Year: 2024

 Apple Arcade rings in new year with release of New Content

Apple Inc January 5, 2024 1

Apple Arcade rings in new year with release of Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom, Cornsweeper, and Blackjack by MobilityWare+, and 20+ content updates

Fun new games added monthly, with BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team and Words in Progress launching February 1

Apple Arcade is set for another incredible year of uninterrupted play, starting with three new titles and more than 20 major updates to popular games launching this month. Today players can embark on an epic, wholesome, and nostalgic journey in Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom; get swept up in Cornsweeper, a relaxing and whimsical reimagining of the beloved logic puzzle game Minesweeper; and go all in on Blackjack by MobilityWare+.

On February 1, players can blast off on a cosmic adventure in BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team, a unique 3v3 online action game featuring animal heroes piloting powerful mechanized armors, and master Words in Progress, an intriguing new puzzle game.

In addition to these new games, fan-favorite titles are launching brand-new content this month. The 2023 App Store Award winner Hello Kitty Island Adventure welcomes the Year of the Dragon with its Luck & Lanterns Celebration on January 19. A dragon flies over Friendship Island, leaving behind precious dragon pearls — a sign of good luck. Gather dragon pearls for special rewards all throughout the celebration.

On January 12, Crayola Create and Play+ gets a winter wonderland-themed makeover, which includes a limited-time winter skin for the Rainbow Rush activity, and kicks off Crayola’s annual Creativity Week — a celebration of children’s creativity and the joy it brings to learning. And in Jetpack Joyride 2, players can get behind the wheel of the new Hamster Ball vehicle, suit up in the Camouflage hero skin, and take the Water Jetpack for a wet and wild ride.

Cut the Rope 3, Snake.io+, Puzzle & Dragons Story, Cityscapes: Sim Builder, stitch., WHAT THE CAR?, Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go, and many more titles will also get exciting new updates throughout the month. Subscribers can check out the Recently Updated section on Apple Arcade to keep up to date on their favorite titles.

New games launching today include:

Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom (Bandai Namco)

From the most beloved virtual friend franchise of all time comes a new and wonderful journey for all the adventurers out there. Embark on a heartwarming experience in Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom, joining adorable hero Mametchi in restoring harmony to the Tamagotchi planet after a mysterious impact shakes their world. The kingdom is a canvas for players, where they can explore quirky landscapes, encounter nearly 300 adorable Tamagotchi characters, and build their own cozy wilderness camp. With regular content updates, the game offers a wholesome journey filled with surprises for players of all ages.

Cornsweeper (wbuttr)

Cornsweeper is a relaxing and whimsical reimagining of the beloved logic puzzle game Minesweeper from Jamaican solo developer wbuttr. A meditative mind-sweep-em-up, players pop delicious popcorn and avoid explosions, all set to a relaxing and original lo-fi-inspired soundtrack with reggae infusions. The game is greatly influenced by Jamaica’s cultural heritage, featuring localization in the local dialect, Patois.

Blackjack by MobilityWare+ (MobilityWare)

In Blackjack by MobilityWare+, players can immerse themselves in the classic game and master its intricacies. Go beyond the standard choices of Hit or Stand, and explore authentic gameplay with options like splitting and doubling down. Players can choose their table as they travel from iconic locations such as London to Barcelona — each offering a unique gaming atmosphere — as they climb up the leaderboards and showcase their skills. Special features like the table-run progression system, which allows players to earn coveted titles and unlock new tables, add an extra layer of excitement and achievement.

Games launching on February 1 include:

BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team (Oh BiBi)

In this 3v3 online action game with distinct heroes and dynamic gameplay, players will set out on a cosmic adventure in a captivating sci-fi universe brought to life with vivid, stylized graphics and incredible animations. The game features animal heroes piloting powerful mechanized armors known as BEASTs. With accessible gameplay mechanics, players can unleash their inner champions by seamlessly switching between agile PET and powerful BEAST forms, each boasting distinct abilities and weapons. The game features a charismatic roster of heroes, including Clyde the crafty cat, Nyx the sharpshooting owl, Rusty the fierce warthog, and GG Nova the eccentric unicorn. Playing either solo or teaming up with family and friends, players can engage in thrilling modes such as Payload, Crystal Rush, and Free for All, each promising unique twists and depth to the battles.

Words in Progress (Gamious)

Words in Progress starts with seven letters vertically aligned on the screen, and it’s up to the players to combine these letters into words. When a letter is removed from its position, the empty spot is filled with a new letter from the player’s pile. Complete different challenges and prevent the letter pile from emptying and ending the game. Featuring three game modes (Endless, Practice, and Multiplayer); a clean, cozy, and crisp design; and a long and steady learning curve, Words in Progress is a unique word game that’s fun for all ages.

