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2026-01-15 19:19:46 UTC

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https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2025/01/2024-iPhone-Boxes-Feature.jpg
Apple today updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed on Apple's website, or at an Apple Store. The charts below provide an overview of Apple's current and previous trade-in values in the United States, according to the company's website. Most of the values declined slightly, but some of the Mac values increased. iPhone iPhone Model New Values Old Values iPhone 16 Pro MaxUp to $650Up to $670 iPhone 16 ProUp to $530Up to $550 iPhone 16 PlusUp to $440Up to $450 iPhone 16Up to $410Up to $420 iPhone 15 Pro MaxUp to $450Up to $470 iPhone 15 ProUp to $380Up to $400 iPhone 15 PlusUp to $320Up to $330 iPhone 15Up to $300Up to $310 iPhone 14 Pro MaxUp to $350Up to $370 iPhone 14 ProUp to $280Up to $300 iPhone 14 PlusUp to $230Up to $240 iPhone 14Up to $210Up to $220 iPhone SE (3rd generation)Up to $80Up to $80 iPhone 13 Pro MaxUp to $280Up to $300 iPhone 13 ProUp to $230Up to $230 iPhone 13Up to $180Up to $180 iPhone 13 miniUp to $140Up to $150 iPhone 12 Pro MaxUp to $210Up to $220 iPhone 12 ProUp to $160Up to $160 iPhone 12Up to $120Up to $130 iPhone 12 miniUp to $80Up to $90 iPhone SE (2nd generation)Up to $50Up to $50 iPhone 11 Pro MaxUp to $140Up to $150 iPhone 11 ProUp to $120Up to $130 iPhone 11Up to $100Up to $100 iPhone XS MaxUp to $90Up to $100 iPhone XSUp to $70Up to $70 iPhone XRUp to $80Up to $80 iPhone XUp to $60Up to $60 iPhone 8 PlusUp to $50Up to $50 iPhone 8Up to $40Up to $40 iPad iPad Model New Values Old Values iPad ProUp to $685Up to $695 iPad AirUp to $400Up to $415 iPadUp to $170Up to $175 iPad miniUp to $255Up to $255 Mac Mac Model New Values Old Values MacBook ProUp to $2,515Up to $760 MacBook AirUp to $900Up to $540 iMacUp to $875Up to $375 iMac ProUp to $325Up to $240 Mac miniUp to $340Up to $380 Mac StudioUp to $1,030Up to $1,030 Mac ProUp to $3,215Up to $2,520 It is unclear why many of the previous Mac trade-in values were so low. The current values seem more realistic. Apple Watch Apple Watch Model New Values Old Values Apple Watch Series 10Up to $150Up to $160 Apple Watch Ultra 2Up to $335Up to $335 Apple Watch Series 9Up to $115Up to $125 Apple Watch UltraUp to $225Up to $245 Apple Watch Series 8Up to $85Up to $95 Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)Up to $55Up to $60 Apple Watch Series 7Up to $60Up to $65 Apple Watch Series 6Up to $45Up to $50 Apple Watch SE (1st generation)Up to $30Up to $30 Apple Watch Series 5Up to $25Up to $25 Apple also adjusted its trade-in values for select Android smartphones.Tag: Apple Trade-InThis article, "Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/new-apple-trade-in-values-list/

2026-01-15 18:56:16 UTC

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While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026: The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID (rumored by multiple sources) Front camera in top-left corner of the screen Variable aperture for at least one rear camera A20 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process and new packaging technology A simplified Camera Control button with no swipe gestures Design changes to the rear Ceramic Shield for MagSafe charging, potentially including a more frosted glass appearance Apple-designed C1X or C2 modem for 5G/LTE cellular connectivity Apple-designed N1 chip or newer for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread Web browsing via satellite New color options under consideration: burgundy, brown, or purple iPhone 18 Pro Max may be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, perhaps to accommodate a larger batteryApple will likely release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September. Bookmark our iPhone 18 roundup to stay on top of future rumors.This article, "iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/iphone-18-pro-this-year/

2026-01-15 17:25:48 UTC

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Spotify today announced a price increase in the United States, Estonia, and Latvia, marking the company's third U.S. price increase in less than three years. The company revealed the changes in a post published on its website earlier today, stating that Premium subscribers in the affected markets will receive an email over the coming month explaining how the new pricing will apply to their accounts. Spotify said that the revised prices will take effect on subscribers' next billing date, while new customers will see the updated pricing immediately when signing up on spotify.com/premium. In the United States, Spotify is increasing the cost of every major Premium tier. The Individual Premium plan will rise from $11.99 to $12.99 per month. The Student plan will increase from $5.99 to $6.99 per month. Multi-user plans are seeing larger increases, with the Duo plan, which supports two accounts, moving from $16.99 to $18.99 per month, and the Family plan increasing from $19.99 to $21.99 per month. Spotify attributed the changes to what it described as periodic adjustments across its markets: Occasional updates to pricing across our markets reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists. This latest increase is the third time Spotify has raised U.S. subscription prices since mid-2023. In July 2023, Spotify implemented its first U.S. price hike since launching in the country in 2011, increasing the Individual Premium plan from its long-standing $9.99 monthly price. A second increase followed in June 2024, bringing the Individual plan to $11.99 per month. The January 2026 change moves that price another dollar higher, continuing a pattern of more frequent adjustments after more than a decade of unchanged pricing. Outside the United States, Spotify has also raised prices in recent years. The company increased subscription costs in multiple international markets in August 2025, and previously raised prices in regions including the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Tags: Estonia, Spotify, United StatesThis article, "Spotify Increasing Subscription Prices in the US Again" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/spotify-increasing-subscription-prices/

2026-01-15 16:30:33 UTC

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Opera has updated its flagship browser, introducing a rebuilt AI engine and expanded multitasking features, as well as an animated UI theme that reacts to music playing in the browser. The browser's AI assistant now uses architecture borrowed from Opera's experimental Neon browser, which the company says delivers 20% faster responses. Notably, the AI can now operate within the context of specific tabs or tab groups, so it doesn't mix up information across different browsing sessions. There's also a new YouTube integration that lets the AI analyze videos to find specific moments or summarize content. Meanwhile, split-screen mode has been expanded from two tabs to four, with horizontal and grid layout options for users with larger displays. Elsewhere, Opera's Tab Islands feature, which automatically groups related tabs, can now be color-coded and named for easier identification. The sidebar has also gained Gmail and Google Calendar integration alongside existing support for messaging apps and music services. The company is also retiring its separate beta browser build in favor of an "early bird mode" toggle within the main browser. Lastly, there are three new animated themes in this release, including one developed with Spotify that reacts to music playing in Opera's built-in player. Opera One R3 is available now as a free update and can be downloaded from the company's website.Tag: Opera BrowserThis article, "Opera One R3 Gains Music-Reactive UI Theme and 4-Way Split Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/opera-one-r3-four-way-split-screen/

2026-01-15 15:23:24 UTC

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Apple's AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $64.98 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around January 20, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $2 of the Amazon all-time low price, which we last tracked during the holiday season. We're not tracking any notable deals on the AirTag single pack right now. $34 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $64.98 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get an AirTag 4-Pack for Just $64.98 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/airtag-4-pack-64-98/

2026-01-15 15:06:31 UTC

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Apple's newly announced partnership with Google to use Gemini models for Siri and Apple Intelligence could be worth as much as $5 billion, according to one analyst's estimate. The deal is structured as a cloud computing contract that will see Apple pay "several billion dollars to Google over time," according to the Financial Times (paywalled), citing a person familiar with the agreement. Gene Munster at Deepwater Asset Management puts the value at $5 billion for Google. The arrangement is reminiscent of a deal made two decades ago that made Google's search engine the default on Apple devices, which grew to be worth about $20 billion annually to Apple. Apple said it determined that Google's technology provides the "most capable foundation" for its Apple Foundation Models. However, the Gemini partnership raises questions about the future of Apple's existing ChatGPT integration, which has been part of Apple Intelligence since 2024. Apple said the Google deal does not affect the ChatGPT integration, but Munster expressed skepticism about its long-term prospects. "I think that the ChatGPT integration is going to die on the vine... having two large models, given the economies of scale, wouldn't make a ton of sense for Apple," he told FT. A person close to OpenAI told the newspaper that the company had taken "a conscious decision to not become the custom model provider for Apple" last autumn to focus on building its own AI device. That hardware effort is being led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, who was hired by OpenAI in May 2024 – a move Munster suggested may have soured Apple on a deeper OpenAI partnership. Despite the $5 billion figure, Apple's Gemini deal is comparatively conservative compared to other companies' AI infrastructure spending. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have all committed hundreds of billions of dollars to new AI data centers since ChatGPT launched in 2022, but Apple has kept its investment in physical infrastructure at roughly 3 percent of revenue, according to FT's analysis. For fiscal 2025, Apple's spending on property, plant, and equipment was $12.7 billion. Compare that to the roughly $90 billion Google is expected to spend this year. One former Apple executive told the FT that the Google deal was "a necessary byproduct of Apple's decision not to 'go big' on its AI investments like its competitors." The next-generation version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4, which will likely be released to the general public in March or April.Tags: Apple Intelligence, Financial Times, Gemini, GoogleThis article, "Apple's Google Gemini Deal Could Be Worth $5 Billion" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/apple-google-gemini-deal-5-billion/

2026-01-15 12:57:44 UTC

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Ukraine-based developer MacPaw is set to close Setapp Mobile, its alternative app store for iOS devices in the European Union, next month. The service will officially cease operating on February 16, 2026. Setapp Mobile launched in open beta in September 2024. In a support page, MacPaw said Setapp Mobile is being closed because of Apple's "still-evolving and complex business terms that don't fit Setapp's current business model," suggesting it was not profitable for the company. For users in the EU who accessed iOS apps through Setapp's subscription store, those apps will be removed from the platform after the shutdown date. Setapp advises users to back up any important data before then, as the apps will no longer be available once the service ends. Setapp's separate subscription-based Mac app store will continue to operate as normal. MacPaw is not alone in trying its hand in the EU market for alternative app stores, which came in the wake of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that mandates support for third-party app marketplaces on iOS in the EU. There are a handful of alternative marketplaces, but the most prominent is the Epic Games Store. These alternative app marketplaces, as Apple calls them, are a relatively new frontier for app distribution on iOS, but they face hefty challenges, such as navigating Apple's controversial Core Technology Fee and competing with its established App Store ecosystem. Epic Games currently pays the Apple fees that EU developers incur when distributing their apps through the Epic Games Store. However, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has said it is "not financially viable" for Epic Games to pay Apple's fees in the long term, but it plans to do so while it waits to see if the European Union requires Apple to further tweak its rules for third-party marketplaces under the DMA. Sweeney has criticized Apple's Core Technology Fee and app distribution guidelines many times, and has described the fee as "ruinous for any hopes of a competing store getting a foothold." In that regard, Setapp Mobile may well have been its first major victim.Tags: European Union, SetappThis article, "MacPaw Pulls Plug on Setapp Mobile iOS Store, Blames Apple's 'Still-Evolving and Complex Business Terms' for Alternative EU Marketplaces" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/setapp-mobile-eu-app-store-closing-next-month/

2026-01-15 11:18:07 UTC

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Apple today announced expanded cross-border Apple Pay support for users in mainland China, allowing them to use Visa credit and debit cards issued by local banks to make contactless payments both in-store and online while traveling abroad. Eight major Chinese banks now support the feature, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank. Additional banks including Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and China Construction Bank will add support in the coming months. Mastercard is also preparing to launch similar support for select cardholders. "With this expansion of cross-border Apple Pay capabilities in mainland China, we're making travel more seamless and secure, giving users confidence in their payments wherever they go," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. Apple first launched Apple Pay in 2014, and has expanded it to dozens of countries and territories around the world.Tags: Apple Pay, ChinaThis article, "Apple Expands Cross-Border Apple Pay Support in China" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/apple-cross-border-apple-pay-china/

2026-01-15 11:03:49 UTC

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https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2025/07/iPhone-17e-Feature-1.jpg
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17e will feature a Dynamic Island instead of a notch at the top of the screen, but unlike the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, the display itself will still refresh at 60Hz, according to a known Weibo leaker. Apple made major improvements to the iPhone 17's display last year, introducing ProMotion display technology with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, similar to recent iPhone Pro models. 120Hz maximum refresh rates allow for smoother scrolling when viewing webpages and improvements for video, but it looks like the iPhone 17e is not getting the upgrade to keep costs down. In a new post on the Chinese social media platform, "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 17e will retain a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, but this time it will have a Dynamic Island. The Dynamic Island would add the interactive area at the top of the screen that displays ongoing activities, incorporating the camera and other front-facing sensors. The iPhone 16e features a "notch" at the top of the display, similar to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. That's because the iPhone 16e is based on the design of 2022's iPhone 14, so it could be that the iPhone 17e is based on 2023's iPhone 15, which gained the Dynamic Island and a more rounded frame. Reiterating a previous claim, the leaker also said the second version of Apple's more affordable iPhone will feature an A19 chip, replacing the A18 used in the current iPhone 16e. The A19 chip is based on TSMC's third-generation 3nm process, N3P, and is around 5-10% faster than the A18 chip in terms of raw CPU performance. Another Weibo leaker has claimed Apple will use a downclocked A19 chip in the iPhone 17e. If so, aside from Neural Engine improvements, it would be roughly comparable to Apple's A17 Pro chip. Meanwhile, other rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will gain a magnetic ring so it can connect to MagSafe chargers, which is not an option with the iPhone 16e. To cut down on costs, the device may also be equipped with either the older C1 or C1X modem, but no N1 wireless chip, based on leaked Apple code. Otherwise, the device is expected to retain a front-facing 12-megapixel camera, Face ID, and a rear 48-megapixel camera. The iPhone 17e could launch as soon as February, as the iPhone 16e did last year, but it could come later in the spring. The $599 starting price is not expected to change.Related Roundup: iPhone 16eTag: Digital Chat StationBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Caution)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "iPhone 17e to Gain Dynamic Island But Display Still Stuck at 60Hz" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/15/iphone-17e-dynamic-island-60hz/

2026-01-14 23:24:50 UTC

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Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designedSafari Technology Previewto allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.Safari Technology Preview235 includes fixes and updates for CSS, Canvas, Clipboard, Editing, Encoding, Forms, HTML, JavaScript, MathML, Media, Networking, Rendering, SVG, Web API, Web Inspector, WebAssembly, and WebRTC. The currentSafari Technology Previewrelease is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS. TheSafari Technology Previewupdate is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website. Apple’s aim withSafari Technology Previewis to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process.Safari Technology Previewcan run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.Tag: Safari Technology PreviewThis article, "Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 235 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/apple-releases-safari-technology-preview-235/

2026-01-14 20:07:03 UTC

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Apple has confirmed that it will continue to offer a one-time-purchase version of Final Cut Pro for Mac for $299.99, but will that version receive every new feature? In an interview with digital filmmaking news website CineD, Apple marketing manager Bryan O'Neil Hughes said both the one-time-purchase and Apple Creator Studio versions of Final Cut Pro for Mac will include the new "intelligent" features Visual Search, Transcript Search, and Beat Detection, but his comment did not explicitly confirm if both versions of the app will receive every additional "intelligent" feature in the future. We have reached out to Apple for comment, and we will update this story if we receive a response. What we do know is that the one-time-purchase version of Final Cut Pro for Mac will miss out on some "premium content," according to Apple's website:A one-time purchase will still be available, but access to some of the premium content is available only to Apple Creator Studio subscribers. If you already own Final Cut Pro, it will continue to be updated.In the interview, Hughes went on say that both the one-time-purchase and Creator Studio versions of Final Cut Pro for Mac will continue to receive updates and "work as you expect," but we have still yet to see Apple explicitly confirm if both versions of the Mac app will have 100% feature parity forever. For now, though, it seems like customers with the one-time-purchase version will only miss out on "premium content." Apple's website is more explicit about Logic Pro and MainStage, promising feature parity:Logic Pro and MainStage have all the same features whether they are subscription or one-time-purchase versions.Some other apps in the Creator Studio bundle, including Pixelmator Pro, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and Freeform, will be receiving some "intelligent" features that will not be available without a subscription, so it is a mixed bag. For example, only Pixelmator Pro users with a Creator Studio subscription will be receiving a new Warp tool that allows you to twist and shape image layers. Across the Keynote, Pages, and Numbers apps, Creator Studio subscribers will have access to a new Content Hub with high-quality photos and graphics, as well as new premium templates, themes, and more. Apple said its Freeform app will also be updated with "intelligent" features for Creator Studio subscribers later this year. Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and Freeform do not cost money, but the apps will effectively be "freemium" now. Fortunately, Apple has ensured that all four of the apps will continue to receive other new features and updates without a subscription. Overall, the introduction of the Creator Studio bundle makes for a more confusing landscape with less feature parity in some apps, and customers who dislike subscriptions have been voicing their disappointment. Keeping one-time purchase options around helps alleviate some concerns, but not everyone is happy with this direction. Apple Creator Studio launches on Wednesday, January 28, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year — read our earlier coverage to learn more.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Final Cut ProThis article, "Will Final Cut Pro on Mac Get Every New Feature Without a Subscription? Here's What Apple Says" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/final-cut-pro-one-time-vs-creator-studio/

2026-01-14 18:18:10 UTC

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Verizon is experiencing a major outage across the U.S. today, with hundreds of thousands of customers reporting issues with the network on the website Downdetector. There are also complaints across Reddit and other social media platforms. iPhone users and others with Verizon service are generally unable to make phone calls, send text messages, or use data over 5G or LTE due to the outage. iPhone users may see "SOS" in the status bar, as the device cannot connect to Verizon's network. AT&T and T-Mobile customers may be indirectly impacted by Verizon's outage. Apple explains what "SOS" means in a support document:If you see SOS or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device isn't connected to your cellular network, but you can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, and the United States.Verizon is aware of the outage, and it is working on a fix. "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," said Verizon, in a social media post, shortly after 1 p.m. Eastern Time. "Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience." We will update this story once the outage is fully resolved. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.—Verizon News (@VerizonNews) January 14, 2026 Tag: VerizonThis article, "Verizon is Down: iPhones Show 'SOS' Mode Due to Network Outage" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/verizon-is-down-iphone-sos/

2026-01-14 16:33:44 UTC

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While the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro was updated with an M5 chip in October, we are still waiting for higher-end MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and there are some signs that might point towards a late January launch this year. First, Apple's new Creator Studio bundle of creative apps launches on Wednesday, January 28. Given that Creator Studio includes many professional Mac apps, such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro, Macworld speculated that the week of January 28 would be a fitting time for Apple to release new MacBook Pro models too. Second, Apple's next quarterly earnings call is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, and the company has introduced new products shortly before these calls on numerous occasions over the years and touched on them in the opening remarks. Third, there is precedent, as Apple unveiled MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips with a press release in January 2023. Again, all of this is speculation, so do not set your expectations too high. But, sometimes where there is smoke there is fire. Beyond the M5 chip, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro received only one notable change last year: PCIe 5.0 storage. Apple says this results in up to 2× faster SSD read and write speeds compared to the previous-generation model. The higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are likewise expected to have few other changes. Bigger changes to the MacBook Pro are expected with the two-generations-away models, in either late 2026 or at some point in 2027. Rumored upgrades include an OLED display with touchscreen capabilities, a thinner design, built-in cellular connectivity, and M6 chips manufactured with TSMC's advanced 2nm process, for even greater year-over-year performance gains. For that reason, it will probably be wise to skip the MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips unless you really need to upgrade.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook ProThis article, "Will Apple Announce New MacBook Pros This January?" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/macbook-pro-january/

