Apple releases macOS Sequoia 15.4 — revamped Mail and Photos apps debut

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Technology Insights Daily
April 16, 2025

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Apple has officially released macOS Sequoia 15.4, bringing notable upgrades to two of its core applications: Mail and Photos. The revamped Mail app introduces a cleaner, more intuitive interface along with enhanced AI-powered features, such as smarter search, improved categorization, and better spam detection. These updates aim to streamline email management and boost productivity for both casual users and professionals.

Meanwhile, the Photos app has received a significant redesign, focusing on improved organization, enhanced editing tools, and smarter memory curation. New machine learning capabilities help surface meaningful moments more accurately, while updated editing features allow for finer control over images with easier access to advanced adjustments.

The update also includes system-wide performance improvements and bug fixes, further refining the overall macOS experience. macOS Sequoia 15.4 continues Apple’s push toward seamless, intelligent software design, making everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable for users across the Mac ecosystem.

A recent investigation by the Financial Times has raised serious concerns about five widely used free VPN apps, which are suspected of having links to the Chinese military. These VPNs, available on major app stores and promoted as tools for privacy and internet freedom, may in fact pose significant risks to users’ data and security. The report suggests that developers behind these apps are connected to entities linked with China’s defense sector or government-backed research institutes.

This revelation has sparked alarm among cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates, who warn that using such VPNs could expose sensitive user information, including browsing habits and location data, to foreign surveillance. The incident highlights the growing risks associated with free digital tools that lack transparency in ownership and data handling practices. Regulatory bodies in several countries may now launch further investigations, and users are being urged to choose VPN services with strong reputations, clear privacy policies, and verified origins.

Apple has re-released the official version of watchOS 11.4, activating several practical and user-friendly features aimed at improving the overall Apple Watch experience. This update comes after a brief delay due to minor stability issues, which have now been resolved. One of the key highlights is enhanced integration with the new iOS ecosystem, offering smoother syncing between devices and faster app responsiveness.

watchOS 11.4 also introduces smarter workout tracking, improved sleep analysis, and expanded health monitoring tools. Users can now benefit from more accurate heart rate zones, real-time workout intensity feedback, and better menstrual cycle tracking. In addition, improvements to Siri allow for faster on-device responses, even without an internet connection.

The update also brings small but impactful changes to notifications, music controls, and Watch Face customization. With this rollout, Apple continues to strengthen its focus on health, personalization, and seamless connectivity within its ecosystem, making the Apple Watch even more essential in daily life.

A strange and unexpected bug has surfaced in iOS 18.4, causing previously deleted apps to mysteriously reappear on users’ iPhones. Reports from multiple users suggest that apps removed weeks or even months ago have returned to the home screen without any manual reinstallation. This glitch has raised concerns about iOS stability and user data management.

In most cases, the restored apps appear with their original icons and settings intact, though some fail to launch properly or crash immediately. It's unclear whether the issue stems from a server-side sync error with iCloud or a deeper problem within the system's app management protocols. Apple has not yet officially acknowledged the bug, but it's expected to be addressed in an upcoming patch.

The anomaly has prompted users to double-check their devices for unexpected changes. Until a fix is released, users are advised to monitor their app lists and consider disabling automatic downloads or iCloud syncing as a precaution.

According to recent leaks, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro may be the first in Apple’s lineup to feature a 48-megapixel telephoto lens, marking a major upgrade to its camera system. This would significantly enhance zoom capabilities and image detail, especially for long-distance photography and Portrait Mode. Currently, iPhones offer high-resolution wide and ultra-wide sensors, but the telephoto lens has remained at a lower resolution.

If true, this move would align Apple with competitors like Samsung and Google, who have already incorporated high-resolution zoom lenses into their flagship devices. The upgrade is expected to support improved performance in low-light conditions and could also benefit computational photography, such as AI-enhanced zoom and 3D depth mapping.

The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to launch in 2025 and may include additional upgrades in display, chip performance, and battery efficiency. For photography enthusiasts, the enhanced telephoto lens could be a compelling reason to upgrade.

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