Pricing and Availability

Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.¹

Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95 U.S.), Family ($25.95 U.S.), and Premier ($37.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.²

Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. App Store Greats are available on iPhone and iPad.

An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog.

Availability for the 200+ titles across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.

This offer is available to new subscribers only. One subscription covers one Family Sharing group. The offer is good for three months after eligible device activation. The plan automatically renews until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
The Apple One free trial includes only services that are not currently used through a free trial or a subscription. The plan automatically renews after the trial until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

Press Contacts

Peter Nguyen

Apple

pete_nguyen@apple.com

Jennifer Tam

Apple

jennifer_tam@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

How to turn off Text Predictions on iPad and iPhone

Dan Uff January 5, 2024 0

Text Predictions are a useful feature when you're texting someone in a hurry. But what if you want to turn the feature off?

Here's how:

Open the “Settings” app on iPhone or iPad.
Go to “General” and then to “Keyboard”.
Locate the setting for “Show Predictions Inline” and turn that OFF to disable the inline text typing predictions.
Exit out of Settings.
That's it.

 Apple Fitness+ offers more ways than ever to stay active and mindful in the new year

Apple Inc January 5, 2024 1

Apple Fitness+ offers more ways than ever to stay active and mindful in the new year

Starting January 8, the service will offer a new sound meditation theme; a workout program featuring world-renowned golfer Rose Zhang; an Artist Spotlight series celebrating the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show; Time to Walk on Apple Podcasts; and more

Apple Fitness+ is introducing new ways for users to stay active and mindful in the new year. Starting Monday, January 8, the service will introduce a brand-new sound meditation theme, as well as a new workout program titled Strength, Core, and Yoga for Golfers, featuring record-breaking athlete Rose Zhang, known as one of golf’s rising stars. The Artist Spotlight series will launch new workouts celebrating the countdown to the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show featuring USHER. Time to Walk will introduce new guests, including Al Roker, Trixie Mattel, Lilly Singh, Common, and Colman Domingo. For the first time ever, select Time to Walk episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts for anyone to enjoy in the 21 countries where the service is available, even without a Fitness+ subscription.

“Starting the new year can mean kicking off a fitness and wellbeing journey, restarting after a long break, or looking to take it up a level with a new challenge,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of Fitness Technologies. “From sound meditations to help you relax, to building strength for an improved golf swing, or turning up the volume on your workouts, Fitness+ has something for everyone to help them stay active and support their wellbeing in the new year.”

Sound Meditations for Relaxation

Fitness+ offers 10 meditation themes, including Calm, Gratitude, Sleep, Resilience, and Creativity. Fitness+ is introducing a brand-new meditation theme called Sound, offering users a new way to feel relaxed and restored. Each meditation provides light guidance from a Fitness+ trainer while allowing ample space for users to be present, with a variety of soothing tones and rhythms — such as the tranquil sounds of singing bowls and the deep pitch of gongs — all arranged to create a sense of ease.

Seven new Sound meditations will be available in five-, 10-, and 20-minute increments, with new meditations dropping every week.

Strength, Core, and Yoga for Golfers

Building strength, stability, and mobility is important for golfers of all levels to help them swing with ease and drive the ball with power. Fitness+ introduces a new workout program, Strength, Core, and Yoga for Golfers, featuring and designed with professional golfer Rose Zhang and led by Fitness+ Strength and Core trainer Kyle Ardill. Inspired by Zhang’s training on and off the course, this program features a mix of four workouts across Strength, Core, and Yoga, designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility.

“To play at my best, the training that I do off the course is so important. Incorporating strength, core, and mobility workouts helps make sure my body and mind are ready,” said Zhang. “Whether people are new to the sport or want to advance their skills, I’m excited that the workouts in this program on Fitness+ will help users feel more confident in their swing and have fun on the course.”

Turn Up the Volume

Music is an essential element of every Fitness+ workout, motivating users from start to finish with today’s top artists, including a deep integration with Apple Music.

The Artist Spotlight series — which dedicates an entire workout playlist to a single artist — will launch its biggest series yet to celebrate the countdown to the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show featuring USHER, with music by iconic halftime performers each week leading up to the big game:

Starting Monday, January 8, 10 new workouts with music by Rihanna, last year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner, will be available for the first time in any fitness service.
Starting Monday, January 15, new workouts with music by Britney Spears will be available.
Starting Monday, January 22, new workouts with music by U2 will be available.
Starting Monday, February 5, the Artist Spotlight workouts will feature music by this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show headliner, USHER.

