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Apple
06/25/2025 Mac Rumors
If you've been following iPhone 18 Pro reports recently, you'll know that there are two competing rumors from usually reliable sources about how Apple plans to integrate Face ID into the display, and both of them likely affect the fate of the Dynamic Island – and in turn the overall look of the display itself.
Last month, The Information's Wayne Ma said that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would have "only a small hole cutout in the top-left corner to accommodate the front-facing camera."
Unless Apple opts to still periodically display the familiar pill-shaped interface element in its iOS 27 software, Ma's wording suggests that the devices might not have a Dynamic Island at all. Taking Ma's report as a cue, developer Filip Vabroušek has helpfully attempted to visualize what such an iPhone 18 Pro model could look like (see below – and ignore the iOS version shown).
All well and good, you might think. However, Counterpoint Research VP Ross Young this week lobbed a grenade into Ma's settled territory by claiming that the iPhone 18 Pro will still have some visible Face ID elements.
For this reason, Young believes that the devices will still have a Dynamic Island, albeit a "smaller" version compared to the one on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16 models. Vabroušek has again stepped in to give us a peek at this alternative implementation.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also said that Apple will shrink the size of the Dynamic Island on at least some iPhone models launching next year, so there are now multiple sources who believe that iPhone 18 models will still have a smaller Dynamic Island rather than only a front camera hole.
So there you have it: two rival interpretations of what the iPhone 18 Pro's display could look like. It's quite a big deal for anyone who plans to upgrade their iPhone next year, considering how much time we spend staring at the screen.
As for the 20th anniversary iPhone, due in 2027, Young's roadmap also threw a spanner in the works by refuting claims by the likes of Gurman that it will be the first iPhone with a truly uninterrupted display with no cutouts.
Young now believes that the first iPhone with both under-screen Face ID and an under-screen front camera will be released all the way in 2030, suggesting that a truly all-screen iPhone remains a full five years away.
This article, "Here's What Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro Display Could Look Like" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Last month, The Information's Wayne Ma said that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would have "only a small hole cutout in the top-left corner to accommodate the front-facing camera."
Unless Apple opts to still periodically display the familiar pill-shaped interface element in its iOS 27 software, Ma's wording suggests that the devices might not have a Dynamic Island at all. Taking Ma's report as a cue, developer Filip Vabroušek has helpfully attempted to visualize what such an iPhone 18 Pro model could look like (see below – and ignore the iOS version shown).
Concept render of iPhone 18 Pro with top-left cutout (credit: Filip Vabroušek)
All well and good, you might think. However, Counterpoint Research VP Ross Young this week lobbed a grenade into Ma's settled territory by claiming that the iPhone 18 Pro will still have some visible Face ID elements.
For this reason, Young believes that the devices will still have a Dynamic Island, albeit a "smaller" version compared to the one on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16 models. Vabroušek has again stepped in to give us a peek at this alternative implementation.
Concept render of iPhone 18 Pro with smaller Dynamic Island (credit: Filip Vabroušek)
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also said that Apple will shrink the size of the Dynamic Island on at least some iPhone models launching next year, so there are now multiple sources who believe that iPhone 18 models will still have a smaller Dynamic Island rather than only a front camera hole.
So there you have it: two rival interpretations of what the iPhone 18 Pro's display could look like. It's quite a big deal for anyone who plans to upgrade their iPhone next year, considering how much time we spend staring at the screen.
As for the 20th anniversary iPhone, due in 2027, Young's roadmap also threw a spanner in the works by refuting claims by the likes of Gurman that it will be the first iPhone with a truly uninterrupted display with no cutouts.
Young now believes that the first iPhone with both under-screen Face ID and an under-screen front camera will be released all the way in 2030, suggesting that a truly all-screen iPhone remains a full five years away.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "Here's What Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro Display Could Look Like" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
The Syntech Chronos 68 is a highly customizable magnetic switch keyboard that, with some small Mac-specific issues aside, is not a bad choice for gamers.
Syntech Chronos 68
Gaming keyboards do their best to offer an aesthetically pleasing physical interface, while also tending to be quite visually loud. Finding a keyboard that's also compact and usable is also not impossible with the options available on the market.
Add on new technologies like magnetic switches, and it becomes a lot harder to find one that can do it all. Doing all that while potentially not looking completely out of place on a Mac desktop becomes a challenge.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Syntech Chronos 68
Gaming keyboards do their best to offer an aesthetically pleasing physical interface, while also tending to be quite visually loud. Finding a keyboard that's also compact and usable is also not impossible with the options available on the market.
Add on new technologies like magnetic switches, and it becomes a lot harder to find one that can do it all. Doing all that while potentially not looking completely out of place on a Mac desktop becomes a challenge.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's iCloud services were experiencing an outage, and impacted users are experiencing issues with iCloud Mail, Photos, and the iWork suite of apps.
Some users are experiencing issues with iCloud services due to an ongoing outage.
On Tuesday, users of iCloud Mail reported issues with this and other Apple Services. A number of people were unable to access iCloud Mail, with some experiencing difficulties even after gaining access.
According to Apple's System Status page, the company's iCloud services, including iCloud Mail, iCloud Web Apps, iCloud Storage Upgrades, Photos, and iWork integration, were all impacted by an outage that began at 2:36 PM ET. Another issue at 3:57 PM affected the Find My service, which lets users locate and track their Apple devices.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Some users are experiencing issues with iCloud services due to an ongoing outage.
On Tuesday, users of iCloud Mail reported issues with this and other Apple Services. A number of people were unable to access iCloud Mail, with some experiencing difficulties even after gaining access.
According to Apple's System Status page, the company's iCloud services, including iCloud Mail, iCloud Web Apps, iCloud Storage Upgrades, Photos, and iWork integration, were all impacted by an outage that began at 2:36 PM ET. Another issue at 3:57 PM affected the Find My service, which lets users locate and track their Apple devices.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's fight for compensation on sales made external to the App Store continues as it asks the 9th Circuit Court to undo the "unduly punitive" mandate set by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rodgers.
Apple's external linking commissions are still being blocked by court order
Apple was told it willfully violated a 2021 injunction that wasn't enforced until 2024 and must remove all barriers to external app purchases and linking. A stay on the order was requested and denied, but the fight continues.
According to a report from Law360, Apple has urged the Ninth Circuit Court to throw out the mandate set by the judge. Apple called the order to allow external linking and zero commission on external purchases "unduly punitive" and "fundamentally unfair."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple's external linking commissions are still being blocked by court order
Apple was told it willfully violated a 2021 injunction that wasn't enforced until 2024 and must remove all barriers to external app purchases and linking. A stay on the order was requested and denied, but the fight continues.
According to a report from Law360, Apple has urged the Ninth Circuit Court to throw out the mandate set by the judge. Apple called the order to allow external linking and zero commission on external purchases "unduly punitive" and "fundamentally unfair."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Image Playground is Apple's image generation app that launched last year. Most people may not have a lot of use for the cartoonish images that it produces in iOS 18, but you're going to want to take another look at it in iOS 26 because Apple has improved its algorithms.
People look more natural in the images generated by the app, with more realistic eyes and more variation in hair that better matches sample photos.
As a quick recap, Image Playground lets you type in any phrase to generate an image in one of three non-realistic styles. You can also select pre-determined scenes and props that Apple suggests, and generate images featuring your friends and family. It's these images where you will see the biggest difference in iOS 26, because the content generated based on images of people has changed quite a bit.
In iOS 18, photos generated using the Animation style have blunt hair with little variation, lots of contrast, and unnatural looking faces, but in iOS 26, features are softer, hair is more varied, and it has more flow. Clothes also look more natural, though Image Playground doesn't often bother matching outfits.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
Image Playground's Animation style in iOS 26 seems to take more liberty with image backgrounds, pose, and body shape, and it's better at small details like specific eyebrow shape.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
With the Sketch style, Image Playground is again better at matching facial expression, features, and hair style. The image on the right looks more like MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera than the middle image.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
Illustration has some of the same characteristics as Sketch, better capturing colors and inventing better backgrounds.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
The changes to Image Playground can also be seen in images of animals, food, places, and more, in all three built-in styles.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
Image Playground seems to be better at reflecting emotion, too. For this image, the modifier "sobbing" was added to the image. It didn't quite show tears, but there is more emotion in the iOS 26 face on the right. There's even a dedicated "Expressions" menu, with options that include laugh, happy, mad, sad, shocked, thinking, thumbs up, and thumbs down.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on right
ChatGPT image generation capabilities are included in Image Playground in iOS 26, so there are an expanded range of styles to choose from. There are a few suggested options, including anime, oil painting, vector, print, and water color styles, all of which use ChatGPT rather than Apple's capabilities to create the image.
Anime, oil painting, and water color styles in Image Playground
The output is similar to what you get if you use ChatGPT 4o for image generation, and you can make those cute anime-style images that have been floating around the internet.
ChatGPT's anime-style output in Image Playground
There's also an open-ended "Any Style" option to create images with ChatGPT, and that adds more range to what's possible with Image Playground. ChatGPT can essentially mimic any style that you ask it to, and it can generate realistic images, which is not something that Apple's image generation technology does.
A "realistic" image of a bird on top of a cat's head.
As with standard Image Playground image generation, you can make a text-based request or upload an image to ChatGPT and ask it to use that as the basis for an image. Images that you upload and text requests can be combined.
Creating images with ChatGPT uses up tokens, and if you have a free account, you probably won't be able to create more than one or two images. Taking advantage of ChatGPT image creation features in Image Playground beyond that requires a paid account.
Image Playground in iOS 18 does not support creating Genmoji, and that's a separate feature located in the Messages app. In iOS 26, you can use Image Playground for Genmoji.
Genmoji is a style that you can select, and choosing it opens up an interface where you can choose an emoji or multiple emoji to customize. One of the new Genmoji features in iOS 26 is the option to combine emoji to make new emoji rather than starting from scratch with a character, and this capability is available in Image Playground in addition to the Messages app.
You can tap multiple emoji to create a new one, or choose an emoji and then add text-based descriptions to make tweaks. There is no option to use photos for Genmoji. The Genmoji that you make are added to your emoji keyboard and they can be used in Messages.
