Apple

Apple expanded its lead in the global tablet market in late 2025 as overall shipments rebounded, according to new research from Omdia.


Global tablet shipments reportedly reached 162 million units in 2025, representing 9.8% year-over-year growth. The research firm said the strongest momentum occurred during the holiday quarter, when shipments reached 44 million units, also up 9.8% compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Omdia described the annual total as the highest shipment volume recorded since the surge in demand seen in 2020, partly caused by anticipation of memory supply constraints.

Apple was a key contributor to the market's late-year growth. Omdia says that Apple shipped 19.6 million iPads in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 16.5% year-over-year increase. The firm said this performance was driven by strong demand for the 11th-generation iPad and the M5 iPad Pro.

The fourth-quarter results increased Apple's market share to 44.9%. This placed Apple well ahead of other tablet vendors during the holiday quarter, with Samsung at 14.7%, Lenovo at 8.8%, Huawei at 6.9%, and Xiaomi at 6.4%. Other manufacturers collectively accounted for the remaining 18.3% of shipments.

The report also highlighted changes in how tablets are expected to be positioned in the coming years, including greater emphasis on ecosystem integration and artificial intelligence features:

On the product side, we expect a shift in how tablets are positioned and marketed, with vendors framing them as ecosystem-centric devices in a more controlled demand environment. This includes the introduction of cross-OS functionality and a focus on AI-driven experiences. Recent examples include Lenovo's Qira, which operates across Windows and Android to deliver a more seamless user experience and reduce friction between AI assistants. In addition, the collaboration between Apple and Google to use Gemini for future Apple Intelligence features represents a positive step forward for the generative AI ecosystem across its device portfolio, including iPads.

Regional performance varied across the year. Omdia said Central and Eastern Europe recorded the fastest growth in 2025, followed by Asia Pacific. All regions experienced double-digit growth except North America, where vendor and retail discounting helped offset an otherwise declining trend during the holiday season.
This article, "iPad Demand Surges as Apple Strengthens Grip on Tablet Market" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The European Commission announced on Thursday that Apple’s Maps and Ads services will not be designated as gatekeepers under…

The post EU: Apple Ads and Apple Maps should not be designated under Digital Markets Act appeared first on MacDailyNews.

We were so busy covering Apple's earnings call last Thursday that iFixit's AirTag 2 teardown video that afternoon went under our radar until now.


For those who have yet to watch the video, iFixit opens up the AirTag 2 and reveals what is new inside, including a redesigned speaker that is up to 50% louder than the one in the previous AirTag, according to Apple. The teardown also provides a look at the AirTag 2's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip and more.

The overall design of the AirTag 2 is similar to the original version of the item tracking accessory.


While a previous teardown showed that it is more difficult to remove the speaker in the AirTag 2, compared to the one in the original AirTag, iFixit was still able to disable the speaker's audible chime with the use of a soldering gun.

For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com.

Apple released the new AirTag last month. In addition to the louder speaker, Precision Finding works up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous-generation model, and the overall Bluetooth tracking range is also improved.

Related Reading: AirTag 2 Hands-On: What's New and Should You Upgrade?
This article, "iFixit Shares AirTag 2 Teardown, Here's What's New" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another seven months or so, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.


It was initially reported that iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that the devices will have only partially under-screen Face ID, which will result in a narrower Dynamic Island area.

Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of February 2026:

1. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras


2. More power-efficient LTPO+ displays


3. A narrower Dynamic Island, resulting from Face ID being partially under the screen


4. Variable aperture for at least one rear camera


5. A20 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process and new packaging technology


6. A simplified Camera Control button with no swipe gestures


7. Design changes to the rear Ceramic Shield for MagSafe charging, potentially including a more frosted glass appearance


8. Apple-designed C1X or C2 modem for 5G/LTE cellular connectivity


9. Apple-designed N1 chip or newer for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread


10. Web browsing via satellite


11. New color options under consideration: burgundy, brown, or purple


12. iPhone 18 Pro Max may be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, perhaps to accommodate a larger battery

Bookmark our iPhone 18 roundup to stay on top of future rumors.
This article, "What to Expect From the iPhone 18 Pro After the Latest Rumor Reversal" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali teased the possibility of a sequel to "F1," responding to fan questions about…

The post Formula 1 CEO teases ‘F1’ sequel at Apple TV Press Day appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Woot this week is back with a massive sale on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands for Apple Watch, with prices that match the previous record low Woot deals on these bands.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

You can get the Solo Loop for just $14.99 ($34 off) and the Braided Solo Loop for $29.99 ($69 off). All bands in this sale are in brand new condition and come with a one-year Apple limited warranty.