2026-01-14 16:07:49 UTC

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Best Buy kicked off a new Winter Sale this week, with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones and speakers, monitors, appliances, and much more. This sale is set to last through January 19, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to see the deals. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In terms of Apple devices, you can find solid deals on MacBook Air, AirPods Max, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Beats accessories, and more. In most cases Best Buy is offering same day pick-up on these products, and there are several free shipping options as well. SITEWIDE SALEBest Buy Winter Sale Some of the biggest discounts you'll find in Best Buy's Winter Sale are on TVs, with as much as $1,300 off select models. Best Buy has Samsung's popular line of The Frame TVs on sale, including the 65-inch 2025 model for $1,199.99 ($600 off) and the 65-inch The Frame Pro for $1,899.99 ($300 off), both of which match the low prices we tracked over the holidays at Samsung's own website. Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter - $14.99 ($4 off) AirPods Max - $449.99 ($100 off) 13-inch M4 MacBook Air - $799.00 ($200 off) 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro - $1,449.00 ($150 off) 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (1TB Nano-Texture) - $1,799.00 ($200 off) TVs 55-inch Toshiba C350 4K Smart Fire TV - $199.99 ($200 off) 65-inch Samsung U7900 4K Smart TV - $329.99 ($140 off) 65-inch LG UA7050 4K Smart TV - $329.99 ($160 off) 75-inch LG LED 4K Smart TV - $449.99 ($240 off) 65-inch Samsung OLED 4K Smart TV - $899.99 ($1,100 off) 98-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart Google TV - $999.99 ($1,300 off) 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV (2025) - $1,199.99 ($600 off) 65-inch LG OLED 4K Smart TV - $1,399.99 ($1,300 off) 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro - $1,899.99 ($300 off) Monitors 27-inch LG 120Hz Monitor - $104.99 ($145 off) 27-inch Samsung Curved 100Hz Monitor - $139.99 ($60 off) 34-inch LG UltraWide 100Hz Monitor - $199.99 ($100 off) 27-inch Alienware OLED Monitor - $479.99 ($70 off) 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED Curved Monitor - $999.99 ($700 off) Audio Beats Pill - $99.99 ($50 off) Beats Solo 4 Headphones - $149.99 ($50 off) Beats Studio Pro Headphones - $249.99 ($100 off) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - $279.00 ($150 off) Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 - $499.99 ($200 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Buy's Winter Sale Includes Big Discounts on Apple Devices, TVs, Monitors, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/best-buys-winter-sale/

2026-01-14 15:09:01 UTC

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While the iPhone 18 Pro models are still around nine months away, a leaker has shared some alleged details about the devices. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo this week, the account Digital Chat Station said the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Consistent with previous rumors, the leaker claimed that both of the models will have a breakthrough new feature: under-screen Face ID. Last month, The Information also reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would be equipped with under-screen Face ID, and it said the front camera would be moved to the top-left corner of the screen on the devices. As a result, the report said the devices would no longer have a pill-shaped cutout in the screen. If under-screen Face ID does finally materialize this year, it is unclear if the iPhone 18 Pro models would have a Dynamic Island. Even if the TrueDepth sensor cutouts for Face ID are hidden under the screen, perhaps the Dynamic Island would still pop up at least briefly for things such as low battery alerts and Live Activities. As for the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2, the leaker expects those devices to have a Dynamic Island, and the same 6.3-inch and 6.5-inch display sizes as the equivalent previous-generation models, respectively. All in all, here is what the leaker expects:iPhone 18: 6.3-inch display (120Hz/LTPO) and Dynamic Island iPhone Air 2: 6.5-inch display (120Hz/LTPO) and Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display (120Hz/LTPO) and under-screen Face ID iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display (120Hz/LTPO) and under-screen Face IDThe display sizes above are rounded. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the typical September timeframe this year, but rumors suggest the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 will not launch until around March 2027. Digital Chat Station has more than three million followers on Weibo, and the account has accurately leaked some Apple information in the past. Of course, rumors do not always pan out, so nothing is official at this point.Related Roundups: iPhone 18, iPhone AirTags: Digital Chat Station, Face IDBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "New Leak Reveals iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes, Under-Screen Face ID, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/iphone-18-pro-sizes-under-screen-face-id-rumors/

2026-01-14 15:00:15 UTC

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You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $799.00 today on Amazon, down from $999.00. You'll find similar $200 discounts across nearly the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, and all of these deals are being matched at Best Buy. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. If you're looking for the larger model, you can get the 15-inch 256GB computer for $999.00, down from $1,199.00. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week. $200 OFF13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $799.00 $200 OFF15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $999.00 These prices are solid second-best prices on the M4 MacBook Air, and we haven't tracked record low prices since before Christmas. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get $200 Off Apple's M4 MacBook Air, Available From $799" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/200-off-m4-macbook-air-4/

2026-01-14 12:20:17 UTC

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Apple is confronting a newly intensified supply-chain challenge for future chips as the AI boom has created a global shortage of a key material, Nikkei Asia reports. Apple is said to be struggling to secure sufficient supplies of high-end glass cloth fiber, a material that plays a critical role in the printed circuit boards and chip substrates used in iPhones and other devices. The most advanced forms of this glass cloth are apparently produced almost entirely by one supplier, Nitto Boseki. Apple began using Nittobo's premium glass cloth in chips years before AI computing drove widespread demand for similar materials. As AI workloads have expanded, however, companies such as Nvidia, Google, Amazon, AMD, and Qualcomm have moved aggressively into the same supply pool, placing unprecedented pressure on Nittobo's limited capacity. In response, Apple has taken several unusual steps to protect its supply chain. The company reportedly sent staff to Japan last autumn and stationed them at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, which produces substrate materials and relies on Nittobo's glass cloth. Apple is also believed to have approached Japanese government officials for assistance in securing supply. Apple is additionally working to qualify alternative suppliers, though progress has been slow. Apple has engaged with smaller Chinese glass fiber producers, including Grace Fabric Technology, and asked Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to help oversee quality improvements. Other potential entrants from Taiwan and China are attempting to scale production, but industry sources said achieving consistent quality at the required level remains difficult. Each glass fiber must be extremely thin, uniform, and free of defects, as the glass cloth is embedded deep inside the chip substrate and cannot be repaired or replaced after assembly. Because of this, major chipmakers have been reluctant to adopt lower-grade materials, even temporarily. Apple has discussed using less-advanced glass cloth as a stopgap, but doing so would require extensive testing and validation and would not significantly ease supply constraints for 2026 products. Similar concerns are affecting other chipmakers.Tag: NikkeiThis article, "Apple Struggling With Key Material Shortage as AI Chips Drain Supply" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/14/apple-struggling-with-key-material-shortage/

2026-01-14 03:52:00 UTC

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Apple and Google this week announced that Gemini will help power a more personalized Siri, and The Information has provided more details. As soon as this spring, the report said the revamped version of Siri will be able to… Answer more factual/world knowledge questions in a conversational manner Tell more stories Provide emotional support Assist with more tasks, such as booking travel Create a document in the Notes app with information, such as a cooking recipeThe report said Apple plans to announce additional Siri capabilities at WWDC in June, including… Conversation history Proactive suggestions based on information from apps, such as CalendarApple already announced that the personalized Siri would have better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls, so a lot of the specific capabilities that the report said are coming would align with that. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps. The report said that the latest prototype of the more personalized Siri does not have any Google or Gemini branding, and Apple will be able to fine-tune Gemini's model to ensure that Siri responds to queries in a way that the iPhone maker prefers. More details are available in The Information's paywalled report. Apple first previewed the more personalized Siri at WWDC 2024, and the revamped assistant is finally expected to launch as part of iOS 26.4 in March or April. However, according to the report, some capabilities will not arrive until iOS 27.Tags: Apple Intelligence, Gemini, Google, Siri, The InformationThis article, "Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/google-gemini-siri-capabilities-report/

2026-01-13 20:12:09 UTC

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Alongside the news that Pixelmator Pro is coming to the iPad, Apple has confirmed that the more basic Pixelmator app for the iPhone and iPad will no longer be updated. From the Pixelmator Pro page on Apple's website:Pixelmator Classic for iOS, released in 2014 as a companion app to the now-discontinued Pixelmator Classic for Mac, provides basic image editing features such as cropping, color adjustments, and effects. It remains a functional app but is no longer being updated.The classic Pixelmator app offers more basic image editing tools, whereas Pixelmator Pro for iPad will be a fully-featured, professional image editing app. Pixelmator Pro for iPad features a new touch-optimized workspace, full Apple Pencil support for pressure-sensitive brushing, the ability to work between iPad and Mac, and all of the powerful editing tools from the Mac version of the app. Read our earlier coverage of the Pixelmator Pro for iPad announcement to learn more. There is also a free Photomator photo editing app for the iPhone and iPad in the App Store, and Apple did not mention updates ending for that app.Tag: PixelmatorThis article, "Apple Says 'Pixelmator' App on iOS Will No Longer Receive Updates" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/pixelmator-no-longer-being-updated/

2026-01-13 19:29:52 UTC

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Apple today released a firmware update for the AirPods Pro 3. The latest firmware has a version number of 8B34, up from the previous version 8B30. Apple has a support document for AirPods firmware updates, and it indicates that the 8B34 update contains unspecified "bug fixes and other improvements." No other AirPods models received firmware updates today. How to install AirPods Pro firmware updates, according to Apple: Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on. Make sure that your AirPods are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi. Connect your charging case to power. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and keep your AirPods in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Check the firmware version again. AirPods Pro 3 were released in September, with key features versus the previous generation including increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, and more.Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 3 Firmware Update" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/airpods-pro-3-firmware-update/

2026-01-13 18:10:38 UTC

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Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and watchOS 26.3 updates to public beta testers, with the updates coming four weeks after Apple provided the first betas to testers. Anyone can download and install public betas, and all that's required is to sign up on Apple's beta site. Once you've opted in, the software can be downloaded through the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device. iOS 26.3 adds a new tool for transitioning from an iPhone to an Android device. Transfers can be initiated during the device setup process, and moving data from one device to another can now be done without having to download a specific app. The update also includes changes to third-party wearables in the European Union, with more information available in our iOS 26.3 beta 2 feature list following yesterday's release to developers. Apple is expected to release iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to the public at the end of January.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Public Beta Testers" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/apple-releases-ios-26-3-public-beta-2/

2026-01-13 17:09:14 UTC

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Starting with the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and that news should actually have even bigger implications for the Messages app on the iPhone. In order to offer E2EE for RCS, iOS 26.3 or later would need to support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes many iMessage-like enhancements for RCS:End-to-end encryption, which will prevent Apple and any other third party from being able to read messages and attachments while they are being sent between devices, as has always been the case with iMessage In-line replies Edit messages Unsend messages Full-fledged Tapback support for RCS messages, with no special workaroundsRCS support as a whole was added to the iPhone with iOS 18, which supported RCS Universal Profile 2.4. It is effectively a modernized version of the SMS standard, which remains available as a fallback option for text messages over a cellular network. The enhancements listed above were actually introduced in RCS Universal Profile 2.7, and iOS would finally get them by jumping to RCS Universal Profile 3.0. iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. iMessage has also supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16. Timing Last year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates. However, Apple did not provide a specific timeframe. As mentioned above, Apple appears to finally be laying the groundwork for E2EE for RCS in the iOS 26.3 beta, but it will be up to carriers to implement support, and Apple might also work with Google to ensure there is a consistent experience across iOS and Android. Hopefully we begin to see support roll out at some point between iOS 26.3 and iOS 27. E2EE for RCS may be limited to select countries at first, as carriers begin rolling it out.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tags: Messages, RCSRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "iOS 26.3 Hints at Improved iPhone-to-Android Texting Coming Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/ios-26-rcs-3-future-benefits/

2026-01-13 16:20:08 UTC

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Apple today announced that Pixelmator Pro is coming to the iPad, complete with a new touch-optimized workspace, full Apple Pencil support, the ability to work between iPad and Mac, and all of the powerful editing tools from the Mac version. Pixelmator Pro is a popular image editing app that was acquired by Apple last year. There is already a more basic Pixelmator app available for the iPad and iPhone, and now the full-fledged Pixelmator Pro experience is coming to the iPad. Apple says Pixelmator Pro for iPad will be compatible with iPad models equipped with the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or later on iPadOS 26 or later. Here are some of the Pixelmator Pro for iPad features highlighted by Apple:A full-featured Layers sidebar allows creators to use images, shapes, text, and video Smart selection tools for isolating and editing specific parts of images Advanced bitmap and vector masks Super Resolution for intelligently upscaling photos Deband for removing compression artifacts Auto Crop with automatic composition suggestions Apple Pencil support for pressure-sensitive brushing, plus hover, squeeze, and double tapPixelmator Pro for both iPad and Mac will be available through the new Apple Creator Studio subscription bundle, which in the U.S. costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A one-time $49.99 purchase option will remain available, and this will presumably extend to the iPad app. Some new AI features and content in Pixelmator Pro for iPad will only be available with an Apple Creator Studio subscription.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Apple Pencil, PixelmatorRelated Forum: iPad AccessoriesThis article, "Pixelmator Pro is Coming to iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/pixelmator-pro-is-coming-to-ipad/

2026-01-13 15:26:59 UTC

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Amazon this week is back with big discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 1TB Wi-Fi 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass, which is on sale for $1,799.00, down from $1,999.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Amazon also has the 2TB Wi-FI 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass for $2,199.00, down from $2,399.00, which is an all-time low price. $200 OFF13-inch M5 iPad Pro (1TB Nano-Texture Wi-Fi) for $1,799.00 $200 OFF13-inch M5 iPad Pro (2TB Nano-Texture Wi-Fi) for $2,199.00 You'll find some of these deals matched at Best Buy, with in-store pick-up available this week for many locations. The latest iPad Pro models are equipped with the current-generation M5 chip, and feature a super-slim design, Thunderbolt support, up to 2TB storage, and OLED display technology. 11-Inch M5 iPad Pro 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.00 ($100 off) 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,599.00 ($100 off) 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off) 13-Inch M5 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,149.00 ($150 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.00 ($100 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,759.00 ($140 off) 1TB Wi-Fi Nano-Texture Glass - $1,799.00 ($200 off) 2TB Wi-Fi Nano-Texture Glass - $2,199.00 ($200 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Takes Up to $200 Off M5 iPad Pro With New Discounts" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/amazon-200-off-m5-ipad-pro/

2026-01-13 14:11:40 UTC

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Apple today introduced a new Creator Studio bundle that offers access to six creative apps, as well as exclusive AI features and content, as part of a single subscription. In the U.S., pricing is set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Here is what is included with an Apple Creator Studio subscription:Final Cut Pro on Mac and iPad Logic Pro on Mac and iPad Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad Motion on the Mac Compressor on the Mac MainStage on the Mac Exclusive new AI features and premium content across the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, MainStage, Numbers, Pages, and Keynote apps, and later the Freeform appApple Creator Studio will be available through the App Store starting Wednesday, January 28. All new subscribers can receive a one-month free trial, and customers who purchase a new Mac or a qualifying iPad with an A16, A17 Pro, or M-series chip or later can receive a three-month free trial. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage will also remain available for one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, and free versions of the Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and Freeform apps will continue to exist. More details to follow.This article, "Apple Introduces New 'Creator Studio' Bundle of Apps for $129 Per Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/apple-creator-studio/

2026-01-13 13:06:23 UTC

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Apple appears close to supporting end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, almost a year after the GSM Association said it was working to implement the privacy feature for messages sent between Android and iPhone devices. As shared by Tiino-X83 on X (Twitter), the latest iOS 26.3 beta includes references to a new carrier bundle setting that will let carriers enable and disable E2EE for RCS messages. It's possible that the setting relates to making the encryption status of messages visible to the user, as per the GSMA standard's requirements. The requirement is stupulated because local regulations can prohibit E2EE for all users, and users must be notified of encryption status. End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March 2025, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile. Apple said it planned to add support to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates, but the company has since been silent on the subject. Le chiffrement de bout en bout arrive sur le RCS de l’iPhone !Je viens de vérifier les carrier bundles d’iOS 26.3 bêta 2, et Apple a ajouté un nouveau paramètre permettant aux opérateurs d’activer le chiffrement pour le RCSPour le moment, aucun opérateur ne l’a encore activé pic.twitter.com/RkFGH5J5ut—Tiino-X83 (@TiinoX83) January 12, 2026 The carrier bundle references in the latest iOS 26.3 beta could be Apple laying the groundwork for future support, and are no guarantee that E2EE for RCS messages are coming with the software release. But they at least indicate that Apple is working to bring support at some point in the future. RCS support as a whole was added to the iPhone with iOS 18, which supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4. It is effectively a modernized version of the SMS standard, which remains available as a fallback option for text messages over a cellular network.Tags: Encryption, RCSThis article, "End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messages Referenced in Latest iOS 26.3 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/encryption-rcs-messages-latest-ios-beta/

2026-01-13 10:00:00 UTC

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Apple's U.S. patent activity declined sharply in 2025 amid a broader slowdown in patent filings, according to newly released data from IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. The data shows that Apple was granted 2,722 U.S. patents in 2025, down from 3,082 in 2024, a year-over-year decline of roughly 12% that pushed the company down two positions to sixth place in IFI's annual ranking of the top 50 recipients of U.S. patent grants. The shift marks a notable change for Apple at a time when its spending on artificial intelligence, silicon design, and software continues to expand, but it also reflects a wider contraction in patent activity across the United States. Total U.S. patent grants in 2025 fell to 323,272, a decline of less than 1% from the previous year, while U.S. patent applications dropped more steeply, falling 9% to 393,344. IFI noted that the decline in applications represents the lowest level since 2019, following a record high in 2024. The data is compiled directly from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and forms the basis of IFI's annual Top 50 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies reports. The slowdown was visible across core technology areas that typically account for a large share of U.S. patents, with filings and grants falling in key categories such as digital data processing and data transmission. The slowdown was not limited to Apple, with other major U.S. technology companies such as Google also falling in the patent rankings in 2025, while Nvidia did not receive enough U.S. patent grants to place in the Top 50 despite its central role in the AI boom. It also came as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office continued to work through a backlog of more than 1.2 million applications, which has delayed the pace at which patents are issued. While U.S.-based companies still received the largest number of patents overall, their total fell by more than 5% in 2025, even as companies in several Asian countries increased their patent counts. Apple's decline occurred as several competitors either held steady or increased their patent output. Samsung retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year with 7,054 U.S. patent grants, accounting for more than 2% of all patents issued in the United States in 2025. Apple chip supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ranked second with 4,194 grants, followed by Qualcomm in third place with 3,749. Apple's drop contrasted with gains by companies such as Dell and Toyota, which moved up eight and six places respectively, driven largely by patents related to computing infrastructure, energy storage, and vehicle systems. Key areas of research in 2025 included AI and battery technologies.Tag: PatentThis article, "Apple's Patent Grants Declined in 2025 as Innovation Slows" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/13/apple-patents-declined-in-2025/