When you send someone an image generated with Image Playground in iOS 26, like over AirDrop, it is labeled as a generated image in the file name.
This article, "iOS 26 Brings Major Improvements to Image Playground" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
People look more natural in the images generated by the app, with more realistic eyes and more variation in hair that better matches sample photos.
As a quick recap, Image Playground lets you type in any phrase to generate an image in one of three non-realistic styles. You can also select pre-determined scenes and props that Apple suggests, and generate images featuring your friends and family. It's these images where you will see the biggest difference in iOS 26, because the content generated based on images of people has changed quite a bit.
Animation
In iOS 18, photos generated using the Animation style have blunt hair with little variation, lots of contrast, and unnatural looking faces, but in iOS 26, features are softer, hair is more varied, and it has more flow. Clothes also look more natural, though Image Playground doesn't often bother matching outfits.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightImage Playground's Animation style in iOS 26 seems to take more liberty with image backgrounds, pose, and body shape, and it's better at small details like specific eyebrow shape.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightSketch
With the Sketch style, Image Playground is again better at matching facial expression, features, and hair style. The image on the right looks more like MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera than the middle image.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightIllustration
Illustration has some of the same characteristics as Sketch, better capturing colors and inventing better backgrounds.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightAnimals and Landscapes
The changes to Image Playground can also be seen in images of animals, food, places, and more, in all three built-in styles.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightEmotions
Image Playground seems to be better at reflecting emotion, too. For this image, the modifier "sobbing" was added to the image. It didn't quite show tears, but there is more emotion in the iOS 26 face on the right. There's even a dedicated "Expressions" menu, with options that include laugh, happy, mad, sad, shocked, thinking, thumbs up, and thumbs down.
iOS 18.6 image in middle, iOS 26 image on rightChatGPT Integration
ChatGPT image generation capabilities are included in Image Playground in iOS 26, so there are an expanded range of styles to choose from. There are a few suggested options, including anime, oil painting, vector, print, and water color styles, all of which use ChatGPT rather than Apple's capabilities to create the image.
Anime, oil painting, and water color styles in Image PlaygroundThe output is similar to what you get if you use ChatGPT 4o for image generation, and you can make those cute anime-style images that have been floating around the internet.
ChatGPT's anime-style output in Image PlaygroundThere's also an open-ended "Any Style" option to create images with ChatGPT, and that adds more range to what's possible with Image Playground. ChatGPT can essentially mimic any style that you ask it to, and it can generate realistic images, which is not something that Apple's image generation technology does.
A "realistic" image of a bird on top of a cat's head.As with standard Image Playground image generation, you can make a text-based request or upload an image to ChatGPT and ask it to use that as the basis for an image. Images that you upload and text requests can be combined.
Creating images with ChatGPT uses up tokens, and if you have a free account, you probably won't be able to create more than one or two images. Taking advantage of ChatGPT image creation features in Image Playground beyond that requires a paid account.
Genmoji
Image Playground in iOS 18 does not support creating Genmoji, and that's a separate feature located in the Messages app. In iOS 26, you can use Image Playground for Genmoji.
Genmoji is a style that you can select, and choosing it opens up an interface where you can choose an emoji or multiple emoji to customize. One of the new Genmoji features in iOS 26 is the option to combine emoji to make new emoji rather than starting from scratch with a character, and this capability is available in Image Playground in addition to the Messages app.
You can tap multiple emoji to create a new one, or choose an emoji and then add text-based descriptions to make tweaks. There is no option to use photos for Genmoji. The Genmoji that you make are added to your emoji keyboard and they can be used in Messages.
Labeling
When you send someone an image generated with Image Playground in iOS 26, like over AirDrop, it is labeled as a generated image in the file name.
Tag: Image Playground
Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "iOS 26 Brings Major Improvements to Image Playground" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Nomad today announced the launch of the Leather Mag Wallet for iPhone, which includes an integrated Tracking Card that works with Apple's Find My app.
The Leather Mag Wallet attaches to the back of a MagSafe iPhone using a magnetic connection, and it serves as an alternative to Apple's own Leather Wallet with MagSafe. Nomad made the wallet from vegetable-tanned Horween leather that will develop a unique patina over time.
Nomad's Mag Wallet is able to hold up to four standard credit cards, and it connects to Find My so if it comes off of the iPhone and is lost, it can be found with the Find My app. Find My network integration is included, so if you are out of range, it will be able to connect to Apple products owned by others to relay its location. Find My also includes features for playing a sound and getting a notification when the wallet is left behind.
There is a rechargeable battery inside and the Mag Wallet can be charged using any Qi or MagSafe charger. The battery lasts for up to five months. The wallet can be attached to any MagSafe iPhone or iPhone in a MagSafe case, and it comes in black and brown colors.
The Leather Mag Wallet can be purchased from the Nomad website for $79.
This article, "Nomad Launches iPhone Wallet With Find My Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The Leather Mag Wallet attaches to the back of a MagSafe iPhone using a magnetic connection, and it serves as an alternative to Apple's own Leather Wallet with MagSafe. Nomad made the wallet from vegetable-tanned Horween leather that will develop a unique patina over time.
Nomad's Mag Wallet is able to hold up to four standard credit cards, and it connects to Find My so if it comes off of the iPhone and is lost, it can be found with the Find My app. Find My network integration is included, so if you are out of range, it will be able to connect to Apple products owned by others to relay its location. Find My also includes features for playing a sound and getting a notification when the wallet is left behind.
There is a rechargeable battery inside and the Mag Wallet can be charged using any Qi or MagSafe charger. The battery lasts for up to five months. The wallet can be attached to any MagSafe iPhone or iPhone in a MagSafe case, and it comes in black and brown colors.
The Leather Mag Wallet can be purchased from the Nomad website for $79.
Tag: Nomad
This article, "Nomad Launches iPhone Wallet With Find My Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple Wallet has begun advertising Apple Pay promotions via notifications, and while iPhone users are losing their mind, they can toggle the feature off starting in iOS 26.
Apple Wallet tells people how to save money with notification and in-app promotion feature
Advertising has become a blunt instrument in surveillance capitalism largely as a result of Google's success. This shouldn't mean we reject the premise of advertising as a whole, given that for now, it remains the fuel for the content engine on the Internet.
Ads can run from silly and useless to invasive and annoyingly persistent. Somewhere in the middle is a genuinely useful tool for consumers.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Wallet tells people how to save money with notification and in-app promotion feature
Advertising has become a blunt instrument in surveillance capitalism largely as a result of Google's success. This shouldn't mean we reject the premise of advertising as a whole, given that for now, it remains the fuel for the content engine on the Internet.
Ads can run from silly and useless to invasive and annoyingly persistent. Somewhere in the middle is a genuinely useful tool for consumers.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple sent a Wallet app push notification ad to an unspecified number of U.S. iPhone users. The ad highlights a limited-time Apple Pay…
The post Apple promotes ‘F1 the Movie’ via Wallet app push notification appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple has joined China’s national subsidy program, giving a lift to the U.S. company as it faces fierce competition from major local rivals…
The post Apple joins China’s national subsidiary program appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Several of Apple's iCloud services are experiencing issues at the current time, with the System Status page reflecting problems with iCloud Mail, iCloud Storage Upgrades, iCloud Web Apps, iWork for iCloud, and Photos.
iCloud Web Apps and iWork for iCloud are both listed as having an outage at the current time, and Apple says that some users may be experiencing problems.
The other services are shown with a yellow "Issue" warning, but they have the same note about some users experiencing problems with the service. The outages have been ongoing since 2:36 p.m. Eastern Time.
Update 5:53 p.m. ET: Apple added Find My and iCloud account sign in to the list of services experiencing problems.
Update 6:41 p.m. ET: The Find My issue has been resolved, but the other services are still having issues.
This article, "Apple Says Some iCloud Services Experiencing Issues" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iCloud Web Apps and iWork for iCloud are both listed as having an outage at the current time, and Apple says that some users may be experiencing problems.
The other services are shown with a yellow "Issue" warning, but they have the same note about some users experiencing problems with the service. The outages have been ongoing since 2:36 p.m. Eastern Time.
Update 5:53 p.m. ET: Apple added Find My and iCloud account sign in to the list of services experiencing problems.
Update 6:41 p.m. ET: The Find My issue has been resolved, but the other services are still having issues.
This article, "Apple Says Some iCloud Services Experiencing Issues" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Inspired by true events, “Smoke” follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial…
The post Dennis Lehane’s Apple TV+ thriller series ‘Smoke’ only occasionally ignites interest appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
A ruling in a U.S. District Court has effectively given permission to train artificial intelligence models using copyrighted works, in a decision that's extremely problematic for creative industries.
Anthropic logo on top of coding and court imagery
Content creators and artists have been suffering for years, with AI companies scraping their sited and scanning books to train large language models (LLMs) without permission. That data is then used for generative AI and other machine learning tasks, and then monetized by the scraping company with no compensation for the original host or author.
Following a ruling by a U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued on Tuesday, companies are being given free rein to train with just about any published media that they want to harvest.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Anthropic logo on top of coding and court imagery
Content creators and artists have been suffering for years, with AI companies scraping their sited and scanning books to train large language models (LLMs) without permission. That data is then used for generative AI and other machine learning tasks, and then monetized by the scraping company with no compensation for the original host or author.
Following a ruling by a U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued on Tuesday, companies are being given free rein to train with just about any published media that they want to harvest.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple today updated its Invites app, adding a new event background options for customizing the look of event invitations that are sent out. Apple says that the added background options are ideal for planning a pool day, drinks with friends, or a watch party for the big game.
There are several new backgrounds in the "Photographic" section, including clouds, a lime slice in soda water, lemon slices in punch, a frosty beer, watermelon slices, a pool inner tube, a disco ball, orchid flowers, bamboo shoots, a zoomed in shot of a chrysanthemum, a colorful set of pickleballs, tennis balls, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, golf balls, a beach with clear water, a green bokeh background, brocade fabric, grass, colorful flowers, rainbow sparkles, a multi-colored light pattern, and champagne glasses.