Woot has reorganized the sale for 2026, with shoppers choosing their size before color this time around. Woot has size 1-12 of the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop available, but color and style availability varies within each size category.

Shoppers should note that this sale is focused on colors of the Braided Solo Loop and Solo Loop that Apple has stopped selling, and it doesn't include any of the new band colors. That being said, all of the bands in this sale are in new condition.

The entire sale is focused on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch bands, so you'll need to know the size that works best for you before you buy. Apple has a measurement tool on its website that you can use to determine your exact size.

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.

---

This article, "Woot's Apple Watch Band Sale Has Solo/Braided Loops at Massive Discounts" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The macOS 26.3 RC build released this week contains references that almost certainly point to two new M5 chips for MacBook Pro…

The post Latest macOS 26.3 beta code hints that new M5 MacBook Pro models are coming soon appeared first on MacDailyNews.

A broad new smartphone test has found that Apple devices lead the industry for battery life, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max ranking as the longest-lasting phone tested and Apple tied as the top overall brand.


CNET this week published the results of a large-scale battery-life comparison based on testing conducted throughout 2025 across 35 smartphones sold in the United States. According to the report, Apple and OnePlus ranked as the two brands with the strongest battery performance overall, based on averaged results from multiple battery benchmarks.

The top-performing individual device in the testing was Apple's ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, which finished first overall despite not having the largest battery capacity among the tested phones. It has a battery capacity of 5,088 mAh, and its extended battery life is largely attributed to silicon efficiency and software optimization.

The iPhone 17 tied for second place alongside the OnePlus 15. The ‌iPhone 17‌ achieved this ranking despite having the smallest battery capacity among the top-performing phones. The Poco F7 Ultra placed third, while the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ placed fourth in the overall rankings.

CNET's methodology included standardized tests using two benchmarks designed to minimize real-world variability. The first involved streaming video over Wi-Fi at full brightness for three hours, while the second was a 45-minute endurance test that included gaming, video streaming, social media scrolling, and a video call. Results from both tests were averaged to determine final rankings.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max again ranked first in the endurance benchmark, followed by the ‌iPhone 17‌, ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, and iPhone 16e. The publication noted that Google's Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold also performed well in this specific test, along with Motorola's Razr.

The experiment also compared battery life across smartphone brands by averaging results from companies for which at least three models were tested. Apple and OnePlus ranked first and second respectively in overall brand battery performance. Motorola and Samsung followed in third and fourth place, while Google ranked fifth.
This article, "iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Android Battery Life: New Test Reveals Winner" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is reportedly evaluating a tougher display film technology for its first foldable iPhone as it tests materials that could differentiate the durability and feel of the screen from rival devices.


According to a new supply chain report from The Elec, Apple is evaluating transparent polyimide film as a protective layer that would sit on top of the ultra-thin glass used in the foldable display. The report says the company is currently testing two options for this outer film: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and clear polyimide (CPI).

Most of today's foldable displays use ultra-thin glass to improve clarity and rigidity, but the glass still requires a flexible polymer film on top to prevent scratches and damage. This is the layer that users actually touch, making it a key factor in overall durability and feel.

Samsung currently uses PET film as the protective layer on top of the ultra-thin glass in its Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices. The Elec says Apple's evaluation of CPI is rooted in a wish to differentiate its approach. CPI is more expensive than PET, but has better surface hardness and scratch resistance.

Kolon Industry has apparently emerged as a potential supplier of the material. The company previously built a mass production line for CPI film after anticipating strong demand from upcoming foldable devices. China-based Lens Technology is expected to supply the ultra-thin glass for the foldable ‌iPhone‌ and will handle bonding the final protective film to the glass.