Time to Walk

Time to Walk — an award-winning audio experience on iPhone and Apple Watch, designed to help people walk more often — features some of the world’s most interesting and influential people sharing stories, photos, and music with Fitness+ users.

New episodes of Time to Walk will begin with Al Roker, longtime weather anchor and segment cohost for the TODAY show. On this walk, Roker shares what he learned from his mentor that inspired him to pay it forward as a mentor himself. He also talks about the pivotal conversation he had with his father that prompted him to seek out a lifestyle change.

Guests in the coming weeks will include:

Trixie Mattel, also known as Brian Firkus, a global cultural phenomenon who won the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, a Billboard-charting musician, an award-winning podcaster, and a cosmetics entrepreneur.
Lilly Singh, a Canadian author and actor who rose to fame as a content creator covering everything from mental health to comedy skits on YouTube and has nearly 40 million social media followers.
Common, a rapper, actor, and activist who became one of the more prominent voices in hip-hop’s new millennium renaissance.
Colman Domingo, an actor, writer, and director who won an Emmy for his role in the hit TV series Euphoria and critical acclaim for his work in Rustin.

Additionally, for the first time, select Time to Walk episodes will be available for listeners on Apple Podcasts. Fitness+ subscribers can access 50 episodes at launch on Apple Podcasts with the guest’s audio, as well as follow the show for free, automatically download it for offline listening, and be notified of new episodes. Users can continue to access photos and songs chosen by the guest through the experience on Fitness+. Anyone without a Fitness+ subscription can access 10 free audio episodes on Apple Podcasts, including episodes with previous guests such as Prince William, Al Roker, Patti LaBelle, Jason Segal, Becky G, Simu Liu, Malala Yousafzai, Camila Cabello, Dolly Parton, and Shawn Mendes. Users can listen through the Apple Podcasts app with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch with AirPods.

Ring in the New Year

Apple Watch users can earn a new limited-edition award, Ring in the New Year, when they close all three Activity rings for seven days in a row any time in January.

More Ways to Get Started with Fitness+

Fitness+ now offers more ways than ever to sign up for the service at no additional cost.

For the first time, Anytime Fitness memberships now include access to a free Fitness+ subscription.¹ Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest fitness club brand delivering personalized and affordable health and wellness training, coaching, nutrition, and recovery guidance to their members. Prospective members who try Anytime Fitness for free can get up to three months of Fitness+ for no cost. Additionally, Fitness+ users who join Anytime Fitness and sign up for a qualifying 12 months+ membership get their first 30 days at no charge. The personalized plans designed by Anytime Fitness coaches in the Anytime Fitness iOS app will include an integration of Apple Fitness+ workout content for coaches to recommend to their clients.

Pricing and Availability

Time to Walk on Apple Podcasts will only be available in the 21 countries where Fitness+ is available.

Apple Fitness+ is available as a subscription service for $9.99 (U.S.) per month or $79.99 (U.S.) per year, and can be shared with up to five other family members.

Fitness+ is included in the Apple One Premier plan, which, where available, also gives customers access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and iCloud+ with 2TB of storage, and can be shared with up to five other family members.

Fitness+ is available in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia,Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S.

Three months of Apple Fitness+ are included for customers who purchase Apple Watch Series 4 or later, iPhone 11 or later, iPad (9th generation) or later, iPad Air (5th generation) or later, iPad mini (6th generation) or later, 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation) or later, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) or later, Apple TV HD, or Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). One month of Fitness+ is included for all other new subscribers.

Apple Fitness+ requires iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.1 or later, or Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.2 or later paired with iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14.3 or later.

To get the newest features, users must make sure their devices are running the latest software version.

About Apple Fitness+ Apple Fitness+ is an award-winning fitness and wellness service with workouts and meditations that are welcoming to all, wherever they are in their journey, and help users live a healthier day. Subscribers have access to the largest library of workout content in 4K Ultra High Definition, all led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers. Fitness+ also has workout programs with custom content designed to support users through a season of life or help them prepare for important moments; an Artist Spotlight series with entire playlists by world-renowned music artists; and Collections, which include curated content from the Fitness+ library to help users go after their goals or find inspiration. Fitness+ helps users train their body and mind with a one-of-a-kind engaging experience that can be done anytime, anywhere, and motivates users from start to finish with music from today’s top artists. Fitness+ is available for iPhone users to subscribe to and enjoy in the 21 countries it is available in, and those with an Apple Watch can continue to take their experience to the next level with personalized real-time metrics that display on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. With Fitness+, users can also get moving with inspiring audio experiences, including Time to Walk, featuring some of the world’s most interesting and influential people, and Time to Run, designed to help users become more consistent and better runners. Apple Fitness+ is available in English with subtitles in Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. More information is available at apple.com/apple-fitness-plus.