2026-01-12 22:10:33 UTC

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Apple's retail store in Santa Rosa, California will be moving from the Santa Rosa Plaza shopping mall to the open-air Montgomery Village shopping plaza later this month. Apple Santa Rosa Plaza The new store at Montgomery Village will be holding its grand opening on Friday, January 23, at 12 p.m. local time, according to Apple's website. Apple's existing store at the Santa Rosa Plaza opened in 2004. Elsewhere in California, Apple continues to renovate its store in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. Apple has a temporary location there, at 1925 Calle Barcelona. Apple is also operating out of a temporary store at the South Coast Plaza shopping mall in Costa Mesa, south of Los Angeles, while it renovates its original location there. Thanks, Filip Chudzinski!Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "Apple Store in Santa Rosa is Moving Later This Month" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/apple-store-in-santa-rosa-moving/

2026-01-12 19:38:10 UTC

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Elon Musk today expressed concern about Apple and Google partnering on a more personalized version of Siri powered by Google's generative AI platform Gemini. "This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that [they] also have Android and Chrome," wrote Musk, in a post on X. Musk serves as CEO of xAI, the company behind Gemini competitor Grok. It is unlikely that Apple or Google will publicly respond to Musk's comment, but we will update this story if the companies have anything to say. In case you missed it, Apple and Google today jointly announced that Gemini will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized version of Siri that is set to launch this year. Apple has yet to announce exactly when the revamped Siri will launch, but it is reportedly set to arrive as part of iOS 26.4 in March or April. xAI filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI last year, accusing the two companies of conspiring to "ensure their continued dominance" in the AI market. This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that the also have Android and Chrome—Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 12, 2026 Tags: Apple Intelligence, Elon Musk, Gemini, Google, SiriThis article, "Elon Musk Reacts to Apple and Google Teaming on Gemini-Powered Siri" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/elon-musk-reacts-to-gemini-siri/

2026-01-12 19:03:17 UTC

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On iOS 18.2 and later, there is a Share Item Location feature in the Find My app that allows you to temporarily share the location of an AirTag-equipped item with others, including employees at participating airlines. This way, if you put an AirTag inside your bags, the airline can better help you find them in the event they are lost or delayed at the airport. The feature also works with other item trackers that support Apple's Find My network, such as those sold by Chipolo and Pebblebee. iPhone, iPad, and Mac users running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later can generate a "Share Item Location" link in the Find My app. Anyone they share the link with can then view a web page with a location of the item on a map. The page will automatically update with the item's latest known location. The item's location stops being shared "as soon as a user is reunited with their item," or automatically expires after seven days. Apple today announced that the Share Item Location feature is now supported by 36 airlines around the world, and we expect more to follow in the future. Below, we have listed all of the airlines that support the feature: AJet Aer Lingus Air Canada Air France Air India Air New Zealand American Airlines Austrian Airlines Breeze Airways British Airways Brussels Airlines Cathay Pacific Condor Copa Airlines China Airlines Delta Eurowings Finnair Flair Airlines Iberia JetBlue KLM LATAM Airlines Lufthansa Pegasus Airlines Porter Airlines Qantas Saudia Singapore Airlines SunExpress SWISS Turkish Airlines United Virgin Atlantic Vueling WestJetTags: AirTag, Find MyThis article, "These 36 Airlines Offer iPhone Feature That Helps Find Your Lost Bags" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/iphone-airtag-bag-tracking-airlines-list/

2026-01-12 18:27:10 UTC

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Apple today announced that 2025 was a "record-breaking year" for many of its services, including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. "Apple services had a banner year, rolling out game-changing features for customers while shattering records," said Apple's services chief Eddy Cue, in a press release. "The numbers reflect the incredible enthusiasm of our customers, whether it's downloading an exciting new app or game, watching the hottest new show with family and friends, listening to their favorite songs, or shopping with peace of mind." Here are some of the 2025 statistics shared in Apple's announcement:App Store had over 850 million average weekly users across 175 countries and regions, and it set a new annual record for U.S. visitors. App Store had a record number of visitors between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Apple TV set a new record for monthly engagement in December, with total hours of content viewed on the streaming service up 36% on a year-over-year basis. This increase was driven by hits such as F1: The Movie and Pluribus. Apple Music had its best year ever, breaking records for listenership and new subscribers. Shazam generated over 1 billion recognitions per month. Apple Pay is now available in 89 markets, and Apple says the payment service eliminated well over $1 billion in fraud globally. Tap to Pay on iPhone is now available in 50 markets. Apple Maps expanded its Detailed City Experience with 3D landmarks to new locations, like New Orleans, Singapore, and Monaco. Apple's Share Item Location feature in the Find My app is now offered by 36 airlines. Apple Arcade added more than 50 new games. Apple Fitness+ expanded to 28 more countries and regions, and it is launching in Japan early this year. Apple Podcasts set annual records for listeners, episode plays, and new subscribers. Apple News is the most popular news app in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and the second most popular news app in the U.K.For more details about new features added to Apple's services in 2025, as well as various other records set, head to the Apple Newsroom website.Related Roundup: Apple PayTags: App Store, Apple MusicRelated Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+This article, "Here's How 2025 Was a 'Record-Breaking Year' Across Apple's Services" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/apple-services-2025-highlights/

2026-01-12 18:15:34 UTC

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Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming four weeks after the release of the first betas. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update, although it appears over-the-air updates may still be rolling out. The downloads are already available from Apple's Developer site. iOS 26.3 adds a new tool for transitioning from aniPhoneto an Android device. Transfers can be initiated during the device setup process, and moving data from one device to another can now be done without having to download a specific app. Apple's transfer process supports moving photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone number, and more. The update also includes a Notification Forwarding setting for third-party wearables in the European Union, and there are some minor changes to the Weather wallpaper. More information on what's changed can be found in our iOS 26.3 beta 1 feature list. Apple is expected to release the iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to the public at the end of January.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/apple-seeds-ios-26-3-beta-2/

2026-01-12 18:14:00 UTC

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Apple today provided the second beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming four weeks after the launch of the first beta. Developers can download themacOS Tahoe26.3 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required. There's no word yet on what's included inmacOS Tahoe26.3, and no new features were found in the first beta. We'll likely see Apple releasemacOS Tahoe26.3 at the end of January given past launch timelines.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/macos-tahoe-26-3-beta-2/

2026-01-12 16:19:23 UTC

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iOS 26.3 will likely be released to the public later this month, but it appears that Apple is preparing to push out another software update in the interim. Apple's software engineers have started testing iOS 26.2.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. The update will likely be released at some point this week or next week. iOS 26.2.1 should be a minor update with bug fixes and/or security patches. iOS 26.3 is expected to follow in late January, with key new features in that update so far including a new iPhone-to-Android transfer tool, Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches in the EU, and more.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "iOS 26.2.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/ios-26-2-1-coming-soon/

2026-01-12 16:04:14 UTC

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Satechi announced a few products at CES last week, and to mark the launch it's providing a 20 percent discount on these devices for early adopters. You can use the code CES2026 at checkout to get 20 percent off all five of Satechi's newest products. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Satechi. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Satechi's new CES 2026 products include two wireless keyboards, a wireless mouse, Thunderbolt 5 cable, and Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock with SSD Enclosure. All items in this sale are available to purchase and ship now, with the exception of the Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock, which is up for pre-order with an estimated shipping date of late March. Note: Use code CES2026 to see this discount. UP TO 20% OFFSatechi's CES 2026 Sale Additionally, Satechi is hosting a "last chance" sale this week, with up to 30 percent off accessories with a limited supply remaining. In this sale you'll find discounts on MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pads, Thunderbolt docks, and more. CES 2026 Sale Use Code CES 2026 to see the below deals applied at checkout. Slim EX Wireless Mouse - $24.00, down from $29.99 Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable - $32.00, down from $39.99 Slim EX1 Wireless Keyboard - $40.00, down from $49.99 Slim EX3 Wireless Keyboard - $56.00, down from $69.99 Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock - $320.00 (pre-order), down from $399.99 Last Chance Sale All deals have been applied automatically and do not require a coupon code. 30W Dual-Port Wall Charger - $45.99, down from $64.99 100W USB-C Wall Charger - $48.99, down from $69.99 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger - $55.99, down from $79.99 USB-C Monitor Stand Hub XL - $69.99, down from $149.99 Pro Hub Max - $69.99, down from $99.99 Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand - $69.99, down from $99.99 Trio Wireless Charger with Magnetic Pad - $83.99, down from $119.99 Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub - $139.99, down from $199.99 Thunderbolt 4 Dock - $199.99, down from $299.99 Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Satechi Introduces 20% Discount on Brand-New CES 2026 Accessories" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/satechi-discount-new-ces-accessories/

2026-01-12 15:38:23 UTC

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In a statement shared with CNBC today, Apple confirmed that Google Gemini will power the next-generation version of Siri that is slated to launch later this year. "After careful evaluation, we determined that Google's technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we're excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users," the statement said. The report explicitly mentioned that Google Gemini will power Siri, as was expected. Apple's decision to lean on Google's artificial intelligence technology should result in the revamped Siri being more capable and advanced than it otherwise would have been, as Gemini's large language model is significantly larger than Apple's own model. The next-generation version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4, which will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Apple first announced the personalized Siri features during its WWDC 2024 keynote, but last year it announced that they were delayed. The new capabilities will include better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: SiriRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "Apple Confirms Google Gemini Will Power Next-Generation Siri This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/google-gemini-next-generation-siri/

2026-01-12 15:25:49 UTC

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Amazon today has a few models of Apple's M4 Mac mini on sale at low prices, starting at $499.99 for the model with 16GB RAM/256GB SSD, down from $599.00. Discounts reach up to $129 off in these sales, and this time around there is also a discount on the M4 Pro model. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In terms of the 16GB/256GB SSD model, this is a solid second-best price. You can also get the M4 Mac mini with 16GB RAM/512GB SSD for $689.99, down from $799.00, and the model with 24GB RAM/512GB SSD for $889.99, down from $999.00. $99 OFFM4 Mac mini (256GB) for $499.99 $109 OFFM4 Mac mini (16GB/512GB) for $689.99 $109 OFFM4 Mac mini (24GB/512GB) for $889.99 $129 OFFM4 Pro Mac mini (24GB/512GB) for $1,269.99 Apple last updated the Mac mini in late 2024, introducing a redesigned computer that's smaller than the previous generation and featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Takes Up to $129 Off M4 Mac Mini, Starting at $499.99" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/129-off-m4-mac-mini/

2026-01-12 15:21:28 UTC

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A detailed new report from SemiAnalysis argues that while Apple's partnership with TSMC created the modern leading-edge foundry model, the rapid rise of AI computing is changing who pays for new chip technologies and how much influence Apple holds over each new manufacturing node. The report traces how Apple became the single most important customer in the global semiconductor industry by committing early and at scale to new manufacturing processes at TSMC, beginning with the A8 chip in 2014. It argues that Apple's willingness to absorb early costs, fund yield improvements, and align its annual product cycle with TSMC's roadmap allowed the foundry to outpace rivals and cement its dominance at the leading edge. Apple's annual spending at TSMC grew from roughly $2 billion in 2014 to about $24 billion in 2025, while Apple's share of TSMC revenue rose from single digits to as much as 25% at its peak. For much of the past decade, Apple accounted for more than half of initial production at each new node, and in some cases nearly all of it, effectively underwriting the financing of advanced manufacturing when no other customer could do so at scale. However, the rise of AI accelerators has created a second class of customers, such as NVIDIA, who are capable of consuming large amounts of advanced manufacturing capacity. TSMC's revenue mix has shifted significantly as a result. Smartphones once represented nearly half of TSMC's revenue, but that share has fallen as high-performance computing demands, including AI, have grown to become the largest segment. This means Apple is no longer the only customer capable of funding new capacity, even though it remains the largest single customer by revenue. This change is said to already be visible with upcoming manufacturing nodes. Apple's share of early production for TSMC's N2 and A16 nodes is expected to be lower than previous generations, the latter of which is designed for high-performance computing workloads rather than mobile devices. Under SemiAnalysis's modeling, Apple's position strengthens again at later nodes such as A14, which are being designed from the start to support both mobile and high-performance products. In that scenario, Apple's share of early capacity rises again as its iPhone and Mac chips return to being the primary drivers of volume. While Apple continues to rely on TSMC for its most advanced chips, SemiAnalysis says the company is exploring alternatives for lower-risk components and certain categories to diversify its supply chain. Intel's upcoming 18A-P process is a potential option for some Apple silicon without disrupting flagship products. See SemiAnalysis's full report for more information.Tag: TSMCThis article, "Report: Rise of AI Is Corroding Apple's Influence Over TSMC" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/ai-corroding-apple-influence-over-tsmc/

2026-01-12 15:02:46 UTC

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In mid-December, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.3. So far, the upcoming software update includes a couple of new features for iPhones. iOS 15.3 through iOS 18.3 were all released in late January over the years, so thereby it is likely that iOS 26.3 will be released towards the end of this month as well. The update is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer. Below, we recap what is new in the iOS 26.3 beta so far. iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to an Android device. A new tool allows you to place your iPhone next to an Android device to wirelessly transfer photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. You can also transfer your phone number. In the iOS 26.3 beta, the new tool can be found in the Settings app, under General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Transfer to Android. It is available worldwide. Notification Forwarding in EU In the EU, iOS 26.3 introduces both a Notification Forwarding feature and AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories like earbuds and smartwatches. Apple was required to make these changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. More Starting with iOS 26.3, there is a dedicated section for Weather wallpapers, with three preset options available to choose from. To access them, tap and hold on the Lock Screen and tap on the plus sign in the bottom-right corner of the screen. February is Black History Month, and iOS 26.3 will likely include the 2026 version of Apple's annual Black Unity wallpaper. Apple also typically releases a new Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch, and a matching Unity Rhythm watch face. iOS 26.1 introduced a Background Security Improvement feature that is designed to provide security updates for Safari, WebKit, and some other system items between iOS software updates. Apple has been testing the feature with updates such as "iOS 26.3 (a)" and "iOS 26.3 (b)," but they do not actually contain any security fixes. Additional new features and bug fixes may be added in later beta versions of iOS 26.3. Overall, though, it will likely be a relatively minor update.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "Here's What's New in iOS 26.3 So Far" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/ios-26-3-new-features/

2026-01-12 12:20:34 UTC

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Google has confirmed that its Chrome 150 browser update coming later this year will be the last version to support macOS Monterey. Going forward, Chrome 150 and later versions will no longer support macOS 12, which Apple released in October 2021. In a platform status update, Google says that on Macs running Monterey, Chrome 150 will continue to work, but the browser will display a warning infobar and will not update any further. For new installations of Chrome 151+, macOS 13 or newer will be required. Google has not announced an exact release date for Chrome 150. But based on the current stable channel being at version 143 and that Google typically releases major new Chrome versions roughly every four weeks, Chrome 150 is likely to be rolled out sometime around mid-2026. To stay up-to-date with the latest browsing standards and to maintain online security, users on Monterey should update their macOS version, or choose another third-party browser like Firefox that is still receiving updates for their version of macOS.Tag: Google ChromeThis article, "Google Chrome 150 Will Be Last Version to Support macOS Monterey" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/google-chrome-150-last-version-support-macos-12/

2026-01-12 11:58:45 UTC

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Apple emerged as the global smartphone market leader in 2025, capturing a 20% market share with 10% year-over-year shipment growth – the highest among the top five brands, according to data released today by Counterpoint Research. Global smartphone shipments grew 2% year-over-year in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of growth. Counterpoint said the market was driven by more consumers taking advantage of financing options to upgrade to premium devices, as well as increasing adoption of 5G devices in emerging markets. Samsung ranked second behind Apple with a 19% market share and modest 5% shipment growth, while Xiaomi retained third place with 13% share. "Apple's growth in 2025 was driven by its expanding presence and rising demand across emerging and mid-size markets, supported by a stronger product mix," said Counterpoint senior analyst Varun Mishra. "The iPhone 17 series gained significant traction in Q4 following its successful launch, while the iPhone 16 continued to perform exceptionally well in Japan, India and Southeast Asia." Apple's performance was said to have been amplified by the pandemic-era upgrade cycle reaching an inflection point, with millions of users due for device replacement. In Q4 2025, Apple accounted for one-quarter of global shipments, its highest-ever quarterly share, according to the report. While U.S. tariff concerns prompted manufacturers to front-load shipments in the first half of the year, the impact actually proved milder than anticipated, and the effects on second-half volumes were limited. However, Counterpoint's outlook for 2026 is more conservative. "The global smartphone market is set to soften in 2026 amid DRAM/NAND shortages and rising component costs, as chipmakers prioritize AI data centers over smartphones," said Counterpoint research director Tarun Pathak. The firm has subsequently revised its 2026 forecast downward by 3%, although Apple and Samsung are expected to remain resilient thanks to their stronger supply chain capabilities.Tag: CounterpointThis article, "Apple Tops 2025 Smartphone Market With 20% Share, 10% Growth" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/apple-tops-2025-smartphone-market/

2026-01-12 11:33:16 UTC

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Apple and other smartphone manufacturers are resisting an Indian government proposal that would require them to hand over source code for security review, reports Reuters. The proposal is included in a package of 83 security standards that India is considering as legal requirements, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to boost security of user data following increases in online fraud and data breaches in the country. Beyond routine measures like notifying the government of major updates and storing security audit logs, the standards would force manufacturers to hand over source code to government-designated labs to check for vulnerabilities. Apple, Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and industry group MAIT have all reportedly objected, citing a lack of global precedent and concerns about revealing proprietary details. The standards were originally drafted in 2023 but are only now under government consideration. Tech company executives are expected to meet Tuesday to discuss the matter. IT secretary S. Krishnan told Reuters the government will address legitimate concerns "with an open mind," adding it was "premature to read more" into the proposals. The country's IT ministry also said it "refutes the statement" that it is considering seeking source code from smartphone makers, despite the requirement appearing in the government documents reviewed by Reuters. A ministry spokesperson told the news organization it could not comment further due to ongoing consultation with tech companies on the proposals. Apple in December resisted an Indian government directive that would require all iPhones sold in the country to ship with a preinstalled state-run security app. The government ultimately decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for manufacturers after protests from privacy advocates, political opposition, and industry pushback.Tag: IndiaThis article, "Apple Opposes India's Plan to Access iOS Source Code" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/apple-opposes-india-plan-access-ios-source-code/

2026-01-10 15:15:43 UTC

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Amazon and Best Buy this weekend have all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find four of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and three of the 46mm GPS models on sale. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm Cell) for $399.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm Cell) for $429.00 Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Apple Watch Series 11 on Sale for Record Low Price of $299 ($100 Off)" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/10/100-off-apple-watch-series-11/