The final decision on the protective film is expected to be made soon as Apple continues testing remaining components of the first foldable ‌‌iPhone‌‌. Other rumors suggest that the device will feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, ‌Touch ID‌, two rear cameras, the A20 chip, and the "C2" modem. It is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌‌iPhone 18‌‌ Pro Max later this year.
This article, "Apple Hoping to Outdo Rivals With Tougher Display for Foldable iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

As OpenAI is making plans to introduce ads to ChatGPT, competitor Anthropic has promised to keep Claude ad-free. In a blog post today, the company said that there are "many good places for advertising," but a "conversation with Claude is not one of them."


According to Anthropic, including ads in Claude would not be in line with its mission of creating a helpful assistant for work and deep thinking. Anthropic claims that users should not need to second-guess whether an AI is being helpful or "subtly steering the conversation towards something monetizable."

There will be no ads or sponsored links in conversations with Claude, and Claude's responses will not be influenced by advertisers or include third-party product placements.

Our analysis of conversations with Claude (conducted in a way that keeps all data private and anonymous) shows that an appreciable portion involve topics that are sensitive or deeply personal--the kinds of conversations you might have with a trusted advisor. Many other uses involve complex software engineering tasks, deep work, or thinking through difficult problems. The appearance of ads in these contexts would feel incongruous--and, in many cases, inappropriate.

Promising an ad-free experience could encourage people to choose Claude over OpenAI's ChatGPT. In January, OpenAI said that it would start testing ads in the United States for free and Go tier subscribers, though subscribers with higher paid tiers will not see ads. OpenAI claims that ads will be clearly labeled and will not influence the answers that ChatGPT provides, nor will the company provide conversation details to advertisers.

To further reinforce the difference between Claude's ad-free experience and ChatGPT's ad-supported experience, Anthropic plans to run a humorous Super Bowl commercial where a man gets an unwanted cougar dating ad after asking about his mother. "Ads are coming to AI," reads the video's text. "But not to Claude."


Anthropic plans to continue to monetize through enterprise contracts and paid subscriptions, with revenue reinvested in improving Claude. Anthropic will maintain a free tier, and the company says that it may also offer lower-cost subscription tiers and regional pricing in the future if there is demand for it. Claude Pro is priced at $20 per month, which is the same price as ChatGPT's higher-end Plus tier.

An ad-free Claude experience isn't a sure thing forever, as Anthropic gives itself an out in the blog post: "Should we need to revisit this approach, we'll be transparent about our reasons for doing so."
This article, "Anthropic Promises Claude Will Remain Ad-Free, Mocks ChatGPT Ads in Super Bowl Commercial" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The iOS 26.3 release candidate includes references to a pair of unreleased chips that are in the M5 family, according to information found by Nicolás Alvarez and shared with MacRumors.


The iOS 26.3 RC mentions two unreleased SoCs, T6051 and T6052, with associated H17C and H17D platform names. The 17 is a reference to the M5, as the standard M5 chip is numbered H17G. Typically, the "C" lettering is used with a Max chip, and the "D" lettering is used for Ultra chips. G is used for standard chips, and S is used for Pro chips.

When using Apple's past numbering and lettering as a reference, that would suggest an M5 Max and an M5 Ultra chip. There is no current reference to T6050 H17S, which is the chip identifier and platform name we'd expect for the M5 Pro.

Since we're currently waiting on new versions of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the chip references located are a bit confusing. We have three possibilities: there's an M5 Pro chip along with an M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip and it's just not added to the iOS 26.3 code yet, Apple is changing its numbering, or Apple is planning for M5 Max and M5 Ultra ‌MacBook Pro‌ models.

• Chip 1 in the beta: T6051, H17C. Presumably M5 Max.


• Chip 2 in the beta: T6052, H17D. Presumably M5 Ultra.


• Not in the beta: T6050, H17S. Chip identifier expected for M5 Pro.

Apple's past Max chips have all used "C" lettering, including the M1 Max (H13C), M2 Max (H14C), M3 Max (H15C/H15M), and M4 Max (H16C). There was also an M variant of the M3 Max for the 14-core chip, with Apple using C for the 16-core chip.