Apple launched the Invites app back in February, and this is the second update the app has received. In May, Apple added the option to include links in event invitations.
Invites is an event planning app that supports creating custom invitations with unique background images, fonts, and relevant information like directions and the weather. It also has easy-to-use event managing and RSVP tools.
While Invites is free, it is an iCloud+ service, so an iCloud+ subscription is required to create an event. iCloud+ plans are priced starting at $0.99 per month, and they include additional iCloud storage and features like Private Relay.
Though an iCloud+ subscription is needed for creating an event, anyone can RSVP to an invitation, including those without iPhones.
The Invites app can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
This article, "Apple's Invites App Gets More Backgrounds" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
There are several new backgrounds in the "Photographic" section, including clouds, a lime slice in soda water, lemon slices in punch, a frosty beer, watermelon slices, a pool inner tube, a disco ball, orchid flowers, bamboo shoots, a zoomed in shot of a chrysanthemum, a colorful set of pickleballs, tennis balls, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, golf balls, a beach with clear water, a green bokeh background, brocade fabric, grass, colorful flowers, rainbow sparkles, a multi-colored light pattern, and champagne glasses.
Apple launched the Invites app back in February, and this is the second update the app has received. In May, Apple added the option to include links in event invitations.
Invites is an event planning app that supports creating custom invitations with unique background images, fonts, and relevant information like directions and the weather. It also has easy-to-use event managing and RSVP tools.
While Invites is free, it is an iCloud+ service, so an iCloud+ subscription is required to create an event. iCloud+ plans are priced starting at $0.99 per month, and they include additional iCloud storage and features like Private Relay.
Though an iCloud+ subscription is needed for creating an event, anyone can RSVP to an invitation, including those without iPhones.
The Invites app can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Tag: Apple Invites
This article, "Apple's Invites App Gets More Backgrounds" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple today provided developers with new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, with an 8A293c version number. The firmware is only available to developers at the current time, and a device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 is required to install the update. This is the second beta so far.
The new firmware adds several features that Apple is debuting alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.
The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There's also an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording.
With the latest updates, Apple added a firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
This article, "Apple Seeds Updated Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The new firmware adds several features that Apple is debuting alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.
The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There's also an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording.
With the latest updates, Apple added a firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
This article, "Apple Seeds Updated Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple is in urgent talks with EU regulators to modify its App Store and dodge escalating fines set to begin this week. The $3 trillion…
The post Apple in last-minute App Store negotiations to avoid EU fines appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple today sent out an ad to some iPhone users in the form of a Wallet app push notification, and not everyone is happy about it.
An unknown number of iPhone users in the U.S. today received the push notification, which promotes a limited-time Apple Pay discount that movie ticket company Fandango is offering on a pair of tickets to Apple's new film "F1: The Movie."
Some of the iPhone users who received the push notification have complained about it across the MacRumors Forums, Reddit, X, and other online discussion platforms.
"As far as I can tell, Apple is now just sending me ads to my screen now as push notifications, something I hate with an absolute passion and disable across the board in every app that tries this," said one person who received the notification.
Some people are especially upset about receiving a push notification ad through the Wallet app because it is a very important app for personal finances, so simply turning off notifications for the entire app is not a feasible solution.
Worse, Apple seems to be ignoring the guidelines that apply to App Store apps. The company says push notifications should not be used for promotions or direct marketing purposes unless users have explicitly opted in to receive them for said purposes.
The full text of Apple's guideline:
Apple has been heavily promoting F1: The Movie, which debuts in theaters on June 25 in Europe and on June 27 in the U.S. and Canada. However, the company may have gone a step too far here based on online reaction from some iPhone users.
One silver lining is that the iOS 26 beta adds an "Offers & Promotions" toggle to the Wallet app, allowing users to opt in or out of receiving special offers and discounts available from Apple and its unspecified partners. However, Apple sent out to the push notification ad to iPhone users on iOS 18 too, and those users seemingly did not explicitly opt in to receive such an ad. For that reason, some people are disappointed in Apple.
This article, "iPhone Users Upset About Apple Promoting F1 Movie With Wallet App Notification" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
An unknown number of iPhone users in the U.S. today received the push notification, which promotes a limited-time Apple Pay discount that movie ticket company Fandango is offering on a pair of tickets to Apple's new film "F1: The Movie."
Some of the iPhone users who received the push notification have complained about it across the MacRumors Forums, Reddit, X, and other online discussion platforms.
"As far as I can tell, Apple is now just sending me ads to my screen now as push notifications, something I hate with an absolute passion and disable across the board in every app that tries this," said one person who received the notification.
Some people are especially upset about receiving a push notification ad through the Wallet app because it is a very important app for personal finances, so simply turning off notifications for the entire app is not a feasible solution.
Worse, Apple seems to be ignoring the guidelines that apply to App Store apps. The company says push notifications should not be used for promotions or direct marketing purposes unless users have explicitly opted in to receive them for said purposes.
The full text of Apple's guideline:
Push Notifications should not be used for promotions or direct marketing purposes unless customers have explicitly opted in to receive them via consent language displayed in your app's UI, and you provide a method in your app for a user to opt out from receiving such messages.Apple did not immediately respond to our request for comment.
Apple has been heavily promoting F1: The Movie, which debuts in theaters on June 25 in Europe and on June 27 in the U.S. and Canada. However, the company may have gone a step too far here based on online reaction from some iPhone users.
One silver lining is that the iOS 26 beta adds an "Offers & Promotions" toggle to the Wallet app, allowing users to opt in or out of receiving special offers and discounts available from Apple and its unspecified partners. However, Apple sent out to the push notification ad to iPhone users on iOS 18 too, and those users seemingly did not explicitly opt in to receive such an ad. For that reason, some people are disappointed in Apple.
Tag: Apple Wallet
This article, "iPhone Users Upset About Apple Promoting F1 Movie With Wallet App Notification" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Prime Day 2025 is two weeks away, but there are plenty of bargains in effect now thanks to month-end price wars between Apple resellers.
Save up to $400 with early Prime Day Apple deals - Image credit: Apple
Save up to 43%: Amazon's early Prime Day discounts deliver up to $400 off Apple products.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Save up to $400 with early Prime Day Apple deals - Image credit: Apple
Save up to 43%: Amazon's early Prime Day discounts deliver up to $400 off Apple products.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+ on Tuesday announced an all-new season four of the award-winning animated kids and family series “Stillwater,” premiering…
The post Apple TV+ kids series ‘Stillwater’ set to return for fourth season appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple has joined China's national digital product subsidy program through its own direct sales channels for the first time, enabling eligible customers in Beijing and Shanghai to receive government-backed discounts on select iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs (via South China Morning Post).
Apple customers in Shanghai can access the subsidies by purchasing qualifying devices in one of the city's eight Apple retail stores, while Beijing residents can receive the discount through Apple's online store, provided they use a Beijing shipping address.
The program offers subsidies of up to 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) on certain Apple products, with eligibility criteria determined by product type and price. Devices priced below 6,000 yuan (roughly $835) receive a 15% discount, capped at 500 yuan, while some higher-value items such as Macs are eligible for a bigger discount.
Previously, Apple products were available under the subsidy program only through authorized third-party platforms such as JD.com and Alibaba's Taobao marketplace. This therefore marks the first time Apple's own online and retail stores have participated directly in the scheme.
Data from market analytics companies have painted a consistent picture of Apple's smartphone shipments in mainland China falling in 2025, making Apple the only one among the country's top five smartphone vendors to record a decline this year. By contrast, Xiaomi and Huawei have grown dramatically.
This article, "Apple Joins China Subsidy Program in Effort to Counter Declining Sales" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple customers in Shanghai can access the subsidies by purchasing qualifying devices in one of the city's eight Apple retail stores, while Beijing residents can receive the discount through Apple's online store, provided they use a Beijing shipping address.
The program offers subsidies of up to 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) on certain Apple products, with eligibility criteria determined by product type and price. Devices priced below 6,000 yuan (roughly $835) receive a 15% discount, capped at 500 yuan, while some higher-value items such as Macs are eligible for a bigger discount.
Previously, Apple products were available under the subsidy program only through authorized third-party platforms such as JD.com and Alibaba's Taobao marketplace. This therefore marks the first time Apple's own online and retail stores have participated directly in the scheme.
Data from market analytics companies have painted a consistent picture of Apple's smartphone shipments in mainland China falling in 2025, making Apple the only one among the country's top five smartphone vendors to record a decline this year. By contrast, Xiaomi and Huawei have grown dramatically.
Tags: China, South China Morning Post
This article, "Apple Joins China Subsidy Program in Effort to Counter Declining Sales" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
The second developer beta of macOS Tahoe is now available for testing, and it includes a handful of smaller new features and changes on the Mac.
Below, we recap everything new that has been found in macOS Tahoe beta 2 so far.
Crisis averted: Apple has restored the Finder icon's design to its former glory on the second beta.
On the first macOS Tahoe developer beta, the app icon's colors were inverted, with blue appearing on the right side and white appearing on the left side. That change disappointed some people, and Apple has evidently listened to that feedback.
The second beta also gives a fresh coat of paint to the Migration Assistant app icon.
Apple removed the frosted background from the menu bar by default on macOS Tahoe, as part of the Liquid Glass redesign. If you miss it, though, the second beta adds a "Show menu bar background" option to the System Settings app under Menu Bar.
As spotted by Federico Trevisani, the second macOS Tahoe beta lets you enroll in beta testing of AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac.
First, connect your AirPods to your Mac. Next, open the System Settings app and click on the Bluetooth menu. Then, select the (i) symbol next to your AirPods. On the ensuing page, scroll down to the bottom and click on "AirPods Beta Updates. Finally, there is a toggle to enable beta firmware updates on your AirPods. Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and near the Мас.
Apple currently offers AirPods beta firmware updates to developers only. However, that will soon change. Apple plans to start offering public betas of AirPods firmware updates in July for the first time, beginning with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
The latest firmware beta for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 adds support for improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There is also an option to use AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording, and these AirPods models can automatically pause audio if it is detected that you fell asleep.
