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iOS 27 beta code hints at pro camera tools: exposure scopes, focus peaking, more

Developer pdfu found unreleased code in the iOS 27 beta's Camera app suggesting Apple is testing four professional-grade features, including histogram and waveform exposure scopes and focus peaking tools. These functions aren't currently active in any released beta but appear to be built into the app's underlying code, according to the discovery.

Meta's Muse AI agent enters closed testing with bank and email access

Meta has moved its agentic AI assistant, Muse, into a limited closed testing phase, according to Testing Catalog, gating access through a waitlist and invite codes. An App Store listing reveals the app can connect to Gmail, Google Calendar, health apps, and even users' bank accounts and cards to track spending and suggest canceling unused subscriptions.

GrapheneOS pushes back release of redesigned Messages app

GrapheneOS announced it is issuing a new OS build to fix a volume bar UI bug introduced by an upstream Android security patch, along with a Private Space interface issue. As a result, the long-in-development overhaul of its Messaging app, which the team has worked on for months, will now arrive after this maintenance release rather than alongside it.

Android Auto users can restore missing apps via battery optimization settings

Android Auto, used by roughly 250 million people worldwide, sometimes drops apps from its launcher without explanation. This typically happens because a phone's battery optimization feature deactivates the app in the background rather than removing it entirely. Users can restore hidden apps or manually hide unwanted ones through their device settings in just a few steps.

Apple weighs new home security service while also seeking higher App Store margins

Reports say Apple is developing a privacy-focused home security and monitoring device that uses AI rather than video footage, tied to a new subscription service. Separately, executives including Eddy Cue are reportedly exploring ways to raise App Store margins and extract more recurring revenue from developers.

Android Authority demos hidden Play Store feature to pause and resume app downloads

Digging into Play Store version 53.0, Android Authority uncovered and activated a hidden option that lets users pause and later resume app installs instead of only being able to cancel them. The outlet recorded a working demo showing a new 'Pause' button alongside a 'Resume' option, with the built-in download manager listing paused downloads for quick access. Google has not made the feature public yet, but the code exists and works with some manual tinkering.

Samsung to retire AR Doodle and Quick Measure apps by end of 2026

Samsung has updated changelogs for its AR Doodle and Quick Measure apps on the Galaxy App Store, confirming both will be discontinued on December 31, 2026. The company says future versions of One UI won't support the apps, and they're already missing on newer devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Phil Schiller steps back from App Store amid Apple's push for higher margins

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Phil Schiller is leaving his role leading the App Store, becoming an Apple Fellow on unspecified projects. While Schiller cited wanting more time for family and philanthropy, Gurman says he also grew wary of plans by CEO John Ternus and services chief Eddy Cue to boost App Store margins and recurring revenue.

Apple weighs App Store margin push, tied to Phil Schiller's exit

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple is exploring ways to boost App Store revenue and margins, an initiative reportedly led by new CEO John Ternus and services chief Eddy Cue. Gurman also links the effort to Phil Schiller's recent departure, noting Schiller opposed the push out of concern it would anger developers and regulators.

Open-source Chrono alarm app outshines Google and Samsung Clock, but skips Play Store

Chrono is a free, open-source Android alarm and clock app that offers more customization than Google's or Samsung's default Clock apps, including dark mode, Material styling, alarm tagging, and time-of-day icons. It isn't listed on the Google Play Store, so users must sideload it manually to install and update it.

New iOS app KeyAlarm converts calendar keywords into automatic alarms

KeyAlarm is an indie iPhone app that lets users designate keywords, like 'Dentist,' so any calendar event containing that word automatically triggers an alarm rather than a silent notification. Users can set multiple alarms per event, assign alarms to entire calendars, and customize how far in advance each one fires. The app relies on Apple's new AlarmKit framework and requires iOS 26.

Clucky launches iPhone alarm app with rooster sounds and wake-up tasks

Clucky is a new iPhone alarm app founded by former Fanatics engineer Adrian Angelo Abelarde that forces users to complete tasks like math problems, push-ups, or an AI camera challenge before the alarm can be silenced. It offers sound options ranging from a crowing rooster to gentle chimes, plus a group feature called 'Nest' or 'Flock' letting friends hold each other accountable for waking up together. The app is free to download with a $39.99 annual pro subscription.