2026-01-10 14:00:00 UTC

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Even without any announcements from Apple, CES dominated tech news this week with a host of upcoming products and technologies being demonstrated at the annual expo in Las Vegas. Other news in the Apple world this week included official word that the Apple Card will shift from Goldman Sachs to Chase, while iOS 26 appears to be showing extremely slow adoption rates amid the controversial Liquid Glass redesign, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more! Top Stories CES 2026 Hub: Highlights From the Show The annual consumer electronics show CES was once again held this week in Las Vegas. AI and robots were some of the high-profile areas of focus this year, and even though Apple itself doesn't officially attend the show, we still saw a variety of more traditional products that are always popular with Apple fans. One of the products shown at the show that appears to be more directly relevant to Apple came from Samsung, which briefly showed off its new crease-less foldable OLED display panel. The panel is rumored to be destined for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone expected to debut later this year. Another item at CES that has proven popular is the Clicks Communicator, a new Android smartphone intended to be carried as a second phone for focus on communication rather than consumption, with Clicks calling it akin to a Kindle's relationship to the iPad. Check out our CES 2026 news hub, and head over to our YouTube channel for our daily videos from the show floor. Apple Card Will Move From Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase After over two years of rumors, the move is now official: Goldman Sachs is giving up the Apple Card business with JPMorgan Chase to become the new partner for Apple's credit card and savings account business. The transition will take around two years to play out, and in the meantime Apple Card customers can continue using their cards as usual. iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release iOS 26 is showing unusually slow adoption among iPhone users months after release, according to third-party analytics. Usage data published by StatCounter for January 2026 indicates that only around 15 to 16% of active iPhones worldwide are running any version of iOS 26. Historical comparisons highlight how atypical this adoption curve appears. StatCounter data from January 2025 shows that roughly 63% of iPhones were running some version of iOS 18 about four months after its release. In January 2024, iOS 17 had reached approximately 54% adoption over a similar timeframe, while iOS 16 surpassed 60% adoption by January 2023. Logitech Blames 'Inexcusable Mistake' After Certificate Expiry Breaks macOS Apps Logitech users on macOS found themselves locked out of their mouse customizations this week after the company let a security certificate expire, breaking both its Logi Options+ and G HUB configuration apps. Logitech devices like the MX Master series mice and MX Keys keyboards stopped working properly as a result of the oversight, with users unable to access their custom scrolling setup, button mappings, and gestures. It wasn't long before the Logitech subreddit was awash with frustrated reports as people discovered their configured peripherals had suddenly reverted to default settings. Logitech quickly issued updates to address the issue, but they require a manual update as the problem left the auto-updating feature unusable since the apps were unable to open. OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration OpenAI this week announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated section of ChatGPT where users can ask health-related questions completely separated from their main ChatGPT experience. For more personalized responses, users can connect various health data services such as Apple Health, Function, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, AllTrails, Instacart, and Peloton. Once connected to Apple Health, ChatGPT will be able to access your health and fitness data, including movement, sleep, and activity patterns. Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce. The Taiwanese research firm says this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing." TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more affordable MacBook, which is expected to be equipped with a version of the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip. Apple is expected to release the laptop by March or April of this year. For more on this budget MacBook, check out our recap of everything we've heard about it so far. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top StoriesThis article, "Top Stories: CES 2026 Highlights, Apple Card Moving to Chase, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/10/top-stories-ces-2026-highlights/

2026-01-09 18:08:31 UTC

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Back in late 2022 and early 2023, Apple rolled out a new architecture for its Apple Home platform to deliver improved performance and compatibility, although the rollout came with some hiccups that forced Apple to pull and later re-release the upgrade. Three years later, Apple is now on the verge of ending support for the old version of the Home architecture, which may result in access to the entire Home platform being blocked for some users if they do not or cannot update. The deadline for updating was originally announced as fall 2025, but in early November, Apple announced that it was pushing back the deadline to February 10, 2026. It appears Apple will be sticking with that deadline, as the company is sending out fresh reminder emails today to users who have yet to upgrade to the new version of Apple Home.This email serves as your second reminder that support for the earlier version of Apple Home will end next month on February 10, 2026. If you do not update to this new version of Apple Home, your access to your home within the Home app might be blocked, accessories and automations might not work as expected, and you will not receive important security fixes and performance improvements. Updating to the new version of Apple Home can also enable new features, such as guest access, support for robot vacuum cleaners, Activity History, and more.Users can update to the new version of Apple Home within the Software Update section of Home Settings in the Home app. If you have already completed these steps, or "This home and all accessories are up to date" is shown in Software Update, then you are already on the current version and there is nothing more you need to do. Notably, the new version of Apple Home requires a minimum of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2, and older devices that have not been or cannot be updated will lose access to the Apple Home after updating. This requirement has not sat well with some users who may use older devices as dedicated Home control devices, so many of these users have put off upgrading their Home architecture for as long as possible, but it now appears the reprieve is coming to an end.Tags: Home, HomeKitThis article, "Apple Reminding Users of Pending Home App Upgrade Requirement" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/09/apple-home-app-upgrade-reminder/

2026-01-09 11:37:06 UTC

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The iPhone Fold will be the first Apple device to adopt a Samsung-made OLED technology called CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation), which could make the display brighter and thinner than previous panels, reports The Elec. In a traditional OLED panel, a polarizing film sits above the display to cut reflections and improve contrast. The drawback is that this film also absorbs some of the OLED's own light, reducing brightness and efficiency. With CoE, Apple would remove the polarizer entirely and instead apply the color filter directly onto the OLED's protective encapsulation layer. The result would be a thinner display stack that lets more light through, delivering higher brightness without requiring more power. Removing layers would also mean less thickness overall, potentially contributing to a slimmer iPhone design. According to The Elec, Apple plans to debut CoE with its foldable iPhone, which could launch as soon as late 2026, before expanding the technology to the iPhone Air 2 in 2027. The latter's release has reportedly been pushed back following weaker-than-expected sales of the original iPhone Air. Whether CoE will be applied and whether the iPhone Air 2 will be released will be decided by the third quarter of this year, according to industry sources cited by the Korean-language report. iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable Samsung, meanwhile, plans to apply CoE not only to its foldable Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, but also to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in the first quarter of this year. The S26 Ultra will be Samsung's first non-foldable smartphone to use the technology, which the company refers to internally as OCF (On-Cell Film).Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: Foldable iPhoneBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)This article, "iPhone Fold to Pave Way for Thinner, Brighter Display on iPhone Air 2" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/09/iphone-fold-iphone-air-2-thinner-display/

2026-01-08 23:44:28 UTC

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iOS 26 is showing unusually slow adoption among iPhone users months after release, according to third-party analytics. Usage data published by StatCounter (via Cult of Mac) for January 2026 indicates that only around 15 to 16% of active iPhones worldwide are running any version ofiOS 26. The breakdown shows iOS 26.1 accounting for approximately 10.6% of devices, iOS 26.2 for about 4.6%, and the original iOS 26.0 release at roughly 1.1%. In contrast, more than 60% of iPhones tracked by StatCounter remain on iOS 18, with iOS 18.7 and iOS 18.6 alone representing a majority of active devices. Historical comparisons highlight how atypical this adoption curve appears. StatCounter data from January 2025 shows that roughly 63% of iPhones were running some version of iOS 18 about four months after its release. In January 2024, iOS 17 had reached approximately 54% adoption over a similar timeframe, while iOS 16 surpassed 60% adoption by January 2023. Based on those figures,iOS 26adoption appears to be running at less than one-quarter of the rate achieved by recent predecessors during the same post-release window. StatCounter derives its estimates from web traffic analytics, tracking operating system versions via page impressions across its global network of participating websites. In the first week of January last year, 89.3% of MacRumors visitors used a version of iOS 18. This year, during the same time period, only 25.7% of MacRumors readers are running a version ofiOS 26. In the absence of official numbers from Apple, the true adoption rate remains unknown, but the data suggests a level of hesitation towardiOS 26that has not been seen in recent years. Unlike many previous releases,iOS 26introduces Liquid Glass as a fundamental visual overhaul, replacing large portions of the traditional opaque interface with translucent layers, blurred backgrounds, and dynamic depth effects across system elements. Upon its announcement at WWDC last year, the redesign received mixed reviews, which could be a contributing factor to hesitation around upgrading. Likewise, Apple now continues to support older operating systems with security updates, allowing users to remain on iOS 18 without immediate pressure to update or forfeit critical patches. This makes it much easier for users to remain on older software.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/ios-26-shows-unusually-slow-adoption/

2026-01-08 22:29:08 UTC

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Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $74.3 million in 2025, down slightly from $74.6 million in 2024, Apple said in its annual proxy filing released today. Cook's earnings included a $3 million base salary that has remained the same since 2016, $57.5 million in stock awards, $12 million in performance-based cash awards, and $1.76 million in other compensation, such as 401(k) contributions, life insurance premiums, vacation cash-out, security expenses, and personal air travel expenses. For efficiency and security purposes, Cook is required by Apple to use private aircraft for both business and personal travel. Apple set a target compensation of $59 million for Cook, the same as in 2024, but Cook earned above that level through the incentive payouts that executives receive when Apple performs well. Other key senior Apple executives, including outgoing general counsel Kate Adams, chief operating officer Sabih Khan, and retail and people chief Deirdre O'Brien each earned total compensation packages of around $27 million in 2025. Apple saw a chief financial officer transition in 2025, with former CFO Luca Maestri earning $15.5 million in 2025 and new CFO Kevan Parekh earning $22.5 million.Tag: Tim CookThis article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Earned $74.3 Million in 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/tim-cook-2025-salary/

2026-01-08 18:50:47 UTC

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Apple has lost another senior figure from its Safari team as a lead designer departs for The Browser Company, extending a pattern of high-profile exits from Apple's browser team amid intensifying competition around AI-driven browsing. Marco Triverio was a lead designer for Safari and has now joined The Browser Company, the developer of the Arc and Dia browsers. The move was confirmed by The Browser Company chief executive Josh Miller in a post on X, marking the latest in a series of hires from Apple's Safari design leadership. Miller emphasized that Triverio's arrival means The Browser Company has now recruited lead designers from every Safari design era that overlapped with the development timelines of Arc and Dia, roughly spanning 2020 through 2025. Big news:Apple’s lead Safari designer just joined @browsercompany.Alongside @charliedeets, that means we now have the lead designers from every Safari era that overlapped with Arc and Dia (2020 to 2025).We’re not fucking around this year — 2026 will be our biggest yet—Josh Miller (@joshm) January 7, 2026 The Browser Company has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional browsers by emphasizing significant new interaction models rather than incremental updates. The apps are often compared to Apple software due to their focus on visual clarity, animation, and user experience design. Its Arc browser introduced a nontraditional tab system, extensive customization options, and collaborative tools such as shared workspaces and a built-in whiteboard. In 2025, the company introduced Dia, a browser designed around AI-assisted workflows that integrate generative tools, collaborative features, and creative utilities directly into the browsing experience. For Apple, Triverio's exit adds to a broader pattern of senior staff departures that became more visible throughout 2025.Tag: SafariThis article, "Apple Loses Safari Lead Designer to The Browser Company" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/apple-loses-safari-designer-to-the-browser-company/

2026-01-08 13:45:46 UTC

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Google today made three Gmail AI features free for all personal account holders in the United States, removing the subscription requirement that previously locked them behind its Google AI Pro or Ultra tiers. "Help Me Write" allows users to enter prompts to draft entire emails from scratch. Like Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, Help Me Write includes refinement options like Formalize, Elaborate, and Shorten, and users can also apply Polish to messages they've already written. The feature is available on the web, Android, and iOS, and can be accessed by tapping the pen icon with an AI spark badge. Gmail is also rolling out personalized Suggested Replies, an evolution of Smart Replies that goes beyond generic responses. The feature analyzes conversation context and matches a user's writing tone and style. For example, if a colleague asks about rescheduling a meeting for another day, Suggested Replies can draft an initial response that reflects how the user typically communicates, after which it can be reviewed before sending. The third newly free feature is AI summaries for long email threads. When opening a lengthy conversation, an AI Overview card may appear at the top with a bulleted summary of points discussed. All three features are rolling out today to personal account users in the U.S., with global availability coming later. The changes come amid Google's preview of a new "AI Inbox" feature arriving in the next few months. The redesigned view will appear as a new option alongside the traditional inbox, offering a personalized briefing that surfaces important information without requiring users to open individual messages. Google's AI Inbox also includes a "Suggested to-dos" section highlighting bills, reminders, and short-term tasks, along with "Topics to catch up on" that provides context for messages that are important but not immediately actionable. The feature is currently available to Trusted Testers and will roll out more broadly later this year, according to Google.Tag: GmailThis article, "Gmail Users Can Now Use These Three AI Features Without Paying" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/gmail-ai-features-now-free-to-use/

2026-01-08 02:59:41 UTC

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Apple's annual "Back to School" or "Back to Uni" promotion has returned this week in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea. From January 6 through March 11, qualifying higher-education students and staff in these countries can receive a free or discounted accessory with the purchase of select Mac and iPad models, similar to previous promotions that launched in the United States and a number of other countries last June and July. For each device type, there is at least one accessory option available at no additional charge, with more expensive accessories available at reduced upgrade prices. For example, in Australia, qualified customers who purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro can receive a free Apple Pencil Pro (A$199 value) or standard AirPods 4 (A$219 value). Customers can upgrade toAirPods 4with Active Noise Cancellation after paying an additional A$80 fee or a Magic Keyboard for an additional A$210–A$350 fee depending on model. iMac buyers can receive eitherAirPods 4with Active Noise Cancellation (A$299 value) at no additional charge or AirPods Pro 3 for an additional A$130 upgrade fee. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro buyers can receive freeAirPods 4with Active Noise Cancellation, a Magic Mouse, a Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, or they can upgrade toAirPods Pro 3for an additional A$130. In each country, the offer is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and in person at Apple's retail stores where available. The offer can be combined with Apple's educational discounts on products, and AppleCare+ plans are up to 10% off for students.Tag: Back to School PromotionThis article, "Apple's Back to School Offer With Free Accessories Returns in Four Countries" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/apple-back-to-school-australia-2026/

2026-01-07 22:51:00 UTC

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Though it's been just a few months since iOS 26 launched, we're already hearing rumors about the next-generation version of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be introduced at Apple's June WWDC 2026 event before it launches in September 2026. We don't know all of the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect. "Snow Leopard" Update iOS 27 will apparently focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to boost performance rather than new features. It's been referred to as a "Snow Leopard" update, because that was a version of macOS that Apple famously claimed had "zero new features" because it was all about fixing the existing software. Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance that can be fixed in iOS 27. iPhone Fold In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device rumors have taken to calling theiPhoneFold. TheiPhoneFold is expected to have a ~5.4-inch display when folded, and a ~7.7-inch display when it's opened up like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At around 5.4 inches when closed, theiPhoneFold's outer display will be the smallest we've had since theiPhone13 mini. With Apple going back to a smaller display and simultaneously introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than anyiPhonedisplay to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger display and a display that shifts between multiple sizes. We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate theiPhoneFold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows. Liquid Glass iOS 27 will likely include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced withiOS 26. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback. Apple Intelligence We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27. We don't know specifics yet, but several existingApple Intelligencefeatures could expand to additional apps. Apple is also working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included inSiri's iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-onSirifeature could instead come in iOS 27. Siri With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design.Siriwill get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version ofSirithat's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version ofSiricould also come to theiPhoneand iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27. Health+ Apple is developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27. The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement. New Satellite Features Apple is working on several new satellite features for theiPhone, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as iOS 27. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required. Rumored features: Apple Maps via satellite Photos in Messages via satellite Satellite API framework for third-party apps Satellite over 5G Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky Some of these features might require new hardware, but options likeApple Mapsvia satellite would not require components beyond what's available now. Launch Date New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when newiPhonemodels come out.Tag: iOS 27This article, "Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/five-iphone-features-rumored-ios-27/

2026-01-07 20:39:35 UTC

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ESR is updating its line of CryoBoost chargers, adding new Qi2.2 options that can charge an iPhone 17 at up to 25W. CryoBoost is ESR's feature that uses active cooling to improve wireless charging speeds. The $90 CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station has a compact design that's ideal for travel. It folds down to 15.8mm, but can charge an iPhone at up to 25W, an Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. The $100 CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station offers the same feature set as the foldable model, but in a design optimized for the desktop. It has a detachable Apple Watch charger, and theiPhonecharging stand supports portrait and landscape modes. Sleep Mode turns off the light and the fan for quiet, LED-free charging. ESR says that its upcoming 10,000 mAh MagSlim Power Bank is the thinnest Qi2.2 25W power bank on the market, measuring in at 13.8mm thick. It too is able to charge theiPhone 17models at up to 25W, just like MagSafe. More information on ESR's releases can be found on the ESR website.Tags: CES 2026, ESRThis article, "CES 2026: ESR Announces Qi2.2 Wireless Chargers With 25W iPhone 17 Charging" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/ces-2026-esr-qi2-2-wireless-chargers/

2026-01-07 17:44:40 UTC

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LIFX, known for its smart lighting options, debuted a new SuperColor Mirror at CES 2026. The SuperColor Mirror features both front and back lighting options, and it connects to an Apple Home setup using Matter. There are lighting modes like Make Up Check and Anti-Fog that users can select, plus brightness and color can be adjusted. LIFX says that other Matter-enabled devices can be controlled using three physical buttons that are on the mirror. The mirror features polychrome blended color technology with multiple lighting zones. Like other SuperColor LIFX products, the mirror's lights can shift and morph smoothly between different colors, and there are color effects like flame and paint. The SuperColor Mirror and other LIFX devices will get a Thread upgrade later in 2026, so they can connect to Matter over Thread in addition to Wi-Fi. LIFX is launching new Smart Dimmer switches that include four customizable buttons and a built-in 8-zone light bar. The Dimmer Switch has Matter support and it is designed to work with both smart and traditional lights. There are single tap, double tap, and long press gestures, so it can perform multiple tasks when assigned to activate scenes. The Smart Dimmer includes dimming support for LED, Halogen, or incandescent bulbs, along with full scene and effect control for LIFX lights. With the Matter integration, it should also be able to control other Matter-connected lights. There are also new affordable Matter-connected smart lighting options that are available from LIFX. The Everyday A19 LED Light Bulb features 800 lumens and support for multiple colors, while the 20-foot Everyday Lightstrip features 24 addressable zones for flowing effects and a 4-button physical controller for activating scenes. The Everyday Bulb is priced at $23 for two and it is available now from Amazon, while the Everyday Lightstrip will launch later in January. The Smart Dimmer is set to launch in the second quarter of 2026 for $30. The SuperColor Mirror will also come out in the second quarter, but pricing has yet to be announced.Tag: CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: LIFX Introduces Matter-Compatible Smart Mirror and Dimmer Switch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/lifx-matter-smart-mirror/

2026-01-07 16:52:21 UTC

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WhatsApp announced three new group chat features today, expanding how users can interact and add context to their role within conversations involving many participants. The Meta-owned messaging app is rolling out Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders, all of which are designed to give group chats more flexibility and organization. Member Tags let you assign yourself different roles in different group chats for more context – so you can be "Coach" in one thread and "Dad" in another, for example. Meanwhile, Text Stickers instantly turn typed words into sticker graphics that users can then save to custom packs. Lastly, with Event Reminders, now when you create and send an event in your group chat you can set custom early reminders for your invitees. Meta says that "this helps everyone remember to commute to the party you're hosting or hop on the call at the right time." The new group chat features are available to WhatsApp users worldwide, and follow other recent upgrades to the chat platform, including third-party chat support in the EU and WhatsApp for Apple Watch.Tag: WhatsAppThis article, "WhatsApp Enhances Group Chats With Three New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/whatsapp-group-chats-three-new-features/