Ultra chips have all used "D" lettering, including the M1 Ultra (H13D), ‌M2‌ Ultra (H14D), and M3 Ultra (H15D). There was no M4 Ultra chip.

It's not clear why we are only seeing signs of an M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip, but rumors suggest that new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with higher-end M5 chips are set to launch in the next few weeks. Apple is supposedly working on a Mac Studio in the M5 family, which would use an M5 Ultra chip, but we haven't heard rumors about an upcoming launch.
This article, "New M5 Chips Spotted in iOS 26.3 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's iPad dominates the global tablet market as it continued its recovery in 2025, with shipments rising 9.8% year on year to 162 million…

The post Apple’s iPad dominates global tablet market with 45 percent market share appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Amazon's Alexa+ AI assistant is rolling out to all U.S. Amazon Prime subscribers beginning today, with the service available at no additional cost.


Amazon says that Prime subscribers can access Alexa+ with the Alexa app, Alexa-enabled devices, or the Alexa.com website. Prime members can access Alexa+ by saying "Alexa, upgrade to Alexa+," or by logging into their Amazon account on the Alexa website.

Alexa+ has been in testing since February 2025, offering a smarter, more personalized, and more proactive assistant experience. Amazon says Alexa+ is much more capable than the prior version of Alexa thanks to its updated architecture that uses large language models from Amazon Nova and Anthropic.

Alexa is able to do things like order takeout, make restaurant reservations, book rides, and schedule home repairs, plus it can control smart home products and answer questions like any other chatbot. It integrates with Amazon services, and can integrate with hardware like Ring cameras.

Amazon Prime in the U.S. is priced at $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and Alexa+ is considered one of the Prime benefits. Customers without Prime can try Alexa+ through a limited, free chat experience on Alexa.com and in the Alexa app. Subscribing solely to Alexa+ costs $19.99 per month, which makes no sense for anyone since Prime is cheaper.

Amazon's revamped Alexa+ experience is seeing a wide rollout a couple months ahead of when Apple is expected to debut a more powerful, personalized version of Siri. ‌Siri‌ is going to get an update in spring 2026, likely in iOS 26.4.

Alexa and ‌Siri‌ were two of the original large-scale voice assistants, so it will be interesting to see how Alexa+ compares to the revamped version of ‌Siri‌ when ‌Siri‌ launches.
This article, "Amazon's Alexa+ Now Free for All U.S. Prime Members, Beating Apple's Smarter Siri to Market" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Popular strategy game Civilization VII is set to launch on Apple Arcade tomorrow, allowing ‌Apple Arcade‌ subscribers to play on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.


Sid Meier's Civilization VII ‌Apple Arcade‌ Edition features the Civilization VII base game experience, with mouse support, controller support, and intuitive touch controls available. Players take on the role of one of many legendary leaders from history, aiming to build the greatest empire the world has ever known.

Gamers will construct cities and control armies to expand their territory, conquering or cooperating with rival civilizations for the resources to evolve and discover new technological breakthroughs. Multiplayer gameplay is not supported at launch, and DLC add-ons are not available. Large map sizes are limited to devices that have at least 8GB RAM.

Along with Civilization VII, ‌Apple Arcade‌ is also gaining musical rhythm adventure Felicity's Door, puzzle game I Love Hue Too+, and classic video arcade title Retrocade. Retrocade is available on the Vision Pro as well as the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌.

‌Apple Arcade‌ is Apple's subscription gaming service, priced at $6.99 per month. The service allows up to six family members to share a single subscription, and games feature no in-app fees or ads.
This article, "Civilization VII Coming to Apple Arcade Tomorrow" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The U.S. Department of Justice and a majority of U.S. states filed notices on Tuesday to appeal the remedies against Alphabet's Google…

The post U.S. files appeal in Google search antitrust case appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026.


The new series:

• Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026


• Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026


• Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026


• Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026


• Cape Fear — June 5, 2026


• Lucky — July 15, 2026

The new films:

• Eternity — February 13, 2026


• Outcome — April 10, 2026


• The Dink — July 24, 2026


• Mayday — September 4, 2026


• Matchbox: The Movie — October 9, 2026


• Way of the Warrior Kid — November 20, 2026

We have provided a brief overview of each new show and film below.