This article, "Here's Everything New in macOS Tahoe Beta 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Below, we recap everything new that has been found in macOS Tahoe beta 2 so far.
Redesigned Finder App Icon
Crisis averted: Apple has restored the Finder icon's design to its former glory on the second beta.
On the first macOS Tahoe developer beta, the app icon's colors were inverted, with blue appearing on the right side and white appearing on the left side. That change disappointed some people, and Apple has evidently listened to that feedback.
Redesigned Migration Assistant App Icon
The second beta also gives a fresh coat of paint to the Migration Assistant app icon.
Menu Bar Background Option
Apple removed the frosted background from the menu bar by default on macOS Tahoe, as part of the Liquid Glass redesign. If you miss it, though, the second beta adds a "Show menu bar background" option to the System Settings app under Menu Bar.
AirPods Beta Firmware
As spotted by Federico Trevisani, the second macOS Tahoe beta lets you enroll in beta testing of AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac.
First, connect your AirPods to your Mac. Next, open the System Settings app and click on the Bluetooth menu. Then, select the (i) symbol next to your AirPods. On the ensuing page, scroll down to the bottom and click on "AirPods Beta Updates. Finally, there is a toggle to enable beta firmware updates on your AirPods. Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and near the Мас.
Apple currently offers AirPods beta firmware updates to developers only. However, that will soon change. Apple plans to start offering public betas of AirPods firmware updates in July for the first time, beginning with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
The latest firmware beta for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 adds support for improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There is also an option to use AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording, and these AirPods models can automatically pause audio if it is detected that you fell asleep.
Other Changes
- Apple's release notes for the second macOS Tahoe developer beta mention the same new Recovery Assistant feature that was added to iOS 26. Apple: "Recovery Assistant is a new way to recover your device if it doesn't start up normally. It can look for problems and attempt to resolve them if found."
- We have not independently confirmed this yet, but a Reddit user claims that you can now use Apple Intelligence when booting macOS Tahoe from an external drive, by default. On the first beta, and macOS Sequoia, this was only possible through a manual process that involved the use of Terminal.
- There is a new "Your Mac has been updated" notification.
- Developers can test that their Mac apps no longer depend on Rosetta 2, which will be phased out starting with macOS 28.
Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe 26
Related Forum: macOS Tahoe
This article, "Here's Everything New in macOS Tahoe Beta 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
In the iOS 26 beta, Apple has redesigned the alarm screen in the Clock app, giving it a cleaner look with a larger time display and significantly bigger buttons. When the alarm goes off, you'll now see two large, equal-sized buttons for Stop and Snooze placed side by side at the bottom of the screen.
While the redesign fits with Apple's broader visual refresh in iOS 26, it also seems to address a problem the company had already solved: reducing the chances of you hitting Stop instead of Snooze when you're half-awake and fumbling for your phone. Ironically, internal testing once showed that making both buttons the same size actually made that mistake more likely.
According to Jack Fields, a former Apple engineer and head writer at Kernel Extension, the new layout contradicts internal research he was involved in during his time at the company. That testing included a version of the Clock app that logged user interactions to a heat map, tracking exactly where people tapped the screen upon waking.
"It was recording where our sleepy hands were smacking around on the screen in order to see how accurate we were in turning off the alarms," says Fields. What they found was perhaps counterintuitive: when Stop and Snooze were made the same size and placed close together, users were 30% more likely to hit Stop by accident. In other words, it actually increased the chances of oversleeping.
That's why recent versions of iOS feature a prominent, centered Snooze button and a much smaller Stop button tucked further down the screen. "By making the Stop button such a small hit target, it ensures you're awake enough to actually stop it," Fields explains.
"This new design is... interesting," he adds. "It goes against any studies I was a part of, so I'm curious what data they have to support the change. It's terrifyingly large now."
It's worth remembering this is beta software, and Apple could tweak the layout before the final release. But for now, the update makes you wonder whether a more symmetrical, simplified UI is always better, or (at least in this case) is it more likely to make you tap the wrong thing, just faster?
In a related change you may have missed, Apple also now allows users to customize snooze length, choosing a length of time between 1 minute and 15 minutes. (Previously, tapping snooze always snoozed an alarm for nine minutes.) Now that's a change we can certainly get behind.
This article, "Apple's New Alarm Design in iOS 26 Might Make You Oversleep" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Alarm screen in iOS 18 (left) versus iOS 26 beta 2
While the redesign fits with Apple's broader visual refresh in iOS 26, it also seems to address a problem the company had already solved: reducing the chances of you hitting Stop instead of Snooze when you're half-awake and fumbling for your phone. Ironically, internal testing once showed that making both buttons the same size actually made that mistake more likely.
According to Jack Fields, a former Apple engineer and head writer at Kernel Extension, the new layout contradicts internal research he was involved in during his time at the company. That testing included a version of the Clock app that logged user interactions to a heat map, tracking exactly where people tapped the screen upon waking.
"It was recording where our sleepy hands were smacking around on the screen in order to see how accurate we were in turning off the alarms," says Fields. What they found was perhaps counterintuitive: when Stop and Snooze were made the same size and placed close together, users were 30% more likely to hit Stop by accident. In other words, it actually increased the chances of oversleeping.
That's why recent versions of iOS feature a prominent, centered Snooze button and a much smaller Stop button tucked further down the screen. "By making the Stop button such a small hit target, it ensures you're awake enough to actually stop it," Fields explains.
"This new design is... interesting," he adds. "It goes against any studies I was a part of, so I'm curious what data they have to support the change. It's terrifyingly large now."
It's worth remembering this is beta software, and Apple could tweak the layout before the final release. But for now, the update makes you wonder whether a more symmetrical, simplified UI is always better, or (at least in this case) is it more likely to make you tap the wrong thing, just faster?
In a related change you may have missed, Apple also now allows users to customize snooze length, choosing a length of time between 1 minute and 15 minutes. (Previously, tapping snooze always snoozed an alarm for nine minutes.) Now that's a change we can certainly get behind.
Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "Apple's New Alarm Design in iOS 26 Might Make You Oversleep" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's iPhone sales in China are likely to get a big boost from a government subsidy program that pays buyers to stimulate the economy.
Chinese iPhone sales should get a boost from government subsidies
On Tuesday, Apple revealed that consumers are able to take advantage of a government subsidy that applies to a selection of its products. The subsidy covers up to RMB 2,000 ($278) of the cost of a limited number of Apple products.
Under the program, first reported by Global Times, customers can buy products from the Apple Store in Shanghai or the Apple Online Store, if they have a delivery address in Beijing.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Chinese iPhone sales should get a boost from government subsidies
On Tuesday, Apple revealed that consumers are able to take advantage of a government subsidy that applies to a selection of its products. The subsidy covers up to RMB 2,000 ($278) of the cost of a limited number of Apple products.
Under the program, first reported by Global Times, customers can buy products from the Apple Store in Shanghai or the Apple Online Store, if they have a delivery address in Beijing.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Today marks 15 years since Apple released the popular iPhone 4 and launched FaceTime, its proprietary video calling service.
The iPhone 4 first became available to customers on June 24, 2010, following its unveiling by then-CEO Steve Jobs at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier that month. It was the first iPhone to feature a high-resolution "Retina" display, with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, making individual pixels imperceptible at a standard viewing distance. Apple described it at the time as offering "four times the pixel density of previous displays," resulting in crisper text and sharper images.
The device introduced a new industrial design made from stainless steel and glass, with squared edges that diverged significantly from the rounded plastic form factor of previous iPhones. It also featured Apple's first custom-designed system-on-a-chip, the A4, which debuted in the original iPad. The A4 provided improved performance and battery life compared to the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 4 also marked the debut of the front-facing camera on an iPhone, enabling selfies for the first time, as well as FaceTime video calling.
The iPhone 4 shipped with iOS 4, which introduced several new software features including background functionality for third-party apps, home screen folders, and a unified Mail inbox. It was also the first iOS version to drop support for an iPhone, the original model.
One of the most infamous issues surrounding the iPhone 4 was the so-called "antennagate" controversy. Due to the external stainless steel antenna band doubling as a signal receiver, some users experienced signal degradation when holding the device in a way that bridged the antenna gaps. Apple addressed the issue in a press conference in July 2010, offering free bumper cases to affected customers and explaining that most smartphones exhibited similar signal attenuation under certain conditions.
Despite the controversy, the iPhone 4 was Apple's most successful smartphone launch at the time. The company reported pre-orders of over 600,000 units on the first day alone, and long queues were seen outside Apple Stores on launch day across the United States and other countries. The model went on to become one of the best-selling iPhones of its era and remained available in various forms until 2014, including as a low-cost option with reduced storage.
FaceTime was initially limited to Wi-Fi connections and available only between iPhone 4 devices running iOS 4. With the device already signed into the user's Apple ID, making a call was simple and initiated directly from the Phone or Contacts app. In 2011, Apple expanded FaceTime support to the iPad 2 and the Mac. FaceTime Audio was introduced with iOS 7 in 2013.
In iOS 12, Apple added support for Group FaceTime with up to 32 participants, and in 2021, FaceTime links brought limited compatibility with Android and Windows via web browsers. While Apple initially described FaceTime as "an open industry standard," the company never published the protocol, and the feature has remained exclusive to Apple platforms.
This article, "iPhone 4 and FaceTime Launched 15 Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The iPhone 4 first became available to customers on June 24, 2010, following its unveiling by then-CEO Steve Jobs at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier that month. It was the first iPhone to feature a high-resolution "Retina" display, with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, making individual pixels imperceptible at a standard viewing distance. Apple described it at the time as offering "four times the pixel density of previous displays," resulting in crisper text and sharper images.
The device introduced a new industrial design made from stainless steel and glass, with squared edges that diverged significantly from the rounded plastic form factor of previous iPhones. It also featured Apple's first custom-designed system-on-a-chip, the A4, which debuted in the original iPad. The A4 provided improved performance and battery life compared to the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 4 also marked the debut of the front-facing camera on an iPhone, enabling selfies for the first time, as well as FaceTime video calling.