2026-01-07 15:14:11 UTC

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Amazon this week is offering discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro, which is on sale for $1,480.80 with an on-page coupon, a massive discount of $518 on the original price of $1,999.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Otherwise, prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout. $518 OFF11-inch M5 iPad Pro (2TB Wi-Fi) for $1,480.80 For the larger models, you can save up to $180 on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro on Amazon this week. If you're shopping for the 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi model, Amazon has this tablet for $2,219.00, down from $2,399.00, as well as a few other 13-inch models between $100 and $170 off. 11-Inch M5 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.99 ($99 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.99 ($99 off) 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,576.00 ($123 off) 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,480.80 ($518 off) 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off) 13-Inch M5 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.99 ($99 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.99 ($99 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,785.00 ($114 off) 2TB Wi-Fi - $2,092.09 ($206 off) 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $2,219.00 ($180 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Introduces Massive Discounts on M5 iPad Pro, Get Up to $518 Off Select Models" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/m5-ipad-pro-get-518-off/

2026-01-07 13:27:41 UTC

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Logitech users on macOS found themselves locked out of their mouse customizations yesterday after the company let a security certificate expire, breaking both its Logi Options+ and G HUB configuration apps. Logitech devices like its MX Master series mice and MX Keys keyboards stopped working properly as a result of the oversight, with users unable to access their custom scrolling setup, button mappings, and gestures. It wasn't long before the Logitech subreddit was awash with frustrated reports as people discovered their configured peripherals had suddenly reverted to default settings. The Developer ID certificate is the digital signature macOS uses to verify legitimate software. When Logitech allowed its certificate to lapse, the company's apps lost verified authenticity. As such, macOS refused to run them, in some cases leading to an endless boot loop. Logitech has since released a patch for macOS 26 Tahoe, macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 14 Sonoma, and macOS 13 Ventura that resolves the issue. However, users need to download and install it themselves, since the certificate expiry also prevented the apps' built-in updaters from working. Older macOS versions will get a fix "at a later time," said Logitech in a support page acknowledging the issue. On a positive note, it seems user settings survived the blunder, with Logitech promising that profiles and customizations remain intact after manual patching is completed. "We dropped the ball here. This is an inexcusable mistake," Logitech spokesperson ATXsantucci admitted on Reddit. "We're extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused." (Thanks, Brad!)Tag: LogitechThis article, "Logitech Blames 'Inexcusable Mistake' After Certificate Expiry Breaks macOS Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/logitech-certificate-breaks-macos-apps/

2026-01-07 11:28:45 UTC

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Apple's adoption of a 200-megapixel camera for a future iPhone is still some ways off, according to a prominent supply chain leaker who says such a sensor is not currently part of Apple's active prototype testing. In a post on Weibo, Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station said that 200-megapixel camera sensors are being discussed in the supply chain, but they have not appeared in iPhone engineering prototypes undergoing real-world imaging tests. Instead, Apple's current camera development work is said to remain focused on refining 48-megapixel systems, as per previous reports. The leaker's comments follow a research note from Morgan Stanley this week that suggested Apple is working to bring a 200-megapixel camera to the iPhone as soon as 2028. Digital Chat Station's remarks don't rule out such a move – indeed, the leaker said last May that Apple was looking at future adoption – but they do indicate that engineering-stage development on the sensor has yet to begin. Samsung introduced a 200-megapixel rear camera on its Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023, and the follow-up models also have one. With a 200-megapixel camera, an iPhone would be able to shoot photos with greater detail. The increased megapixel count would also result in higher-resolution photos, which can be cropped further and printed at larger sizes without a loss of image quality. However, Digital Chat Station says current Pro-series prototypes continue to test a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture, alongside a 48-megapixel telephoto camera featuring a longer focal length and a larger aperture. The leaker says these changes will be introduced later this year in iPhone 18 Pro models, indicating Apple is continuing its emphasis on optical flexibility and low-light performance, rather than a jump in raw resolution. The leaker adds that 200-megapixel sensors – reportedly supplied by Samsung – are currently only at a material or component evaluation stage. This typically refers to early feasibility checks within the supply chain, rather than integration into complete iPhone prototypes. Digital Chat Station also notes that Apple has shown interest in "multispectral imaging technology", though testing has reportedly not yet begun. Multispectral imaging could theoretically enable improved material/object detection and image processing, but there is no suggestion that such features are anywhere close to shipping.Tag: Digital Chat StationThis article, "200MP iPhone Camera Not Yet in Active Prototype Testing, Says Leaker" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/200mp-iphone-camera-not-yet-prototyped/

2026-01-07 08:30:00 UTC

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Lighting company Signify today announced a new SpatialAware scene feature that's coming to Philips Hue lights. SpatialAware scenes take into account the position of all of the Hue lights in a room, using an algorithm to distribute light in a more natural way. The savannah sunset scene with SpatialAware The SpatialAware feature analyzes the layout of each room in the home with Hue lights, and then lighting scenes are tailored to your personal space. Lighting is meant to feel more immersive and dynamic than before. The savannah sunset scene without SpatialAware Right now, when a Scene Gallery scene is activated, the different colors are randomly sent to different lights without the system knowing where those lights are positioned. SpatialAware allows color to be distributed more intentionally for a more natural look. A scene that's designed to mimic a sunset, for example, will set lamps on one side of the room to warm yellow tones to mimic the setting sun, while lamps on the other side are set to darker shades. SpatialAware requires the Hue Bridge Pro that came out last year, and it uses an iPhone or iPad camera to scan the room to figure out where each light is located. Scans can be updated with each new light that's added. SpatialAware will be accessible through the Scene Gallery, and it is an optional setting. At launch, SpatialAware will be compatible with around half of the light scenes available in the Scene Gallery, and it has been designed primarily for nature-based scenes like lake mist, mountain breeze, and savanna sunset. Along with SpatialAware, Signify is adding support for migrating multiple Hue bridges to a single Bridge Pro during the Bridge Pro setup process, and it is bringing Apple Home support to the Hue Secure camera line. The Hue Secure Camera, Hue Secure video doorbell, and Hue contact sensors will work with Apple Home in the future, and users will be able to stream live video in picture-in-picture mode on the Apple TV and get real-time alerts using the Apple Home app. The Hue AI assistant has been updated with the ability to create automations based on natural language user requests, such as "wake me up at 6:45 a.m. every day except on Saturdays," and AI support is expanding to additional languages like Dutch, German, and Spanish. Automations for lights and accessories are also now listed in the Rooms and Zones they control for easier adjustment, with options to rearrange content to put the most used automations front and center. The new Hue SpatialAware feature is launching in spring 2026, while Apple Home support is coming in the first quarter of 2026. Multi-bridge migration and AI assistant automations are available now.Tags: CES 2026, Philips HueThis article, "CES 2026: Philips Hue Line Get New SpatialAware Scenes, Hue Cameras Gain HomeKit Support" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/philips-hue-spatialaware-scenes/

2026-01-06 21:06:45 UTC

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Intel introduced its latest processors at CES 2026, debuting the "Panther Lake" Intel Core Ultra Series 3. The chips are the most advanced manufactured in the U.S., according to Intel, and they are built on Intel's 18A process. 18A, or 18-angstrom, is the most advanced node Intel has designed to date, but Intel continues to trail TSMC. TSMC is developing Apple's next-generation 2nm chips, and they are expected to have higher transistor density and efficiency than Intel's 18A chips. Intel is developing several chips in the Ultra Series 3 line for both high-end and low-end laptops, with the top SKUs offering up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe cores (Intel's graphics architecture), and 50 NPU TOPS. Compared to prior-generation chips, Intel claims the Ultra Series 3 processors will bring up to 77 percent faster gaming performance, 60 percent better multithreaded performance, and up to 27 hours of battery life. Apple doesn't use Intel chips anymore, so the new Core Ultra Series 3 processors will be exclusive to PCs, but there are rumors that Intel could manufacture some Apple chips in the future. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Intel will make lower-end M-series chips for Apple's Macs built on the 18A process, using Apple chip designs. Intel could begin shipping chips to Apple as soon as mid-2027. The first laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips debuted atCES 2026, with more coming throughout the first half of the year.Tags: CES 2026, IntelThis article, "CES 2026: Intel Unveils 18A-Based Core Ultra Series 3 Chips Amid Rumors of Future Apple Partnership" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/intel-18a-core-ultra-series-3/

2026-01-06 18:44:27 UTC

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Apple is testing a Background Security Improvement feature that first rolled out in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. Developers and public beta testers who are running iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, ormacOS Tahoe26.3 can install a new Background Security Improvement update for testing purposes. According to Apple, Background Security Improvements provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Background Security Improvements can be installed by going to the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app, scrolling down, and selecting the "Install" option. If Automatically Install is toggled on, Background Security Improvements will be automatically installed when they come out. Apple says that users who opt not to install the Background Security Improvements will receive the updates in a standard software update. Apple previously had a Rapid Security Response update feature for delivering security improvements, but it wasn't used often after it was introduced in iOS 16, and was ultimately phased out in favor of Background Security Improvements. At one point in 2023, there was a Rapid Security Response bug that prevented some websites from displaying properly. Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in a subsequent software update.This article, "Apple Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/background-security-update-ios-26-3/

2026-01-06 18:24:01 UTC

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Birdbuddy debuted two new smart bird feeders, which are successors to its existing bird feeder options. The Birdbuddy 2 and the Birdbuddy 2 mini are set to launch later this year. The $199 Birdbuddy 2 features 2K HDR video, a wider field of view, dual integrated solar power, better audio, an improved extended perch, and more seed capacity. It was shown off earlier this year, and pre-orders have sold out, but it is set to launch in February 2026. There is a redesigned circular camera housing with options for mounting the camera in portrait or landscape orientation, and slow-motion recording is available. For the first time, an included microphone can record and identify birdsongs, with species identification taking into account audio. The $129 Birdbuddy 2 Mini has the same core camera technology as the Birdbuddy 2, but it comes in a simpler enclosure that's designed for first time smart bird feeder users and those with smaller yards or balconies. It has a smaller seed capacity, but comes with an easy-refill roof. A solar panel is an optional add-on. The Birdbuddy 2 Mini will be available for order around mid-2026, with a launch to follow later in the year. Birdbuddy is also showcasing the Petal Smart Nature Camera, which was introduced on Kickstarter last year. It is designed to identify birds and insects, and it can be placed anywhere outdoors. Petal cameras are set to ship out this summer. More information is available on the Birdbuddy website.Tag: CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: Birdbuddy Debuts New Smart Bird Feeders" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/birdbuddy-smart-bird-feeders/

2026-01-06 17:00:00 UTC

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Satechi today announced its first Thunderbolt 5 product, a dock that has an included SSD enclosure for adding storage. The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock with SSD Enclosure supports high-resolution multiple display setups, offering 80Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth with 120Gb/s Bandwidth Boost. The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock has a 5x5x2-inch form factor, and it is designed from aluminum to match Apple devices. It includes a 180W power supply with 140W host charging, so it is able to work with Apple's largest laptops. It also includes 30W PD power for smartphones and tablets. At the front of the CubeDock, there's a 30W/10Gb/s USB-C port, a headphone jack, a 10Gb/s USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a microSD card slot. The back features three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, a port for the power supply, a Thunderbolt 5 port to connect to a computer, a 10Gb/s USB-C port, a 10Gb/s USB-A port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. There is an integrated NVMe SSD enclosure that supports up to 8TB at 6000MB/s. There is an active cooling system that Satechi says is "whisper quiet" for optimal performance during heavy workloads. The CubeDock supports up to three 8K displays with 60Hz refresh rates on Windows PCs, or two 6K 60Hz displays on Macs. Multiple 4K displays with high refresh rates are supported as well. Satechi is also debuting a new Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable that supports 80Gb/s bidirectional data transfer, 240W power delivery, and dual 8K 60Hz displays. The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock can be pre-ordered from Satechi for $400, and it is set to ship in the first quarter of 2026. The Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable is available now for $40.Tags: CES 2026, SatechiThis article, "CES 2026: Satechi Launches Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/satechi-thunderbolt-5-cubedock/

2026-01-06 16:25:19 UTC

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Apple has historically resisted the idea of touchscreen MacBooks, arguing that laptop PCs with the feature are unwieldy and far from ergonomic. But recent reports suggest Apple has changed its tune, and the company is now rumored to be developing a touchscreen MacBook Pro. In the meantime, startup Intricuit has been showcasing its own solution at CES 2026 that brings touchscreen to existing MacBooks with Apple silicon. The Magic Screen is a snap-on digitizer that aligns to your MacBook's display using the built-in magnets that let your Mac know when the lid is closed to trigger sleep mode. After connecting it via a single USB-C cable, the tempered glass layer supports the gamut of gestures we've come to associate with smartphones – tapping, swiping, and zooming with your fingers directly on the screen. In a nod to the iPad and Apple Pencil, the Magic Screen also comes with its own stylus that supports pressure sensitivity and stylus hover for drawing, writing, manipulating objects, and navigation. The company has shown off the touchscreen in action with apps like SketchUp, Miro, and Resolume Arena. It also supports iPhone Mirroring, allowing you to interact with iOS apps on your MacBook display with your fingers. The Magic Screen includes a built-in battery that Intricuit says works for up to 100 hours on a single charge, and it comes with a Folio Case that also folds into a stand that braces against the MacBook screen to reduce wobble. When removed from the MacBook display, the device also doubles as a standalone drawing tablet. As for Apple's plans, a report by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the company's first OLED MacBook Pro will feature a touchscreen display. Kuo made the remarks in September 2025, and the claim has since been corroborated by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who added that the touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro will retain a full trackpad and keyboard. According to Kuo, the OLED panel will use on-cell touch technology, which integrates the touch sensors directly into the display panel's top layer (the "cell") rather than requiring a separate, dedicated touch layer like the Magic Screen. The analyst added that the shift "appears to reflect Apple's long-term observation of iPad user behavior, indicating that in certain scenarios, touch controls can enhance both productivity and the overall user experience." M6 MacBook Pro: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect The reports suggest Apple is aiming to launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro as soon as late 2026 or early 2027. Meanwhile, Intricuit says the Magic Screen is compatible with all MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by Apple silicon, and that it will soon be available on Kickstarter, with shipping on track to begin in the first quarter of this year. Does the idea of a touchscreen display on a Mac appeal to you? Let us know in the comments. Tag: CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: Snap-On Accessory Adds Touch Display to Your MacBook" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/magic-touchscreen-macbooks-before-apple/

2026-01-06 14:35:33 UTC

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You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $799.00 today on Amazon, down from $999.00. You'll find similar $200 discounts across nearly the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, and all of these deals are being matched at Best Buy. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. If you're looking for the larger model, you can get the 15-inch 256GB computer for $999.00, down from $1,199.00. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week. $200 OFF13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $799.00 $200 OFF15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $999.00 These prices are solid second-best prices on the M4 MacBook Air, and we haven't tracked record low prices since before Christmas. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Takes $200 Off M4 MacBook Air, Starting at $799" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/200-off-m4-macbook-air-3/

2026-01-06 13:27:19 UTC

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Apple's iPhone 17e will feature upgrades including a pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout and a downclocked A19 chip, with mass production set to begin this month, claims a Chinese leaker. The current iPhone 16e features a "notch" at the top of the display, similar to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, and contains Apple's A18 chip with a 4-core GPU, instead of the 5-core GPU version found in the iPhone 16. However, according to "Smart Pikachu," a Weibo account that has previously shared accurate supply-chain details on Android hardware, these two elements are set to be replaced on the forthcoming iPhone 17e. Aside from Neural Engine improvements, performance from a downclocked A19 chip could be roughly comparable to Apple's A17 Pro chip, while the Dynamic Island would add the newer interactive area at the top of the screen that displays ongoing activities, incorporating the camera and other front-facing sensors. Otherwise, the iPhone 17e is expected to retain a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, according to the leaker. The leaker known as "Digital Chat Station" has previously claimed the iPhone 17e could have a Dynamic Island and an A19 chip, so the assertions made by Smart Pikachu aren't entirely new. However, another rumor has claimed the iPhone 17e will continue to use the same iPhone 14-based OLED panel as the iPhone 16e, but with slimmed down bezels. If that's the case, then the iPhone 17e will still feature a notch. Elsewhere, rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will gain a magnetic ring that will allow it to connect to MagSafe chargers, which is not an option with the iPhone 16e. To cut down on costs, the device may also be equipped with either the older C1 or C1X modem, but no N1 wireless chip, based on leaked Apple code. Smart Pikachu says mass production of the device will begin "after CES," suggesting commencement on or after January 9. The claim is broadly in line with reports that the iPhone 17e will launch in spring, possibly around a year after the launch of the iPhone 16e in February. The $599 starting price is not expected to change. Smart Pikachu has previously claimed Apple is testing under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro models, but so far the leaker's reputation for Apple rumors remains unproven.Related Roundup: iPhone 16eTag: Smart PikachuBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "iPhone 17e Again Rumored to Feature Dynamic Island, A19 Chip" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/iphone-17e-dynamic-island-a19-chip/

2026-01-06 12:29:36 UTC

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KEYi Tech, the company behind the Loona companion robot and ClicBot modular robot, is showing off a new take on AI assistants at CES 2026 called DeskMate, which is exclusively for iPhone. Rather than building another standalone robot, the company has gone with a desktop charging hub that turns an attached iPhone into an AI companion, using your device's existing display, camera, and microphone to bring it to life. Apart from three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the device features a rotating and tilting MagSafe charging stand that tracks your presence and keeps the iPhone facing you at all times during conversations. It even displays cute Pixar-style animated eyes on the screen. The companion app automatically activates when you attach an iPhone to the charging pad. From here, the DeskMate is able to handle voice commands, manage your calendar, set reminders, and answer questions throughout the day. According to the company, DeskMate can also initiate conversations, offer suggestions, or provide updates when you return to your desk. The AI companion integrates with workplace tools including Slack, email, and calendar apps, and it can also join video meetings to take notes or provide summaries. The idea is that it learns your routines and preferences over time, adapting its responses and suggestions accordingly. KEYi Tech says it plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in March for the device, which will be priced below $300, although the final costs are apparently still being finalized. Tag: CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: DeskMate MagSafe Charger Gives Your iPhone AI Personality" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/deskmate-magsafe-ai-charger-iphone/

2026-01-05 23:34:00 UTC

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OWC today announced the launch of a fully certified 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable, which OWC says is the longest Thunderbolt 5 cable available for Macs and PCs. The cable has been certified by Thunderbolt and independent testing labs, and it meets the full Thunderbolt 5 specification. It offers up to 80Gb/s bi-directional data performance, up to 120Gb/s video streaming performance for multiple displays, and 240W power delivery. The 2-meter cable is priced at $80, and it joins OWC's other Thunderbolt 5 cables in 0.3m, 0.8m, and 1m lengths. It is available from the OWC website. At CES, OWC is also debuting an 8TB Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD that supports transfer speeds of up to 6000MB/s, and a capacity expansion for the ThunderBlade X12 RAID SSD. It now supports up to 12 16TB SSDs for up to 192TB of storage, double the prior limit.Tags: CES 2026, OWCThis article, "CES 2026: OWC Launches 2-Meter Thunderbolt 5 Cable for Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/owc-2-meter-thunderbolt-5-cable/