New Series

Imperfect Women

Based on Araminta Hall's novel of the same name, "Imperfect Women" is a psychological thriller that "examines a crime that shatters the lives of a decades-long friendship of three women." The series stars Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara.

Margo's Got Money Troubles

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" is described as "a bold, heartwarming, and comedic family drama" that follows recent college dropout and aspiring writer, Margo (Elle Fanning), the daughter of an ex-Hooters waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) and ex-pro wrestler (Nick Offerman). Margo has a new baby, mounting bills, and dwindling ways to pay for things.

Widow's Bay

Apple says "Widow's Bay" blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy.

Widow's Bay is "a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England," but "something lurks beneath the surface." Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community, but as tourists start arriving, it appears that local residents might have been right about the island being cursed after all.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

Billed as a darkly comedic thriller, "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed" follows newly divorced mom Paula (Tatiana Maslany).

"Convinced she witnessed a murder — while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis — Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self."

Cape Fear

A mini-series, inspired by the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg: "A storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) when Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance."

Lucky

Based on Marissa Stapley's bestselling novel, "Lucky" centers on a young woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) who "left behind the life of crime she was raised in years ago, but must now embrace her darker, criminal side one final time in a desperate attempt to escape her past."

New Films

Outcome

"Outcome" is a dark comedy that centers on Reef Hawk (Keanu Reeves), a Hollywood star facing extortion. With the support of his lifelong friends Kyle (Cameron Diaz) and Xander (Matt Bomer), and his lawyer Ira (Jonah Hill), Reef tries to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer.

Eternity

"Eternity" is a rom-com: "In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive."

The Dink

In this comedy movie, "washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck's (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father's approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck's vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball."

Mayday

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up in "Mayday," a "genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy movie that flips the spy thriller on its head."

"When hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy 'Assassin' Kelly (Reynolds) is sent on a top-secret mission into Russian territory at the height of the Cold War, the operation implodes, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines. Discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent with a penchant for American culture, Troy thinks he's toast — but could an unlikely alliance between the two lead to Troy's rescue and a bond neither saw coming?"

Matchbox: The Movie

Inspired by the Mattel toys, "Matchbox: The Movie" is an "action-packed, globetrotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (John Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world."

Way of the Warrior Kid

A drama film based on the 2017 children's novel of the same name by Jocko Willink: "Middle school has been a nightmare for Marc (Jude Hill), a good kid who's bullied by his classmates and feels like he's behind in everything, from academics to P.E. to just making friends. That changes when his injured Uncle Jake (Chris Pratt), a decorated Navy SEAL, comes to spend the summer and recuperate with Marc and his mom, Sarah (Linda Cardellini)."
This article, "Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone 17e as early as February 19, 2026, according to industry sources cited in recent reports…

The post Apple’s iPhone 17e is imminent appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple today provided the release candidate (RC) version of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after the launch of the third beta. The RC is the version of ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 that will be provided to the public as long as the final testing phase uncovers no major bugs.


Developers can download the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

There's no word yet on what's included in ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3, and no new features have been found during beta testing so far.

We'll likely see Apple release ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 next week.
This article, "macOS Tahoe 26.3 Release Candidate Now Available" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today seeded the release candidate (RC) versions of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the third betas. The RCs represent the final versions of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 that will be provided to the public if no bugs are found in the updates.


Registered developers can download the updates from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting the Software Update option.

iOS 26.3 adds a tool for transitioning from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android device. Transfers can be initiated during the device setup process, and moving data from one device to another can now be done without having to download a specific app.

Apple's transfer process supports moving photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone number, and more.

The update also includes a Notification Forwarding setting for third-party wearables in the European Union, and there are some minor changes to the Weather wallpaper. More information on what's changed can be found in our iOS 26.3 beta feature list.

With the RC now available, Apple will likely release iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 next week.
This article, "Apple Seeds iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Release Candidates" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today provided developers with the release candidate versions of upcoming watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3 updates for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple provided the third betas. The release candidates are the final version of the updates that will be provided to the public as long as no bugs are found.


