Technology: What’s new and why it matters

Want tech updates that matter without the fluff? This page collects clear, practical stories from the world of tech — from smartphone updates to cutting-edge imaging used underwater. Here you’ll find what changed, when it matters to you, and where to look next.

Apple’s iOS 18 — real features and timing

Apple announced iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. The developer beta is already available and a public beta will follow before a full release expected in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16. Big highlights include new AI tools, more ways to customize your Home and Lock Screens, a redesigned Photos app, and stronger messaging features. If you use an iPhone, keep an eye on the public beta to test features early but expect bugs — that’s normal during beta seasons.

If you rely on older iPhones, check Apple’s official compatibility list before upgrading. Some advanced features may need newer hardware. For app developers and local tech teams, iOS 18 brings fresh APIs and privacy changes to plan around — update your testing schedule and communicate changes to users so they aren’t surprised on release day.

Titanic imaging expedition — tech meets history

A new expedition left Rhode Island on July 15, 2024 to capture high-resolution images of the Titanic wreck using modern remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and imaging tech. The company leading the trip has salvage rights and says they want clearer photos for preservation and study. This is real-world tech in action: deep-sea robotics, advanced sonar, and high-resolution cameras working together to map and document a fragile site.

Why this matters to tech readers: the same imaging, sensor, and ROV developments used in wreck surveys are also used in offshore research, marine conservation, and subsea inspections. Engineers and students can look at expedition methods for practical examples of remote operations, data processing pipelines, and how to manage large visual datasets under harsh conditions.

How to follow these stories: subscribe to updates, try the iOS 18 public beta when it becomes available, and watch for detailed expedition footage or technical reports released by the team that visited the Titanic. For African developers and tech users, these stories highlight two useful points: new OS releases change app behavior and hardware needs, and high-end imaging tech often filters down into local industries like mining, marine work, and infrastructure inspection.

Want more? Bookmark this category for fast summaries of new tech stories, how they affect users and businesses, and direct links to hands-on guides and deeper reads. If you have a local tech tip or a story idea from your region, send it our way — we’ll help turn it into something useful for readers across Africa and beyond.