2026-01-05 21:57:34 UTC

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With the release of iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple has improved the Wi-Fi speeds for select Macs and iPads that support Wi-Fi 6E. Updated Wi-Fi connectivity specifications are listed in Apple's platform deployment guide. The M4 iPad Pro models, M3 iPad Air models, A17 Pro iPad mini, M2 to M5 MacBook Pro models,M2, M3, and M4 MacBook Air models, and other Wi-Fi 6E Macs and iPads now support 160MHz maximum channel bandwidth when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, the same theoretical maximum throughput supported by 6GHz networks. Previously, these devices were limited to 80MHz. In ideal conditions, a 160MHz maximum means that iPad and Mac users should see faster file transfers, quicker uploads, and smoother streaming. Wi-Fi 6E devices can take advantage of 6GHz networks, but 5GHz networks remain far more common. 6GHz networks require new router hardware, along with a machine that can take advantage of a 6GHz network. With the upgrade, Wi-Fi 6E devices that connect to a 5GHz network can get throughput approaching peak 6GHz speeds without having to connect to a 6GHz network. Users who have a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E setup that supports 160MHz on 5GHz networks will be able to take advantage of the bandwidth improvement. Macs that have the updated 160MHz bandwidth limit will not see improvements when connected to 5GHz routers limited to 80MHz. Though 5GHz bandwidth has improved on select Macs and iPads, 6GHz networks still have the benefit of less congestion and more spectrum. (Thanks, Johnie!)This article, "iPadOS and macOS 26.2 Double 5GHz Wi-Fi Bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6E Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/wifi-6e-macs-ipads-bandwidth-increase/

2026-01-05 18:17:09 UTC

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Anker announced a new series of products at CES this week, and most of them will begin rolling out to customers later in January. A few of these devices, including the Nano Docking Station and 45W Nano Charger, have pre-order discounts on Anker's website, and we're also tracking big discounts in Anker's New Year's sale. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Normally $39.99, early adopters of the 45W Nano Charger can get it for $29.99 this week with Anker's automatically applied coupon code. As of writing, all colors are in stock except for the orange option. $10 OFFAnker 45W Nano Charger for $29.99 The new 45W Nano Charger features a Smart Display and a 180-degree foldable plug to ensure the display always faces where you want it to regardless of plug orientation. The accessory can also identify an iPhone model and provide the appropriate amount of power for fast charging while protecting battery health. $40 OFFAnker Nano Docking Station for $109.69 You can also get the new Nano Docking Station for the discounted price of $109.69 when pre-ordering, down from $149.99. This accessory includes a built-in removable hub so some features are available on-the-go. It supports three displays with up to a 4K resolution over DisplayPort and HDMI, and it offers 100W charging and 10Gb/s data transfer. Lastly, Anker is hosting a big New Year's sale this week, with up to 38 percent off popular charging accessories. In addition to the automatically applied discounts on each item, Anker is providing $10 off orders over $99, $15 off orders over $139, and $20 off orders over $179. UP TO 38% OFFAnker New Year's SaleAnker Chargers Nano II 65W Charger - $25.99, down from $39.99 Nano Wireless Car Charger - $39.99, down from $59.99 6-Port 200W Prime Charging Station - $59.99, down from $79.99 3-Port 67W Wall Charger (2-Pack) - $74.79, down from $99.98 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station - $109.69, down from $149.99 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station - $129.71, down from $199.99 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $145.98, down from $229.99 Anker SOLIX Anker 521 PowerHouse (300W) - $129.99, down from $249.99 Anker 535 PowerHouse (500W) - $249.00, down from $649.99 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $469.99, down from $799.00 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 + Solar Panel - $619.99, down from $1,298.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $719.99, down from $1,498.00 SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station - $1,199.00, down from $2,599.00 SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station - $2,199.99, down from $3,999.00 SOLIX F3000 + Expansion Battery + Solar Panel - $2,199.00, down from $5,397.00 SOLIX F3800 Plus Smart Home Power Kit - $5,798.00, down from $8,897.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Anker Introduces Pre-Order Discounts on 2026 Nano Chargers, Alongside Big New Year's Sale" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/anker-pre-order-nano-chargers/

2026-01-05 17:26:42 UTC

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Apple Vision Pro owners will be able to watch live basketball games in the Apple Immersive format starting on Friday, January 9, Apple said today. Apple is partnering with Spectrum to air Los Angeles Lakers games in 3D in the Spectrum SportsNet and NBA apps. The Apple Immersive basketball games will be available to Vision Pro users in the Lakers' regional broadcast territory, which includes Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of southern Nevada. Viewers will need Spectrum internet or a provider with a package that includes Spectrum SportsNet. ForApple Vision Prousers in other areas, Apple Immersive replays and highlights will be available nationwide and in select international markets where the Vision Pro is available (Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan will not have access). The first game replay will be available on Sunday, January 11. Replays are watchable by anyApple Vision Prouser with a free NBA ID. Apple says that the Spectrum Front Row Apple Immersive experience features a feed of up to 150Mb/s with seven unique viewing angles. Views include the scorer's table, the area beneath each basket, a high-and-wide view of the arena, the player tunnel, the broadcast booth, and a roaming courtside perspective for interviews and commentary from Mark Rogondino and former Lakers forward Danny Green. Viewers will be able to watch each pass, shot, and block up close, with in-game graphics like player rosters, shot clocks, and scores in 3D as if they're floating right in front of the viewer. Spatial Audio will make viewers feel as if they're watching right from the court. Apple Immersive Lakers games will air on January 9, February 5, February 20, March 5, March 10, and March 30, with times and a full schedule available on Apple's website.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Immersive Los Angeles Lakers Games Coming to Vision Pro on January 9" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/los-angeles-lakers-vision-pro/

2026-01-05 16:37:30 UTC

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2026 could finally be the year that the Apple Card receives a new financial partner, and this could lead to some changes for cardholders. As a refresher, the Apple Card launched in 2019, and it remains available in the U.S. only. The credit card can be managed in the iPhone's Wallet app, with key benefits including color-coded spending summaries, no fees, and Daily Cash cash back paid out daily. Apple Card holders can also open a high-yield savings account. In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chase Bank parent company JPMorgan was in "advanced talks" with Apple about replacing Goldman Sachs as the Apple Card's partner bank. Goldman Sachs has been gradually winding down its consumer lending business, following billions of dollars in losses, and Apple is reportedly willing to let them out of a contract that is otherwise supposed to run until 2030. Barclays and Synchrony were also reportedly in talks to become the Apple Card's new financial partner, but it is unclear if those companies are still in the running. As for the Apple Card's payment network, it had been reported that Visa and American Express had expressed interest in taking over for Mastercard. If the Apple Card does get a new financial partner, there could be updates to the card's features, policies, interest rates, customer service processes, and more. Chase Bank does not currently offer a high-yield savings account, so it is unclear what would happen to the Apple Card's savings account if they take over the credit card. Apple Card holders are currently being offered a 3.65% APY. You can apply for an Apple Card on Apple's website.Tag: Apple CardThis article, "What to Expect From the Apple Card This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/what-to-expect-from-apple-card-this-year/

2026-01-05 16:02:00 UTC

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Anker today announced several new charging options that are set to start rolling out to customers in January. There are three products in the Nano family, along with a new Anker multi-device charging station designed for the iPhone and Apple Watch. The $150 Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station offers 25W Qi2 fast charging for supportediPhonemodels, matching the speeds delivered through MagSafe. It can charge an iPhone 17 to 80 percent in 55 minutes. There is an included airflow cooling system that's meant to keep temperatures low to make charging more efficient, and the charger has a foldable design for travel. It is able to charge aniPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Anker says its new $40 45W Nano Charger is able to identify aniPhonemodel and then provide the appropriate amount of power for fast charging while protecting battery health. The special charging reduces phone battery temperature by nine degrees compared to other 45W chargers. It has a built-in smart display and a 180-degree foldable plug for travel and to ensure the screen always faces you regardless of plug orientation. The $70 Anker Nano Power Strip features six AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports, with 70W max available from either of the USB-C ports. Anker says that the power strip is meant to keep desks clutter-free thanks to the hidden AC outlets that tuck under a desk. Anker's $150 Nano Docking Station has a built-in removable hub so some of the functionality is available while on the go. It supports three displays with up to a 4K resolution over DisplayPort and HDMI, and it offers 100W charging and 10Gb/s data transfer. There are two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, a DisplayPort, an SD card slot, a microSD card slot, an audio jack, and two HDMI ports. The Nano Docking Station is available now from the Anker website. The 45W Nano Charger and Nano Power Strip will launch in late January, while the Prime Wireless Charging Station will launch in the first quarter of 2026.Tags: Anker, CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: Anker Unveils New Qi2 Charger, Nano Power Strip, and Docking Station" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/anker-ces-2026-qi2-charger/

2026-01-05 16:00:00 UTC

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Anker is showing off a long list of new products under its Eufy and Soundcore brands at CES 2026, ranging from new camera options to new sleep buds. The $300 Matter-enabled Smart Lock E40 is able to integrate with Apple Home, and it offers 3D face recognition for unlocking a door with a facial scan. It includes a 2K HD camera so it doubles as a security camera complete with night vision and wide-angle coverage. There is a 15,000 mAh main battery in the E40, and an 800 mAh backup battery. The $280 Video Doorbell S4 is equipped with OmniTrack technology to detect and track people, adjusting the zoom to keep visitors in frame as they approach the door. It features a 180-degree horizontal and vertical field-of-view for panoramic surveillance, and the 3K camera allows for monitoring from up to 26 feet away. Eufy's $200 Solar Wall Light Cam S4 offers 4K color night vision and an f/1.6 lens for clear images even in low light. The camera can be adjusted vertically by up to 45 degrees to eliminate blind spots, and it can be charged with a 2W solar panel or a 10,000 mAh battery. Multiple lighting modes are available, including daily lighting, security lighting, and festive lighting. Under the Soundcore brand, Anker is debuting the $180 AeroFit 2 Pro, which it describes as dual-form earbuds that allow for open-ear listening and Active Noise Cancellation in one product. The earbuds are designed to cut down on noise in loud environments while still allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. The $200 Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds feature a triple noise reduction system that blends Active Noise Cancellation, passive isolation, and adaptive snore masking to cut down on sleep interruptions. Anker is partnering with Calm to make Calm Sleep Stories available through the Soundcore app. Anker's AeroFit 2 Pro and Sleep A30 Special earbuds are available from the Soundcore website starting today. The Smart Lock E40 is launching in the first quarter of 2026 at Home Depot, while the Video Doorbell S4 and the Solar Wall Light Cam S4 will be available from the Eufy website in the first quarter.Tags: Anker, CES 2026, SoundcoreThis article, "CES 2026: Anker Unveils Soundcore Sleep Earbuds, Eufy HomeKit Smart Lock and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/ces-2026-eufy-soundcore-products/

2026-01-05 15:31:30 UTC

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Amazon and Best Buy have a few discounts on the iPad mini 7 for the New Year, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. You'll also find a few deals on cellular models during this sale. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Additionally, you can get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00, both $100 discounts and available in multiple colors. These sales are all solid second-best prices on the iPad mini 7. $100 OFF128GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $399.00 $100 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 $100 OFF512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00 Deals on cellular models are a bit rarer on Amazon, with one color of the 128GB cellular iPad mini 7 on sale for $549.00 and a few colors of the 256GB cellular iPad mini 7 on sale for $649.00, both $100 off. Best Buy has more options for cellular models, with nearly every device on sale at $100 off this week. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get $100 Off iPad Mini 7 in New Sale, Starting at $399" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/get-100-off-ipad-mini-7-3/

2026-01-05 11:44:12 UTC

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Withings has announced the Body Scan 2, a new smart scale that the French health tech company says can track over 60 longitudinal biomarker measurements that enable the early detection of health issues and can even predict longevity. Unveiled at CES 2026, the Body Scan 2 builds on its 2023 predecessor by adding several advanced features including Impedance Cardiography (ICG) to monitor heart pumping efficiency, and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) to assess cellular health and metabolic function. This version of the device also adds hypertension risk notifications. Withings says the all-in-one "longevity station" gets around the need for blood tests to track metabolic health, instead using foot sweat stimulation and cellular membrane analysis, though the company is keen to note that the features are meant to be early warning signs rather than being diagnostic. Body Scan 2 users receive a Health Trajectory score that synthesizes all of this biomarker data into a single metric representing predicted years of healthy life. The scale also tracks heart age, patterns of glycemic dysregulation – a potential precursor toward prediabetes – and artery elasticity. Users can customize what to monitor, and the tracking then happens automatically when they step on the scale, though the most extensive scans can take up to 90 seconds. One notable design change from the original moves the color display from the scale's base into the retractable handle, which houses four electrodes. Combined with eight EKG-capable electrodes on the scale's glass surface, the device creates a full-body circuit for what Withings claims are more accurate measurements than typical foot-only smart scales. The Body Scan 2 costs $600 and will launch in the second quarter of 2026, pending FDA clearance for its hypertension risk and atrial fibrillation detection features, with a launch also planned in the U.K., Australia and Europe. The original Body Scan remains available at $399. Withings says the device complies with GDPR and HIPAA privacy standards, with all health data encrypted.Tags: CES 2026, WithingsThis article, "CES 2026: Withings Unveils Body Scan 2 With Hypertension Detection" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/05/withings-body-scan-2-smart-scale/

2026-01-04 16:04:23 UTC

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Now that the calendar has flipped over into January, steep discounts on popular Apple products have become more rare after the holidays. However, if you didn't get a new pair of AirPods recently and are looking for a model on sale, Amazon does have a few solid second-best prices this week. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This includes the AirPods 4 for $99.00, down from $129.00, the AirPods Pro 3 for $219.99, down from $249.00, and the AirPods Max for $449.99, down from $549.00. Most of these AirPods will arrive around January 9 with free shipping options, but Prime members should see delivery dates within the next few days in most cases. $30 OFFAirPods 4 for $99.00 $29 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $219.99 $99 OFFAirPods Max for $449.99 It's also worth noting that if you prefer to shop at Best Buy, you'll find all of these sales being matched at that retailer right now. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "AirPods New Year's Deals Include Up to $99 Off AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/04/airpods-new-years-deals/

2026-01-03 00:33:00 UTC

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Apple is planning to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, which will apparently compete with more affordable Chromebooks and Windows PCs. Apple's most affordable Mac right now is the $999 MacBook Air, and the upcoming low-cost MacBook is expected to be cheaper. Here's what we know about the low-cost MacBook so far. Size Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will have a display that's around 13 inches in size. TheMacBook Airhas a 13.6-inch display, so the more affordable MacBook will likely be slightly smaller. It's sounding like it won't be too far off from the 13-inchMacBook Air, though. There are no details on how thick it might be, but Apple probably won't prioritize a thin design for a machine optimized for a low price, even though some people are hoping that it will also be ultra thin. Ultra thin usually means more engineering work and higher-cost components for the display and other parts, but it can also sometimes be achieved by removing features. A thinner enclosure isn't entirely out of the question if Apple cuts features to reduce costs, but at the same time, reducing size leads to lower battery life, and Apple probably wants to have decent battery to compete with or outmatch cheap Windows laptops. Since theMacBook Aircan run fine with an M-series chip and no fan in an enclosure that's 0.44 inches thick, there's no real reason for the MacBook to be any thicker than that, unless Apple wants to add a bigger battery. Design and Display The low-cost MacBook will have a standard LCD display with no mini-LED technology or ProMotion refresh rate. It won't be able to compete with higher-end laptops in terms of brightness or HDR support. It's probably best to think of it like the low-cost iPad, which offer excellent performance but uses much older display technology. Apple could make the low-cost MacBook in bright colors like the iMac to appeal to children and to clearly position it as a lower-cost device. There are no rumors of this, but it would also make some sense for Apple to return to the plastic casing of some of its original MacBook models. Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook Pro could come in colors like silver, blue, pink, and yellow. A-Series Chip Apple is planning to use its A18 Pro chip in the MacBook, which is a chip that was first used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The A18 Pro is built on Apple's second-generation 3-nanometer process, featuring 8GB RAM and support for Apple Intelligence. It's fast and efficient, and more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the A18 Pro offers single-core CPU performance scores at the level of the M3 Ultra, and multi-core performance scores higher than the M1 chip that Apple used in the first Apple siliconMacBook Air. Metal scores that measure GPU performance are also similar to theM1chip Metal scores. The A18 Pro will be equivalent to theM1for some tasks, and faster for other tasks. Apple no longer sells theM1MacBook Airfrom its own store, but it has offered the machine through Walmart at a $599 price point. Capabilities With the A18 Pro chip, the low-cost MacBook would be able to do anything that can be done on aniPhone 16Pro. It would be a suitable replacement for the low-costiPadpaired with a keyboard, and it would also supportApple Intelligencefeatures. As of now, aniPadis essentially the only option for a low-cost portable device that can serve as a computer, but the low-cost MacBook will add a solution that runs macOS instead of iPadOS. Tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, creating documents, editing photos, and even light video editing would be no problem. A low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro chip could play all of Apple'siPadand iPhone games, including Apple Arcade titles, but it would not work well with high-end system intensive games. It would also likely run apps like Final Cut Pro, but speeds for things like exporting video would not be as quick as with a more powerful Mac. Apple probably won't go all out on ports, and the MacBook is likely to get just a single USB-C port, though two like theMacBook Airis also possible. The A18 Pro chip is efficient, and there's a lot of space inside a 13-inch enclosure for a battery, so we could be looking at MacBook Air-level battery life or better. TheMacBook Air's battery lasts for up to 18 hours when watching videos, or 15 hours when browsing the web. Price There are no specific details on price as of yet, but Bloomberg claims it will cost "well under $1,000." TheMacBook Airis priced starting at $999, so the MacBook will need to be priced lower than that. Apple has a 13-inch iPad Air that has a display in the same range rumored for the low-cost MacBook, and it's priced at $799. TheiPad Airhas a higher-end M-series processor though, so the low-cost MacBook could be priced below theiPad Air. The closestiPadapproximation for the chip is the iPad mini, which has an A17 Pro and is priced at $499. A price somewhere between $499 and $799 could make sense looking at Apple's existing product lineup. Launch Timing Apple is expected to launch the low-cost MacBook in the first half of 2026. Updates are planned for theMacBook Airin early 2026, and the low-cost model could launch sometime in that same timeframe. If you're thinking about picking up a computer for lightweight tasks like document editing, web browsing, watching videos, and doing homework, you might want to wait to see what Apple has in store before buying aMacBook Air, aniPad, or a more affordable Windows machine or Chromebook. Read More For more information on Apple's cheap MacBook, we have a dedicated guide.This article, "Apple's 2026 Low-Cost A18 MacBook Pro: What We Know So Far" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/low-cost-macbook-pro-rumors/