The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required.

We don't know what new features might be added in watchOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and tvOS 26.3, and nothing new has been discovered so far. Apple doesn't typically provide release notes for betas, so we might not know what's new until the software updates see a public launch unless there are outward-facing changes.

The software updates will likely launch next week now that RCs are available.
This article, "Apple Releases watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Release Candidates" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

In a volatile start to the new year for the technology sector, Apple has emerged as a standout performer, outpacing broader tech…

The post Apple beats tech stocks by widest margin in over a year appeared first on MacDailyNews.

According to Sensor Tower data cited by BofA analyst Wamsi Mohan, Apple’s App Store revenue rose to $3.4 billion in the first 35 days of…

The post Apple’s App Store revenue up 6.3% in fiscal Q2-to-date appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple reportedly plans to release a new Studio Display this year, and it has once again been rumored that the monitor's maximum refresh rate will be 90Hz.


In November 2024, an anonymous listener of the Relay FM tech podcast "Upgrade" claimed that Apple was developing 90Hz display technology that could be used for the next Studio Display, as well as future iPad Air and iMac models. A higher refresh rate can make videos and scrolling look smoother to the eye, but 90Hz would stop short of the 120Hz refresh rate that iPhone, iPad, and Mac models with ProMotion support can achieve.

Now, a MacRumors tipster has backed up that claim, based on alleged information from an internal build of iOS 26 that was leaked online. Indeed, they believe the next Studio Display is likely to max out at 90Hz rather than 120Hz.

Apple's existing devices typically have up to 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates, so 90Hz would be unusual for Apple. However, while there is no explicit confirmation, the tipster claimed that multiple code strings and display controller references in the internal iOS 26 build suggest the next Studio Display will max out at 90Hz.

The tipster believes that a 90Hz refresh rate would make sense due to bandwidth considerations. Thunderbolt 5 can support 5K resolution at 120Hz without any compression, but they think Apple likely wants to ensure there will be plenty of remaining bandwidth for connecting other devices and peripherals to the new Studio Display.

The current Studio Display has a 60Hz refresh rate.

Apple plans to release a new version of the Studio Display "in the first half of 2026," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Last month, an unreleased Apple monitor with the model number A3350 surfaced in a Chinese regulatory database, and it is likely the Studio Display 2.

There have been many reports about a new Studio Display being in the works, with rumored features including mini-LED backlighting, a higher refresh rate of up to 90Hz or 120Hz, HDR support, and an A19 chip or A19 Pro chip.

This rumor still warrants some skepticism for now. In addition, the internal iOS 26 build is from early 2025, so Apple's plans may have changed since then.
This article, "Apple's Studio Display 2 Rumored to Have Up to 90Hz Refresh Rate Instead of 120Hz" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple introduced a more reliable and efficient Home architecture in 2022, and the deadline to upgrade is now rapidly approaching…

The post Apple issues final warning to Home app users appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Following today's update, Apple plans to add support for six new soccer leagues to the next version of the Sports app, MacRumors has discovered.


Earlier today, Apple released version 3.7 of the Sports app, introducing support for every PGA and LPGA tournament, with live leaderboards, round-by-round scorecards for every golfer, and real-time updates in the app, widgets, and Live Activities. The app already supported the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, NASCAR, F1, and more. The update also expanded the soccer lineup with support for Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, and DFB-Pokal. In addition, tennis coverage now supports real-time stats, making it easier to keep up with the action.

Backend code spotted by MacRumors reveals what's next for Apple Sports in version 3.8. Apple is planning to add support for six South American soccer leagues, including Brazil Serie A, Argentina Primera A, Colombia Primera Liga, Ecuador Serie A, Peru Primera Division, and Chile Primera Division.

The Apple Sports app launched in 2024, offering an easy way to see live scores and statistics. It is available on the iPhone in the U.S., the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and other select European countries.
This article, "Six New Leagues Coming to Apple Sports" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Tuesday, Apple TV announced that its new psychological horror thriller series “Cape Fear” will make its global debut on Friday, June 5, 2026…

The post Apple TV’s ‘Cape Fear’ series, starring Javier Bardem and Amy Adams, debuts June 5th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Earlier this week, Anker debuted its new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with a launch discount on Amazon. If ordered this week, you can clip the on-page coupon on Amazon to get the accessory for $119.99, down from $149.99.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device.