The iPhone 4 shipped with iOS 4, which introduced several new software features including background functionality for third-party apps, home screen folders, and a unified Mail inbox. It was also the first iOS version to drop support for an iPhone, the original model.
One of the most infamous issues surrounding the iPhone 4 was the so-called "antennagate" controversy. Due to the external stainless steel antenna band doubling as a signal receiver, some users experienced signal degradation when holding the device in a way that bridged the antenna gaps. Apple addressed the issue in a press conference in July 2010, offering free bumper cases to affected customers and explaining that most smartphones exhibited similar signal attenuation under certain conditions.
Despite the controversy, the iPhone 4 was Apple's most successful smartphone launch at the time. The company reported pre-orders of over 600,000 units on the first day alone, and long queues were seen outside Apple Stores on launch day across the United States and other countries. The model went on to become one of the best-selling iPhones of its era and remained available in various forms until 2014, including as a low-cost option with reduced storage.
FaceTime was initially limited to Wi-Fi connections and available only between iPhone 4 devices running iOS 4. With the device already signed into the user's Apple ID, making a call was simple and initiated directly from the Phone or Contacts app. In 2011, Apple expanded FaceTime support to the iPad 2 and the Mac. FaceTime Audio was introduced with iOS 7 in 2013.
In iOS 12, Apple added support for Group FaceTime with up to 32 participants, and in 2021, FaceTime links brought limited compatibility with Android and Windows via web browsers. While Apple initially described FaceTime as "an open industry standard," the company never published the protocol, and the feature has remained exclusive to Apple platforms.
Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "iPhone 4 and FaceTime Launched 15 Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
AAPL investors now have the opportunity to take a leading role in a securities fraud lawsuit against Apple, as the company faces allegations…
The post AAPL investors have opportunity to lead Apple securities fraud lawsuit appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
As spotted by Federico Trevisani, the second macOS Tahoe beta lets you enroll in beta testing of AirPods firmware updates directly on a Mac. A similar interface was already introduced on the iPhone and iPad with the first iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 betas.
First, connect your AirPods to your Mac. Next, open the System Settings app and click on the Bluetooth menu. Then, select the (i) symbol next to your AirPods. On the ensuing page, scroll down to the bottom and click on "AirPods Beta Updates. Finally, there is a toggle to enable beta firmware updates on your AirPods. Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and near the Мас.
Apple currently offers AirPods beta firmware updates to registered developers only. However, that will soon change. Apple plans to start offering public betas of AirPods firmware updates in July for the first time, beginning with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
Apple already released a developer beta of an upcoming firmware update for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 earlier this month. With the new firmware, the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 gain support for improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There is also an option to use AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording. Plus, these AirPods models can automatically pause audio if it is detected that you fell asleep.
This article, "You Can Now Enable AirPods Firmware Update Betas on macOS Tahoe" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
First, connect your AirPods to your Mac. Next, open the System Settings app and click on the Bluetooth menu. Then, select the (i) symbol next to your AirPods. On the ensuing page, scroll down to the bottom and click on "AirPods Beta Updates. Finally, there is a toggle to enable beta firmware updates on your AirPods. Firmware updates will be installed when your AirPods are in their charging case and near the Мас.
Apple currently offers AirPods beta firmware updates to registered developers only. However, that will soon change. Apple plans to start offering public betas of AirPods firmware updates in July for the first time, beginning with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
Apple already released a developer beta of an upcoming firmware update for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 earlier this month. With the new firmware, the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 gain support for improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There is also an option to use AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording. Plus, these AirPods models can automatically pause audio if it is detected that you fell asleep.
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now), AirPods Pro (Don't Buy)
Related Forums: AirPods, macOS Tahoe
This article, "You Can Now Enable AirPods Firmware Update Betas on macOS Tahoe" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 Apple Insider
An upcoming comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson slated for Apple TV+ is on pause as producers look to bring in a new showrunner.
Apple TV+ pauses McConaughey-Harrelson comedy
Apple TV+ has paused productions on a yet-unnamed upcoming comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The cast and crew were sent home in mid-June after the departure of showrunner David West Read.
Read allegedly departed, citing creative differences. Deadline has learned that Apple and Skydance Television are in talks with Lee Eisenberg, who has also worked on Apple TV+'s "Lessons in Chemistry," to replace Read.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple TV+ pauses McConaughey-Harrelson comedy
Apple TV+ has paused productions on a yet-unnamed upcoming comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The cast and crew were sent home in mid-June after the departure of showrunner David West Read.
Read allegedly departed, citing creative differences. Deadline has learned that Apple and Skydance Television are in talks with Lee Eisenberg, who has also worked on Apple TV+'s "Lessons in Chemistry," to replace Read.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
In a move to bolt the stable door, US House of Representatives staff must stop using WhatsApp, and switch to a more secure service like Apple's Messages.
WhatsApp on an iPhone
It may seem as if the government prefers to make its messages insecure, but really it wants sending classified texts to journalists to be its decision, not a feature. According to the Financial Times, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the US House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp from June 30, 2025.
The instruction wasn't exactly sent around at the same moment WhatsApp owner Meta's Mark Zuckerberg was popping in to the White House. But he has been sucking up to Trump, perhaps to avoid repeating how in January 2025 he had to pay out millions to the president to settle a lawsuit.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
WhatsApp on an iPhone
It may seem as if the government prefers to make its messages insecure, but really it wants sending classified texts to journalists to be its decision, not a feature. According to the Financial Times, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the US House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp from June 30, 2025.
The instruction wasn't exactly sent around at the same moment WhatsApp owner Meta's Mark Zuckerberg was popping in to the White House. But he has been sucking up to Trump, perhaps to avoid repeating how in January 2025 he had to pay out millions to the president to settle a lawsuit.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Amazon today has low prices across nearly the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, with $150 off both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Many of the notebooks in this sale are seeing delivery estimates around late June.
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.
Starting with the 13-inch models, Amazon has $150 off all three configurations of this notebook. Prices start at $849.00 for the 256GB model, then raise to $1,049.00 for the 16GB/512GB model and $1,249.00 for the 24GB/512GB model. All of these are solid second-best prices on the M4 MacBook Air.
Moving to the larger display models, Amazon has both 512GB versions of the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week, as well as the 256GB model. The 16GB/512GB model is available for $1,248.99 and the 24GB/512GB model is on sale for $1,449.00. Across the board, these are all second-best prices on the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air.
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.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Amazon Takes $150 Off M4 MacBook Air, Starting at $849" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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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.
Starting with the 13-inch models, Amazon has $150 off all three configurations of this notebook. Prices start at $849.00 for the 256GB model, then raise to $1,049.00 for the 16GB/512GB model and $1,249.00 for the 24GB/512GB model. All of these are solid second-best prices on the M4 MacBook Air.
Moving to the larger display models, Amazon has both 512GB versions of the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week, as well as the 256GB model. The 16GB/512GB model is available for $1,248.99 and the 24GB/512GB model is on sale for $1,449.00. Across the board, these are all second-best prices on the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air.
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 2025? 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 Deals
This article, "Amazon Takes $150 Off M4 MacBook Air, Starting at $849" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Selling your old iPhone can be time-consuming and result in lower-than-desired payments, but Gazelle removes all the friction and gets you an offer with no effort. Here's how.
Get an extra 10 percent trade-in bonus on your used iPhone - Image credit: Gazelle
Apple's iPhone retains its value better than any other smartphone on the market, so selling it for a good amount should be easy. However, it isn't always straightforward trying to find a buyer that's willing to pay for the valued product or isn't trying to scam you.
Get 10% trade-in bonus
Continue Reading on AppleInsider
Get an extra 10 percent trade-in bonus on your used iPhone - Image credit: Gazelle
Apple's iPhone retains its value better than any other smartphone on the market, so selling it for a good amount should be easy. However, it isn't always straightforward trying to find a buyer that's willing to pay for the valued product or isn't trying to scam you.
Get 10% trade-in bonus
Continue Reading on AppleInsider
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple's iOS 26 Beta 2, addressing a significant issue with its new user interface, Liquid Glass, especially regarding Control Center which…
The post Apple improves Liquid Glass Control Center readability in iOS 26 Beta 2 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
OWC's new Express 4M2 enclosure gives creative pros USB4 performance, smart cooling, and flexible RAID options in a compact, near-silent package.
Express 4M2 enclosure
Other World Computing (OWC) has released a new Express 4M2 enclosure with USB4 support, improved cooling, and expanded RAID flexibility. It's designed for creators needing fast, reliable external storage for tasks like 8K video editing, multi-camera offloads, and large batch processing.
The Express 4M2 supports up to four NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, or 2280 formats. It reaches real-world speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s when connected to USB4 or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Express 4M2 enclosure
Other World Computing (OWC) has released a new Express 4M2 enclosure with USB4 support, improved cooling, and expanded RAID flexibility. It's designed for creators needing fast, reliable external storage for tasks like 8K video editing, multi-camera offloads, and large batch processing.
The Express 4M2 supports up to four NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, or 2280 formats. It reaches real-world speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s when connected to USB4 or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple Original Films’ “F1 The Movie” build anticipations with the star-studded European premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London…
The post Apple Original Films celebrates the European premiere of ‘F1 The Movie’ appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
The owners of All One Farm in Oregon, are hoping to finally cash in how it claims to be the orchard that inspired Steve Jobs to name his company "Apple."
The farmhouse where Steve Jobs worked and Lisa Brennan-Jobs was born could be yours, along with 387 acres — image credit: Redfin
The origins of Apple are well-documented. While the naming of the company after an apple orchard sounds either apocryphal or just plain marketing, but it's true and the farm finally wants to cash in.
According to Oregon Live, All One Farm near McMinnville, is now on the market for $5 million. Based on property records searches, it appears to be the first time that the farm has been offered for sale since it was turned into a commune by Robert Friedland in the early 1970s.
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The farmhouse where Steve Jobs worked and Lisa Brennan-Jobs was born could be yours, along with 387 acres — image credit: Redfin
The origins of Apple are well-documented. While the naming of the company after an apple orchard sounds either apocryphal or just plain marketing, but it's true and the farm finally wants to cash in.