2026-01-02 23:39:00 UTC

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Pebble today announced that it is bringing back the Pebble Time Round, one of its most iconic smartwatches from a decade ago. The new Pebble Round 2 builds on the Pebble Time Round, eliminating some of the compromises that had to be made with the original model. The Pebble Round 2 features a bezel-free 1.3-inch color e-paper display, and it comes in matte black, brushed silver, and rose gold. Advances in Bluetooth technology mean that it lasts for up to two weeks before needing to be recharged, and it remains as thin as the original. The device runs the open-source PebbleOS operating system, and it is designed to work with iOS and Android smartphones. It supports basic sleep tracking and activity tracking, but it is not a fitness watch, so there is no heart rate tracking. Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky brought back the Pebble brand earlier this year after Google released the source code for PebbleOS. After going bankrupt in 2016, Pebble was sold to Fitbit, and then Fitbit was bought by Google. Migicovsky has been vocal about how Apple's restrictions for third-party smartwatches limit how the Pebble works with an iPhone. He has complained that Apple makes it "nearly impossible" for third-party wearable developers to create an experience that mirrors the Apple Watch experience. The Pebble Round 2 can be pre-ordered from the rePebble website for $199, and it is set to ship out to customers in May.Tag: PebbleThis article, "Pebble Round 2 Brings Back Classic Smartwatch, Pre-Orders Now Open" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/pebble-round-2-pre-orders/

2026-01-02 21:36:49 UTC

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Language learning app Duolingo has apparently been using the iPhone's Live Activity feature to display ads on the Lock Screen and the Dynamic Island, which violates Apple's design guidelines. According to multiple reports on Reddit, the Duolingo app has been displaying an ad for a "Super offer," which is Duolingo's paid subscription option. Apple's guidelines for Live Activity state that the feature cannot be used to display ads or promotions. From Apple's developer website: Don't use a Live Activity to display ads or promotions. Live Activities help people stay informed about ongoing events and tasks, so it's important to display only information that's related to those events and tasks. Apps that violate Apple's interface guidelines can be pulled from the App Store. We were not able to replicate the Live Activity ad, so it's possible that Duolingo stopped displaying it after user complaints.This article, "Duolingo Used iPhone's Dynamic Island to Display Ads, Violating Apple Design Guidelines" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/duolingo-dynamic-island-ad/

2026-01-02 19:21:57 UTC

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Birdfy today debuted two new products, the Birdfy Feeder Vista and the Birdfy Hum Bloom, which join the company's line of camera-equipped accessories designed for bird watching. The Birdfy Feeder Vista is a 360-degree smart bird feeder that features two cameras able to capture 14-megapixel panoramic images and record 6K HD video. The Vista is a pole-based camera option that offers a bottom-up feeding system. There's an air pump that feeds seed into a sealed lower container to the feeding tray, so there is no seed hopper that blocks the view of the camera. Users are able to switch between the 360-degree perspective and a more traditional wide-angle view. As with other Birdfy feeders, the AI will identify birds that visit, but the Vista includes 120-fps slow-motion video for bird landings and flights. The camera is triggered via weight sensors instead of motion, so bird visits aren't missed. The Vista uses an LLM-powered AI that uses contextual understanding and biological reasoning to identify birds with greater accuracy. Birdfy says that the included air pump feeding system is able to control feed speed and portion size to cut down on waste and encourage healthier feeding habits. Seed is stored in an antibacterial seed container to minimize contamination and to cut down on refill frequency. The feeder is made from a high-strength nylon that is reinforced with glass fiber, and there is a snap-on modular system for adding accessories to attract more kinds of birds. Along with the Vista, Birdfy is debuting the Birdfy Hum Bloom, a feeder designed for hummingbirds. The feeder is able to capture 8-megapixel images or 120 fps slow-motion videos, and like the Vista, the Hum Bloom is designed not to obstruct the camera's view. A flower-shaped nectar bulb delivers nectar in a shape that's familiar to birds, with no visible feeding tray in images. Included sensors can track nectar level, sending an alert when a refill is needed. There's an included ant moat, and a solar panel for continuous power. Birdfy says that the feeder uses an AI model that's trained specifically on hummingbirds, a feature that sets it apart from other camera-equipped hummingbird feeders. More information about the feeders will be coming later this year. Tag: CES 2026This article, "CES 2026: Birdfy Debuts Hummingbird and 360-Degree Vista Feeders" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/ces-2026-birdfy-bird-feeders/

2026-01-02 14:41:37 UTC

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Apple's Vision Pro headset is still failing to see appeal among consumers, according to a new report from the Financial Times. Data from IDC claims that Apple shipped 390,000 Vision Pro units in 2024. IDC expected Apple to ship just 45,000 new Vision Pro units in the latest quarter of 2025. The Financial Times stressed that this compares to millions of iPhones, iPads and MacBooks sold each quarter. Luxshare, the Vision Pro's assembler, apparently halted production of the headset at the start of 2025. According to Sensor Tower, Apple has apparently reduced digital advertising spending for the Vision Pro by more than 95% over the past year in key markets including the United States and United Kingdom. The report also noted that Apple did little to expand the device's international rollout in 2025. Morgan Stanley analysts told the Financial Times that "the cost, form factor and the lack of VisionOS native apps are the reasons why the Vision Pro never sold broadly." Since the device's debut in 2024, critics have highlighted practical shortcomings such as the device's weight, discomfort during extended use, and limited battery life. Apple is said to be struggling with a platform adoption problem, with an insufficient number of users to motivate developers and insufficient apps to attract users. Apple says around 3,000 apps are designed specifically for Vision Pro, a figure that lags far behind the rapid growth of the iPhone App Store after its launch in 2008. Appfigures notes that this total likely includes niche and industry-specific software. The challenges facing the Vision Pro reflect broader weakness in the virtual reality market. According to Counterpoint Research, global VR headset shipments declined 14% year on year. Meta still dominates the sector, accounting for around 80% of sales with its Quest headsets, which are significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro but less technologically advanced. Even so, Meta has reportedly scaled back its own marketing spend for VR hardware, suggesting limited consumer momentum across the category.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTags: Financial Times, IDC, Sensor TowerBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Report: Apple Vision Pro Is Still Failing to Catch On" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/02/vision-pro-still-failing-to-catch-on/

2026-01-01 19:52:45 UTC

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As we shared in our annual What to Expect Guide yesterday, 2026 is going to be a busy year for Apple. There are a lot of firsts in development, including the first foldable iPhone and the first OLED MacBook, plus an all new home hub device that will kick off Apple's major expansion into smart home devices and robotics. We'll get new M5 Macs and new iPads early in the year, along with an updatediPhone17e. In the spring, we're expecting iOS 26.4 with the revamped version of Siri, and the home hub, a new Apple TV, and a new HomePod mini could launch in that same timeframe. We're aware of what's likely to launch based on rumors and past release information, but we'd love to hear from the MacRumors community. What do you want to see Apple release this year? Are you excited for the new version ofSiri? Planning to get aniPhoneFold? What do you want to see from iOS 27 and macOS 27? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect guide for an overview of the current rumors. We'll be hearing a lot more about Apple's 2026 plans in the coming months, and you can count on us to have in-depth coverage of every rumor that surfaces. If you want to discuss Apple's 2026 products, our MacRumors forums are an excellent resource, plus they're a great place to get help on current Apple products and software, or to find like-minded folks in the Apple community. Our readers and our forum members continue to make MacRumors the number one source for Apple news, rumors, and advice, so thank you for being here! MacRumors celebrated its 25th birthday this year, thanks to the MacRumors community. We're looking forward to another year of rumors and product launches in 2026, and we hope you are too. Happy New Year!This article, "What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2026?" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/what-do-you-want-to-see-from-apple-in-2026/

2026-01-01 16:43:10 UTC

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Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, theiPhone 18is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving theiPhone 17in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months. This would mark the first time Apple skips an entire calendar year without releasing a new generation of its flagship non-ProiPhone. For more than a decade, Apple has introduced its mainlineiPhonelineup in the fall, with all core models launching simultaneously in September. That pattern is expected to change this year, when the company is widely rumored to split its upcomingiPhonereleases across two distinct release windows rather than unveiling the entire lineup at once. Under this strategy, Apple is expected to prioritize higher-end models in the fall while delaying lower-cost or standard models until the following year. As a result, Apple is not expected to ship theiPhone 18in 2026. Instead, reports indicate that Apple plans to launch theiPhone 18Pro,iPhone 18Pro Max, and foldableiPhonein the usual fall timeframe, while holding the standardiPhone 18back until the spring of 2027, where it will launch alongside theiPhone18e and iPhone Air 2. The rumored change is tied to Apple's expandingiPhonelineup. With the introduction of the iPhone 16e andiPhone Airin 2025, the expected debut of the first foldableiPhonein 2026, and the continued presence of older models like the iPhone 16 andiPhone 16Plus, there could be at least eight distinctiPhonemodels on sale from Apple by the end of 2026. A staggered release schedule would allow the company to further differentiate its models, give them a longer sales window without internal competition, and spreadiPhonelaunches more evenly across the year. Supply chain analysts have also pointed to manufacturing and logistics benefits as a factor behind the rumored shift. By spacing out launches, Apple could reduce production bottlenecks, better manage component supply for advanced technologies, and smooth revenue recognition across fiscal quarters rather than concentratingiPhonesales in a single period.This article, "No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/01/no-iphone-18-launch-this-year/

2025-12-31 16:39:45 UTC

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Apple today added the final 13-inch MacBook Air powered by Intel processors, the Apple Watch Series 5, and additional products to its vintage products list. The iPhone 11 Pro was also added to the list after the iPhone 11 Pro Max was added back in September. The full list of products added to Apple's vintage and obsolete list today: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) iPhone 8 Plus 128GB - other capacities were already vintage iPhone 11 Pro iPad Air 3, Wi-Fi + Cellular - Wi-Fi-only models not yet vintage Apple Watch Series 5, Aluminum, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5, Aluminum, 44mm Apple Watch Series 5, Ceramic, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5, Ceramic, 44mm Apple Watch Series 5 Hermes, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5 Hermes, 44mm Apple Watch Series 5 Nike, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5 Nike, 44mm Apple Watch Series 5, Stainless Steel, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5, Stainless Steel, 44mm Apple Watch Series 5, Titanium, 40mm Apple Watch Series 5, Titanium, 44mm The final Intel MacBook Air was introduced in March 2020 and featured a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3, 1.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, or 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, depending on configuration. It only remained on the market for eight months before it was discontinued when Apple debuted the M1 MacBook Air in November of that year as part of its initial Apple silicon launch. Apple considers a device to be vintage after more than five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers may offer repairs for vintage devices, but only if parts remain available. In addition to the newly vintage products, Apple today shifted the special-edition Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones released in 2018 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse from the vintage list to the obsolete list. Apple considers a device to be obsolete once more that seven years have passed since it was offered for sale, and hardware service is generally unavailable for those devices. Mac laptops are, however, eligible for an extended battery-only repair period of up to 10 years from the date of discontinuation, subject to parts availability.Tag: Vintage and Obsolete Apple ProductsThis article, "Apple Says Final Intel MacBook Air and Apple Watch Series 5 Now 'Vintage'" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/31/final-intel-macbook-air-apple-watch-series-5-vintage/

2025-12-31 16:26:08 UTC

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Apple's AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $64.98 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around January 5, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $2 of the Amazon all-time low price, which we last tracked during Black Friday. If you're shopping for a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $19.00, down from $29.00. $10 OFFAirTag 1-Pack for $19.00 $34 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $64.98 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get an AirTag 4-Pack for Just $64.98 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/31/airtag-4-pack-for-64-98/

2025-12-30 23:52:08 UTC

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Apple plans to enter the foldable smartphone market in September 2026, debuting its first foldable iPhone. We've heard multiple rumors about the design of the upcoming device, but little has been revealed about the operating system or the software features. Rumors suggest theiPhoneFold will be around 5.4 inches when closed, and approximately 7.6 inches when open, giving it a 4:3 aspect ratio. We did a video featuring a roughiPhoneFold mockup at those dimensions yesterday, which provides an idea of what the device will look like. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. When unfolded, the upcomingiPhonewill be bigger than anyiPhoneto date, and not too far off in size from the original iPad mini. The currentiPad minihas an 8.3-inch screen size, but the first models had a 7.9-inch display. Since theiPhoneFold's inner display will be close to an iPad in size, will it run iOS or iPadOS? Will it work like a standardiPhonewhen the display is closed, and aniPadwhen it's open? Or will it get something in between? We haven't heard much about iOS 27 as of yet or what Apple has in store for theiPhoneFold, so it's still a mystery. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that iOS 27 will lay the foundation for the foldableiPhoneand future foldables, but that's about it. With a larger display, theiPhoneFold will probably support some kind of split screen view or multitasking option, perhaps even adopting Slide Over. Apple Pencil support for a 7.6-inch display could make sense, but theiPhoneFold's display will be an awkward middle size between aniPhoneand aniPad. We haven't heard rumors that theiPhoneFold will work with theApple Pencil, but we also haven't heard rumors that it won't.Apple Pencilsupport could be useful for quick note taking, sketches, signing documents, editing photos and videos, and more. Steve Jobs famously said "Nobody wants a stylus," but in the years since he touted the ergonomics of the finger, the stylus has evolved. TheApple Pencilisn't one of the tiny plastic pens or imprecise rubber-tipped styluses that were around back in 2007 when Jobs commented on them. It's a writing implement that accurately mimics a pen or a pencil, and it feels natural to use. Samsung's foldables supported the optional S Pen for many years, but the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 dropped the feature for a thinner and lighter design, which might not bode well for Apple offering the functionality. Rumors suggest theiPhoneFold is going to be somewhere around 4.5mm thick when unfolded, which will make it thinner than Apple's 5.1mm iPad Pro, the thinnest Apple device to date. Some dedicated Samsung Galaxy Fold users are unhappy with the feature's removal, so there are definitely foldable smartphone customers out there who like the flexibility of being able to use a stylus. Rumors suggest that Samsung is considering bringing S Pen support back to the next-generation Galaxy Fold, which will, coincidentally, have a shorter, wider design to match the iPhone Fold. If Apple implementsApple Pencilsupport and Samsung doesn't, it's possible Apple will draw some switchers who don't want to use a foldable without a pen option. The opposite is also a possibility, so Apple could lose customers who don't want a foldable without a pen. Google didn't design a stylus for the Pixel Fold, but it did implement support for the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI), so the device works with third-party USI pens. USI pens don't have the same functionality as theApple Pencil, lacking features like pressure sensitivity, but the basic stylus functionality is there for those who want it. Apple could do something similar to Google. Add support for theApple Pencilfor those who want it, without making it a primary marketing point. That would make theApple Pencilavailable for those who want the extra functionality, but it wouldn't be a necessity. Apple could also design aniPhoneFold-specificApple Pencilthat is sized to the device and able to be charged with it, but it all depends on how Apple wants to market theiPhoneFold. If it's marketed as aniPhone,Apple Pencilsupport is unlikely. Apple has long championed a touch-first approach, and noApple Pencilsupport for theiPhoneclearly separates it from theiPad. If it's marketed as aniPhoneandiPadhybrid device,Apple Pencilsupport seems like more of a possibility. Apple might not be able to implementApple Pencilsupport at all because of technical limitations. Rumors suggest that theiPhoneFold is so thin that it doesn't have the space for the TrueDepth camera hardware for Face ID, so Apple is instead adding a Touch ID button to the device. With space at such a premium, a digitizer layer for theApple Pencilis probably impossible. Apple also needs to take into account how anApple Pencilwould impactiPhoneFold features like the crease in the middle, and that might add too much complication. Even if the first-generationiPhoneFold doesn't getApple Pencilsupport, it could be a feature that Apple adds in the future as display technology improves. Do you wantApple Pencilsupport for theiPhoneFold? Let us know in the comments below.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "Will the Apple Pencil Work With the iPhone Fold?" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/30/apple-pencil-iphone-fold/

2025-12-30 18:39:22 UTC

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iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners are having trouble with the speakers of their devices, and have complained about a static or hissing noise that occurs when the iPhone is charging. There are multiple discussions about the issue on Reddit, the MacRumors forums, and Apple's Support Community, where affected users say there is a noticeable static noise "like an old radio." Some people report hearing it when playing audio and turning the volume down, while others say the static is audible without anything playing from the speakers. In some cases, there is a low crackle or a hiss when scrolling through webpages when theiPhoneis charging, and some people hear the noise at low volumes even when theiPhoneisn't on a charger. Affected users report that the noise can be heard with chargers of all types, including Apple's official chargers. MagSafe charging causes the problem as well, but users report that the static noise is quieter. Unplugging theiPhonefrom the charger eliminates the sound for users who are experiencing the static noise when charging. SomeiPhone 17 Prousers have exchanged their devices for new ones, but have run into the same issue. One Reddit user has been in contact with Apple support, and says the issue has been forwarded to Apple engineers. Apple is apparently working on a fix, but the iOS updates that have been released so far do not appear to solve the problem. The sound is subtle according to most reports, so it may be a widespread issue that only those sensitive to the noise have noticed.This article, "iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/30/iphone-17-pro-static-noise/

2025-12-30 13:47:04 UTC

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Apple this week revealed its annual New Year Sale in Japan, offering Apple Gift Cards worth up to ¥38,000 alongside a free limited-edition AirTag for qualifying iPhone purchases. TheAirTagfeatures a special engraving of a Daruma, a traditional Japanese talisman commonly associated with perseverance, good fortune, and the achievement of goals. TheAirTagoffer is limited to 65,000 units in total and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. だるまAirTagかわいいな＞＞Appleの初売りまた、初売り限定の特別バージョンとして、Daruma（だるま）をあしらったAirTagも登場。対象のiPhone 16、iPhone 16 Plus、iPhone 16eを購入した先着6万5000名にプレゼントされます。#Apple #Apple初売り pic.twitter.com/TYpXqwYRla—Noric2025 (@Noric2014) December 26, 2025 Customers can receive gift cards worth up to ¥12,000 for eligibleiPhonepurchases, up to ¥38,000 for Mac purchases, and up to ¥15,000 for iPad purchases. Apple Watch purchases qualify for gift cards worth up to ¥8,000, while AirPods purchases are eligible for gift cards valued at up to ¥12,000. The promotion will run from January 2 through January 5 and is available through Apple retail stores and the Apple Online Store in Japan. The New Year Sale has become a recurring annual event for Apple in Japan, where holiday retail traditions differ from those in the United States and Europe. Tag: JapanThis article, "Apple to Give Away Free Limited-Edition AirTag in Japan" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/30/apple-to-give-away-limited-edition-airtag-in-japan/