There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including the Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock back at its all-time low price of $339.99, down from $399.99. You can find this accessory and more on sale in the lists below, and note that as of writing only the new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station requires an on-page coupon.

Wall Chargers

• 6-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $79.99, down from $109.99


• 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $89.99, down from $99.99


• 6-in-1 Prime USB-C Charging Station - $79.99, down from $109.99


• 14-in-1 Prime Thunderbolt 5 Dock - $339.99, down from $399.99

Wireless Chargers

• Qi2 MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger 2-Pack - $25.98, down from $39.99


• 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Station - $89.99, down from $109.99


• 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $99.98, down from $149.95


• 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station (NEW) - $119.99 with on-page coupon, down from $149.99

Portable Chargers

• MagGo Nano Power Bank 5,000 mAh - $45.99, down from $54.99


• MagGo Power Bank 10,000 mAh - $63.99, down from $79.99


• SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $169.99, down from $249.00


• SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $429.00, down from $799.00


• SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $849.00, down from $1,499.00

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

---

This article, "Amazon Discounts Anker's Newest Prime Chargers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's second-generation HomePod is now over three years old, with no sign of a refresh or third-generation model on the horizon.


The original ‌HomePod‌ was announced at WWDC in 2017 and launched in 2018 after a heavily delayed release. The device was met with mixed reviews; critics praised its outstanding sound quality but pointed out its high price, missing features, and limited functionality compared to rivals.

Apple dropped its price from $349 to $299 in April 2019 and, in March 2021, the company announced that it was discontinuing the first-generation ‌HomePod‌, instead shifting its focus to the HomePod mini, which launched the previous year. The decision left a gap in Apple's product lineup for a full-sized smart speaker until the company introduced the second-generation model via a press release on January 18, 2023. It launched on February 3, 2023.

The second-generation ‌HomePod‌ looks virtually identical to the original, although it is 0.2 inches shorter and has a larger edge-to-edge LED touchscreen on top. It also boasts a range of upgrades and changes compared to its 2018 predecessor, including the S7 chip, a U1 ultra wideband chip, a removable power cable, a temperature and humidity sensor, and sound recognition. However, it features two fewer microphones and horn-loaded tweeters.

Apple is widely rumored to be planning a wave of new smart home devices, including a home security camera, over the next few years, but it is not clear if the ‌HomePod‌ is part of that. Apple appeared to be exploring a new ‌HomePod‌ with a touchscreen display at the top of the device around 2024, ostensibly proven by leaked prototype images, but there have been no further reports of such a device or any third-generation ‌HomePod‌ for over a year.

Rumors about Apple's plans for the smart home now center on an all-new smart home hub device, which has been described as a ‌HomePod‌ with a square iPad-like 7-inch screen and an A18 chip, with support for the next-generation version of Siri. It is expected to launch this year. A new ‌HomePod mini‌ is also rumored to be released this year.
This article, "HomePod 2 Now Over 3 Years Old, With No Sign of New Model" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices.


Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024:

• iPhone 16: $799


• iPhone 16 Plus: $899


• iPhone 16 Pro: $999


• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199

Apple has since lowered its starting prices for new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, which remain available as previous-generation options:

• iPhone 16: $699


• iPhone 16 Plus: $799

Finally, here are Apple's starting prices for the refurbished models:

• iPhone 16: $619


• iPhone 16 Plus: $699


• iPhone 16 Pro: $759


• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $929

The refurbished iPhone 16 lineup is also rolling out on Apple's online store in Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and select other countries, but not every model is available in every country yet.

Apple's refurbished iPhones are unlocked, and they come with a new battery, a new outer shell, and a plain box with a USB-C cable. The devices are also covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty, and they are eligible for extended AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage. Apple says its refurbished products are thoroughly cleaned and tested, and generally they are virtually indistinguishable from brand new devices.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, up from the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. Other new features included a Camera Control button, an A18 Pro chip optimized for Apple Intelligence, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, support for 4K at 120 FPS video recording, longer battery life, faster charging over MagSafe, and improved microphones.