According to Oregon Live, All One Farm near McMinnville, is now on the market for $5 million. Based on property records searches, it appears to be the first time that the farm has been offered for sale since it was turned into a commune by Robert Friedland in the early 1970s.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's iPad Pro could get even thinner bezels in the future, thanks to a possible change to the way its OLED panels are manufactured.
The OLED iPad Pro display is vivid and bright.
Apple has continuously pushed to create as thin a bezel as possible for its products. These efforts have resulted in very thin bezels for the iPhone and MacBook Pro, but a change could result in even thinner versions for the iPad lineup.
According to The Elec on Tuesday, Apple is preparing to approve or reject a display driver IC (DDI) from LX Semicon. The change could allow LG Innotek to supply its own chip-on-film (CoF) materials for use in iPad OLED panels.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
The OLED iPad Pro display is vivid and bright.
Apple has continuously pushed to create as thin a bezel as possible for its products. These efforts have resulted in very thin bezels for the iPhone and MacBook Pro, but a change could result in even thinner versions for the iPad lineup.
According to The Elec on Tuesday, Apple is preparing to approve or reject a display driver IC (DDI) from LX Semicon. The change could allow LG Innotek to supply its own chip-on-film (CoF) materials for use in iPad OLED panels.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
More details have leaked about former Apple design chief Jony Ive's secretive collab with OpenAI to create a new AI consumer product. The gadget – pitched as a "third core device" that would sit in your pocket, or on your desk alongside a MacBook Pro and iPhone – apparently won't be an in-ear device or a wearable. How do we know?
Earlier this week, OpenAI was forced to remove from its website mentions of io (the hardware startup it acquired, co-founded by Ive) to comply with a trademark lawsuit by a Google-backed company called iyO, which is developing custom-molded earpieces that connect to other devices.
To back up its claim that OpenAI wilfully infringed on its trademark, iyO submitted court filings that include emails showing that executives from io and OpenAI knew about its in-ear device – dubbed "the world's first audio computer" – and even requested a demo of iyO's product.
However, io co-founder and former Apple executive Tang Tan submitted court filings this month responding to the allegation. In the June 12 court declaration, Tan concedes that the company "surveyed the existing commercial offerings" and that "as part of these early efforts, io purchased a wide range of earbuds, hearing aids, and at least 30 different headphone sets from a variety of different companies."
However, Tan says the first device it plans to launch "is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device." The filings also say the device is "at least a year away from being offered for sale."
The new tidbit goes against a recent prediction by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that users will be able to wear the device around their necks, "like a necklace." Even before the court filings, Kuo's claim seemed speculative at best, given that Ive apparently isn't keen on making something you'd wear on the body.
Previous leaks have revealed that the gadget will be pocket-sized, contextually aware of your surroundings and life, and completely screen-free. Altman apparently told OpenAI staff it's "the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen" after testing Ive's prototype at home.
OpenAI acquired Ive's startup io for $6.5 billion, with Altman suggesting the deal could add $1 trillion in value to the company. The goal is to ship the device by late 2026, and OpenAI has ambitious plans to reach 100 million units "faster than any company has ever shipped 100 million of something new before."
If you've been eagerly awaiting more concrete details about mysterious AI device, the new info is likely to disappoint. Other than that, it's hard to know what to expect, especially given it's been several years since Ive oversaw the design of a consumer electronics product. Here's hoping it has better durability than a butterfly keyboard.
This article, "Jony Ive's OpenAI Device Won't Be Wearable, Court Filings Reveal" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Earlier this week, OpenAI was forced to remove from its website mentions of io (the hardware startup it acquired, co-founded by Ive) to comply with a trademark lawsuit by a Google-backed company called iyO, which is developing custom-molded earpieces that connect to other devices.
To back up its claim that OpenAI wilfully infringed on its trademark, iyO submitted court filings that include emails showing that executives from io and OpenAI knew about its in-ear device – dubbed "the world's first audio computer" – and even requested a demo of iyO's product.
However, io co-founder and former Apple executive Tang Tan submitted court filings this month responding to the allegation. In the June 12 court declaration, Tan concedes that the company "surveyed the existing commercial offerings" and that "as part of these early efforts, io purchased a wide range of earbuds, hearing aids, and at least 30 different headphone sets from a variety of different companies."
However, Tan says the first device it plans to launch "is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device." The filings also say the device is "at least a year away from being offered for sale."
The new tidbit goes against a recent prediction by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that users will be able to wear the device around their necks, "like a necklace." Even before the court filings, Kuo's claim seemed speculative at best, given that Ive apparently isn't keen on making something you'd wear on the body.
Previous leaks have revealed that the gadget will be pocket-sized, contextually aware of your surroundings and life, and completely screen-free. Altman apparently told OpenAI staff it's "the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen" after testing Ive's prototype at home.
OpenAI acquired Ive's startup io for $6.5 billion, with Altman suggesting the deal could add $1 trillion in value to the company. The goal is to ship the device by late 2026, and OpenAI has ambitious plans to reach 100 million units "faster than any company has ever shipped 100 million of something new before."
If you've been eagerly awaiting more concrete details about mysterious AI device, the new info is likely to disappoint. Other than that, it's hard to know what to expect, especially given it's been several years since Ive oversaw the design of a consumer electronics product. Here's hoping it has better durability than a butterfly keyboard.
This article, "Jony Ive's OpenAI Device Won't Be Wearable, Court Filings Reveal" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's first iOS 26 beta was so rough that it had some falling over themselves to write it off forever. But that's an overreaction to say the least, and Apple is already showing why you can't judge an update by its beta 1 release.
Control Center is much more legible in iOS 26 developer beta 2
I've long been of the opinion that people shouldn't install beta software, especially on their iPhones. That's doubly true when we're talking about an initial beta release that dropped hours after the WWDC opening keynote on June 9.
That isn't to say that I always follow my own advice. In fact, I rarely do, although I do hide behind the fact that I need the betas for work.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Control Center is much more legible in iOS 26 developer beta 2
I've long been of the opinion that people shouldn't install beta software, especially on their iPhones. That's doubly true when we're talking about an initial beta release that dropped hours after the WWDC opening keynote on June 9.
That isn't to say that I always follow my own advice. In fact, I rarely do, although I do hide behind the fact that I need the betas for work.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Apple Insider
It's been five years since Tim Cook's Apple Silicon announcement, and over a decade of rumors. Here's how the whole saga started, how it launched, and what to expect in the future.
Apple Silicon is on its fourth generation in five years.
After years of dealing with Intel's chip limitations, Apple introduced the move to Apple Silicon during WWDC 2020. The effort of ditching a well-used architecture would see Apple shifting to its new line of designed in-house chips for its Mac and MacBook catalog, starting later that same year.
That two-year transition from Intel to Apple Silicon started a major change for the company, as well as the industry at large. Beyond claims of high efficiency designs paired with high levels of performance, which you would expect from a chip launch.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Silicon is on its fourth generation in five years.
After years of dealing with Intel's chip limitations, Apple introduced the move to Apple Silicon during WWDC 2020. The effort of ditching a well-used architecture would see Apple shifting to its new line of designed in-house chips for its Mac and MacBook catalog, starting later that same year.
That two-year transition from Intel to Apple Silicon started a major change for the company, as well as the industry at large. Beyond claims of high efficiency designs paired with high levels of performance, which you would expect from a chip launch.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/24/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple is considering LG Innotek's chip-on-film (CoF) technology for future iPad Pro OLED displays, a change that could potentially deliver slimmer bezels and more compact designs without sacrificing screen size.
Korean outlet The Elec reports that Apple is expected to approve or reject LX Semicon's display driver IC this month, which would work alongside LG Innotek's CoF technology. CoF technology attaches display driver chips to panels using heat compression on flexible film, sending signals to control individual pixels through thin-film transistors.
The combination enables tighter integration of the panel along the display's edges, which could end up shrinking the visible bezels and creating more screen real estate in the same device footprint. The combination might also offer more power-efficient signal processing, which would translate to better battery life, though this is more speculative.
Apple has exclusively relied on Samsung System LSI for display driver ICs in its OLED iPad Pro models launched last year. A switch to LG would also diversify Apple's supply chain while potentially reducing component costs through increased competition.
The report doesn't specify which iPad model the components are destined for, but DigiTimes reports separately that LX Semicon's entry into Apple's supply chain is related to iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro is rumored to receive an M5 chip in the second half of 2025. Future models could also feature landscape-oriented Apple logos and Apple-designed 5G modems by 2027. A foldable 18.8-inch iPad Pro could arrive as early as 2027.
This article, "Apple's Next iPad Pro Could Feature Ultra-Slim Bezels" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Korean outlet The Elec reports that Apple is expected to approve or reject LX Semicon's display driver IC this month, which would work alongside LG Innotek's CoF technology. CoF technology attaches display driver chips to panels using heat compression on flexible film, sending signals to control individual pixels through thin-film transistors.
The combination enables tighter integration of the panel along the display's edges, which could end up shrinking the visible bezels and creating more screen real estate in the same device footprint. The combination might also offer more power-efficient signal processing, which would translate to better battery life, though this is more speculative.
Apple has exclusively relied on Samsung System LSI for display driver ICs in its OLED iPad Pro models launched last year. A switch to LG would also diversify Apple's supply chain while potentially reducing component costs through increased competition.
The report doesn't specify which iPad model the components are destined for, but DigiTimes reports separately that LX Semicon's entry into Apple's supply chain is related to iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro is rumored to receive an M5 chip in the second half of 2025. Future models could also feature landscape-oriented Apple logos and Apple-designed 5G modems by 2027. A foldable 18.8-inch iPad Pro could arrive as early as 2027.
Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Tag: The Elec
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Caution)
This article, "Apple's Next iPad Pro Could Feature Ultra-Slim Bezels" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/23/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple today announced that Japan's My Number Card can now be added to the Wallet app on an iPhone XS or newer running iOS 18.5 or later.
The card can be added to the Wallet app via the latest version of the Mynaportal app, and it can be presented in person or in apps, where accepted digitally.