2025-12-30 09:00:00 UTC

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2025 was a significant year of advancement for Apple's software, with a noticeable focus on visual design, productivity, and communication. While Apple introduced and continued to iterate on a wide range of features throughout the year, several additions stood out for their scope and practical impact across multiple devices. As the year comes to an end, these five new features provide a useful lens for weighing up what the company focused on this year and how far its platforms evolved in 2025. Liquid Glass This year's most immediately visible change is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new system-wide visual design language applied across Apple's operating systems. Liquid Glass replaces many of the flat, opaque UI elements introduced over the past decade with layered translucency, subtle refraction, and motion-responsive surfaces that react to underlying content. Navigation bars, sidebars, control panels, and system overlays now appear as semi-transparent sheets that blend into their surroundings rather than sitting on top of them. Apple framed this as a unifying material across platforms rather than a purely aesthetic refresh, with the same visual logic appearing on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. In practice, it is one of Apple's biggest visual redesigns since the original iOS 7 shift away from skeuomorphism, and it signals a renewed focus on making the interface feel fresh, spatial, playful, and responsive rather than static. Revamped iPad Multitasking On theiPad, the most consequential change is the introduction of an all-new multitasking system with windows and a macOS-style Menu Bar and cursor in iPadOS 26. Apps can now run in freely resizable windows rather than being constrained to fixed split-screen layouts, allowing multiple overlapping windows to coexist on screen. Alongside this, a Menu Bar appears at the top of the display when invoked, exposing app commands in a structured, searchable format similar to macOS. Instead of asking users to adapt desktop workflows to a touch-first model, Apple has now explicitly imported desktop interaction styles into iPadOS, addressing a significant number of user complaints about the software limitations of theiPad. For users who want to use theiPadwith true multitasking and desktop-style workflows, this is one of the most substantive capability upgrades the platform has ever received. More Powerful Mac Spotlight On the Mac, Spotlight received its most extensive overhaul to date, transforming it from a passive search tool into an actions-first command interface, similar to third-party apps like Alfred or Raycast. Spotlight in macOS Tahoe can now execute hundreds of actions directly from the search field. Users can create and edit notes, send emails and messages, start timers, run Shortcuts, adjust system settings, and perform app-specific commands, without opening the corresponding app. Apple also redesigned Spotlight's results presentation with richer, more structured browsing views. Instead of returning a flat list of matches, Spotlight now surfaces grouped results for files, applications, actions, and suggestions, allowing users to scan and refine results more quickly. Spotlight now includes a built-in clipboard history, allowing users to view and reuse previously copied text or images directly from the Spotlight interface. Apple also integrated an app library-style view, providing a centralized, searchable overview of all installed applications. Live Translation Another major addition is Live Translation. Real-time translation now operates inside Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, translating both text and spoken audio during conversations. In Messages, incoming and outgoing text can be translated inline. InFaceTime, Live Translation provides real-time translated captions during video calls, allowing participants to speak naturally while reading translations as the conversation unfolds. In phone calls, spoken dialogue can be translated in near real time, with translated audio and on-screen text presented during the call. Apple also extended Live Translation to AirPods, enabling real-time spoken translation directly through the earbuds during in-person conversations. When Live Translation is active, speech from another language can be translated on the pairediPhoneand played back in the user's AirPods, while the user's responses can be translated and spoken aloud by theiPhonefor the other participant. Communication Screening and Hold Assist Call Screening allows theiPhoneto automatically answer calls from unknown numbers on the user's behalf. The system asks the caller to identify themselves and explain the reason for the call, then presents the user with a live transcript of the response before the call is connected. With Hold Assist, when a user is placed on hold during a phone call, theiPhonecan remain in the queue on their behalf and monitor the call until a live agent becomes available. Once the system detects that the call has resumed, it notifies the user to return to the conversation. In Messages, Apple introduced more aggressive screening for unknown senders. Messages from numbers that are not in the user's contacts are automatically routed into a separate area, keeping potential spam and scam attempts out of the main conversation list.This article, "The 5 Most Important Apple Software Features Introduced This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/30/5-most-important-software-features-introduced-this-year/

2025-12-29 13:50:17 UTC

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Apple's costly Detroit-based Developer Academy program relies heavily on taxpayer funding while delivering mixed job outcomes, according to WIRED. The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit launched in 2021 in partnership with Michigan State University. The tuition-free program offers a 10-month course focused on building apps for Apple platforms, providing students with MacBooks, iPhones, mentorship, and monthly stipends intended to cover living costs. The academy has welcomed over 1,700 students since 2021, with about 600 completing the 10-month program. An investigation by WIRED found that nearly $30 million has been spent on the academy over four years, equating to roughly $20,000 per student. Previously undisclosed records show Apple contributed about $11.6 million, while more than $8.5 million came directly or indirectly from Michigan taxpayers, including state funding used to provide student stipends. Additional funding was supplied by private philanthropy, including the Gilbert Family Foundation. Academy officials told WIRED that about 71% of graduates from the past two years moved into full-time employment across various industries, a figure broadly in line with many coding boot camps but below outcomes reported by some traditional computer science degree programs. Apple and the university declined to release detailed graduate employment data, despite requirements from one funder that such data be collected. Student experiences have varied. Some graduates credited the academy with exposing them to technology careers and building confidence, while others said the Apple-centric curriculum and limited stipends left them struggling financially and unprepared for the broader job market. One former student told WIRED that many participants relied on food assistance, while another said recent stipend reductions forced students to juggle multiple side jobs. A senior director at Apple who oversees the Detroit program and 17 other Apple Developer Academies worldwide, said increasing student financial support is a continuing priority and that the academy is designed to build broadly applicable skills such as teamwork, research, and technology literacy rather than train students for a single job outcome. The academy takes credit for 62 apps and 13 businesses. He added that the curriculum is frequently adjusted in response to student demand and technological change, noting that workshops were added when students expressed interest in developing apps for the Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, and that generative AI tools are now incorporated into coursework, provided students can fully explain the code they produce, with alumni also able to access ongoing virtual instruction focused on AI.Tags: Apple Developer Academy, MichiganThis article, "Apple's Developer Academy Faces Funding and Outcome Questions" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/29/apple-developer-academy-faces-questions/

2025-12-27 14:06:17 UTC

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Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some of the color options offered for theiPhone5c, which came in blue, green, pink, yellow and white. Apple has only ever released AirPods in white. Christmas post Abandoned iPhone 5c colored AirPods 1st gen prototype. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/Y2wzZTxgLC—Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) December 24, 2025 In 2023, Kosutami shared images of AirPods in pink. Apple apparently developed five different color options for AirPods to approximately match theiPhone7, but decided not to move forward with the idea. Some users have sought after AirPods in different color options for several years. While Apple was seemingly only ever considering offering the charging case in different color ways, it is interesting to know that the company got as far as prototyping distinct color options for the device to match variousiPhonemodels. Today, the AirPods Max are the only AirPods to have been offered in different color options. Kosutami previously shared images of various Apple prototypes, including all-black Vision Pro parts, an earlier version of the MagSafe charging puck, FineWoven Apple Watch bands, a functional AirPower charging mat, an unreleased "Magic Charger" accessory, and more.Related Roundup: AirPods 4Tags: Kosutami, PrototypesBuyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/27/apple-tested-airpods-in-bright-colors/

2025-12-26 12:00:00 UTC

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Apple's iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, andiPhone 17 ProMax have been available to buy since September, and a fair few will have been gifted over the holidays. If you're the proud owner of one of Apple's latest models, then keep reading. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or completely new to the devices, this article will help you get the most out your newiPhone. MacRumors has put together the following series ofiPhone 17how-to articles explaining all the new features that can be found on Apple's newest models. All iPhone 17 Models (Incl. iPhone Air) Dynamic Island Explained: What It Does and How to Use It iPhone 17 Camera Control: Everything You Need to Know Action Button: What It Does and How to Customize It How to Use the New Center Stage Front Camera How to Rotate the Front Camera Without Changing iPhone Orientation How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Zoom How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Rotate How to Enable Dual Capture Video Recording How to Disable Adaptive Power Mode (On by Default) How to Hard Reset or Force Restart All iPhone 17 Models iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max How to Use 8x Optical Zoom Shooting Video in Apple's New ProRes RAW Format iOS 26 Ultimate iOS 26 Walkthrough: Guides and How Tos for Every New Feature Tone Down Apple's New Liquid Glass Design for Improved Legibility iOS 26 Setup Guide: 10 Things You Should Do First Tint App Icons to Match Your New iPhone 17 Color Tint App Icons to Match Your iPhone's Case Color iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations All the New iPhone Ringtones in iOS 26 iOS 26 Camera App: New Features and Design ChangesHappy holidays!This article, "Got a New iPhone 17? How to Use All the New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/got-new-iphone-17-how-to-use-new-features/

2025-12-25 10:30:00 UTC

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Apple Gift Cards are one of the most common Apple-related gifts given during the holidays, so if you've received one today, here are all of the things you can and cannot use it for. After redeeming an Apple Gift Card, the value is added to the Apple Account balance and automatically applies at checkout when making eligible purchases. It can be spent on a wide range of Apple products, services, and digital content. Apple Gift Cards are marketed as a single, flexible balance that works across Apple's ecosystem, but there are clear limits on what they can and cannot be used for once redeemed to an Apple Account. What Apple Gift Cards Can Be Used For Purchasing Apple hardware and accessories on apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or in an Apple retail store. Using the balance toward Apple hardware when checking out, with any remaining cost paid using another payment method. Buying apps and games on the App Store, including in-app purchases. Paying for digital media, including movies, TV shows, and books through Apple's digital storefronts. Covering subscriptions to Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage, as well as eligible third-party app subscriptions billed through theApp Store. What Apple Gift Cards Can't Be Used For Making purchases outside Apple's ecosystem, such as goods or services from non-Apple retailers. Starting certain recurring payments, such as AppleCare+ plans, without an additional credit or debit card on file. Redeeming or using balances across different countries or regions, as gift cards are typically region-locked. Transferring to or purchasing other gift cards. Exchanging for cash or cash equivalents. While Apple Gift Cards are intentionally designed to be more versatile than olderApp StoreorApple Store–only gift cards, they still come with some limits. For users, the key distinction is that Apple Gift Cards work best for Apple-direct purchases and subscriptions, but they can't replace a traditional payment method for gifting or non-Apple spending.This article, "What You Can (and Can't) Use an Apple Gift Card For" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/25/what-you-can-and-cant-use-an-apple-gift-card-for/

2025-12-24 16:40:46 UTC

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In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, select Driver's License and ID Cards and follow the steps. Supported States The following 13 states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:Arizona (since March 2022) Maryland (since May 2022) Colorado (since November 2022) Georgia (since May 2023) Ohio (since July 2024) Hawaii (since August 2024) California (since September 2024) Iowa (since October 2024) New Mexico (since December 2024)Montana (since August 2025) North Dakota (since September 2025) West Virginia (since October 2025) Illinois (since November 2025)The feature is also available in Puerto Rico. Future States Apple and local DMV offices have announced that the following U.S. states have signed on to adopt the feature, but no timeframes were disclosed:Connecticut Kentucky Mississippi Oklahoma Utah Arkansas VirginiaParticipating Airports Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement, and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary. Here are just some of the airports that offer the feature — there are hundreds of others:Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Denver International Airport (DEN) Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Los Angeles International (LAX) Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Great Falls International Airport (GTF) Missoula International Airport (MSO) Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) Richmond International Airport (RIC) Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature. Digital Passport If you live in a state that does not yet offer Apple Wallet IDs, you can now create a Digital ID based on your U.S. passport, and present it at the same participating TSA checkpoints, for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel.Tag: Apple WalletThis article, "Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/24/iphone-drivers-licenses-states-in-2026/

2025-12-24 16:15:27 UTC

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Brazilian regulators have approved a settlement that will require Apple to change how the App Store operates on iPhone in the country, including allowing alternative app stores, expanded payment options, and a defined new fee structure. In a press release, Brazil's Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE), said its court has approved a Term of Commitment to Cease proposed by Apple to resolve an investigation into the company'sApp Storerules on iOS. The case began in 2022 and examined whether Apple's restrictions on app distribution and payments limited competition in Brazil. CADE said the investigation focused on Apple's prohibition of third-party app stores on iOS, the requirement that developers use Apple's in-app purchase system for digital goods and subscriptions, and restrictions that prevented developers from informing users about alternative payment options. Under the settlement, Apple will be required to allow developers in Brazil to link to external payment options and promote offers that take place outside their apps. Developers will also be permitted to offer third-party payment methods within their apps alongside Apple's own in-app purchase system, with CADE requiring that these options be presented next to Apple's payment option. Apple will also have to allow third-party app stores in Brazil. CADE specified that Apple may still display warnings or informational messages to users, but those messages must be neutral, objective, and limited in scope, and must not introduce extra steps or barriers that make alternative options harder to use. According to Brazilian technology site Tecnoblog, which said it obtained the details directly from CADE, purchases made through theApp Storewill remain subject to a 10% or 25% commission under standard terms. Developers who use Apple's payment system would also pay a 5% transaction fee. If an app directs users to pay outside the app using only static text, with no clickable link or button, Apple will not charge a fee. If the app includes a clickable button or link that sends users to an external website for payment, Apple will charge a 15% fee. Third-party app stores will be subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission. CADE said Apple will have up to 105 days to implement the required changes once the new rules become binding. Tags: Apple Antitrust, BrazilThis article, "Apple to Introduce New App Store Fee Structure in Brazil Following Antitrust Settlement" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/24/new-app-store-fee-structure-in-brazil/

2025-12-24 15:25:37 UTC

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Apple's next-generation iPhone Air could still launch in the fall of 2026, according to the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital." The leaker claims to have been told by sources that the second-generationiPhone Airwill launch in the fall. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e is said to already be in mass production ahead of unveiling at a spring product launch event. The rumor comes in contrast to an array of corroborated reports that the second-generationiPhone Airhas been delayed until March 2027, where it is expected to launch alongside the standard iPhone 18 and a lower-endiPhone18e. The second-generationiPhone Airwas originally rumored to launch alongside theiPhone 18Pro,iPhone 18Pro Max, and foldableiPhonein the fall of 2026, but poor sales of the debut model apparently led Apple to delay the launch. The second-generationiPhone Airis rumored to address complaints about the device by adding a second rear camera and lowering its price. A lighter weight, vapor chamber cooling, and a larger battery capacity are also among the rumored new features. It is still possible that a newiPhone Aircould launch in the fall of next year, especially if Apple has expedited development of new features, since this was the original scheduled launch time frame. Nevertheless, it would be surprising if the multitude of rumors indicating a delayed launch were mistaken. Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: Fixed Focus DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)This article, "iPhone Air 2 Could Still Launch Next Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/24/iphone-air-2-could-still-launch-next-year/

2025-12-24 12:00:00 UTC

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Have you been good this year? If so, you may be interested to know that Google has launched its annual Santa tracking feature, allowing Santa to be tracked in real time on his journey to the North Pole as he prepares to deliver presents to children around the world. Google's Santa Tracker continues a two-decade tradition for the company, allowing excited children (and grown-ups!) to keep up with the jolly gift-giver's travels throughout December 24. On this day, Santa's Village transforms into a tracking experience where children can follow Santa and his reindeer as they merrily go about their important work. Santa can be tracked using a web browser on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by visiting Google's official Santa Tracking website. The site features a live map of Santa's current location, his next stop, a live video feed of his journey, and the estimated time that he will arrive in each specific location. The Santa site provides pictures of locations that Santa has already visited, a live count of gifts that have been delivered, and Santa's current distance from your location. There are also a selection of games to play, creative things to do, and videos to watch. Other Santa tracking services are also available, such as the NORAD Tracks Santa Claus app and website, but Google's site is often the most interactive and detailed. Happy holidays!This article, "Track Santa's Journey From the North Pole Using Google's Santa Tracker" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/24/track-santas-journey-google/

2025-12-23 19:55:30 UTC

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Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18 aspect ratio when open. Samsung has used a similar size for its prior Z Fold devices. Rumors suggest theiPhoneFold's display will measure in at 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open (rumors vary). It's squatter and wider than Samsung's taller, narrower design, with a 4:3 aspect ratio when open. Samsung's "Wide Fold" will coincidentally feature a 7.6-inch display when open, and a 5.4-inch display when closed. It's also expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it noticeably different than prior models because of the more square shape. The wider 4:3 aspect ratio is expected to be more comfortable to hold than a taller device, similar to a notebook. ETNews says that Samsung plans to release its wider foldable device in the fall of 2026, which is also when theiPhoneFold will be coming out. The wide fold will join the next-generation Galaxy Fold for a total of two "Fold" devices, plus there will be a flip device.Tags: Foldable iPhone, SamsungThis article, "Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/23/samsung-wide-fold-device/

2025-12-23 13:21:11 UTC

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Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led some people to wonder why Apple would settle on such a compact form factor. Using The Information's reported dimensions, content creator Ben Gaskin has shared some images and video of a printed version of the device (embedded below) that help envision what it could look and feel like in the hand, and also hint at Apple's design strategy – suggesting it is related to an unavoidable trade-off between the outer and inner displays of a book-style foldable. A taller, phone-like outer screen generally leads to a more square inner panel once unfolded, which can be awkward for many types of content, like videos and two open windows in Split View. Conversely, a more rectangular inner display that better supports multi-window use inevitably forces the outer display to become wider or smaller, making it less comfortable to hold and less conventional in use. Printed a passport-style foldable phone to see how comfortable this form factor is in real life.5.3-inch cover display7.7-inch main display pic.twitter.com/5ae58Bc2Cq—Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) December 18, 2025 Reports suggesting Apple has opted for a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio on the inner display strongly suggest Apple is favoring the latter approach. A 4:3 inner display would allow Apple to more easily transfer established multitasking features from iPadOS, such as Split View, into a foldable form. Here the unfolded state becomes the main mode of use, prioritizing a lightweight, ultra-portable iPad experience over a stretched-out smartphone. That said, the iPhone Fold in its closed state is likely to feel more like a smaller everyday phone than other foldables on the market. Compare the rumored 5.3-inch outer screen size with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a 6.5-inch front display, or the Google Pixel Pro Fold, whose cover screen comes in at 6.3 inches. Indeed, the iPhone Fold's front display would be smaller than almost all current major foldables, suggesting Apple is deliberately diverging from the "outer screen as primary phone" philosophy. When choosing size, Apple will of course have a very deliberate product strategy in mind. While Samsung and Google largely treat the cover display on their foldables as a full-time smartphone screen, Apple may see the device's folded state as a secondary experience, suited to notifications, quick replies, and other glanceable interactions, while reserving the main experience for when the device is unfolded. Comparison with the iPhone 17 Pro Max pic.twitter.com/MpJ80AwHXw—Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) December 18, 2025 However, software too has its limits. If users expect to browse, type extensively, or use third-party apps in the folded state, no amount of interface refinement will fully overcome a physically smaller canvas. That's what makes the comparison to the iPhone mini so notable – especially for a device expected to command a price premium of anywhere between $2,000 and $2,500, which would make it Apple's most expensive ever iPhone. Ultimately, the rumored dimensions suggest Apple is betting on the value of the unfolded experience rather than the comfort of the folded one. The company seems willing to accept a smaller, less conventional outer display if it ensures the inner display can shine at the system and app level. If users come to think of the device not as a larger iPhone, but as an iPad that happens to fold into a pocket, the design trade-offs start to look far more intentional, and far more Apple-like. 16:9 video playback on 7.7-inch display vs. 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max display (image credit: @BenGeskin). What do you think of the alleged dimensions of Apple's rumored foldable iPhone? Let us know in the comments. The "iPhone Fold," which some are calling it, is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/23/foldable-iphone-small-outer-display/