The lower-end iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also have a Camera Control and Apple Intelligence.
This article, "Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Tuesday at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, Apple TV unveiled a first-look image for the highly anticipated feature “Mayday.” The film’s stars…

The post Apple TV reveals first-look image for the highly anticipated feature ‘Mayday,’ starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, premiering September 4th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Samsung recently kicked off a sale across its most popular monitors and TVs, with notable markdowns on products like The Frame and the Smart Monitor series. These deals have all been applied automatically on Samsung's website, and many match all-time low prices on these products.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

In regards to TVs, there are quite a few models of The Frame TV on sale, including all-time low prices on The Frame models from 2025. You can get the 2025 65-inch The Frame TV for $1,199.99 ($600 off), as well as the 75-inch Frame Pro for $1,999.99 ($1,200 off), a match of the all-time low price.

TVs

• 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $349.99, down from $599.99


• 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99


• 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $599.99, down from $749.99


• 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $599.99, down from $1,199.99


• 50-inch The Frame - $799.99, down from $1,099.99


• 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,599.99


• 65-inch The Frame - $1,199.99, down from $1,799.99


• 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,299.99
  
• 75-inch The Frame Pro - $1,999.99, down from $3,199.99


• 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99


• 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,299.99, down from $4,499.99

Monitors

• 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99


• 43-inch Smart Monitor M7 - $359.99, down from $499.99


• 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $429.99, down from $699.99


• 40-inch Odyssey G7 Gaming Monitor - $749.99, down from $1,199.99


• 49-inch Odyssey OLED G91SD Gaming Monitor - $799.99, down from $1,299.99


• 49-inch Odyssey G95C Gaming Monitor - $849.99, down from $1,299.99

Galaxy Products

• Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack


• Galaxy Z Fold7 - Save up to $1,000 in instant trade-in credit


• Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit


• Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit


• Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250


• Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200

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.

---

This article, "Samsung's Super Bowl Sale Has Up to $1,200 Off The Frame TV and Much More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Sports — the free app for iPhone that gives fans access to real-time scores, stats, and more, delivered with speed and simplicity…

The post Apple Sports app adds PGA Tour and LPGA Tour golf to its growing lineup appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, “The Dink” stars, Jake Johnson and Mary Steenburgen, announced that the summer comedy feature…

The post Apple Original Films’ summer comedy ‘The Dink,’ starring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris, hits Apple TV on July 24th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple TV unveiled the first-look images for director Sam Hargrave’s upcoming action-adventure film, “Matchbox The Movie.” The film’s stars…

The post Apple TV debuts first-look images for Sam Hargrave’s action-adventure film ‘Matchbox The Movie,’ starring John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro, premiering October 9th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today, at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, Apple TV unveiled a first look at Apple Original Films’ “Way of the Warrior Kid,” from director…

The post Apple Original Films’ ‘Way of the Warrior Kid,’ starring Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini, and Jude Hill, to premiere November 20th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today, at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, the stars of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” alongside prolific storyteller David E. Kelley, took the…

The post Apple TV reveals teaser for ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman and Nick Offerman appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple TV has unveiled the first look images for director Jonah Hill’s upcoming dark comedy, “Outcome.” Stars Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz…

The post Apple Original Films unveils a first look at Jonah Hill’s dark comedy ‘Outcome,’ starring Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz, premiering globally on Apple TV April 10th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, the cast of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” took the stage to unveil the official trailer for the highly…

The post Apple TV’s ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ unveils monstrous new trailer appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today, Apple TV released the teaser for “Imperfect Women,” a new psychological thriller starring Elisabeth Moss…

The post Apple TV debuts new teaser for limited series ‘Imperfect Women,’ premiering March 18th appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Today, at the 2026 Apple TV Press Day, the stars and creators of “Lucky” took the stage to reveal the premiere date, teaser video and first…

The post Apple TV unveils teaser for ‘Lucky’ limited series starring Anya Taylor-Joy, premiering July 15th appeared first on MacDailyNews.