seamless experience and potentially new features that improve the overall functionality of their devices.

#### Upcoming Apple Product Announcement

Alongside the iOS update, Apple has made an official announcement regarding a product event set for March 4. Speculation regarding this event indicates the possibility of new Mac models being showcased, alongside other potential announcements. This follows Apple’s pattern of launching new hardware in the early months of the year, stirring excitement within the tech industry.

#### Progress in AI Developments

Bloomberg has indicated that Apple is progressing significantly in creating a range of new AI devices. Among the products rumored are smart glasses and a clip-on pendant, which may embed advanced AI functions into daily wearables. This initiative signifies Apple’s dedication to broadening its offerings in the growing field of artificial intelligence, potentially transforming user interactions with technology.

#### More Content and Subscription Choices

For those seeking additional detailed conversations, Benjamin and Chance provide a subscription service via 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus. Subscribers receive access to ad-free episodes, exclusive pre- and post-show material, and bonus episodes for a monthly fee of $5 or an annual fee of $50.

Listeners are invited to offer their feedback and send in questions through social media platforms such as Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, or by emailing [email protected].

### Conclusion

The iOS 26.4 release, the forthcoming product event, and Apple’s advancements in AI technology signify an exciting chapter for the company. As users anticipate new features and products, the tech community remains actively engaged with Apple’s latest news.

**DuckDuckGo Unveils AI-Enhanced Image Editing with a Focus on Privacy**

DuckDuckGo, recognized for its dedication to user confidentiality, has recently broadened its AI functionalities by launching image editing options within its Duck.ai chatbot. This innovative feature enables users to modify images according to their instructions without sacrificing their privacy.

### Privacy-First Methodology for AI-Enhanced Image Editing

The newly introduced image editing option allows users to choose “New Image” from the side menu. They can either press the “Start with an image” button or drag and drop an image file (JPEG, JPG, PNG, or WebP) into the prompt area. Users can describe the changes they wish to make, and DuckDuckGo’s AI will handle the request.

A key highlight of this feature is DuckDuckGo’s commitment to privacy. The company guarantees that all image metadata and user IP addresses are eliminated before the prompts are transmitted to OpenAI, which powers the underlying model. Moreover, uploaded images are kept locally on the user’s device, enhancing privacy further.

DuckDuckGo has also clarified that Duck.ai functions independently from its primary search tool. For users who prefer not to utilize AI features, DuckDuckGo provides an AI-free search interface at noai.duckduckgo.com.

### User Engagement and Accessibility

The image editing feature is available at no cost, with elevated daily limits for DuckDuckGo subscribers. This accessibility allows a vast array of users to benefit from the tool without the need to establish an account.

A recent poll conducted by DuckDuckGo revealed that many users are cautious about AI features in search tools, prompting the company to stress that all AI-related capabilities are optional. This aligns with their relentless focus on a privacy-first approach, ensuring that users can determine how they engage with AI technologies.

### Conclusion

DuckDuckGo’s launch of AI-enhanced image editing showcases its commitment to delivering cutting-edge tools while prioritizing user privacy. By enabling users to edit images smoothly and securely, DuckDuckGo reinforces its position as a frontrunner in privacy-centric technological solutions.