Starting today, Apple said the My Number Card on the iPhone can be used to print official documents at convenience stores in Japan, and to access the Mynaportal to receive online government services. In the future, users will also be able to present a My Number Card on the iPhone at hospitals and pharmacies in Japan.
Japan is the first country to support the Wallet app's ID feature outside of the United States.
Apple says approximately 100 million people in Japan have a My Number Card.
More details are available on the Digital Agency's website.
This article, "Apple Wallet App on iPhone Now Lets You Add Japan's My Number Card" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The card can be added to the Wallet app via the latest version of the Mynaportal app, and it can be presented in person or in apps, where accepted digitally.
Starting today, Apple said the My Number Card on the iPhone can be used to print official documents at convenience stores in Japan, and to access the Mynaportal to receive online government services. In the future, users will also be able to present a My Number Card on the iPhone at hospitals and pharmacies in Japan.
Japan is the first country to support the Wallet app's ID feature outside of the United States.
Apple says approximately 100 million people in Japan have a My Number Card.
More details are available on the Digital Agency's website.
Tag: Apple Wallet
This article, "Apple Wallet App on iPhone Now Lets You Add Japan's My Number Card" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/23/2025 Apple Insider
When it comes time to choose a new Mac keyboard, the Epomaker Magcore 87's unusual inductive switches should help it find a home on most people's shortlists.
Epomaker Magcore 87 review: You can't fault the colors on this keyboard
As I said when I recently reviewed the Epomaker Split65, I'm a sucker for a keyboard. But when you try a lot of keyboards, it's easy to find them all merging into one mechanical mass.
Even so, the Magcore 87 is a first for me — something that happens all too rarely these days. In a world of mechanical keyboards, Epomaker chose to go with inductive switches this time around.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Epomaker Magcore 87 review: You can't fault the colors on this keyboard
As I said when I recently reviewed the Epomaker Split65, I'm a sucker for a keyboard. But when you try a lot of keyboards, it's easy to find them all merging into one mechanical mass.
Even so, the Magcore 87 is a first for me — something that happens all too rarely these days. In a world of mechanical keyboards, Epomaker chose to go with inductive switches this time around.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/23/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple silicon was announced five years ago this week, kickstarting one of the most successful periods for the Mac ever.
Following years of rumors, Apple in June 2020 unveiled its plan to transition the entire Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own custom-designed chips.
Later that year saw the release of the first three Mac models powered by Apple silicon, including a 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini.
Apple had plenty of experience after a decade of making custom iPhone and iPad chips, and it was time for the Mac to switch from x86 to Arm architecture.
The company promised, and delivered, industry-leading performance per watt for Macs. This feat allowed it to remove the fan inside the MacBook Air, given the improved power efficiency resulted in less heat being generated in the ultra-thin laptop.
"With its powerful features and industry-leading performance, Apple silicon will make the Mac stronger and more capable than ever," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release announcing the transition to Apple silicon.
"I've never been more excited about the future of the Mac," added Cook.
He had good reason to be excited.
Over the past five years, many Apple fans would agree that the Mac has gone through a renaissance. Apple silicon delivered powerful performance and power efficiency at a fraction of the price of the highest-end Intel-based Macs. Apple also went a step further by bringing back ports like HDMI and MagSafe. In many ways, the Mac has never been in a better place, especially compared to the mid-2010s era when MacBooks were equipped with faulty butterfly keyboards, and often ran loud and hot to the touch.
Apple recently announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final macOS release that is compatible with Intel-based Macs.
"From the beginning, the Mac has always embraced big changes to stay at the forefront of personal computing," said Cook.
A big change was an understatement. Apple silicon completely changed the game for the Mac when it was first announced five years ago.
This article, "Intel to Apple Silicon Transition for Mac Was Announced Five Years Ago" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Following years of rumors, Apple in June 2020 unveiled its plan to transition the entire Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own custom-designed chips.
Later that year saw the release of the first three Mac models powered by Apple silicon, including a 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini.
Apple had plenty of experience after a decade of making custom iPhone and iPad chips, and it was time for the Mac to switch from x86 to Arm architecture.
The company promised, and delivered, industry-leading performance per watt for Macs. This feat allowed it to remove the fan inside the MacBook Air, given the improved power efficiency resulted in less heat being generated in the ultra-thin laptop.
"With its powerful features and industry-leading performance, Apple silicon will make the Mac stronger and more capable than ever," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release announcing the transition to Apple silicon.
"I've never been more excited about the future of the Mac," added Cook.
He had good reason to be excited.
Over the past five years, many Apple fans would agree that the Mac has gone through a renaissance. Apple silicon delivered powerful performance and power efficiency at a fraction of the price of the highest-end Intel-based Macs. Apple also went a step further by bringing back ports like HDMI and MagSafe. In many ways, the Mac has never been in a better place, especially compared to the mid-2010s era when MacBooks were equipped with faulty butterfly keyboards, and often ran loud and hot to the touch.
Apple recently announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final macOS release that is compatible with Intel-based Macs.
"From the beginning, the Mac has always embraced big changes to stay at the forefront of personal computing," said Cook.
A big change was an understatement. Apple silicon completely changed the game for the Mac when it was first announced five years ago.
Tags: Apple Silicon, Intel
This article, "Intel to Apple Silicon Transition for Mac Was Announced Five Years Ago" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/23/2025 Mac Rumors
There are hundreds of changes in iOS 26, some of which are huge updates and some of which are smaller. We've rounded up two lists, one featuring the best features iOS 26 has to offer, and one that includes some of the smaller but still useful changes that are available.
Do you agree with our picks? Know of a hidden feature we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below.
This article, "iOS 26 Best and Hidden Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Best iOS 26 Features
- Visual Intelligence - In iOS 26, Visual Intelligence works with screenshots, so you can ask ChatGPT questions about what's on your screen, or search for items in screenshots on Google.
- Messages - The Messages app got a major update, and it supports custom backgrounds, polls, and typing indicators for group texts, and even Live Translation if you're chatting with someone that speaks a different language
- Phone - The Phone app has a feature that will screen your calls, asking callers for their name and reason for calling before they can speak to you. There's also Hold Assist that'll wait for a live agent for you, so you don't need to listen to annoying hold music.
- AutoMix - AutoMix in Apple Music is a new feature that can seamlessly transition from one song to another with time stretching and beat mixing. It's like a DJ in your pocket.
- Visited Places - In the Maps app, there's a new Visited Places feature that keeps track of where you've been. If you're on vacation and visit a great restaurant, but don't happen to remember what it was called, you can check in the Maps app so you can visit again.
- Games - There's an all-new Games app that houses all of your mobile games, and makes it easy to find new ones. It also includes Game Center functionality and features so you can challenge your friends.
Hidden iOS 26 Features
- Battery - There's a useful new battery feature that lets you know how long it will be until your phone is fully charged.
- Adaptive Power Mode - Adaptive Power Mode is a new option that can save battery when you're using more battery life on your phone. Maybe you're using Maps more, or taking a lot of photos. It'll let you know your battery usage is up, and will help you trim down features you don't need so that your battery lasts as long as it normally does.
- Alarm Snooze - When you set an alarm, you can now customize the snooze time. No more nine minute snoozes.
- Album artwork - When you play songs from Apple Music, Spotify, and other services, album artwork is now full screen on the Lock Screen.
- Spatial Scenes - Spatial Scenes are a fun new Photos feature that takes your 2D images and adds a 3D feel to them.
- Apple Music Translation - When you're listening to a song in Apple Music and there are lyrics in another language, you can now see real-time translations.
Do you agree with our picks? Know of a hidden feature we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below.
This article, "iOS 26 Best and Hidden Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/23/2025 Mac Rumors
Apple provided developers with the second beta of iOS 26, introducing the first changes and refinements to the new operating system since it debuted after the WWDC keynote. Because we're early in the beta testing process, there are quite a few tweaks to iOS 26, which we've rounded up below.
The background behind the Liquid Glass Control Center buttons has more blur, allowing for a more opaque look that makes everything easier to see than before.
iOS 26 beta 1 on left, iOS 26 beta 2 on right
The Reduce Transparency option under Accessibility in the Settings app now cuts down on the Liquid Glass transparency even more.
iOS 26 beta 1 on left, iOS 26 beta 2 on right
In Safari, Apple changed the location of the new tab button in the tab management view. The "+" button for adding a new tab is now located in the bottom left as it is in iOS 18, rather than the upper left as it was in iOS 26 beta 1.
Safari in beta 2 on left, Safari in beta 1 on right
With the Compact tab bar, there are also now both back and forward options.
In the App Store, Apple added an Accessibility section to product pages. Developers will need to provide details listing the accessibility features they support for this section in the App Store to be populated.
iOS 26 beta 2 adds full support for the order tracking feature that Apple announced at WWDC. In the Wallet app, there is an option to let Siri to scan your Mail app to find all orders and emails from merchants, even if those orders weren't made with Apple Pay.
There's a new "Alt 1" ringtone option for the Reflection ringtone. You can choose it as your ringtone by going to the Settings app, tapping on Sounds and Haptics, tapping on Ringtone, and then choosing Alt 1 under Reflection.
There is a new Live Radio Apple Music widget.
Apple has improved the description for Low Power Mode, making it clearer what it does.
Before now, the setting only mentioned reducing background activity like downloads and mail fetch.
For Live Captions, the Transcribe Calls option is now Save Call Transcripts, and the feature makes it clear that it will inform call participants with a sound before transcribing begins.
The Passkey sign-in window has a new design.
Widgets on the Lock Screen can now be moved to the bottom of the display, and aren't limited to the top.
The default wallpaper that's new in iOS 26 now animates with the spatial scene functionality in the update.
For an overview of the features in iOS 26, make sure to check out our iOS 26 roundup. We also have a roundup of iPadOS 26 features.
