It’s only been a matter of weeks since iOS 13.2 was released, but Apple is already hard at work on the next patch for iOS 13. The public beta for iOS 13.3 has been released and it’s introducing — well, not a huge amount actually. iOS 13.2 was something of a big deal, introducing the Deep Fusion image processing software, a bunch of new emoji, and more privacy features. Based on the public beta, iOS 13.3 won’t be bringing anything as incredible, and will instead focus on performance improvements and a handful of new settings.
One of the biggest new features is the addition of the Communication Limits tool to Screen Time. This new feature allows you to set time limits for specific contacts on that iPhone. So you can limit how long a child is allowed to talk to their friends on a weeknight, or ban them from messaging while they should be doing their homework. If you really need to, you can even block specific contacts entirely. It won’t apply to just texts and calls too, but will also encompass FaceTime video calls as well.
Less exciting, but still important, are the suspected changes to RAM management. As spotted by Apple Insider, it seems iOS 13.3 is less prone to killing off background apps than iOS 13.2, which introduced a bug that stopped apps as soon as you exited them. It’s great for battery and RAM management, terrible for multi-tasking. That fix isn’t confirmed, though, and it seems background apps are still killed when the phone is locked. Still, iOS 13.3 isn’t finished yet, so it’s probable Apple will apply another coat of paint there.
Another beta addition is a new setting that stops Memojis from appearing on your keyboard. So if you’re sick to death of seeing, er, your face pop up while you’re typing, you can now turn that off. Finally, the Apple Watch app logo has changed slightly, with the digital crown changing from black to gray.
It’s not a blockbuster of an update, but not every update has to be. If you’re interested in checking out the iOS 13.3 public beta, then you can sign up for Apple’s beta program. Just remember it’s a beta, so there will be bugs.
What if checking your drinking water for dangerous chemicals were as simple as plugging a tiny gadget into your smartphone? Researchers in Japan have developed a compact sensor that could make that possible, potentially bringing sophisticated water contamination testing out of expensive laboratories and into people's hands.
Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have created a portable device capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals." The findings were published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, which demonstrate how an inexpensive sensor and a smartphone could make identifying potentially harmful chemicals in water a lot easier.
ShiftCam is adding to its range of iPhone filmmaking accessories with ProRig+, a revised version of its modular camera rig that has dedicated controls for focus, zoom, shutter, and shooting modes. The new system launches on Kickstarter with the ProControl remote, giving mobile creators a higher level of hands-on control without having to constantly tap their iPhone’s screen.
The announcement comes soon after ShiftCam introduced the original ProRig, developed with feedback from Apple. The original model is expected to ship in the coming weeks, while ProRig+ will be a more advanced remote and will be delivered to backers in February 2027. The Kickstarter campaign has also been honored with the platform’s “Projects We Love” designation.
Samsung's foldable lineup could be getting pretty crowded next year. We're already expecting successors to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8, while fresh leaks hint that several more devices could be in the pipeline.
The expanded lineup might include a bigger fold, a potentially cheaper alternative, and even something that slides rather than folds. According to a new leak, Samsung is currently testing two different versions of an additional wide-format Galaxy Z Fold 9. That's not all, Samsung's foldable plans could feature a grand total of six models, which is kind of in line with earlier reports.