This article, "Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Control Center
The background behind the Liquid Glass Control Center buttons has more blur, allowing for a more opaque look that makes everything easier to see than before.
iOS 26 beta 1 on left, iOS 26 beta 2 on rightReduce Transparency
The Reduce Transparency option under Accessibility in the Settings app now cuts down on the Liquid Glass transparency even more.
iOS 26 beta 1 on left, iOS 26 beta 2 on rightSafari
In Safari, Apple changed the location of the new tab button in the tab management view. The "+" button for adding a new tab is now located in the bottom left as it is in iOS 18, rather than the upper left as it was in iOS 26 beta 1.
Safari in beta 2 on left, Safari in beta 1 on rightWith the Compact tab bar, there are also now both back and forward options.
App Store
In the App Store, Apple added an Accessibility section to product pages. Developers will need to provide details listing the accessibility features they support for this section in the App Store to be populated.
Wallet
iOS 26 beta 2 adds full support for the order tracking feature that Apple announced at WWDC. In the Wallet app, there is an option to let Siri to scan your Mail app to find all orders and emails from merchants, even if those orders weren't made with Apple Pay.
New Ringtone
There's a new "Alt 1" ringtone option for the Reflection ringtone. You can choose it as your ringtone by going to the Settings app, tapping on Sounds and Haptics, tapping on Ringtone, and then choosing Alt 1 under Reflection.
Radio Widget
There is a new Live Radio Apple Music widget.
Low Power Mode
Apple has improved the description for Low Power Mode, making it clearer what it does.
iPhone will temporarily reduce some background activities, processing speed, display refresh rate and brightness, and limit certain features such as 5G, iCloud syncing, mail fetch, and more.
Before now, the setting only mentioned reducing background activity like downloads and mail fetch.
Live Captions
For Live Captions, the Transcribe Calls option is now Save Call Transcripts, and the feature makes it clear that it will inform call participants with a sound before transcribing begins.
Passkeys
The Passkey sign-in window has a new design.
Lock Screen Widgets
Widgets on the Lock Screen can now be moved to the bottom of the display, and aren't limited to the top.
Wallpaper
The default wallpaper that's new in iOS 26 now animates with the spatial scene functionality in the update.
Read More
For an overview of the features in iOS 26, make sure to check out our iOS 26 roundup. We also have a roundup of iPadOS 26 features.
Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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06/23/2025 Apple Insider
Apple's macOS Tahoe has just received its second developer beta, and the software update introduces two noteworthy visual enhancements.
macOS Tahoe beta 2 features a revised Finder icon and a new background toggle for the menu bar.
On Monday, two weeks following the debut of macOS Tahoe developer beta 1, Apple deployed the second developer beta update. The software increases the build number to 25A5295e, up from the previous 25A5279m.
While its predecessor, macOS Sequoia, largely focused on Apple Intelligence improvements, macOS Tahoe introduced a new "Liquid Glass" design language that's used across all Apple platforms. It also contains quite a few productivity features, including a new Clipboard History capability.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
macOS Tahoe beta 2 features a revised Finder icon and a new background toggle for the menu bar.
On Monday, two weeks following the debut of macOS Tahoe developer beta 1, Apple deployed the second developer beta update. The software increases the build number to 25A5295e, up from the previous 25A5279m.
While its predecessor, macOS Sequoia, largely focused on Apple Intelligence improvements, macOS Tahoe introduced a new "Liquid Glass" design language that's used across all Apple platforms. It also contains quite a few productivity features, including a new Clipboard History capability.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/23/2025 Mac Rumors
iOS 26 beta 2 adds full support for the order tracking feature that Apple announced at WWDC. In the Wallet app, there is an option to let Siri scan your Mail app to find all orders and emails from merchants, even if those orders weren't made with Apple Pay.
The Wallet app previously had an order tracking feature, but it was only an option when an order was made using Apple Pay.
Order tracking was partially working in the initial iOS 26 beta, but the functionality was limited. The Wallet app is now able to scan your email and pull in all recent order emails with Apple Intelligence.
In the Wallet app, orders can be accessed by tapping on the "..." button and choosing the "Orders" option. Using on-device intelligence to scan the Mail app is opt-in.
iOS 26 is limited to developers right now, but a beta will be made available to public beta testers in July. The order tracking option will require an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
This article, "iOS 26 Beta 2 Expands Support for Order Tracking in Wallet" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The Wallet app previously had an order tracking feature, but it was only an option when an order was made using Apple Pay.
Order tracking was partially working in the initial iOS 26 beta, but the functionality was limited. The Wallet app is now able to scan your email and pull in all recent order emails with Apple Intelligence.
In the Wallet app, orders can be accessed by tapping on the "..." button and choosing the "Orders" option. Using on-device intelligence to scan the Mail app is opt-in.
iOS 26 is limited to developers right now, but a beta will be made available to public beta testers in July. The order tracking option will require an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
This article, "iOS 26 Beta 2 Expands Support for Order Tracking in Wallet" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
06/23/2025 Apple Insider
When Apple initially announced macOS Tahoe 26, it showed a redesigned Finder icon that moved the blue color to the right side, which went against nearly 30 years of history. Monday's beta fixes that.
Finder's original color scheme has been restored in macOS Tahoe
Apple's attention to detail has widely been regarded as near-perfect, at least in terms of design. However, there are moments when the need to introduce something new for the sake of new wins out.
As Stephen Hackett, 512 Pixels writer, Apple history buff, and cofounder of Relay.fm podcasting network pointed out, the swapped color scheme in the macOS Tahoe 26 Finder icon was an abrupt departure from history. The darker color has always been on the left side of the Finder icon.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Finder's original color scheme has been restored in macOS Tahoe
Apple's attention to detail has widely been regarded as near-perfect, at least in terms of design. However, there are moments when the need to introduce something new for the sake of new wins out.
As Stephen Hackett, 512 Pixels writer, Apple history buff, and cofounder of Relay.fm podcasting network pointed out, the swapped color scheme in the macOS Tahoe 26 Finder icon was an abrupt departure from history. The darker color has always been on the left side of the Finder icon.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
Following its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote a few weeks ago, Apple released an initial beta version of its new operating systems…
The post Apple releases new beta builds of all its operating systems appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/23/2025 Apple Insider
A wallpaper in iOS 26 has seemingly teased the resolution of the iPhone 17 Air display, as well as indicating the new size is definitely on the way.
A render of what the iPhone 17 Air could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsider
The iPhone 17 Air has been long-rumored to be the slimline iPhone model arriving this fall. While its thinness is a key part of its existence, rumors have also discussed how big its screen will be.
In Monday's second developer beta of iOS 26, a dive into the code by MacWorld has revealed a small detail that may relate to the iPhone 17 Air. Specifically, an updated wallpaper.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
A render of what the iPhone 17 Air could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsider
The iPhone 17 Air has been long-rumored to be the slimline iPhone model arriving this fall. While its thinness is a key part of its existence, rumors have also discussed how big its screen will be.
In Monday's second developer beta of iOS 26, a dive into the code by MacWorld has revealed a small detail that may relate to the iPhone 17 Air. Specifically, an updated wallpaper.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
On Monday, Essex County authorities announced that the owner of an electronics store in the New Jersey City of Orange faces charges…
The post N.J. electronics store owner charged with selling more than 100 fake Apple products appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/23/2025 Apple Insider
The second developer beta of iOS 26 is finally here, and with it, an all-new ringtone, along with a few visual tweaks and enhancements. Here's what's new.
iOS 26 developer beta 2 features a new ringtone and visual improvements.
On Monday, two weeks after the debut of the first developer beta, Apple released iOS 26 developer beta 2. The update increases the build number to 23A5276f, up from the previous 23A5260u.
While its predecessor, the iOS 18 update, focused largely on Apple Intelligence features, iOS 26 introduced a new "Liquid Glass" design language used across all Apple platforms. The software features dynamic user interface elements that mimic the look of real-world glass, replacing the flat aesthetic used from iOS 7 through iOS 18.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iOS 26 developer beta 2 features a new ringtone and visual improvements.
On Monday, two weeks after the debut of the first developer beta, Apple released iOS 26 developer beta 2. The update increases the build number to 23A5276f, up from the previous 23A5260u.
While its predecessor, the iOS 18 update, focused largely on Apple Intelligence features, iOS 26 introduced a new "Liquid Glass" design language used across all Apple platforms. The software features dynamic user interface elements that mimic the look of real-world glass, replacing the flat aesthetic used from iOS 7 through iOS 18.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
JetBlue today announced a new option that allows customers to securely share the location of an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory…
The post JetBlue adds AirTag and Find My network support to track luggage appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
As anticipation builds for Apple’s next-generation wearables, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is generating significant buzz. Expected to launch in…
The post What the rumor mill says about Apple Watch Ultra 3 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple will need to make the biggest acquisition in its history to put an end to its artificial intelligence debacle…
The post To catch up in AI, Apple may need to make its biggest acquisition ever appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/23/2025 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+ has signed a new multi-year, first-look feature film deal with The North Road Company’s Chernin Entertainment, the flagship…
The post Apple TV+ inks first look feature film deal with media mogul Peter Chernin appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
As of June 20, 2025, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are available for an impressive $169, slashed from their original price of $249, savings of $80…
The post Save big on Apple AirPods Pro 2 in this limited time deal appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
On Friday, Apple was hit with a proposed securities fraud class action lawsuit from shareholders, alleging the company misrepresented…
The post Apple sued by shareholders for fraudulently overstating Siri AI progress appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
As of June 20, 2025, Apple’s stock price sits lower than it did in Dec. 2023, a troubling sign for a company once synonymous with innovation…
The post Time to Think Different: Tim Cook’s leadership has run its course at Apple appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
Adobe has developed a camera app called Project Indigo. Adobe is releasing this for iPhone as a free mobile app from Adobe Labs, available…
The post Project Indigo: Adobe releases free advanced computational photography camera app for iPhone appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
According to a post on Weibo, Apple will maintain the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes (rounded up) for the iPhone 18 Pro and…
The post Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models to feature upper left pinhole front-facing camera, under display Face ID appeared first on MacDailyNews.
06/20/2025 MacDailyNews
For Apple, the 618 chopping festival underscored its ability to adapt to China’s competitive market, using price cuts and subsidies to…
The post China’s 618 shopping festival sees record-breaking sales, stellar performance for Apple appeared first on MacDailyNews.